Sunsets and lochs

 Back briefly to Scotland, I think this will the the last Scottish post as we have been back for a month now and really its old news, so here we have the West Coast in Photos starting at Ullapool.

Ullapool is a busy little town with a bustling harbour when the Outer Hebrides ferry pulls in, its also included on the NC500 so the campsite is always a hive of activity as people pull in either to stop for a night or just to use the facilities.

The small museum had some interesting display including this community quilt.

But the best things were the sunsets......

Then it was on to Skye for a catch up with friends, shopping and just enjoying being somewhere that has always meant a lot to us ( we have already rented a cottage for early next year just to spend more time around the less visited parts of the Island)

Our next to last stop in Scotland was back on the mainland at Morvich, not really a new place but just one that we have past many times on the main road not realising that there was a campsite amongst the hills. This is now one of our favourite sites, from the list of wildlife sightings to the walk to the cafe.

After our stay we made our way back down towards Callander, picking up a puncture on the way and onwards back across the border.

There will be many more travels to come but for now we are back at home, I'm recovering from sunstroke following a recent quick trip to the coast and the next few weeks are going to be house and fibre based although I may include a couple of quick outings as time goes on.

Speak soon xx

moving on up the east coast of Scotland

 I left us down in Montrose in the last holiday post, we then drove further north to Lossiemouth. The weather was still cold and wet and unfortunately the touring part of the campsite had seen better days. It was a holiday weekend and maybe they were short staffed but the state of the amenities block left a lot to be desired and the large rubbish bins were overflowing. The touring pitches were just tired and looked more like the end of a summer season rather than the start. We spoke to regular visitors who said that the park seems to be cutting down on the number of pitches and replacing them with camping pods. We did get the impression that the holiday homes areas had more attention.

The advertised shop was still being built but there was a bar and swimming pool along with the usual bingo and entertainment although we didn't partake.

However the site had easy access to the beach.

Due to the weather still being cold we grabbed a taxi down into town and had a look round the harbour.

followed by sausage rolls from the local bakery and cheesecake in the local restaurant :-) that brightened up a dull day.

There is a small museum near the harbour and I grabbed a couple of photos of some old fair isle knitting. We then crossed the new bridge connecting a small sandy island to the mainland, the remains of the old bridge could be seen along with a few hardy surfers,.

Another lighthouse, this time overlooking the campsite and now used as holiday accommodation.

Back on the road again, this time heading to our favourite campsite, crossing the bridge outside Inverness and heading onto the Black Isle

The campsite at Rosemarkie is a favourite of ours, virtually on the beach and an easy walk to the cafe for coffee and the golf bar for a pint in the evening.

Woodland walks

Fairy garden hidden amongst them

An old ice house

and chance to relax watching the sea

Ian managed to spot some dolphins, I wasn't quite so lucky :-) We like this site as it gives Ian a chance to explore on his bike leaving me to potter around.

Speak soon xx

Travelling up east

 We decided that this year we would travel up the east coast as far as Inverness before cutting accross to Ullapool and Skye. Time to visit some new places and revisit a few firm favourites.

First stop was Stirling, I had seen a campsite advertised on line that was on a bus route into the city and we have never previousy ventured into the city although we have often spotted the Wallace monument in the distance.

the wallace monument in the distance behind the campsite reception.

We stopped at Witches Craig, a clean and tidy site at the base of craggy rocks about 3 mile from Stirling

Kitchen window view.

Stirling was a little smaller than I expected but full of interesting details and even a textile related find

May favourite find was this.

At Coorie Creative they use textile as therapy, social interaction and much more, speaking to one of the tutors I found out that they have around 40 looms in addition to spinning wheels and other equipment. If I lived closer, I would certainly look at volunteering here but the small matter of around 300 miles currently rules it out.

The next day was fine but very cold day we went out for a walk to the coffee bothy for hot food and drink.

After three nights, and a heap of washing it was time to head out to the coast.

On YouTube there is a channel that we watch called Steve Marsh he travels to places of interest in Scotland and further afield, recent videos about his home town of Montrose influenced our choice of destination for the next couple of nights.

I wish that I had taken a photo of the inside of the loo block, clean but obviously date, this holiday park amenity block was out of the 50's or earlier. Modern showers and loos but the lines of sinks facing each other had real old holiday camp vibes :-)

A few minutes walk from the site took you to the beach albeit a bit too cold for anything other than big coats and woolly hats.

and a welcoming cafe for coffee and teacakes. The pavillion opened in 1913 and still has wooden bench seats and stained glass windows.

Walking in the other direction you end up in the town. shops and a museum kept us entertained along with some interesting buildings.

of course, I found something interesing :-)

We were both taken with this memorial bench 

More to follow but the sun is shinning and I need to wash some fleece !

speak soon x