The trip was seven weeks and planned around art, gardens, and books.
Saturday - arrived at London Heathrow, tube to Euston station (thank you, Emma!), train to the lovely small city of Chester, England, stayed at Hallmark the Queen Hotel as it was near the train station. It was fine and I could walk to the city center but if I go to Chester again, I will stay in the city center.
Sunday and Monday - taxi from Chester to Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden, England. For a book lover, this was a wonderful experience. Stayed two nights at the Library. Meals are available. I had Sunday lunch and Monday tea at the Library. On Monday I had a pub lunch in Hawarden.
Tuesday - Travel day. Taxi to Chester, then train from Chester to Inverness, Scotland. Stayed at the Strathness House Hotel with view of the River Ness. Did the River Ness Walk in the evening.
Wednesday - Scenic train ride from Inverness to Kyle of Localsh, then bus to Portree on Isle of Skye. Stayed at the Rosedale Hotel in a harbor view room. Loved this hotel and the breakfast was superb (made fresh by the owner’s mother).
Thursday - Did a minibus tour of Skye with Real Scottish Journeys and the tour allowed some time for short hikes. Took a taxi back to Kyle of Lochalsh as the tour finished after the last bus left for Kyle. Stayed at the Lochalsh Hotel in a seaview room. The hotel has seen better days but was adequate.
Friday - Took the train from Kyle to Attadale and walked across the road to the lovely Attadale Gardens. Then took the train to the village of Plockton and had a nice dinner in the Plockton Inn.
Saturday - Took a taxi to scenic Eilean Donan in Dornie (the buses in this part of Scotland aren’t too reliable).
Sunday - Travel day. Took the afternoon train from Kyle to Edinburgh. Stayed at the Bonham Hotel in Edinburgh.
Monday - Visited the National Gallery in Edinburgh, a very nice smaller museum. Had lunch at the Undercroft Cafe at St Andrews and St George’s Church, and visited Queen Street Gardens. Joined the Rick Steves 10 day Scotland tour in the late afternoon.
Tuesday - City tour of Edinburgh with a local guide. Lunch at Howie’s on Victoria Street. Visited the Georgian House on Charlotte Square in the New Town. Found Scotland Street and other locations from Alexander McCall Smith’s 44 Scotland Street series.
Wednesday - Bus to Kenmore. On the way, stopped at Culross, picturesque town where Outlander has filmed. Lunch and afternoon at St Andrews including a visit to the Topping and Company bookstore where I was offered tea after making my purchase. Stayed two nights at the Kenmore Hotel in Kenmore.
Thursday - Visited the very interesting Crannog Centre, did a nature walk at the Hermitage, and had a tour of Dewar’s Distillery in Aberfeldy. Enjoyed an entertaining evening of bagpipe music.
Friday - Bus to Inverness. On the way, stopped at a sheep farm where we had a sheep herding demonstration by the resident sheep dogs and held adorable puppies and lambs. Visited historic Culloden. Stayed at the excellent very nice Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel in Inverness. Dinner at the hotel.
Saturday - Cruised Loch Ness and visited the Urquhart Castle ruin. Tea and visit to the lovely Cawdor Castle and Gardens Visited the fantastic Leakey’s second hand bookshop located in a 17th century church. Dinner at Mustard Seed and music at Gellions Pub.
Sunday - Bus to Oban. Lunch and hike at the Nevis Range on the way. Local music and dinner at the Oban Inn. Stayed two nights in a seaview room at the Glenburnie House in Oban. Really loved the friendliness, decor, and location of this hotel.
Monday - Enjoyed Oban. Walked to Dunollie, a ruined castle with great views. Dinner at Ee Orsk.