Favourite highland roads and a birthday, 18 June

The BIG event today was Janet's birthday, but we had previously decided to abandon presents given that this trip was a more than sufficient gift for both of us. So no tiresome extra stuff to pack into already bulging suitcases!

The best surprise present was that the 18th dawned a perfectly fine day, and this was the day we'd planned for our favourite Scottish road ever - the route over the Bealach na Bà pass to Applecross. Not so good - Janet's cold was at its worst so she was drugged up but still suffering.

It was a day for scenery - you had to be there, as no superlatives will do.

On Skye - from Portree south to Kyleakin and over the new (ish) bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh. The Cuillin hills were spectacular.

Cuillin hills, Skye.

The new bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh, Cuillin hills in the background.

On the mainland, we had a quick look at Eilean Doonan castle for old times sake, then off to Applecross via the pretty village of Plockton.

Eilean Doonan castle.

Plockton.

On the way up Bealach na Bà pass.

Bealach na Bà pass.

Bealach na Bà pass.

Birthday girl on the pass.

The road from Applecross towards Loch Torridon, looking over the sea to Skye (and Raasay).

We stopped for a healthy afternoon tea of cake, ice cream and coffee at Nanny's Coffee Bar in Shealdaig on the shore of Loch Torridon.

Shealdaig.

Unfortunately we had to give up on the plan to continue up to Ullapool as the day was running out and there was still a long way to go to our next night stop. Janet's McKenzie relatives at Ullapool (if any) will have to wait for another trip.

Made it to the next B&B at Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness fairly drained after a full day of excitement, colds included. But not too tired to check out the evening light on Urquhart castle.

Evening light on the ruins of Urquhart castle, Loch Ness.