 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
Wallace's Monument near Stirling.
|
|
We started this Scenic tour in the Historical Town of Stirling,Which was the strategic home of William Wallace,Battle of Stirling Bridge & the 300ft Wallace's Monument(Awe-inspiri-ng)Stirling is also the Town where Rob-Roy McGregor was Banished & if ever to set foot within the town walls he was to be Hanged,to this day there stands a statue of him,built outside the town walls! After a few days in Stirling we travelled North towards the Highlands,Through Callander up The Queen Elizabeth Kyber,passed Balhquidder,site of The Graves of Rob-Roy Mcgregor & his beloved wife Mary,passed Crianlarich & Tyndrum,through Glen Coe,famous for its massacre of the Clan MacDonald by the Campbells,interestin-g is the fact that Captain Campbell's Niece was married to the youngest Son of the MacDonald Chieftan,who happened to be Rob-Roy McGregor's Sister,The Scenery here is breath taking with Beautiful Mountians,among many,the stunning Etive Hills. We continued past Ballachulish,North to Fort William.
|
|
| Favourite spots: |
After Ballachulish there is a parking lay-by on the brow(Top) of the steep climb,pull in here and you will see a spectacular sight,A breath taking view of Glen Ross,a Beautiful Valley,Continue to Fort William,Famous for its Mountian,Ben Nevis,The highest in Great Britain,the Town itself is very small & Picturesque,with the Glen Nevis Ranges( The lower hills and ascent to Ben Nevis Itself) as its foothills.Here you can go North to Glen Garry & Inverness with its famous LochNess(home of The LochNess Monster)We decided to go West towards Glenfinnan,past Caol and the lovely Neptune's
Staircase(A series of River Locks that is very interesting to see).
|
|
| What's really great: |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bonnie Prince Charlie's Monument at
Glenfinnan.
|
|
Glenfinnan is on the shores of Loch Sheil,this is famous for many reasons,apart from its stunning scenery;It was mentioned in the film Highlander:My name is Connor MaCleod of the Clan Macleod,born in the village of Glenfinnan on the shores of LochShiel,Secondly the Railway Bridge here was used in the second Harry Potter Film,with the flying Anglia car over it.On the shore,There is a large pillar with a Statue of Bonnie Prince Charlie on top of it,you can climb up inside this pillar and come through an opening onto the roof,where the views are magnificent,It was here at Glenfinnan that Prince Charlie sailed over to the Isle of Skye.We then reached a place called Arisaig with its stunning white sands, these were also filmed in the film Highlander,where they are chasing the Stag over the white sand.For Film buffs,After leaving Glenfiinan going towards Arisaig,you will see a White Church up on the Right,Off the road,this was the Church used in the film,Local Hero starring Burt Lancaster.
|
|
| Sights: |
After leaving Arisaig,you continue to a small Fishing Town of Mallaig(End of the Road)here you take the Ferry over to Skye(Car & 4Passengers=£21 GB) to Armadale,where the Clan Donald visitor centre and continue North to the Capital of Skye,Portree & it's lovely harbour,a nice drive is to drive up to a place called Uig(where you can catch the Ferry to the western Islands,Lewis,Harris,etc) and then drive down the other side,like a loop of the Island.Here we head back down to Kyleakin,taking the Left fork & over the Road Bridge(Toll = £7GB) onto the Mainland,Kyle of Lochalsh.
|
|
| Accommodations: |
There is an Excellent Bed and Breakfast in Fort William called Giusachan House,in Alma Road,west of the Hospital,which is extremely friendly and only five minutes walk from town.If you plan to stay in Fort William, Book ahead as due to its locality,Ben Nevis is on its doorstep,it can get very busy and fully booked! If this is the case,Go North,as it gets quieter.
About 30 miles North there is a place called InverGarry,The Invergarry Hotel is a clean,exceptionally friendly place,where
nothing is a too much of a problem!
|
|
| Restaurants: |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
The exquisite No 4
Restaurant.
|
|
There are a few nice one's in Fort william,but are expensive,due to the mass of tourists wishing to climb the mountian.
There is a Fantastic Restaurant in Fort William called The Number 4,next to the tourist information office,It is like a small house converted into a beautiful & exquisitely decorated Restaurant(Lovely place!).
Due to lack of space below(I really loved this trip,so much to see & do!) I mentioned the lovely little town of Killin,when you arrive,after you have taken in all its splendour,you must visit the haunted Castle of Finlarig,to get there you drive through the town,past the Killin Hotel (on the right,off the road)and 200yards on the right you will go over a small bridge,drive or walk past the large houses and in the middle of nowhere you will see Finlarig Castle & Mausoleum,walk up the hill to explore the Castle,next to the Castle(On the North side) you will discover the ancient beheading pit! Grizzly.
.
|
|
| Other recommendations: |
After leaving Kyle of Lochalsh drive South until you reach a place called Dornie,about 15miles south.Here in Dornie is the Famous and most Beautiful Castle in Scotland,Eilean Donan Castle,Filmed in Highlander,Entrapment & one of the James Bond Movies(Pierce Bronsan's Second Film).
You can for a small fee(£4 GB) go inside this Castle,I totally,utterly Recommend seeing it,The Interior is overwhelming & lingers in your mind for a long time after,Eilean Donan was also seen in the film Loch Ness,starring Ted Danson.
On the return journey heading back through Tyndrum & after Crianlarich, cut off left and visit the lovely little town of Killin,it is well signposted,but slow down as it is on a sharp bend in the road,there are many splendid sights here.
The awsome Dochart Falls are mesmerizing and on the other side of the bridge,you can obtain the key(Free of charge) from the Tourist Information centre & visit the Clan McNab burial ground,which is on an Island,a very scenic place.
|
|
Published on Tuesday February 24th, 2004
|
|
Publish on Facebook
|
Sat, Jun 05 2004 - 02:19 PM
 by kathmandukitten
| Fantastic reading and great pictures! |
Wed, Feb 25 2004 - 05:21 PM
 by travelalain
| I will use this to get inspiration for my trip to Scotland in August. A great report. |
Wed, Feb 25 2004 - 03:39 PM
by whereisliz
| Very fine report, lots of good details and photos, too! If someone doesn't want to do it all on his/her own, I recommend Haggis backpacker small bus tours with local guides -- lots of fun! |
Wed, Feb 25 2004 - 12:04 AM
by downundergal
Loads of info on what to see. If I ever get back that way I will print this off and take it with me.
Cheers, Kerrie |
| Information: |
| Login if you are a member, or sign up for a free membership to rate this report and to earn globo points! |
|
| Australia |
|
|
|
| Thailand |
|
|
|
| United Kingdom |
|
|
|
|
