Inverness, Scotland & Loch Ness

For our anniversary trip this year, my DH and I took a ‘grand tour of Scotland’ with a whirlwind of Amsterdam thrown in for good measure.

We started in Edinburgh, made our way to Inverness, down through the Cairngorms National Park (with stops in Aviemore and Blair Atholl), on to Glasgow (with a castle stay right outside of Fintry), and finally down to Newcastle to catch a night ferry to Amsterdam.

The trip was great, and we got to see a lot of really cool things, despite Spring being late and most days being cold, wet and windy. We ate a lot of craziness (still craving the Irn Bru, Haggis & Black Pudding we grew accustomed to), walked till our legs felt like they were going to fall off, and took pictures till our hearts were content.

Today’s post is part 2 of a multi part series. Stay tuned for points south. Edinburgh

Inverness

We had 2 nights in Inverness, in one of the best B&Bs either of us has ever stayed at – Ardconnel House. The proprietors were gracious and beyond helpful and accommodating, the room was well-appointed with a kick-ass shower, and the breakfast was to die for. Here is where we discovered our abiding love for haggis, black pudding, and for me at least, lemon marmalade. Inverness itself is a cute little town (more of a city, really) with beautiful old historic buildings, an imposing castle on the hill (which serves as the government offices), and the scenic and winding Ness River.

In places this old, an alleyway holds perfectly appropriate addresses and business entrances. — In places this old, an alleyway holds perfectly appropriate addresses and business entrances

Inverness from up by the Castle. — Inverness from up by the Castle

A lovely church on the banks of River Ness. — A lovely church on the banks of River Ness

Leave it to us to spend lots of time in an old cemetery. — Leave it to us to spend lots of time in an old cemetery

The stones really are fascinating, though. — The stones really are fascinating, though

I especially loved this jumble with the light hitting it just so. — I especially loved this jumble with the light hitting it just so

Moss takes over everything in the Highlands. — Moss takes over everything in the Highlands

Even letters on a grave. — Even letters on a grave

Beautiful stone work. — Beautiful stone work – taken by my DH

Bridge over the River Ness. — Bridge over the River Ness – taken by my DH

Castle Urquhart & Drumnadrochit

We also took a little side excursion to visit the ruins of Castle Urquhart and tool around the tiny little pit stop town of Drumnadrochit while we waited for the bus back. Urquhart, once one of Scotland’s largest castles, is situated on on the banks of Loch Ness and served as a strategic stronghold for hundreds of years. Drumnadrochit is a few miles up the road and has Nessie stuff up the wazoo. Also, a great little pub holding a beer festival with regional cask ales. Score!