Saturday morning we rose early to grab breakfast in the hostel. The tour started less than a block from our hostel so it was a quick jaunt over and we hopped on. Our tour lasted 10 hours and took us through the west highlands, various lochs (lakes) and many castles. I have pasted the companies information about the tour because there were so many places we stopped! Because their version is boring, I have added my own commentary. :)
"From Edinburgh we travel west, passing the historic and imposing Stirling Castle, high on its volcanic rock, and on to a visit at the magnificent Doune Castle (which featured in the cult movie ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’). (It was kinda boring because it is broken but it was still cool). From there we drive into the Highlands, past the lovely Loch Lubnaig (where we got to stop and take beautiful pictures!!!) and up through impressive Glen Ogle, stopping nearby for lunch and beautiful views of the surrounding scenery. (In the morning we also stopped and got to see some cows, grab tea/lunch, and enjoy the view).
After lunch we drive further into the Highlands, stopping to view one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, Kilchurn Castle, jutting into beautiful Loch Awe and stunningly framed by the surrounding mountains. (The castle was quite iconic looking).Then it’s on toInveraray, a quaint small town built in the mid-18th century, on the shore of Loch Fyne. Explore the town and pick up some Highland souvenirs, or pay an optional visit to Inveraray Castle (April to October only), the historic home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell, which is set in large beautiful gardens overlooking Loch Fyne. (We went into the castle and took a free tour which provided a great introduction to the castle). We now start our homeward journey, driving over the Arrochar Alps, an attractive range of mountains, with a brief pause near the top of theRest and Be Thankful Pass. A little later we reach enchanting Loch Lomond, where we stop at the pretty lochside village of Luss (tiny little tourist town) before returning to Edinburgh."
So, our tour was approximately the same, with some additional stops. The entire ride was beautiful and the bus ride was really enjoyable. Our tour guide was this ridiculous man who made stereotypes about every nationality, mocked people, and played Scottish music. He provided much entertainment and when he was not talking, Eleanor and I took in the views and chatted about all of the movies that have been and could be filmed here. I have included a few pictures below, but they really do not do the place justice. It was incredible view after incredible view. We would turn a corner, go down a hill, or emerge from the trees to see a breath taking view.
Eleanor and I felt very thankful that we picked this tour instead of the one to Loch Ness because the road to Loch Ness closed (and we did not have to deal with crazy people who actually wanted to see the Loch Ness monster, but that is a whole other story). The thing about the highlands is that there is only one road to get places and thus, a car crash will take out a road for a minimum of 4 hours. The result was lots of diverted tours and some congestion on the road but our road going in the opposite direction was unaffected.
After the tour we were quite hungry so we set off in search of food. Unfortunately the place we wanted to eat at was closed (apparently it is only open M-F 11-4), so we did what any sensible person would have done, we went to the same Indian place we had been to the prior evening. This time I got chicken sauce on rice and a chicken samosa. It was really filling and I was barely able to finish it! Afterwards, Eleanor and I went to a pub and enjoyed lots of entertaining people watching.
So, our tour was approximately the same, with some additional stops. The entire ride was beautiful and the bus ride was really enjoyable. Our tour guide was this ridiculous man who made stereotypes about every nationality, mocked people, and played Scottish music. He provided much entertainment and when he was not talking, Eleanor and I took in the views and chatted about all of the movies that have been and could be filmed here. I have included a few pictures below, but they really do not do the place justice. It was incredible view after incredible view. We would turn a corner, go down a hill, or emerge from the trees to see a breath taking view.
Eleanor and I felt very thankful that we picked this tour instead of the one to Loch Ness because the road to Loch Ness closed (and we did not have to deal with crazy people who actually wanted to see the Loch Ness monster, but that is a whole other story). The thing about the highlands is that there is only one road to get places and thus, a car crash will take out a road for a minimum of 4 hours. The result was lots of diverted tours and some congestion on the road but our road going in the opposite direction was unaffected.
After the tour we were quite hungry so we set off in search of food. Unfortunately the place we wanted to eat at was closed (apparently it is only open M-F 11-4), so we did what any sensible person would have done, we went to the same Indian place we had been to the prior evening. This time I got chicken sauce on rice and a chicken samosa. It was really filling and I was barely able to finish it! Afterwards, Eleanor and I went to a pub and enjoyed lots of entertaining people watching.