Our Friends from Florida, Carl and Dee Dee arrived mid-May for a 2 week stay.
Their first night in Helensburgh we walked downtown for some dinner and a few drinks.
They had been to Scotland many years before and decided that this trip they wanted to see more of the Scottish Isles. So as not to disappoint them, we hopped in the car the next day for a road trip.
Let the adventures begin!
We saw many beautiful sights of snow capped mountains, green hills and lots of waterfalls along the way.
We stopped in Fort William for lunch and a little browsing.
We decided that it was a cute town and would have to put it on the "to visit again" list.
We continued on, headed to the Isle of Skye.
Skye is the largest and most northerly large island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The main industries are tourism, agriculture, fishing and whisky-distilling.
Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan Castle is the seat of the Clan MacLeod. It is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the stronghold of the chiefs of the clan for 800 years.
The castle's five acres of formal gardens began life in the 18th century.
Neist Point
The walk to the point and back was about 1 1/2 mile hike, with impressive views of the surrounding cliffs.
The weather was not cooperating with us as it was very windy, rainy and cold, but we (ok, really CJ) were determined to get to the point to see the Lighthouse.
Neist Point Lighthouse
Neist Point Lighthouse, designed by David Alan Stevenson (his cousin was Robert Louis Stevenson) was built in 1909 when it was a manned lighthouse. In 1990 the internal light system was updated to an automated system that no longer requires daily maintenance. The light is 43 meters above sea level and can be seen up to 16 nautical miles offshore.
Our next stop is
Talisker Distillery
The Old School Restaurant
They are housed in what was the village school between 1880 and 1936.
We enjoyed dinner and our waitress so much the first night that we decided to go back again on the 2nd night and request the same waitress. The food and service were absolutely fabulous!
On our road trip home we stopped in the town of Portree, the island's largest settlement and known for its picturesque harbour.
Sligachan Bridge
"The Old Bridge"
The oldest known bridge that is still standing alongside the modern road. The bridge appears to have been built in the 1820s.
We continued on the road trip, giving John one mission for the day:
To find us a Highland Coo!
Well he completed his mission within minutes of us setting it!
Eilean Donan
Eilean Donan is a small tidal island where three lochs meet, Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, in the western Highlands of Scotland. A picturesque castle that frequently appears in photographs, film and television dominates the island.
The castle was founded in the thirteenth century, and became a stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie and their allies the Clan Macrae.
Back on the road again
making a few stops along the way to enjoy the views.
Corran Lighthouse is situated on the shoreline of Loch Linnhe. Built in 1857 by Robert Louis Stevenson’s father and uncle, it was one of a chain of lighthouses marking the route to the Caledonian Canal.
The innkeepers house was turned into a lodge.
The separate lighthouse is still in operation – without a fog horn!
(Added to the list "great weekend getaway")
As we got closer to home we found a perfect picture taking spot on Loch Lomond. It was a peaceful night, the loch was so calm that the pictures almost look mirror image.
Well that's one of the many adventures we had with the Bryns. Look for Blog Part 2 to follow soon.
CHEERS!
John and CJ
