As I begin writing this post, I am already curled up in the Scottish Highlands – and for those who have been following my posts on both the Luxurious Nomad site and also the LeighStJohn.com site, you would know that it wasn’t until I was in my fifties, did I know what “home” felt like. That ‘home’ is South Devon – a place I love dearly that is definitely ‘home’.
Upon approaching the Highlands, however, that feeling of ‘home’ was multiplied a thousand-fold. I adore it here! As I said to friends, I have never felt so alive with all my senses heightened, rejoicing, and free, while at the same time feeling a solid, never-ending part of the granite underfoot…
So, the journey started in Bournemouth (after an ‘interesting’ stay at a hotel there. I was attending a Christmas party with friends and the stay was ‘interesting’ because without exception, every French-speaking staff member was less than professional – through to one fellow who I actually chastised for being rude and arrogant! Well, technically, I said in a very harsh tone, “belligerence suits you however I refuse to accept it!”… Anyway… Leaving Bournemouth at sunrise…
The entire drive from there to my first real stop was just under eleven hours so I had originally intended to stop when it started to get dark and continue on the next day – however we (Prince (beloved convertible) and I) made such fabulous time (the roads were wonderful!) that I decided to press on and go all the way to Fort William.
The blue and white sign says “Welcome to Scotland”.
Arriving at my hotel… Situated on the banks of Loch Linnhie, the Chuachan Hotel is just lovely… and my wonderful Prince managed an average of 41.6mpg for the trip. Happy Princess Pixie!
Hmmmmmm… Deep fried haggis… I don’t think so.
View from my room…
The next morning (today) I was off around sunrise to go exploring… It’s not every day one sees a timber lorry in the middle of town…
Beware – killer ducks…
It was a brisk 3oC / 37oF and I was happily cruising around with both windows open…
This (below) is the Glenfinnan Monument, honouring those who fought and died fighting the Jacobite cause…
When I pulled over to view this beautiful church, a man pulled up beside me and said, “I saw that you stopped earlier at the viaduct parking but then left – you know that you can park there and although it looks a long way away, it’s only about a 300m walk and you can see the steam train crossing the viaduct. It goes past just after quarter-to-eleven.”
I thanked him – for yes, I did stop there and it looked like the viewing point was a mile hike so I wasn’t going to do it…
He then said, “the church is lovely – if you go to the back, you get a fabulous view!”
Again I thanked him – he said, “Ok, cheerio and Merry Christmas!” and drove off!
He was right about the view from the back of the church…
After checking out the church, I explored for a while longer before heading back to the viaduct area…
Parking Prince here, I set off on foot to find the viaduct…
It was soooooo incredibly peaceful and quiet…….
Found it!
Harry Potter fans may find this view familiar…
These guys…
…were all the way up here!
…to get a view of this…
The Jacobite train – and again, yes, this is the same train used in the Harry Potter films…
I was taking photos of these very cute sheep…
…and this fellow came over to tell me that he was out walking and he thought they were lovely as well – and since I wasn’t from here (that came up in conversation) I should continue on this road to the Old Inverlochy Castle…
So, continue I did – over the “weak bridge” – doesn’t exactly fill one with confidence!…
The castle was built in the 13th century…
I went to drive down this road (below) and the man waved me down and told me it was just a muddy track around the bend… He was ever so friendly – everyone I have encountered here is just LOVELY!
Decided to deliver Prince back safe and sound to the hotel and take a taxi to a cute-looking restaurant I had spied on the loch…
…had I not done the Brixham Fish Market experience, the intricacies of this painting would be lost on me…
I was there literally for five hours… Working, eating and drinking, chatting with new friends… and watching the sky change…
Most dogs find a stick – this one finds a chunk of lumber! 🙂
Bringing in the catch…
…and on my way home, my taxi driver told me about what life is like as a crofter – that’s her other life! Btw, crofting is basically a type of small-scale farming up here in the Highlands…
I love the Scottish Highlands more than I knew it was possible to love a place…
…and I have only been here one day! It feels like months…
~ Bella
