We didn't find any reasonable accommodation around the border so decided to just grit our teeth and head home... all 650 miles or 12 hours of driving. We decided to head to Loch Ness via Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed and beautiful castles in Scotland.
After a good breakfast at our B&B having a chat with some Americans, we traveled south over the infamous Skye Bridge. The route, as many in Scotland was spectacular. The road snaking its way along the Loch Alsh. After about 30 mins or so we came across Eilean Donan Castle. From first impressions it wasn't as grand as I had expected as it has been used in several movies and promotional videos and images, but if there was one castle you would associate with Scotland - this was it! We decided to stop and have a look and we were tempted to go in - limiting ourselves to an hour as the clock was ticking to get home - and we were rewarded.
The Castle has been renovated in the early 1900s, by a family who still live on the estate. It is a bit of a mash-up between the old stereotype view of a Scottish castle - tartan, stuffed animals and weapons - and a family home - with oak paneled rooms, bathrooms and kitchens. The main dining hall was awesome - tartan carpet, large oak table - fantastic! After taking our photos we headed off... to find Nessie.
After another fantastic drive through the mountains, Loch Ness appeared. Sadly, after some searching we didn't see Nessie, but could understand why the legend exists. We drove the length of the Loch, stopping half way for lunch and a view of he castle, then headed north to Inverness, before finally pointing the car south.
As we drove through Scotland Julia read out the lonely planet - the Cairngorns, Aviemore, Blaire Castle, Perth Julia had never seen the forth rail bridge, so as we were heading in that direction, we thought - why not.
The bridge is an engineering wonder of the world, but also a beautiful, majestic structure - even better due to the mist looming over it.
The drive through the borders was fairly normal - lovely countryside, but nothing compared to the highlands - but it was rather interesting when we were hit by a sudden storm!
After what seemed like an age we arrived back to Reading and reflected on a fantastic holiday!
After a good breakfast at our B&B having a chat with some Americans, we traveled south over the infamous Skye Bridge. The route, as many in Scotland was spectacular. The road snaking its way along the Loch Alsh. After about 30 mins or so we came across Eilean Donan Castle. From first impressions it wasn't as grand as I had expected as it has been used in several movies and promotional videos and images, but if there was one castle you would associate with Scotland - this was it! We decided to stop and have a look and we were tempted to go in - limiting ourselves to an hour as the clock was ticking to get home - and we were rewarded.
Eilean Donan
The Castle has been renovated in the early 1900s, by a family who still live on the estate. It is a bit of a mash-up between the old stereotype view of a Scottish castle - tartan, stuffed animals and weapons - and a family home - with oak paneled rooms, bathrooms and kitchens. The main dining hall was awesome - tartan carpet, large oak table - fantastic! After taking our photos we headed off... to find Nessie.
#castleselfie
After another fantastic drive through the mountains, Loch Ness appeared. Sadly, after some searching we didn't see Nessie, but could understand why the legend exists. We drove the length of the Loch, stopping half way for lunch and a view of he castle, then headed north to Inverness, before finally pointing the car south.
Loch Ness
As we drove through Scotland Julia read out the lonely planet - the Cairngorns, Aviemore, Blaire Castle, Perth Julia had never seen the forth rail bridge, so as we were heading in that direction, we thought - why not.
The bridge is an engineering wonder of the world, but also a beautiful, majestic structure - even better due to the mist looming over it.
The forth bridge
The drive through the borders was fairly normal - lovely countryside, but nothing compared to the highlands - but it was rather interesting when we were hit by a sudden storm!
After what seemed like an age we arrived back to Reading and reflected on a fantastic holiday!
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