September Scotland Tour - Day 4 - Glen Nevis to Ballater

Today's route takes us from Glen Nevis Hostel, Fort William to Ballater in the Cairngorms. We'll be driving via Fort Augustus then along the east side of Loch Ness past Foyers. Further onto Dores then along the country roads past Torness and Tombreck onto the A9 to Carrbridge and Speybridge. From there we'll take the scenic, winding A939 through the Cairngorms to Ballater passing Tomintoul and Corgarff. No doubt there will be lots of stops for picture, weather permitting.

10:00 am. On the road. The rain has stopped all of a sudden and the sun is breaking through. Making a quick stop on the A82 half way between Fort William and Spean Bridge to take pictures.

Scenic Scottish Highland Landscape.

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September Scotland Tour - Day 3 - Edinburgh to Fort William

7:45 am. Enjoying a coffee on the courtyard terrace at Hotel Missoni, Edinburgh. Planning the day ahead. Cid and me will be touring Scotland for a few days. We'll be going through Glen Coe passing Stirling, Callander and Crianlarich. Finding a place to stay for the night in the Fort William area.

Hotel Missoni, Courtyard.

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Scotland Tour Day 6 - Torridon to Loch Ness

Today's route takes me from Torridon to Invermorriston on Loch Ness via Applecross Peninsula, over the Bealach na Ba pass, Loch Carron and Eilean Donnan Castle.

Big day today. Applecross day! I've been looking forward to seeing Applecross (map) with it's stunning scenery and views across the outer Hebrides. The weather is perfect. For taking pictures at least. Grey moody sky and a slight drizzle.

View from my hostel in Torridon. Having coffee.

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Scotland Tour Day 4 - Nethy Bridge to Inchnadamph

6.00 am. Lazy Duck Hostel, Nethy Bridge, Cairgorms, Highlands, Scotland

Tip toeing through the kitchen trying to find the kettle. Must not wake up the others who are still sound asleep... as kitchen, lounge and bedrooms aren't separated by proper walls... and sound travels through the whole lodge... I try and be as quiet as I can. And you know what that is like... it never works... the more you try to be quiet the more things you drop and bump into.
Can't find an electric kettle so I thought I try the microwave to boil water for my morning coffee. As soon I switched it on I realized that it was one of those fancy ones with millions of settings (not just a knob for setting the time). It reminded me that I had not selected what type of food I'm cooking and for how long and god knows what else by beeping loudly. When making my selection pushing allsorts of buttons it responded with beeps too every time you pressed one. So I gave up on that idea and reverted to my last resort, the good old fashioned water kettle on the gas hob. All went well, and quiet, until the water started to boil.

So dear cohabitants, walker's couple and Ben Howard band members, India and sisters and boyfriend: I am very sorry for waking you up at 6am on the only day you've had off in months. I sincerely apologize.

Left the hostel at 8.00 am.. by then I think almost everyone was up. I wonder why.

View from the Lazy Duck Hostel, Nethy Bridge, Cairngorms, Scotland.

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Scotland Tour Day 3 - Spittal of Glenshee to Nethy Bridge

Day 3 of my road trip through the Scottish Highlands... today is castle day. Braemar, Balmoral and Corgarff.

8.00 am. Had a great night sleep in the Eagle Room at Gulabin Lodge, Spittal of Glenshee (map). It's so quiet... and so cold.

The lodge is great. Rustic highland charm. Two very cosy lounges, great kitchen and dining room. Felt very much at home.
Had another nice conversation with Steve, whom I've met the night before. There he is... ready for a day biking and walking through the Cairngorms.

Steve at Gulabin Lodge

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