Homeward Bound

Sadly, all good holidays must come to an end . . . . . .   I’m quite sure that most of you (‘my readers’ as the regular bloggers call them!)  will have travelled through mid-Scotland, through the borders and down the M6, so I’m not going to bore you all with details of the journey.  A few highlights and a few more photos will be sufficient, before you nod off to sleep . . . . . .

In Ullapool, the previous night’s storm gave way to clear skies and sunshine – stunning scenery and weather for the remainder of our trip home.  From Ullapool, we headed south east towards Inverness, having decided to leave the last section of the NC500 (Gairloch circuit) for another planned trip to Skye and the outer islands.  We had a coffee stop and a good walk at Corrieshalloch Gorge, where there is an impressive 45 metre high waterfall which was cut through, NOT by the present river, but by an underground glacial river during the IceAge!  A suspension bridge and various viewing platforms helped us to get a true idea of the sheer force of water. . . .

We spent the night on a site at Foyers on the eastern side of Loch Ness.  When we arrived everyone was sitting outside enjoying the afternoon sunshine (again, we were really in Scotland on 23^rd Sept?)  There were notable changes in the countryside from rolling hills and agricultural farmland to more mountains, lochs and forested areas.  The journey through Glencoe is breathtaking – if you haven’t done it, you’re in for a treat. 

If anyone finds themselves in need of a break from driving whilst on the M74, south of Glasgow, we can recommend the little town of Lochmaben, near Lockerbie (junc 17/M74).  There is a very nice 5km walk around Castle Loch – and a good bakery in town (Graham’s Bakery) who do quiches etc for lunch.  Drive into town and use the carpark near the church – easy access to both the walk and the town.

A further recommendation would be for the campers amongst you.  Go to the tiny campsite near Crooklands – Kaker Mill Farm – ring ahead to book. This is five minutes off the M6 at Kendal, and makes a perfect stop going north or south. 

Safely home (and busy planning our next trip!), we are so thankful for a wonderful journey of discovery and good weather to boot!  See you next time . . . . . .