It’s not every day that Europcar offer you the chance to showcase the country you love, visit some fabulous places along the way and of course drive an amazing car. We don’t have a car so when Europcar asked it only took two seconds to think of a reply – er yes! – we plotted our route…
We took receipt of a fab wee Mini Cooper SD, part of Europcar’s Prestige range, and set it through it’s paces…
Our Mini Cooper SD
Mr Foodie loves to drag me off to the countryside and the large, often desolate but cultured Skye, a 5 – 6 hour drive away was the aim. We picked Skye as it is accessible by a toll-free road bridge, boasts incredible scenery and now has two Michelin starred restaurants and so armed with a copy of this year’s Great Britain & Ireland Michelin Guide we set off but with being winter we had to leave Glasgow around 7am and out first stop for breakfast was just over an hour away at Mhor 84 Motel with the best Eggs Benedict Ms Foodie has tasted.
Eggs Benedict mmm
Some stunning scenery stops on the way to Mhor84.
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After breakfast it was back on the road. With the unseasonal warmth, we had some good creepy misty weather.
Spooky mist
The road up to Fort William is a favorite of ours. With stunning scenery, that you can see even when driving – you can’t really miss a huge Glen! As well as places to stop along the way for a break.
Glen Coe, Scotland
Just after Fort William we stopped off at Neptune’s Staircase. Neptune’s Staircase is a staircase lock comprising eight locks on the Caledonian Canal. Built by Thomas Telford beteeen 1803 and 1822, it is the longest staircase lock in Britain.
Neptune’s Staircase
Following the Caledonian Canal, it was soon time for a tea break. A welcome farm shop sign meant a cuppa and a photo of some Shetland Ponies called Maisie and Iris, however they seemed to be more interested in their lunch!
Maisie and Iris
Back on the road, it was another hour before we reached Eilean Donan Castle.
Eileen Donan Castle
And then shortly afterwards we were within sight of the Skye Bridge Skye Bridge.
Skye Bridge
There’s a really good view of the bridge just before Kyle of Lochalsh (look for the P stop for the Murchison Memorial and follow the path to the memorial).
By this point we were starving, thankfully we had booked lunch at the Michelin Starred Kinloch Lodge and when traveling so far it would be rude not to visit! At £32.99 for three courses, this was an excellent value lunch.
Lunch at Kinloch Lodge
After this we headed off to Isle of Skye Sea Salt Company as we had heard all about them and wanted to hear about their story.
Wth water from Loch Snizort dried naturally to produce the sea salt the only human interaction is the sieving and packaging of the salt. No machines and no power involved. The packs are completed by hand and are made by 90% recycled content.
We were impressed by the lack of impact on the environment as well as the use of recycled card in the packaging. The salt is made in small quantities and is used in places such as Kinloch Lodge, Cafe St Honore as well as The Three Chimneys.
Isle of Skye Sea Salt
Surely time to rest?!
yes! A short drive to our hotel and time to lie down
No rest for the wicked, after a quick wash and of course a Whisky for Mr Foodie it was time for dinner, this time The Three Chimneys. Having gained a Michelin Star this year, we were lucky to grab a space.
Food from The Three Chimneys, Skye
Driving in the dark, and slightly concerned that we were going the wrong way down a single track road with lots of spooky sheep by the roadside made this an eventful drive! We arrived safely and headed into the cosy restaurant. A delicious meal and service, well worth seeking this one out!
Next day we were up and refreshed ready to drive homeward.
goodbye to the beautiful Skye scenery.
Uig, Skye
Skye at it’s best
It was sad to leave Skye, be beautiful place and so easy to drive around. We’ll be back!
Homeward we go to see Loch Garry or Scotland in miniature just as the sun started to set.
Loch Garry, Scotland in water form!
and then a bonus of the Commando Monument at Spean Bridge in gorgeous sunlight.
Commando Monument, Spean Bridge
We had a fabulous time driving about, seeing the scenery and being able to visit some amazing places.
Many thanks to Europcar for providing us with a car and fuel for the way! The Mini Cooper was a great wee car to drive. It handled the twisty highland roads very well and was comfortable to sit in. A great way to experience the country,