We’ve been to Scotland and liked bits but didn’t like other bits. We’ve been a long way and there is loads more so see.
We planned the trip a while ago, but for a variety of reasons it got pushed back and squashed from 10 days to 8. The initial target was Skye, with a visit to Wemyss Bay on the way. First stop was a nice site where we parked on the edge of the Solway Firth – just past Gretna Green and left. One night there and then off to Wemyss bay – the land of Sandra’s father for a nostalgia blast. We stopped at Largs for lunch and Wemyss Bay station for an afternoon pint and at Wemyss Bay itself for and afternoon cup of tea at Dunlow House. This was a cheeky cup of tea because Sandra had been in following her Dad’s death and this was a big house on the bay where her great Aunt had worked as a cook/maid. We knocked at the door in the hope we could have a look around and actually didn’t have the tea as we were lucky enough to have a tour of the house, which has been restored to 1920’s Arts and Crafts splendour. The camp site we stayed as was not to be recommended as we were in the graveled front garden, but it was next to a farms and riding stables which Sandra enjoyed. Next day we were back in Largs to the cemetery to investigate Sandra’s grandfathers grave which allegedly needed repairs.
Day 3 took us past Glasgow and a lovely warm lunch stop at the side of Loch Lomond. The night was spent at another grotty site at Arrochar. We managed to dig ourselves a hole in the gravel pitch while trying to get on the levelers. Stunning scenery was starting now though.
Onwards to Oban. Cold winds followed by stair-rod rain were a feature. We had coffee in Inverary and lunch in Oban and retrreated to the Caravan and Camping Club site for Oban which was about 12 miles north. We deciced to use there campsites for the rest of the holiday as they have heated toilet blocks.
Onwards to Skye with a very long drive. We had coffee at the side of Loch Lynnhe, lunch at Eilean Donan Castle. Long long drive all the way to the top of Skye where it was damp and very strong gusty wind. The sort of weather that there is no right clothing for. The campsite was right by Loch Snizort Baeg. It looked just like the moors at Scammonden. We stayed one night and not two as planned, had a bit of a look round Skye on the way out and headed for Loch Ness.
When we got to Drumnadrochit, we discovered the site we had headed for was closed ’till Easter (3 days away) and we had to move on to the Caravan and Camping Club site at Nairn. Another long day in the saddle and the furthest North we had been. Lunch had been at the side of the spectacular Loch Claunie.
Next day we thought we’d have a look at Findhorn village and community. We had friends at the Foundation we could look up and so we had a reason to be there. The village was lovely, but not woofter friendly so we had coffee by the sea. It was good wandering round the Foundation looking at the old and new eco builds there, but we couldn’t find any friends. Long drive to the next stop as we were homeward bound, but still 3 days away. The target was Scone (as in spoon, not gone or phone). The coice was A9 dual carriageway or Small A roads right across the Grampians. A roads won and was it worth it. What spectacular scenery. The whole way. Fabulous. Lunch at Corgaff. Scone was at the racecourse and a lovely open site surrounded by poplar trees and plagued with Oyster Catchers, which cried on into the night, but disappeared at first light.
Another lovely drive the next day, at least the first part was – mostly easy dual carriageway until we got to the Edinburgh by-pass and the roads south to Jedburg, where we arrived quite early.We had a lovely walk into town and a nice meal in a restaurant which allowed dogs.
Last day drive from Jedburg to home was spoiled by forgetting to fill up with fuel as we set of followed by roads with a total absence of garages. We finally found one at the lovely town of Corbridge. I’d love to drive the A68 again with less stress though. Of and there was the tractor and trailer with crane which I overtook with little space! And breathe!
Stopped of in Staveley to see Harry Claire and Ross and home in time for tea.