It’s really hard to get back into the Scottish mindset, as I sit writing this from the table in our campsite in Crete. The temperatures have been in the mid to high thirties all week, & we’ve been spending most of our time barefoot clad only in bathers – lounging by the pool, swimming in the ocean or paddling beneath ancient Phoenician ruins.
Too quickly holiday memories are replaced by the next thing – whether it’s going back to a daily grind of sorts or another leg of holiday journey.
However, it takes just a few moments perusing the photos of the 3 weeks we spent in Scotland to bring back vividly some of the amazing experiences we shared together. The western half of the country, including the Isles, is magical – often people say they don’t quite know what it is about Scotland, there is just “something” about it, a majesty, a wildness, a sombre serenity of ages, that leaves a deep impression on you.
There were (literally) hundreds of photos taken between the 5 of us but with an effort, here is a selection of some of the most beautiful places, the most candid shots, & the warmest memories.
Out & about near Fort William, walking in the beautiful Glen Coe.
On the three-wire crossing.
The sunshine, setting & Scottish highlands went to our heads – time for a swim!
Refreshing? Yes. Relaxing? No!!
The super-human scale of Glen Etive.
Ian Fleming buffs – scenes from the last 007 were shot here.
Planning on using this for our album cover.
Glacial valleys are characteristically U-shaped.
On our way to the Knoydart Peninsular, and the remotest pub in all of Scotland!!
Home Sweet Home – The Stone Barn, Knoydart Peninsular.
Welcome dinner at The Stone Barn.
Off to the Old Forge Pub, of aforementioned remoteness.
I hope the langoustines are on tonight…
It’s important to make eye contact when you are cheers-ing.
Happy 30th Birthday, Kendall!! Guess what – langoustines were on!!
The Lost Loch of Knoydart.
Trying to capture the essence of “Scottish light” – a phenomenon that is hard to explain, better to be experienced.
Isle of Skye – Kilt Rock in the distance.
The Quiraing (‘ky-rang’) on the Isle of Skye.
Intrepid hikers we are (not) – appropriate footwear should be worn!!
But never let your shoes stop you from going where you want to go.
6km down the track is too far to turn around, so we pressed on. Nothing gets between Nel & a summit!!
Introducing the sport of stand-up paddleboarding to the Isle of Skye. Now, if we could just get to the water…
Ahhh. There we go. Access through the seaweed, in search of the locals that are rumoured to hang out in these parts.
Friendly (albeit a bit wary) locals they were!! Paddling with the seals.
Uuuhh, make that paddling with seals beneath castles – talk about perfectly Scottish!!
The village had not seen this sight before.
And now for the real reason we were all in Scotland!
Dad is wondering if he can jimmy the door of the warehouse.
Hairy coo. Enough said.
Driving the far northwest coast brings you to many a gorgeous little village.
The northwest also gives you many a gorgeous seaview.
What we did not expect of the northwest was white sands & turquoise waters!! Don’t be fooled, this water was colder than Glen Etive!
The setting was enough to encourage Rock onto a paddleboard.
Nothing like a little bit of inter-dad rivalry to keep the holidays exciting!
Just past Durness, there is a cave, and they call it Smoo.
Back to the very serious business of whisky, at Highland Park, The Orkneys.
Copper stills at Highland Park, where the magic happens.
Pilgrims.
There’s more to Orkney than single malt. Here at Skara Brae, just a ruined village, just happens to be 5000 years old.
Humans, 5000 years ago, built a mantlepiece in their stone-walled hut. I still cannot believe it, even after seeing it with my own eyes.
Things get a little more ambiguous when you come to standing stones, so you might as well take some fun photos & forget the big “why are they here?” question!
Although, it does make you wonder. This is the Ring of Brodgar.
These are the Standing Stones of Stenness. And, umm, another Rock…
They are MASSIVE.
Just for a bit of context on the massive-ness.
And this is what you get when you visit Scotland in June – almost the summer soltice, & this photo was taken at 3:45am!
littleredtreefrog 