Day 3 - Cairn Gorm Park

July 1 - Scotland

Headed toward Pitlochry, our destination for the day, we travelled through Cairn Gorm National Park. Popular for ski resorts in winter and adventure seekers in summer, this is still a very remote area. 

(You may have noticed the delay in posts and how I had to break them up into little entries)

On the edge of the park we drove past a castle that was definitely in use. Tickets for tours of Balmoral were on sale in the town just prior so who knows? No easy access to find out for sure. You be the judge.

In Pitlochry we checked into the Backpackers Hostel. After we made a dinner of chicken pot pie it was time for a walk through town to stretch the legs. We discovered a fish ladder and dam but it was too dark to see anything and the fish flies over the river and dam site were too much to take.

Day 3 - Scotch and Shortbread

July 1, 2014 Scotland

Happy Canada Day. Slainte.

Today our journey takes us through the Scottish Highlands. Don was an excellent driver and navigator, choosing in advance some incredible routes over the less-travelled B roads. Again, we had a few single car spots with passing points. Made for great adventure and gorgeous views. 

This bridge and estate entrance was spotted earlier in the day.

Our main stop today was The Macallan Distillery. Don and I went on the 6 Pillars tour while Cory caught up on his rest and relaxation. Slainte.

After the tour it was time for a quick snack. Good thing there was the world famous Walker shortbread factory down the road.

Day 2 - A Proposal in Drumnadrochit

June 30, 2014 Scotland

We settled into the Coiltie Farmhouse Hostel in Drumnadrochit. Instead of cooking we chose to try a restaurant recommended by our host. Although the restaurant was above our budget, it did have a pub attached. Here we tried the local beer and cider to go with our haddock and chips.

After dinner Don and I went for a short hike down to the Loch. At the end of the walking trail, we happened onto a young couple who looked to be sharing a sentimental moment. As we soon discovered, he had just proposed and were asking us to take a picture. All she could do was look and fiddle with her new ring with a glow to her cheeks.

This is the spot. A perfect proposal spot.

Day 2 - Glen Coe Area

June 30, 2014 Scotland

A little further up the road, we stopped at this old bridge. There were still wagon tracks around the peaty heather and moss.

The Highlands are breathtaking with the greenery interspersed with very old brick and stone houses. The homes are like McMansions but with character.

Driving through the towns, of which there where more of than bigger cities, it was entertaining to see how people park on the side. It didn't matter which direction you faced, if there was a free space you took it. The end result was a line of vehicles pointed in both directions.

At the end of the day we arrived at the site of Urquhart Castle. Situated on the shores of Loch Ness, it had a presence that evoked some very strong emotions.

Day 2 - Passing Points in Scotland

We had a full day of driving with plenty of stops to view the scenery. After loading up on groceries in Callander we headed into the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

The drivers here are crazy. No shoulders, not a straight section to find, and 60 miles per hour. It is like visiting Jasper and Banff without slowing down to see the sights. Everyone speeds like crazy from one pullout to the next.

Since we got a much later start, our first stop was for lunch.  Our hosts the night before told us about a road just before the famous Glen Coe area that is much less travelled. When we turned onto it we found a perfectly paved single lane road with frequent Passing Points for passing.

First Stop, Doune Castle, Scotland

We are getting into the mood for castles, and the atmosphere of 'history'. Our first stop on what is becoming known as 'Cory's Excellent Adventure' is Doune Castle.

This castle was on Cory's list of Must-See's because one of his favorite Monty Python movies was shot here.

When we were done looking around, it was back on the road. Getting used to driving on the left with all the roundabouts still scares me.

We settled into our cozy room at the Crags Hotel in Callander. We loved it here! The proprietor was so informative and friendly. We had booked a triple room but because there was an empty room, they gave Cory his own for free.

We ate dinner at the hotel and the food was incredible. Don had the venison stew and Cory and I had the fish dish on a recommendation from our server. The fish called Sea Bream is new to us.

The whole bill including an appie, dinner, drinks, dessert, and our two rooms was only £135.

After dinner we walked about town and ran across the nicest setting.

Teith River runs right through town. There was even a swan floating about, preening itself.