Tag Archives: Views

The Drive from Edinburgh to Inverness, The Highlands

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!

Green Park Hotel overlooking Loch Faskally

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.

Morning Walks: Meadowfield Park, Edinburgh

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This morning’s walk started along Queens’s Drive in Holyrood Park towards St Margaret’s Loch.

I can never go by the loch without saying “Good morning” to the locals. The swans. They were seriously busy…… grooming.

I clearly interrupted one having a private session. Naughty me.

I was lucky on this morning’s walk, as the sky already had a beautiful palette of orange, yellows and purple.

A lovely backdrop to the Autumn leaves.

Timing is everything. As I approached Meadowfield park, it was evident that it was going to be a beautiful rise.

The show did not disappoint. I never tire of seeing the break of day.

I sat there for some time, just taking it all in.

Haddington on the Last Day of August

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I had planned to return to Haddington in Spring but life had other plans for me. As a result, Spring came and went with very little walking in beautiful Scotland. So when I saw plans for a group walk last week for Haddington, I jumped at it.

The Malting Building and Bridge across the Tyne

Haddington is truly a pretty town. After walking through the town centre, one passes a small dam and river Tyne next to the malting site.

With a short walk, we were surrounded by beautiful countryside.

As we continued to walk, we had an unexpected surprise. Amisfield Walled Gardens.

This garden lies just outside Haddington town. Dating from the late 18th century, it is one of the largest walled gardens in Scotland. I had no idea that this was there. It had large herbaceous borders, fruit and vegetable beds/orchards, wildflower meadow and woodland plantings.

A great find indeed. I could not get over all the apples! Especially those that climbed the walls.

Given the year we had, with so little rain and record breaking temperatures, it was lovely to see so many beautiful flowers.

The wall gardens were truly delightful. We continued our walk across the old bridge towards St Mary’s Church.

Linked to the church is another walled garden! Known as St Mary’s Pleasance.

As we entered this garden, we were greeted by an inviting hedge maze with views of the surrounding countryside.

The garden was divided into different areas or rooms by tree-lined paths which gave it a sense of mystery and anticipation.

What a delightful and rewarding walk. Truly one of discovery 🙌🏾

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.