We had a smooth sailing from Northern Ireland to Scotland. We were upgraded to the 'fast ferry' after our scheduled economy ferry had mechanical problems and was canceled. We enjoyed the amenities onboard.
Arrived late Tuesday evening in Ayr, Scotland. Thanks to laterooms.com we scored a luxury hotel on the grounds of Ayr Racecourse for less than the price of a hostel family room. Hot chocolate and cookies on the pillows for each of the kids when we checked-in. Nice.
Today we took a road trip from Ayr to Oban. Oban is on the coast of the western highlands where you can take a ferry to the western islands of Skye, Mull, and many more. We saw a whiskey distillery and had great, fresh-off-the-boats seafood.
The views on the way to Oban were amazing -- we saw Loch Lomond, snow covered mountains, Ayrshire cattle, sheep, castle ruins, glens, rivers, and more. Scotland is beautiful off-season. It must be stunning in Summer and Autumn.
Morning walk on the racecourse:
Loch Lomond:
Snow covered highlands:
Oban waterfront:
Whiskey (oops...there's no 'e' in Scottish whisky) ingredients:
Tonight we're staying just outside Stirling. Can't wait to explore the castle and cobblestone streets in the morning.
