North Coast 500, Scotland

Scotland

Mission accomplished! We did the NC500 in our beloved Scotland. Blessed with sunshine, it took us over a week to drive around the coast. The preparations took me around 2 days to arrange hotels and plan the stops. I would do it the other way round next time as the West coast is more diverse than the East. However, the trip was so exciting. Not even having had to change the tyres bothered us so much. What was even more helpful was the fact that we went there just before the season. This way almost no traffic on the extremely narrow roads throughout the whole trip. 

I could list the highlights but it is not an easy choice. At the end every day offered a new surprise like the amazing wildlife, magnificent landscapes, rock formations, mesmerising lakes, peaceful beaches etc. Even the dolphin watching was worth doing despite not seeing any dolphins. 

Bealach na Bà 

Highest Road Scotland viewpoint 

Walk to the Sigur a Chaorachain. Couldn't make to the very top due to the ice but the view on the way was amazing as well.

Highland Cattle in Applecross

The plan was to do otter watching in Toscaig but we ended up watching seals.

Never too much of these beauties

Looking towards the Skye on the way back from Applecross.

A walk in Shieldaig and amazing rock formations.

Torridon

Gairloch beach

On the way to Unapool

From Unapool to Lochinver

Loch Assynt 

Kylesku Bridge

On the way to Tongue

Sango Bay

Smoo Cave

Going East to Thurso

Strathy Point

 Duncansby Stacks 

Whaligo Steps

Dunrobin Castle

Going back to Inverness, stopping for waterfalls, wildlife, dolphins and rainbow watching :)

Yorkshire Dales, UK

By H.

Hebden - Grassington Moor - Linton Falls - River Wharfe

I was struck by the beauty of this route in so many ways that it was difficult to take it all at once and adjust to the surroundings. One of my favorite walks so far in Yorkshire Dales. It starts with an attack of green color, jumping over rushing streams, then a gentle climb along traditional stone walls and relaxed flocks of sheep, until you reach the end with a feast of "cuteness" in the lovely Grassington and powerful Linton Falls.

Keld - Crackpot Hall - Swinner Gill - Kisdon Side

The road to Keld was promising good news. Although this walk is quite short, the view from the hill and a stop for some warm tea at the old mill is definitely worth the long drive. The weather was not the best as the sun was hiding for most of the time. However,  passing by the green ferns, blooming heather and the view of the valley compensated the lack of good light needed to capture the beauty in the pictures.