Edinburgh and the Central Highlands

Edinburgh Castle
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We arrived in Edinburgh to start our new adventure in Scotland. We strolled the city (albeit in the rain) to take in some of the city sights. Scott had to go it alone in the afternoon as Nancy was under the weather. We found immediately the people of Scotland to be very warm and friendly. Even made friends with a nice gent on the bus ride into the city from the airport. And our host,May, at the MW Guesthouse was just great!

We then began our road trip to the highlands in the west and north. We made a few key stops along the way to some small towns and some key castles – including Doune Castle which is the best preserved castle in Scotland. This castle happens to also be the castle where Monty Python’s “Holy Grail” movie was filmed. Our drive also included taking in breathtaking valleys (Glens) like the beautiful Glen Coe. We also took in a great hike through Glen Nevis with great forests and waterfalls. During our first night here we also tried some of the local micro brews and cask ales of Scotland at the local pub. We also really enjoyed our stay in the Corriechoille Lodge near Spean Bridge. A beautiful lodge just outside the village with beautiful views.

Glen Coe
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After a couple of days here, we moved on to the Isle of Skye. We based ourselves in Portree and lucked out on our first full day (after days of overcast skies and on and off rain) to have a beautiful sunny day. We took advantage and ventured out for a number of great walks on the western side of the island. And you can never run into enough sheep along the way – on the road and otherwise. The single lane roads in a portion of the island can be very fun as well.

We find Scotland to be very beautiful and in some ways similar to Ireland but in many ways not. Interesting though to learn about the history (much to do with fighting others and fighting one another) and the history with the clans (it’s all about the Clan MacLeod in the Isle of Skye) and Scotland’s somewhat tumultuous relationship with England. Tomorrow, we have one more day in Skye and then onward a little more north and central highlands.