Embarking on a journey through Scotland is like stepping into a mosaic of history, natural beauty, and adventure. Our Scottish odyssey began amidst the hustle and bustle of Glasgow, where we immersed ourselves in history at the Kelvin Grove Museum and marveled at the evolution of transportation at the Riverside Museum. Aboard the majestic Glenlee Ship, we journeyed through time, while the ancient stones of Govan Church and the towering spires of Glasgow Cathedral whispered tales of centuries past. We also visited the oldest medieval house in Glasgow, Provand's Lordship, 1471, and marveled at the grandeur of the Glasgow Necropolis, a testament to the city's Victorian past.
Exploring the mainland, we traced the footsteps of history at Bothwell Castle and traveled to Craignethan Castle and Cadzow Castle via Uber. In Stirling, the imposing walls of Stirling Castle stood as a testament to Scotland's storied past, while the Wallace Monument honored a national hero. Our exploration also led us to Edinburgh Castle, where we delved further into Scotland's rich history and marveled at the fortress's commanding presence.
Leaving the city behind, we headed for Fort William, stopping to visit the Falls of Falloch along the way. From Fort William, we embarked on a train journey bound for Mallaig, where we were treated to the breathtaking beauty of the Glen Coe Valley, a testament to Scotland's rugged charm.
In Ullapool, in northern Scotland, we surrendered to the call of the sea, embarking on a Seascape Expeditions boat tour that revealed the splendor of the seascape, with gannets, seagulls, and seals dancing in the waves. Exploring the enchanting Tanera Mòr and Tanera Beag, we ventured into cathedral caves steeped in mystery and wonder. Our time in Ullapool was made even more memorable by the warmth of family, as we gathered to enjoy a homemade fish pie, sharing laughter and stories amidst the cozy ambiance of their home. We also climbed Ullapool hill(Meall Mor) to take in the stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.
After a day of exploration, we embarked on the "Wee Back road," also known as the "Wee Mad road," a scenic route winding through the Highlands. This picturesque journey offered glimpses of rugged landscapes and hidden treasures at every turn, allowing us to marvel at the untouched beauty of the countryside. Each bend in the road revealed a new vista to behold, reminding us of Scotland's breathtaking natural splendor. Our culinary adventure continued with a stop at Caberfeidh, a renowned pie place on Main Street in Lochinver. Indulging in delicious pies, we savored the flavors of the region while enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals. Additionally, we visited Achmelvich Beach near Lochinver, immersing ourselves in the coastal beauty of Scotland's shores. As we traveled along the Wee Back road, we couldn't help but marvel at its scenic charm, leaving us eager to explore its entirety on future adventures.
Retiring to a cozy bunkhouse, we found solace in the simplicity of the Highlands. Nestled amidst the rugged landscape, the bunkhouse provided a warm and welcoming retreat after our adventures. We had breakfast at The Ceilidh Place.
The following day, we set our sights on the Isle of Arran, where we stayed in a yurt amidst the rugged beauty of Kilmory. Kilmory Parish Church and its ancient cemetery was nearby. We visited the ancient standing stones of Machrie Moor and the mystical Torrylin Cairn. We also explored the diverse landscapes of Arran, including its pristine beach and historic sites such as Brodick Castle and Lochranza Castle.
Our journey culminated in the challenge of Goat Fell, the highest point in the Isle of Arran, where we scaled its heights to behold sweeping vistas that stretched to the horizon. Roundtrip, it took us 4 1/2 hours to complete the trip up the mountain and back, with 2 1/2 of those hours dedicated to the ascent. From the serene shores of Lochranza to the windswept summit of Goat Fell, Scotland had woven itself into the fabric of our memories, beckoning us to return and discover more of its hidden treasures.
As we bid farewell to Arran, the silhouette of Horse Isle appeared on the horizon, a fleeting glimpse of untamed wilderness. Though our journey didn't take us there, its rugged coastline left an indelible impression on our hearts.
