Lochside Apartments 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!

Next we ...

... and surrounding mountains. Evidently the area we went through today is consistently voted one of the top 10 drives in the UK.

Our first major stop was Eilean Donal castle which overlooks 3 Lochs. You may recognise it as being the backdrop for movies such as Highlander, James Bond - the World is Not Enough and most recently Maid of Honour (Mcdreamy chick flick). It was blown to smithereens in the 1700s and was painstakingly rebuilt in the early 20th century.

The back ...

... 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???

... return but told everyone they had been attacked. Their sister didn't believe them and called on the King of Isle's for justice, the seven Elders were killed as an example to all. A well was setup on the edge of the Loch as a reminder.

We stopped off and took pictures of Ben Nevis, the highest moutain in Scotland.. in the picture you can tell I was getting a bit bored sitting in a bus all day!! lol ...

... today is terrible, we are walking in 35-50 mph winds and it is constantly raining in our faces. We get to the half way point (in height any way) and stop for some thing to eat. The second half of the
mountain climb was a lot harder than the first and as we climb higher and higher we get further and further into the clouds and it gets colder and windier as we climb. We finally reach the summit and the ...

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 ...

... too much! Drove back to the house and on the way ordered some prawns, langoustines as they are called over here, from the seafood shop on the northern road around this magnificent Loch Leven. I spent some time removing my CD's from the jewel cases and playing same on the Acer and trying desperately to catch up on these notes and recording some of David's music. Also printed those emails from Ryan air. Dinner of grilled chicken, potato bake and lots and lots of wine.

... wouldn't stop to pick the rest of us up - which is just mean..... A little soggy again by time got to Fort William - and the official end of the WHW (there has to be some satisfaction in actually having walked over the finish line - doesn't there). Had breakfast in the cafe in the visitors center. Then wandered around trying on tartan caps with red wigs - all very authentic. Not sure what going to do with the day. Still raining and there is a definite shortage ...