Having exhausted Achnacarry, today we moved on to one of the most beautiful sites we have ever visited, the Motorhome and Caravan Club site at Bunree.

We spent a lazy morning on our Gairlochy campsite, because our new site was only 25 miles away and we knew we wouldn’t be allowed access until 1pm. When we finally got going we first drove in mist and rain to Fort William, where we restocked at LIDLs and filled Basil up to the gunwhales in anticipation of high prices when, and if, we reach the Outer Hebrides.

When we finally arrived at the Bunree site (56.713384, -5.236614) we found that had, unwittingly, got one of the best pitches on the site. I had selected, when I booked, a pitch which did not allow for awnings on the basis that the weather in Scotland would be unlikely to require an awning. When I checked into the site I found that the pitches without awings were all the ones right next to the water with a view over Loch Linnhe to the lovely mountain range opposite.

Basil’s great pitch

I had only booked two days ago, but we have met one couple who booked a month ago and were unable to secure one of the coveted lochside pitches. Presumably we benefitted from somebody cancelling.

View from Basil across Loch Linnhe

As we set up on site the cloud slowly began to break up and we were again treated to a warm (not hot) sunny afternoon.

Much to my excitement (yes again) I immediately recognised an unusual bird on the lake and while Sarah started lunch I went stalking with my birding lens. This time my quarry did not escape, and it turned out to be a rare Great Northern Diver (or Loon). In fact the site is awash with interesting birds and I have had some fun discussions with other birdwatchers who wander the shore line with their telescopes and binoculars. Nobody else has a birding lens as big as mine though!

Great Northern Diver

In addition to my Great Northern Diver I have also seen Ringed Plovers, more Oystercatchers than you can shake a stick at, Wheatears, Swans, Common Gulls (not so common in England) and Herons. I am told that Golden Eagles are frequently seen from this site and even the possibility of Otters. I know Otters are not birds, but they would be great to see, although it is rare.

Oystercatcher

Ringed Plover

Heron

One of the few things we can do from this site, apart from admiring the view, is walking, but I have unaccountably got a bruised heel at the moment so walking is uncomfortable. I may take this opportunity to rest it for a day or two. While we are here we’ve got to make a decision which ferry (there’s a choice of two) we are going to take to the Hebrides, but I also need to get a cap for my coolant system before we head of into the middle of nowhere!

We got some fantastic news two days ago, that our eldest son, Sam, has got engaged to his girlfriend Jess. I did not mention it before because they hadn’t had time to tell everyone, but I think close relatives and friends now all know. When he first told us there were no real details on the wedding, but two days later and they are already looking at venues etc. All very exciting.