Its a long way to Inveraray, its a long way to go - 30 August 2006

Leaving Portree we drove north-west, up over Waternish and across to Dunvegan to visit to Dunvegan Castle: the seat of the MacLeod chiefs. Although one would think it was miles from nowhere in terms of the tourist route it was very busy with overseas tour groups.

The castle is situated in a commanding position over looking the loch. There are none of the frills of a southern castle, rather it gives the impression of a real stronghold, lived in by real chieftains.

We drove back to the Skye Bridge, past the Macleod’s Tables, along the other side of the island in the lee of the 1000m, rugged, Cuillin Hills. Once on the mainland we retraced our path back past Eilean Donan Castle and then onto Invergarry.

We had done this trip in winter and the contrast was striking. The lochs were gray, and ruffled. In the winter we got perfect reflections of snow-covered hills. Despite this, the camera still clicked away merrily! But once again, Ben Nevis refused to reveal itself.

After Fort William, we drove up Glencoe: a very attractive area, with a very troubled and blood thirsty past. The road continued through a boggy moor (the largest in Scotland, UK, World? [pick one]) to the Bridge of Orchy. From there we followed the Glen Orchy River along a very minor road, amply supplied with many perfect picnic spots.

Our final destination was Inveraray. This is a most unusual town. It was built in the 18th century, designed by John Adam and situated at a suitable distance from the new castle, undoubtedly to keep the ‘rabble at bay’.