Lesser Spotted Orchid
8/8/2023: This was a very easy and very short hike. We had a lot of driving to do that day all the way to the Isle of Skye, so hiking was kept at a minimum. Still, it was a nice hike, but certainly not the best of the trip. Very interesting with lots of history and environmental activities.
Day 4: Glen Nevis / Isle of Skye
A short drive brings us to Fort William, where we’ll meet a John Muir Ranger for a guided hike in the glen (valley) beneath the hulking mountain of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the United Kingdom. Later this afternoon, cross over the sea to the Isle of Skye, stopping for a visit to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. (3 miles hiking, 3 hours) Note: Today’s hike does not include scaling the peak of Ben Nevis. This hike undulates through the valley at the base of the mountain.
Overnight: Skeabost House Hotel (B, L, D)
And here is the full itinerary from National Geographic.
Marg’s Notes: Up to pack & then to breakfast. Hit the road at 9:00. We had ~1½ hour drive to our hike at Glen Nevis. This is the valley at the base of Ben Nevis. The highest peak in the U.K. After stopping at the visitors center, we drove to meet the rangers, Rob & Jen from the John Muir Trust. Another nice hike up the Glen which is a valley caused by 2 land plates crashing into each other long ago. Over the centuries the land has been cleared of forests, overrun by sheep & deer. Professional hunters cull the deer. Probably why venison is on the menu… The John Muir Trust is trying to restore the environment. We saw Scot’s Pines which are beautiful. Doug fir, & Sitka spruce were introduced after WWII…wartime deforestation. Lunch at the turn around point. Hike was less than 4 miles. After another potty stop @ the Visitor’s Center, we traveled another 1¾ hours to the Isle of Sky. Skeabost Hotel for 2 nights. We have a nice room with a view, but small. Shower, dinner, bed!
Washed some undies last night. Sink was slow to drain ☹. But clothes got dry on the heated towel rack! More good food for breakfast!
I forgot to say that we toured another castle on the way to Skeabost Hotel. Eilean Donan castle. Rebuilt castle.
Created: 2023