Packhorse Bridge at Carrbridge as encountered on the Scottish Highlands Tour.
Introduction
This evening, I am reprising a one-day section of a small group, customised tour of the Scottish Highlands.
Information on the Scottish Highlands Tour: Part 1
First, we departed our lodgings in Grantown-on-Spey and drove north, through Nairn. This took us to our first destination of the extensive prehistoric cemetery known as Clava Cairns near Inverness. This site was for high status burials during the period 2000 BC-1000 BC.
Clava Cairns Prehistoric Cemetery
Next, we drove round to the nearby site of Culloden Battlefield. Here was fought the last battle on British soil on April 16th 1746. This conflict entailed British government forces under General Cumberland and a force of Highlanders under Bonnie Prince Charlie. The former prevailed thus ending efforts of the Stuart dynasty to regain the thrones of England and Scotland.
Culloden Battlefield
Next, we drove west, through Inverness, to Glen Ord Distillery. This is one of Scotland’s largest whisky distilleries with capacity of about 11.00m litres p.a. Key product is the Singleton of Glen Ord single malt. Here we joined the standard one hour tour. This provided information malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation and maturation processes which culminated in a tasting.
Whisky Stills at Glen Ord Distillery
Whisky Tasting at Glen Ord Distillery
Singleton of Glen Ord Single Malts
Next, we drove S.E. to Castle Urquhart on Loch Ness, a ruin which dates from around the 12th century. The castle provides an excellent platform to view the famous loch (lake) which has a maximum depth of 750 feet.
Castle Urquhart, Loch Ness
Next, we drove north, back through Inverness to the Black Isle. We stopped first at Chanonry Point with object of viewing dolphins but, sadly. they were not present at time of our visit. We did, however, spot some intrepid kayakers about to embark on an evening ‘spin’ on the Moray Firth.
Kayakers at Chanonry Point, Black Isle
Lighthouse at Chanonry Point, Black Isle
Information on the Scottish Highlands Tour: Part 2
Next, we continued around the Black Isle stopping first at Cromarty. Then on to the western side to view the large number of oil rigs moored in the Cromarty Firth.
Cromarty Harbour
Finally, we returned to Grantown via Carrbridge where we stopped for an evening meal. This also provided and opportunity to view the (floodlit) 18th century packhorse bridge after which Carrbridge is named. Relevant image at top of this post.
More information
The publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland contains information on Scotland’s Highlands and Islands. The ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.