Monthly Archives: May 2018

ANTRIM & DERRY North of Belfast, Antrim includes the east and north coast of N Ireland. Derry is simply west of Antrim. Carrickfergus and Carrickfergus Castle. This has guarded the approach to Belfast Lough since 1177. Beseiged by Scots, Irish, … Continue reading →

Northern Ireland May 9-13 BELFAST History. Starting as a cluster of forts to guard a ford across the River Farset (now underground under High Street), a castle was built in 1170 and the Irish O’Neills controlled the area for centuries. … Continue reading →

Isle of Mull & West Highlands  May 2-5, 2018 ARGYLLSHIRE OBAN (pop 8600) Oban is the gateway to both the Outer and Inner Hebrides (along with Mallaig and Uig on Skye). I arrived here by ferry from Castlebay. Oban is … Continue reading →

Glasgow and Southwest Scotland May 4-9, 2018 GLASGOW Scotland’s biggest city, it has a working-class background, black humor, and leftist traditions. There are good museums, architecture, an active street eating and drinking culture and friendly people. History. Glasgow grew around … Continue reading →

ORKNEY This archipelago of mostly flat, green-topped islands is one of the iconic places to visit in Great Britain. Its heritage dates to the Vikings whose influence is still strong today. It is best known for its ancient standing stones … Continue reading →

FORTH BRIDGE. A Unesco World Heritage Site, this is one of the finest engineering achievements of the 19th century. Completed in 1890, after 7 years of work, its three large cantilevers span 1447 meters and used 59,000 tons of steel, … Continue reading →

The drive along Scotland’s far northern coastline is one of the world’s finest road trips. Cross desolate moorlands, mountains, stunning coast, and white sand beaches. The round trip from Inverness is roughly 500 miles and has been dubbed the North … Continue reading →

 Outer Hebrides and St Kilda April 27-May 2, 2018 The Western Isles are a 130-mile-long string of 119 islands off the NW coast of Scotland. The five main inhabited islands are Lewis and Harris (two parts of a single island … Continue reading →