Durness - Official Rest Day

Day 8 of GWC S3 Projects 2009

Balnakeil Bay

Unfortunately there would be no cycle to Cape Wrath today; due to the military exercise that was in full flow. I have to say that I was quite gutted that we wouldn't get out there but I was also thinking that it was a great excuse to come back and add to the never ending to-do list!

First thing after breakfast we had some very welcome visitors: the Durness Project. Once again, it was nice to see some familiar and friendly faces and it seemed they were just as excited to see us. They had a few tales to tell from their first week in Durness and how the wind that had made our cycling difficult had also stopped them from reaching the summits of their target hills. We were then asked if we would like to take part in a football match this evening. JC explained that some of the locals had asked them to have a game with them on the pitch just over the road and we were more than welcome to join in as well. Obviously my face lit up at this idea straight away so I immediately volunteered and roped in some of the boys at the same time - excellent stuff!

Once the Durness group left us to it, we geared up for our short cycle to Balnakeil Bay. This was to be our base camp for most of the day - and what a day it was. The sun and the blue sky was just what we wanted for a day on the beach. After the short run down the road, we left our bikes on the grass next to the ruined church on the edge of the dunes - amazing spot. I took a moment just to take in the setting and how stunning the beach was that lay before us. Lewis said that if we walked along the beach and followed the track north and over the small lump, there was nicer bay that was more sheltered... so we set off.

Balnakeil Bay

Balnakeil Bay

Balnakeil Bay

Balnakeil Bay

Balnakeil Bay

Balnakeil Bay

Balnakeil Bay

Balnakeil Bay

It was great to chill out and get some sun on the beach. It was so warm that we even all went in for a paddle. The kids had a great time playing football, rounders and 'ring of fire'.
Mid afternoon we headed back to the bikes and made our way back up the hill from the beach. It would've been rude not to take the kids for the best hot chocolate in Scotland, so we made a stop at Cocao Mountain at Balnakeil Craft Village. If you've never been, I can only describe it as AMAZING HOT CHOCOLATE! It's almost worth the journey to Durness by itself! Needless to say; the kids loved every drop of it... and so did the staff!

The Big Match

We headed back to the hostel to get the grub on for tea and then to warm up for the big match. It turned out that only three members of the local team showed up for a kick about but there were more than enough GWC staff and kids to make up a 9-a-side game. I have to say that the game was taken quite seriously and it ended a very fair 4-4. It was another very memorable day of GWC Projects.

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