Well, here's a thing. It's my birthday in early March and I've always wanted to visit Lewis & Harris so.....
Cottage and ferry booked with a stop on Skye built in. Top it off with a change of car making an exciting few days.
Saturday, February 24th and we're off. First stop, Perth to switch cars.
Day one drive
A semi traumatic handover and we hit the road at 11:30 in our new (second hand) Skoda, a bit later than planned but it was a beautiful day for a drive. Took a little while to get used to the car but we both loved it and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. We headed up the A9.
We headed up the A9 as far as the Dalwhinnie turn off then took the A889 to Dalwhinnie, then off towards Laggan and the A86. Now that's a road! If you've forgotten how beautiful Scotland is, drive that road, the mountains, lochs and scenery are stunning. Most of us have driven up and down the A9 often enough to know it well by now but the views change constantly and with a dusting of snow on those hills!
By the way, if you'd like to see my bird photos while we were there, pop over here
When you turn off towards Laggan, there's a whole new batch to be seen.
We didn't stop on the road until Sean Bridge and didn't take any more photos, mainly because it's a pretty windy road and needs both of our attentions lol
The road passes the Monarch of the Glen castle, for those that remember it.
We stopped at the Bridge Cafe in Spean Bridge for a driver change and a snack before heading on past the Commando Monument and up to Invergarry and the turning off towards Eilean Donan castle, the Kyle of Lochalsh and the Skye Bridge. Yet another epic, stunning drive through amazing mountains.
Turns out that the last time we stopped at Eilean Donan was in 2007 on a trip to Skye!
We made fairly good time and were in Portree and checked in to our hotel with plenty of time for a wander to find somewhere to eat.
We ended up choosing the Merchant Bar, which didn't serve food but, we had a great night. Scotland beat England in the rugby and we all cheered and roared over a couple of drinks.
We were both pretty whackit so had an early night.
Sunday 25th I was up and about fairly early, you never know what you might see right?
06:55 in Portree harbour
Shalimar being readied for sea
The Cuillins from Portree harbour
I was the only person around for quite a while
New Dawn in Portree harbour
I absolutely love the changes in light and colours in a sunrise
Shades of sunrise
As the sun rose, the sky around the Cuillins and the mountains themselves took on a lovely glow.
Pink Cuillins
Sailing
Portree has a pretty picturesque harbour
I eventually wandered back up the steep steps onto the main road level and headed towards the headland on the South side
Above the harbour
There's a muddy path leads around the headland, overlooking the harbour and up to the Lump, great views to be had up there.
Footpath up to the Lump
You can see clear over to the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr from here.
Love the older buildings and their design
I looped around the Lump and headed back to the hotel for breakfast, a shower and out again.
