Day 4
31st August

A nice morning with the sun shining and just a few clouds. The climb ahead up to 594 feet which looked really bad last night now looked quite acceptable and we set off with fine views of Foinaven ahead and Cranstackie behind with clouds and sunlight above it. By the time we reached the top of the climb a strong wind had blown up which was to increase in strength as the day progressed.
The scenery became wilder as we approached Rhiconich with much grey stone amid green grass but Rhiconich itself seemed quite rural by comparison with the openness of Loch Inchard and the farming communities around. We stocked up with provisions and set off only to be brought to a sudden halt a few hundred yards on by a superb view up Rhiconich River to Arkle. I went down to the river to take some photographs and as I turned there was another fine view in the opposite direction through the arch of the road bridge and out to the loch.
We stopped a little further on to watch some sheep being penned on the hillside across the loch and then set off into really wild country. Grey rock, green grass and grey water surrounded us, a complete contrast to the heather moors of the past few days. There were glimpses of Foinaven and Arkle with steep scree and towering rock thrusting high above. We eventually came upon a loch with a jetty and boats. Checking the map we found it to be Loch Laxford, a sea loch which was quite amazing as the scenery about us gave every indication of being high up in the mountains. What an unbelievable country this is!
Turning at Laxford Bridge we went on for a few miles and then looked back at a perfect mountain behind us, Ben Stack. Three steep sides to give the classic mountain shape. The road dipped and climbed as usual and then we were all of a sudden at Scourie and the camp site right on the coast. A superb situation looking out of Scourie Bay to Handa Island and the Atlantic.
It was only 1:45 p.m. when we arrived so we spent the afternoon wandering around the bay and taking some photographs. A fine rain started later on and the grey drizzly clouds closed in. We can only hope and pray for better weather tomorrow.