Scotland: The Old Man of Storr

Wonderful place in the middle of Isle of Skye. Definitely a must for all visitors. Nice, easy hike with amazing views.

Scotland: Eilean Donan Castle

Eventually I've reached one of main goals of my trip to Scotland - famous Eilean Donan Castle. It's really amazing. I had so much luck to catch it in last rays of sun. And not so lucky in the morning when weather worsened a little bit. But somehow I got quite interesting picture of the castle with completely washed out sky in the background.
Perfect place to stay next to the castle is Beinnedra B&B. Definitely recommended!

Scotland: Glenfinnan Viaduct and vicinity

After reading that there's a viaduct used in Harry Potter movie, I decided that I must see it. Not because I like HP (I've never seen even a piece of it), but because I like such an architectural designs. Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway viaduct on the West Highland Line in Glenfinnan, Lochaber, Highland, Scotland. It was built between 1897 and 1901. Located at the top of Loch Shiel in the West Highlands of Scotland, the viaduct overlooks the Glenfinnan Monument (on pic below) and the waters of Loch Shiel.
Of course I wanted to have train on this. It took me more than an hour of waiting and one big surprise. I've imagined to see steam train, but only short electrical train arrived :)

 

 

Scotland: Back to Glencoe

Glencoe inspired me much. When I was planning the trip, I've made a mistake and decided to get to Loch Achtriochtan on one of the first days. I wasn't completely aware where exactly is the lake and it appeared to be rally taugh to find and moreover to be close to the Glencoe Visitor's Center. So after first visit to Glencoe it turned out that two days later I was there again. It was very good news, because I've alread known a little bit about the place and had time to hike. Lady in Visitor's Center recommended quite easy trail to Devil's Staircase. It was perfect choice as you can see the view from the top on one of the pics below. I also wanted to see Loch Leven with deserted Kinlochleve at the top of the lake and wonderful waterfalls. So we had nice ride around the wonderful lake (view on one of pics below). Because I had seen nice pics from Glencoe Lochan, I stubborny decided to get there. It wasn't easy to find and at first sight wasn't amazing. But after visiting it I belive that it's possible to get nice picture of this place. My isn't nice, however I put it here.
Finally I must say that Glencoe is one of the best place to visit in Scotland. If I had more time, I would do more hikes - next time for sure. This mountains are really wonderful! For everyone visiting Scotland it's a must, but remember to get good guide and detailed map - it's difficult to find places!

Scotland: Oban and Stalker

On our way to Isle of Skye we decided to visit nice city of Oban (with famous distillery) then head to  seaside road and stop by Stalker Castle. Again it was too sunny for good pictures...

Scotland: Kilchurn Castle

As wikipedia says: "Kilchurn Castle was built in about 1450 by Sir Colin Campbell, first Lord of Glenorchy, as a five storey tower house with a courtyard defended by an outer wall. By about 1500 an additional range and a hall had been added to the south side of the castle. Further buildings went up during the 16th and 17th centuries. Kilchurn was on a small island in Loch Awe scarcely larger than the castle itself, although it is now connected to the mainland as the water level was altered in 1817. The castle would have been accessed via an underwater or low lying causeway."
From the photographic perspective it's really very interesting place, but to take good picture you should spend few days in vicinity and wait for a good weather. I had no luck and it was sunny. Too sunny. In the evening it's rather poor light. Much better is in the morning, but not too early. You have to use good waterproof shoes, because to get to the spot you must cross the swap. I also had no luck and it was windy, so wasn't able to catch castle view in the water. But used filter to soften water a little bit. Effect is not perfect. Pictures are generally poor, but research was done and place is worth going in different weather. What I should also recommend from the vicinity is the Craig Villa in Argyll when we were staying. Rebecca - owner - is really nice lady able to tell you a lot of stories and point you out to interesting places in the area. Strictly recommended!!!

Scotland: Saint Conan's Kirk Loch Awe

Accidentally I've found this looking old, but actually quite modern church in Argyll. The fact is that it was dedicated to worship in 1930 and built in 1870s. Although it's story is much more interesting. I don't want to cover the whole history that is described in details on http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/lochawe/stconans/, but I definitely recommend further reading and first of all visiting it! But if you don't have time and money for trip to scotland, enjoy few pics...