Inverewe Gardens
Our journey begins this morning as we leave Lord of the Glens behind at Kyle of Lochalsh. This afternoon, we will return to the ship at its scenic berth which overlooks the ruins of Castle Moil and the graceful new bridge that connects the Isle of Skye with the Scottish mainland.
Passing through the green and lavender heather-clad hillsides, bisected by streams and waterfalls, we make our way to Inverewe Gardens, a haven for serious garden enthusiasts as well as for those of us who just plain love plants in all of their variety and diversity. Thanks in part to the moderating effects of the Gulf Stream (locally known as the North Atlantic Drift), visitors are treated to a unique mix of vegetation that represents the tropics through the temperate zones.
Rich with options, some of our party choose instead to visit Eilean Donan, a castle of great history in a spectacular setting. Dating originally to the thirteenth century, the castle was a stronghold against the Vikings. Spanning so many centuries, the castle’s mix of history and legend is difficult to untwine. What is undeniable is the magnificent setting, overlooking Loch Duich. A visit to the quiet seaside village of Plochton is a fine ending to a fine outing.
Casting off, we sail under the Skye bridge for a better look and some great photographic opportunities, before making our way south, through the Sound of Sleat. After enjoying lovely vistas during dinner, our ship secures to the dock in isolated Inverie, a tiny village on the shore of Loch Nevis. It is time to tip a pint in the Old Forge Inn.
Our journey begins this morning as we leave Lord of the Glens behind at Kyle of Lochalsh. This afternoon, we will return to the ship at its scenic berth which overlooks the ruins of Castle Moil and the graceful new bridge that connects the Isle of Skye with the Scottish mainland.
Passing through the green and lavender heather-clad hillsides, bisected by streams and waterfalls, we make our way to Inverewe Gardens, a haven for serious garden enthusiasts as well as for those of us who just plain love plants in all of their variety and diversity. Thanks in part to the moderating effects of the Gulf Stream (locally known as the North Atlantic Drift), visitors are treated to a unique mix of vegetation that represents the tropics through the temperate zones.
Rich with options, some of our party choose instead to visit Eilean Donan, a castle of great history in a spectacular setting. Dating originally to the thirteenth century, the castle was a stronghold against the Vikings. Spanning so many centuries, the castle’s mix of history and legend is difficult to untwine. What is undeniable is the magnificent setting, overlooking Loch Duich. A visit to the quiet seaside village of Plochton is a fine ending to a fine outing.
Casting off, we sail under the Skye bridge for a better look and some great photographic opportunities, before making our way south, through the Sound of Sleat. After enjoying lovely vistas during dinner, our ship secures to the dock in isolated Inverie, a tiny village on the shore of Loch Nevis. It is time to tip a pint in the Old Forge Inn.
