Glencoe 2010
Thursday 18th of March Bairdstravel headed north to spend a night in the wonderful Glencoe valley.
At 18.00 we leave Clydebank and drive north. GeeBee was our driver for the trip. Crazy Geo also came along to enjoy the Scottish scenery. Crazy Geo had never in his life been so far north. He really enjoyed the short break.
By the time we reached the lochside the light was fading. There`s not much traffic on the road but the road narrows making it hard to get the speed up. After leaving Loch Lomond behind we pass Ardlui. Mrs Bairdstravel
was there at Outdoor centre. She had a great time doing many events with the children from her school.
Next through Crianlarich and on to Tyndrum. Usual place for us to stop is the Green Welly in Tyndrum but because of the hold up at Loch Lomond
we make our first stop the Bridge of Orchy hotel .
After our stop we decided to head straight for Glencoe. It is now pitch black and the rain is lashing down. Our hotel is right in the valley.
After a few miles we see the signs for the Clachaig Hotel. The hotel
is at the end of a one track road. Bags in and down to the Boot bar for a few beers. Good Jukebox in the bar.
The Clachaig is a great base for exploring the Glencoe area. We were told the hotel was 300 years old but the standards were very modern.
We stayed in room 2 [which could take three] This room had great views of the mountains.
There is always a great atmosphere at Clachaig. Clachaig has 3 bars. Tourists and walkers from around the world mix in the bars.
Our room was equipped with tea & coffee making facilities and a colour tv. We didn't have a main meal this time round but we did enjoy the food last summer. The breakfast was fine and tons off it. I had porridge and the full Scottish breakfast [including Haggis].
With it`s setting it would be very hard not to love this place. It is stunning.
View from outside the Clachaig.
As you can see the weather was poor.
The hotel was in a beautiful setting.
The road up to the hotel.
Glencoe is a very popular tourist destination: partly because of its scenic qualities and historical associations, partly because it is on the main road north (the A82), and also because of its attraction for walkers and climbers. It is famous for the quality, and variety of its winter climbing, most of its routes being comparatively easy of access from the main road.
Glencoe Massacre Memorial
In the hotel there is a sign no Hawkers or Campbells welcome this is a remark about the massacre in 1692.
My Mother was born a Campbell but my gran was a MacDonald so I have
both clans in my blood .
Waterfall on the River Coe, Glencoe
WET WET WET
We stopped for a beer at the Kings House Hotel. The New Zealander behind the bar looked after us and gave us a great insight into her homeland.
Loch Ba
Carpark in the sky
Bridge of Orchy Hotel Gee Bee and crazy Geo
Love to stop here on route up north or on the return journey. Also handy for the West Highland way. Love walking the Way from Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy. Dinner in the hotel then back to Tyndrum.
View from hotel Ben Dorian hOTEL WITH A VIEW
The Green Welly Tyndrum Popular stopping spot on route .
Last big shop before Fort William
Next stop The Drovers Inn
The Drovers Inn is an old inn used by the Highland drovers who used to drive their cattle down the side of Loch Lomond to the markets. The decor and furniture looked as though it has not been changed or altered for a couple of hundred years but it works. Great atmosphere and very
popular with tourists and locals alike.
After 162.9 miles we are back at base. Well done Gee Bee our driver for the trip. He handled the roads well and enjoy the banter.
Sorry the photo`s are not that great but the weather was poor.