Scottish Lochs & Bens

I woke up to a fresh and crisp morning, eager for our long drive today through the highlands of Scotland.  As I looked out the window admiring the stunning landscapes, I couldn’t help but notice how rugged and striking the geography was with rocky hills, dense forests, and boggy fields.  There was definitely a strong masculine energy present here.  However, shimmering lochs, rushing rivers and gentle streams abounded, and cascading over the rocky hills were hundreds of beautiful, glistening waterfalls, balancing the rugged terrain with a nurturing feminine presence.  It was truly nature at its best – a perfect harmony.

Scottish Highlands & Loch

Rugged Hills & Waterfalls of the Scottish Highlands

Our first stop was at the nearby Aviemore Ring Cairn and Stone Circle.  I found it funny how an ancient stone circle built 4000 years ago was now sitting in the middle of a subdivision.  I wondered what the people who were buried here in this sacred gathering place thousands of years ago thought about their new neighbours; a strange mix of old and new worlds, no doubt.

Aviemore Ring Cairn & Stone Circle

We then stopped at the most famous Scottish loch, Loch Ness, but try as I may, I sadly did not spot Nessie. There was no sign of the infamous “Loch Ness Monster” anywhere in that glistening loch.  There was, however, a cute and colourful mural of her painted on the walls of a little tunnel on the way to the loch.  Up near the gift shop, you could see a sculpture of her basking in the sunshine, a popular photo op for all, and there were plenty of Nessie dolls in the gift shop, so I picked up a little one that now rests happily on my dashboard.  She shall remain elusive no more!

Loch Ness Monster Mural

Loch Ness

Next, we stopped at Eilean Donan Castle, considered one of the most iconic and most photographed images in all of Scotland.  The castle rests on a tiny island where three grand sea lochs meet and is enveloped by some of the most spectacular scenery I’ve ever seen.  Arriving there in sunshine, the weather quickly changed to grey skies, mist and rain.  When it was time to go, the clouds began to clear, once again revealing blue skies and sunshine; a typical temperamental and mercurial Scottish day.

Eilean Donan Castle

Later in the day, we crossed the bridge onto the Isle of Sky, the largest and most northerly island of the Inner Hebrides, an archipelago off the west coast of Scotland.  Once on the island we went for a wee drive.  Homes were scattered about the barren landscape along with many quaint B & Bs. Actually, it seemed every second house was a B &B. It was not at all how I had pictured it in my mind.  With the grey cover overhead and a wild mist and rain spraying from all directions, the rust-coloured countryside seemed rather dreary and bleak.  After our visit here, we were on our way back to the hotel for the evening.

Isle of Skye

The next morning, I awoke to something quite unexpected – snow.  WTF?  It was almost June, how could it be snowing?!  While the Aussies, who made up 90% of the group, were ecstatic to see the big fluffy flakes since most of them had never seen snow before, I was a bit, well, disappointed. After all, I’m from Canada, I’ve seen enough snow.  I didn’t want to see it in May and would have much preferred a warm spring for my holiday.  After driving through the countryside, though, even I had to admit, the snow cast a magical scene.  Passing the snow-capped mountains reflected in the sparkling waters, I felt very nostalgic.  We paused for a moment to stretch our legs, breathe in the fresh air and gaze out at the majestic and now icing-topped mountains.

Snow Capped Mountains of the Scottish Highlands

Then, with “The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond” playing on the bus in preparation for our visit later in the day, we travelled on to Fort William, the largest town in the Scottish Highlands.  By now, the snow had turned to drizzling rain.  Unfazed by the ever-changing elements, I set out along the cobblestone roads, braving the rain, to explore the High Street and its shops.   My quest to find a tweed cap and handbag continued, but I was sadly unsuccessful.  To cheer me up from my dismay of still not finding the items I sought, I purchased a warm woollen tartan blanket with the clan colours of “Autumn Buchanan” to remind me of my favourite season.  I am very much looking forward to snuggling up in it later this year and wrapping myself up in that rich sheep smell that wool gives off and that I love so much.  Mmmm. Lost in a haze of beautiful woolly things, I realized it was time to get back on the bus so rushed out of the shop, running merrily down the street, bag in hand, forgetting all about my sorrow at not finding the aforementioned tweed treasures.  Of course, now that we were all back on the bus, the rain stopped.

Ben Nevis Mountain Range

Journeying on, I continued to be dazzled by the breathtaking scenery.  Then, as if out of a fairy tale, we came upon a rest stop that had magical views of the snow-capped mountains and enchanting waterfalls, complete with a Scotsman in his full tartan garb playing a haunting tune on his bagpipes.  It was all like a dream and remains my most vivid image of Scotland.  I so wanted to join the hikers who were beginning their trek into the mountains to fully immerse myself in this wonderland, but sadly had to get back on board the bus with the others.

Ben Nevis with Scottish Bagpiper

Bidding our farewells to Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles, we continued on to Loch Lomond where we were greeted by Ben Lomond, another distinctive mountain in the Scottish Highlands.  Here, on the shores of Loch Lomond, we boarded a boat for a relaxing cruise.  We passed luxurious hotels, gorgeous lakefront cottages, and we even spotted the infamous Rob Roy’s cave.  (And for those people who couldn’t guess it was a cave, the word “cave” has been painted on a rock just outside the entrance so you don’t miss it.)  Finally after another long day, we made our way to Glasgow for the evening.

Rob Roy's Cave