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A house covered in flowers
Yes, in Luss they really love to use the colour in summer. Everything you've ever heard about the Scottish Highlands or the famous Lochs is not true!!! No, in fact, it's even better than what you've seen or heard. Driving my Fiat Punto through the Scottish countryside I couldnt help but feel blown away by the beauty and peace of the Highlands. Have you ever been to a place that really blows your mind?? Well, this is one such place. From the picturesque beauty of little towns like Luss and Fort William to the natural majesty of Glencoe or Ben Nevis (Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Scotland which makes it the highest in the UK) there is something for everyone. Plus, how can I forget the Lochs of Scotland!! Just amazing. **** Scottish people are without doubt some of the most genuine and helpful you could ever wish to meet. I loved sitting in the pubs drinking Scotch and hearing all their stories!! I recommend dropping into a Scottish pub - you certainly wont forget the experience. They're old fashioned pubs where the publican still talks to you and you feel really welcome. **** Not many Scottish live in the actual highlands. I mean there are little towns and shops,
A fisherman near the Loch
Fishing in the loch near Luss, Scotland. This town is postcard perfect!! but on the main, its pretty sparsely populated. I drove and to be honest, this is the only way to go. Yes, petrol costs over 1 pound a litre, but thats life I guess. There were a fair few bus tours going and I felt a bit sorry for those people on board. Driving along in my hire car, I pulled over so many times to take in views and snap photos, it would be frustrating on a bus when you had to quickly take a photo out the window but didn't stop. Its a definite drive destination and the more independent and free you are, the better. **** So when is the best time to go?? It depends. I have only ever been in summer. I travelled in the middle of August. The good thing about this is that the famous Scottish heather is out in bloom (see photos). It is this pink kind of flower that is all along the roadside. The other benefit is the weather. You have a reasonable chance of sun. Its always on the cold side because you are a long way north after all. The winter is very cold according to the locals
Loch Lomond
If you to the highlands in middle of August, you will see all the pink heather in bloom. I spoke to. There is rain and snow and there is a ski field if you wish to ski. In my opinion, there is a lot better skiing spots in Europe, so plan to visit in summer - June, July or August. You will see blue skies, crystal clear Lochs and the beautiful flowers all in bloom (see photo of the house in Luss). **** Hows the cost?? Well the UK currency is very strong. To fill my car cost me 33 pounds (but this was around $100 Australian. For $100 I could fill my car in Australia 3 times). But sometimes in life you cant worry the cost so much. I suggest take a credit card for your UK leg of your trip, clock it up, and worry about it when you get home. Accomodation cost us 55 pounds for bed and breakfast in one place and 60 pounds nearer Fort William. This is the average. All the pamphlets I looked at were starting at around 50 pounds twin share and then going up. So yes, it is expensive (for an Aussie anyway). **** Everyone raves about Loch Ness and sure, it is stunningly beatiful, but I really think
Fort William
This is the main mall of Fort William. One of the towns situated in the Highlands Loch Lomond is just as nice. Along with Glencoe, the true highlight of the Highlands, take time to search out the little towns, get out your car, take a walk and explore. Loch Lomond is the largest expanse of fresh water in Britain. Surrounded by little towns like Balloch and Tarbet (Tarbet is awesome if you get time- great views over Loch Lomond) Loch Lomnond is truly magnificent. 15 minutes out of Fort William is a little place called Ballachulish and here is a tourist office which you can get great help and its not overly busy. Glencoe is also a really good spot for those who like to bushwalk. But just pull over and at least take in the view.**** I have a stack more info on the Highlands and would be more than happy to provide it if you like. Please take the time to read some of my other blogs on Slovenia, Andorra, Lichtenstein, and Switzerland. Cheers, Til next time, Crackly.
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Javier Barron
non-member comment
traveling to Scottland first time
I would like to travel in motorcycle with two man ten can side of road if necessary I am open to suggestions or comments of good or bad idea