The Croft

Today we went almost as far north as you can go in Scotland to Mark & Lena’s croft  (small farm), the closest village is called Betty Hill and the closest town is Thurso. You can find them on http://maps.google.com/

The weather was changeable, sleet & wind, rain & wind, snow & wind, sun & wind & just wind! The good thing about the weather, apart from the fact it gave us breaks when we could enjoy the fabulous views, take photos and go for a short walk, is that it made me realize I need to buy another, warmer jumper! My four layers just didn’t cut it & we are heading for the Islands which are notorious for their winds and cold weather. Lena keeps trying to convince herself, and us, that it will be beautiful Spring weather when we go but I’m not going to risk freezing.

The view from the croft over Armadale Bay was stunning with big breakers coming in. Walking down towards the beach was very hard going with the wind making our eyes stream and giving Alex an “Ice-cream Headache” but coming back up was “a breeze???”. There are ruins all about the area some where families left during “the clearances” but others where the old people died and the young ones had moved away to an easier lifestyle leaving the house to fall into ruin. I can’t help but think that the wind must play a big part in the destruction. The perfectly painted white houses are a sure sign that the owners are now “White Settlers” ie English who use them for a short time in Summer or have retired and moved to a seemingly idyllic, peaceful home.

Although there were signs all along the roads warning of Deer we only saw one herd and they were far away from the road. The roads around the area are single track with marked passing places, most people take care and pull into a passing place when they see another car coming but we did have one scare when we had nowhere to pull in and an approaching car raced right up to us. A small red car and everyone knows drivers of those are mad!

Now snug back “home” Alex is now scrubbing and polishing his old Golf Clubs which have lived in Lena & Mark’s loft for 18 years. Tomorrow he plans to play a round at Brahan Golf Course, an ecologically sustainable one which is just outside Dingwall. I’ll check the weather before I make any plans.

Monument commemorates the people who left for a better life.

Detail from “the Emigrants”

Everyone needs a warm coat in this area.

Being blasted by the wind.

Bay below the croft.

Animals were kept in the central section, behind the house ruins.

Norwegian style Boat House.