I did a short walk yesterday around Leith Links and The Shore.
As the sun was setting, I whipped out my phone to take a few quick shots. I loved the play on the clouds at the Links.
The reflection at The Shore did not disappoint even though it started to rain. 🙌🏾
It was surreal.
© The Scottish Pearl 2022
Perhaps not the best of weather to be driving but what the heck! We went anyway. We were on our way to Ullapool, again weather permitting!
However, as part of our journey, we decided to stop at Rogie Falls.
Rogie Falls are located in the Highlands, near Contin. It is a popular attraction and so we wanted to take the opportunity to see what all the fuss was about. Upon arriving, we walked through the surrounding forest which alone was worth the trip.
To get to the Falls, we followed the trail along the Blackwater river towards the bridge.
As soon as we approached the suspension bridge we saw an impressive show of the waterfalls. Have you ever seen someone dance listening to music with their headphones on? Well this was the waterfall equivalent. Water cascading all around us, falling to a rhythm that only they can hear.
Wow! The orchestrated fall of lots of water! It was amazing to see. What a spectacular scene!
As I strolled out of the forest, I thought I would love to return and spend more time exploring this amazing place.
© The Scottish Pearl 2022
My trip north meant getting to Ullapool. On our way, we made a quick stop at Gairloch. Gairloch means “Short Loch” in Gaelic. It is a small village on the shores of Loch Gairloch in Wester Ross, in the North-West Highlands. It’s a popular summer destination but at the end of September, there are very few people to be found.
This was the case with this stop. It was a bit of a giggle because it was SO WINDY. Regardless, we ventured out to take in the view and wonder. The beach and the colour of the water were just delightful despite having to wrestle with Mother Nature.
© The Scottish Pearl 2022
Roadtrip! Last month I hopped onto a bus and decided to make the trip to Inverness. It had been far too long since I last visited the Highlands. It was wet, grey skies and perhaps terrible weather to go exploring. I did not care, I was fixated on heading north and just like that my mini adventure started.
In between the rain showers and my periodic squinting, I savoured the scenery.
Perthshire, the gateway to the Highlands. There is something about seeing that unspoiled and majestic mountain range. The clouds made it even more dramatic. Really? Who can tire of such views? Not I.
Driving through Pitlochry is always uplifting.
I must plan to stay sometime. I will add a visit to my 2023 goals!
As we crossed the River Tummel there was a great view of the Green Park hotel.
As we continued the drive to Inverness, I had not noticed the ruins near Kingussie before.
I have since learned that the ruins were Ruthven Barracks.
Ruthven Barracks were built by George II’s government in the early 1700s after the failed Jacobite uprising of 1715. The troops stationed there were to maintain law and order. The location was clearly strategic.
The scene of sheep grazing on the hillside increased as we got closer to Inverness. I have also since learned that this is commonplace in the Highlands and Western Isles.
After a 3-hour ride, I finally arrived at the Highlands capital city. Such a pretty city.
A visit to the centre led me to the castle. The castle always looks great -even with all the maintenance work currently being carried out.
And of course, a trip to Inverness would not be complete without checking out the town hall. The jewel of the city centre.
Although I had planned to continue my journey further north to Ullapool, I took the opportunity to explore both the centre and the canal.
I even had the time to walk to the Ness Islands where I met the local celebrity! What a great start to my Northern adventure.
© The Scottish Pearl 2022
I love staying in Inverness. It is such a pretty city. When I visit, I always walk the Ness Walk to the Ness islands.
This is a walk in the centre of the city that meanders along the River Ness. The city views from the river are amazing with great views of the Castle and the Cathedral at the beginning of the walk which then slowly changes to a tranquil nature trail.
After several interconnected bridges, the trail splits to take you to the islands.
The smell of the leaves and the sounds of the water is quite rejuvenating.
The walk is circular which means that the return walk provides for more discovery.
I even met up with the local monster
I finished this particular walk at the Ness cafe with a delightful hot chocolate.
© The Scottish Pearl 2022
Yesterday I did a group walk at Dalkeith Country Park. I love the colours this time of year. Now, having lived in Canada for quite some time, the Canadian Fall this time of year is quite spectacular.
So I find myself in need of a dose of autumn shades.
The colours at Dalkeith are not as vibrant however still a wonder to enjoy.
The trails were delightful. Even the horses would were out and I think would agree.
Although there are less vibrant reds of the maple trees here, the yellow and golds are still very pleasing.
© The Scottish Pearl 2022
