Into The Heart Of Scotland

 It's Time For Castles, Palaces, & More Super Skinny Roads

The last thing I did before leaving Ellon, was to visit Glamis (pronounced "Glams") Castle.  it was the home of Elizabeth, The Queen Mum and was the birthplace of Princess Margaret.  It was lovely.  The rooms were beautiful and I was able to take photos - which is always a plus for me. The gift shop was also fantastic.  I really had to scoot out of there fast.  However, a few things did manage to jump into my bag....

.

By now I've driven almost 1,000 miles and getting more secure driving on the left side of skinny roads. Sometimes, nail-bittingly skinny!  After leaving Ellon, I headed down to Pitlochry.  Where the high and low lands meet.  A Highland Games was originally planned, but as COVID cases surged in Scotland, the committee made the decision to cancel.  I was disappointed, but there is always another.  That's the cool thing about this trip.  Next time is not too far away. 

But I gotta say, I had the CRAZIEST drive.  It was almost like a movie and I so wished that another pal was in the car to take photos. It started out with a 4 lane highway, but managed to come down on Highway A923 that was one of those nail-biters. One leg of the journey was actually a trail between 2 farms.  Most of these back-woods roads also had big ass farm equipment on them. With big burly, Scottish farmers! The town roads were one laners because of the parking on both sides in front of businesses.  I seriously began questioning Fiona's (the name I gave my Google Maps British gal) navigational skills.  On my way on the road, there were big trucks, cattle, sheep, squirrels, - alive & deceased, a motorcycle parade, and a marathon bicycle race.  Seriously.  There was actually a "watch out for squirrels crossing" sign on the road.  And there were literally HUNDREDS of cyclists.  Cyclists have priority on the roads so they take up a lane. Traffic becomes "queued up" waiting for clear pockets.  What a mad house!  John Kazinski should've narrated my journey it was that comical. Finally, I made it into Pitlochry.

I checked into McKay's Restaurant, Bar, & Hotel.  I would recommend it.  The cost was reasonable -about £100/night and included breakfast.  It's downtown and I had to be stealth to snag a parking spot.  But that's usual.  Always more cars than spaces - where ever you go.  

The ceiling in the pub was filled with golf clubs with. golf greats on the wall.  Which I thought was pretty unique.  But Scotland did invent golf.  And the shower was AMAZING.  so AMAZING that a made a small video to share my joy of it!

Then I went to a coffee cafe (Morton's - go there!) and met another solo traveler like me - Enid.  She was from Norfolk and had a small trailer to take on her adventures.  She was on her way home, so we weren't able to chat long.

Later on that first night I was awoke to a sing along coming from the bar.  Patrons were belting out John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Road."  Never did I thiink I would hear that coming from a bar in the middle of Scotland!

My first trip was to Scone Palace in Perth (pronounced "Scoon") and had a wonderful time on the grounds.  When I stopped at the petrol station to fill up, there was a big truck in the next pump over that was hauling a large trailer.  This vehicle was strapped to it.  Cracked me up!

I walked for hours at the palace grounds and as it turned out, quite a few of us were lost.  We kept "bumping" into each other while exploring different trails.  The thing is, the map didn't match the grounds.  And the grounds really didn't have adequate signage.  Finally I just followed a couple that looked like they had intuitive map skills (actually we ended up at the maze - which was a BIG landmark) and then I went to the car.  I was pooped.  Unfortunately, no inside photos were allowed.  But the castle has hosted the crowning of Scottish Kings for centuries and had an interesting history.

.

 

By the way, has anyone ever seen an albino peacock?  I sure had not until my palace visit.  She was beautiful.

You never know where you will meet interesting people.  I was on a quest to find a laundromat - it was time to go beyond hand washing in a bathroom sink.  The only laundromat I found in Pitlochry was TLC (tender loving care). - which was out of commission due to a broken water tank.  The owner Fiona, recommended that I go to Milton of Fonab Caravan Park and talk to Jill. So I did.  Jill sent me to the park laundry where I could queue up to wash my clothes.  There I met a wonderful retired nurse Molly, from Aberdeen.  We chatted for over an hour about our work, travels, & family.  She even shared with me that she really didn't need to do her laundry, but only wanted to give herself and her husband a break from each other.  Too much togetherness in the trailer!

After my stay in Pitlochry, I left for Fort William. The countryside was beautiful with lots of farms and rolling hills.  The town is about 5700 in population but is crowded with visitors going to the Glencoe (massacre of the McDonalds by the Campbels in late 1600s) National Nature Reserve and other local sights (Viaducts & castles).  I couldn't believe how many B&Bs there were - and they mostly had "No Vacancy" signs. It is a gorgeous area and was super crowded with hikers and visitors.

 

This is the loch in Fort William

The next day I headed to Glenfinnan Viaduct which was built in 1897.  It was made famous by appearing in the Harry Potter movies. But this guy was guarding a yard with a sign across the road that said "THIS IS NOT A TOILET!"
   

It was a pretty area and the hikers were plentiful here too.  The weather cooperated again for my walk.

So now I am in Inverness.  And on the way, is the very famous Loch Ness.  It is a HUGE lake.  Since all the best views were on the "right" and I am driving on the left, I had to turn around and come back to them.  At the parking stop, I took a couple of pics and ate my lunch.  Here's the Ness and me looking for the monster.  

Never did see him this trip.  Maybe next time......