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.
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.
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 centreAye, 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.
It is not a total random thought. In Edinburgh, I am noticing a lot of preparations, repairs and essentially busy work in preparation for Spring. To my eyes, it resembles nesting. So please let me know if there is such a term.
Regardless, it is a pleasant sight. This store on Easter Road has literally put Spring on the doorstep! How can you not stop and take a look.
