Creag an Duilisg (The Crags)

Had to work around the weather today, so set off on Paddleboards just west of Plockton around a little bay called Port Ban and over to an Island called Eilean Sgreabach.

Last nights rain had just about cleared away, but it was still pretty dark. The clouds began to lift off the mountains in the distance while we were paddling.

As we were pumping up the boards, a passing lady stopped for a chat. She was an artist and each morning over Lockdown had been to the beach to collect shells for a murel. She said today was the highest tide of the year so far and that it had almost covered her work. Our first stop was to paddle over and check it out.

Further around the coast we went in up an little estuary as far as we could, until some rapids prevented any further travel.

Drifting with the river flow back out to sea was really cool and tranquil as the day began to brighten.

Back at the van, we got changed, packed away the wetsuits and got into hill clothes. Since arriving in Plockton we've been looking up at the big cliffs that tower over the loch and village - after a bit of research, we found a way to get to the top of them. It began with a hike up through some dense forest, but came out to a splendid summit just as the sun came out.

Down below us we could see the house and the village of Plockton (and the Island we'd paddled around yesterday!).

Behind us the views suddenly opened up too - our predicted 'weather window' had arrived!

Although the views were great, the highest point of the range, was still a little further across untracked moorland and past a couple of small lochans. Initially we decided that it wasn't worth the effort, but something inside us spurred us on to climb to the high point of the ridge.

It was a bit of a bog fest getting there, but we were both super glad that we'd gone the extra mile. The views were incredible.

Below us a team of sea kayakers landed one of the many islands. The water was so clear we could see the bottom easily.

Across on the other side of the loch, were mountains of Meall Gorm and Beinn Bhan and the crazy steep road that leads over to Applecross. We could see some cars making the ascent.

In the other direction was the Isle of Skye and beyond.

And to the north, more mountains as far as the eye could see.

Aware that our 'weather window' was due to close at 5pm, we set off down under the most incredibly clear light and visability.

We'd literally been back in the loft apartment for ten minutes when the first heavy raindrops began to patter on the skylights. Perfect timing. That evening, to celebrate our success, we cracked a bottle of the families finest!