Bank Street Lodge Fort William

... The Nevis ranges comprises of three peaks - and apparently more people die trying to climb Ben Nevis than on the roads of Scotland due to poor preparation and the rapidly changing weather. Where we stopped is a monument to those who have died protecting the country, and as we were taking photos a platoon of army boys came jogging past. Evidently the ranges is a popular training ground - they have to run up to 10 miles with 30 pound backpacks on their backs! <br><br>Next we ...

... the bus onwards to the Isle of Sky. It sits just west of the mainland, over a very pricey bridge - the budget had been about 8 million pounds which blew out to over 32 million pounds, due to ****** weather and some endangered otters nearby. The government then drew the locals ire when they bought the ferry terminal (which had been the other form of transport to the island) and closed it down - meaning everyone had to use the bridge and pay the toll - which was the SAME as what you ...

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

... br>Some other info Ross gave us.<br><br>- Scotish flag is based on a vision that St Andrew had while fighting the British a white cross shining against a blue sky.<br>- golf is actually illegal in Scotland, William the IV declared it illegal as it stopped the young men practising their archery, the law has never been changed.. lol<br><br>Back in Edinburgh, food and sleep,early start in the morning!!!!! oh no..

... that I'm taking it face on. I'm frustrated that everyone I meet coming the other way looks almost dry! Still, my waterproofs and boots are doing an excellent job and underneath I'm not really wet. The moor seems bleak in this weather but on a clear day there are obviously stunning views to be had. <br><br>Heading down to Inverornan, the clouds suddenly roll away and the sun comes out. I take my chances and stop for a quick snack, revelling in the chance ...

... streets and t-junctions, we eventually found the main motorways out of Edinburgh.... and finally on the way to Oban. It was special to be back beside the sea after so long.... the smell, the water and the sounds of birds. The seagulls here were huge!.... about twice the size of those at home. It had the lazy atmosphere so consistent with seaside towns, even with a busy metropolis so close by.<br>

... bloody and violent. Perhaps the dark and brooding nature of the mountains has influenced the behavior of the people who live in them. All the guidebooks said Fort William wasn&#8217;t much to look at, but I thought it was a pleasant little town. We had a great dinner at the Grog and Gruel, and our guesthouse was in the former rectory and choir school, a beautiful stone building with ...

... but what can you do. We have two more of these flights coming up so we need to put both packs on a diet. So moving on, didn't get much time for duty free shopping which is actually a good thing. The flight left a little late but not a major issue. We landed at Glasgow Prestwick, a little airport South of Glasgow, no not the same one that was attacked recently. We picked up the rental car, a little no guts Vauxhall Corsa and ...

... and potatoes, all mixed together, with onion, carrots etc, very good, if I do say so myself, and I was nicknamed the Kitchen Nazi. (what me be bossy and order people around, never, I have no control issue hahahaha) The night ended with a final drink in the Ben Nevis pub, which is located through the men's restroom in the Ben Nevis restaurant, so yes, I walked into the men's restroom and out the other side, not before surprising a few men at the urinals no doubt, which I tried to smooth over ...