Sadly Saying Farewell to Northwest Scotland

Facebook Pinterest

I might cry. Seriously. This Northwest part of Scotland, the little bit I’ve seen around Gairloch and Ullapool is stunning.

And Solas B&B?

My 5 nights here have been like staying in a friend’s home. Isabell and Graeme are everything you want your B&B hosts to be — and more. I’ve felt truly at home here. That says a lot.

Somehow I know I’ll be back.

This is a special place.

Yes, I want to come back and explore further north, pushing up into the Assynt area and getting up to Cape Wrath.

But I’d happily come back to Gairloch and hang out here at Solas B&B for a while too.

It’s tranquil. Gorgeous. Wild.

It’s everything I think of when I think of this part of Scotland. From what I’ve seen at least. It’s this perfect blend of all things wild and rugged mixed with stunning scenery — mountains, moors, beaches, islands and sea — and peaceful places. Places that are remote, quiet, and beautiful.

I sat out for a bit on the back deck around noon today to take a break from doing some work on the computer. I was sitting in my chair, taking in the view and enjoying sunshine — although the wind was a bit chilly.

The view from near Solas B&B … I’ll miss this!

Graeme stepped outside and sat in a chair to join me. We chatted a bit about this and that.

I asked him how this west side of this Northwest region compared to the east side — places like Dornoch, Golspie and Wick.

He said with the A9 running up that east coast that the road was indeed better. But he said it was bleaker, not as dramatic.

Yes there are some nice beaches and nice villages here and there.

But the scenery, especially in bad weather, was just not quite as stunning as the west coast and even parts of the far north.

He also said the people were not as warm as they are here.

Now I realize he may be biased. But I can see that this may be the case from what I’ve read and photos I’ve seen.

As for the people … the only thing I can attest to is that the folks I’ve met around Gairloch have been incredibly warm and friendly. There’s a real sense of community and helping each other out.

Isabell then came out to join us. She’s awesome. You know exactly how she feels about something because she is NOT afraid to share her opinion with you.

And I love this about her. It’s quite refreshing.

There’s something called the North Coast 500. It’s basically 500 miles around this peninsula — this Northwest part of Scotland.

Many folks make it a race to drive around it.

Others take their time and stop along the way, savoring the scenery.

I’d love to do this drive, slowly of course, and see how the scenery compares — to see if Graeme is right.

Something tells me he is and that I would indeed be partial to the west.

Somehow I also think I’d end up spending a great deal of time at Solas B&B, sitting on the deck with Graeme and Isabell. Enjoying good conversation and gorgeous scenery with the sea rolling in, the Torridan Hills watching over us and the islands off in the distance