Trip to the Kyle of Lochalsh

On the friday we moved from the caravan in Nairn to a lodge in Aviemore but had the day to spend between places. 

In november 1984 mom and dad did a trip of the sleeper train up to Inverness and then got the steam train across to the Kyle of Lochalsh where they spent the week. Mom really wanted to do the train trip to the Kyle of Lochalsh again so we did it as a day trip as we were practically in Inverness anyway. In theory I was on the trip as well as mom was 7 maths pregnant with me at the time. I had a better view this time. 

The train trip on the way there was pretty busy and the view was ok, though we were on the wrong side to see the best bits. It took about 2.5 hrs to get there.

Sadly when we got there we realised there really wasn't much to do. And very few places open, even to get some food, and of course it started to rain on and off. We found a place to get some seafood (I have a very nice seafood salad) and thankfully the rain mostly held off while we were eating. We had a walk around and eventually ended up at a local pub for a drink while waiting for the train home. (The train are quite infrequent or we would have left earlier.) 

The port.

Looking towards the bridge to Skye in the distance.

Chilly.

I think most people going to the Kyle of Lockalsh are heading onwards to the Isle of Skye which is opposite. Which did mean the train was basically empty on the way back and we got to pick our seats to get the best view. Unfortunately mom started to feel unwell on the day back and ending up sleeping most of it. (Dad also had a nice long nap.) 

Thankfully the view was pretty good on the way back so I kept myself occupied taking photos. It was pretty dramatic at points. 

A really long trip to see not much when we got there, but some great views on route.

We got back to Inverness in the dark so I drive to Aviemore. We got to see a little of Inverness on a Friday night. They have a very hard working and apparently extensive police force! We were all very glad to arrive at the lodge. The drive was a bit scary in the pitch black (I didn't realise the head lights had been dipped down when dad washed the car which made it even more tricky) and mom was really not doing so well. 

We found out the next day she had Covid and dad came down with it later that day. :(  
Thankfully I had had it recently so could play nurse maid.

Cawdor Castle

On the last full day at Nairn, we went to Cawdor castle. We needed somewhere indoors as the weather was beautiful one minute and trying to flood the next. 

This is the castle which was the original home of MacBeth. But there was nothing as sinister as you would expected given that. 

Though there was a disturbing story of a toddler who was the heir to the house when her dad died so someone kidknapped her to take control. Lukily (if you call it that), this was anticipated. So the nurse bit off her little finger and brand her to make sure they could ID her. Practical but really harsh. 

Draw bridge

Serious oven

This castle had some of the most hideous bedrooms I have ever seen. And someone had created a modern kitchen and decorated it in the most eye-bleeding orange wall paper in the 1970's. I didn't take photos of that. It was just wrong! 

As with any good castle there was a dungeon. 

Apparently the castle location was chosen by a donkey when he stopped to rest here. They decided to keep the tree and built over it. Unsurprisingly it died (though apparently they were shocked back then when it did.) They kept the tree. And a few years ago they found a real dungeon (in the back of the photo, there is a 'door' on the floor which is the entrance). None of my photos turned out but it looked unpleasant. 

After coffee and cake (obviously), we went around the gardens while the weather was holding. 

There is a maze with a Minotaur in the middle. I hate mazes so stayed out. I was quite happy with the pathways around the maze which had wonderful twisted trees along them. 

Wether descending.

We did get catch in a shower but were heading back anyway. We had to pack the car for the next part of our trip. 

Lossiemouth and Elgin

On our second day, we went to Lossiemouth. Mom was looking for some fresh fish. Apparently there were lots of options when Susan Kalman visited. We did not get the same greeting and there was nothing! So we has a walk and lunch by the beach instead. The beach was amazing. White sand and huge. And practically empty - just the way I like it. And there were enough dogs to get a left dog cuddles from random dogs, including an adorable greyhound. 

On the way back we passed through Elgin and I really wanted to see the cathedral ruins. The cathedral, also know as the 'Lantern of the North', is supposed to be one of the most beautiful in Scotland. And It is lovely. It was first built in 1224, though it had to be rebuilt a few times over the next few hundred years. 

One of the towers is still standing and you can go up. On each level, there are displays, mostly of stone carvings from the original build and from the 14th contrary. It was quite impressive how complete they still are 700 years later. 

The original glass of 1200s. 

How it would have looked.

Mom made it about half way up. Dad and I went to the top though 3/4 of the way up I realised she had the right idea. The stairs got smaller and steeper and more worn and it was a bit hairy at times, especially going back down.

freedom!

The view from the first floor balcony was lovely. It must have been so impressive when build. And it would have had a rose window (like that in Notre Dame) at the far end.

View from the first floor

We had a wonder around the grounds. I liked some of the graves. 

The best bit was prayer room which is still standing. There is a giant pillar in the centre and a gorgeous ceiling. Mom and I couldn't agree whether it was stone under wood. I still vote stone. It was very peaceful in there and really quiet. 

While mom and I sat waiting for dad (he loves taking photos in grave yards), I got some nice dramatic shots. 

After we finally corralled dad we headed back to Elgin. Dad and I have another swim and then we went to the site pub for dinner (thanks to the lack of fish). But it was tasty so we weren't too disappointed. 

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.