Addendum

Monday – Aviemore

I was rather disappointed with Aviemore as I had thought it was bigger than it actually turned out to be, but there you go. Because we were rushing around getting supplies in, there was not time to take pictures but the landscape with the snow on the tops of the hills was stunning. What must it be like in the depth of winter, well it must be even more stunning!

As we haven’t a view of Aviemore, here’s a pic of the view from our lounge window…

Tuesday – Inverness

The bus ride over Slochd summit was a definite experience; the wind had risen and in the rain, it looks not a place to linger, yet the views were special. Snow from the week before was still very much in evidence by the roadside and on the hills, but my first impression of the area was a good one, wishing I could see it in the summer as well!

Inverness was a lovely little place, despite the rain! The River Ness was very high, as you can see from this picture, showing it and the castle in the background.

We couldn’t actually get into the castle as its now the courthouse, or the museum, it was closed, so we had to make do with the mercantile delights of the town, which was varied enough to suit everyone.

Wednesday – Grantown On Spey

Sitting by the fast flowing River Spey on a crisp sunny late autumn afternoon was just so special and relaxing that Ally fell asleep! Like all the other local river the Spey was quite high as it grumbled and roared its passage in front of us, but we could tell that it had clearly been a lot higher in previous days. The light was just wonderful.

The bus we’d chosen to get us home turned out to be a school run, but the kids were quite well behaved, indeed one lad gave up his seat so Ally and I could sit together, without being asked. Just goes to show that there are still some good ones about, despite everything.

Grantown Musuem

Thursday – Lochanhully

As we decided to do the domestic things today, we took the opportunity to take pictures etc of the local area around the site. Photos of the view can’t really do it justice but they’re not too bad.

It was a real treat to be able to pull the curtains and to look out on that every morning, started the day off right.

At this point in time I hadn’t yet got a pic of the bridge in the village of Carrbridge but I subsequently took this one later on, and you can see why it’s a bit of a tourist attraction. It was originally built in the 19th century but the parapet was swept away in floods late in that century.

I’ve been much impressed by the landscape around this slightly remote part of Scotland despite the time of year. Most tourists prefer the Cairngorms and Strathspey during the summer, but the winter has its stark beauty which is completely different to any other time of year. Although the weather can tend to be mercurial, a bright day after rain or snow, it can be an awe-inspiring sight, seeing the snow glinting off the to mountain tops. The air can be very invigorating as you take it in, gazing upon the relentless power of the flooded rivers, forcing you to recognise the way man has to adapt to the landscape rather than moulding it to his will.

Lochanhully Woodland Club

Friday – Newtonmore

Not easy to get there and not easy to leave either! Ok the train from Carrbridge was ok, and we got there easy enough, but after we arrived, it turned out there was two train left that day, about 1pm and the 6.30pm! Turns out I made a mistake on the timetable, which is most unlike me. So we got back to Aviemore and then got a taxi home, from our friendly local driver, Bill Grant. And I had to pay too… But the view was ok though.

We were in Newtonmore to see the attraction of the Waltzing Waters, which was well worth the trip.

Waltzing Waters

Saturday – Carrbridge and the Landmark Centre

We decided to stay close by the village and visited the Landmark Centre, a woodland heritage park and it was well worth going to. The highlight of the day was the chance to get to see red squirrels. Not close enough to touch them but close enough to be able to see the colours of there eyes.

Landmark centre

Theres more photos at my Yahoo site (click on the link)