On the heals of two long days of bus rides, we happily spent significantly more time in the open air of the Highlands on Day 6 of our Gaelic adventure. After another wonderfully filling breakfast, our first stop was less than a half hour from our hotel. Bundled, hatted, and mittened, we hopped out of our coach ready for the elements.
CrainGorm Mountain is a centerpiece of outdoor activity in Scotland, drawing skiers, hikers, mountain bikers, and other thrill-seekers from all over Britain. Our day was to be more tame than many take in on CrainGorm: a ride up the funicular railway to a spot near the summit. The railway was created in the early 1990s amid controversy as environmentalists were concerned about the effects construction and increased foot traffic to the summit would have on the fragile ecosystem of the upper reaches of the mountain. We followed one of the rules that was reached as a compromise to allow the railway’s construction by staying very close to the upper station and its cafe. The wondrous views and sharp, chilly air lifted our spirits. Several of our students were overheard to promise that they’d be returning as soon as they could.
After riding back down and stopping for lunch in Aviemore, we drove through the “Capital of the Highlands,” Inverness, and on to Great Glen and world famous Loch Ness. While Scotland’s best-known loch carries importance for over 1000 years of Pict and clan histories, it is best known for the camera-shy Nessie, the monster of the lake. We boarded the Jacobite Rebel in perfect Loch Ness weather: windy, spitting rain, and heavy, leaden skies. Though eighteen pairs of eyes were peeled for a glimpse of the elusive denizen of the loch and despite the rain lifting as soon as we pulled away from the dock, we came away without a sighting or photograph that would lead to global news coverage for us and the Brimmer and May School. Still, the one hour ride was magnificent for its views and atmosphere.
We disembarked at Urquhart Castle, a fortress and clan manor with history going back to about 1100. Although left to fall into disrepair following a brutal storm in 1715, explanatory signs, photos, and drawings allowed us to understand the castle’s history and imagine ourselves living within its thick stone walls. Particularly vivid was the idea of languishing in Urquhart’s prison cell, as we were all startled by the sight of a miserable wretch squatting in the tiny, windowless hole.
After an easy, quiet bus ride back to our hotel in Newtonmore, we spent a relaxing evening repacking our bags for tomorrow’s drive to the Lowlands, across the Firth of Forth, and into wonderful Edinburgh. More news and photos to come!
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