The West Coast - the Gardens of Inverewe & Ullapool

Our first stop after Gairloch was the amazing gardens of Inverewe at Loch Ewe.

The North Atlantic drift from the Gulf Stream is the major influence to the microclimate and allows growth of exotic species and trees, shrubs and flowers from all around the world, despite being 57.8 degrees North of the Equator.

A white gum tree.

In 1862, Osgood Mackenzie ( aged 20) inherited a 12,000 acre estate of exposed barren land where one dwarf willow was growing. He planted shelter trees; then imported soil and created a walled garden. Over the next sixty years plants were gathered from places as far a field as Australia, Chile and China and the garden archived international significance and recognition.

In 1952 the gardens were donated to the National Trust.

All colours were in prolific bloom.

They were thought to be extinct but six have been planted here.

Wildlife also flourishes here and we spotted a heron's nest

Then back on the road..

The landscape changes ...

 

 

Just 7 miles to Ullapool.

The view from our bedroom in Ullapool. The ferry to the outer Hebrides and the isle of Lewis.

 

Sunset at 10pm...

 

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