I haven’t blogged in a while because the day I had planned to do so, I instead very spontaneously rushed up to Scotland to see my Granny who had fallen ill. It was all very last minute but I’m very glad I did, despite just getting back from LA and being very sleep deprived (luckily & very kindly of him my boyfriend took some days off to drive me).
I had intended to write about my trip to LA, but I think I might save that for another time in favour of reminiscing about a family holiday I took before I started this blog. Now, we didn’t travel to anywhere exotic or far away on an aeroplane, instead we went for a trip down history lane (my Grannys history, that is) and road tripped around Scotland & the areas there that are significant to her.
It was one of the best holidays I have ever had and I look back so fondly on it. We kicked off the roadtrip taking a ferry from Oban over to the Isle of Mull. On arrival we drove up to the famous town of Tobermory with its colourful assortment of houses lining the seafront. We had rung ahead whilst we were on the ferry to book ourselves in to a tour at the Tobermory Whisky Distillery. Unfortunately the actual factory was closed for the Summer so there wasn’t any whisky in production, however we still got a good look at the machines and processes that occur there an had a taste of their single malt and Ladaig whisky.
Jon on the ferry
The next day we travelled up a winding, one track road to Glengorm Castle which stands grandly overlooking the sea. It was a blustery, but mild day and we were able to walk right into the Castle (which is a B&B) and have a good old look around. The scenery was breathtaking and the whole atmosphere inside the castle was so relaxed we felt as though we were guests ourselves.
Afterwards we treated ourselves to tea and cake at their lovely cafe and Jon and I took the opportunity to walk around the grounds and explore one of their many walking trails. It really is a fantastic destination if you’re a keen walker, there are also lots of quaint little cottages dotted around the estate that can be hired for a very reasonable price.
After polishing off our delicious cakes we made our way back to the car and headed back to Tobermory where we had booked ourselves on to a whale watching tour. By this point the weather had taken a turn for the worst and unfortunately the boat had no shelter so we were open to the elements and the rain continued to drizzle throughout. However, we did see some seals and various sea birds so it wasn’t all that disappointing.
After the boat had docked at the Marina we got settled in the car again and headed to the ferry to catch our ride across to Oban. Once landing we made our way up the hill to our stunning B&B for the night- Dungallen House. The house overlooks the bay which is a beautiful view, particularly at night when the lights of Oban are twinkling.
The next day we prepared ourselves for a busy one, planning to visit lots of destinations- most of which held some significance to Granny. Firstly, McCaigs tower which was just a skip, hop and a jump away from the B&B in Oban. Here, we were able to look out on the whole of Oban at the spectacular views.
We also visited Loch Etive where we stopped for lunch at a lovely little seafood restaurant called the Pierhouse. After lunch Jon and I went crabbing at the end of the pier using a bit of bacon as bait. Suprisingly we caught around 30 crabs, releasing them back in as soon as we’d had a good look at them, or posed for a photo!
We spent that night in a hotel just out side of a little village called Ballahulish, which is where my Grandad grew up and overlooks yet more magnificent views of the lochs.
The next day we prepared for the last leg of our road trip as we made our way back to my Grannys house through the highlands. After journeying round the foots of the hills we landed at Dalness Lodge- the house used in Bonds ‘Skyfall’, which is nestled in the hills of Glencoe. As a child my Granny spent many holidays here as her aunty was the housekeeper, and what a fantastic way to spend your Summers. The landscape is completely untouched and just calls out to be explored- Jon and I took off in search of finding some salmon in the burn (unfortunately we had no luck), but we had so much fun climbing down the rocks to the waters edge.
After some sausages that we cooked on our stove we packed up the car for the last time and headed home. We had such an adventure and I look back with such great memories of our spontaneous albeit short, but completely fun-packed holiday.
There is so much to see and do in Britain- such beautiful landscapes on our doorsteps- it has certainly made me appreciate this wonderful country and I am already hoping that we can return to these wonderful places once more.
Under the Big Top 