It's been a long blog break while my wife and I were visiting Scotland. A visit to the northernmost part of the United Kingdom might not be on your bucket list, but it didn't disappoint. The Scottish Highlands contain some ancient mountains, lots of lakes (lochs), and spectacular coastlines. I'll give a quick summary.
We started in Edinburgh, which was quintessentially Scottish with weathered buildings overlooked by Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh is technically in the lowlands, but you can =get in a short climb above the city by ascending Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park.
Mother Nature blessed us with clear skies on the day we had booked an excursion out to Staffa Island. We enjoyed the coastal scenery and puffins.
One of the reasons I like to go to places like Scotland is cool weather, clouds, and rain. We get enough of the sun in Utah. I like to travel to places where the rain gear and winter hats come out for a day or two. Lightweight winter gloves were even on for a while on this hike.
Scotland has a rich climbing history. Below is a monument to Norman Collie and John Mackenzie, pioneering mountain guides on the Isle of Skye and beyond.
We paid a visit to Cairngorm Mountain Resort, one of Scotland's ski areas. Seemed hard core not because of steepness, but exposure to the elements. This is wind swept terrain. Respect for the dedication.
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