10 June

Had 2 nights on campsite by Clonea beach near Dungarvan. Weather still very changeable ranging from sunshine to gale force winds and heavy rain. In fact last night I had to get up at 3am and pull down the pop top roof for fear of it being blown away.
Today followed the coast through beautiful fishing villages of Ardmore, Youghal and Ballycotton. Spectacular surf and views to the lighthouse on a tiny island off Ballycotton. Now at Cork staying on the harbour side with lots of other campervanners. And it’s raining! Heavy!

Mon 5 June/Tuesday 6 June

The adventure begins! Been packing the van all day in pouring rain. Now at Liverpool docks on the ferry awaiting departure at 3am for the 8 hour crossing to Dublin. Not looking forward to the choppy seas tonight. Jack has to stay in the van throughout the journey.

… Didn’t leave Liverpool port till 3.30 due to bad weather. V choppy sea! And delayed till 11.30 arrival. Shattered! Very little sleep but hopefully will sleep better tonight. Was accompanied to car deck to check on jack about about 9.30am. He’s fed up understandably but coping really well. Can’t wait to get onto dry and stationary land. Weather much better now too. Blue skies and I can see Dublin Port!

Having left the ferry port we turned onto the coast road from Dublin, going through Dun Laoghaire and Bray, then onto the Wicklow mountains road to Rathdrum. We then stopped at Avoca, a place I have wanted to visit since being a fan of the TV series Ballykissangel many years ago. The sun shone, I visited Fitzgerald’s pub where the series was filmed and had half a guiness on a bench outside in the sunshine. And what they say is correct: Guiness definitely tastes better in Ireland!

Then travelled a few miles further south to Arklow. Finally found a quiet wild camping spot by the beach at Clogga with stunning views. Lovely walks and Jack had a great time on the beach.

Wednesday 7 June

Beginning to settle into the routine now after a rocky start. Yesterday was written off after a decent morning and a lovely beach run at Clogga with Jack. The afternoon turned into VERY heavy rain. Went through Blackwater, Wexford, Rosslare and abandoned travel when we got to Kilmore Quay. Have had torrential rain all night. Very few campsites round this area so I ended up staying in a boggy field with no facilities for 10 euros at a comunity centre. I’d run out of water so they let me fill a container. I could just put a bucket outside of course! Rain is supposed to ease off today but still raining at moment! Will move on this afternoon to Cork area. My phone has good signal but can’t access laptop with mobile data dongle I brought so far, so haven’t been able to blog or do any work. Hoping it will work when I move west. My BT mobile is working fine with 4G and no extra charges for roaming according to BT which is good news. Rain is supposed to ease off this afternoon, hope to see Kilmore Quay properly before setting off.

Thursday 8 June

All is well and feeling better since the sun came out this afternoon. After an excellent all day breakfast at the local cafe, explored the picturesque fishing village of Kilmore Quay. Looked much better than yesterday in torrential rain! Then this afternoon we moved on passing through New Ross, Waterford and Tramore. This part of the Copper Coast was spectacular this afternoon, Riverstown, Annestown and Bunmahon. Just before Dungarvon we were greeted with a rainbow before settling into a lovely campsite for the night, possibly 2 nights as I think I need to have a rest day tomorrow. Jack has had a great day exploring new beaches and my mood has improved no end with the return of sunshine!

 

Heading off in the campervan again this summer, starting 6 June. Jack and I will be taking the ferry crossing from Liverpool to Dublin to begin a new journey.

From Dublin we will drive south and follow the coast clockwise around the whole of Ireland until we get back to Dublin. Expecting to see some amazing scenery and great photo opportunities.
Have got some euros and Jack now has his own passport, so we can both get into the Republic of Ireland. And hoping to come home via the Isle of Man.

Nothing planned, will just set off and see. I heard this recently and thought it was very suitable:  “If there is no destination in mind, you can’t get lost!”

6 Sep. As expected I am struggling to adjust back to living in a house, and staying in one place! It’s great to be back but really missing the travel and new places to see each day! Friends kept me going and made me feel less alone when on several occasions I felt like giving up and heading home. So thank you all for your lovely comments, messages and support.

And particularly the friends who visited me or provided welcome stopovers, food, showers and use of the washing machine! I am a lucky person indeed to have so many good friends, old and new!

The end of the journey . . . 1 and 2 Sep.

From Southport to Lytham St Annes and Blackpool. Then through Cleveleys and Fleetwood to Knott End. Glasson Docks, Heysham and Morecambe where rain set in.

Stopover in Carnforth. Then on Friday the final leg to home: Arnside, Sandside, Grange over Sands, Kents Bank and Canal Foot in Ulverston.

The journey came to an end at Bardsea beach with 6222 miles on the clock, friends waiting and a final celebration ice cream! Phew!

31 August. Well I can’t believe the adventure is nearly over! It’s been incredible and a journey I will never forget.

Yesterday we came through Rhyl, Presatyn and Flint. Then back into England and Merseyside; West Kirby, Hoylake and Wallasey.

Today we went to New Brighton in glorious sunshine before going through the Mersey Tunnel to Liverpool. Passed through the docklands area, by the Liver Birds building, and then continued along the coast to Crosby where Jack had a good run on the beach surrounded by the Anthony Gormley sculptures. From there we carried on to Formby Point and now settled on a campsite near Southport.

Tomorrow to Blackpool, Fleetwood and Morecambe.

I am planning to reach home this Friday afternoon 2 Sep. As I wanted the adventure to begin and end at Bardsea Beach, I will be heading for Roy’s Ices around 2.00pm-ish. If anyone would like to join me please come. Hope to see u there if u can make it.

26-28 August. Caernarfon to Colwyn Bay via Anglesey. Had a good couple of days exploring Anglesey. Weather continues to be changeable but have managed to grab moments of sunshine between showers. And it’s very warm and humid.

Before crossing the Menai Bridge spent some time looking round Caernarfon and it’s very fine castle. Then crossed the Menai Bridge to Anglesey. First stop was at Plas Newydd, a large country mansion (National Trust) on the waters edge with fantastic gardens and spectacular views. The local town was Llanfairpwll so I felt it necessary to go and see the railway station on the way through. ie. Llanfairpwllgwyngyll…etc, etc. Must be one of the most photographed and selfied stations in the country.

Then continued clockwise following the coast through Aberffraw and Rhoscolyn to the very remote South Stack. More hairpin bends and steep narrow roads to negotiate. It was definitely worth it; the views were spectacular.

The journey continued via lovely beaches at Cemlyn Bay, Cemaes Bay and Amlwich.

Finally got to Beaumaris and stopped there for a while before going back over the Menai Bridge to Bangor, Llanfairfechan and Conwy with its amazing castle and Telfer suspension bridge.

Also enjoyed Llandudno with its beautiful pier. I then took another slightly hazardous drive right round the edge of Great Orme, and continued up to the summit. Incredible views. Then meandered back down the very steep and narrow hill to Llandudno and then Colwyn Bay.

Now on a campsite near Rhyl for tonight. The end of the journey is in sight and approaching 6000 miles travelled.

23-25 August. It finally stopped raining, a great relief!

In sunshine we went through Aberystwyth, Aberdovey, Borth and Machynlleth. We paid 70p and crossed the quaint toll bridge at Dolgellan and on to Barmouth. Then Harlech, Porthmadog and stayed the night at Llanystumdwy.

On Wednesday had a day off from driving and did a lovely woodland walk including visiting the tomb of Lloyd George.

I would have done an update sooner but have been without phone and Internet for 3 days in the St David’s area. And torrential rain and high winds to put the cap on it! Now moving north again although it’s still raining.

Since last update have been to Laugharne, home of Dylan Thomas, Pendine, Tenby, Stackpole, Pembroke, crossed the Cleddau Bridge to Milford Haven and on to St David’s, the smallest city in Britain, as it has its own very impressive cathedral.

This was the start of the massive deterioration in the weather. Torrential rain, high winds and raging seas for the next 3 days whilst staying on a campsite at Berea near St Davids.

Today have moved on through Fishguard, Gwbert-on-Sea, Cardigan, New Quay and now settled for the night near Aberystwyth. Passed through lots of coastal villages whose names are getting harder and harder to pronounce. Really hoping the weather will improve soon but have a horrible feeling the bad weather is following us north!

 

 

Pics to follow soon.

15-17 August. On Monday we continued through Bristol and entered Wales via the Severn Bridge, and on to Cardiff, Penarth and a very busy Barry Island.

On Tuesday we followed the coast through Southerndown, Ogmore-by-Sea, Porthcawl, Port Talbot and Swansea. Then on to the beautiful Gower Peninsular, Mumbles Rhossili and Worms Head. Jack and I enjoyed the walk along the coastal path to Worms Head this afternoon, unfortunately cloudy hazy but still spectacular coastline.

11-14 August. Spectacular scenery and very changeable weather as we moved through North Devon and Somerset.

Since leaving Hartland we travelled through Westward Ho!, Ilfracombe and Combe Martin. Next was Lynton and Lynmouth and Porlock where we had to tackle some seriously challenging narrow roads with steep hills and hairpin bends. Then on to Minehead, Dunster, Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-Super-Mare.

And just clocked 5000 miles of the trip since we started.

10 August. Steadily heading north and have seen some stunning coastline since leaving the south coast. Weather has been great for the last few days until today which has been grey and drizzly with occasional heavy downpours.

Have been through St Ives which was so busy it proved impossible to visit properly. All car parks full. So we continued on our way stopping to see the spectacular coastline at Godvrey Point and Lighthouse. Then on to Portreath, St Agnes and Newquay. Impressive views at Carnewas Point and Pentire Steps on the way to Padstow.

Last night we camped on a farm at Wadebridge. Today have continued up the coast to Tintagel, Boscastle, Widemouth Bay and Bude. And now on another farm for the night at Hartland, and hoping for better weather tomorrow.

7 August. After leaving our campsite near Porthleven we came through Penzance, Newlynn and Saint Levan.

Today we have spent the day exploring Lands End! Fabulous coastal walks with some very scary sheer and exposed cliff edges to stop Jack jumping off! A much warmer and sunnier day after yesterday’s rain and high wind. Later in the afternoon went to St Just and Cape Cornwall. The evening light and breakers were spectacular at Cape Cornwall.

5 August. Getting ready to turn the corner and start heading north! Since leaving Veryan have been to Saint Mawes, Trelissick where we crossed the River Fal on the King Harry ferry to Falmouth, then Gweek and St Keverne. Yesterday went to Lizard Point to see the breathtaking scenery, lighthouse and also ventured to the most southerly tip of the U.K. mainland. Getting braver facing the very narrow roads to explore the many beaches and coves on this stretch of coastline.

Today we went to the beautiful village of Porthleven. Lovely to meet up with friends Jill Pemberton and Dave who are on holiday in their fab motorhome in Porthleven. This afternoon continued up the coast to St Michael’s Mount.

Tomorrow we will get to Lands End and will then begin the journey north to home!

29 July. Explored Looe town, very picturesque harbour, and then on to follow the coast as much as it was possible. The roads are extremely narrow with few passing places. I have done a lot of reversing to let people through including lots of tractors. I think I’m getting more used to these roads now but there are so many blind corners and very tight hairpin bends.

Went through Lanteglos, Polruan and Polperro, all tiny and not very accessible but got there. Stunning coastline. Then the ferry to Fowey (pronounced Foy). Unable to find a campsite with any space so did a pub stopover and had a lovely meal at The Four Lords Pub at Par. On Saturday moved on and we went to visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan near St Austell. The gardens were discovered in 1990, and the work has been ongoing ever since.Fantastic place, a mixture of formal renovated gardens, kitchen gardens as well as wild woodland and lots of resident animals now, including rare breeds. Now on a campsite at Veryan for the weekend. Very busy now it’s the school hols. Peace and quiet is over but Jack is getting lots of attention from children. Good phone and Internet signal too so can get some work done here.

29 July. Rain and fog in Plymouth this morning. And Plymouth Hoe was closed off for a big music festival this weekend, so not the best start to the day. Weather improved this afternoon. Got the ferry from Devonport to Torpoint. Then it was an afternoon of making our way along some VERY narrow and bendy roads with hardly any passing places, through Cawsand (a beautiful village, but only for small thin vehicles!) and Mount Edgcumbe where I had a fab cream tea. Then continued along the coastal route with spectacular views through Millbrook, Seaton, Millendraeth and now on a campsite in Looe for the night.

Whilst looking for somewhere to stay tonight I very nearly booked in at a naturist campsite, oops! Could have been very interesting. I reversed very quickly when I looked more closely at the entrance sign at reception!!

27 July. Spent a few days exploring the coastline of Devon. A lovely boat trip up the River Dart, unfortunately quite cloudy but still very warm. Really enjoyed visit to Greenway House and gardens, the summer home of Agatha Christie, owned by the National Trust. Then on to Brixham and Berry Head lighthouse, stunning coastline.

On Tuesday we went to Hallsands beach for sunbathing and swimming, and then along some very narrow and challenging roads to the lighthouse at Start Point. Last night we stayed on a campsite at Kingsbridge. Today the narrow roads were even more challenging with steep hills and very tight hairpin bends to add to the mix. That was to get us through Salcombe and then on to Bigbury-on-Sea. Incredible views but won’t be attempting that again in a van. And on top of that, tractors everywhere!

This evening we have arrived in Plymouth and will explore that more tomorrow as we get closer to Cornwall. Doing a pub stopover tonight so have been well fed and will be ready to move on tomorrow.

21-24 July. We are now in Devon.

After a lovely quiet night on the farm we went through a very busy Weymouth. In spite of that I really liked Weymouth. It has lots of character as an old traditional seaside town with Punch & Judy and donkey rides. And I managed to park!

From there we continued to Portland and went up to Portland Heights. Very warm but hazy day with great views of Chesil beach.

 

Mon 18 – Wed 20 July. Left my brothers at Havant nr. Portsmouth. In scorching sun, followed the coast through Gosport, Lee-on-the-Solent, Southampton docks, Hythe, Lymington and Milford-on-Sea which were all pretty though very busy as it’s now high season and schools finished for summer.

Then onwards into Dorset through Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole. This was not a nice experience, 100s of big and busy roundabouts to negotiate with impatient drivers. Couldn’t park so kept going. Settled for the night in a campsite slightly inland nr. Wareham.

On Tuesday went round the Isle of Purbeck, visiting Corfe Castle, Studland Bay and Swanage. Tuesday night we camped in a field on a lovely farm Zambuka House at Osmington nr. Weymouth with spectacular sea views from the van.

Isle of Wight. 13-16 July. A busy few days doing a clockwise circuit of the island. From the ferry port at Fishbourne we went through Ryde and then to Bembridge Bay where we wild camped on the beach.

On Thursday we explored Culver Down with incredible views. Then went to see the 300 year old windmill at Bembridge. Then we followed the coast through Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor. At Freshwater Bay we stayed on a campsite on a farm.

A good few days in Havant staying at my brothers. Jack has loved the woodland walks and some lovely evening walks by the sea at Langstone. Also crossed the bridge to Hayling Island where the weather went dramatically downhill and I got totally drenched. Then onto Southsea and the ferry from Portsmouth GunWharf to the Isle of Wight.

 

Monday 4 July, we left Folkestone and went through Hythe, Dymchurch, St Margarets Bay, Dungeness, Lydd-on-Sea, Rye, St Leonards, Hastings, Bexhill-on-Sea and Normans Bay where we found a campsite close to the beach for the night.

On Tuesday we climbed to the top of the exposed cliffs at Beachy Head (quite scary!) Then the journey took us through Brighton & Hove, Worthing, Bognor Regis, a lovely beach at Bracklesham Bay, then East Wittering

Now at my brothers house at Havant, near Portsmouth, a welcome break, laundry done, work caught up on, and a real bed and shower. Also lovely to catch up with nephews and nieces while we are here. Exhausted and enjoying the break from driving after just clocking 4000 miles since the start of the trip.

The Dartford crossing was amazing, traffic terrible and the QE Bridge spectacular! Also impossible to get decent photos whilst driving. After crossing the Thames, went through Gravesend, Chatham, Sheerness on Isle of Sheppey. Then through Faversham to Chislet near Canterbury where we found a lovely farm open to campers and campervanners. Thanks to our hosts Rob and Chris for a lovely stay at Highstead Farm.

We visited the nearby resorts of Whitstable and Herne Bay where the pier is in 2 parts as the central section washed away, the end of the pier looks very lonely in the distance out to sea!) On Sunday we moved on through Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Sandwich (near Ham!) and Deal.

Then on to the Port of Dover with the famous chalky white cliffs. Then to a campsite at Folkestone right on the beach and under the cliffs, a spectacular location to camp.

Update 30 June. On Monday the low loader returned and it was a great relief that PJ Kerley Ltd of Great Yarmouth were able to get the required part to fix my van. They weren’t sure that they could get it on Monday. If not, I would have been sleeping in the van in their yard on Monday night! So all well and now back on the road with a new power steering pump.

On Tues I visited Southwold-on-Sea. Loved it. It seems to have maintained its character of an old fashioned seaside town and the sun shone too. Loved the pier and the amazing machines. From Southwold to Aldeburgh, then Felixstowe and then slightly inland to Polstead campsite in the heart of Suffolk, John Constable country which I have always wanted to visit. Loved East Bergholt, the village where Constable was born and grew up, and Flatford Mill, the subject of The Haywain. I stood in the spot Constable stood to create the masterpiece.

Then I followed the coast through Harwich, Walton-on-the-Naze, Clacton-on-Sea and then to West Mersea Island for the night.

Then a complicated bit of coastline today, Bradwell-on-Sea, Burnham-on-Crouch, Southend-on-Sea and Canvey Island. Now at a campsite for tonight on a farm about 5 miles north of the Dartford crossing. I can hear the traffic!

Tomorrow will be crossing the Thames at the Dartford Crossing via the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. Paid up and ready to get into Kent tomorrow.

It’s Black Friday here. And a flash flood last night and very scary thunder and lightning storm, possibly a reflection of the mood of the country and me tonight.

Quick update for the last few days – after leaving West Runton, followed the coastline towards Cromer. Lovely beach walk at East Runton on the way. I then decided to go slightly inland to see some of the Norfolk Broads. Did a pub stopover at the Pleasure Boat Inn at Hickling right on the waters edge. And the sun came out too.

Today I was heading for my next campsite at Kessingland south of Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. However things went downhill when I came through the village of Horning to look at the boats on the Broads again. The power steering failed on the van whilst negotiating my way into a space in a car park. Suddenly the steering wheel was nearly impossible to turn. So cutting a very long story short, a replacement power steering pump is needed but can’t be done until Monday. After much discussion and several phone calls it was decided that a low loader breakdown vehicle would be sent to rescue me and transport me to the campsite I was heading for about 35 miles away. However they said they couldn’t get to me till about 8pm. ie. 3 and a half hours to wait. The man did however arrive at 6.30 and we were delivered about an hour later by low loader to the campsite for tonight. Not really how I wanted to arrive but quite entertaining for the other campers on the site! Will be here till Monday when the low loader will be back to transport me to the repair workshop. Feeling very relieved to be here tonight.

20 June. Since leaving Mablethorpe, came through Skegness (quickly!), then via Boston and Kings Lynn to Sandringham where there is a lovely campsite. 2 nights there with lovely forest walks all around, in the grounds of Sandringham estate. Then onwards to Hunstanton (nice beach) followed by a pub stopover at the Lifeboat Inn in the village of Thornham. Today has seen torrential rain for much of the day as we travelled along the north coast of Norfolk through Wells-next-the-sea, Morston marshes, Blakeney and Sheringham. Travelled through floods to get to campsite for tonight at West Runton, near Cromer. Bizarrely at about 6pm the rain stopped, the sun came out and it’s been a glorious sunny and warm evening in deckchair!

15 June. A long day driving and we are now settled in Mablethorpe. The weather has finally improved for us with a lovely rainbow and sunset over the campsite this evening. After leaving Scarborough we came through Filey, visited Flamborough Head where we saw puffins and seals. Then on to Bridlington, Hornsea, Aldbrough and Withernsea. After a pub stopover last night at Holmpton ie. stayed in pub car park after lovely meal in pub, today we carried on to Spurn Head. Then crossed the Humber Bridge into Lincolnshire, stopping at Grimsby, Cleethorpes and now Mablethorpe. A good day but exhausted.

 

13 June. Grey and wet days are upon us. Yesterday we came through several places but saw very little due to dense fog! Whitby, Robin Hoods Bay and then Scarborough for the night. The highlight was my favourite fresh Whitby scampi and chips. Also bought emergency new wellies (as I’d stupidly decided not to bring mine this time) and a new raincoat for Jack. Also an SOS visit to Specsavers in Whitby after I closed the van’s pop top roof down onto my specs and squashed them flat! Specsavers thankfully had the same specs in stock and replaced the frames for me. I now have my old frames as a bag of spare parts in case needed in the future! A set of grey photos here. The forecast says wet weather until Saturday so I will have to come back to this area on another trip.

10 June. Feeling like a professional all weather camper! Weather has gone dramatically downhill which came as a bit of a shock after the wall to wall sunshine we’ve had recently. Awning is now a large umbrella with screen around us for extra weather protection. All going well until the accumulated rain water on the roof canopy decided to pour suddenly out of the side right on to my deckchair perfectly positioned for maximum soaking. The only positive is that I wasn’t sitting on it at the time. Phew!!

9 June. Back on the road! Headed back to Newcastle yesterday to reconnect with our route south. Today South Shields, Sunderland, Souter lighthouse and Seaham. Lovely beaches, scenery and sunshine. From there we travelled (as quickly as possible) through Hartlepool and Middlesborough. Oil refineries, collieries, cranes, not very pretty! Then we moved on to Marske, Saltburn-by-the-Sea and settled for the night at a campsite at Runswick Bay. Awning up, wine in hand, Jack asleep and all well.

Quick update to let you know I have pressed the pause button for a short while! Lovely time in Newcastle visiting family and decided from there to come back home for a few days to restock, repack (for summer!), get a sun canopy awning fitted and get some client work done. Will return to Newcastle in a few days to rejoin the route at South Shields to follow the coast down the east side via Whitby and Scarborough.

Visit my complete public album of the journey so far on Flickr here . . .  https://www.flickr.com/photos/lizclement25/albums/72157668928114836

22 May. Progressing down the east coast we came through Dunstan and the beautiful village of Craster where we took the walk up to Dunstanburgh Castle. Then to Alnmouth, Warkworth and Amble where we settled for the night. Then on Saturday we left Amble and followed the coastal route visiting Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Blyth, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Tynemouth and North Shields and now at Newcastle staying with my brother and family. A hot bath and real bed very much appreciated!

 

19 May. Now steadily heading south. Yesterday went on to Holy island and visited Bamburgh. Have memories of both from childhood visits. Weather was better than expected too. Stayed last night at Beadnell Bay and now at Dunstan Hill campsite for tonight. Visited Seahouses and had excellent fish and chips for lunch. Yummy!

17 May. From Aberlady to Dunbar for 2 nights with amazing sunsets. Then headed south visiting Cockburnspath, Eyemouth and beautiful St Abbs on the way. Crossed the border through Berwick-upon-Tweed and now back in England.

From Forres, moved on to Fochabers near Elgin. Great to see Charlie Hawley and family at Gordon Castle and thanks for putting us up for the night. Then continued thtough Cullen, Banff, Macduff, Crovie and parked up for the night at Cruden Bay Harbour with incredible views over the beach and an amazing sunset.

15 May. From Cruden bay we headed to Aberdeen, Stonehaven, Montrose and Inverbervie. From there we visited Arbroath and then on to Dundee, crossed the Tay Bridge, visited St Andrews, a night at Crail village, Kirkcaldy, crossed the Forth Bridge and then to Edinburgh. Then to the the lovely village of Aberlady on the coastal path to Dunbar and Berwick-on-Tweed. Not far to England now and today we clocked 2000 miles of the trip since we started.

 

 

 

 

 

Sat 7 May. Dingwall to Forres. Excellent campsite at Dingwall with lovely riverside walk closeby. Bright and clear day too. Crossed bridge from Black Isle to Inverness. Then followed the coastal roads to Nairn, Fort George, Cromarty, Fortrose and Forres.

Thurs 5 May. Great weather today. Sunshine, no rain and so much warmer! Breezy conditions this morning at Helmsdale Harbour brought dramatic waves and breakers onto the beach. After Jack had s good run around we set off south. First stop was at Dunrobin Castle (home of the Earl of Sutherland), where we had a lovely walk through the forest and gardens and a run on the beach. We then passed through Golspie, Dornoch, over the bridge crossing Dornoch Firth. Then out to the tip of Tarbat Ness and lighthouse on the cliff edge with fantastic sea views. We had a look at the Glen Morangie Distillery on the way past. Unfortunately I don’t like whisky so didn’t participate. Then onwards to Invergordon and now finally settled for the night in campsite at Dingwall. Exhausted!

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Wed 4 May. Had 2 interesting days exploring Orkney mainland via ferry from Gills Bay (near John o Groats) to St Margaret’s Hope, Orkney. Stayed at a campsite at Kirkwall where I found a Lidl, a TESCO and a Co-op. Great joy! So we have provisions. Still very weak or no internet though. Drove around the coastal areas of Orkney and visited some of the main tourist spots. Weather challenging as it was very very windy! Returned to mainland Scotland today. Visited Duncansby Head and the amazing sea stacks. We are now southward bound down the east coast. Spending the night in Helmsdale, a picturesque coastal village south of Wick.

1st May. Here we are in John o Groats after a drive of about 90 miles on mainly narrow single track roads with passing places. The scenery is still good but not as spectacular as that of the west coast seen over the last few days. From Durness the route took us along the sea loch, Loch Eribol, through Tongue, Portskerra, Melvich and Thurso. We took a detour to Dunnet Head lighthouse which is the most northerly point of mainland Scotland. And then finally to John O Groats.

30 April. Today left Scourie and headed to Durness. We are now at the very top of Scotland! More spectacular views and amazing beaches for Jack to check out. Also visited the arts and crafts village of Balnakeil. Enjoyed my 2 favourite things at Cocoa Mountain Cafe – Latte and a sticky bun! Went to see the Smoo caves at Durness and now settled in for the night. Heading towards John o Groats tomorrow.

Good drive from Gairloch to Ullapool. Now settled on a lovely campsite right on the beach at Ullapool. Currently trying not to freeze to death! The temperature has plummeted. Awesome sunset this evening.

An amazing journey from Achmore to Gairloch via Lochcarron and Shieldaig. Some very remote roads,changeable weather and awesome views. Lots of photo stops again. Snow blizzards in the morning turned to sunshine and then back to sleet and snow at times through the day. Settled for the night at Gairloch in a great campsite right next to the sea.

26 April. I finally found a wifi signal again. A fantastic day  exploring Skye after a lovely surprise visit to see Liz Elliott in Duirinish village only a few miles from where I was staying. Lovely to see her and great coffee and cake! Then crossed the Skye bridge again to Broadford and then took a very long road trip north as far as Uig with incredible views throughout.  And at the end of the day I clocked my first 1000 miles of the trip.

Left Campbeltown on Friday. Drove to Oban, a picturesque town where we found a lovely campsite in a great location surrounded by woodland walks. Decided to stay for 2 nights. Today is the first time I’ve been able to get online for a few days – now in the highlands of Scotland and there is very little signal. Yesterday drove from Oban to Mallaig where we got on the ferry to Skye. Although the forecast was not great it was better than expected. Explored some of the minor roads of Skye and got some great views of the Cuillins. Now staying for a couple of days with my friend Ingrid Tomlinson and her lovely family at Achmore near Kyle of Lochalsh. Today it keeps snowing and is very cold. Will explore more of Skye tomorrow and then continue up the west coast.

Thursday. Yesterday I left Balfron. Headed for Kintyre peninsular via the spectacular route along the shores of Loch Lomond, through Luss, Arrochar and Inveraray. Then on to Tarbert and Campbeltown. Breathtaking scenery meant I had to keep stopping to take photos. Today explored more of Kintyre and went right down to Southend and Mull of Kintyre where there is a remote and tiny lighthouse marking the very end point of the peninsula. A highlight today was seeing a family of seals basking in the sun on the coast at High Keil. Fabulous! Ended the day with a visit to Saddal beach where Jack enjoyed a good run and swim. Leaving Campbeltown tomorrow for Oban and Skye.

Tuesday. A spectacular drive up the west coast of Scotland through Alloway (birth place of Robert Burns), Ayr, Troon, Largs and Gourock. Nice lunch at the Museum of the birthplace of Robert Burns. As I was born on Burns Night 25 January, I thought I should find out a bit more about the man himself.

And finally over the Erskine Bridge to Balfron north of Glasgow to visit my friend Dougie Hamilton. A lovely catch up and reminisce about the good old days at Ambleside. Dougie’s flat is in a converted church in the little village of Balfron. A great evening and lovely food in local pub.

To Loch Lomond and Mull of Kintyre tomorrow.

 

Monday and now in Ballantrae, a little village on the west coast of Scotland north of Stranraer. A good day today and got in a lot of miles. After a night at a great campsite at Kirkcudbright we headed to Wigtown (a book town) and Whithorn where I had a great lunch at Central Cafe. Then on to Mull of Galloway, the most southerly tip of south west Scotland. Spectacular views from the lighthouse. Very mixed weather today ranging from light rain to heavy rain and brilliant sunshine. Now settled for the night at Ballantrae. Heading north tomorrow morning and to Glasgow to see my friend Dougie Hamilton by the end of the day.

Followed the coast today and now into Scotland. Stopped at Gretna Green to see the famous Blacksmith’s shop wedding venue. Now settled in for the night at Kirkcudbright with stunning sea views from the campsite. Continuing up the Scottish coastline tomorrow. Weather is being good to us. Long may it last!