[Itinerary Page]The Daily Diary of a Wandering Restaurateur
Castles R Us
We left
Inverness this morning with only a vague idea of where we would spend the night. All we knew
for sure is that we wanted to see Castle Eilean Donan on the western edge of the country. Since
it was near the new bridge to the Isle of Skye (and since Isle of Skye had a really cool sound
to it!) we were thinking we would spend a night or two there before turning south for Edinburgh
and the flight home on Sunday morning.
So we headed south along Loch Ness, always with an eye out and a camera ready. Nobody can prove -- or disprove -- the Loch Ness Monster, but the legend is a cottage industry in itself. The day started off sunny but turned to rain as we passed the ruins of Urquahart Castle about halfway down the loch. An hour or so later as we got closer to Kyle of Lochalsh, Eilean Donan emerged from the mist.
I think castles like this have their most impact on gray rainy days -- it seems to fit better with the brooding look of them. This particular slice of heaven dates from the early 13th century ... but it is not nearly as old as it looks. The link below will reveal all.
We didn't make lodging reservations for the next four days, figuring we would just play it by ear and go where the mood struck us. The Isle of Skye option first came to mind because I anticipated much longer travel times between major destinations. The more we thought about it, the less excited we were about daily packing and unpacking so decided just to head to the Fort William area, find a place for four days and base out of there.
We found Fort William and we found a place ... but three days seems to be the best anyone could do. Turns out we are coming up on the Easter weekend. Combined with spring break for the schools and we are facing a major travel period (and a corresponding high demand for rooms).
We'll figure it out tomorrow.
© 2009 Restaurant Doctor