So I got a new job finally, which was supposed to start on November 1. But when I got a call close to the time saying that I can’t start until November 8, I decided to spend 4 days up in the Highlands. Here’s a link to all the photos.

I flew into Glasgow, but my back was hurting a lot from using weights the day before (oops), and within five minutes of driving it was hurting so bad that I went to the A+E department of Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, right by the airport. An hour or two later I got some painkillers and I was ready to go!

After coming out of the hospital I drove just over two hours up to Edzell, where Gabi lives who is a friend from many years ago. After staying there a night I drove over to the Eilean Donan castle, or the “MacRae Castle” as we call it, where our ancestors used to work. The rain was terrible, and the castle was closed. There were seven cars in the car park, and I was the only one brave enough to get out of the car. Then I drove on to nearby Ullapool to spend a night there.

There isn’t a lot between Ullapool and John o’ Groats, except three or four hours of narrow roads, and the odd sheep on the road.

At first the rain was torrential and I just about didn’t start the drive because at points there were rivers of water flowing across some roads, and it’s one of the most desolate parts of the country. But luckily I did take the trip because after a while it cleared up very nicely.

I ended up eventually at Dunnet Head, which is the most northerly point of mainland Britain. There wasn’t much there other than a lighthouse. Then, on to John o’ Groats, where there wasn’t a lot to see.

And then back to see Gabi! It was low season so quite quiet. And because of my sore back, I wasn’t able to try out the pool. But I had a great time and didn’t want to go!

The next day was a drive back to Glasgow and then a flight back to London. According to Google maps, I drove 920 miles, or 1,472 kilometres.

Here’s a link to all the photos.