This post is slightly belated, given that I returned from my trip a full week ago. But in true ‘me’ style it has been a full-on week… that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.
My plan for a visit to Scotland was hatched a few years ago, but due to circumstances of moving house (my friend, not me) it has only now come to fruition. Rosie and I met as teenagers in the flute section of South Glamorgan Youth Orchestra, back in the early 80s. We had plenty of laughs in those days, then she went to Manchester to the Royal Northern College of Music and subsequently got her job with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra… and since about 1982(ish) we haven’t seen each other and have kept in touch sporadically over social media.
So, what could go wrong with a plan for a 4 night break with a friend I haven’t seen for 40+ years? 😂 As this post will hopefully show, absolutely nothing!
I flew from Bristol to Glasgow on a late evening flight, electing to bed down at an airport hotel for the night before collecting my hire car the following morning. Day 1 was an exploration of the city of Glasgow. Never been before, and had vague plans to see murals, the river and one or two museums, all of which I did. I hadn’t banked on there being a ‘Scotties’ trail akin to the Snowdog and Snoopy trails that have piqued my interest in South Wales… I do love a good trail, and it proved to be a great way to cover some ground in the city centre.
After many many steps, I retrieved the car and headed north to the village of Gartmore, where I would find Rosie (well, eventually, after driving up and down the road several times not being able to find the house!). I met up with Rosie and her husband Dave, and was greeted with a hug and the question … ‘Are you nervous?’… I think we both were but that question definitely served to break the ice! After a first evening of dinner and home-brewed wine, with chatting late into the night, it was clear that we got on as well as ever and that much fun and hilarity was on the cards. (Note: home-brewed wine should be treated with respect… so says my head!)
Our first full day together was the start of my exploration of the beautiful area of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. After a nice relaxed start to the day with cappuccino in the hot tub (albeit in the Scottish drizzle), we drove out over Dukes Pass to Loch Katrine for a windy boat trip, and then back through the Three Lochs Forest Drive. All very beautiful, even with the moody cloud. Another cracking dinner courtesy of Rosie and Dave, and more (different) home brew ended the day nicely.
On Saturday, I was up and out early on my own for a full day exploring Falkirk and Stirling. By 10, I had arrived to see The Kelpies – for those who aren’t familiar, these are giant horse-head metal sculptures – very impressive. From there, I continued to the Falkirk Wheel, the only rotating boat lift in the world. It is an absolute feat of engineering, which captured my interest for a good couple of hours as I watched the transfer of boats some 24 metres from one level (Union Canal) to the other (Forth and Clyde canal), photographing it from every angle. I grabbed some sandwiches for lunch before driving the 10 miles to Stirling to visit the castle. It was stunning. I’m not especially au fait with Scottish history, but gained a little from my visit, in addition to admiring the wonderfully restored rooms and the incredible views. Back to Gartmore for dinner in the local pub (next door!) – The Black Bull – where I enjoyed the chef’s special of chicken breast stuffed with haggis, wrapped in bacon with a whisky sauce. Delicious.
Sunday – again the day started with cappuccino in the hot tub (I could get used to that). Around lunchtime we set off for Inversnaid to visit the Inversnaid Bunkhouse, which Rosie and Dave ran until 5 years ago. It was fab – housed in a former church with around 30 beds and a small restaurant/ bar. From there we went to the shore of Loch Lomond and then back along the 15 mile single track no-through-road we’d arrived on. The return journey was broken at Loch Chon for my first experience of kayaking! A double kayak out on the Loch for 40 minutes was fun, if a little hard on the arms! Back home for a well-earned last supper of curry. And wine of course.
My last morning broke to glorious sunshine, which made the obligatory cappuccino and hot tub start even more wonderful. Following that with breakfast in the garden looking out over the fields was the icing on the cake – the day was so clear we could see the Wallace Monument in Stirling. I headed off around 11, with a plan to meander via scenic roads and stops back to Glasgow. I passed through Drymen and stopped at Balmaha on the shores of Loch Lomond for a walk and some ice-cream before heading for the Kelvingrove museum. I spent a couple of hours admiring art, and also seeing the Barbie exhibition! All rounded off with a few more ‘Scotties’ ticked off the trail before I made my way back to the airport for the flight home.
All in all an excellent trip… a beautiful part of the world that I hadn’t been lucky enough to explore before, and the most amazing hosts! Here’s to friendships that stand the test of time ❤️
50shadesofbrave 