Inverness turned out to be a very easy small town to get around by foot. The driver, dressed as an 18-century gentleman for the Happy Tours tour, was kind enough to pick me up from the hotel. Initially, I was unsure where the pickup place was to be found. After a very nice continental breakfast, it was off to see Lochness, of the Nessie fame! It turned out to be a pretty lake with the Urquhart Castle on its shores. The castle was closed for the day so we missed out seeing it up close.
Further on was Fort George, again from a distance. Apparently, dolphins can be seen in the waters nearby but not for us. Lovely to see the Culloden (Clava)Viaduct
on the way to see the 4-5, 000-year old Clava Cairns. As an Outlander fan, I found them interesting, seeing them just as the sun was setting, the rays through the trees almost eerie. Battle of Culloden territory was a bracing experience, with time spent on the moors. I felt the chilly winds making themselves felt through every layer of clothing. One could only imagine the horrors of such a battle over 200 years ago. While not a whiskey drinker I did enjoy stopping into a distillery and being offered a “Wee Dram”. Memories of stopping in Edinburgh in 2006 to do the same, it’s a wonder I have not become a connoisseur.
After the full and busy day visiting many places, it was back to the Inverness hotel. I had a very small room and spent time rearranging the furniture to get some comfort. I was glad to be leaving the next day, the two flights of stairs and a tiny room reminded me of the old-fashioned box room at the top of some scary stairs. Meals were taken care of with the variety of eating establishments in the close vicinity in the town. The big supermarket a joy to see and experience, I love the new and interesting English selection of foods.
