The Highlands

This past weekend Andrew and I took a little trip up north to the Highlands. It was great and we were able to see some absolutely beautiful countryside. The only problem is there is so much to see and it's hard to only go for a weekend especially when every 2 miles you want to get out of the car and take a picture. Scotland is only about the size of Indiana but the tiny, windy roads make it hard to navigate with a short amount of time. We did make it from the west coast to the east coast in 3 hours on a very small 2 lane highway, but unfortunately we had to pass up some neat attractions. I have posted a few pics from our trip. Hopefully a return trip up north will be on the docket soon.

Andrew on Culloden Battlefield. The Culloden battle was the last battle fought on British soil and where the English defeated the Scottish Jacobites. It seemed like we were constantly reminded throughout the trip how horrible the English are. There is still lots of hostility between them. The red flag you see in the background signifies the front lines for the English.

The hospital on the Culloden Battlefield

Urqhuart Castle on Loch Ness. This is where the most Nessie sightings have occurred and where the loch is the deepest. This castle was under the control of Robert the Bruce at one time before it was fought over between the MacDonalds and the Stewarts for 150 years (eventually it was burned).

Standing on top of Urquhart ruins and overlooking Loch Ness.

Hanging out at Loch Ness and of course looking for Nessie

Posing in front of Ben Nevis (or one of the mountains in that range)

Can you see it?? This is none other than the famous viaduct as seen in Harry Potter 2.

I seriously could not contain my excitement. And yes, Andrew and I drove 20 miles out of the way so I/we could see it.

Glenfinnan Monument overlooking Loch Shiel (opposite of the viaduct). If you look really hard in the movie HP2 you can see the loch when Ron falls out of the car on the way to Hogwarts.

Posing in front of Dunstaffnage Castle. This place was built before 1275 and sits on the Firth of Lorn. Robert the Bruce captured it in 1309 from the MacDougalls.

Exploring the inside of the castle

Looking down from the walls