The early risers were richly rewarded with a lovely sunrise over Fort Augustus and Loch Ness, the golden sunrays warming the highland landscape. During breakfast, Lord of the Glens made her way down the locks to Loch Ness. The rest of the morning was spent in the lounge and on the open decks soaking in the lovely weather and scenery.
Unfortunately, there were no sightings of Nessie; however, we did get some close-up views of the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle. What a checkered history it had!
After lunch we headed for Culloden Moor, the site of the last pitched battle on British soil. Our guide brought to life not only the run-up to the battle, but the battle itself, and most harrowingly, the terrible aftermath known as “The Highland Clearances.”
We then proceeded to the Bronze Age site of Clava Cairns, with its impressive collection of standing stones, kerb cairns and ring cairns, situated in a lovely wood. Several of us tried to travel back in time by hugging and touching the famous standing stone, but none of us were successful.
Our great adventure in Scotland ended with a lovely display of Highland dancing after our farewell dinner.
