22nd August – Wednesday
We were picked up by Akshey. Loading the bags and car seat we went to Mill Hill, getting dropped to the Broadway station. We caught a fast train to St Pancreas then had to walk to Kings Cross. It was a little wait there – so we had a little bit of a snack before the train arrived for 10.30am. It was then a long 4:45h long journey up north. Mr A did manage a little sleep though.
Arriving at 15:30 we then had to go pick up the car. It was rented in the station but it was quite a long walk to find the parking and the place. We ended up with a bright red car. It was then a 1h and a bit journey to Stirling, with average speed cameras nearly all the way.
At Stirling we checked into Castlecroft B&B. The owner gave us a room upstairs which had a bed for Airyen to sleep in also and a bit more room. We had a bit of time to freshen up and have a talk with the owner about the area, before we went to dinner, passing the monument. We chose a restaurant called “The birds and the bees” as it would have a good choice and be child friendly. We had a trainee server so a few things got mixed up but otherwise all good. Took a few more photos of the monument. We then got back to the accommodation and called it a night.
23rd August – Thursday
We were awake reasonably early, with the little one. After getting ready, we headed down for a cooked breakfast. Airyen had fun wondering around and was especially interested in the radio (wanting to play with it). We packed up and checked out, just after 9am.
We tried to drive up to Stirling castle to find street parking, but it was all occupied, so we ended up parking back at the B&B, and walking up. It was quite a steep climb, especially with a push chair. We got in and waited for the 10am tour. It was quite a good tour, telling the history of the castle and its growth. Bhavni had to take a few breaks for Airyen. After the tour, we had a look around our selves.
As it started to rain heavily, we decided to have a drink at the cafe there. This then turned into Lunch.
We went back to the car the easier way which followed the road. After loading up, we went to a supermarket (Airyen had fallen asleep) and I went shopping, which took a bit of time.
Then it was a long drive north, straight up the A9, towards the national park. As it was approaching Airyens dinner time, Bhavni suggested stopping in Aviemore at La Teverna, which did buffet italian, quite busy place, we filled our selves up. So we tried to do a small walk after, but it was quite a walk into town, so we got back to the car.
It was then a drive to near Ballindalloch where we were staying. A bit of cuffufle trying to open the door, but we managed to get in.
Unfortunately the place had not been cleaned. So we spent a bit of time changing duvets, sweeping and cleaning. Then after Airyen was asleep we chilled.
24th August -Friday
We had a little lazy morning, getting up, having cereal and looking at the cows in the field next door. We went for a drive, initially to Dufftown, then a much bigger drive, first to Huntly, then Keith stopping in each for a bit. Then we drove past the Walkers factory in Charlestown, so we had to turn around and go back. We ended buying some shortbread.
Then it was Lunch at a cafe, having some risotto, breads and hot chocolate. We then decided to drive to the Boat of Garten to look at the steam train. It turned out that the next train was soon to arrive, so we ended up buying a tickets and getting a return train to Aviemore (with Bhavni rushing to get the stuff we need from the car). It was quite lively in Aviemore, but the drizzle had started, so we did a bit of shopping. In the mean time the owner of the place where we were staying phoned to say that the place would be cleaned while we were out.
After getting the train back to our car (not a steam train this time), we drove back to Aviemore, so we could have a better look around. After we the drove to look at Loch an Eilein Castle (on the lake). We had to take turns to walk in the drizzle as Airyen was asleep. After we drove to Lock Morklich, stopping for a bit. We found our selves surrounded by ducks on the shore in one place.
It was then time to get back to the accommodation, with a quick drive past view at a few other ruins. We decided to make soup for dinner – however as we had not pre-soaked or had a pressure cooker, it took ages.
We had a little walk around the plot before chilling and retiring for the night
25th August – Saturday
Today was likely to be the nicest day, so after breakfast we headed out for a trip around Loch Ness. It was a good hour drive towards Inverness, then onto the A82.
We soon got our first view of the large loch from just near Inverness. Just a short drive further we stopped at the Layby for some photos, before carrying on to Drumnadrochit, where the visitor center is. It was relatively busy in the car park for a weekday. The actual exhibit involved walking from room to room, with an audio visual display playing at each; a little about the formation of the loch and then the search for Nessie, do it was not ideal for Airyen.
After the gift shop, we headed out with our next stop of Urquhart Castle just up the road. Here we stopped and bought tickets to go in to this busy place. We first stopped near the loch at some benches and had lunch. Plenty of ducks and silly tourists chasing them, but spread out enough not to bother. We then explored the ruins, there was quite a bit of climbing up and down, so it was quite tiring, so at the cafe there we had some cake and coffee (though Bhavnis coconut one was a bit stale and had to be swapped)
Then we drove to Invermoriston, where we did a quick walk, to see Telfords bridge and the waterfalls.
Then it was Fort Augustus, where we parked close to the center on a hill. We chilled here for a bit, giving Airyen some food and having some tea. Seems like quite a nice place.
Then it was in the car to go round the other side of the Loch. We quickly ascended up some hills to come to and amazing view, before continuing on the much smaller road. There were not many stops on the way back and Airyen fell asleep, but it was quite quiet and picturesque. We did a quick double back for some pictures at the end, then it was the hour drive back to home, where we had pasta for dinner.
26th August – Sunday
After breakfast on this damp date, we drove to the Glenfinich distillery, however it was not worth doing a tour as the actual distillery was closed and it would just be a video. So we booked lunch and headed out. We had a quick look at the outside of the castle that was just next door, then walked around in the town.
Lunch was ok – though I tried the veg haggis which was boring – they sat us far from the fire, so we had to get moved closer, which was not ideal.
After we headed out for a drive to Elgin (same name as the scrolls), to see the fabric factory. Again it was closed! So we did some shopping and bought a shawl for a present, then had a look around from the outside at the old ruins there. From there we headed towards the sea – to Lossiemouth, having a look near the waterfront. It was a little to late to go to any of the normal cafes (which were closing), and when we went to a chip shop, we found that they used drippings.
We drove back, had dinner and did some packing
27th August – Monday
After breakfast, we finished cleaning up, packed the car and headed out. We took the Snow Road south which was a really nice route. First we stopped at a place where someone was showing/selling photos that he had taken, we thought we could get a cup of tea there – but no luck.
As we travelled we were treated to some great views, especially at places like where an art exhibit had been installed. We also passed the high skiing area on the way.
We ended up driving past Balmoral Castle. We had a quick stop here, where it was heaving with tourists, and security as there was meant to be a number of royalty here.
Near the end of the road in the national park, the views again were dramatic, and recognisable as the ones they use in things like Top Gear.
After we left the national park, we continued towards Perth. We decided to have a quick driving tour of the center, though we did not anticipate the traffic.
We eventually got to Edinburgh, though it had been long enough that Airyen was complaining. I stopped outside 71 Hanover Street and dropped of Bhavni and Airyen with most of the baggage to check in. I then went and parked in the Castle Terrace car park and then walked back with the stuff I had forgotten to offload. In the mean time, Bhavni had changed rooms as the one she had had a broken tv and luckilly the newer room was bigger.
We then went for a walk, all the way up to the castle on the steep roads with the push chair and a little down the royal mile. Getting back we then went to the Thai near us. Initially it started good, but then the parcels came frozen in the middle, and when sending back just refried and oily. As this took a while Airyen got restless and in the end Bhavni had to leave and I got the mains as a takeaway, after having to argue about not paying for the parcels.
We all tried to call it an early night, but in the end I ended up going out and saw some large crowds – It was the last night of the fringe festival and there was a firework display from the castle, which was quite good.
28th August – Tuesday
In the morning whilst Bhavni packed I went for a short walk with Airyen, after which we cought the red hop on tourist Bus for a tour, which was a good way to see most of the sights. Airyen was fascinated as we sat on the top deck at the front.
We got off 2 stops before the last, so we could get to the appartments and checkout (leaving the bags). After which we went and got the car and parked it in the return area at the station. We then got a bit of a bite at Hendersons, after which we went to the Station. I went to return the car, whilst Bhavni and Airyen went to the platforms. I then had to struggle with the bags to the station – The lifts are useless and I had to go up the stairs with them.
We got on the train, which was slightly delayed. It was an interesting journey with Airyen entertaining everyone by singing at times. We eventually got to Kings Cross and then got the train to Mill Hill, where Akshey picked us up and took us home.