this trip's overview

San Francisco to Glasgow

Babbity Bowster, Glasgow

Babbity theme

Glasgow

George Square, Glasgow

Glasgow shopping

Glasgow for kids

Culzean Castle

Aberfoyle, Trossachs

Doune Castle

Sterling Castle

Ballachulish

Corpach, Ft. Williams

Loch Ness

Glenfinnan

Pink Guest House, Isle of Skye

Brae Ness, Inverness

Urquhart Castle

The Summer Isles

Ibis, Edinburgh

Omi in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

The Witchery

Craigmuller Castle

back to Glasgow

Edinburgh to Düsseldorf

restaurant recommendations

Loch Ness.

It's such a famous place-name, evoking the mysteries of the deep, cold lake, and the history of those who live around it (such as the famous abbey).

I've long wanted to lay my eyes upon Loch Ness, and today's the day. But, before we get our feet wet, we have to handle the interesting road usage of upper Scotland. Here most of the roads are single-lane, with turnouts every few hundred meters. It's not really difficult, but one must remain mindful. And, when you think about it, it's a really fantastic cost savings. Why pay for two lanes when one will do, especially given the light traffic load.

So off we go, our luggage and ourselves in our rented Mercedes minivan. Our first view of Fort Agustus, the town at the southern tip of Loch Ness, comes as we cross the drawbridge. We have no idea that the waterway is the raison de etre of the town, literally its life-blood.

That's Loch Ness at the very far left, and the Clansmans Cottage in the middle. That's where you'll want to go for demonstrations of highland attire and ancient life.

Looking right (instead of left, above) we see the main drag, the restaurants and shops at left, the boats going up and down the locks.

This is the view from the far side of the bridge. Note the people on the dining area (just left of center) and the mass of boats.

Another view from almost the same spot, showing more of the boat traffic. It was ceaseless, and Isaac was beside himself with joy. He kept running up and down the area you see here, watching everything going on. (It's hard to see the crowds in these pictures, but lets just say Isaac was in good company.)

We have a great lunch, taking food from one of the pubs out onto the eating area. (They have their own outdoor place, but not right on the waterway, which seemed essential to the kids' happiness.)

Then we decided it's time to get to Loch Ness. So we walk back across the waterway, this time on one of the locks.

Here Isaac finds a wire sculpture of Nessie, which is just his speed.

2003 Scotland: Glenfinnan Sleeping Car, Glenfinnan