Holiday in Scotland 2022

 Holiday in Scotland 17th - 22nd July 2022

Sunday 17th July.

So began the 357mile 6hr 30min drive to Bonnie Scotland, Toni's first trip and my third. A couple of stops on route at fairly shabby services and a detour through a not so salubrious part of Glasgow courtesy of road works at Paisley meant it was an inauspicious start to our well earned break.

Our planned itinerary included a pre-booked evening cruise on Loch Linhe, to view Ben Nevis. A walk up Ben Nevis and a ferry trip to the Ilse of Mull with a bus ride to Tobermory (Balamory from TV fame).

Sunday evening was spent in the Hotel Hollytree in Kentallen on the banks of the sea Loch, Loch Linhe. The views from which were absolutely stunning, including those from our lovely room.

Monday 18th.

Today we needed to be in the Fort William area as we had our evening cruise on Loch Linhe to look forward to, but not until 7pm. Our plan began with a drive up to Aonach Mor and a gondola ride up to the ski areas and view points from that mountain ski resort, one of which was a look at the top edge of the north face of Ben Nevis. With the weather being kind to us on Monday and Tuesday the views were not disappointing. Next was lunch in Fort William and a mini shopping spree, mainly for grandkids of course. Dinner was had there also and then the cruise. This was not a cruise to see wildlife, Porpoises, Dolphins, Seals and many varieties of bird life and in that it was successful, as we did not, although, its mission statement was "views of Ben Nevis" and it was hugely successful, as for 340 days of the year the mountain is not visible...

                      

Tuesday 19th

We had decided that Tuesday would be a drive to Oban to check out the ferry terminal and have a look around this important ferry port. Neither of us thought too much of Oban, its views out to sea were magnificent as expected, but the town itself was a little disappointing, run down and in need of a regeneration. Nevertheless lunch was taken at Kronks before a unexpected find of a lovely chocolate emporium. after a short stay and purchase of various chocolatey delights we headed back to our hotel in Kentallen and dinner from their not so extensive veggie/vegan menu. Fish & chips (Haddock), Mountain Burger (Plant food) or Pumpkin Ravioli.

              

Wednesday 20th

The big day, summiting Ben Nevis... Alarm set for 5am, planning on Parking at the Ben Nevis visitors centre and attempting our ascent at 6am. We eventually began at 6,30am and as planned did beat most of the invading hordes. It was a nice cool morning and according to the weather man becoming cooler and foggy the higher you climbed. We were fog free up to 700m and could clearly see a few campers around Lochan Meall an t-Suiche. After that we turned the corner and headed towards the formidable and infamous zig-zags. The fog/low cloud descended and obliterated most of the views from here on, but the path was clearly visible and we continued our ascent of the UK's highest point. Approximately three hours from our start we reached the rocky summit and took our obligatory photos on the cairn. Lunch was taken in the derelict shelter and the sun almost poked through the cloud to warm us. Feeling very chuffed with our efforts at being for a few seconds the tallest people in the UK we started the long descent back to clear visibility and the car.

Thursday 21st

Thursday saw us rise early, not as early as Ben Nevis day, but we were booked on the 09.55 ferry from Oban to the Ilse of Mull. So breakfast and a 45minute drive later we were at the departure gate for the CalMac ferry. We docked at Craignure then queued for a bus to Tobermory, made famous by the children's TV show 'Balamory'. On arrival at the bus stop/station in Tobermory the cameras came out and the famous sea front and brightly painted buildings were captured on numerous devices before a gentle stroll along said sea front. Having checked out all the shops and cafes on our first lap, we decided on the ex-church now restaurant for our lunch. Binoculars were purchased from one of the many touristy shops, one pair each for myself, Toni and Ibby. Having strolled as much as we could we headed back to get the bus back to Craignure and the ferry to Oban. and after dinner at a Pizza restaurant we returned to Kentallen to prepare to checkout the next day.

Friday 22nd

Alas it was time to leave the Highlands of Scotland and return to the Highlands of Derbyshire. Our last breakfast of scrambled eggs on toast or potato scones was consumed and our bags packed for the long drive home. We intended to take our time and visit a couple of places to break up the journey, firstly to the Falls of Falloch. 

then onto Gretna Green to get hitched 😂💞. OK, just for lunch and a look around the many touristy shops, filled with fridge magnets, shortbread and tartan...

Finally the journey back to Middleton and real life...