Glencoe

For some unknown reason we both slept quite late, some campers were preparing to leave and the day appeared overcast but warm and we could see the tops of the mountains around us. We were assured later by one of the assistant camp wardens that this was a 'good' day weather wise.

We breakfasted el fresco enjoying the mountain views. Once tidied we made our way to the Glencoe Visitor Centre just a few minutes walk from the campsite. We resisted joining the Scottish version of the National Trust, even though it is cheaper than the English version and includes access to all properties in the UK. The Exhibition was informative and covered all aspects of the Glen from its geology, through events in its history including the 1692 massacre by English troops of the chieftain and family of the Macdonald Clan, those who have climbed its many mountains and flora and fauna.

We were also lucky enough to catch a performance by two men dressed in 18th century Scottish costumes who told us about the lives and customs of clansmen including their weaponry, attitudes to strangers and traditional dress. They were witty and informative and very careful not to get involved in any discussions about the massacre for which the glen is so infamous.

We enjoyed a refreshment break at the centre's cafe and made use of the free wifi then set off to walk part of the woodland trail and into the village of Glencoe. The woodland was full of birdsong and wild flowers and the buzzing of bees and provided a number of photographic opportunities.

We reached the village and traversed the small high street with its single shop, but useful for buying some custard to accompany tonight's Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding, a church, a museum and a number of guest houses, mostly with no vacancies to the River Coe and its ancient bridge. Then we followed signs to the Massacre Memorial; a somber place.

We tried to find the footpath at end of the road to lead us back towards the camp site but a sign indicated it was private land so we crossed a field and climbed a gate, yes even me and found ourselves back on the main road and the path back through the woods to the camp site.

We enjoyed some tea and toasted plum bread and the scenery and began to think about where we were going next. Later, Lesley cooked a tasty dinner of fish cakes followed by that Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding and custard and then we spent some time reading and editing photos whilst it slowly darkened outside but even at 2230 it was still light!

Tomorrow we are booked on the afternoon Jacobite Train from Fort William to Mallaig, reputedly one of June most beautiful rail journeys in the world and certainly made famous by its connection to Harry Potter films!

 

 

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