Glenurquhart House Hotel Drumnadrochit

... sightings were in the 1930's by visiting professional man, many didn't believe him until 3 months later their own doctor took the now famous black and white shot of the monster.

We passed the wells of the seven heads, legend has it that the chief of the Macdonal clan died, his sons, twins currently overseas studying, in their absence the elders ruled. They ruled quite ruthlessly and killed the sons on ...

Finally back at home. It's been 15 weeks and 12 countries (14 technically, but a stopover in Sydney and stepping on Zimbabwean soil whilst Bungy jumping don't count). There's been highs and low's throughout, but on the whole, the experience has been fantastic and completely and ...

... the crowns of England and Scotland in 1603. When he died in 1625 his son Charles I succeeded him. You may recall from a previous blog that Oliver Cromwell chopped off Charles I head in 1649 then ruled the country. The Scots responded by crowning Charles son as the new king of Scotland and England. This upset Cromwell no end so he sent his army to Scotland and defeated them in 1651 so that Charles II had to flee to France.

Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom pollies

... lunch all day!

The flautists are hard to miss and I stop by to say hello and sponsor them. They play me "The Happy Wanderer" and wish me well on my travels!

The rest of the afternoon is spent in glorious sunshine and I enjoy the Highlands at their autumnal best. There is also another abundance of blackberries, which no-one seems to pick (I thought Scots were ...

... a quick stop, I realise that someone has left their wild campsite, just off the path, in a real mess.  They've left an empty gas can from a stove and plastic packets everywhere.  Suddenly I turn into a Womble - I can't bear it when people leave litter like this, especially so obviously - and get a spare plastic bag to pick up the worst.  Having tied to my pack, it then bangs about and annoys me the whole way ...

... path would be a let down after the delights of the lochs and canals but actually as a start from Inverness it's quite a good introduction to the Great Glen and this section of The Highlands.  The outskirts of Inverness are quickly left behind and the path winds it way up through forests and moorland.  True, Loch Ness does remain hidden tantalisingly behind the forest for quite a bit of walk but from the several viewpoints along the way the views are stunning.
Drumnadrochit, Scotland, United Kingdom charlief

Spent yesterday walking through Scottish terrain. Unfortunately the weather wasn't sunny but it wasn't raining so since coming to the UK I have come to know that as 'a good day'. I have to admit it, but any day that doesn't rain I consider a good day of weather too. How quickly standards change..

Time has flown by here in Scotland. Back down to London tomorrow and off to India Wednesday. This is quite possibly the most boring blog entry ever, but the photos should at least be ok

... access and hot showers!

What makes me smile today:

More blackberries - these ones were really ripe

The family picking berries on The Black Isle who told me that there were some "really big blaeberries" just down the road and asked if they were safe to eat.  Having found said berries I felt it would be cruel not to go back and tell them that they were sloes and that the kids might not want to eat them raw! 

... centre to get myself onto a boat trip to look for Nessie. I went to the tourist info place, and the lady told me about all the nutters who come here every year, convinced they will be the ones who will spot Nessie. She told me they quite often get the same people back time and time again. Sad, sad, sad - I mean, after all, it's me that's going to spot Nessie, isn't it?!? I went and booked my boat ticket, then went ...

... just about 150 meters before the turning to the village of Drumnadrochit on the A82. What a charming farmhouse it was, situated on a little hill overlooking the breathtaking Loch Ness. Our room was lovely, we had a four-poster bed with a nice attached bathroom. The room has good heating, which was important for both of us. Brief run at Craigmonie and Balmacaan Woodlands : By the time we settled in, it was already ...