Scotland - Day 7

We set off to explore Orkney, heading north we crossed the causeways built by Italian Prisoners of War. Our first stop was the Italian Chapel, built in 1943 from Nissen huts. It is painted inside to represent brickwork and the workmanship is amazing. From here we headed to Stenness Standing Stones, then on to the Ring of Brodgar another stone circle. Once we'd had our lunch sitting in the stone circle, we headed towards the 5000 year old village of Skara Brae. Was very cool to stand in a place people were standing 5000 years ago. It's so well preserved and was a highlight of the trip. Continuing on we went to Marwick head where we'd heard there may be puffins! I was very excited by the idea as I love Puffins and have always hoped to see one. Heading along the track we met a bird watcher who assured us there were Puffins around. We had a few near sightings which turned out to be guillemots, we eventually stumbled across some Puffins flying off the cliffs. It was such an experience and they are such cute little birds. We spent 30 mins lying watching them, which was my favourite part of the 9 day trip!

Scotland - Day 6

Our first stop was Loch Ness, where we skimmed stones and looked for Nessie. Sadly she was a no - show so we continued on to Clootie Well. Where the legend says to cure a friend or family member of illness you have to drink from the well, walk 3 times clockwise round the well and then throw some water over ur right shoulder. You then tie a piece of your clothing to a tree and when it falls from the tree your friend or family member will be cured. After curing all our family members and friends of any illness' we headed to Dunrobin Broach. We made our way up the east coast of Scotland to John O'Groats, which they tell us is the most northernly point. Headed to Dunnet head (which is the most northernly point) for our fish and chips dinner! We caught the ferry from Gills bay to St Margarets Hope and our hostel. A night at the local pub followed!

Scotland - Day 5

The last day with the 5 day tour people, we packed our bags and left the blackhouses. We headed out to a lighthouse and St Columbus Church. We stopped at Stornoway for lunch before boarding the ferry to Ullapool. We then made our way from Ullapool to Drumnadrochit to our hostel and to meet the new group that I'd be heading to Orkney with. That night we walked to Urqhurt castle on the shores of Loch Ness.

Scotland - Day 4

I started the day with a trip to the Blackhouse visitor centre which was interesting and showed what the blackhouses looked in the 50's and how they were used! Amazing that structures as old as these are still being 'lived in' today. We then went on a 2 hr walk across the cliffs to Dailmor beach, which would have been a lovely experience if we weren't being attacked by midges and clegs! After having our group photo taken on the beach we headed to Duncarloway Broach, built sometime BC they were used for defensive purposes and would often have small villages surrounding them. When they were threatened the villagers would take refuge within the broach. After the Broach we headed to the Callanish Standing Stones. Shaped almost in a Celtic Cross figure, they do make you question why and how they are there. We then crossed the Atlantic ocean on a bridge! to Great Bernera where we went to a lovely beach and just happened to crash someone's wedding who thought the beach was the perfect place for their photos! Another interesting day.

Scotland - Day 3

Today we left the beautiful island of Skye and headed to Harris and Lewis.
We saw the stunning Guith-raing before leaving Skye by Ferry. Arriving at Tarbet on Harris we had lunch, before heading to St Clements/Church of Rodel which was built in 1520 by the Macleod's of Harris. We continued on towards Lewis stopping at a lovely beach for a quick swim or in my case a quick paddle! After our stop at the beach we headed along to our accomodation for the next 2 nights, Gearrannan blackhouses. Traditional methods have been used to recreate the drystone walls and thatched roofs. Was a great experience to stay in a blackhouse although I was very proud of myself for being able to sleep with all the bugs etc that live in the drystone walls!

Scotland - Day 2

Making our way from the Great Glen we stopped at Loch Garry which is shaped like Scotland. We had a quick stop to look at Eilean Donan Castle. We then went on a great boat trip on Loch Carron, where we saw dolphins, langoustiens and got to hold giant crabs! After the boat trip we made our way onto the Isle of Skye crossing over the Skye bridge. Sadly the mist had arrived before us and we couldn't see a thing!

Wild in Scotland Tour - Day 1

I had an amazing 9 days on a highlands and Islands tour of Scotland.
The first 5 days were spent with the 6 day tour people and then the last 4 with the 5 day tour people.

Day 1:

We left on Tuesday the 30th of June from Edinburgh heading north towards Stirling where we stopped to check out Robert the Bruce's statue. Continuing north through Glencoe we stopped for a walk up between two of the mountains to a small waterfall and stream which was lovely to dip your feet in - although not for too long or they went numb! We then headed to Ben Nevis - the tallest mountain in the British Isles!- and stopped to look at the Commando Memorial. Then on to our accomodation for the night just near Fort Willia