Lochan Cottage Guest House Fort William

Today we left the amazing Morags Hostel and started heading down the west coast of Scotland. Past Loch Oich and Loch Locchie - which is where the battle of the shirts occured. It was so hot on the day of the battle that halfway through a ceasefire was called, and everyone jumped in the Loch for a dip. It was still so hot that most men resumed fighting in just their shirts, or just plain naked!

Then to Ben Nevis which is the highest peak in Scotland and all of the United ...

... these clans were at war almost constantly, losing their best men in a pointless exercise. Until the Scottish king of the time stepped in and told them to pull their heads in, otherwise he would get HIS army involved. So the two clans agreed to peace - which in those times involved marriage between the two clans. So the prettiest girl on one side was to marry the best looking best fighter boy on the other. On her wedding day the pretty bride was crossing the river on her horse when the ...

... is sadly known for being voted the city with the ugliest people in Scotland! Not the best of awards to win. Had a quick look around and Josh even managed to squeeze in a quick haircut!

Then to the local distillery, a quick tour and some samples - i had a quick taste, but i'm truly not a whiskey person - josh said the Penderyn one in Wales was better.

Onwards to Loch Ness which is the best known of the 4 Lochs in the Scottish Highlands ...

... up to the room and bagged the double bed and then went into town for a walk around. Took a few pictures of Loch Ness and some of the town. Not much going on here, just a few shops for the tourists. Back to the hostel for a drink and to use the PC's so that I can upload some photos (which you may have noticed already!). Not sure what to do tomorrow???

... is that our tour guide Ross didn't wear his kilt today I was going to get a shot with him in front of this castle but he wouldn't put his kilt back on.. I think its because I called it a skirt at one stage of the first day!! Woops..

We stopped at Fort Augustus for lunch, one of the cities on Loch Ness. Unfortunately Nessie didn't show himself when we were there.. ah well thats twice I've missed ...

This is the first day that I have set an alarm. Big day today, off to climb the highest mountain in the Scotland (and the UK), Ben Nevis at 4406 feet. Up at 6:30 so that I can get showered and get to
breakfast for 7:00.

We set off at 8:30 and head towards the visitors centre, the climb from here is a little bit of an easier start than from the YHA (and the bridge was closed for repair). The weather ...

I've made it to Fort William, checked into the SYHA Glen Nevis and decided to go for a walk in to town to get some dinner. Little did I know that it was 3.5 miles each way in the pouring rain to Morrisons.

Gone to far to turn around and I am wet now.

... a photo I took of Kilchurn Castle on Lock Awe that left me spellbound - the castle, water and mountains just leave you transfixed.

Oban was beautful in its own right nestled into a harbour and the next day we caught a ferry to the Isle of Mull where we caught a small gauge rail to an old castle.

Sue

Getting out of Edinburgh was interesting. We found to our horror that the ...

... giving us amazing views of ben nevis and other mountains (with a lot of fresh snow), valleys, streams (which we walked through), forests, (depressingly) logged forests and an ancient fort. We also got rain, hail, sleet and snow. all in all it took us about 6.5 hours. it was a good time. great to get out of the city and finally get into the highlands. i feel pretty recharged, but i don't feel like getting to work again quite yet...

... Got into dry clothes, hopped to the inn across the road (this was a 2 building town), and ran into the English couple again, who were delighted to see that we were okay, and had been wondering where we were staying so they could make sure we were in okay. Day 4 - Inverarnan to Crianlarich (6.5 miles for Eric). There was no way I was walking on my calf; it was incredibly painful with each step, so 6.5 miles was out of the question. While Eric walked, I caught the bus ...