Winding our way through the mountain, glens, along lochs and rivers I heard about the battles, the clans, and the infamous Rob Roy, all of which shaped Scotland's history. Our tour guide was funny and had an accent I could listen to for ages. So I listened. I listened as he talked about politics, agriculture and how rain makes a Scotsman happy because he knows one day it'll become whisky and how wrong Braveheart was, but why let history get in the way of a good film?
Our first stop was at Doune Castle, which Monty Python fans will recognise from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. A quick photo stop at Kilchurn Castle next before finding ourselves on the set of Downton Abbey's Scottish relatives. Inverary Castle is the very real home of the Duke of Argyll (who married into THE Cadbury family), sections of which are open to the public. I'll have you know that I braved bucketing rain with a teeny umbrella just to get you some pics from the gardens. Your welcome ;) hehe.
Now how about this for atmospheric? Loch Lamond, it was our last stop before heading home. The water was beautifully clear and not as cold as i was expecting, but still too cold for my taste, not that I was planning on a taking a dip, I was happier on the banks of the loch hiding under a tree and watch it lap against the shore.
One of the things that really stuck with me was how crisp and clean the air was. You breathe it in and you just know that up until then you have been breathing in crap. Forget the pollution of London, I could tell the difference even in Edinburgh. The other thing that stuck with me is how unspoiled everything is, there is very little development and you can go for miles with only a small cottage here and there dotting the landscape. Scotland. Simply beautiful.
I know I'm a bit odd but am I the only one who notices how a place 'smells' when travelling?
No! I love scents, aromas and smells too, as long as they're pleasant. Thank you so much for taking us along on this tour - I was in Scotland 4 years ago and I loved revisiting it. I love that fairy tale castle!!
ReplyDeleteGlad im not the only one! Its my pleasure :)
DeleteNo! I love the smells. Nothing better than traveling away from London and breathing in the fresh air!!
ReplyDeleteThey do make up the memory of a place...London and its underground, love em, but they aint exaclty roses!
DeleteI have always said that London has it's own smell, and it really does, it smells of... "Old", so you're right on target when you think different places smell different ways!!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are absolutely breathtaking!
Much love to you and I hope you have a great weekend!
Tammy x
I still remember the first time i 'smelled' London arriving at heathrow. I still cant tell you what it smells like. Probably jet fuel and fields.
DeleteThanks Tammy, I do try!
You too!