petite on board
Lock Ness camping spot: Parking lot by Dores Inn
Continuing on our journey, we passed by the Inverness town to Rogie Falls, Dongwall, Black Isle. Finally, settling ourselves with a hot shower at the Ledgowan Campsite in Achnasheen.
Being constantly failed for my driving tests (3 times already), I have always wanted to go on a road trip. People like me will probably get the feeling when you met someone with a driving license who is also travelling/working abroad.
In Summer 2015, I spent my days working at the Edinburgh Fringe and of course, looking for potential driver(s) for my road trip to Highlands. Worse case scenario was that, I might just have to rent a bike or hitchhike.
And that's how I found my 2 companions in Edinburgh to join my trip.
Driver #1 -Tat Ming, also a fringe technician in my venue / having working holiday
Passenger #2 - Irene, having working holiday
Scotland, Sep 2015
1 Camper Van
3 Fringe Backpackers
∞ Midges Flying
Highlands Road Trip
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Day One @ Loch Ness, Inverness ↬
Arriving in the evening with limited wifi, we googled a free parking lot near the Loch Ness area. OMFG, what a surprise. Sun shining through our tent and as we open up the side window, we literally saw a gorgeous lake view right in front of us - the Loch Ness! We had never imagine that we have parked so close to the lake.
- Good morning, Nessie. Wanna join us for noodles? -
Welcome on board!
2nd night camping spot: A random lay-by, 5 mins away from Portree town.
Day Two, Three, FOUR @ Isle of Skpe ↬
Before crossing the Skye Bridge, we made a detour for a photo-stop at the Eilean Donan Castle.
|MY FIRST ROAD TRIP EXPERIENCE WITH OUR FIRST HITCHHIKE-GUEST
On our way to the Storr for our morning hike, we saw someone putting their thumbs up. Without a doubt, we tidied up the back-seat can cleared away all our junk food for the 2 lovely ladies from Czech.
The Storr (719m) , Trotternish Ridge
Look at me, already getting over-excited for our first hike in Highlands. The best advice I would give to the fellow travellers would be WAKE UP EARLY, please, to avoid the crowd and get the best view of the sun rising up. For beginners, The Storr will probably be your best choice. The path is clear and directions are easy to follow.
Check out more of the route:
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/thestorr.shtml
Road trip x hiking essential to feed our little belly:
1. Breadstick
2. Favourite dip: Nutella
3. Something cheesy
Apparently the sky looks clearer when you were just at the bottom of the slope ready to climb the hill. As we climbed into the mist, the path got more muddy and miserable that we thought we lost the track. Thank god, we met some other trekkers to direct us. Seeing them hiking with professional hiking sticks and boots, we certainly didn't gear up properly.
Again, if it's a bright sunny day, this route won't have any problem at all. The top of the table is definitely worth a climb if you got a clear sky. Unfortunately, we don't.
Craving for our Nutella and cream cheese spread for more than an hour at the peak, the clouds still haven't made any move yet. Well, so we decided to return and found our way to the designated footpath along the cliff. I felt like we were shooting an Asian version of 'Lord of the Rings' - 3 midget on a mission to found their checkpoint (cattle gate) under all these unwanted mist and clouds.
**In another way, I would suggest travellers to do the route in a reverse direction. So you kinda get into the 'Lord of the Rings' rocky area in a more chill way. You can even enjoy your fantasy with your imaginarytrolls before making the decision of whether or not to climb the summit.
3rd night camping spot: Random lay-by near Dunvegan
Cont'| Day Three @ Isle of Skpe ↬
Quiraing (543m) , northernmost summit of the Trotternish
The weather was less pleasant than yesterday. Heading back to Trotternish for our 2nd hike, we followed the route from 'walkhighlands' and go straight and uphill into the mist. - http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/quiraing.shtml
**p.s. please bear in mind that the weather do affects which way you should begin your journey.
If it's a BRIGHT & SUNNY DAY, follow our route;
If not, it would be better for you to take the path on your right and follow around.
Neist Point, Glendale
We made quite a big U-turn with our campervan back to the most westly point of Skpe in order to see the sunset. Hard work was definitely worth paid. As we drove down to the lighthouse, the view was just too amazing to be described purely by words. However, whale watching was unexpectedly difficult.
4th night: Well-equipped camp site near Fort William - Linnhe Lochside
Cont'| Day FOUR @ Isle of Skpe ↬
Fairy Pools (360m) , Glen Brittle
Scotland in September is like winter for us. If I am not wearing fleece and beanie, I might have dive into the pool for a magical swim as if I am invading the *Plitvice Lake again. To sum up this place with 10 words, it will be:
"A breathtaking scenary will lead you to Oz."
Last Day @ Fort William, Loch Lodmond, Glasgrow ↬ Edinburgh
(Left to Right)
1. Climbed Bed Lomond, again, not blessed by the weather.
2. Glen Nevis
(Third largest waterfall in Scotland).
Big shout out to Irene and Tatming for making the trip happen!
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