Through the Scottish Highlands

We had not originally planned to go to the Highlands of Scotland. We had heard that the narrow roads mixed with driving on the wrong side of the road and a big American car were not a good combination.  So, in our trip planning, we did not allot a day for the Highlands.  Now I wish we would have!!  After talking to the girls about our plans, several piped up and said "you mean, we don't get to go see Loch Ness?".  So we decided to try to fit it in somehow.  The somehow came on our way to Edinburgh.  Instead of driving straight there, we looped around the other side of Scotland, up through the Highlands, and then down to Edinburgh.  It was well worth it!  What a beautiful drive, and the roads were just fine.  There was maybe a half mile stretch that was slightly terrifying to drive, but the rest was perfect!

 Driving through the Highlands...

Glen of Glencoe, where the mountains weep in rain.

We didn't go to the top of Loch Ness to Iverness, due to time constraints...but we saw the lower part near Fort Augustus.

We found a nice little spot to sit and enjoy some scenic Scottish Loch.

Finding rocks is always a highlight in our family!

 We brought supplies for a picnic next to Loch Ness, it was a true delight, and the kids loved it.

 The sun is starting to set...

So we are watching for Nessie to pop her long neck and head out of the water.  We looked and looked for a long time, but never saw her.  She was as elusive as ever.  We did spot a Sonic out in the Loch, however, so the day was not a waste!

It was a great drive!  If any of you plan to visit Scotland again, anytime soon, here is what I would do.  I would stay the night in Glasgow, and then drive the Highland loop from there, ending in Edinburgh.  I would go to Fort William, and look for the steam train used as the Hogwarts Express.  Then drive out to the Glenfinnan Viaduct.  From there I would loop up around Loch Ness to Iverness, eat lunch, and then loop down to Edinburgh.  

But I was glad we went, no matter how little time we had, it was still a great adventure!