#218: Balmoral Hotel (pg 49)

April 26, 2018

Balmoral Hotel

A view of the lobby from the 2nd story where we were treated to a harpist playing while you sit, relax, have a drink, etc. 

While enjoying the harpist, we began speaking with an employee, who told us about this hidden gem.  He told us that JK Rowling, after becoming famous, could no longer sit in the public coffee shop undisturbed.  So, she came to the Balmoral Hotel (she had money now!) and holed up in Room 552 where she penned her last few novels in the HP series.  They have since renamed this the J.K. Rowling Suite, complete with purple door and owl knocker.  We were also told that the inside of the suite is decked out in all things Harry Potter and that, as long as it's not occupied, they will show you inside.  Sadly, the room was occupied when we visited, but we still had fun getting this close to it.

The Balmoral Hotel is an old railway hotel built in 1902.  You are greeted at the entrance by kilted doormen and is open to non-hotel guests for afternoon tea or a visit to the Palm Court Bar.

Verdict:  No.  It's a beautiful hotel and the staff was very gracious.  The HP connection was a bonus and if we had actually been able to stay in that suite, my no may have been changed to a Yes - I mean really, how cool would that be?!  So, if you're a JK Rowling fan, stop by here while in Edinburgh. Otherwise, rest easy if you pass to the other side without seeing Balmoral Hotel.

#217: Edinburgh Castle (pg 50)

April 26, 2018

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle sits atop an extinct volcano.

It is comprised of several buildings dating from the 12th to 20th centuries. 

It has served as a fortress, a royal palace, a military garrison and a state prison. 

The original fortress was built but the 6th-century Northumbrian king, Edwin.  It was the preferred royal residence until the Union of the Crowns in 1603, after which the King resided in England.

Verdict:  Yes, this was a remarkable Castle to see and explore and I can't imagine coming to Edinburgh and not going to Edinburgh Castle, the castle that J.K. Rowling tooled to from a tiny coffee shop down the street as she penned her first few HP novels and brought Harry Potter to life.

Cost: 18.5 pounds at the gate or 17 pounds online ahead of time (adult prices).  We bought the Explorer Pass for 31 pounds while we were at Stirling Castle which gave us admission to Stirling Castle as well as Edinburgh Castle and saved us from waiting in a really long line here, so I would recommend that if venturing around Scotland - saved us time and money. 

#216: Scotch Whisky Trail (pg 44) (Listed as The Malt Whisky Trail in 2nd Ed, pg 42)

April 26, 2018

While on our way from the Isle of Skye to Edinburgh, we drove through the Grampian Highlands, home of many distilleries making up the Scotch Whisky Trail.

We stopped at Dalwhinnie, which won the Best Distillery Tour Award from Drinks International.

Dalwhinnie is located in Cairngorm National Park and is tucked into an incredibly scenic view on all sides.

Verdict:  I don't drink, so no, this isn't a "must do" before you die coming from my perspective.  But in the opinion of those who do drink, there's no better single malt whisky.  And, when in Scotland.....

Cost: 12 pounds for a 45 minute tour which includes 2 drams, a taste of chocolate and a free souvenir glass.  Or for 25 pounds, you get the above plus a special tasting of 4 single malts and 4 handmade truffles. 

#215: Loch Ness (pg 46)

 April 25, 2018

I honestly was so excited to see Loch Ness.  I'm such a succor for seeing things with history, stories and lore. 

I read and knew that it was "just like any other lake."  Even so, I kept staring at it, expecting and hoping to see something come out of the water in the same way that every Christmas I hope the "real" Santa comes to visit.

Alas, the water stayed calm with no Nessie in sight.

The water was cold, but we all put our feet in to say that we'd been in Loch Ness!

Attempting to make our arms look like Nessie coming out of the water.

Verdict:  Okay, so I need to concede that all the books are right..... this lake is not necessarily any different than any other Loch in Scotland.  So, no you don't need to see this before you die.  But if you're like me and love a good legend, then a visit to Loch Ness is worth your while -the lake is serene and it's tucked into a beautiful area surrounded by lovely scenery.

Cost: Free

#214: Isle of Skye and Kinloch Lodge (pg 44)

April 24-25, 2018

Our first stop after arriving on the Isle of Skye was to hike to the Fairy Pools.

It's an easy hike, rich in scenery, that leads to a series of waterfalls and pools.

We had visions of swimming here, but alas, the weather was cold and windy and the water was frigid, so we dipped our hands and feet in and called it good ;)

However, we did see guys in wet suits and dry suits cliff-jumping in, which looked like loads of fun - so word to the wise..... if you come here in April, bring a wet/dry suit and enjoy!

We worked up an appetite during our hike, so we stopped at this totally random, hole in the wall place on our drive out.  It ended up being the best meal of our entire trip!!  So, so good!  It's called Bog Myrtle of Skye and I HIGHLY recommend!

And then we made our way to the Neist Lighthouse

Great hike, great views, cute sheep

The next morning, we woke up and hiked the Old Man of Storr

And then hiked Quiraing

We chose this trip to "hike the Scottish highlands" and that is exactly what we did!

And it did not disappoint!!

Verdict:  Yes!  I loved everything about the Isle of Skye.  This place has been on my radar since I first heard about it while visiting Yosemite in my mid-20's and speaking with a fellow traveler.  The weather is a bit crazy - it can go from sunny and beautiful to a freezing hail storm and back in a matter of minutes.  But the scenery is splendid, the people are friendly, prices are reasonable, nature abounds.  What's not to love?!

Cost:  Getting to and staying in Skye are the only costs to consider (we drove there, making our way from Edinburgh, so our only cost was gas) and we stayed in a very reasonably priced bed and breakfast.  All the hikes we did were free.