“Whisky doesn’t ask silly questions, whisky understands.” ~ Anonymous

This morning started out as any good tour should start, after a hearty breakfast the first stop was to the Walkers Shortbread Factory! It was over a hundred years ago that the Walker family started baking shortbread in the picturesque landscape of the Scottish Highlands. A quick shop assured us that we would not go hungry and they sell not only some gluten-free options,  they sell “imperfect” cookies that are calorie free!!

It was a day of touring and a lot of “ninja photo opportunities” where you jump out of the car, take a photo and return quickly before being doused by rain.  I love sheep and we had a very quick roadside view of some.

Next stop was the Old Packhorse Bride in Carrbridge.  It is the oldest stone bridge in the Highlands.  Even through the raindrops it was lovely.

Next was a quick stop for a power shopping break and a walk about Inverness.  It is the capital of the Highlands.  It was another typical gloomy day in Scotland but that never can stop a woman on a shopping mission.

One of the most exciting stops of the day was to Loch Ness.  It is southwest of Iverness and is one of the largest lochs in Scotland.  It contains more fresh water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined.  We did not see Nessie on our visit but had lovely views of the loch and Urquhart Castle which sits besides Loch Ness.

Then it was time for lunch at The Lock Inn where we dined on delicious fish and chips which were also gluten-free! We saw the Caledonian Canal  which connects the the east coast of Scotland at Iverness with the west coast at Corpach.  The canal is over 60 miles long and only one-third is man-made.  A beautiful town borders the banks.  It connects Loch Dochfour, Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lochy.  Say that three times fast!!

Back to Loch Ness for more photo opportunities before the rains came again!

“Did not strong connections draw me elsewhere, I believe Scotland would be the country I would choose to end my days in.”   

~Benjamin Franklin

We stopped at Ben Nevis which is also known as the mountain with its head in the clouds.

“My heart’s in the Highlands, my heart is not here, 
My heart’s in the Highlands, a-chasing the deer; 
Chasing the wild-deer, and following the roe, 
My heart’s in the Highlands, wherever I go.” 

~Robert Burns, poet.  My Hearts In The Highlands

Our final stop for the day was at the Harry Potter Bridge also known as Glenfinnan Viaduct.  Peggy of our travel group is a fan of the Harry Potter series and our guide Robert, and four of the heartiest of the group took the long vertical treacherous path in the rain to see the bridge.  As soon as we reached the top the sun came out ( and also a million biting insects) but it was well worth the climb.

We arrived at our hotel tired but happy with a full day of exploring under our belt and ready for rest and replenish our bodies and minds and perhaps have a drink or two!

 “There is no bad whisky. There are only some whiskies that aren’t as good as others.”

~ Raymond Chandler