It rained again last night. There are lots of tents in this camping ground. It wouldn’t be much fun in this weather.
Spent a little time in Ballater. Called into the craft market and Jennie and Richard bought some buns from the queen's baker.
The road to Inverness climbs up through the mountains – through Cairngorms National Park. This was very much moor country with heather covering the hills (in a patchwork pattern in many places). Apparently, they burn patches of heather to provide plenty of young pick for the grouse. The grouse hide in the heather away from foxes etc. In turn, the grouse become a food source for the residents. Came to a carved rock overlooking a castle in the valley. It had holes through it to look at the scenery and the inscription “Take a moment to behold, as still skies and storms unfold, in sun, rain, sleet or snow, warm your souls before you go.” There were markers (sticks) on the side of the road to mark its edges during the snow season. Also passed a ski resort up the top of the mountain.
Called in at Cawdor Castle near Nairn. Was a bit commercial – café, ice cream shop, wool shop, gift shop, book shop etc. It even had a golf course but no time for that today. The central tower of the castle was built in the 14th century and the building was extended 300 years later. It is very well furnished and the “old” kitchen is particularly impressive. The collection of early bicycles and tricycles was most interesting.
We then drove on to Culloden, “the last battlefield”. It was here in 1746 that the English, under the Duke of Cumberland’s command, brutally defeated the Jacobite army led by Bonnie Prince Charlie. Some 1200 highlanders, already exhausted after a draining overnight march, died in the engagement. The post-victory crackdown was fearsome. There was a very impressive interpretive visitor’s centre and you are able to walk around the 49-hectare moor where the conflict took place. A bonus was that it was a national trust site so did not have to pay the usual £6-£10 entry. It wasn’t Jill’s thing, however, so she had a lovely time in the gift shop.
Stayed in the Bught Caravan Park in Inverness for the night. We were able to take a 20-minute walk to town along the Ness River, at one spot crossing the river via a chain of islands. Was a lovely walk. Dinner at a pub and then on to another which was supposed to have some Scottish music. Didn’t sound too Scottish to us.
