Summary
On the following morning in the Scottish Highlands, after an exceptional night’s rest at Bydand, we promptly prepared for breakfast, eager to embrace the Scottish roads early in the day.
During breakfast, I made what I later discovered to be a novice error. I presumed the array of yoghurts, cereals, fresh fruits, and various snacks constituted our primary meal, only to realize midway through (I refer to ‘midway’ as I had practically devoured my large share of breakfast items) that I was mistaken.
Ultimately, the breakfast was merely an introduction; the principal anticipation was a customized breakfast. We were offered the full Scottish breakfast, pancakes, French toast, and even more moderate options for those preferring lighter fare (you can view all the breakfast specifics here).
Despite feeling rather full at this stage, my known inclination for a breakfast challenge (in a way) led me to order the complete Scottish breakfast and proceed to consume it all.
Following breakfast, based on our host’s suggestion, we proceeded to Rogie Falls, where, if you visit at the appropriate time of the year, one can observe Salmon navigating (or rather, leaping) upstream!
Upon reaching the waterfalls, one genuinely wonders how those salmon perform the upstream ascent! The height is impressive, even for a human! It is of little surprise they do not return downstream after such a strenuous effort.
Our excursion to Rogie Falls was rather brief, as arguably the main highlight of the day would be traversing the renowned North Coast 500. The NC500 is frequently regarded as one of the most picturesque routes, not only in the Highlands but across Scotland (for further details, including a comprehensive itinerary to facilitate safe travel across it, refer to our post here).
When you arrive at Beinn Eighe, it is undoubtedly a superb destination for hiking through one of Scotland’s most renowned mountain ranges. However, given our objective to explore the NC500, we regrettably did not have adequate time for extensive hiking.
Consequently, we opted to head to the Loch to stretch our legs momentarily before continuing our journey!
^ Witness the breathtaking views along the route.
After a brief rest, we resumed our travel toward the main event—the Shieldaig Bar & Coastal Kitchen for dinner. Following our memorable meals at the Gille Brighde Cafe, we were even more eager to experience local Scottish cuisine, particularly the regional seafood.
Expecting a set dinner menu, the variety offered came as an impressive surprise. We indulged in homemade scallops, which were utterly fantastic, followed by locally sourced lamb and fresh Scottish salmon.
All in all, a splendid day in the Scottish Highlands, showcasing not only the culinary delights available but also the breathtaking views along every winding road.
