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Clik here to view.Today we planned to take it easy especially after our long day of adventure on the Isle of Lewis. A late start to the day saw us having our breakfast at 09:00 and then a long chat with our friend Val (it was her caravan we were renting). During our chat Val mentioned that there was a ruined castle, Red Castle she called it near the site, also mention was the best place to see the dolphins, Fortrose. Susan made note of these names. As time was passing we felt we should at least make an effort and go out on a short tour round the Black Isle. On trying to find Red Castle on Tom-tom it kept pointing us south. Eventually I logged into the Net and found it was Redcastle and was only down the road from the site. Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.Indeed there was a little hamlet and picnic spot at the Beauly Firth and it would appear a great place for Bird Watchers. There is still a Redcastle estate and the derelict castle is sited in that estate. A short walk brought us to the ruins and in a very sad state. The castle itself is a Category B Listed Building. Perhaps someone more adventurous than Susan or me would have entered the castle despite the many warning signs we however, took the safe option and looked from outside the wire fence. Having seen all we could see we headed back down to the car and made our way round the south part of the Black Isle to Fortrose (Chanonry Point). Alas we were too early, we had arrived at 1 pm just as the tide was turning and the best time to see the dolphins would be late afternoon. Having said that we did see some and Susan was very pleased to see Dolphins in the wild, me? I acted cool and blasé – well I had seen them several times however, not as close as this Image may be NSFW.
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Clik here to view. I think I was more impressed with the fact that at Chanorny Point the fort built to repress the Highlanders – Fort George - was very clear from there, you could see the impressive size of this still active army base. Image may be NSFW.
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The wind was beginning to get up and a chill descended as we made our way back to the car and prepared to head to the birth place of Hugh Miller, Scottish geologist and writer, folkloristand an evangelical Christian, Cromarty. As we parked the car to head to the Cosy Café for a bite to eat and a cuppa the clouds decided to gather and weep. Yes a local shower had arrived and I do not me Susan and me. Sometimes I think Scotland’s tourist caterers need a kick up the rear end. It was 3 pm and despite the menu stating that hot food was available until 4:30 the kitchen was closed. We had to settle for a cup of tea and a scone. Still the view across the Firth made up for that. Image may be NSFW.
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Clik here to view.Our final stop on this tour was at the RSPB hide at Udale bay, where we sat in comparative silence looking at the view and watching the birds. It was pleasant sitting there protected from the breeze and just listening to the waves and birds.
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After a peaceful 45 minutes we made our way back to the car and headed back to our base for a short rest before we went out for a meal. Funny enough both of us felt very tired after this short outing and agreed it was best to just site and relax after our meal as we had the big outing to John O’Groats the long way on the morrow.
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