In the autumn of 2021 I embarked on a new adventure in the middle of Scottish mountains and lochs. From Glasgow to Edinburgh, through the Highlands and the Hebrides, let yourself be carried away by these three weeks of escape to Scotland.
After a stopover in London, our adventure begins in Glasgow. I walked along Buchanan Street and George Square, then continued on to the Glasgow Green. I also couldn't miss the BBC's Scottish headquarters along the banks of the river Clyde.
Then I was on to Inveraray and its castle. This is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, from the Campbell clamp. I was quite impressed by their arms room and dining room. The place was used for the filming of an episode of the series Downton Abbey.
Before descending Glencoe Valley, I’m going out of the main road and I find myself on a first Single Track Road. Those roads are so narrow that you have to give way to cross each other. The road ends at the edge of Loch Etive, which can be seen in some scenes of James Bond Skyfall.
After short stops at Kilmartin Glen and Arduaine Gardens, I finally arrive in Oban, in the west of the Highlands. The town is mostly known for its whisky, but I can tell you that their fish & chips are not bad either!
The Caledonian MacBrayne boats go back and forth to the Hebrides. After a sensational crossing, I arrive in Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull. How about a dozen oysters fished directly from the island's beaches? In the afternoon, I head for Calgary Beach and its white sand surrounded by hills facing the turquoise waters of the ocean. The next day, heading for the island of Iona. If I already found Scotland beautiful in the rain, it’s even more so when the weather is sunny.
I gradually go up north to cross the Lochaber region. I arrive at Eilean Na Moine, a small island of land and vegetation that is featured in a few scenes of the Harry Potter saga. A little further on, I arrive at Glenfinnan, which also appears in dozens of films, including those of that famous wizard of course. The crowd of tourists were as amazed as I was by seeing this train passing over this railway viaduct. Were Harry, Ron and Hermione on their way to new adventures on the Hogwarts Express?
The journey continued to the Isle of Skye after a stop at the foot of Ben Nevis and Eilean Donan Castle. The Isle of Skye is the largest island of the Hebrides archipelago. I did a long hike to the Old Man of Storr, as well as a nice walk along the Fairy Pools, large waterfalls flowing from pool to pool down the mountain.
Continuing further north, I find myself on the North Coast 500, or NC500 for short. From Applecross to John o' Groats, passing through Durness and Castletown Beach, the scenery is surreal.
Stopping in Inverness, I obviously couldn't miss the famous Loch Ness. There wasn't a single monster down there, and the view didn't particularly excite me after seeing such stunning landscapes during the last few weeks.
We finish this tour of Scotland with Edinburgh, the capital. Unlike Glasgow, it's the ideal place to admire the medieval architecture. You can climb to the top of Calton Hill, stroll through the peaceful Dean Village, or follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter. Yes, him again! The Elephant House, the famous pub where he was imagined, was closed all year due to a fire. But it is said that the graves in Greyfriars cemetery inspired the names of several characters in the saga. This was worth the visit.
Before heading back, one last stop was unavoidable. Does Alnwick Castle ring a bell? It's normal, It was used as a set to the first two Harry Potter films by Chris Columbus. Welcome to Hogwarts! In our muggle world, this is the current residence of the 12th Duke of Northumberland.
As I board the Eurotunnel shuttle again, I won’t hide you that I’m experiencing a lot of feelings. I am delighted to find these flocks of sheep, these remote cliffs, the small lost restaurants, and then especially the kindness and the hospitality of the Scots. I won't forget those moments when you are alone in front of nature, when time seems to be suspended, and when you take the opportunity to take stock of your own life and the way you build yourself as an adult.
00:00 Introduction
03:17 Glasgow
05:30 Inveraray and its castle
07:49 The Highlands
10:18 Kilmartin Glen, Arduaine Garden and Oban
12:52 The Hebrides
15:43 The Isle of Mull
17:58 The Isle of Iona
21:46 The Lochaber
27:18 En route to Skye
31:21 The Isle of Skye
33:53 Passage to Applecross
37:01 The NC500
39:55 John o' Groats to Inverness
42:55 Edinburgh
45:10 Alnwick Castle
46:04 Epilogue
48:59 Credits
3 июл 2024
