The drive through Glencoe to Eilean Donan Castle really is one of Scotland’s (the world’s?) most spectacular drives and it was the best way to start the North Coast 500 – even if the weather seemed to take a turn on the morning we headed off. Indeed it seemed like the weather forecast for the whole week we were to be away was sadly looking its traditional Scottish summer best (rain, hail, snow, sun, rain, hail, snow, sun) but then I’ve always loved the way gloom looks on our mountains.

Our campsite for the night was The Red Squirrel, hidden away at the back of Glencoe village at the end of a single track road. The campsite really is located in a gorgeous spot and it is basically wild camping (with loos!) at its best. However, with its location on the River Coe it is also midgie heaven, by early evening we needed a campfire to keep them off our back – but after failing miserably to get one to light (I blame wet wood) and after lots of extra unwanted protein with our tea (yuck!) we headed to the pub – the famous Clachaig Inn – to escape. The pub is about a mile from the campsite and it is a rather lively place, the ‘Boots bar’ in particular was good – if you could get a seat and get to the bar that is!

I’m always like a kitten with a piece of tinsel in a tent. Happy as larry. I think it is part of my make-up to be outdoors, sat in a camping chair, glass of wine in hand, but the midgies of Glencoe were pretty bitey, so after the pub we ended up having to have a rather early night for the first night of our trip! However, after a great nights sleep (we are glampers, we have an airbed) we were packed up early the next morning and were able to shoot up the road to our first planned stop at Eilean Donan Castle (Island of the sacred saint ‘Donnan’) which after Edinburgh’s is probably the most iconic of all of Scotland’s castles. It is also right on the road to Skye – you really can’t miss it!

Eilean Donan Castle

I’d been desperate to visit. Plus it was a beautiful sunny day. Proof that the forecasters get it wrong a lot in Scotland!

Eilean Donan Castle sits at the junction of three beautiful lochs – Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh and was made famous by the film Highlander and now constant instagram photos. It is Flash Flash Flash all over the place. This is a TOURISTY.

(I still loved it though)

Here is my favourite Instagram I took.

(and you all loved it too! Thank you!)

A brilliant first day!

Love from, Scotland x

Next up – our VERY whistle stop tour of Skye!