A touch of the Himalayas in Scotland

Heatwave-26C
While the rest of the UK sweltered in a heatwave and crowds  we enjoyed a morning in a remote part of Scotland - Lochgair – followed by a few hours tranquil walking through a Himalayas style glen complete with exotic trees and plants and tumbling waterfalls.
 
Yes Crarae gardens, a National  Trust property, on the west coast of Scotland between Inveraray and Lochgilphead is well worth a visit.
 
I was afraid the red route through the steep sided glen might prove challenging (I have had one knee replacement and now waiting for second) but I managed to reach the top. (see extra)
Among the unusual planting was an avenue of bamboos (see extra).
This part of Scotland is not easily accessible and it’s away from the main tourist routes, which gives it an added charm.
Also, it’s close to the Mull of Kintyre made famous by Paul McCartney. The Beatles chose it for its remoteness and striking scenery.
We stayed in a quirky small hotel in need of renovation run by one man. He acted as chef, waiter, barman, manger and receptionist.

I know folk in the Highlands and Islands often have more than one job but this takes multi- skilling to a new level.