In search of some summer sun we set off for a few days in Scotland – chasing the most favourable weather forecasts!
The plan was to meet with Simon, Ricarda and Esther for Steve to do some climbing in Torridon. The weather had turned by the time we arrived so climbing plans were changed and we drove south east to the Cairngorms.
The drive up from Derbyshire was long and tedious with traffic jams, rain and diversions. We only got as far as Callandar where we decided to stop at The Lade Inn offering free overnight parking if we ate at the pub. A good choice and a quiet night before driving on through Glencoe as the weather improved. Met up with Ricarda and Esther in Slattadale on Loch Maree, Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve, Torridon. Seems it’s OK to park up there overnight so Jake and Simon joined us after their climbing trip and we had an excellent shared supper, sitting outside before the midges arrived in force.
The next day dawned pretty dull and dismal, decided to head for the Cairngorms rather than stay in Torridon. Steve climbed with Jake and Simon on Creag Dhubh and we parked up for the night in the excellent Creag Meagaidh Nature Reserve, for free. Next stop Dunkeld for a wander around the town and along the river in warm sunshine, at Esther’s pace, while Jake and Simon went climbing. Returned to Dundee and parked at Larick Campsite, Tayport, a great little community-run place just across the river from Simon & Ricarda’s house.
Drove up the coast to Johnshaven on Tuesday as Simon and Ricarda were working, for a bikeride to Inverbervie and back. Took the beach path up but returned by the road as it was a bit too rocky for gravel bikes. Set off to drive home on Wednesday. Tried to visit Britannia in Edinburgh without any success and for the third time drove up and down the Northumbria coast in search of an overnight and good place to eat. Finally drove back up the coast to Budle Bay to stop at the farm we’ve used before overlooking Holy Island. Lovely walk along the beach in the morning before the long drive home.
Short video to capture the week . . .
About 1200 miles driving with plenty of good places to stop overnight.