Day 3: Highlands, Streams, Ben Nevis, William Wallace

It felt too soon to be heading back.  We just arrived!

We were a quiet bunch on the ride back over the bridge into the Highlands again.

20160722_093906

The awe of the mountains kept me on the edge of my seat.  I felt that every kilometer back was like waking up slowly from an amazing dream.

We even passed a loch, that looks like the map of Scotland.

20160722_100946

Spean Bridge

Our first stop for the day was Spean Bridge.  Time for some coffee, a toilet break, and a chance to stretch our legs.

20160722_105004

20160722_105549 20160722_105630 20160722_105927 20160722_111128

Inverlochy Castle

This was the next stop.  So close to Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain of the highlands, is the scenic ruins of Inverlochy Castle.

20160722_113038

It was another chance to stretch our legs, sip our coffee, and wander ’round the ruins of the castle.

20160722_11311220160722_113336 20160722_113930

Fort William

We sped through Fort William, but it looks like another town I would definitely like to come back to.

20160722_115204

Ballachulish

It was time to stop for lunch, so we pulled up at the Ballachulish Tourist Information Centre on the banks of Loch Leven.

20160722_124822

There was a Co-op there so we could grab another salad, and there were picnic tables so we could eat outside.

20160722_125015

We were so lucky not to have any rain on this journey.

Aonach Eagach Ridge

20160722_131656

After lunch, we headed in between the Highland Mountains, back towards Edinburgh, and we made a very cool stop at a small climbing point.

20160722_131703

I decided to see what I could do and how far I could climb.  It was time to go up.  I truly felt like an explorer!

20160722_132424

And yes, Akkriti climbed the hill in heels!

20160722_133256

So after our little hill climb, we sped through phenomenal scenery.  Once again it felt very “Lord of the Rings”

20160722_135256

Bridge from Harry Potter

Yes, the trip wouldn’t be complete without another movie scene.  Recognise this bridge from Harry Potter?

20160722_143349

Bus Music Highlight


20160722_142815

The music was a little hit and miss throughout the journey.  But finally the music hit! The Scottish song I was waiting for! 😉

We even got a surprise visitor in the back seat!

Trossachs Woollen Mill

Our next stop, was to meet a couple of highland cows – Black Hamish and Honey.  They were so dopey and cute.

20160722_145902

20160722_150020 20160722_150102

And it was a chance to grab another coffee!

The National Wallace Monument

freedom-braveheart“Every man dies, but not every man really lives” – William Wallace

20160722_155143

The Scots have a lot of time for William Wallace, and the monument at Stirling is evidence of that.  Mel Gibson may not have best represented Wallace physically (the real Wallace was way over 6 foot tall) but he definitely represented his passion and spirit.

20160722_161047

The monument was actually built on the location where Wallace would keep his vantage point, and even win at the battle of Stirling.

20160722_160952

It was brilliant to walk up the hill and enjoy the view (only 10 mins or so).

Then you could pay to go inside the small museum and see Wallace’s sword…

20160722_161139

Or, you could just lie on the grass and watch the clouds pass by, like Akkriti and I did…

20160722_161339

Farewell Stirling…

20160722_161923

The Kelpies

Racing back to Edinburgh, we dashed past the world’s largest equine sculptures.

20160722_165322

Back in Edinburgh

Well, with rain falling for the start, and rain falling for the end, the Macbackpackers journey was over.

We all had such a good time, and I met so many amazing people, and was so lucky to make new friends, who I am sure I will see again.

We caught up later that night in a pub for some drinks, singing and a dance.

20160722_220502

I will miss everybody and keep this trip close to my heart.  The scenery was breathtaking, but the people on the bus REALLY made the experience the best!

20160722_214348

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *