alikim

Due to a rush to get away, also probably the changeable weather, it’s been difficult getting into our usual traveller’s stride. But we are moving further south, the weathers warmer and we are heading towards the French Alps. The French motorways are great, you pay the tolls- but they are great!, smooth roads and plenty of places to rest. Often you see brown signs with images applicable to a nearby towns fame, whether it might show a monument of someone famous, maybe the region might be popular for its produce or maybe artistry. It makes us think should we be stopping here? to take a look or perhaps sample the wares, but as we always say, we cant do it all-as much as we try. We are heading for Chamonix the popular Ski resort and home ... read more

We headed south to Epernay, the self proclaimed ‘capitale du champagne’. Epernay is full of the huge champagne houses, Moet and Chandon, Mercier, Chateaux Perrier etc, all along the aptly named Avenue de Champagne. Perhaps it was the lack of sanitary facilities at the campsite (they were being refurbished), or the unsettled weather, or the 30-minute walk to the town, but we found Epernay pleasant but not inspiring. I particularly wanted to visit the city of Reims, not very accessible to campervans, so we caught the train from Epernay. It was around a half hour trip mainly through vineyards, the sun was shining, and we had a lovely day exploring Reims. An interesting city, with wide boulevards, lots of cafes and also lots of stag and hen parties! Must be the ‘in’ place to go, and ... read more

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