We arrived in Glencoe and turned down the main road in the village...there was not much to be found so we thought we were on the wrong road. We turned around and explored the other street (yes that is singular...I think there were two streets in the whole village) and discovered that the first road was the main street. They definitely have kept the small village feel. We found the only car park in town and walked the length of the village (about two blocks) to the massacre memorial. Glencoe was the site of the massacre of numerous members from the MacDonald clan by a regiment that they had actually invited to stay there. This area is also widely known as the prettiest place in Scotland. I would have to agree...some parts of the area almost seemed out of a book or fairytale. Amazing!
After leaving Glencoe we went to the Nevis Range Mountain Resort just out side of Torlundy. The resort is at the base of the Nevis mountain range, which includes Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. The resort is a ski resort in the winter, but in the other seasons it offers hiking trails, mountain biking trails and an outdoor adventure park (including a zip line). They also operate their gondola lift year round. We bought tickets to ride the gondola up the side of the mountain. It was very interesting to see that there were no ski runs on the lower area of the mountain. You had to ride the gondola up to a 'base area' above the tree line and from there you find a gaffe, gift shop, multiple ski lifts and ski runs...and for us trails leading to breathtaking views of the Great Glen and Ben Nevis. The only bad part is that today there were clouds that had socked in to the area and the views were limited, but still very pretty. I took so many pictures trying to capture the ruggedness and the beauty of the area, and although they are pretty, they do not do the view justice. After some hiking around dad treated us all to hot cocoas and shortbread inside the cafe found at the base area on top. Very yummy!
We made it back home by about 5. Mom and I walked to the chippy shop to grab some dinner. I ordered the chicken and chips, and much to my surprise...when the guy brought my order to the counter, lo and behold there sat one half of a whole chicken (literally a chicken cut in half and cooked as one piece) deep fried and ready for my tummy. :-) Again it was a great day. I want to soak up as much Scottish air as I can before I have to leave, and today was an excellent addition to my air supply!
Looking downstream under the Glencoe Bridge. Is that not unreal how pretty that is??
Dad standing out by the Glencoe Bridge
Me standing by the bridge.
Dad and I standing by the Massacre Memorial
Mom and Dad in Glencoe.
Mom getting ready to climb a tree near the memorial...hmmmmm I think it was around this point dad disappeared and went on his own adventure...I am not really sure why. ;-)
Dad found this beautiful area just off the road by the memorial. This is looking down on the river that flows down under the bridge.
A beautiful bed of heather found in Glencoe. Not a day goes by that we don't think about how much Heather would have loved it over here...
See?!? Even the streets are beautiful in Glencoe. It feels like a magical area!
Riding up the Gondola at the Nevis Range.
A hill found at the top of the gondola ride. At the top of this hill and on a clear day you have a 360 degree view of the Nevis mountain range and the Great Glen....today there was not that view. I went on a hike by myself to the top of the hill and even though it was cloudy I was still astounded by the view...I think I took about 60+ pictures!
Me at the top....see the view?!?! Hahaha...even the clouds were great!
A picture of the mountainside. The colors are so pretty.
Mom and dad waiting for me back at the lodge area.
The view up the Great Glen from the gondola car.
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