Tag Archives: Loch

Road Trip: Dumfries and Castle Douglas

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I continued this road trip stopping at Dumfries and Castle Douglas. The ride through the Scottish Borders whetted my appetite for more as I made my way to my ultimate destination.

Dumfries Town centre
The Midsteeple Building

Although I stopped at Dumfries, I quickly walked the Town centre then spent most of my time at the old bridge. The Devorgilla Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Scotland. It has a presence that demands your attention. At least that is the case with me. A picturesque sight; laden with a history that easily stimulates one’s imagination.

Devorgilla Bridge

As I imagined Dumfries past, I also kept thinking about the next leg of my journey to Castle Douglas. It was the reason I didn’t extend my walkabout of Dumfries.

I finally boarded Bus 500 to Castle Douglas, full of anticipation.

The ride to Castle Douglas

The ride did not disappoint. The scenery was breathtaking.

Entering Castle Douglas

Rides like these are a constant reminder of how varied and beautiful Scotland is. There is something about a bus ride. I continue to be in awe of the driver’s ability to drive around a multitude of bendy roads through small villages and mountains. It is masterful and such a treat for riders like me.

Finally got to Castle Douglas which meant I was that much closer to my ultimate destination. What a pretty little town! It was marked by colourful, well-kept buildings and intriguing shops. However, I had to stay focused. I knew there was a loch nearby so while I admired my surroundings, I was determined to find the water.

Found it! Carlingwark Loch.

I entered the loch via Lochside Park. Beautiful.

I spent most of my time gazing and walking around the loch. I was really lucky. The weather was perfect and the water magical.

Next Kirkcudbright. My ultimate destination for this road trip

© The Scottish Pearl 2023

Maraig in North Harris, Western Isles

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I was so happy to finally visit the Outer Hebrides. I had seen photos of its coastline; therefore to have the opportunity to see it for myself was an amazing feeling.

Getting to North Harris

We were up early with our first goal and stop: North Harris.

The journey was surreal. We were constantly under threat of heavy rain but that didn’t seem to matter. Our spirits were high and the scenery beautiful.

We stopped just outside the towns of Maraig and Eilean Anabaich, Norh Harris. What a view! I don’t know how to describe what I saw. Instead, I tried to capture the scene with the following video and photos.

https://videos.files.wordpress.com/QkBvD6pw/isle-of-harris-north-harris.mp4

It was mesmerising.

A great start to any day!

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Loch Maree Islands, The Highlands

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It was raining outside but we were merry inside!

https://videos.files.wordpress.com/CZ9e2Kwg/img_3484.mp4
The Drive to Loch Maree Islands

We continued our drive north and decided to make a stop at the Loch Maree Islands!

Entrance to Loch Maree Islands

I looked up a little information about the islands.

The Loch Maree Islands are a group of scattered islands on Loch Maree.
More than forty scattered islands carry the nearest thing to natural woodland left in Britain, a fragment of the original Caledonian Pine Forest. The wet climate of this area has resulted in blanket bog filling the damp hollows, where occasional stunted pines have taken hold. Black-throated divers take advantage of the tranquility of one of Britain’s least polluted freshwater lochs to breed here.

Visit Scotland

What an enchanting place. The mist added to the mood. Although there was light rain, it was unusually tranquil. Airy. I felt as if I was snooping around someone’s property; as if I wasn’t supposed to be there.

https://videos.files.wordpress.com/c64JEBNz/maree-islands.mp4

The islands seemed perfectly placed. They looked like they were part of a watercolour painting. There was something very magical about standing there.

Then there were the trees with these elevated root systems. The entire scene felt like a film set from a Tolkien novel!

Loved it!

© The Scottish Pearl 2022

Gairloch, The Highlands

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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

The Drive from Edinburgh to Inverness, The Highlands

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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.

The ride through Perthshire,

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.

Pitlochry

Driving through Pitlochry is always uplifting.

https://videos.files.wordpress.com/DIkykWdx/driving-through-pitlochry.mp4
Driving through Pitlochry

I must plan to stay sometime. I will add a visit to my 2023 goals!

Green Park Hotel overlooking Loch Faskally

As we crossed the River Tummel there was a great view of the Green Park hotel.

Ruthven Barracks

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.

Sheep grazing on the mountainside

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.

Inverness Castle

And of course, a trip to Inverness would not be complete without checking out the town hall. The jewel of the city centre.

Inverness Townhall

Although I had planned to continue my journey further north to Ullapool, I took the opportunity to explore both the centre and the canal.

Caledonian Canal in Inverness
Walking the city centre
Aye, The Local Monster and Celebrity

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

A Quick Peek in Luss

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I have been meaning to make a trip to Luss for quite some time and just like that, while we were driving around the West Highlands and Lake Lomond, we happened upon Luss!

With the heat this Summer, there were a lot of people enjoying the water but given our stop was a quick one, I only had time to scan the village and take a few pics.

Luss is a village in Argyll and Bute, located on the west bank of Loch Lomond. It truly is a picturesque village. I wished I had more time to explore but was thankful for the peek.

© The Scottish Pearl 2022