June 28, 2013–Skye Island and back to Edinburgh

We  departed Broadford, Skye Island in a light drizzle called “Scottish Liquid Sunshine” by our driver. The first stop was Eilean Donan Castle which sits on a lovely point into the body of water outside Dornie, Scotland. An interesting history of the castle is that is was destroyed by the English during the Bonnie Prince Charlie era and was a ruin for many years. It’s owner had it rebuilt in the 15th century and ordered that it be built as nearly as practicable to the original castle. A few years after the castle was rebuilt, the original plans were discovered nearby and, amazingly, the castle looked almost exactly like the original.

Above, out amazing group of new friends and traveling companions. The countries represented are USA, Germany, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and Switzerland.

Had to take the photo above with the toilet sign pointing at the Eilean Donan Castle.

Below, more amazing Scottish Highlands scenery on our way to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain.

We arrive at the base of Ben Nevis and find the memorial to the British Commandos. During World War II, Churchill determined that the army needed a new kind of fighting force and selected a group of men to be called “Commandos” who would be cross trained as infantrymen, explosive experts, paratroopers and weapons experts. They were the forerunners to todays Green Berets, Navy Seals and similar units. They trained in this area of mountains, valleys and rivers, and were parachuted into the continent to fight a guerilla warfare and to destroy as much infrastructure as possible that was needed by the German Army prior to the invasion. The statue represents all those men and faces Ben Nevis Mountain.

Above, individual markers of members of the Commando unit who have passed away and a haunting picture of the memorial in the mist. Below, a few more pictures of the Highland countryside.

We arrive at Glencoe Valley which contains a very sad memorial. It is a tradition in the Scottish Highlands because of the severe weather to offer sanctuary to any traveler in need be they friend or foe. There is to be an armistice for the night or until the foul weather passes because some day you may be traveling and need the same. In this valley, more than 70 members of the MacDonald Clan were massacred by the English after the English has asked for refuge. On the third day, the English awoke during the night and began to systematically massacre all the MacDonalds. An alarm was sounded and many were able to escape into the hills. Glencoe is now one of the most serene and beautiful places we have ever seen.

Our great travel bus.

The West Highland Way passes through this valley as well as the valley of Glencoe. The trail is a 96.7 mile hiking trail that runs from just outside Glasgow to Ft Williams near Loch Ness. It is not a particularly difficult trail since it runs mainly through the valleys and over some reasonably low passes, but it does require endurance and sleeping outside in the cold, wet and rainy Scottish Highlands. There were a lot of hikers of the trail and many people have completed it.

The ridge in this picture you can see some of the West Highland Way

 The “Green Welly” is a great stop to eat on the West Highland Way.

Above and below, we stop to visit the famous “Hamish.” Hamish is a Highland Coo (not cow, coo) who was owned by an 8 year old girl. Hamish was exactly 30 months old when hoof and mouth disease infected cattle in the British Isles. It was ordered that all cattle over 30 months old must be euthanized. The young girl begged that Hamish be spared. The officials relented on condition that he be put into a pin and not allowed to come into contact with any other cattle for 5 years. The pen was regularly inspected to make sure of no contact. The girl fulfilled the requirement and Hamish is now 18 years old and has become a tourist attraction at this stop in the Highlands. He has become a poppa and has some companions. Hamish is the one with the longest horns.

Dinner time for Hamish and his friends.

Below, the story of Hamish and the history of the Highland Cattle known as “Hairy Coos.”

We felt sorry for the cows with the long hair until we read that it actually keeps them warm in the winter as they have just a then layer of fat and they lose most of it in the summer.  The hair covering their eyes protects them from the rain, sun and flies. 

Our distance expands on the map.

Great name for a hardware store, “Screw It.”

We arrive at Stirling Castle, one of the most important castles built by the English. It sits on the narrowest point of Scotland just below the Highlands. It is said, “If you control Stirling Castle, you control Scotland.”

Stirling Castle in Stirling, Scotland.

Below, we arrive at the William Wallace Memorial. The Wallace legend is actually much larger than its deserved place in Scottish history. The legend was much enhanced by the movie, “Braveheart,” but it did bring some recognition to long neglected Scottish history which includes Rob Roy, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and Robert Bruce all of whom played a more prominent roll than did William Wallace. But, enough of that, just enjoy the monument and the recognition.

Back in Edinburgh and a farewell party at the Black Bull Pub.

Sadly, we have to say so long to all our new found friends from around the world. Thanks to Facebook, however, we can still keep track of one another’s lives.

Back again in Edinburgh to recover for our next venture.