Scotland’s Pure Beauty and History

Moody early morning sky that soon cleared to bright sunshine

Scotland has so much history and I soaked it all up along with the amazing views and the fresh clean air of Sunny clear days, not a drop of rain did we have all week. A first for all of our visits to this beautiful part of Scotland.

We obviously picked the right week to visit as this week Scotland has had lots of rain and its first snow shower yesterday on Ben Nevis

This was the Hotel in which we stayed The Ben Doran, in Tyndrum.  photo credit Link HERE 

We were based in the village of Tyndrum in Loch Lomond in the The Trossachs National Park. The village is notable mainly for being at a junction of transport routes. The West Highland Line railway from Glasgow splits approximately 5 miles (8 km) to the south at Crianlarich, with one branch heading to Fort William and the other to Oban. Tyndrum has a station on each end of this small village whose population is less than 200 people .

Tyndrum is also interesting as around 2 miles from the village is a Gold Mine situated upon the hillside of Beinn Chùirn. Although this mine has not been mined to its fullest potential as yet.

Travelling to Inveraray along the shores of Loch Fyne

The first day saw us head out for Inveraray  to which we have visited before, Some of you may have read the post with my pictures inside Inveraray Jail before in May along with poem and pictures entitled Altering The System

Inveraray Jail

Inveraray Castle stands on the shores of Loch Fyne since the 1400s’

This impressive castle  was said to be inspired by a drawing by Vanbrugh, the architect of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard and started its build in 1746 by the 3rd Duke of Argyll. The castle took 43 years to complete and cost in excess of £300,000. Think of that in today’s money! It must have cost millions of pounds.. Again showing the great divide between rich and poor.. 

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So as you approach,  Inveraray along Loch Fyne on the A83 it actually follows one of Wade’s old military roads; Aray Bridge, just before the castle, dates back to 1775 and is one of wade’s famous military bridges.   This is the bridge..

Aray Bridge, Built by General Wade

At that time Inveraray was isolated and it’s roads were rough tracks. The nearest descent road fit for carriages to travel was over 40 miles away.  So it was that General Wade was sent north to undertake the task, and set about creating a network of roads and bridges which would ensure that troops could be rushed from strategic bases in Fort William, Fort Augustus or Fort George to tackle any insurrection. This was due to the unrest of the Jacobite rebellion of 1745 to control the clans so that troops could move about easier through the Highlands.

Along the road we saw the monument watch tower above the castle  I hope you have enjoyed our first  day as we viewed Nature is in her raw state among the lochs and glens, her beauty is constantly changing as the light shifts throughout her mountains and shorelines. 

If you are interested in the history or need to know more about the places mentioned, I have included many links within this post to seek out further information. 

Have a wonderful Week 

Blessings Sue 

 

Source Credits:

http://www.tarbertlochfyne.com/

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/inveraray/inveraraycastle/

https://en.wikipedia.org

http://www.inveraray-argyll.com/inveraraymobile.html