Munro Bagging in the Mamores, Day 3.

Following a hard day's walking a more restful day sightseeing was in order and, as Peter and Linda had never visited Ardgour or the Ardnamurchan peninsular we set out for the Corran Ferry to cross Loch Linnhe.  I always feel a sense of excitement when catching a ferry and this was no exception.  It reminded Heather and myself of taking the caravan over here on our way to Mull last year and wondering if we would 'bottom out' on the steep ramp.  Our first stop was the beautiful house and gardens of Ard Daraich at Sallachan, not far from the ferry.  At first we weren't sure if they were open, but on knocking on the door Heather received an incredibly warm welcome and was provided with a map to help us look round this beautiful spot with its winding paths set into the hillside.
Next up was Strontian on the shores of Loch Sunart where we enjoyed an excellent lunch in the local cafe.  In the hills to the north of the village lead was mined in the 18th century and the mineral strontianite was discovered, from which the element strontium was first isolated.  We had hoped to drive to the Point of Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point in Great Britain.  Time was not on our side, however, so we headed north to the shores of Loch Ailort where we discovered an isolated pure white sand beach, absolutely beautiful.  I enjoyed photographing the rocks and seaweed here. Seaweed on the west coasts come in a myriad shapes and colours and make for wonderful close-up photographs.  We gradually made our way back to our caravan for an early night before our major expedition.