The Crask Inn (26th July 2016)

I was aiming for The Crask Inn today –  I knew from my guidebook that this was one of the few places to stay on the route in the far north of Scotland. I was looking forward to a nice bed and some good hot food with fresh vegetables! What I didn’t know was that the owners had semi-retired and were open opening at the weekends…

Tuesday 26th July 2016

Awoke to bothy, which I hadn’t yet seen in daylight. Made tea using teabags someone had left.

Walked up to the Crask Inn – a difficult climb, then having to ford a stream, and bog.

The Crask was closed but the owner saw me and invited me in for a drink. He explained the inn wasn’t really open – his wife was away and she was the better cook! But after I explained my situation he agreed to put me up for the night – this included a 3 course meal. Another guy turned up, touring Scotland in his Land Rover. Had too much coffee – couldn’t sleep, so read about highland clearances.

Distance: 7.5 miles [view on map]

Spending: £60

Mood: 🙂 -> 😐 -> 🙂

My stay at The Crask was a fantastic experience. There is something about the remoteness of the far north of Scotland that makes all interaction seem more meaningful. Commercial interests are still present, but feel very much secondary – and I felt this most of all at The Crask Inn. The owner of The Crask kindly opened up the inn when he saw the state I was in after 3 days in the wilderness. He cooked a three course meal, served ale in the cosy little bar, and cooked a fantastic breakfast in the morning. I didn’t ask the price for any of this, but didn’t have to. He wasn’t even counting – as I was leaving he just made up a very modest total to cover his costs.