Journey from Ullapool to Stornoway

Ullapool

On our recent trip to Scotland, we stayed five nights in Ullapool. Our first day there, we climbed this hill or mountain behind Ullapool and walked along the top of it. I'll write about that walk on another blog post. Today's post is a photo diary of our ferry trip from Ullapool out to Isle of Lewis. Click to see a photo of the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry.

A seal swimming in the harbor

We heard that some of the fishermen on the fishing boats feed a seal that lives in the Ullapool Harbour. He's probably waiting for his breakfast.

View of Ullapool from the ferry

 Click on the above photo to enlarge. It was really windy and cold on the decks of the ferry, but we still preferred to stay outside in the fresh air so we could view the beautiful scenery.

This is Loch Broom and the hills on the opposite side of the loch.

Rhue Lighthouse

 The lighthouse takes its name from the Gaelic An Rubha "headland." It is said that many years ago some sailors were found here shipwrecked and sleeping on the rocks, unharmed.

 We passed many beautiful mountains and islands including the Summer Isles.

 The only island of the Summer Isles which is inhabited is Tanera Mor, the largest of the islands. It has a salmon fish farm, a cafe, a post office and some rental cottages. It has no roads and only a trail around the island. It is known for issuing its own postage stamps. Other Summer Isles include Bottle Island, Horse Island, Isle Martin, Priest Island, and several others.

Leaving the Scottish mainland behind.

 We passed through a few minutes of what appeared to be open ocean, where any land masses were difficult to see in the misty distance. This is called the Minch.

Then we approached Isle of Lewis. It is 55 miles from Ullapool to Stornoway. The ride across takes 2.5 to 3 hours.

Arnish Lighthouse

 As we approached Isle of Lewis, we saw this beautiful little lighthouse. Arnish Lighthouse was built in 1852 by Alan Stevenson, member of the famous Stevenson family who designed and built several lighthouses. Robert Lewis Stevenson was also a member of this family.

Stornoway

 Click on the above photo to enlarge. The population of Stornoway is around 9000. It's the largest town in the Western Isles and the 3rd largest town in the Highlands after Inverness and Fort William. Check out the dark clouds over Stornoway.

Stornaway

I hope you enjoyed this journey across the Minch. Next time we'll look at some fascinating historical sites on Isle of Lewis.
Thanks!!
Vonda
www.vondasinclair.com

PS In other exciting news, my book, My Wild Highlander is the WINNER of the National Readers' Choice Award in historical. Woohoo! :)

Lady Angelique Drummagan, a half-Scottish, half-French countess, has suffered much pain and betrayal in her past. She wants nothing to do with the sensual Scottish warrior that the king has ordered her to marry because the rogue could never be a faithful husband, but she has little choice in the matter. Dangerous, greedy enemies threaten her from all sides and she's in dire need of his protection.

Sir Lachlan MacGrath, known as Seducer of the Highlands, possesses a charming wickedness and canny wit which has earned him much popularity. After the king decrees that he wed the fiery hellion, Lachlan discovers there is one woman who can resist him--Angelique. Can he break through her icy façade and melt her heart, or will the dark secrets lurking in her past not only cost them their future together, but their very lives?