Heights, History, and Harry Potter

Back in mainland Scotland, we had some exciting plans in the lower highlands. First stop was our longest hike of the trip, up the infamous Ben Nevis. Whilst we were hoping for some amazing views, the clouds had a different agenda. 

Danni, briefly, being the tallest person in the UK atop Ben Nevis.

After powering our way to the top we opted to have lunch in the tiny, smelly, yet dry, snow shelter on the top of Ben Nevis.

The back of the head of a very pleased and accomplished feeling Rob. Although it will hurt for a few days.

Living in a van in the UK can be tricky given how spread out the services are, but boy when we found a campsite offering hot showers, water filling, bins, waste disposal, AND hot pies. Were we happy!

Our next morning started in the pouring rain (despite smug claims of 26 degree heat from some London friends) but we did get an excellent view of the Harry Potter train atop the Glenfinnan viaduct.

Due to some biological concerns, that pie did not agree with Rob, Rob was delayed and had to go up the nearest hill to see the train in the distance. Cool alternative shot though.

Finally back in a history museum! The Glenfinnan viaduct visitor centre had an excellent exhibition on the 1745 rebellion of the Jacobites led by Bonnie Prince Charlie. The exhibition had some super cool artefacts like this highlander dagger whose handle is made of fern roots.

In Fort William itself we were treated to plenty of quaint shops and yet more dreary weather. Clearly a local shop assistant had some fun labelling this glass painting (a classic type of Scottish artwork from this region 200 years ago).

The following day we headed on out of Fort William to Glencoe and its stunning filming locations including this, the scene of Hagrid's Hut from Harry Potter.

After watching the relevant scenes from the films on Youtube I was able to pull Danni away from the site and over to our next waterfall.

Waterfall. Speaks for itself I think.

On our last night in the highlands we found a lovely quiet spot on the south side of Loch Earn.

With a fire, toasted marshmallows, beers, and some new German friends, we bode farewell to the highlands for the time being ready for our days in the lowlands of Scotland and getting back to some classic Rob and Danni city days.