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Published: August 6th 2009
As many of you know, I went on a nine day tour of Scotland. It was great! I will only give you the highlights from the 9 days.
We left Tuesday, July 28 at 9:00am. I chose to go on a small tour so there were 16 of us, plus our crazy Scottish driver/guide (Danny) in one small van. There were people from all over the world. We had 6 from Australia, 3 from Canada, 2 from Germany, and 1 from each - Italy, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Holland and Iran. I could not have asked for a better group or guide. It was a road trip with 16 new friends, complete with loud music, crazy driving and plenty of photo stops.
Day 1
It rained - a lot.
We learned about Robert the Bruce, saw Stirling Castle, went on a forest walk, saw our first of many hairy coos (highland cows), and saw Ben Nevis. We stayed in the middle of nowhere - a place which makes Drayton seem like a large dot on the map. We pulled into this farm, which had a very run-down barn. I was a little skeptical because I could not imagine where we
might be staying. Then we had to open (and close) a farm gate which lead us down the back lane. We travelled a long way over many cattle gates and around many curves. I became much more skeptical once I saw the place we were to call home for the night. It was called Ronald's Rest and looked rather unfinished. However, it turned out to be great. We got to know the group playing cards and spoons for many hours.
Day 2
It rained, not quite as much.
We fit in so much on this day. Once we got somewhere we would all hop out of the van, hear a crazy story, take a couple pictures, go to the washroom and quick, get back in.
- stopped at Commando Memorial
- drove along Loch Lochy
- stopped at Eilean Donean castle
- went on a boat tour with fisherman Neil. Ate scallops he had just caught.
- went to the Isle of Skye
- heard a great story about Saucy Mary
- heard another great story about 2 giants
- went to the River of Youth.
- heard the most fun, picnic table story about the Old Man of
Storr
- stayed overnight at a hostel that had the most beautiful view.
Day 3
It rained some.
- took the ferry to Tarbert and then headed south to the Isle of Harris. Harris is the most isolated, remote place I have ever been. It consists of rock and more rock. Very beautiful and peaceful.
- saw our first seals, which was very exciting. One of the guys spotted them and yelled "Danny, is that a seal? Can we stop the van?" At this point Danny did not have much choice as Bahador was already almost out the door. It was great.
- went to St. Clements Church
- went for a walk short, windy walk and had lunch on the top of a hill with the sheep.
- stopped at a wonderful sandy beach area to play and take pictures
- came upon the most beautiful beach. Two crazy people went swimming. I was impressed. It was way too cold for me.
We were now on the Isle of Lewis
- we went on a long 1hr 45 minute coastal walk up and over the cliffs to reach the blackhouse where we would stay for the next 2
Our first hostel
Do you see why I was nervous?nights.
- had a very tradional Scottish meal for dinner. Haggis, bangers and mash, and scotch. Yikes.
- stayed up way too late talking about all things Scottish
Day 4
It rained.
- went to Callanish and saw the standing stones which predate Stonehedge. 5000 years ago if I remember correctly. Amazing.
- went to Dune Calloway Broch, a round defensive structure from 3000 year ago.
- stopped at a Norse (Viking) village. Saw the kiln and the mill.
- went to another blackhouse.
- went for a beautiful coastal walk at the Butt of Lewis, which oddly enough, is at the top not the bottom of the island.
- ate dinner at a pub
- played a very rowdy game of spoons most of the night. It was lots of fun. There were cards ripped, drinks spilt and many threats made.
- stayed up too late.
Day 5
- went to see Callum, a man who made Harris Tweed. Turns out his last name was MacArthur so he was very excited to meet me.
- took a 3hr ferry ride back to the mainland.
- went to Loch Ness to look for Nessy. Did not find
her.
- met up with the other group
- celebrated Renate's (German girls) 64th birthday. lots of fun and champagne. Had a BBQ and campfire and you guessed, stayed up too late.
Day 6
- unfortunately the group had to split. 11 of us stayed together to go to Orkney while 5 went home. We also lost Danny since you cannot drive for 9 days straight in Scotland
- we gained 5 new people and a new driver Bruce.
- the group lost a bit of steam but it could not be avoided.
- went to lots of places on the way to catch our ferry to Orkney Islands. Drove a lot that day
- once we arrived and got off the ferry, Nancy's parents were waiting to greet me. They were on the island for 2 nights as well. Could not talk long as it was very late and my group really wanted supper. It was great to see them, if only for a short time.
- stayed at St. Margaret's Hope for the next 2 nights
Day 7
Weather was beautiful.
- highlight of today were the puffins. They were in the water and we were
on the cliff but they were there.
- went to Skara Brae, a neolitithic village
- went to see more standing stones.
Day 8
Weather was beautiful.
- went to Tomb of the Eagles which was really interesting.
- took ferry back to the mainland
- got to stay in a (haunted) castle for the night. We did not see Betty (the ghost) but we looked for her. We also didn't go anywhere alone that night. The castle was great. Loved it.
Day 9
Last day. So tired.
- drove a lot
- went to a distillery. I still don't like scotch - at all.
- Got back around dinner which around here is known as tea!
That was yesterday. I spend today in Edinburgh and will head to Glasgow tomorrow to catch my plane. It has been a great trip but I am ready to go home.
This blog does not do the trip justice. There are so many stories to tell.
See you soon.
Steph
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Deb
non-member comment
Wicked!
Steph looks like you had a great time!!!! Your pictures are really good!! Love them! Can't wait to hear stories! Safe trip!!