Great variety of scenery and history over the last 2 days. Have had 2 contrasting days of weather too yesterday brilliant sun and today solid rain most of the time.
From Inverness it was down through the Great Glens and lots of Lochs all formed along a faultline. The fascinating Caledonian Canal running the length of the Glens links 5 Lochs to allow launches and leisure boats through using a number of swing bridges – the road bridge rotates to the side to open up the waterway. The most well known Loch in this group is Loch Ness running for some 24 miles – we travelled it’s length – no Nessie in sight!! Rather a brooding loch so one can see how the “rumours” might come about. However beautiful lush trees covered with moss, and bushes line the sides of the Loch roads before the hills rise steeply away.
Also lots of castles, monuments and ruins along the way – many in stunning settings and built there for strategic purposes. Some have featured in literary works and films like Castle Stalker at Appin – Castle Aaarrgh in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Ben Nevis the highest mountain was impressive as we passed just peaking out of cloud – only does that a few days a year!
Stayed last night at an old Georgian house on the side of Loch Awe – the longest loch- 30 miles and quite an isolated route/area – apparently only 800 people normally reside in the 610 sq mile area!
Today we have travelled through Argyll, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park areas and through South Scotland to cross into England. A highlight this am was a tour of Inverary Castle – I think quite a fairytale looking castle and inside some stunning furniture, tapestries and history. The current home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll – head of Clan Campbell.
We skirted round Glasgow – fortunately as we have just discovered a couple of hours clear of the terminal incident. We travelled down the top end of the south Scottish coastline in the pouring rain and did have a few glimpses of the Isles of Bute and Arran.
It was fine when we got to Gretna Green – good for photos before heading into English countryside and our stopover in Carlisle.
Comments
Comment by Peter on 2007-07-06 02:16:43 -0700
Wow sounds like your seeing plenty of awesome sights.
Did you get to see the Mountain near Loch Lomond – our name sake Ben Lomond?
Comment by Mark on 2007-07-07 02:56:38 -0700
Sure did Peter – might even find a picture for you when we get home!
