The Castle Near Where Nessie Lives

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1 twirly morning. 1 big fright. 1 nice journey. 1 more castle.

After we packed up we went to the station, which was only about a 3.26 minute walk, we got concerned. When went to board the train and noticed that every seat had a little reserved ticket, neatly tucked in the top of the seats. That was scary, because we had talked about reserving our tickets for this journey at the start of the holiday but hadn't, because I mean, how many people are really going to travel from Kyle today?

So with every seat seemingly reserved, we got a bit worried. The thing we didn't realise was, that the amount of seats in the train was probably more than the entire population of Kyle, and it certainly didn't look as if they were all about pack their bags and move out. Thanks early morning...

Then very nice dude nearby kindly explained that we should ignore this. Phew! We really didn't want to be stranded here another day. I have no idea why they were there and still cant see why?

The journey was very scenic, for the start, anyway. I know what people mean now, when they say how the mist rolled in from the sea. I saw it. Unfortunately, once the train went inland / into the mist, it never really came out again, and it was foggy for the rest of the way. I'm sure it is a really nice trip when you can see more things, like mountains. Did see some deer which was cool.

Inverness is a nice city, despite it being 1.3 degrees when we stepped off the train and all. After having an accommodation mix up with the hostel, we gave them the flick and went for a B&B, called Whychway.

In the afternoon we went on a tour to Loch Ness. It seemed to be the most convenient way of seeing it. The 2 hour Jacobite Tour included a small tour of Inverness on the way and a cruise, with the rest of the time to explore the castle. It was quite a good tour, looking back. The mini coach was new and reasonably empty, the guide was nice, and the price was good, and tickets easily accessed at the TIC or the Jacobite departure point. They do a pickup at both these locations.

(Speaking of TIC's, the one here deserves a high five. The lady was very helpful, enthusiastic, patient and full of appropriate suggestions.)

There aren't many things that are more enjoyable then exploring the ancient ruins of one of Scotland's biggest castles on a sunny day. That hazy stuff was back, but as Jim pointed out, many people visit Loch Ness and don't even get to see the other side of the lake.

Unfortunately the castle was on its winter timetable, which means it closes at 4.30pm. We were left with only 1.5 hours to explore the castle and do the gift shop spiel after the cruise arrived. Too bad we were used to taking 1.5 hours to do castles alone, adn that the gift shop staff like to start kicking you out at 4.00 from the castle, and closing the tils in the shop at 4.20pm, and being very rude when you walk up to them to buy something at 4.25pm. Nice castle though, too bad my experience was cut short, as going there again is never the same.

So that would have been the worse thing about this tour, it finishes on castle-closing time. They do run two tours a day, the other is earlier but we didn't arrive in time to get it.

When we got back into Inverness, it was passed closing time, so we didn't get to shop here. Did a bit of walking around the streets and bought a revolutionary dinner from Tesco's - two minute noodles (entree), banana in roll (main) chocolate (dessert). One more thing - it gets cold in Inverness at night time, so make sure you close the windows before going to bed otherwise you might wake up at a ridiculous hour feeling terrible and shaking with cold.