A second shot of the Castle Eilean Donan from the previously mentioned viewpoint. Unfortunately it was just low tide, so the castle did not look as dramatic as it could be.

On the way to our accommodation for the night, we encountered two teams of local Shinty players. In case you don't know Shinty, here is some basic information: The sport is unique to Scotland and one of the oldest games in the world. It is pretty similar to hockey but is also linked to golf and ice hockey. You may use your feet to stop the ball but not the hands (except for the goal-keeper). You can carrry the ball on your "caman" - a curved stick with a triangular section. The game gets quite fast and tests the physical fitness of the players to the max. - The photo has been taken close to Balmacara with the Loch Alsh in the back.

Our stop for this night was in Plockton, a beautiful secluded small village situated at Loch Carron. During the day you will find many tourists here, clogging up the small street, but in the late afternoon and evening, it gets quiet and peaceful. From Plockton you can do excellent trips to the Isle of Skye, to Eilean Donan Castle - or to Loch Carron. This is what Calum's Seal Trips offers, departing from Plockton. The photo shows MV Argus, a 41 foot wooden vessel built in southern England in 1950, possibly as a naval tender. The company has a unique guarantee - "no seals, no fares"! We think it can't get any fairer that that.

Plockton in the late afternoon at low tide - a quiet picture-book village.

This photo of Plockton has been done from their main street across Loch Carron. Here, we enjoyed our evening meal on the outside patio of the Plockton Hotel (UKP 15 for a huge salmon and excellent Fish & Chips). Fan-tas-tique!

This is the bridge to the Isle of Skye (hence "Skye Bridge") in Kyle of Lochalsh. The bridge is free since January 2005, so if your travel guide book mentions something else (as did ours) it's simply outdated. This makes Kyle of Lochalsh very attractive for excursions to Skye, for example if you cannot find a suitable room on the island.