Tag: Atlantic

Eilean Donan Castle: A Scottish Highlands Gem

A must-visit location in the Scottish Highlands for history enthusiasts and photographers alike. The tide was out and the shore was lined with shiny seaweed, the clouds provided a moody backdrop. The island at the confluence of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh is near the pretty village of Dornie.

Actually I set off in the morning for a tour of the Isle of Skye. Unexpectedly, I ended up here at the end of the day. I was ever so lucky to arrive in time to enjoy this amazing view of iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Although I nearly ended up getting stranded. Read on below…

So how did I get on this adventure? During the Skye tour I was offered a lift here. There was a regular local bus back to my hotel. Why not? I double checked the bus time beforehand and checked again with the waitress in the nearby pub at dinner. Yes, the last bus is at 7.45 p.m. from the castle.

I took photos of the castle and the pretty village of Dornie. Then I went for a lovely meal in the village before heading for the bus ahead of time.

But it didn’t come… and I didn’t have an internet connection.

My phone worked so I called my hotel on Skye who gave me the numbers of the two local taxis. One didn’t answer and the other was already on a long trip up the coast. “No way today, sorry.”

Remember, I am on the west coast of Scotland, 9 miles on a dark road from the next town, without a footpath, 11 miles from my hotel on the Isle of Skye. The last bus has officially gone. The only two local taxis are not coming. It is getting dark and cold. I listen to music, dance a little to keep warm.

Suddenly I see an “Out of Service” bus approaching. I almost run out in front of it. I learn that my bus had broken down and this was the replacement bringing people from Glasgow to the Isle of Skye. I hopped on gratefully and eventually got back to my hotel. Where everyone in the meantime knew about the “Glasgae bus breakdoon”.

You have memories of your visit to this iconic castle or dream of visiting one day? What about a picture for your wall or desk, or maybe a jigsaw puzzle, coffee mug or duvet cover? This image and many more from Bonnie Scotland are available as

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Hidden Haven of Coral Beach in Plockton

On my first stopover on my Scottish Grand Tour I found Coral Beach – a real hidden gem – thanks to a tip from fellow travellers whom I got chatting to in picturesque Plockton on the west coast of Bonnie Scotland.
I was staying in a lovely B&B on the shore near Roinn An Fhaing (on the map below) and decided to take the hike up the hill over the peninsula, through the gorse-lined prepared path and finally across a few rocks and slithery stones. I hoped I could make it there and back, take photos – of course – and maybe have a wee paddle in the water too before the forecast rain came. And I did, almost:-)

© WalkHighlands I highly recommend them if you are visiting Scotland and looking for walks, hikes and more.
Locals having a siesta
Path with view of Loch Kishorn and mountains
Coral is not coral

“The beach is not actually made of coral but of minute pieces of calcified algae known as maerl. Living maerl is a pink and purple seaweed that covers the sea floor with broad beds of spiky carpets. Maerl is a coralline type of algae, which means that it deposits lime on its cell walls as it grows.” (Thanks to “British Express” for the information.)

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Picturesque Plockton at Dusk: A Trip of a Lifetime

I’d beem dreaming of doing the Scottish Grand Tour for long time, and researched and booked the accommodation months before.

The weather forecast a couple of days beforehand was incredibly bad, and I even considered cutting my losses and cancelling. But I’m so pleased that I didn’t. It was a trip of a lifetime in so many ways.

At the end of May I set off on the rail tour from Edinburgh via Perth, Dunkeld and Inverness to picturesque Plockton on the west coast of Scotland. When I arrived after an amazing train journey there was a torrential rainfall so I relaxed in my cozy B&B and read a book. By the evening Mother Nature played along and gave me stunning dusk moments and these amazing reflections.

The last rays of the setting sun lit up the picturesque shore at Plockton and the waters of the Loch Carron estuary. I had to fight off the pesky midges on this calm evening but this view was well worth it.

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Peaceful Hebridean Dawn

The first rays of dawn cast a warm glow over the serene waters off the Tarbert coast, revealing the barren hillsides, tiny islets and rugged rocks that dot the remote shoreline, and adding to the mystique of this Hebridean paradise.

I’d booked a bed and breakfast right on the shore near the picturesque harbour town of Tarbert which is nestled in the heart of the Outer Hebrides. It promised sea views from our bedroom window and we were not dissapointed. I set the alarm for just before dawn and enjoyed stunning views, nothing short of majestic masterpieces by Mother Nature.

I often dream of this special memory many years later and am so thrilled that someone bought it today to hang on their wall.

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Rugged Algarve Coast

It is well worth travelling to the breathtaking, wild west coast of the Algarve, driving down the winding cliff roads to the stunning shores, which are the perfect destination for beach lovers of all kinds.

Enjoy captivating views of Castelejo beach where striking cliffs and rugged coastline meet the glittering Atlantic Ocean, creating a mystical sea mist that adds to its allure.

To the north is the Pedra da Laje, a rock formation which extends into the sea and is popular with anglers because of its abundance of fish.

The strong waves along these shores provide prime surfing and bodyboarding conditions. While the sandy beach and calm waters behind the rocks invite you to take a dip in the cool ocean.

Praia de Castelejo, Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Algarve, Portugal

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Turquoise Paradise

When visiting breathtakingly beautiful Bonaire, you just have to explore the island. Drive south along the amazing coastal route or directly across country to the south east from the colourful capital Kralendijk to the turquoise waters and overwhelming nature of Lac Bay. Enjoy paradise on earth at Sorobon Beach at the far end of the small peninsula.

Dip your toes into the wonderfully warm, turquoise waters. Go swimming, paddling or windsurfing. The lagoon is protected by the sandbanks from the Atlantic Ocean and often shallow enough to stand.

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Waterfront Bliss in Key Biscayne

I drove over the impressive Rickenbacker Causway from Miami on the Florida coast to explore the barrier island of Key Biscayne (Spanish: Cayo Vizcaíno) with its beautiful beaches, secluded private moorings and luxury villas.

I could well imagine sitting back on the deck or in the gazebo of my waterfront home, with my yacht moored out front and my golf cart parked alongside my limousine in the garage, enjoying the view across the turquoise waters of Hurricane Harbor Bay. Far beyond this idyllic, peaceful scene, the contrasting skyscrapers and skyline of Downtown Miami are just visible on the horizon. It is a lifestyle I could get used to.

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Remote Port Ness Beach

The north west of the Outer Hebridean Isle of Lewis is unique and very remote. I can assure you the journey along single track roads from Stornoway is well worth it. Make sure to explore Port Ness Beach, where towering rocks meet the crashing waves of the Atlantic.

Even if the local school children were having their summer sports day and some were evening swimming in the sea nearby, I recommend you wrap up well against the winds and weather!

This sandy beach with rugged rocks and cliffs is the perfect backdrop for a breathtaking Atlantic seascape. Port Ness (Nis in Gaelic), Isle of Lewis (Eilean Leòdhais), Scotland.

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Glorious Day on Loch Fyne

Travelling southward from Inverary on the Kintyre peninsula we enjoyed many stunning views like this one across Loch Fyne to the hills of Cowal beyond. This spectacular, 65-mile long sea loch in the west of Scotland is washed by tidal waters from the Atlantic. It is also well known for its delicious smoked haddock or Finnan Haddies.

It is a wonderful bus journey from Glasgow through the southern Highlands passing through the pretty town of Inverary towards Tarbet and Campbelltown.

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Golden Amber Moments

I strolled down to the harbour on a wonderfully warm evening in early June and was rewarded with this stunning view of the traditional houses along the shore, bathed in the golden rays of the evening sun – not at all stormy as it looks!

I was accompanied in the distance by a live band playing modern Scottish music at the Annual whisky feis (festival).

You just have to ignore the midges who want to be part of the scene:-/

Bowmore, Islay, Scotland.

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River Severn in the Spotlight

The River Severn Estuary shines as if lit from within, reflecting the golden glow of the sun, with the original Severn Bridge and the Severn Second Crossing peeking through the mist.

I captured this breathtaking view from high above the world, on a plane from London to the USA. Lucky passengers like me caught a glimpse of this special moment when the clouds parted to reveal a heavenly scene.

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Captured from a commercial flight at about 10 000 metres or 33 000 ft above sea level.

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Caribbean Kite-Surfing Paradise

Experience the thrill of the kite surfer’s paradise at Atlantis Beach, Bonaire, one of the ABC islands in the Dutch Caribbean. Surfers from all over the world glide across the crystal-clear turquoise waters against that stunning tropical backdrop.

Beachlovers sit back on those pink sands and enjoy the view, feeling the rush of the Atlantic winds in their hair.

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Approaching Miami Beach

Imagine flying in to your location on Miami Beach on your private plane or helicopter – for your vacation, a film assignment or whatever. As you approach this amazing island in Biscayne Bay, the Beach with its miles of sand and turquoise blue waters unfolds before you. In the distance, the towering skyscrapers on the shoreline.

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Castlebay Morning Light

I got up early for a walk and enjoyed the stunning views overlooking the natural bay and the beaches of neighbouring Vatersay beyond. The crystal-clear water glistened in the sun, creating a breathtaking sight. Just the birds, the sound of the waves and the breeze as an accompaniement. Capturing the essence of the Scottish Hebridean islands.

Castlebay, Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides.

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Caribbean Feeling

Pure paradise for snorkelling or swimming in the turquoise waters or chilling with a cocktail, the warm, golden sand between your toes.

The pretty beach at Playa Lagun in a small cove on the colourful island of Curaçao is often crowded at the weekend but during the week it is a peaceful haven. Dutch Caribbean.

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Beautiful Bunnahabhain Beach

Well worth taking a stroll along the beautiful beach at Bunnahabhain (Tràigh Bun na h-Abhainne) for the stunning views across the Sound of Islay before popping in for a visit to the distillery of the same name nearby to sample the delicious golden amber.

Bunnahabhain, Isle of Islay, Argyll & Bute, Scotland, UK.

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Peaceful Port Charlotte Dawn

I stood on the small beach near the harbour and enjoyed a peaceful moment just before the sun came up.

A small fishing boat is anchored nearby in the golden, calm waters of Loch Indaal, while the Paps of Jura mountains on the neighbouring island form a silhouette in the distance.

Port Charlotte, Islay, Inner Hebrides, Argyll & Bute, Scotland.

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Rosamol Beach, Luskentyre

Far from the madding crowd. Miles of golden sand on this remote beach, often called Luskentyre Beach.

Well worth the journey up the picturesque single track road. Rosamol beach (Tràigh Rosamol) lies half a mile or 0.8 km northwest of Luskentyre (Losgaintir) in the south west of Harris. Amazing views of the long sandy, beach and the sound across to the isle of Taransay await you after the walk through the dunes. Tráigh Losgaintir, Isle of Harris (Na Hearadh), Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

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Locals’ View of the White Beaches

When approaching the famous White Beaches on the coastal road from the south you will be greeted by views like this. Before driving a few hundred yards to scenes like this. Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

A small flock of local sheep on the hillside above Taransay Bay who enjoy this spectacular view across one of the beaches to the village of Luskentyre and the Harris hills beyond every day. Not sure if they appreciate it like I do LOL.

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Miles of Magnificent Machir

Magnificent Machir Beach on the west coast of Islay is almost 2 miles long and so far away from it all.

Drive up the single track road and leave your car in the sandy parking area to walk down over the stream to the beach.
Most visitors stay and enjoy the area nearby but head off towards the cliffs in the distance and you will be almost alone.

Kilchoman, Machir or Machrie Beach (Tràigh Mhachir), Islay, Inner Hebrides, Argyll & Bute, Scotland.

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