Where to begin? Since my last post I’ve only really done one thing…
I just returned from checking off the trip of a lifetime to the Highlands of Scotland for the past 3 weeks!! Our trip started and ended in Edinburgh and we put 1577 miles on a rented camper van.
How grateful I am to have seen such lush natural beauty, met the most hospitable Scots that puts the word ‘welcoming’ on a whole new level, hiked to many cascading waterfalls, walked through ancient castle ruins and cathedrals that transported us in time as we learned about Scottish history, mountain biked trails that put to shame anything I’ve seen in the US, and tasted bizarre and unusual foods such as Cullen Skink, Scottish Tablet, haggis, black pudding, neeps & tatties, Iron Bru drink, sticky toffee pudding and langoustines… just to name a few.
We wanted to see a mountainous area called Glencoe but the midges, or no-see-ums, were too bad to warrant going there at this time of the year. But we did spend 6 days on the Isle of Skye, and drove most of what’s called the NC500 or 500 miles of the Scottish North Coast. We went inland to the Cairngorm National Park region & all the hills and mountains were full of blooming heather so the hill sides were purple pink and green! Next we drove to the coasts where we saw lighthouses and quaint fishing villages that were postcard perfect.
We spent an entire day watching and listening to one of the Highland Games which is like a county fair but includes competitions of bagpipers, pipe and drum bands, Highland dancers, Caber tossing, relay racing, bike racing, long jump, strength competitions with Scottish hammer throwing, stone put, throwing a 16 lb weight over a bar, etc. And it all takes place at the same time in one big outdoor area. The Scottish Highland Games date back to 1314 AD!!
John had his 59th birthday while we were in Scotland and he got in the North Sea that day. I encouraged him to buy a real Scottish kilt and new jacket while in Scotland. We were informed that the best weavers in the country are from Lochcarron weavers. Since we were driving through the village of Lochcarron, we stopped in and he was measured for a custom kilt. I may have purchased a few tartan patterned gifts for friends and family Christmas presents as well!!
We went to many off the beaten paths and drove on extremely narrow, pot holed, one lane roads with cows and sheep roaming freely all over the place in the country.
Our weather was mostly perfect. It only rained 3 of the 19 days, which is unusual for Scotland, so we are told. But if one is prepared for any weather, it is no issue.
We were surprised at the copious number of German speaking tourists we encountered, but really we heard everything from Swiss to Italian and German to US/Canadian accents.
Back home in the US now and working through only mild jet lag.
This Friday I have another infusion. I’m so grateful that all my previous skin issues reported last time are totally healed up.
I tried at least 8 sticky toffee puddings in 3 weeks. My favorite is when it’s served with warm custard, but vanilla ice cream is the more common way it’s served.
Cathedral where Mary Queen of Scot’s worshipped and baptized her son who became King James.
Stirling Castle
The mountains and rushing rivers were all over the place
This is what I call fireweed in the US. It is known as rosebay willowherb. It’s everywhere!! But notice the purple tint to the mountains in the background.
Saw these magnificent creatures while driving on a back country road on the Isle of Skye in Sleat Peninsula.
Waterfalls are everywhere in the Highlands.
Woke up to these friendly cows walking around the parking lot right next to our van. They belonged to the local fisherman/farmer.
Lakes in Scotland are referred to as lochs. They almost never had any boats on them so they are peaceful and clean.
A local fisherman’s wife, Hermione, sells her husband’s catch of the day in a food truck in Elgol on the Isle of Skye. Shrimp, crab and langoustines.
This is the ONLY Cullen Skink I loved in Scotland. Made in Killin at the Falls of Douchart Inn.
Yet another sticky toffee pudding.
The famous Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye is a long series of waterfalls that create pools and flow into another. Best to get there early before the throngs of tourist buses.
Cows and sheep roam all over Scotland. It’s way more agricultural than we realized.
Lighthouse at Neist Point, Isle of Skye
Near Uig on the Isle of Skye is Fairy Glen that looks like something I imagine is in Lord of the Rings or where gnomes live.
Portree, Isle of Skye. We didn’t spend much time here but this is the iconic photo of the town.
These are on the Isle of Skye too. The Old Man of Storr. Hiking it was steep and windy with rain much of the way. Well worth it!
Shopping for the new kilt!
A wild red deer buck grazing in someone’s front yard near Applecross.
We parked along the side of the road one night and saw this view. One of the most beautiful landscapes.
A typical little harbor town.
Deserted castle ruins are littered all across Scotland
Shocked to see the amount of farming all over.
Quaint little town of Tain on the east coast.
The iconic Highland cow, but one must pronounce it as He-lin coo.
The most picturesque mountain bike trail. Literally it was slightly slipped so one could coast for miles going down without using brakes!
Pitlochry Highlands Games
Saying good morning as we woke up off a country road outside Pitlochry.
Dinner nightly in pubs where the best food is served.
Our favorite cafe is in Pitlochry called Cafe Calluna.
Here’s the owner, Tracy, who made the best scone I had in Scotland and gifted my hubby with a free baggie of home made shortbread cookies.
Pitlochry had the most gorgeous hanging baskets all throughout the village.
Falls of Bruar are not to be missed. The stone bridges were hundreds of years old.
Churches never cease to amaze me with their architectural talent and history.
Aberdeenshire coastal fishing villages
More waterfalls. They never get old to find and listen to.
The Cullen Sink in Killin was so delicious at this pub that we drove back there on our way back to Edinburgh just to have it one more time.
I believe this was St Giles in Edinburgh.
The gate at Edinburgh Castle.
Only at the Highland Games and in places tourists go would we hear bagpipes.
Loved riding these trails. The owner of the bike shop personally rides with and is friends with Danny McGaskill!!
Scotland is a place where one doesn’t need a church to sense God’s beauty and presence. I’m grateful I got to experience it all.
