Wednesday August 5:
My first full day off the bike in over two weeks. After a luxurious lie in I caught the bus into Inverness town centre. A little wander to the tourist information office to get some forward planning material than a walk along the river, which was surprisingly beautiful, to the Botanical gardens.
The gardens weren’t very big, but were packed with all kinds of exotic and colourful plants. An hour well spent if you’re ever at a loss in Inverness. After that I went to the local history museum, which read like most of England’s neighbours history. Basically, we shafted them.
After an unsuccessful hunt for a reasonably priced barber (within my £10 threshold to cut what little hair I have) I gave up and went to Inverness’s CAMRA pub of the year. Beyond the creaky door a lone man sat at a table watching Sky News. But for him, the pub was empty. I walked over to the bar and he heaved himself from his perch with an audile sigh, then walked round the bar. “Yes” was the extent of his friendly greeting. So rude I had to stifle my laughter at the old miser. To be fair I did have one of the best pints of IPA I have ever had. As I was merrily making my way through my pint a couple came in and the guy had the audacity to ask “do you do espresso?”. “Its a pub” was the deadpan reply from our friendly landlord, with no attempt to hide his distain.
On the way back to the bus stop I saw a cheap barbers so nipped in and got my haircut, during which my godmother rang and insisted she pick me up. So home it was to another lovely home cooked meal and a cosy bed. I could get used to this, I thought.
Further Information:
Botanical gardens – https://www.highlifehighland.com/inverness-botanic-gardens/
Museum and art gallery – https://www.highlifehighland.com/inverness-museum-and-art-gallery/
A Very British Adventure 