Scotland

Our journey through Scotland began in Edinburgh. Jet-lagged and tired we arrived at 7:30 am. Since our hotel room wouldn't be ready for a few hours, we hopped on a bus and took a tour of the city. The most outstanding feature of the city is Edinburgh Castle. A hilltop fortification built in the middle ages, it is a world-wise symbol of Scotland.
We rented a car in Edinburgh and set out on a driving tour of Scotland. I must say that driving on the lefthand side of the road and shifting a stick with my left hand was probably one of the most stressful things I've ever done. Of course, it didn't help matters when I flatted out a rear tire less than 30 minutes after picking up the car.
From Edinburgh we headed north to Inverness. On the way we drove through Cainrgorms National Park. Incredibly beautiful!! The weather was a bit off ( overcast, foggy and a misty) but that did nothing but add to the beauty of the countryside. We ended up spending the night in a hotel on the shore of Loch Ness and no, we didn't see Nessie.
Leaving Inverness we headed towards the Isle of Skye. Again, an incredibly beautiful drive. Dunvegan Castle, home to the MacLeod clan for centuries, is located on the Isle of Skye and being a member of that clan, the castle was an important stop.
After leaving the Isle of Skye, we headed toward a little town called Dumfries. Dumfries is home to Caerlaverock Castle, the ancestral home of the Maxwells. So this was a must see stop for Max.
After Dumfries, we headed for Carlisle and the train to London.