Mountains And Pies In Assynt.

This was actually taken on Friday, see yesterday for,explanation!

Another glorious day, clear mountains from the word go so I thought they should take centre stage in my blip today.

These are not the mountains in our wee hoose view though we can see them just around the corner. They are in the region of Assynt in Sutherland.

We set off over the 'wee mad road' to Lochinver. A wonderful little twisty and narrow route where we have often seen deer, but not today. We walked from Lochinver following the River Inver and Glencanisp loop, about 4.5 miles.

At first the route follows the River Inver through the woods. It is a salmon fishing river with piers and weirs built specially for the salmon fishermen in season. Lovely bluebells, wood anemones and primroses en route. Just as we came to the end of the woods Quinag comes into view. We sat here at the riverside eating our picnic.

The route then climbs onto the heathland away from the river past Black valley were remains of black houses can be seen abandoned during the clearances. As we climbed the full view of Quinag became visible as you can see in the top picture. It has 5 peaks so I guess that's where the name comes from? In the same picture on the left horizon you can see Foinaven first and then slightly forward of this, Arkle. Yes that's where the racehorse names came from!

We then plateaued through the ever present broom and could see the distinct top of Suilvan ahead of us and Canisp emerging from the left. We dropped down to Glencanisp Lodge and followed the road along this little loch with views back to these two great mountains. As you can see they were crisp and clear as a bell.

The return route up Suillvan (on the right) and back is 12 miles, a little bit beyond us I think but we enjoyed this well marked walk.

Back in Lochinver we visited the Highland Stoneware shop and then bought pies for tea! If you haven't had a Lochinver pie you haven't eaten. There are at least a dozen savoury choices and half a dozen sweet ones. We got Haggis, neeps and tatties, for Chris and Dave (son in law John's uncle who owns the house, staying with us tonight), chicken, leek and mushroom for me. A chicken curry to take to Alex when we call to see him en route home tomorrow, and strawberry and apple pies for gifts!

What a shame we have to leave. There are lots of other flavours I would like to try!