After Fort William we decided that we had earned ourselves a break from the car and checked into a hotel for 2 nights in Glasgow. From Glasgow we headed to Edinburgh for a day at the fringe. The Royal mile was possibly the busiest street I've ever seen. And everyone wanted your attention - trying to give you flyers and impress you with their wackiness - it was a bit tiring and we sought refuge in the castle for the afternoon.
The top of Edinburgh Castle
After Edinburgh we headed North once again for the town of Crieff. We free camped at a hydroelectric dam and were soon surrounded by sheep (and clouds). The next morning we headed into town for the Highland games. We parked in town and followed the sound of 100's of bagpipes till we got to the showground. We saw bagpipe competitions, highland dancing and best of all - the caber toss. To say the guys were big is an understatement.
The Highland games in Crieff
Highland Dancers
The Caber TossAfter Crieff we headed south again and out of Scotland. We did a big day of driving and made our way down to the Lake district. Our campsite was great - complete with a stone pub with a big fire - a welcome break from the Tarago. Unfortunatley the whole time we were there it rained. Really rained. It was still beautiful and we had a nice drive around the lakes edge.
After the Lakes District it was another big day of driving out to Snowdonia in Wales. It was beautiful and well worth the drive. First we had a night on Anglesey then headed down to Porthmadog. Then back through the middle of Snowdonia national park and past the mountain itself.
Our Campsite in Wales
Wales Scenery
After Wales we headed to Manchester to catch up with some old friends. Was lots of fun. The next day we headed to Chester and then on to our friends parents cottage where we were treated to some good home cooking and hospitality.
Our Campsite in Wales
Wales SceneryAfter Wales we headed to Manchester to catch up with some old friends. Was lots of fun. The next day we headed to Chester and then on to our friends parents cottage where we were treated to some good home cooking and hospitality.
After Chester it was on to Stratford upon Avon for some Shakespeare sightseeing - and then on to Bath.
Roman Baths in Bath
Tourist at the Baths
From Bath we headedto Cheddar and I have to say I have never been more mislead by a towns name. No cheese! A nice gorge and all - but no sign of any local cheddar. From Cheddar we headed down the coast to Padstow where we walked around and found all Rick Steins restaurants. Unfortunately the restaurants were a little out of our price range so we settled for some Rick Stein fish and chips - cooked in real beef drippings! I think that makes them healthy? Right?
The coast in Exmoor National Park
Scary narrow roads
From Padstow Navman took us on the narrowest, most hair raising drive ever. We had to reverse along narrow windy roads many times to avoid oncoming traffic. Besides taking the above photo I spent most of the time with my eyes closed (Ben was driving thank god - but even if I was I think I would have had my eyes closed)
Roman Baths in Bath
Tourist at the BathsFrom Bath we headedto Cheddar and I have to say I have never been more mislead by a towns name. No cheese! A nice gorge and all - but no sign of any local cheddar. From Cheddar we headed down the coast to Padstow where we walked around and found all Rick Steins restaurants. Unfortunately the restaurants were a little out of our price range so we settled for some Rick Stein fish and chips - cooked in real beef drippings! I think that makes them healthy? Right?
The coast in Exmoor National Park
Scary narrow roadsFrom Padstow Navman took us on the narrowest, most hair raising drive ever. We had to reverse along narrow windy roads many times to avoid oncoming traffic. Besides taking the above photo I spent most of the time with my eyes closed (Ben was driving thank god - but even if I was I think I would have had my eyes closed)
The next stop was St Ives and it was gorgeous.
St Ives and blue sky
Enjoying the sunshine
Enjoying the cider in the sunshine
Tourists in St Ives
From St Ives it was down to Penzance and then on to Lizard point - the most southerly point of England. As you can tell from the Photo - it was a little windy.
Lizard Point - Southern most point and possibly windiest point in England
After Lizard point we headed to Truro for the night. From Truro we headed up to the "Cornish Rattler" cider farm and learnt the secrets of cider making.
From the cider farm we drove across Dartmoor national park. We saw some more gorgeous heather covered hills and lots of wild horses.
Dartmoor wild horses
From Dartmoor it was on to Exeter and then the Jurrassic Coast. It was a gorgeous drive. We stopped off at Durdle door and took a walk along the coast.
Tourists at the Jurrassic Coast
Durdle Door
The Jurrassic Coast
From Durdle Door we headed inland again and made for Stonehenge. And on from there to Oxford the last stop on our driving adventures. After 2 nights we packed the car, drove to London and said goodbye to our lovely little spaceship. It was bittersweet. We also managed to arrive back in London with all our belongings on the one day that the tube was closed to strikes. The bus rides were long and not fun in the least. Stay tuned - next stop.......... Sunny Barcelona!
Tourists at Stonehenge
St Ives and blue sky
Enjoying the sunshine
Enjoying the cider in the sunshine
Tourists in St IvesFrom St Ives it was down to Penzance and then on to Lizard point - the most southerly point of England. As you can tell from the Photo - it was a little windy.
Lizard Point - Southern most point and possibly windiest point in EnglandAfter Lizard point we headed to Truro for the night. From Truro we headed up to the "Cornish Rattler" cider farm and learnt the secrets of cider making.
From the cider farm we drove across Dartmoor national park. We saw some more gorgeous heather covered hills and lots of wild horses.
Dartmoor wild horsesFrom Dartmoor it was on to Exeter and then the Jurrassic Coast. It was a gorgeous drive. We stopped off at Durdle door and took a walk along the coast.
Tourists at the Jurrassic Coast
Durdle Door
The Jurrassic CoastFrom Durdle Door we headed inland again and made for Stonehenge. And on from there to Oxford the last stop on our driving adventures. After 2 nights we packed the car, drove to London and said goodbye to our lovely little spaceship. It was bittersweet. We also managed to arrive back in London with all our belongings on the one day that the tube was closed to strikes. The bus rides were long and not fun in the least. Stay tuned - next stop.......... Sunny Barcelona!
Tourists at Stonehenge
Bagpipes so much fun. I miss my bagpipes and kilt now.Keep the stories coming they are great to read.
ReplyDeleteHi Clare and Ben,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog and I am starting to see a pattern with the photo taking. Ben on Clare's left and Clare on the right. Outfit and back drop changes though but generally the glowing smiles stay. Enjoy Barcelona!
Anita