Inverewe Gardens, Plockton & Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
Our first day on board the Lord of the Glens was warm, sparkling and glorious. Shortly after a hearty Scottish breakfast some of us chose the option to take the coach through the stunning scenery of Wester Ross and north to the internationally accredited Inverewe Gardens. These flourishing gardens and woodlands of native and exotic plants, shrubs and trees were the passion of their creator Osgood Mackenzie who spent the latter part of his life, from the late 19th century into the early 20th century, creating this botanical spectacle on the otherwise sparse and craggy native hillsides. The area is a maze of pathways and ponds leading through bamboo gardens, large vegetable plots, shade-giving trees from all over the world and all now maintained for the nation by the National Trust for Scotland.
Those who chose the other tour option – the village of Plockton and the castle at Eilean Donan – also enjoyed bright sunshine and warm temperatures. The first stop at the little village of Plockton, tucked safely away in a very sheltered and picturesque bay, was a real delight. The small houses that line the winding and twisting waterfront give a charm to the village which retains its Victorian style despite becoming one of the most desirable places to live in the UK because of its natural beauty. From there it is a short drive to perhaps the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan. Sitting on a little island (Eilean Donan means Donan’s Island) and connected to the mainland by a short but sturdy stone bridge, the solid and impressive castle sits at the head of the glistening sea-loch, basking in its own beauty and importance. As well as appearing on countless postcards and calendars each year it has also been the setting for several major movies thanks to its photogenic appeal as the quintessential Scottish castle.
By late afternoon both tour parties were back on board and we cast off to start the cruising part of our expedition. Captain Neil took us the short distance west to sail under the famous, and controversial, Skye Bridge, before turning 180 degrees and heading though the narrow waters of Kylerhea, separating Skye from the mainland, and on to the remote village of Inverie, accessible only by boat, the nearest road being some sixteen miles away. Here we spent the evening alongside the several small houses that compose the village. The warm weather was still holding and the evening was still clear as after dinner we strolled ashore in this tiny community that even most Scots will never have the opportunity to visit. All in all, it was a most enjoyable and encouraging start to our Highland Odyssey.
Our first day on board the Lord of the Glens was warm, sparkling and glorious. Shortly after a hearty Scottish breakfast some of us chose the option to take the coach through the stunning scenery of Wester Ross and north to the internationally accredited Inverewe Gardens. These flourishing gardens and woodlands of native and exotic plants, shrubs and trees were the passion of their creator Osgood Mackenzie who spent the latter part of his life, from the late 19th century into the early 20th century, creating this botanical spectacle on the otherwise sparse and craggy native hillsides. The area is a maze of pathways and ponds leading through bamboo gardens, large vegetable plots, shade-giving trees from all over the world and all now maintained for the nation by the National Trust for Scotland.
Those who chose the other tour option – the village of Plockton and the castle at Eilean Donan – also enjoyed bright sunshine and warm temperatures. The first stop at the little village of Plockton, tucked safely away in a very sheltered and picturesque bay, was a real delight. The small houses that line the winding and twisting waterfront give a charm to the village which retains its Victorian style despite becoming one of the most desirable places to live in the UK because of its natural beauty. From there it is a short drive to perhaps the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan. Sitting on a little island (Eilean Donan means Donan’s Island) and connected to the mainland by a short but sturdy stone bridge, the solid and impressive castle sits at the head of the glistening sea-loch, basking in its own beauty and importance. As well as appearing on countless postcards and calendars each year it has also been the setting for several major movies thanks to its photogenic appeal as the quintessential Scottish castle.
By late afternoon both tour parties were back on board and we cast off to start the cruising part of our expedition. Captain Neil took us the short distance west to sail under the famous, and controversial, Skye Bridge, before turning 180 degrees and heading though the narrow waters of Kylerhea, separating Skye from the mainland, and on to the remote village of Inverie, accessible only by boat, the nearest road being some sixteen miles away. Here we spent the evening alongside the several small houses that compose the village. The warm weather was still holding and the evening was still clear as after dinner we strolled ashore in this tiny community that even most Scots will never have the opportunity to visit. All in all, it was a most enjoyable and encouraging start to our Highland Odyssey.
