To INVERNESS & AWAY

Hi, all!

I crossed over from Skye via the Skye Bridge and arrived in Kyle of Lochalsh on a City Link bus, picked up provisions at the local Co-op grocery, then headed up the street to the rail station.

The Kyle Line between Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness is another 1 of Britain's most scenic rail journeys. In addition to what you see pictured there were lots of surprises including startled stags and a dead beached beluga whale. 

Highland cattle

I had run across this group of French hikers on Skye wearing the same muddy kilts.

I hiked from the rail station to my hostel, Inverness Student Hotel, happy to have a roller bag. When I arrived and was assigned a dorm on the 3rd floor, I was happy my bag has backpack straps, too. 

The lounge

That's my bed plus a dorm mate enjoying a good book and the lovely view from the window, next photo.

I set out to explore and the 1st stop was Inverness Castle, built in 1836 on a site that has hosted some form of fort for many centuries. The current building houses the Sheriff Court and isn't open to the public.

I think this is a parking code but has a sort of stand alone sentiment.

I saw several of these trompe l'oeil-style paintings on the flat (yes, flat!) construction canvas covering renovations projects.

I crossed the River Ness on the pedestrian suspension bridge (did not see the infamous monster) and visited some lovely churches

before crossing back and strolling around the Old High Church.

Next door I found this otherworldy place - Leakey's Book Store.

As I walked south toward the hostel I passed 5 or 6 groups of 'hen and chicks' - some sort of bridal party tradition; this was my favorite.

The main reason I planned a Saturday stop in Inverness was to find good live music and I was not disappointed on that count. Hootenanny's has live music 7 nights/week, metal upstairs and traditional downstairs. My night downstairs it was an inspiring young group, Levack Stewart Irving.

After a bit more exploring in the morning, I headed back to the rail station for my trip south - more beautiful scenery, another nice train picnic, and my eventual arrival in Linlithgow.

Happy trails!

Stacey