40th Birthday

The articles here are all the stops my wife and I took on my 40th birthday.  Bridges, waterfalls and castles were the main focus; thank you, Janette, for a wonderful time.
Guisachan House near Tomich and Glen Affric

Guisachan House, a fine mansion built in mid 1800s by Lord Tweedmouth. Famous as the birthplace of the golden retriever dog breed.

Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness

We visit one of Scotland's most popular castles on the west side of Loch Ness, near Drumnadrochit.

Review of The Rustic Grill in Turriff for my 40th Birthday

A visit with my family to The Rustic Grill in Turriff, amazing burgers and pulled pork loaded fries!

Divach Falls near Drumnadrochit and Loch Ness

A picture perfect waterfall, not far from Drumnadrochit. Includes a great walk through stunning oak forests.

Cafe Eighty2 in Drumnadrochit, near Loch Ness

I try the best french toast of my life at Cafe Eighty2 near Drumnadrochit as part of my 40th birthday.

Corrimony Chambered Cairn near Drumnadrochit

A four thousand year old burial site, similar in design to the chambered cairns at Balnuaran of Clava near Inverness.

Plodda Falls, a 46 metre waterfall near Glen Affric.

A visit to the spectacular Plodda Falls on the Guisachan estate. There are two short hiking routes here through beautiful woodland.

Review of the Tomich Hotel near Drumnadrochit

Staying at the rustic Tomich Hotel country house near Drumnadrochit for my 40th birthday! Amazing food!

Steall Falls, 120 metre tall waterfall near Fort William

A visit to Steall Falls, a spectacular waterfall 7 miles from Fort William. A great hike with fantastic scenery.

Spean Bridge Commando Memorial near Spean Bridge

A visit to Spean Bridge Commando Memorial, a fantastic monument to the heroic commandos of World War 2.

Pattack Falls, a small waterfall near Spean Bridge

Exploring the beautiful Pattack Falls, a small waterfall in central Scotland near Newtonmore and Spean Bridge.

Drumin Castle ruin within the Glenlivet Estate

A little hidden gem of a castle once owned by the Wolf of Badenoch, a worthy detour from the A95 main road.

Cobbs Cafe, big breakfast in the heart of Aviemore

We had a fantastic breakfast at Cobbs Cafe Aviemore as part of my birthday tour around central Scotland.

Marionburgh Cairn and Stone Circle near Ballindalloch Castle

A quick visit to this interesting 4000 year old ring cairn and stone circle near the Ballindalloch Castle ticket office.

Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens in south Moray

A family-owned 16th-century castle on a large estate with golf, shooting, stalking and fishing. Fantastic gardens and self guided tour.

Inveravon Pictish Stones near Ballindalloch Castle

A nice place to stop on the NE250, the ancient Inveravon Pictish Stones are a fascinating hidden gem.

Spey Larder Aberlour, amazing sandwiches and delicatessen.

My wife and I visit The Spey Larder in Aberlour for some sandwiches! Great delicatessen and food products.

Craigellachie Bridge / Telford Bridge built in 1812.

One of the finest surviving cast iron bridges in Scotland is located near Craigellachie in Moray. Find out more!