Greenock – in search of the Loch Ness monster, but alas we were at Loch Lomond

A second visit to Greenock was for us…. Overcast and cold… but that is the charm of Scotland, well maybe not for the people who live there.

This gentleman has been playing the bagpipes at some of our arrivals and departures from port.

Hello Greenock

The New Cruise Terminal

Walking off the ship humming the tune of Mull of Kintyre in my head, I was drowned out by the real thing, a lone piper welcoming us to this bonny port of call.

Finding our driver, we were soon winding our way through the Scottish rolling hills heading towards Inveraray.

Incorporating a comfort stop with a scenic view of the lovely Loch Lomond, we stopped on the outskirts of Tarbet. There stood the majestic Tarbet Hotel, where many of the tourist buses were stopping to deliver their guests to the Scenic Ferries that cruise up and down the loch.

We drove further up into the mountains to the famous “Rest and be Thankful” lookout. A stunning mountain pass viewpoint that divides Glen Kinglas from Glen Croe. Named appropriately, as it was once a place where people traveling the country would stop, rest, and be thankful that they had reached the top of their climb.

The upper road you can see is the new A road... the lower is the old Military route.

Eventually reaching Inveraray, we spent some time wandering the main street visiting the many beautiful white-washed buildings and the shops they accommodated. 

Waterfront

there is a pride to everyones backyard here

 Of course, we enjoyed the obligatory sausage roll and cream tea for lunch.

Home of the Chief of Clan Campbell, Inveraray Castle is a classic example of a stunning and impressive stately home in Scotland. Beautifully maintained by the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, it is one of the most popular castles to visit. 

One of its claims to fame was that the castle was used as the location for the mythical “Duneagle Castle” in the Downton Abbey Christmas 2012 episode.

Our final stop was the lovely little village of Luss, regarded as one the prettiest Scottish villages that sits on the banks of Loch Lomond. Luss is famous for its quaint slate cottages and beautiful hanging flower baskets.

After our full day of sightseeing, we caught up with wonderful friends that we had made on previous cruises. And what is even more wonderful now is that these two groups of friends have established a friendship and now keep in contact with each other….. 

We continued our party on the back of deck 11 after we staggered back onto the ship.  Waving enthusiastically to our Scottish friends shoreside, we continued with our celebrations into the night… all I can say is “What happens on the ship, stays on the ship”

our friends had a drone!