A trip to the top half of UK

Yes you've guessed it, Scotland!

Me and my friend decided to arranged a week long short trip to Scotland. We started the trip in Aberdeen as as my mum's friend and her family lives there so we were able to stay at their house. I took the plane from Birmingham and my friend took a plane from Manchester. Luckily we both arrived around the same time. For the first day we just went around Aberdeen city centre, however most of the shops were closed. Afterwards we went to an Indonesian gathering where we had dinner.

The next day, my mum's friend took us to Dunnottar Castle. The view was nice as it was by the sea, however it was raining so we couldn't stay for long (still managed to take a few pictures though!). On the way back to Aberdeen we went through a small town called Stonehaven. Once we were back in Aberdeen, we went to the beach. However because it was raining we could only walk around for a bit and then we had lunch in a little cafe where I ordered Cullen Skink, a Scottish soup made of potato, fish and onion. It was really nice, especially to eat in a rainy day. I finished the lunch with a pistachio ice cream (not so weather appropriate but it was too tempting). We finished the day but going around Aberdeen a bit more and then we went home.

Dunnottar Castle

Get it? ;D

Lunch is served!

On to desserts!

On Monday, me and my friend was supposed to take the train to Inverness. However, due to strikes there was no trains operating that day so we had to take a replacement coach. The coach went straight to Inverness so it wasn't too bad. Once we were in Inverness, we went straight to the hostel to put our stuff and then we went around the city centre. We walked along the river and also went to Nessie Island. We also bought food for our breakfast, lunch and dinner as we were staying for a few days in Inverness.

The next day, we had a day trip booked to the Isle of Skye. It was quite an expensive day trip, however at the end of the day I didn't have any regrets, it was totally worth the money. The view throughout the journey was beautiful, and we had a lot of stops too to take pictures. The weather kinda changed throughout the day, but it was mostly sunny. The tour guide and driver was really friendly and funny too, which made the day just that much better.

Bridge to Nessie Island

One of a kind book shop

The Cuillin Mountains

Colourful houses at Portree

Kilt Rock

Eilean Donan Castle

Quiraing

Faerie Glen

The next day, we decided to have a cruise along the Loch Ness. Although we went pass Loch Ness the day before, we didn't get to see the lake and also the Urquhart Castle properly. The price for the cruise was reasonable so we thought we'd go for it. We went on an open top bus (one of those sightseeing buses) to the dock where we board the cruising boat. The boat was more grand than I thought, it had a bar, upstairs dock, tables, and the seats were nice too. We cruised along Loch Ness up to Urquhart Castle and then went back. At first the weather was lovely, but on the way back we were able to see the line where it was raining, and as the boat went through the line, it was raining for sure! When we arrived back at the dock, we had some time until the bus comes. Lucky for us, we were able to see a few highland cows (or as the locals say it, coos) up close. They were so cute, I just wanted to bring them home!

Cute white house at the dock

Loch Ness with hills by the side

Urquhart Castle

Cool waves 

The cruise boat

Back at the dock

Black Highland coo

Brown Highland coo

Last on our list was Glasgow. However, we soon found out when we got to Glasgow, that Glasgow wasn't our cup of tea. Especially after we had just visited the highlands. Glasgow is quite metropolitan, full of tall buildings. We did visit a few places though. We went to the House for an Art Lover, which is a house designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh for a competition. We also went to Mackintosh's house. We wanted to go to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, but we came too early and the place was still closed when we arrived. A few other places we visited was the Hunterian Museum, which is located in the University of Glasgow, and also the Lighthouse.

House for An Art Lover

Hunterian Museum

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

The Lighthouse

Right, that was it for my week-long trip to Scotland. It was definitely a fun one, and I do hope that I can go back to the Highlands again one day. Preferably a road trip though, I think it is better if you go by car up there, since there isn't much public transport. I better get my licence soon! :D