Loch Ness ~
Bus Tour today....

While there was no rain this morning, we returned to the hotel with rain on our shoulders. It was the “Scottish,” rain, so just drizzles and gray skies. We left early to get to the bus by 8:00 AM and still try to get some breakfast; it was McDonald’s, yuck!!


Luckily, the bus was large and air conditioned, but a full load none the less. The drive was lengthy, but narrated on the way with interesting facts about Scotland’s history. This area is covered with volcanic rocks that are so strong they’ve created valleys, mountains, and cliffs that are beautiful!!!

We started our tour by heading out to Sterling where we connected with another bus of people. The city of Sterling is still surrounded by the walls used to protect Mary, Queen of Scotts protected by King Henry VIII.


The beautiful green countryside is covered with patches of pretty pink/ purple heather that flutters with the breezes. We learned that the mountains are called bens. Ben Nevis was where the hiking trail was available; we saw a couple backpacking, too.


We saw the livestock the highlanders used to trade with others. There sheep were adorable jumping around on the hillsides and of course there were the herds of cattle that were roaming as well.


Then there was Glenoce, right at the base of the huge mountain was Fort William. I guess this site has a pretty sad history, as did a large part of Scotland. This is where the Massacre of Glencoe took place, all because there was no “proof,” to verify the town leader, of the McDonald klan, had sworn his loyalty to the ruler in the required time.



Of course, there were numerous castles to see including: Blair Castle, Killiecrankie, and Inverness Castle. At the Loch, or the lake of Ness, we took a boat up to the top of the lake. Just before we boarded the boat we explored the old castle at the cliff, Urqubart Castle. It looks like you had a great view of the lake when in this castle.



Once we reached the farthest point, the city of Inverness, we saw the Inverness Castle and had some pizza nearby. I guess this castle is next to the river that feeds into the Thames River.

Once we got back to Edinburgh, we stopped for a "light" dinner, then a peek at LV; they were closed again. :-(

No Giovanni's here, darn.