Glasgow and into the highlands, 15 and 16 June

Glasgow and into the highlands, 15 and 16 June

In Glasgow we only had time for a quick orientation by hop on/off bus. It would have been good to have more time - but even long trips can't be long enough it seems!

We stopped briefly at the Kelvingrove museum to see Dali's famous "Christ of St John on the Cross". Obviously the full day 100% Dali experience from our time in Barcelona was not enough!

It was interesting to see part of the old Clyde docks area and hear about the industrial past of the city which once had 50 ship yards and poduced a quarter of the worlds shipping. Now there are only 3 yards left.

Possibly the most memorable event was getting completely lost in the central city streets when driving back from the car park building to pick up the bags at the hotel, 2 blocks as the crow flies. Unbelievably this took the best part of an hour due to pedestrian steets, one way systems, traffic congestion, and general directional confusion. Even the friendly woman who lives in the satnav seemed to be lacking her usual wise advice. While all this was going on Janet was waiting in the cold with the bags. Unfortunately this semed to have made her cold worse and she is now suffering the dreaded cough and sore throat etc.

Still, once underway we made good progress towards the southern highlands admiring the scenery along the way. It was a dull day with rain most of the time - no surprises there, but made for a "brooding" experience. We were reminded how much we love the highland scenery and mood!

Had a seafood supper at Oban, and then on to a B&B at Fort William for the night.

Waiting for a "full Scottish breakfast" at Fort William B&B.

On Wednesday we headed for Mallaig and the ferry to Armadale on Skye. Fort William to Mallaig is also the route of the Jacobite Express, aka Harry Potter's train to Hogwarts school. So we stopped near the well known Glenfinnan viaduct to see the train. Another famous chap, Bonnie Prince Charlie, is commemorated here, the place where  in 1745 he raised the Stuart standard at the start of his failed campaign to restore the Scottish & English crowns to the "rightful" king.

The Jacobite express - on a viaduct, but not Harry Potter's one at Glenfinnan.

Bonnie Prince Charlie, waiting for his overdue renovation

after standing in the Scottish weather for over 200 years.

More brooding highland scenery followed as we explored around the southern part of Skye including a long return journey to Elgol and back. Elgol is a tiny fishing/walking/tourist village right on the coast. We loved the scenery and the journey. Certainly the tourist buses can't travel the road so you only get a "certain" type of tourist there. (Tourist snobbery creeping in?) Elgol school is right on the end of the road - surprising that there are enough people to need a school all way out there, but it is a long way from anywhere else!

Eventually made it to Annishader near Portree where we are staying for 2 nights at the Glenhaultin B&B (highly recommended!) Fantastic view from our window down to Loch Snizort!

Brooding highland scenery!

Loch Snizort from our room.