After a fairly rough ferry crossing back to the mainland we arrived in Ullapool early evening and found a great park up right by a loch.
Here is Dee sporting his Harris Tweed cap that he bought on the ferry.
The NC500 or North Coast 500 is said to be the most scenic route in the UK. It starts at Inverness but we joined a bit further up at Ullapool.
In the morning we had a quick look around Ullapool. It was a nice little town. We stopped for a quick coffee then continued on the NC500. Here we are on the road driving to Ardvreck Castle.
Ardvreck Castle
Ardvreck Castle is one of the attractions listed on the NC500. The castle was built in the late 15th Century and belonged to The Macleods of Assynt. In later years it was owned by The MacKenzies of Wester Ross. I will post some of the history from an information plaque below with the photos of the castle and surroundings.
Achmelvich Beach
After Ardvreck castle we carried onto Achmelvic Beach and to a campsite called Shore Caravan site. It was right next to the beach. There wasn’t really anywhere else to stay, I really wanted to go to Achmelvic beach, it had some good write ups and once again I hadn’t swum for about 5 days! We also needed the facilities. It was a bit tricky to get down to it as the roads kept getting narrower and narrower and there was still no sign of a campsite. We phoned the site a couple of times to make sure we were going the right way and each time we were told to keep coming.
It really was right next to the beach. A lovely little cove.
It wasn’t long before I was rushing down there for a swim.
Love the photo above and the colours. Can you see how the wave forms a heart shape .
Pop over to Instagram to see me running into the sea and Dee’s excellent video skills 😂
We stayed one night and done all the things we needed to like filling the water tank and emptying the waste and the toilet as well as doing the laundry.
This campsite had a fish and chip shop on site. It had some really great reviews, I think everyone on the campsite took advantage and people also came from other places to just get fish and chips as it was open to everyone. We did of course have to join in and try it out and it definitely didn’t disappoint.
Here is a sunset photo, we did manage to stay outside until the sun went down then it did get cold.
We were told that Hermit’s Castle was nearby. It is Europe’s smallest castle. When we first arrived we went looking for Hermit’s castle. We asked directions a couple of times but didn’t find it! In fact I actually got stuck on the cliffs and struggled to find my way down. We had a second attempt later in the day just before getting our fish and chips but still no luck.
The following morning just before we left we thought we’d give it one last go. Finally we found it.
You will understand why it is Europe’s smallest castle. It was actually built in the 1950’s by an architect called David Scott. Apparently it took 6 months to build and he only ever stayed in it for one weekend. No one quite knows why. Here it is .
I did of course make sure that I had another swim in the morning too before we left!
We loved our time at Achmelvic Beach but once again time to move on. We were heading to Sango Sands and Durness Beach. It will be the start of the next post.
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Our Life on the Road 
What a beautiful beach and yes the wave did look like a heart, good enough to attempt to paint. What a beautiful sunset and that castle is so cute! You are like me and planning what there is to see on your trips. Well done!
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Thanks Sally yes would make a great painting . You’re right I do all the planning and I quite enjoy it . Dee does the driving . I’ve tried but am not very confident !
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