A Reward

A Reward, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

After all your hard work following this blog for five weeks now, I think you've earned a nice classic sunset picture. Well done! This is Killoran Bay on the Isle of Colonsay. Go on, you know you want to find it on Google Earth...

North Uist

North Uist, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

A slightly rockier beach on North Uist. The weather has cleared up brilliantly, which I'm told is quite unusual. Unfortunately, I've messed up my ferry times, so I'm faced with a dash down the islands to make the ferry tomorrow morning. But I've got a great bus driver, who keeps stopping to let us wander around and take photos. I read that it takes a long time for anything to happen in the Western Isles, and that seems to apply to bus journeys - it takes 4 hours for a one and a half hour car ride. And tonight I'm also throwing in the hostel towel and heading for a B and B. Maybe meet some locals instead of any more Dutch cyclists.

Beside the sea

Beside the sea, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

Harris in the Western Isles is supposed to be famous for its sandy beaches. I was sceptical until today. You can't really see here but the water is incredibly clear, an azure blue.

A bothy for the night

A bothy for the night, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

... and my night's accommodation is here, a converted shepherd's bothy.

The Western Isles

The Western Isles, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

Now this is an incredible place. A shortish ferry ride from Skye has taken me to the Western Isles, or Outer Hebrides as they are more prosaically called in atlases. The immediate sense of remoteness (and the wind) reminds me of the Shetlands, but unlike there, where the native Norn language has disappeared, here Gaelic is still going strong. They learn it in primary school, the Bank of Scotland is instead called Banca na H'Alba, and the safety anouncement on the ferry was given in Gaelic too. And the place looks a bit like this.

Cuillin and a rock

Cuillin and a rock, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

A cloudy day (I can't complain, I've had a fantastic week of clear days), so I couldn't get the fearsome ridge picture I wanted. But it cleared up a little towards the end of the day, so I got an ok shot of some of the northern Cuillin and I thought, what the hell, throw in a rock and it's almost a decent photo. Soak it in, because tomorrow I'm off to Outer Hebrides, and this is probably the last true 'Highland' picture you're going to get. I hope I've inspired you to want to come up to the Highlands if you never have before. I can guarantee they're even better in real life.

Skye

Skye, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

After a long train, ferry and bus journey, I've finished up in Portree on the Isle of Skye. But it is always worth it when you discover that your hostel has a view like this. It refreshes you somehow, more than any rest, food or drink could do. The mountains in the distant centre of the picture are the Black Cuillin, reputedly the most fearsome mountain range in Britain. I'll be paying them a visit tomorrow (of course), so hopefully I'll be able to get you a close up. If they look a tad too fearsome, there's always the Red Cuillin (on the left).

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.

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!

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.

Craigallian Loch

Craigallian Loch, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

Almost as soon as I left the town I got treated to this view. This is still officially the Lowlands; the Highlands begin at a geological faultline a few miles ahead.

Holyrood Park

Holyrood Park, originally uploaded by British Traveller.

Edinburgh really does have it all - it makes you sick, doesn't it? This looks like the countryside, but no, it's a park in the middle of the city. I'm rather a fan of city parks (they let a city breathe), and this one tops the lot.

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.