Log No 80. Sat 13th Jul 2013 - Poolewe to Ivors Bothy, 14 miles (1298 miles walked)

It had rained through the night but the morning was dry though still cloudy and a lot cooler than yesterday.

I wasn't planning on walking too far today as it was only about 30 miles to Gairloch where I was going to stop tomorrow night, consequently, I had a slightly later start at 08.40.

The morning was all road walking down the west side of Loch Ewe to the east end of the headland.

Walking felt easier today and with no steep hills on the road I didn't bother using my walking poles.

As there was no rush I stopped every hour or so and reduced the weight of the rucsac!

For a road that just ends at a car park at the headland there was quite a bit of traffic. The only real tourist attractions would be the beach at Firemore and the views from the hill at the car park.

This hill had some old wartime lookout buildings and a memorial to the Sailors who took part in the Russian Convoy Operations.

It was only 5-6 miles across the headland, there was no path shown on the map but with sheep roaming free I would easily find trails going in my direction.

This proved to be the case and with no big hills it was fairly easy going and I was aiming to find a suitable pitch for the tent towards the far end.

Although I never saw anyone there was enogh bootprints to suggest quite a few walkers do come this way.

There was a plaque about the sinking of an American Liberty Ship in 1944 during a blizzard.
It acknowledged the efforts of some of the local people in managing to save 12 of the 74 crew. The remains of 3 of the ship's lifeboats can still be seen on the shore.

I had said there were no big hills but I realised I was going to have to climb high to get around a steep section at the west end of the headland.

I cut inland a bit to make for the building I could see on the side of the hill, the map showed two ruins, as I got closer I saw it had a reasonable roof and discovered it was a bothy.

It is presumably used by walkers coming to the very secluded beach at Camas Mor.

I have never stayed in a bothy, always preferring my tent but there's always a first time so I'll sleep in it tonight.

There is plenty of light in the building but it is draughty, not cosy and warm like my tent but I can sit in a chair to write the log.

Looking at the bothy log book it seems to be a popular place and there were people in it last night.

A very pleasant 14 miles today.