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Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle is situated 16 miles south-west from Inverness on a rocky peninsula on the banks of Loch Ness. It has had a chequered history, and was blown up in 1692 to prevent it from being a Jacobite stronghold. The views along Loch Ness are stunning!

May 12, 2011

Photos: 24

Loch Affric - an Adventure

Loch Affric is one of the most beautiful in all of Scotland, with a scattering of old Scots pine and several Munros dotted around its vast area. Its eastern extremity is situated 37 miles south-west of Inverness. (Google, for some unknown reason, does not mark the loch on its map.) From the car park at Loch Pollan Buidhe the route around Loch Affric is about 11 miles of good track, rough track and a few streams - not for the faint-hearted on a wet day. We went anticlockwise around, and were glad we did it that way as most of the way along Loch Affric we could see rain showers on the other side. We occasionally were caught in the edges of the showers. This was our fourth time around - you can see why - the scenery talks for itself!

May 11, 2011

Photos: 26

Cawdor Castle and Gardens

Cawdor Castle - http://www.cawdorcastle.com/ - is 15 miles east of Inverness, and privately owned by the Dowager Countess Cawdor. As can be seen from the photos, it is a magnificent building, with two huge garden areas, one surrounded by Laburnum trees. Definitely worth a visit!

May 10, 2011

Photos: 15

Fort George - the mightiest fortification in Britain

Fort George is 13 miles east of Inverness on the Moray Firth, on a small headland facing west. According to Historic Scotland "is the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain." Built after the 1746 Jacobite Rising to quell the Highlanders, it is still an active site for the British Army. It is huge - roughly 600 metres long, it's landward entrance on the east has three major layers of defensive ramparts and massive bastions, ditches and firing steps.

May 10, 2011

Photos: 32

Fiddler's Restaurant in Drumnadrochit

Fiddler's Restaurant in Drumnadrochit has one of the finest malt whisky bars in Scotland. It has 636, yes 636, malt whiskies from all corners of Scotland and a few other countries to choose from. Wow!! And they are happy to organise whisky occasions for the lovers of malt whisky. Yippee!! Try their venison steak - to die for!

May 10, 2011

Photos: 5

Wild Deer Herd near Tomich

On a recent holiday in Tomich, 30 miles south-west of Inverness, we found this herd grazing near the single-track road. The herd was in the same field nearly every day. An amazing sight.

May 9, 2011

Photos: 4

Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin

Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin is roughly 30 miles south-west of Inverness in Glen Affric National Nature Reserve. It has several islands, and is one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland. The photos are taken from about 1/3 of the way along, just beside the islands. The number of tree stumps in the water intrigued me.

May 8, 2011

Photos: 11

Fort Augustus - the village

Fort Augustus is at the south-western extremity of Loch Ness. It's a bustling village with the last set of locks on the Caledonian Canal, leading directly to Loch Ness. Get your chips from the Italian chip shop beside the locks - one of the best in Scotland.

May 7, 2011

Photos: 10

Mary of the High Seas - a photo shoot

"Mary of the High Seas," a novel written by Joel Mason, of Dalgety Bay, Fife, is the story of a young girl who dresses up as a boy to join a ship in the early 18th century. A short excerpt of the story has now been turned into a trailer for a charity show. Shooting the trailer involved the use of actors and a film crew, initially in Joel's house, on the beach and on a small dramatic headland on Dalgety Bay. The film shoot took most of the day and was not filmed in the story's chronological sequence, for practical reasons. The sequence of the photos here is in the sequence taken - it tells its own story. It was a terrific day, the weather was great, the team determined to succeed, and I had the wonderful opportunity to take informal photos of the actors and crew.

Apr 27, 2011

Photos: 82

The Lost World of "Room with a View"

This trip was intended to be just a lunch at the "Room with a View" Restaurant in Aberdour with the Forthwrite Writers, to acquire some inspiration for a murder mystery story, but it turned into a bit of a photoshoot as well. The views were simply stunning! The Restaurant is part of the Forth View Hotel, and it has an interesting history - hence the title of this album "The Lost World". To start with, there is no road to it on GoogleMap. It was built in 1880 as "Bleakhouse" by Mathew Galloway who ran the steamers to Fife from Granton and Leith. It became the Forth View Hotel in 1891 and was famous for its salt sea spa baths. It could only be reached by boat until 1977, when the owner built the "road" down to it. The restaurant serves superb seafood! Go there, enjoy the scenery, the ambience and the food.

Nov 25, 2010

Photos: 24

Loch Glow - an Adventure

Loch Glow is a small loch in west Fife between Knockhill Racing Circuit and the M90, and usually frequented by trout anglers. David Wexelstein's and my adventure entailed skirting around the loch, climbing three small hills, going through a forest tunnel, almost getting lost, and a chance encounter with a herd of horses. It was great day with great views! We were the only people on the hills that day, except for one man and his dog on the last stretch. But, I was travelling "super-light" and only took a low definition camera. Next time I will take my DSLR.

Sep 24, 2010

Photos: 27

Ben Vorlich, an Adventure

David Wexelstein, my climbing partner, and I bagged another Munro, Ben Vorlich, just south of Loch Earn. It was a relatively easy climb from 450 feet to 3,250 feet, not technically difficult, but steep on the final stretch to the summit. The weather was calm with sunny spells and mainly clear. Quite a few other walkers were on the hill, some from other countries. The scenery - well, you can judge that for yourself!

Aug 25, 2010

Photos: 38

Carn Aosda & Cairnwell, Glenshee - an Adventure

These were taken on the approach to and climbing up to the top of the two relatively easy to climb Munroes, Carn Aosda and Cairnwell, in Glenshee - the largest skiing area in Scotland - on a cloud filled day with occasional glimpses of the sun. Nevertheless, an excellent day of walking for me and climbing partner David Wexelstein!

Aug 13, 2010

Photos: 35

Ben Chonzie - an Adventure

A walk up Ben Chonzie on a fine summer day. We met only 3 other walkers and 2 bikers. These photos were taken by, and are courtesy of David Wexelstein - my climbing partner.

Jul 23, 2010

Photos: 22

Amazing Cirrus Cloud Formations

These are the most amazing Cirrus cloud formations I have ever seen - taken in central Scotland on 17 July 2010.

Jul 17, 2010

Photos: 14

Discovery Harbour, Ontario

This was one visit during a day-trip from our base in Cedar Point. Discovery Harbour is near Petanguishene in Ontario, and was a naval base for British ships used against the Americans in early 19th century. There are two small ships which are reconstructions of the original ships based there. Definitely worth a visit!

Jul 7, 2010

Photos: 30

Huronia Museum & Village, Ontario

This was one visit during a day-trip from our base in Cedar Point. The museum and Huron village are located in Midland, Ontario. The museum holds a collection of artifacts of native history & maritime history. The Huron village represents life between AD 1500-1600, just prior to the arrival of Europeans. The village has the following components: shaman’s lodge, wigwam, masks, fish racks, longhouse, sweat lodge, corn field, bone pit, fur drying rack, burial rack. It's an Interesting place, well worth a visit!

Jul 7, 2010

Photos: 18

Cedar Point, Ontario

We stayed at Cedar Point for five glorious days. It is the quietest place on earth, and the weather was superb. The old-world bungalow we stayed belongs to a friend, and it is full of charm. It has a private beach and a boathouse with seafaring gear. The sunsets are out of this world!

Jul 4, 2010

Photos: 31

CN Tower, Toronto

Views of the CN Tower from many locations

Jul 1, 2010

Photos: 9

Tall Ships & Small Ships in Toronto

The Tall Ships - lots of them - visited Toronto. There were several small ships, as well as some other interesting things!

Jul 1, 2010

Photos: 28

Oakville, near Toronto

Photos taken at Oakville marina, Oakville town and Bronte marina

Jun 27, 2010

Photos: 27

Montreal views

These are various views of Montreal, from beautiful buildings, to street musicians, to streets in Old Montreal.

Jun 25, 2010

Photos: 23

Ottawa Rideau Canal

Some views of the Rideau Canal locks in operation, and a short cruise along the Canal.

Jun 22, 2010

Photos: 9

Ottawa Museum of Civilisation

Some interesting views of the outside and interior of Ottawa's Museum of Civilisation

Jun 22, 2010

Photos: 10

Ottawa Parliament Buildings

Photos of both inside and outside the Ottawa Parliament building, including spectacular views of Ottawa, and the Ceremonial Guard

Jun 21, 2010

Photos: 25

Ontario Wildlife & Wildflowers

Photos of several wildflowers, and wildlife I saw at various locations in Ontario. The hummingbird at Cedar Point was quite difficult to capture, (with my camera).

Jun 21, 2010

Photos: 25

Ottawa Views

These are views of the centre of Ottawa

Jun 21, 2010

Photos: 18

Arty Shots, Ontario

There photos are usually described as "arty-far*y" shots. They are a mixture of weird and wonderful views of objects, scenes and places.

Jun 20, 2010

Photos: 15

Old Man of Storr in the mist, Skye

May 6, 2010

Photos: 16

Sgurr Alasdair and the Black Cuillin, Skye - an Adventure

May 3, 2010

Photos: 33

Plockton & Locality, Lochalsh

May 2, 2010

Photos: 34

Skye Bridge, Sligachan Hotel Bar, Views of Skye & Quiraing - Scotland

These are views of the Skye Bridge from Lochalsh and Kyleakin, the Sligachan Hotel Bar - the best views, various views around the beautiful island of Skye, and lastly the Quiraing in the north-east of Skye - where we did not have enough to walk, this time.

May 2, 2010

Photos: 17

Eilean Donan Castle on gray and blue days

May 1, 2010

Photos: 13

Crocus World

Mar 24, 2010

Photos: 8

George Sinclair

Jan 27, 2010

Photos: 3

Cyprus

Nov 3, 2009

Photos: 65

Canada (Ontario)

Apr 3, 2009

Photos: 33

Greenland from 30,000 feet

Apr 1, 2009

Photos: 6

Madeira at Christmas

These pics were taken at various locations in Funchal and Madeira. Funchal was celebrating the 500 year anniversary since its founding. And Madeira at Christmas outshines Las Vegas, the Christmas lights and festivities are wonderful. See for yourself!

Dec 8, 2008

Photos: 76

Orkney - Islands of Legend and Ancient History

Our trip to Orkney was magical! Each day brought new delights. If you like the quiet life, surrounded by legends and ancient history, then this is the place for you. In Kirkwall, we visited St Magnus' Cathedral, the Earl's Palace, the Bishop's Palace, then on the West Mainland where we saw the Standing Stones of Stenness, Barnhouse Village, Stromness, the Ring of Brogar, the Ness of Brogar archeological excavation site, Maeshowe, Yesnaby, Skara Brae and Skaill House. We then went to South Ronaldsay to see the Churchill Barriers, the Italian Chapel, St Margaret's Hope, Tomb of the Eagles, Halcro Head, and Windwick Bay. Then we went back to the West Mainland to see the Broch of Gurness, Birsay Church, the Palace of Birsay, Birsay Island and the Brough of Birsay. The roads are quiet, the people are friendly, the sea food is fantastic, and the Dark Island beer to die for. This was one of the best trips of our lives!

Aug 13, 2008

Photos: 149

Gran Canaria

Feb 26, 2008

Photos: 71

Norway - an Adventure

We went on a walking holiday in Norway with our Norwegian friends, Arne and Elin. For two days we also met friends from Switzerland. The initial 3 days were spent in the Rondane National Park, 226 km north of Oslo, in a place called Rondablikk. Unfortunately, our baggage got lost in guess where? You guessed - Heathrow! We were without our boots etc. for 4 days! On a walking holiday?! Anyway, the weather was mostly good to us. The second part was in Spiterstulen, 120 km west of Rondane, where there are many glaciers - so we had to go and see one! By the way a taxi drove all the way from Oslo airport to Spiterstulen with our baggage - arriving at 10 pm the night before we were due to climb to the glacier! Excellent timing!

Jul 21, 2007

Photos: 84

Canada (west coast)

Jun 27, 2006

Photos: 77

Fuerteventura

Nov 14, 2005

Photos: 2

Naxos (Greek Island)

Sep 12, 2004

Photos: 3

Sorrento

Sep 23, 2003

Photos: 2

Aeolian Islands

Sep 22, 2002

Photos: 14

Sicily

Sep 15, 2002

Photos: 2

Nepal - a 3-Week Adventure

Our 3-week adventure in Nepal took us to Nagarkot for "low" level walks at 8,000 feet, Pokhara to view the Annapurna massif, Chitwan jungle to see wild rhino, Gorkha where the Gurkha's are trained, Kathmandu the capital - including a flight over Everest, Bhaktapur and Patan. It was a walking holiday with a UK guide and a different local guide in every location. It was fantastic!! (The name of the location for each set of photos is in capitals, in the caption on the first photo of each set.)

Sep 18, 1998

Photos: 157

George Sinclair
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