Broadford to Kinloid

The arranged visit to see Fiona en route for the Armadale to Mallaig ferry gave time beforehand for both a tasty breakfast at the Market Kitchen and a quick chat with Keri in her shop. Approaching the house from some distance it seemed that two vans were filling the drive. Two men were on the roof and Fiona’s nephew Alisdair recognised me from a distance. Fiona explained that Alisdair had the contract and employed skilled plasterer Joe to plaster the chimney. For tasks like this Alisdair in helping becomes Joe’s labourer. Fiona gave me strict instructions not to chat to the men and thereby slow any progress! (Alisdair and Alistair are both seen and I am spelling it here the way that his grandfather spelled his).

Fiona told me that her nephew the composer Stuart McRae has been commissioned to write an opera score for a singer that is rapidly gaining in recognition and will be performed at the Edinburgh Festival this August. Stuart’s mother Ola had sold three of her original paintings recently. Fiona was interested in news about the Elgol folk and the time with her passed quickly.

There was a strong, cold helpful wind to make the cycling easy both for the fifteen miles to the port of Armadale and for the seven miles from Mallaig to Kinloid. This last section had surprisingly light traffic for an important road, so views of sea and mountains could be appreciated.

Many stops to break up the total 24 miles made it mentally refreshing. Chef Chris at An Crubh impressed me with the tastiness of my snack. There was a good view of mountains and of the snow still in high crevices. The wind had felt so cold outside the cafe that we were not surprised.