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NORTHERN EXPOSURE


While travelling along this road, consider the fact that the landowning structure of the Scottish Highlands is rooted in a feudalistic past, allowing (for example) ownership of the entire eastern side of the loch to be in the hands of one private estate – a scenario repeated across much of the Highlands even today. Te history of the islands on Loch Maree, incidentally, can be traced as far back as the 7th century, when the Irish monk Maelrubha established a religious cell on Isle Maree. Past the more gentle wooded area of Talladale to Victoria Falls on your left, Slattadale comes into view. Tere are some rough (but driveable) tracks leading down to a parking and picnic area by the lochside. As you come closer to Gairloch, the road winds


through Kerrysdale, and runs past the small hydro- electric power station on your left that supplies much of the area with electricity. Tis was opened in 1951,


and was one of the first in the country. At one point during its construction, there was a slight problem created when the construction workers accidentally cut the main telephone line to Iceland, which just happened to run through the gorge they were working in!


YOU


Wildlife crossing: remember to slow down on these roads!


now arrive at one of the main centres in Wester Ross. Tis is a collection of


settlements arranged around Loch Gairloch, which are collectively referred to as ‘Gairloch’, although they are all essentially separate communities. Excellent wildlife watching boat trips are available from the harbour area or continue on to a fantastic small beach by the golf course. Te Gairloch Heritage Museum is well worth a visit before driving towards Gairloch Carn Dearg Youth Hostel which celebrates its 80th birthday in 2012. Opened by SYHA in 1932, it’s one of the oldest in the network. Te views from the Youth Hostel to the outer isles and Torridon Hills will linger long in the memory, as will a late evening stroll on the beach just outside the Youth Hostel. It’s called ‘big sand’ for a reason! Leaving Gairloch, the road rises over to Poolewe


26 SCOTTISH HOSTELLER 2012


ROAD TAKE THE HIGH


BEALACH NA BA: AKA ‘THE PASS OF THE CATTLE’


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