On Wednesday morning 8.30 I finished work for the summer. So after a few hours sleep I set off for a couple of days with some friends in Scotland. Having arrived at the station early I settled down with a coffee and listening to an audio book on my phone so wasn’t really listening to the announcements a train came in and I heard the name Edinburgh said. Edinburgh was also written on the side of the train so I got on found my seat number then sat down. As the train pulled away I looked at my phone and wondered why the train was pulling out 10 minutes early, about 5 minutes after that I found out. Yes I was on the wrong train the ticket collector told me. At least this train was also going to Edinburgh and the ticket guy said to stay quiet about it so I didn’t have to buy a fresh ticket. Despite this shaky start had a very pleasant journey up laid back listening to the soundtrack of the Clockwork Orange, and looking at some of the best scenery in country. What more can a girl ask for.
On arriving in Edinburgh I was collect by Sid and taken over to Walter’s. Sid went back home to get some sleep and we were joined by Susan and after a natter over a dram we all retired to prepare for an early start.
Very early the next morning we were up and ready, Ionwan and pouch arrived first and we packed up the car then Sid made a brief appearance and as he wasn't feeling to he had to drop out. Walter bravely took over the driving and off we went. The famous five Walter, Susan, Ionwen and Buggod (I not sure of how to spell pouch’s name)
First stop Loch Lubniag, The water in this part of the loch is really still and like a mirror but not much further down it is not as smooth.
This Loch seems to be a popular place with fishermen as there were a few tents about and lots of rods lined up on the shore. No people they must have been still asleep.
Onwards then stopping at Tyndrum for a coffee and bacon roll. Good value for money can recommend the bacon roll, £2.50 stuffed with 4 rashers of bacon. Everyone fed and watered it was back on the road again.
Heading up through Glen Coe towards Fort William stopping 
The drive through the mountains was incredible with Buachille Etvive Mor looming up as we passed looking more dramatic due to the cloud covering. All though when we stopped to take photos I seemed to concentrate on the pass ahead and a wild flower (Rosebay Willow Herb) They have recently become a bit of an obsession and feature alot in photo’s on this trip. We drove on in the hopes the clouds would lift the further north we went. We did stop again at the meeting of the waters although not much water in the falls,when we got back Walter showed us some photo’s he took not too long before when the falls had a lot more water in them.
We stopped this time at Spean Bridge,stopped to give the dog a bit of a walk and to stretch our legs.
Then went went to Eilean Doonan or Eileen Donnon or Eric Doorman or what ever we decided to call it, this came about as Walter once miss spelt it and so we gave it a different name each time we mentioned it. Any way we stopped to take photos its such a picturesque place even I couldn’t fail to get a shot.
or two
This was the last stop we made before reaching the Skye bridge. Going over there was a road sign “ Please tell your passengers to belt up” unfortunately I wasn't quick enough to get a photo of it and I think Walter decided that obeying it with three females ( four including the dog but she only understands welsh) in the car perhaps wouldn’t have been the wisest decision.
The drive from the Bridge to Sligachan was breath taking. Looking at the Red Cuillins untill the Black Cuillins finally came in sight. We stayed at Sligachan near the bridge and had a picnic and spent some time just looking around and taking photo’s. I can’t remember the last time I was up in that area but it was certainly more than 25 years ago and being there brought back lots of good memories.
A view of the Red Cuillins
The Black Cuillins
Then it was time to set off back we stopped again at Eilean Doonan this time the light had changed. So got a shot from another angle
And then another shooting into the light from the other side.
The clouds were beginning to close in again on the way back and it started to rain on and off so wasn’t surprised to see lots of rainbows. This next was one of the complete ones we saw.
Despite this rain and incoming cloud we were able to see the Pap of Glen Coe which was covered with cloud on the way up.
The Rose bay willow herb puts in an appearance again.
After retracing our steps through Glen Coe we stopped on the way back for fish and chips in Callander. Yumm although I regretted the mushy peas the next day, enough said. We arrived back in Livingston around 11pm tired but happy after a grand day out. Thanks again Walter, Susan and Ionwen for a smashing day.
The full album is here
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