Huntly Castle

We stopped here on our way to Ladybank. JR took us down some lane that looked as if cars didn't belong! And was right next to a school. We thought for sure he was lost and didn't know where he was going. Next thing you know we are at this castle! We were the only ones there and the people working there were so nice. They had a little dog and we visited with them. This castle was cool and the day was so beautiful.


The rest of the day was driving through the countryside. We went through little towns where the houses had thatched roofs. Lots of fields and sheep. Everything green and pretty. Jr needed to stop and get pics of the sheep. The babies were so cute.





This stuff is called Gorse and it was everywhere - Scotland and Ireland. It made things really pretty with all the yellow flowers. Here is some more info on it:

Gorse

On to our final night in Scotland and one of the best nights of the trip!

The Pines - in Elgin

We arrived in Elgin. We stayed at the Pines - a very nice B&B. Here's how I chose where we stayed. We wanted at or under $130 a night. We wanted all ensuite (with baths). We wanted breakfast. We also wanted to be within walking distance from pubs, restaurants etc. We wanted to be able to get to our destination, unpack, and walk to the pubs etc. This place was a little iffy on walking distance from the middle of town, but it ended up being just fine.

Our room at The Pines

Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness

I love castles. All we visited were different and beautiful. I did not get tired of visiting them. We bought a heritage pass which was 58 pounds for 2. That was good to get us in to most castles etc in Scotland and it paid for itself so we weren't always having to dig for money.

This castle was on the water and beautiful. The weather was grand for us. We did not see the Loch Ness monster, but from what we understand you must have Scotch Whiskey in order to see it and we had none with us.

Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness

Another beautiful castle. You'd think they would all start looking alike? Or that you'd get tired of seeing castles? No Way! They were all diff

Eilean Donan Castle....

This castle is one of the most photographed in the world. It is beautiful and with the wonderful weather we were having it was a treat to visit and photograph, plus reading the history etc. always great.




We decided to eat here - I ordered a salad, which was very good. Ted decided to have a burger - well a Scottish burger I guess. We waited and waited and waited. Everyone else got their food and still no burger for Ted. I went and checked on it - it was coming, just be patient.... We finally found out why it took so long when it did arrive. The burger was like a giant meatball with a bun around it! It took that long to cook! I guess they hadn't figured out that if you squish the burger it will cook faster - oh well Ted said it was good!

My Salad

Ted's meatball hamburger!

On the way to Elgin...

The next night we were going to spend in Elgin. So we were on our way with stops planned. The next stop was the Glenfinnan Monument. What a beautiful place. We hiked up the hill for the ultimate view.

You may have seen this in the Harry Potter movies.


Wendy checking out what's under that kilt!

Back on the road again. The scenery was amazing.

The dinner search......

Really the only dilema we ever had on the trip was where to eat. With 8 of us, I think we may have all had different expectations for dinners or breakfasts or whatever. Maybe one couple just wanted a pub, drink a few beers and then have dinner, maybe someone else wanted something a little more fancy etc etc. We did read that there was a place on the water that was good, so we wandered down - it was still pre dinner time. We checked it out and then said lets find a pub for a drink - but then we continued to look for dining options. We checked out another place we had read about - checked their menu, and even made a reservation - there was a wait - and then cancelled and moved on. We finally split into 2 groups. Mike, Wendy and Ted and I wanted something light and with a view of the Loch - maybe even be able to sit outside because it was so nice. We ended up here.

This is the scotish version of shrimp cocktail!

Here is our view

We headed back to our B&B

Carol and I talked about buying this place - we wouldn't replace the e, it would be the loung bar.....

The next morning EARLY, Ted was wide awake. As soon as he heard me stir at all he said he was outta there with the camera. He got some beautiful shots.....

Our B&B

There was a trials bike race going on in Ft. William. I love trials bikes and they look so funny with no seats. They went right past our window in the morning for their race.

We LOVED Ft William. We would go back there and spend a week. We'd take a car and just explore and come back to the Buccleuch each night. It was heavenly there. Unfortunately we were only there for one night so after a really nice breakfast at the B&B we were off.

A Stop for lunch

Stopped for lunch here - good food!

Then into the Highlands - ahhhhh


We live in beautiful country, but the Highlands were breathtaking. I'm sure being there in spring made it even better. And having the kind of weather we did helped so much. We knew we were enjoying unseasonably good weather, we didn't realize how much until a few days later.....

Ted in the Highlands!

The Highlands without Ted!

We arrived at Fort William for the night - what a beautiful town!



This was the view from our room at our Bed and Breakfast. All the rooms were very nice.
It was called Buccleuch Guesthouse and the rooms were all ensuite (with baths) and they had free wireless internet!