alikim

Picture perfect Plockton, a beautiful village we decided to stop at on our way to the Isle of Skye. We’d found Plockton by chance a few years ago, it sits on the banks of Loch Carron and I can’t imagine a more perfect view. Unsurprisingly it has been the setting for the series Hamish Macbeth, and some scenes in the film The Wicker Man. On the far side of the bay sits Duncraig Castle, having an unusual history told in part in by a BBC documentary in 2002 when 17 family members moved in together and set about renovating it, apparently there were lots of disputes! Currently the castle is in private ownership, but it still has its own train station! Heading on around the coast we arrive at the Kyle of Lochalsh, and the bridge ... read more

We’re on the NC500! a route we’ve been wanting to take for some time, the glorious coast of the wild Highlands. Launched in 2015 by North Highland Tourism, it was intended to be Scotland’s route 66, bringing much needed income to businesses in the remote Highlands. A circular route, north of Inverness. All seemed to be well until ‘lockdown’ and staycations of 2020/21, causing a huge increase in campervans and motorhomes driving the route. We were aware there had been some bad press about motorhomes undertaking the NC500, poor thoughtless driving and camping, making for some really fed-up locals. However, we only found fabulous scenery and friendly people. Its quite a challenge heading into the Highlands at the end of October, most of the campsites are shut so it was a matter of negotiating some ‘off ... read more

Finally arrived in Edinburgh, a couple of weeks later than planned, just ahead of Storm Babet. Expecting the worst, we donned our macs and headed into the city. What a great city to explore, transport was plentiful, and I loved walking the Royal mile in old town. Its no wonder JK Rowling drew inspiration for Hogwarts here, with the turreted, dark stone architecture. It was a race to the castle as we were informed it would be closed tomorrow (due to the storm), we arrived just in time for the 1pm gun salute. The crowds gathered to see a man in uniform light an old WW2 Field gun, which was a little disappointing as I was expecting a cannon! We queued to see the Honours of Scotland (crown jewels) which were impressive, but most atmospheric was ... read more

14. As we reach the final few weeks of our 10 week journey its time to wind our way through France, visiting friends and relatives and reflect on our wonderful trip. So lucky are we to have friends and family who have fabulous places for us to visit in France. We spent some vey hot days chilling with my sister and beau-frere just North of Bordeaux. Spent a lovely jazz evening at Montangne-sur Gironde, and enjoyed a karoke in their nearby town. When the weather changed we were able to visit the unique and extraordinary Chateaux Mercerie, and Chateau de Villebois Lavalette. About an hour North we met up and stayed with friends Chris and Gary. We helped them with a bit of extreme gardening then enjoyed a lovely BBQ party for Chris’s birthday, meeting many ... read more

In our previous travels people we have met from Holland, have been good fun. They certainly travel more than many other Europeans we’ve met. Our next 2 campsites we visited were run by Dutch owners, they were to play a part in our long drive up Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Having abandoned Plan A visiting Cordoba, Granada and increasingly the likelihood that Barcelona would go the same way because of the heat. Enter Plan B, to travel and camp near the coast picking up, hopefully, more of the cool sea breeze. Our first hoped stop was Marbella, the holiday destination for the super-rich. I phoned the only campsite in the area know to us -no room. We then drive through hoping to park up, but every available inch of parking was used up. Driving further up the ... read more