Two Girls From Texas in a Car: VISITING THE VILLAGES AND THE NORTHERN HIGHLANDS

The Highlands have always evoked thoughts of mountains, heather, bagpipes, castles, clans, romance and tragedy. All of it is here. The scenery is peerless, and the traditions and a sense of nostalgia (although an idealized past) gives the Highlands their irrestible allure. In a lot of the sparsely inhabited areas there are still single track roads - as in one lane, so you must pull over in the "passing place" for oncoming traffic. There are more sheep than people, and the waterfalls that peer from the hills, give life a slower pace. It is so peaceful here.

Plockton - The most beautiful seaside town in West Scotland.

The small harbor of Plockton.

The seals from the boat of Captain Cullim.

This castle sits on the harbor of Plockton. It is owned by the founders of "PaintBall".....really?

Another view of Plockton Harbor looking across to Wester Ross, and the High Cullins. You can see the castle on the upper right of the photo....what a view they have.

Portree - the most photographed and painted harbor on the island. The capital of Skye.

The harbor of Portree.

The Sleat (pronounced Slate) Peninsula, the island's southernmost arm, is know as the "Garden of Skye". there are many stories about the origin of the name Skye. Some believe it's from the Norse ski , meaning "cloud", and others say it's from the Gaelic word for "winged".

The coast of Sleat.

Armandale Gardens & Castle. This is where the most powerful clan in Scotland lived in this area. The family's history dates back 1500 years. Clan donald Skye is a 20,000 acre estate with historic gardens and walking trail.

The castle remains in the garden.

A garden trail.

Watching hikers on the trail.

A view from above the gardens.

I took a journey to the Northern Highlands in search of a "Harry Potter " set. I went to Evanton where the "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire " was filmed. Spectacular scenery, and I walked to the Black Rock Gorge.