:: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 ::

On the bonnie, bonnie banks o’ Loch Lomond

Scotland, Day 4: From Kilmartin Glen to Loch Lomond

We began in Kilmartin Glen in Argyll, site of many remnants of Scottish Neolithic and Bronze Age cultures, including standing stones, burial cairns, stone circles, and Dunadd, a Bronze Age hill fort.

The Standing Stones (and sheep) of Kilmartin Glen

Nether Largie South cairn, Kilmartin Glen

One of the stone circles of Temple Wood, Kilmartin Glen

Climbing up to Dunadd hill fort, capital of the ancient kingdom of Dalriada

Me on top of Dunadd (with teeny cows behind me), looking out over the Moine Mhor (Great Moss) towards the ocean in the distance

After Kilmartin and Dunadd, we drove through Glen Croe and the Arrochar Alps, stopping for a wee break at Rest and Be Thankful, a viewpoint so named because the climb out of Glen Croe was so long and steep that it was traditional to rest at the top, and be thankful that you had reached the highest point.

Rest and Be Thankful

Eventually, we reached Firkin Point, on the famous shores of Loch Lomond, but no swimming this time. (Loch Ness was enough for me!)

Loch Lomond

Ben Lomond, as seen from Firkin Point, Loch Lomond

Me and my true love on the bonnie, bonnie banks o' Loch Lomond

After that, we dropped off about half our group, and the five of us who had signed on for the full 6 Day Monster Castle Tour headed for our accommodation for the next 2 nights: Plane Castle, near Stirling.

Plane Castle

The kitchen at Plane Castle, with (going clockwise around the table) Scott (our guide), Holly and Mel from Canada, Polka dot, and Jess from Australia

:: posted by Rob 6:30 PM [+] ::

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