A very short stay at Doune, Knoydart gave the perfect opportunity to stretch the legs a little and take the camera out to hopefully capture some of the wildlife. Though varied it was to be red deer that took centre stage.
Day One
Taken after dinner on the first evening. The stag had come down to the foreshore to graze. Having enjoyed an excellent meal myself of salmon with a delightful scallop sauce who was I to begrudge him.I didn’t stay for too long. The light was fading and my coffee was going cold.
Day Two
Day 2 was the opportunity for a walk to Inverie and beyond. As we headed up the glen there was a herd of about 25 red deer just a couple of hundred metres from us. Seprated from the main herd were a couple of young stags down in fairly long grass. Not too difficult to get up close to.A fine pair of young stags.Grooming a coat that is already in excellent condition. Clearly good grazing around Knoydart. That night it was roast local venison for supper and yes they taste as good as they look!
Day Three
Taking the boat to Loch Hourn and landing at Barisdale it was a very enjoyable walk up to Mam Barisdalewhere we were met with a lovely view over Loch an Dubh-Lochan towards Loch Nevis before the cloud came down and the rain came in. An enjoyable walk but little in the way of mammals to spot though continuous bird song, numerous butterflies as well as the unfortunate cleggs and midges.We were almost back when these three were spotted on a near by ridge line. They didn’t stay for long and being up wind they already had picked up my scent and were scittish.Further down though was another small group of stags in amongst the heather.I was able to get up to within about ten metres with out disturbing them.Though the camera shutter did get the odd inquisitive glance. On this part of the hill the heather was vibrant and it provided a lovely contrast to the red deer. The evening meal was a delightful contrast also. Fresh, out of the Sound of Sleat, crab was both delicate and delicious. The clear, cold waters off Scotland’s West Coast certainly do produce some of the world’s best shellfish.
A great couple of days spent at Doune. A location I can thoroughly recommend if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. A warm welcome is assured, excellent food; breakfast, lunch and during the very convivial evening meal. The location is superb, set amongst one of the UK’s last remaining wilderness area.
2 Responses
John Walton
You really are a lucky man.
Good weather, good views, good food and wine and the time to enjoy it.
Geraint
John, It is a great location and certainly one that I will return to. Geraint