Scotland - The Trossachs - May 2015

Up at the crack of dawn – or before actually as we left the house at 4am for our road trip/first adventure to Scotland.   The roads were lovely and clear – even the M25 was a breeze!   Once morning had arrived we had sunshine all the way except North Wales/Manchester where we had some light rain – is it ever any different there?

We stopped a few times en route for coffee and stretch of the legs, the last stop being just across the border.   Harry Ramsden’s fish and chips which happened to be shared with a coach full of Marine Commandos....    so embarrassing though as I went to kick a chair out of my way, lost my balance and nearly ended up on one poor guy’s lap!  (I can hear my mother saying “only you”).

Blair Drummond Caravan Park

Blair Drummond camp site is lovely.  We were in the walled garden, very quiet, despite there being lots of other people here.   Lovely friendly welcome, TV connection with box hired from the office.   Despite the long drive it had been a really lovely day... “let’s put the awning up”......“now”... “right”... “okay, we’ve watched the video”.... preparation – it’s all in the preparation!!!!   Out it all came – no breeze or wind.... we have a plan!    Mmm... the plan didn’t mention get the awning the right way round.  Deep breath and much laughter – we’ll give it one more try.   Hurrah!  It worked we got it up – no shouting, arguments, stamping of the feet – it’s up and we managed to sit inside in the sunshine and have a glass of vino.   It’s still going to be sold though!  http://www.blairdrummondcaravanpark.co.uk/

Monday - Day2

It was a day of Oh my Goodness and that is A..mazing!   Today we went to Loch Ard and Loch Venachar.   We went on the B road which actually wasn’t too bad and worth every mile for the fantastic views.   The gorse is in full bloom and in the sunshine was the brightest yellow I’ve ever seen (yes it was yellow and I didn’t break out in a sweat).   Cows, sheep every way you looked – lots of little lambs and some highland cattle calves (so sweet).

Loch Ard is beautiful, very still and in the shady bits looked quite ominous, but in the sun oh wow – glorious.   We stopped several times for photo opportunities and noticed there were a few places for wild camping.  We crossed over Duke’s Pass – beware of the coaches should you ever go this way.  

Loch Venachar, just has to be the best; we passed the restaurant and went into Aberfoyle for a walk around the shops.  Really not a lot there, very touristy but great butchers where they make THE best pies ever.   The Scottish Wool shop was a big disappointment, most of the goods I could buy at home. The entertainment going on outside was interesting there was a falconry show and some sheep dog trials.  Parking was free and there’s a big car park to the left of the Scottish Wool Shop.

From here we went to eat at Venchar Lochside the cafe/restaurant right on the side of the Loch and owned by Del's nephew Andrew and his wife Carolyn.   It was lovely to see Andrew again and he was able to get away for a quick chat despite it being a VERY busy day for him.   The views from the restaurant over the loch are stunning and if you only want coffee and cake (try the lime and pistachio sponge – all made by Andrew) you can sit out on the decking.  The menu is extensive, all freshly cooked and ranges from coffee and cake, through to a 3-course meal.  We settled for pork belly on a bed of mash with leeks and black pudding with brambly apple sauce – my only complaint was that I couldn’t lick the bowl! http://www.venachar-lochside.co.uk/ 

Pork Belly at Venachar Lochside

Day 3 - Tuesday brought some beautiful sunshine and a trip to the local safari park with Andrew and the scrumptious Sadie.   There really was some amazing animals to see there – elephants, camels, lions, tigers, sea lions, meerkats, monkeys – a lot of the animals have been rescued and are therefore in a far happier, safer environment than they had been previously.  The sun shone all day, Del got a very red face and we had an amazing time with Sadie who was a delight to be with.

Andrew & Sadie

This evening we met with Carolyn (Andrew’s wife) and she showed us Dunblane where Andy Murray got married.  It’s a lovely place, beautiful cathedral and all nooks and crannies, uppdie-downadie.   Had a lovely meal at The Riverside and didn’t realise it was 22.15 because it was still light outside.

Andy Murray's Olympic Golden Post Box in Dunblane

Day 4 - Wednesday - This morning we were up and out early as we’d seen the weather was about to turn – we drove to Loch Katarine for a lovely sail on the Lady of the Lake. http://www.lochkatrine.com/about/lady-of-the-lake/  The sky was grey and there was thick cloud but there was very little wind and it was rather nice, except and I repeat except the really bloody noisy coach load of people that who were obviously ‘on tour’ and showed absolutely no interest in the boat or what the captain was telling us!   They talked louder and louder to each other, walking up and down, and when they started singing Happy Birthday to one of their group Del and I got up and went up on deck!    Grrr....  Anyway!  Up on deck it was far more sedate, it wasn’t that cold and the 360 degrees view was just fabulous.  We thoroughly recommend this trip – but choose your fellow shipmates!  

On board the Lady of the Lake - Loch Katarine

We’d promised Andrew to pop-in at Venachar Lochside for lunch and to say goodbye.   We’d been looking forward to Venachar’s famous Cullen Skink but upon arrival we were told that Andrew had chosen our lunch – two steaming bowls of Cullen Skink, a platter of fish in batter and a bowl of mussels in a white wine sauce.   Seriously?  But we did eat it – all!   Absolutely amazing.

By the time we’d sat down the weather had turned and the rain was coming down horizontally over the Loch.  We decided to head back to the campsite and rest up for the rest of the day - we needed to after all that food, but we went home with a doggy bag of homemade Bakewell slice and chocolate and raspberry granache; we’ve had a fantastic holiday, neither of us wants to go home.  Scotland you've won us over with your fantastic scenery, very friendly people and some amazing food - in the words of Arnie "we'll be back!"

p.s. oh yes... update on the awning... she's staying because we've worked it all out!!!!!!!