Highlands Archives - Two Feet, One World

Road Tripping the Scottish Highlands

November 3, 2015

We had two main goals for our short three day trip around the Highlands – bag a Munro (also known as, climb a mountain), and see as much of the gorgeous scenery as we could. With that in mind we planned to take most of the Friday and Sunday available to us driving to and from our destinations. And, of course, we factored in lots of time for photo stops! I can’t wait to get back to Scotland to see more of its beauty spots like the Isle of Skye and Loch Lomond, but the itinerary we came up with felt workable in three days. While we hit traffic a few times (hi, crazy roundabouts of Inverness), by and large the driving was stress-free, and we didn’t feel rushed. I’ve set out a map, plus our approximate drive times and costs below, in case you’d like to replicate our itinerary. I got lots of ideas for places to stop and photograph spots along the way from this informative Scottish National Heritage brochure.

[Read more…]

Exploring Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

October 29, 2015

Urquhart Castle, Highlands, Scotland

I can’t predict the future (sadly) but I can say with a reasonable degree of certainty that if I ever come to possess a Scottish Castle on the edge of a mysterious and beautiful loch, I probably won’t be tempted to blow it up. Amazingly, that’s exactly what the last inhabitants of Urquhart Castle did in 1692. Today, the ruins sit in splendid isolation on the side of Loch Ness, offering a glimpse into 1000 years of Scottish history.

We’d hiked Cairn Gorm in the morning and were still thirsting for more beautiful Highlands landscapes, so had decided to head north for a possible glimpse of Nessie as well as our daily castle fix. As our rental car began to wind along the slopes next to Loch Ness, I strained my eyes at every ripple – could that be her?! However, I soon gave up “Spot the Monster” in favour of simply admiring the beautiful greens, browns and blues of the landscape around us – it is a stunning drive.

Urquhart Castle, Highlands, Scotland

Soon we pulled into the car park above the castle, and opted for the informative short movie before heading down. Aside from the usher we were the only ones in the cinema, which led to no small amount of giggles. However, the movie gave us a good bit of background on the history, and ended on a high point with curtains being pulled to reveal the castle directly in front of us. We were able to picture the trebuchet in front of the castle in full swing, and imagine just how bustling the grounds in and around the now ruined walls might have been.

Urquhart Castle, Highlands, Scotland

The loch around us had barely a ripple, save those generated by passing fishing boats and launches, and with the low cloud it was an eerie scene.

Urquhart Castle, Highlands, Scotland

While there may have been a fortification on the site since Pictish times around 600AD, there has been a documented castle since at least 1200AD. Urquhart has seen a lot of military action and has passed from Scottish to English hands many times. The Clan of MacDonald frequently raided and held the castle for a time, before the English regained control. At times families were even resident in the Castle, if they were loyal to the Crown. Eventually Urquhart was damaged too badly to be worth holding. The English soldiers who had been using it as a base to fight the Jacobites left, blowing it up behind them. Oh, the waste of it!

Urquhart Castle, Highlands, Scotland

Yeah, it wasn’t warm, especially post-mountain-climbing

Urquhart Castle, Highlands, Scotland

Our intrepid explorer crew with the Loch behind us

Urquhart Castle, Highlands, Scotland

Visiting Urquhart Castle was definitely worth the long day and drive time – it was a fascinating glimpse into Scottish history. Coupled with the incredible views of Loch Ness and the eerie feel of the ruins, I could easily imagine myself back a few hundred years in time. Even with no Nessie to be seen – this time!

For more information on visiting Urquhart Castle, click here. For all my Highlands posts, click here!

Have you ever visited Loch Ness? Do you think the “monster” is out there?!

Bagging A Munro at Cairn Gorm

October 27, 2015

Cairn Gorm, Highlands, Scotland

There’s nothing quite like the adrenalin of being up high, winds buffeting your body, panoramic views on every side. From the Pinnacles in New Zealand to Preikestolen in Norway, I think I might be addicted! Unfortunately, there’s not much chance of climbing mountains near London – Primrose Hill doesn’t really cut it. So, one thing I knew I wanted to do on my long weekend in the Highlands was to climb a mountain, or bag a Munro as the locals call it.

According to the Scottish Mountaineering Club there are 282 Munros in Scotland, being a peak over 3000 feet. Of these, the best known is Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. However, we had chosen to stay in Aviemore, a little town nestled in the Cairngorms National Park, where there were Munros aplenty! After consulting Walking Highlands and the lovely lady at YHA Aviemore, we decided to tackle Cairn Gorm, a 4084 feet beauty. It’s also the sixth highest peak in the UK, an accolade I will happily boast of… even if you do drive quite a bit of the way to the start!

Highlands, Scotland

We were already in paroxysms of delight from the drive out to the mountains, as the forested road wound its way around Loch Morlich and up into the low hills. The crystal clear water of the loch and the beautiful sunshine lifted our spirits sky high and made the busy streets of London seem a million miles away.

Cairn Gorm, Highlands, Scotland

Setting out on the path to the top

As sensible Kiwis brought up on bush walks, we had backpacks filled with snacks, water and warm clothing, and pulled up to the ski lodge car park at a decent hour in the morning to make sure we had plenty of time to complete what was billed as a 5-6 hour hike. I was instantly trigger-happy on the camera, and the views only improved as we began our ascent. From teeny ice-cold streams to the stern cliff-faces high above us, the scenery was gorgeous and eye-catching in every direction.

Cairn Gorm, Highlands, Scotland

Emma and I enjoying the views

Cairn Gorm, Highlands, Scotland

We met all sorts on our journey to the top, from children and dogs to grizzled hill-climbers who eyed our brightly-coloured Nikes with a mixture of caution and derision. The small incline soon mounted and the breeze grew stiff and chilly, making us glad of our warm layers. We followed the detailed directions of the Walking Highlands website and, via a few muddy detours, gained height at a steady pace.

Cairn Gorm, Highlands, Scotland

Even a patch of snow!

It’s difficult to explain the feeling of elation as we scrambled up a steep rocky slope and stood admiring the first of our real panoramas. My heart lifted even further as I took in the beautiful blues, greens and browns of the Highlands around us. While I love a city escape, there’s nothing quite like getting out to admire nature’s beauty – and this is surely the place to do it!

Cairn Gorm, Highlands, Scotland

Me, Emma and Kate – slightly windswept!

Cairn Gorm, Highlands, Scotland

By the time we made it to the actual summit of Cairn Gorm, the clouds were starting to close in and the wind was strong. We sat in the lee of the rocks and began to plan. It had taken us far less time than advertised to make it to the top – something I’m putting down more to generous walking times than any mighty athleticism on our part! With hours of the day stretching out in front of us, we came down to two options. The first was a relaxing afternoon in Aviemore, with maybe a snooze or a short walk, followed by a pint. Or we could make the most of our rental car and time available, and head past Inverness to Loch Ness and the ruins of Urquhart Castle. As inveterate explorers, there was only ever one real option – Nessie, we’re on our way!

Cairn Gorm, Highlands, Scotland

With that decision made, we took the shorter, faster option down the mountain, heading straight down to the Ski Centre. We tried not to roll our eyes at those huffing and puffing their way up the short path to the top, and instead admired the views once again before jumping in the funicular to further speed our descent. A quick stretch and we hit the road – it was time to head North. For the afternoon’s Nessie spotting adventures at the beautiful ruins of Urquhart Castle, click here!

Have you ever bagged a Munro? Which option would you have taken – relaxing or exploring?

Linking up for Travel Tuesday with Bonnie, Lauren and Courtney

Storming Scotland’s Stirling Castle

October 24, 2015

Stirling Castle, Scotland Dreaming of blooming heather, wide open spaces and maybe a kilt sighting or three, Kate, Emma and I headed north for a long weekend in the Scottish Highlands. With two nights booked in the gorgeous small town of Aviemore we knew we wanted to bag a Munro and visit Loch Ness, but what would make a good stop-off on the drive there? A quick squiz at the map revealed Stirling was perfectly located and so a plan was born. As Stirling Castle loomed on the crag above us I was reminded of Edinburgh Castle, and we eagerly ~~stormed the castle~~ waited in line for the car-park and strolled through the castle gates. Stirling Castle, Scotland We knew a little Scottish history before visiting, but a comprehensive exhibition tracing the castle’s place in history from 1100 onwards, and the timeline of Scottish royalty brought us right up to speed. A primary Royal Residence from the 14th to 16th century, Stirling has seen battles, assassinations, coronations and intrigue. I already knew quite a bit about Mary Queen of Scots and her famous son, James IV (and I of England), but the gossip on his grandfather James II, who stabbed a rival in the castle when he refused to end a treasonous alliance, was new and fascinating. Fresh from picking up all the details about murderous Stewart kings and valiant battles against the English, we explored the castle walls and stunning panoramas over the muted but beautiful countryside. And of course, imagined ourselves as Scottish Queens! Stirling Castle, Scotland

Who needs a King?! Queens Jessi and Kate have got it covered!

The similarities to Edinburgh Castle kept coming, from the predominantly dour-coloured stone to the views. But Stirling was fascinating in its own right, and much of this had to do with the depth of thought that had been placed into the interactive activities. With thoughts of the drive ahead on our minds, we didn’t participate, but peeked in the doorways at dress-up corners, music making, and carving in wood and stone, all stationed in their own vaults below the Castle. Stirling Castle, Scotland All too swiftly it was time to hit the road again, thoroughly well-educated in preparation for the rest of our long weekend in Scotland.

I’m in #Scotland! Heading north from Stirling, this is the view of the William Wallace Tower from Stirling Castle. So beautiful!

A photo posted by Jessi (@jessi2feet1world) on Aug 21, 2015 at 7:50am PDT

For more information on visiting Stirling Castle click here. More posts on our fantastic Highlands trip coming soon, including a driving itinerary. If you liked this, check out my Edinburgh posts here Have you visited the Highlands? Where was your favourite spot? I already know I have to return for the Isle of Skye!

Copyright Notice: