Highlands

The scenery of the highlands was great. Lot of green, with rolling hills, green pastures, lochs, and sheep. Inverness is a great city to use as a base to explore the highlands. It has great food, nice places to stay, and quaint shops. Loch Ness is the most famous Loch in Scotland, with Inverness at the north end, Urquhart Castle in the center, and the monster roaming around somewhere deep in the water. We did not see the monster, but the castle was very scenic and the visitor center very well done. Be sure to take in the movie before you visit the castle. Another famous castle is Eilean Donan Castle on the west side of the highlands along the road to Skye. It is perhaps the most photographed castle in the highlands is quite beautiful when lit up at night. The walking tour gives a good feel for the life of the lord with lots on interested artifacts on display from the history of the clan. The Culloden battlefield is another must see. It is where the Jacobite rebellion of Bonnie Prince Charlie was ended. The battlefield frankly is not much to see, but the visitor’s center is the best for any battle field I have been too. It give a good and fair representation of both sides (government vs Jacobite) through the whole uprising up to its end, including a 360 degree visualization of the battle. For real Neolithic historic sites there is the Clava Cairns nearby. Over 4000 years old burial site is in good condition with several placards explaining what little we know of that time. It is well worth the stop, if for nothing else but to stare at the standing stones… Up the road is Fort George, which was built to keep the Jacobites from starting another rebellion. It is an amazingly huge 18th century fortress that is still used for active military training. However there is an interesting tour with a good audio guide which is really required to help you understand and enjoy your visit. The Burghead Pictish Forts was very disappointing, I would skip this. For whisky tasting the Speyside distilleries is almost like going to Napa Valley, however they generally insist you take the tour before you get you taste. There are dozens of distilleries along the Spey River, so take your pick. If you are exploring the east side of the highlands a good base is Aberdeen. Food is good and the accommodations inexpensive but good.