Stoer Head Lighthouse - Rubha Stòr
In early May we set off for Stoer Lighthouse. I am actually a little hesitant to post this as I would so much love to keep this gem all to myself but I can't not tell you about it ... it just wouldn't be fair.
Stoer Lighthouse is a Stevenson Lighthouse which means it is one of a series of lighthouses built by David and Thomas Stevenson (sons of the esteemed lighthouse builder Robert Stevenson).
Stoer Lighthouse was built in 1870, stands 14 metres high and can be seen at a distance of 24 miles out to sea.
The lighthouse was manually operated until 1978 when it was automated ... the former keeper's quarters are now available to rent which is where we stayed ... and it was great.
Oban Stopover ...
We set off on the Wednesday and broke the journey with a stay at Oban Caravan & Camping Park.
Oban is a bustling town and was alive with activity even on an off-season Wednesday afternoon but a short drive out of the centre of town and you find yourself in the peace and quiet of the countryside again.
Rascals Running ...
Once we had arrived and settled in at the campsite we set off exploring and the rascals seemed very happy indeed ... lots of new smells for the good girls who had behaved very well on the long journey that day.
Gallanach Road ...
We ambled along the Gallanach Road which skirts the Sound Of Kerrera.
Kerrera ...
Across the Sound the island of Kerrera lies just West of Oban.
South-West Of The Sound ...
Looking South
On The Road North ...
So, our original intention was to break the journey in two by stopping off in Oban. Great in theory ...
However, given that we would be sticking to mostly B-roads North from Oban rather than the A9 it actually took us the same time it would have if we had chosen that other route.
Still, there's worse places to spend time on the road and the drive was a pleasure ...
Ballachulish Bridge.
Eilean Donan Castle ...
On the island of Eilean Donan is a beautiful castle connected to the mainland by a footbridge.
Originally a Jacobite stronghold the castle was destroyed by the English but since lovingly rebuilt.
In the 2001 Scottish census the island had a population of 'one person' ... what a lucky thing?
Arriving at The Lighthouse ...
After leaving civilisation it seemed and several miles of single track road which presented fresh delights round every corner we were there ... the lighthouse.
A welcoming and beautiful sight.
Achmelvich Beach ...
Our Friday was largely spent exploring the environs of Achmelvich Beach and the surrounding shoreline and countryside ...
Some of the scenery here is breathtaking.
Crystal Waters ...
The cliché of white sands and clear waters is so apt for this area ... the beaches of the North-West coast are exquisite.
Rascals ...
These two had the time of their lives on the trip ...
The Old Man ...
Saturday arrived and we had planned to set off to see The Old Man Of Stoer ... a mile or so over this hill.
The weather was the best of the trip ... scorching.
... Of Stoer
The Old fellow rising out of the Minch is a sight to behold ...
One of the highlights of the trip.
The Minch ...
We hiked back to the lighthouse and spent the rest of the day pottering in the sun ...
Playing with the dogs, BBQ, a few beers and some photies ended a perfect day.
I particularly like this shot of the waves of the Northern Minch crashing on the rocks at the foot of the cliff to the South of the lighthouse.
Sunset ...
As the sun went down we reflected on the trip ...
What a gem the lighthouse is. It's ideally suited as a base for so many beautiful places in the area and beautiful enough to warrant hanging out there on a lazy afternoon.
I'd really like to get back there soon on a more planned trip ... and soon.
If you enjoyed these photos you can see them all together here in the gallery section by clicking on a photo ...