Highland Drove Walk - Day 3

Loch Chriosd to Bernera - 20.3 miles

I woke several times to the sound of drizzle but luckily it didn't stop me from falling asleep within seconds again. Having another early morning meant we could set off early enough to get to Broadford for some breakfast. After some gentle walking, with some stunning views, we managed to get a table at a hotel in Broadford and had the largest Scottish breakfast ever, aka heart attack on a platter; we demolished it within seconds and sat in the warm room for another 45 minutes just because we could.

Walking for another 1.5 hours next to the main road was not fun but once off it our bounce returned to our steps and we set off with a smile. I have to say that this road is simply epic, the views are all postcard-worthy but walking the 7 miles to Kylerhea was quite painful. Tarmac combined with never-ending roads and constant inclines lead to some very sensitive feet. Just to add salt to an open wound we received 2 offers for a lift to the ferry which we kindly declined and quietly muttered about for a long time.

Once we reached the peak we even tried jogging downhill but that didn't last long and my knees started a lovely soprano at this point. Getting to the pier was almost a religious experience and we both collapsed with tortured smiles on our faces. Crossing from Skye to the mainland with the only rotating ferry in the world was short but also special and very scenic. Two ladies from Birmingham took pity on us and offered us their last can of cider for the evening. People are simply amazing and I truly believe and the goodness of humankind. My treks prove every day that simple kindness is everywhere when you are nice enough to engage and simply smile.

Finding a camping spot was our next priority but as we were both in pain we went with the very first available spot. A little sheltered area overlooking the Loch, the Highlands and Skye to be fair you would be hard-pressed not to find a pretty site somewhere in this area. The midges however agreed with our choice and attacked us in droves. Eating by the beach was our only option but returning to our tent was a hard battle. Once in we used duct tape to kill off any trespassers with the concentration of brain surgeons but the day caught up with us quickly and we passed out within seconds from pure exhaustion. One thing you never have to worry about on these kinds of treks is sleep; it tends to knock you out like a frying pan to the head