ISLE of SKYE to GLASGOW – bye Skye hello Clyde
Thursday – after a night in my Sleepy Hollow but none the worse for wear – I manage to roll out of the bed and have a hearty breakfast of the usual fare. Then I head off to take some early morning photos before the ‘tourists’ get in the shot.
I thought the colour scheme used on some of the places was very adventurous – but it seems to work here doesn’t it?
The mist and fog are still with us but hopefully it will clear early and we will be able to see lots more of the countryside – and take some more photos. We get on the coach – but unfortunately the ‘Old Man of Storr’ and the famous ‘Cuillin Hills’ are still hiding from us – – –
Back over the bridge and heading south-east we stop at Eilean Donan Castle.
This apparently is the most photographed castle in Scotland. Well, you know me, not one to argue with reality and as if I needed any encouragement – I take lots of photos.
By this stage some of the other photographers in the group are not so discreetly following me so that they can see where I go to get my photos. Sometimes it is a bit harrowing for them as I climb over rocks and down steep slopes – and when they can’t get where I am going – for a couple of them are a bit doddery on their feet – sometimes I have to take their photos for them – but that is OK. I just hope they turn out.
The castle is really pretty and the extra mist on the mountains gives it a very spooky look, especially when you get the reflections of the castle in the loch. We stop here for a while so there is plenty of time to walk around and see where to get the best shots.
We set off again and see a group of pipers on the roadside with the mountains and lochs in the background. It is definitely staged just for the tourists – and it would make a great photo. Kodak moment Paul – stop the coach Kenny – STOP – but we drive right past. Bummer!!!!!!!! I am sure we will see some more pipers somewhere along the road. We will just have to hijack the coach next time!!!
Heading west to Invergarry and then south, we stop near Glencoe to see the Memorial to the Highland Commandos unveiled in 2001 by The Queen Mother. This place is way out in the middle of nowhere and from here we see the highest mountain in Scotland – Ben Nevis.
Unfortunately it is misty in the distance (so what else is new?) Back on the coach and on to our lunch stop at a place called ‘The Green Welly’ situated in Tyndrum. This is a cafeteria come petrol station come whatever offering ‘Highland Hospitality’ to one and all. What a quaint place.
Seeing that I missed the highland cattle photo, I buy a postcard of some. The food looks nice and I am lucky enough to spot some Amaretto Fudge. It is pink (that’s interesting) and I have a sample taste. It is sickly sweet but it does taste a bit like Amaretto so I buy a decent slab to stow on the coach and enjoy as we travel along.
After lunch of a sandwich, bottle of Coke and an ice cream we head off to the ‘Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond ‘ and our optional cruise.
#6 OPTIONAL: Loch Lomond Cruise – Cost ₤9.00.
The loch is shrouded in mist but not enough to spoil some good photos. Our arrival must have awakened the breeze and the mist finally clears. It is a nice warm day and the sunlight dances on the water.
Rob Roy’s Cave – is it really – or just a tourist trap? Someone has painted a sign that says ‘CAVE’. We also see a little island where, so they say, newly married couples were put on their first night. By the look of the island it must have been a case of ‘Perish or populate!’
The cruise is very relaxing, although anywhere near the water is very relaxing. There is lovely scenery to admire and the sounds of the water is soothing as it laps the sides of the boat. I am humming ‘By yon Bonnie Banks etc’ and getting strange looks. So what’s new? My motto – a song for every occasion! Back on dry land and we start our journey to Glasgow. Nice countryside – lots of ruined castles, churches and abbeys. Get some photos from the coach as we travel along. I am getting quite good at this.
We arrive at our hotel for the night in Glasgow – Holiday Inn City West – and what a dump. This is not a First Class Hotel – come to mention it not even Second or Third class and it is definitely not worth a Kodak moment!
I am not impressed to say the least. Grubby curtains that are nearly falling down and dirty floor, but at least the bed and bathroom are clean. We are advised that this part of town is ‘not nice to go wandering by ourselves’. I don’t ask any questions on this comment but I do overhear conversation along the lines of it is a part of town for the ‘night lassies’. Great. So why on earth did we stay here I wonder???
In my room and waiting, waiting, waiting for my suitcase. Ring the lobby – they are on their way. It would have been quicker for me to go and get it. 35 minutes later my suitcase arrives and I have no time for a relaxing bath so a quick shower has to do. Just in time to race back downstairs for the next optional. Apparently everyone else was in the same predicament.
#7 OPTIONAL: Dinner at The Fox and Hounds – Cost ₤24.00.
This is a really old pub – about 1642 or 1742 – can’t remember which and it has its own brewery. The meal was: Complimentary glass of wine – Homemade Soup – I think it was Scotch Broth – with Garlic Bread; Home-cooked Ham Salad (I think they mean the Ham was home cooked) with New Potatoes and Crusty Bread; Warm Clootie Dumpling with Sweet Brandy Custard.
Not bad but I get the feeling we are being overcharged a bit. Back on the coach and head for home and bed. A bit tired – but then again it could be the additional at our own expense glass or two or three of wine???
Highlight of the day: Loch Lomond