Its really one of a kind. First because I have never gone so far by car with friends and next because I have never stayed at hostels and what lies ahead is unexpected. This trip sort of like prepares me on what is up ahead in Europe.
Initially I was just suppose to be hitch hiking on to someone's plan of Scotland turned out to be me planning the entire thing from food, booking hostels and even deciding where to go. How frustrating sometimes.... especially since if they have already a place in mind with which they want to go they would be oblivious about time and when things go wrong and we can't get to the places on time everyone stops at turn round to you.
Alright, if I were to go on about my feelings and emotions about people it will never end. Shall focus solely on the icing of the cake.
I shall first give a chronological order of our journey for my benefit so that I will remember in years to come.
11th August 2010
- Take the car and also buy the necessary groceries such as mosquito repellent (lots of midge in Scotland), food to keep the drivers awake and our stomachs filled.
12th August 2010
2am - Gather at Charlotte main gate
3am - Still stuck in Sheffield trying to find our way out. GPS brought us in circles or maybe its the guys unable to understand the GPS ;)
7am - Arrived at Newcastle Upon Tyne (Spent the day in Newcastle)
3pm - Arrived at Broadmeadows Youth Hostel (The Scottish Border) - First Hostel in the world (only can check in at 5pm had to ask a nearby farmhouse to allow us to use the washroom) - Really warm hospitality by the owner talked with some of those there. Some of them are from Glasgow.
The Cathedral Church of St Nicholas New Castle Upon Tyne
13th August 2010
8am - Left for Edinburgh, stopped to take pictures along the way
10am - Reached Edinburgh went to Cameron Toll to buy more groceries and a little shopping. Walked to the City Center. Visited the International Food Festival, a glimpse of Edinburgh Festival, ate at a local bar for lunch the group tried haggis - Scotland's local favourite. Couldn't get out of Edinburgh with the GPS as most of the roads were blocked end up turning round in circles. (Conclusion : Use Street Map for goodness sake!!!)
10pm - After rushing to St. Andrews Tourist Hostel to meet the latest checked in time which the lady agreed to wait for an additional 15 min latest! Kitchen in the hostel was closed, no hot water as it is all turned off when the PIC goes home. When for a night walk around St Andrews. Bathe in icy cold water.
One the way to Edinburgh still at the Scottish Border
In Edinburgh
Edinburgh Festival
14th August 2010
8am - Tour round St Andrew the beach
10am - Head towards Inverness
4pm - Arrived at Highlander Hostel (The worst hostel stay throughout the trip), sightsee Inverness during the day and also in the night - a guy which one of them thought was the same person from the hostel in Broadmeadows turn out to be a good chat. Gave us advice and shared stories.
St Andrew's Castle
Checking out a little history about the location
Public display of affections
St Andrew Church and Abbey
Inverness
Group picture without Kar Choon
The hostel we stayed in. Air beds!
15th August 2010
9am - Checked out from the hostel in search of Dolphins
10am - Spotted Dolphins at Canary Point that was advice by the Dolphin and Seal Center at North Kessock.
1pm - Loch Ness booked the cruise - Met some Taiwanese on the cruise
3pm - Delayed because 2 min late to the cruise (thanks to the Bagpipes) end up sitting by the loch for another hour (Supposed to be 2pm). Played with the clear waters.
6pm -Arrived at Flora MacDonald Hostel in Isle of Skye (Fabulous Stay!) Bitten by midge although the view from the hostel is AMAZING as though your background is some picture frame. Peter the owner and his daughter gave some really group advice and tips =)
Canary Point where we spotted Dolphins
Urquhart Castle seen from the cruise in Loch Ness
End of the Cruise
On the way to Isle of Skye
16th August 2010
Best bathrooms and bed didn't want to leave early but long journey ahead to Fort Williams. Stopped along the way to take the really scenic view of Isle of Skye
11.30am - Arrived at Fort Williams town. Beautiful waterfront, bought myself a waterproof cum fleece jacket. Climbed Ben Nevis
8pm - Arrived at Roy Bridge Hotel and Grey Carried Lodge (Another beautiful stay except the beds rather soft) - Met some Chinese and Italian Nationals
Eileen Donan Castle
Views along the way to Fort Williams
waterfall at Ben Nevis
Pit Stop after two hours of walking in Ben Nevis
A very scenic Ben Nevis
This is what you will be doing if you travel on your own so practicing =)
17th August 2010
8am - Head for Glasgow
1pm - Reached Glasgow had 2 hours to shop around and eat lunch. Was like amazing race running to meet car park time out. Can only park max two hours and it cost 4GBP. The most expensive car park and its not even shaded parking!
6pm - Arrived at Lake District. End up at a place where there is no lake. Thank God for brochures use them to find the attractions in Lake District
12am - Arrived in Sheffield (1am - Charlotte Court after sending everyone home)
Glasgow City
Chicken Pakora
At Lake District
The end of the adventures in Scotland
