Scotland (Pt 2) 17-18 Oct 2011

For the preceding part of the Trip, please refer to http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2011/11/scotland-pt-113-161011.html.

The following day at Fort William, we visited the Neptune’s staircase which is the southern-west end of the 100km long Caledonian Canal. From here, the Ben Nevis range looked so surreal against the gloomy skyline. Thereafter, notwithstanding the poor weather, we took the challenge to hike to Steall Waterfall. The 3 ½ hour return hike took us through a very vibrant Glen Nevis forest punctuated with a few lovely waterfalls. It was past 12 noon when we left Fort William. Enroute to Edinburgh, we stopped at Glencoe which was reported to possess a spectacular and beautiful landscape. The third Harry Potter movie was filmed on locations in Glencoe. Unfortunately, the weather was not in our favour and views were limited by mist and fog. Historically, Glencoe has been associated with the Massacre of MacDonald clan by the guests who had accepted their hospitality, on the grounds that the MacDonalds had not been prompt in pledging allegiance to the new monarchs.

We also passed through the scenic Trossochs National Park. It was late evening when we hit Edinburgh to check into Ibis Hotel situated on the famous Royal Mile. After checking in, we sent back the car to Airport and returned by bus to City.

On Day 6, we spent the whole day exploring the historic City of Edinburgh, starting from the famous Edinburgh Castle located on the east end of the Royal Mile to Calton Hill on the opposite end. We also take a short climb up to Arthur’s Seat where we were rewarded with a fantastic 360 degree vista of Edinburgh City and its surrounding areas.

For the photographs, please refer to http://happytrekker.shutterfly.com/pictures/12104.

For the next leg of our UK Adventure on Lake District, please refer to http://happyotrekker.blogspot.com/2011/11/lake-district-pt-119-201011_20.html.