Day 4

Decided, in respect of R's toothache and general feeling of not-quite-well-ness, that we'd have an easy day. So we picked a gentle walk over paths and didn't take a picnic lunch or our hiking boots (or spare socks)
We headed off and found the carpark at the Lighthouse of Stoer. So far so good and the weather held up - another beautiful day, blue sky end to end; although it was blowing a gale when we stopped at Ardvreck Castle, but maybe that was the ghosts there.

So, off we went on our trail towards the Old Man of Stoer, discovering that in fact we should have brought our boots and spare socks as it was even muddier and wet through all that heather and bog than the day before. However we bravely carried on and were rewarded by some awesome views of Suilven and Canisp and other hills in the distance. It was one of those moments where you struggle over the brow of a hill and are stopped in yountracks, awed by the view that spreads out before you. So we stood there, the wind whipping our hair, the water seeping into our boots, heathery, boggy moorland surrounding us on all sides for miles and not a soul to be seen anywhere. No sign of mankind (except the obligatory mobile phone mast in the middle of course), just us and the hills. Balm to the soul.....

Later we remembered that it is November and thus not the tourist season plus it is an isolated spot and there aren't going to be any pubs open for lunch (there weren't any pubs full stop!) We headed for Lochinver where we struck lucky at 3.25pm and found the "Lochinver Larder" stopped serving at 3.30 - so we piled in and had a pie and a cup of tea each. Yum! And not just any pies, I can tell you - these people actually make and send their pies out into the world - see www.piesbypost.co.uk - and pies to die for! R had a chicken and mushroom one, I had a califlower, broccoli & cheese one. They do a very varied range including fruit ones. We're definitely going to order some when we get home.

Amazing the things you find when you least expect it.