Rainbow over the Isle of Skye
Eilean Donan Castle
Loch Ness
We enjoyed a road trip around the Highlands and the Isle of Skye last week. An interesting time of year to visit since many places are getting ready for the new season.
The weather was also different - we had snow, some rain, some hail and quite windy. This is not too surprising for Scotland in the month of March so we wrapped up well and took advantage of the quieter roads. Day One took us from the capital city of Edinburgh and a visit to Dalwhinnie Distillery in the Highlands.
A lorry had lost its load of fish on the road but we made it with minutes to spare for the afternoon tour. This was well worth it as we had a very small group and all the fascinating processes of making a Highland malt whisky were well explained along the way. Of course at the end of the tour a wee dram was poured for all and this very special whisky was enjoyed.
Dalwhinnie Distillery - highest in Scotland
After a very cosy night in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, we journeyed along famous Loch Ness. There was no sign of the monster but it was probably too cold for Nessie that day.
Next stop was stunning Eilean Donan Castle. Beautifully restored by the Macrae family in 1908 this is now one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. The springtime daffodils created a lovely scene for all the keen photographers who had come from far and wide.
Our lunch stop for today was in the old converted school house of Red Skye near the village of Broadford. Very tasty butternut squash soup and a plate of Arisaig mussels was the perfect meal to set us on our way.
The Cuillin Hills were teasing us all day as they appeared and disappeared as each wave of weather moved over the Isle of Skye. The atmospheric scene was looking more special than when the blue summer sky offers a bright background.
Our final day took us through the iconic Glen Coe pass, through the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and with the sun shining brightly we had time for a late afternoon visit to the amazing Stirling Castle. A very busy trip across Scotland through some of the best scenery in the world.
