The banks of Loch Lomond beckon and Ross spots Firkin Point - a reference to the betting boys - a firkin is a beer barrel that holds 40 litres. So compulsory photo stop.
Our first taste of Scotland and it's just as I imagined - bluebells everywhere, beautiful lime green forests with moss and young bracken curls, water everywhere - lakes, streams, rivers, waterfalls and water on the road. Rhododendrons flowering bright pink and purple contrast with the bluebells. Islands in the lochs covered in pines and fir trees right to the waters edge or with the odd castle or abbey in the middle of the lake. Mountains everywhere, soft and green, rocky and harsh, some still with snow on their peaks. Right to the lochs edge.
Lambs again jumping around with black faced sheep, rabbits, pheasants, ducks and geese. Even hairy ponies and highland cattle with long, sharp horns. They are huge up close.
We get to Fort William, a bit touristy but still very pretty. Our BnB overlooks Ben Nevis, still with a cover of snow and also has a canopy four poster, blue satin - Ross is just overjoyed. Lucky it's a good bed.
We head into town for tea first but nothing grabs our attention - we decide on a pie each (I know ) So as we all know, the Scottish are famous for deep fried mars bars and deep fried pizza - well you guessed it - Toni had a beautiful chicken and mushroom pie and Ross - well his came out of the freezer, into the microwave for a quick nuke and into the deep fryer to crisp up. It was all we could do not to laugh - Ross said it was surprisingly good. Hmmm I don’t know.
A hundred metres down the road from our BnB is a rail crossing and narrow bridge across the river, we explore before tea and find a ruined castle dating from 1270. The train that runs across the rails is the Jacobite from Harry Potter so the next morning we are up and ready - Met a Scottish couple at breakfast who are doing a short trek today he wore a tie to breakfast, they were really nice and we had a great chat. Then down to the river - took some pictures as the train raced towards us and then jumped in the car and drove to Glen Finnin to get another as it crossed the viaduct. (unfortunately too far away) checked out the Jacobite monument and then on our way to Inverness.
More beautiful scenery, castles, lochs and rivers, we are a bit wary of the midges, but none so far. Stop for lunch at Fort Augustus where the Caledonian Canal has half a dozen lochs with the compulsory Nessie sculpture and a piper piping.
The only thing missing is deer and just to order we come across a herd, farmed unfortunately but beautiful. Along a one lane road that runs beside Loch Ness - but no sightings to report.
Into Inverness, book in and indulge in an afternoon nap followed by a wander around the town. Spot the usual river and castle combo and churches and cathedrals and home for an early night. What a brilliant couple of days.
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