Loch an Dubh Lochain

We woke to a splendid day; warm and sunny with blue skies. When I drew back the curtains a stunning white highland cow was standing with her calf looking over the fence; what a lovely sight to wake up to. The hill-walking group chose their various destinations with the largest group heading for a big walk to Ladhar Bheinn. Christine and I decided to walk up a beautiful glen to Loch an Dubh Lochain. It was about 14 km round trip, which is the longest distance that I have walked for a good while. It was almost too warm for me but there was a slight breeze and we cooled down a bit when we stopped for lunch in the shade of a wee boat hut beside the lochan. There were gorgeous views in all directions of the mountains. We were just investigating a small ruined cottage when we saw three familiar figures walking towards us from the direction of Barrisdale Bay - it was Heidi, Tom and Jean. We walked back with them towards Inverie.

Christine and I then made a cup of tea at the studio and sat in the two blue-painted Adirondack chairs that are on our decking. They are very comfortable with high backs and armrests wide enough to rest your tea mug on. We basked in the afternoon sunshine, chatting and reading. 

I had ordered a meal for nine people (Britta of River Cottage does catering) to be delivered to the bunkhouse at quarter to eight, and the timing couldn’t have been better because the hill-walkers had arrived back from Ladhar Bheinn half an hour beforehand. So I didn’t need to keep the meal warm, and was able to serve it up straight away. There was chicken curry, vegetable curry, rice, flatbreads and mango chutney. Then dessert was a delicious chocolate tart garnished with raspberries and sliced almonds. I had been a bit concerned about whether the quantities would be sufficient for ravenous hill-walkers but Britta knows her stuff; there was exactly the right amount and there was even a little bit left over, and everyone was well satisfied by the end of the meal. James produced a bottle of whisky for the stalwarts and I headed back to the studio with the aid of a torch lent to me by Christine. Boy is it dark without street lights!