Oban harbour front

Oban harbour front, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

Oban is the main ferry terminal for the Scottish islands. There's nothing particularly special about it, but since today is the third time I've been here I think it's earned a photo.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Glenfinnan Viaduct, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

This is my poor attempt at the 'Harry Potter viaduct' picture. Maybe you should just go and watch the film.

Jacobite Steam Train

Jacobite Steam Train, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

Heading to Skye today. Decided to splash out and take the steam train and ferry rather than the bus. Apparently it's 'one of the most spectacular and memorable rail journeys in the world'. At this price it'd better be.

Which season are we in?

Which season are we in?, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

The top of Ben Nevis - and yes, it really is still covered in snow!

From the biggest city to the biggest mountain

Wow. Yesterday I finished the West Highland Way, a 95 mile trek from Scotland's biggest city, Glasgow, to its biggest mountain, Ben Nevis. Because I'm a glutton for punishment, today I'm going to climb Ben Nevis as well! As the highest point in Britain, 1344m might not seem impressive to those of you from hillier parts of the world, but given that you have to climb it from sea level (yes, actual sea level - 0m), it presents quite a challenge to tired legs.

I can highly recommend the West Highland Way as a fascinating, but not too strenuous, introduction to the Scottish landscape. If you ever fancy exploring Scotland on foot and you have a pair of sturdy boots to walk in and a week to spare, this is where I would recommend you come. There is every type of scenery to see and lots of other Wayfarers to meet, with the occasional scary feeling of remoteness thrown in. Yesterday this was spoiled slightly by the presence of about 500 people walking (or running) the so-called Caledonian Challenge - a 56 mile trek in 24 hours (!) from the top of the West Highland Way to tip of Loch Lomond. And I thought 20 miles a day was tough!

Buachaille Etive Mor

Buachaille Etive Mor, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

Anyone fancy climbing this? It'd probably be easier than pronouncing it.

Rannoch Moor

Rannoch Moor, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

One of the best things about the West Highland Way is how the scenery changes dramatically each. The first day was gentle pasture land, the second a beautiful loch, the third lush green valleys. Today the landscape is distinctly more barren and remote. This is Rannoch Moor, the largest moor (ok, ok, I know) in Britain.

Ben More

Ben More, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

These pictures are slightly misleading, in that they give the impression that I'm the only human being here. Actually the West Highland Way is busy with backpackers, of all different nationalities and ages. You find yourself meeting the same people as you pass and re-pass each other. Having said that, I've had a room to myself every night so far, which is ok after the packed dorms of the city hostels. Ben More is the name of the mountain by the way.

Glen Falloch

Glen Falloch, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

Leaving Loch Lomond behind, another fine day heralds yet more spectacular views.

A view to remember

A view to remember, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

The end of Loch Lomond and nearing the end of a 20 mile walk. All I have to do is descend to the lakeside and raise a flag to summon the ferry to my night's accommodation. A fitting end to one of the finest day's walking I think I can remember.

Cloud free mountains

Cloud free mountains, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

As the title of this post suggests, I have found this to be a rare sight in Scotland. But not any more - may I present the first unfettered view of highland country this blog has to offer.

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

Another, much bigger loch, this one Loch Lomond, the largest body of fresh water in Britain at 18 miles long - and I'm walking the entire length of it today! There aren't too many other people about as yet, but then I do get up very early in the morning.

Update at Pitlochry

Well, hello there. I apologise for this blog being a bit of a mess recently. I've been out of internet access for about a week so updating has been tricky. Contrary to the header's claims, I am not still in the Orkney islands. In fact, I'm halfway down Scotland in the town of Pitlochry. I'm a little sore from having walked 50-odd miles across the Cairngorms in 2 days, but having just left the highlands I've finally got some city-life to look forward to instead!

Over the next couple of days I'll try and tidy the site up, update the pictures and map etc, and reply to some comments.

Pitlochry

Pitlochry, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

A nice little town nestled in the southern Cairngorms. The youth hostel here was very gratefully received, despite my room being packed. Many thanks to the girl on duty who let me stay up until midnight doing laundry.

Glen Tilt 2

Glen Tilt 2, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

Thought you needed another view of this to make you jealous.

Glen Tilt

Glen Tilt, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

Finally a sunny day! And to boot, a proper lush Scottish glen to enjoy it in. Today will be my last in the Highlands - the next venture is the Lowlands and civilisation again. But what a day to finish on.

Loch in the mist

Loch in the mist, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

Another grey day. The hostel weather forecasts have a section called 'chance of cloud free mountains: 20 percent', so that shows how bad it gets round here. Cheer up though, I got you a picture of a mountain loch instead.

Cairngorms

Cairngorms, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

I was hoping to get a good view of the Cairngorm mountains but it's just slightly too cloudy. This is the best I can manage. You might be able to make out some snow on the tops - it's a ski resort in the winter.

Scot's pine

Scot's pine, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

I've just said goodbye to my family, and I'm back in the mountains - the foothills of the Cairngorms. I think this is a Scot's Pine, but don't quote me on it.

Fort George

Fort George, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

The major piece of local history around here is to be the Battle of Culloden (1746), the last battle fought on British soil. We visited the battleground yesterday, but there was nothing to see except an old cottage that had nothing to do with the battle anyway, so I've got a picture of this instead. This is Fort George. After Bonnie Prince Charlie, the pretender to the throne, was defeated at Culloden, George II had this fort built to subdue the highlanders. Ironically, it now server as the working barracks of the Queen's Own Highlanders themselves.