Scotland and Ireland - 2010
This was the fourth attempt to complete the exploration of Scotland. IF the weather is good then Scotland offers some of the most stunning vistas in Europe.
But it is a big IF: and a tricky one to read if one is based 300 miles (480km) from even the border. John O'Groats, the furthest point north on the mainland is a further 250miles (400km). So, from my home field, there is a round trip of 1100 miles (1759km) before one can even start enjoying the wonder of the Orkney Islands. Four days travelling, during which the weather in Scotland can have gone through a complete wet-dry-wet cycle.
Considering that Dover to the Mediterranean in only 560 miles (890km), then the domestic option of Scotland is not necessarily a soft option.
In 4 trips the central Highlands have always been shrouded in low cloud. Inevitably one must be prepared to sit out the bad days. But the coast and islands justify the long and speculative trip north.
The tour stats are: 29 flights - 1600 miles (2550km) - 9 days (2 lost to weather) -Total flying time 30hrs
The highlight of this trip was the 6 islands of the Western Isles, covered in two glorious August days.
The Scottish portion of trip is recorded in the photo album below. Bad camera battery management resulted in there being no Ireland souvenirs.
But it is a big IF: and a tricky one to read if one is based 300 miles (480km) from even the border. John O'Groats, the furthest point north on the mainland is a further 250miles (400km). So, from my home field, there is a round trip of 1100 miles (1759km) before one can even start enjoying the wonder of the Orkney Islands. Four days travelling, during which the weather in Scotland can have gone through a complete wet-dry-wet cycle.
Considering that Dover to the Mediterranean in only 560 miles (890km), then the domestic option of Scotland is not necessarily a soft option.
In 4 trips the central Highlands have always been shrouded in low cloud. Inevitably one must be prepared to sit out the bad days. But the coast and islands justify the long and speculative trip north.
The tour stats are: 29 flights - 1600 miles (2550km) - 9 days (2 lost to weather) -Total flying time 30hrs
The highlight of this trip was the 6 islands of the Western Isles, covered in two glorious August days.
The Scottish portion of trip is recorded in the photo album below. Bad camera battery management resulted in there being no Ireland souvenirs.
The film below is a Loganair/Flybe Twin Otter taking off from Barra. Low quality, but the action starts at about 00:40, half way through.