The year ahead: 2023–2024
I like to say that if I’m not currently traveling, I’m busy planning my next trip(s). In this case, I have three upcoming trips in the next thirteen months, and possibly will squeeze in one or two more. Here’s a preview.
Farewell Caledonia
I have bid a fond and sad farewell to the lovely land of Caledonia. (Caledonia was the Latin name used by the Roman Empire to refer to the part of Great Britain that lies north of the River Forth, which includes most of the land area of Scotland. Today, … Continued
The history of Scotland: castles and portraits
Yesterday was my thirtieth day in Scotland and my third day in Edinburgh. Today was my fourth day in Edinburgh, but I spent the entire day (except for a fabulous dinner I’m just back from) in Stirling visiting Stirling Castle. … Continued
Edinburgh, Part One
In my first day-and-a-half in Edinburgh, I’ve already seen and done so much! And yet, it feels like I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface. This city is amazing. Every direction I look, I see something fascinating, beautiful, historic, … Continued
Dundee and St. Andrews
From the rugged mountains and beautiful countryside where I spent the last two weeks, I’m ending my Scotland adventure in more urban settings. I spent the last three nights in Dundee, and now I’m on the train to Edinburgh. (I … Continued
Pitlochry and Dunkeld: two great towns, two great hikes
I stayed three nights in Pitlochry, and I took a day trip to Dunkeld. I loved both towns. They are both charming, compact, and pleasant places to wander up and down their main streets. I did a hike starting and … Continued
Aviemore, Cairngorms, and Rothiemurchus
I spent the last two days exploring Cairngorms National Park, with Aviemore as my base. My first day here, I hired a driver to take me around the park. And yesterday I walked to the nearby estate of Rothiemurchus for some … Continued
Inverness and environs
The photo above is probably the most interesting place I visited during my 1 1/2 days in Inverness. It may look like there’s nothing there. But read on to find out why it was the highlight of my time in … Continued
Seeing the Isle of Skye
Today I took a tour to various highlights on the Isle of Skye. You can see all the photos I took. You can also listen to a wonderful story told by our guide and driver, Bill. It’s in the album.
Isle of Rona
Today I took a boat trip to the Isle of Rona. I had high expectations about how beautiful Scotland would be. So far my expectations have been met or exceeded. Today they were exceeded yet again.