Monday, May 13, 2019

Fort William to Inverness; Inverness to Portree, Skye - May 9, 2019

Fort William to Inverness; Inverness to Portree, Skye - May 9, 2019 


We left Fort William this morning, driving, and headed up The Great Glen to Inverness. The Glen travels along Loch Linnhe, Loch Lochy, Lock Ness, and Loch Oich, all of which are connected by the Caledonian Canal. Along the way we encountered many pretty little towns and villages set in the most amazing scenery and flanked by steep slopes up to the mountains on one side, and the loch on the other. We passed sheep, and highland cattle, and their babies; waterfalls; the ruins  of Urquhart Castle – which is said to have been around since 580. We also passed tons of “clear cutting” which is a real gash on the Scottish mountain side. They seem to be leaving the trees and the debris which aren’t used to rot naturally in order to encourage natural growth in place of the lumber! The hills look “devasted”….it is quite ugly, yet fascinating in its magnitude.












We arrived in Inverness in time to visit the shopping mall in the pedestrian only street, walk up to the castle and take come pictures, then headed down to the Fig and Whistle for lunch. Robin and Peter were there a year ago so it was a special moment for them.






After lunch, we headed out of town to Portree, Skye.All of this drive was spectacular. We had time to go and see the famous Eilean Donan Castle which was built in the early 14th Century and which I think is one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland. Driving over the road bridge onto Skye was amazing. The last time I crossed over the ferry was the only way to go!! Our B & B “Drummorel” was quite beautiful and had a great view over the hills down to the ocean. Catriona was extremely helpful, and helped make our time spent there very comfortable.







We struggled to find a restaurant for dinner and ended up waiting an hour in one. As we could wait at the bar it wasn’t too tough!

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