On the way to Nairn

A few weeks ago, Mom and Dad came up to Scotland for our 2023 Scottish road trip. The first week was spent in Nairn, which we visited last year, and we headed there on the Friday. We took the long way along the East coast, first stopping at Abroath, home to the famous Abroath Smokies. 

It is a very small town but we found a restaurant on the harbour front for lunch.

On the walk around the harbour after lunch we saw an ad for the smokies, but it was the other side of a creek. It took a while to find the entrance which was basically an alley leading to a shed. We got some Smokies which were amazing and some lovely salmon. 

The second stop was Dunotter castle near Stonehaven. We were planning on walking around it. There is a viewing area nearby which we went to first and changed our minds about going to walk around it. It is a very long walk down the cliff and then up again. It makes it a great place to put a castle, very defensible, but a bit too much effort for us at that point.

 It was beautiful and when we were there there was an Italian wedding party having a little reception and photos up there and they had a piper. So very atmospheric.

It took another few hours to get to our caravan in Nairn so we didn't stay long. It was only the first leg after all. 

Nairn

A few weeks ago, I went with mom and dad on another Scottish road-trip. This time we went up to Nairn, near Inverness, then to Aviemore, and finally down to Tummel Bridge near Pitchory.  

We had to slightly change our plans due to the Queen's funeral, which we all wanted to watch so set off late on the Monday. The funeral was so sad but glad I watched it.

We took the scenic route up up instead of the main roads. It took longer but was well worth it. The route was straight through the Cairngorm mountains. It was only when we got to the top of the pass we realised how fair we had climbed (though it is called the snow pass so that should have been a clue). So stopped to a snack to admire the view.

We were staying in Nairn, outside Inverness. It is a lovely little place with the most amazing beach. On our first day there, we just had a wondered around town and dinner at the harbor. The weather was still warm enough at this point to eat outside. 

I have recently started wild water swimming so while away I convinced Dad to try it. I have gloves and socks/boots but am holding out with just a swimsuit otherwise. (I didn't realise Dad's top was fleece lined which is a little unfair.)

The water was cold but not too bad. I am hoping to continue this through the winter but I am making no promises. 

Nairn's tropical beach

We're in!

Cold but having fun.

We managed this a couple of times in the north sea while we were away. I think dad is a convert. :) We were hoping to get a loch in as well but didn't manage it. Next time. 

St Michael's Mount

hIn the middle week of our holiday we went to a holiday caravan (which turned out to be a small townhouse) in St. Agnus. Mom had booked it thinking it was much further south and had booked us tickets for st. Micheal's mount on the south coast. She actually booked near Newquay but we still went to the mount and in fact the area she booked was lovely so it all worked out.

You access the mount, which contains gardens and a castle, via a walkway which is uncovered half of the day. Once the tide comes in you need to get a boat across. 

On way up to the castle

First we walked up to the castle and where glad we did. The queue was insane and half way down the hill when we came out. 

View from the top.

3 legged chair. Not sure why but I want one

main hall

Ceiling

Drinking horn

Every castle needs cannons

Chapel

Amazing stain glass windows

Atmospheric

                                                         

Happy

Heart shaped peddle - secret heart of the giant

After lunch (where all the delays, as it took forever for the queue to move, worked in our favour and we got a better menu by the time we got there), we went around the gardens. 

Now below is a series of photos. None of us can remember what was going on but they were clearly enjoying themselves. (Not sure what was in their lunches.)

Finally semi-serious.

Looking up the castle

 It was a lovely day and we must have walked miles. Which was dad's excuse when he fell asleep in the car while mom and I did some shopping. :)