You take the high road and I'll take the low road.... (Highlands)

Name: Lynsey100

Hello doyoo user, You have to be logged in to use these functions... Login or register Close window

Send message to member

Product:	Highlands
Date:	14/08/06 (199 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Breathtaking scenery

Disadvantages: Not always ideal for a winter holiday

I’ve noticed that nobody has written a review on this subject yet, so I thought I’d wax lyrical about al the good things the Highlands have to offer. I was born and bred in the Highlands, and I’m feeling a little bit homesick today! It’s a shame that most people seem to want to jet off abroad on holiday, when there are so many beautiful places to visit here in Britain. If you do plan to visit the Highlands, then here are some of the places that you should check out.

INVERNESS
The Capital of the Highlands, it was made a city a few years ago. I spent a summer living and working here once, and it is a fantastic place. There are plenty of hotels there; you will be spoilt for choice. There are also lots of youth hostels, and the guesthouses and B&B’s along the canal are very nice too. If history is your thing, then Culloden is about ten miles out of Inverness. This is the location of the last battle on British soil, which took place during the Jacobite era. If you fancy monster spotting, then Loch Ness is less that half an hour’s drive from Inverness. The night life in Inverness is pretty good, there are plenty ceilidhs going on in the summertime. Don’t expect to get a table in a restaurant after nine o’clock though. Highland chefs like to get to bed at a reasonable hour.

You can get flights to Inverness from London, and there is also a direct sleeper train. If you can make your way to Glasgow, then Inverness is either a 3 hour train journey or drive away.

FORT WILLIAM – MALLAIG (ROAD TO THE ISLES)
The journey between Fort William and Mallaig is truly spectacular. It is just over an hours drive, but you should expect to stop off many times along the way. You can also get the train. This trip is apparently the third most popular train journey in the world – so there you have it!

Fort William is the home of Ben Nevis, Britain’s largest mountain, and the two most famous Highland cows in the world, Ben and er….Nevis. If you are the outdoors type, then you will have a ball here. Please don’t attempt to climb Ben Nevis unless you are an experienced mountain climber. Every year without fail, countless numbers of tourists have to be rescued because they get stuck, or get scared half way up. There is a footpath to walk up, which is much safer! Be warned though, the weather can and does change frequently so be prepared!

During the winter skiing is extremely popular at the local Nevis Range – Fort William is not called the “outdoor capital of the UK” for nothing! Snowboarding has really taken off in recent years too. If you just fancy a trip up the gondolas, this will cost around £8. The view when you get to the top is breathtaking. Mountain biking is also very popular in this area.

The high street in Fort William is relatively small, with many small and friendly pubs. Like Inverness, it has plenty of Hotels, etc. Be warned – don’t expect to have a nice meal in Fort William, the restaurants leave a lot to be desired. Save your money and have a can of Beans or something.

GLENFINNAN
When you have been driving for around twenty minutes you will arrive at Glenfinnan. If you are travelling by train, then this is where you will find the most spectacular view of the journey. Those of you who have seen the Harry Potter films will remember the sequence where the Hogwarts Express travels over the viaduct. This was filmed in Glenfinnan. The Glenfinnan monument which stands at the foot of Loch Sheil is a popular attraction. It was here that Bonnie Prince Charlie gathered his troops during the Jacobite rebellion. Glenfinnan House Hotel is a friendly place to stay. It is a good place to have a drink in the winter, because you can warm your toes by the coal fire.

MALLAIG
Now you have come to the end of the road. Mallaig is a small fishing village, so watch out for the seagull s**t. I’m not kidding; I’ve seen lots of perplexed tourists mopping the muck from their heads and shoulders. If you like seafood, then you will most definitely want to stop here for a bite to eat. There are a couple of really good restaurants, but the Fishmarket is probably the best. You can get the Cal Mac ferry from Mallaig if you want to travel on to Skye. You can take your car with you, but it is fairly expensive.

The summer is definitely the best time of year to visit the Highlands. A lot of hotels and restaurants between Fort William and Mallaig close over the winter, because they cannot afford to stay open. A shame for the locals who struggle to find work from Oct – March. Inverness is just nicer in the summer, but Fort William is still busy enough because of the skiing. If you go between June and August you might be lucky enough to attend a Highland Games event. I’ve tossed a few cabers in my time.

There are no words that I can use that will do the scenery justice, so check out the pictures on these websites.


www.road-to-the-isles.org.uk
www.inver ness-scotland.co.uk
www.mallaigheritage.org.uk

Oh , how I miss the sheep and the fresh air…………..

Summary: Get away from it all!!