Aberdeen

The hostel was really quiet, so we both slept in, and consequently had a late and lazy start. A lovely hostel here at Inverness, all the facilities, and a really nice feel.

Headed out south east, then east to Grantown-on-Spey, a little town perfect for a morning tea stop. We were in good company - a signed menu from Billy Connolly was framed on the wall. Then a lovely walk through the town woods down the various tracks through the greenery, listening to the birds all whistling.

A bit further on to Abelour, known as the place that exports tartan tins of shortbread to all corners of the globe, and a visit to the shop to part with some money. Didn't visit the factory, but we did pass it, as well as a considerable number of famous whiskey distillers.

The scenery is certainly different here to the highlands. It's now green, rolling hills, and far less rocky and craggy. It's also more humid.

The road was pretty good, and being Saturday there were less trucks, so we arrived in Aberdeen around afternoon tea time, and went to explore. Aberdeen is known as the 'granite city' as most of its buildings are built out of granite. Gives the whole city a very 'grey' feel, which would be worse in Winter. Saw a number of old historical buildings and the port, then headed out of town a few miles to our inn. Ate in the restaurant as a treat.