“Scottish Highlands Cascade” — A highlands stream cascades down a steep slope near Applecross Pass.
From what we could see, there don’t seem to be roads into the highest portions of the Scottish highlands. There are quite a few roads near to them, and it is common to find yourself driving up or down a river valley below the tall mountains, But actually getting into that high, rugged terrain seems to require walking in most areas. So we were surprised and happy to find ourselves headed over a pass on a road that took us quite high up.
“On The Road To Elgol” — Distant mountains and cloud-filled sky along the route to the Scottish village of Elgol.
We had several days to explore the Isle of Skye during or May visit to Scotland. We stayed at a somewhat off-the-grid location to the west of Portree. One day we did a popular route up the eastern coast toward the far northern reaches of the island, returning on the other side of that peninsula. Another day we headed south and east, visiting the Talisker distillery and, among other things, heading out to the remote village of Elgol on the southwestern coast.
“Two Highlands Peaks” — Soft light on green hills and two distant highlands peaks.
We came upon this scene while driving north from Ullapool, Scotland and then taking a diversion out toward the coast. (We were intrigued by signs promising that we would find blueberry scones, and we just keep going until we… ran out of Scotland at the coast! Sadly, we never found the scones.) We were traveling along some lowland valleys, and at the top of one short incline we looked back and saw this view. Initially the entire scene was shaded by clouds, but since it looked like sunny spots were moving across the landscape we waited until some of that light landed on the foreground.
“Hairy Coo Calf” — A young “hairy coo,” the Scotthish Highlands cattle.
Yes, more cute “coo.” I know, not my usual subject. But these “hairy coos” are a big deal in Scotland, and they really are striking and marvelous creatures — especially if you come across one or more in a pasture on a foggy or rainy day. It is hard to imagine many other things that feel more like the Scottish highlands.