Back on the road, day one.

 We soon started to travel again , after Bridlington we headed North and across the Border, Not the best weather for driving up. Started off fine but soon started to rain and by the time we were on the motorway the warning signs were flashing weather warnings for wind and then floods,

sorry, shaky photo but you get the idea, It didn't really get much better. Even Callander was looking a bit dreary.

Glencoe was looking misty and moody, certainly not somewhere to get stranded and I felt a little sorry for the workmen. I'm not sure if they are widening the road or stabilising the banks but they had some interesting kit, all wheels and ropes on the rock sides.

By the time we reached Fort William it was heavy rain/sleet so we only ventured out to grab snacks from the local supermarket.

Scottish diaries. ...A day of delays

Hi,

After clocking up more than 700 miles in the last few days we decided to have a late start and an amble around.

First off we went over to the nearby farm shop, the shop part was really small but some local veg etc however the cafe part looked wonderful with homemade cakes and soups and a small selection of local crafts. The walls were hung with paintings and an old spinning wheel was spotted on top of one of the cupboards. We have earmarked this cafe as somewhere to retreat if the weather gets really bad.

Outside the cafe was the residence of Bracken, a seven year old roe deer who used to live in a nearby wildlife park.

We then went over to Fort William which took some time as the bridge was open over the canal.

 Then the police stopped us as yet another wide heavy load was making it way across the area.

This is how to chill when stuck in a jam :-)

Further delays were caused by roadworks!

Fort William hasn't changed much, still a mix of closed shops, mountaineering / walking shops and eateries. So we raided the charity shops but only found a couple of books. There was an old spinning wheel in one shop with a broken bobbin, not really justifing the £200 price tag.

We did our shopping (the real reason for travelling there) and stopped of at the Glenfinnan moment on the way back.

Did I mention the rain ?? and I cast on a hat..

Back up North part two

After leaving Portpatrick we travelled towards Fort William which has so many more empty shops these days, must be a disappointment to the tourists! The metal man was new, fun to try and work out what he was made from.



Lots of bike wheels amongst other things.



We eventually wound up in Oban for the night and having found somewhere to stay we headed down to the harbour.

 

 


we also spotted some wildlife by the shore, several of these birds



and a jellyfish!!



The rusty chains also caught my eye



We spent the next day  at Fort Augustus watching boats go through the locks and Nessie spotting.

 

 

Before travelling over the sea to SKYE

 

more next time x