Bike rides. As you know I love my mountain biking but due to my injury last year I have not been as active as I would like. My fitness levels are nowhere near to what they normally are. The pain is still there and although I think about going to the bike parks I just know my shoulders would not take it.

So every time I go out on my bike it’s for short rides on the back roads and forest tracks so nothing too serious. But still enjoyable just being out on my bike.

One ride a couple of weeks ago which I had checked out on google involved over 2500ft of elevation, that made the legs scream and burn I can tell you. But the stunning views as you climb higher and higher and the silence and the fact I didn’t see anyone makes it all worth while.

On the way back from this ride I spotted a Haggis, honest it was a real one. Not very often seen but regularly eaten by the Scot’s. I pedalled a bit faster to get by but I am sure I heard it growl at me.

Further on I passed a farm and in the field next to the farm house was one of the biggest bulls I have ever seen. He was just chilling out and relaxing and by the amount of cows in the field with him I could see why he needed a rest.

I get up early in the morning and sit looking on my iPad and looking out the window at the birds on the feeders having their breakfast and along comes the squirrel to have his.

As I opened the blinds on this morning the sun was coming up and it was misty and the light coming through the trees just looked so nice. Never one to miss a photo opportunity I went out as these situations disappear as quick as they appear.

After that beautiful start to the day it was time to take the camper out for a drive. Not the sort of drive I like because it meant driving to Stirling, nothing wrong with that it’s a nice drive but our destination was ATS tyre depot. After getting there and handing over the camper to them. An hour and half later the camper had six new tyres and I was £1400 poorer.

So after getting back to base and parking up I decided we needed a pick you up and we wandered off across the fields to get to Killin and sat in the garden of the Killin hotel in the sun with a drink or two and then ordered some food which we also ate outside in the sun. What a great way to end the day.

Last week we ticked another to do off our list and on our day off went and walked the Ben Lawers nature trail. Again it was another nice day and we parked up and hiked up the trail. It’s only a short walk but it goes up and up. Nikki’s little legs will vouch for this but the views are stunning as you walk up through the bracken and different flowers and the streams are cascading down along the way.

After getting back to the car we decided to drive up by the dam and have our picnic. We knew of a really nice spot. It was windy but worth the short drive and down a very bumpy dirt track to sit there with a view like that and eat our lunch. We carry some cheap basic chairs in the car for moments like this.

The next day I went out on my bike again, heading for Breaclaich reservoir about 5 miles away and along a single track road that went up and up and then up some more. Again the legs were burning but I got there.

But I could see the track went on further and the tarmac stopped so I just had to go up some more. Legs pumping and burning, lungs gasping for air I got to the point I wanted to get to and just sat there looking at the view and thinking I am on top of the world.

From there it was all down hill back to the reservoir and then a sharp left turn into the forest, some more up hills and more downhill then the last mile up hill back to base.

It was only a 16 mile ride but again with 2274ft of elevation. The rest of the day was spent chilling with a BBQ and beer. I slept well that night.

Oban love it or hate it. Oban was on our to do list while up here in Scotland. Talking to a lot of people opinions differed from don’t bother, it used to be nice and it’s lovely. So the only way to find out is head up the A85 and visit it ourselves.

As our day off approached we were checking the weather out and the weather looked good in Oban. Not really hot and blue skies but then when you’re in Scotland you take the good days when you can. But it was going to be warm and a good chance the sun might make an appearance. Fingers crossed.

From Killin it’s 57 miles up the A85 through some stunning scenery and on uncrowded roads. Past the Green welly stop which is a big tourist shop, fuel station and cafe and on this day it was all taped off with police tape and police cars everywhere. They had been burgled in the early hours of that morning.

A few miles later with a slight diversion there is a castle called Kilchurn castle which is actually closed at the moment but there is a road with a lay-by where you can view the castle from. I wanted to get a photo so we took that road.

With blue sky, not photoshopped it looked stunning on the edge of the loch with the mountains as a backdrop. Photo taken and onwards to Oban. Parked up and find some food. This time opting for something to eat and takeaway to eat down by the harbour.

A wander through some streets soon bought us to the harbour front with the seagulls looking for scraps of food and the ferry that goes to Isle of Mull docked ready to be loaded. We found a nice seat over looking the harbour and ate our lunch keeping an eye on the sea gulls who were keeping an eye on our lunch.

It was busy on the seafront with lots of tourists getting off coaches and trying to find out where they should be and where they were going. People watching is great. Behind the shops and up a hill is Mc Caigs tower built in 1897. A monument built by John Stuart Mc Caig a local banker who had it built to provide work for local stonemasons and as a lasting monument for the Mc Caig family.

Nikki has a bad leg at the moment so she would not be able to make it up the steep hill or the many steps to get to the monument. She can manage to walk around some shops though when she needs something. so lunch eaten and we arranged to meet later and I was off.

There were a lot of steps to get up the hill which are called Jacob’s ladder. Steep and felt like they went on forever but I made it. But I forgot to count them, maybe because I was panting. Honest there was a lot.

The view was stunning also from there which made all the climbing up the steps worth it. With the Isle of Mull in the distance and on a clear day you can see for miles so they say. Today was not a clear day but the view was still stunning.

After spending some time up at the tower and admiring the view and of course taking lots of photos it was time to head back down to the harbour and find Nikki. I went down a different way which was a steep road and not steps. Through some tiny streets and passed a nice looking bar with seats outside which I could have easily stopped in but I was strong and resisted the temptation and walked on by.

By now the ferry had loaded up and was starting to leave the dock side and head out for Mull. There were other boats moored up in the harbour and one which I liked was an older looking yacht just sat there waiting for the crew to take it out.

I eventually found Nikki back at the bench where we had lunch. Not having a phone signal does not help when you’re trying to get in touch with someone to meet up. We wandered along the front and sat down again watching the coming and goings of all the people. Small boats were coming and going all the time taking people on small tours. The sea food stall was doing well and I am sure the seagulls had some pickings from The tourists .

We had seen enough so decided to head back. Our views on Oban were that it was a nice place to visit but we would not go back. Like a lot of seaside harbour towns they seem to start to look scruffy and are full of high street shops instead of small independent shops. Being busy they also attract the wrong sort of person. You know what I mean. But we are glad we went to make our own minds up. We enjoyed the harbour front and I like the tower and some lovely old buildings but a bit too busy for me.

Our day off yesterday and looking at the weather a few days before it was not looking good. Another rainy day so what shall we do.

Someone had said they had gone to Stirling and it was nice and suggested going to Culross. So a look on the map and route planned we decided to head for Culross. The weather looked better over that way also so we were on a winner to start with.

Culross sits on the edge of the Firth of Forth and is Scotlands most complete example of a burg of the 17th and 18th centuries. White Harled houses with red tiled roofs line the steep cobbled streets. The streets run from the market place to the hilltop abbey.

Culross was made famous for the filming of Outlander which is a perfect setting for it. It also has the Culross palace, a national trust property which was once the home to Sir George Bruce.

The journey for us to get there was about one hour and twenty minutes, so sat nav set and off we went. Now the sat nav is ok in the car but has sent us on some strange roads before and it didn’t fail this time.

I had looked on google maps and could see which car park I wanted to get to and which direction I would be coming from. But sat nav had other ideas as we turned off the main road onto a single track road with grass in the middle and then came into view of Culross abbey and headed off down the cobbled streets of Culross.

If you have ever watched the film the Italian job where the three mini cars race around the small streets trying to get out then you will know how we felt. Luckily we didn’t meet another car coming the other way.

We did make it to the car park where I wanted to park and had a good laugh about it. Parking was free which is always a bonus. We have found a lot of free parking in Scotland. Don’t get me wrong I don’t mind paying a reasonable fee to park, but I think if the parking is free you are more likely to spend more time in the place and spend money which benefits the place you are in.

Our first port of call was the Culross palace and walking there from the carpark we passed some lovely old houses, you could just imagine all those years ago when Culross would have been a thriving and bustling port and all the steam, smoke and noise from the salt panning and mining was in the air.

I love the old houses with big stones around the windows and doors, really solid looking and I love old doors. The history of those doors over the years, all the people that would have walked through them.

The palace like all national trust properties is so interesting and again you can imagine life inside these old buildings years and years ago.

As you walk around inside you can imagine someone sitting in the chair next to the fire and slowly nodding off after a hard days work. A hard days work for Sir George Bruce would be counting his money in his palace while the men and ladies who worked the mines and salt pannings would be in the houses. But he did pay them well apparently.

After looking around the palace it was time for us to eat lunch. Spoiling ourselves again we opted to eat lunch out and found a little cafe called the Biscuit cafe which was very nice.

After a lovely lunch it was a small walk up Kirk street to the Abbey. When I say a small walk it was a small walk but up a hill and the first part on the cobbled streets we already knew from driving down them. Funnily enough when we were walking up to the abbey no cars come down the streets so it’s quite obvious a lot of cars have better sat navs built into them than ours. We passed some more lovely old cottages and houses.

Culross abbey was built in the 1200s and is where Sir George Bruce and his family have a tomb house that was fully restored in 1905. A wonderful old abbey with a fantastic old graveyard next to it.

The graveyard was also very old and every headstone was tilted over and some were even just laying down. Years and years of settling.

The walk back from the abbey to the village was all downhill and as we walked along the road towards the carpark we passed the old pier which years ago would have been a lot bigger and stronger and very busy. Today it sits there and the odd fishing boat uses it and people like me cross the railway line, yes you have to cross a railway line to get to it, to see it and get a photo of it.

So that was our day out. Again no blue sky in the photos but it all adds to the atmosphere of such an old place. The last photo I love being a classic car outside a classic old cottage. I wonder if the owners live the old life.

I saw on the news the UK has a yellow heat warning. They obviously forgot Scotland. Some of our friends are telling us how warm it is where they live and I am telling them it’s ten degrees cooler here.

We can’t do anything about the weather and if we decided to do something on a nice day we would not get a lot done. So it’s carry on regardless.

So with the sky looking overcast and a day off we decided to go for little walk around the end of Loch Tay. It’s a circular walk of about two miles. The view from the end of Loch is stunning and just being near the water with the mountains in the background is such a good feeling.

As we walked around we saw a couple of fishing boats, different birds including a redstart, the sheep in the field with their lambs and we only saw two other people. The silence was nice with just nature calling. The old rusty bridge crosses the river that runs into the Loch and made a nice photo.

After completing the walk we went to visit the old cemetery in Killin which is behind the Killin hotel. I do like old cemeteries with all the old gravestones and history. This is a very old one and with all the leaning gravestones and long grass it sits there on a small piece of land in silence.

We had a visitor last week. Nikki’s sister Jo came to visit for a week. She stayed in Killin. We had our two days off so took her out and about. We went to Ben Lawers dam and the very scenic route up over the mountain and then another scenic route towards Kenmore where we had a picnic on the edge of the eastern end of Loch Tay. We then did the walk around the edge of Loch Tay with Jo, or to be precise Nikki did the walk with Jo while I marched on ahead desperate to get to the pub for a beer. Nikki and Jo joined me in the garden of the hotel for a drink before we went inside to eat.

Our other day off we decided to go for a drive out to St Conans Kirk which is about an hour from where we are based with a lunch stop on the way. Our destination for lunch was a small cafe which was once a small church now called the Artisan cafe. Me and Nikki had always wanted to go there.

After a loverly lunch, thank you Jo, we continued on our way to St Conans Kirk. Another church in lochAwe near Dalmally on the A85. There is a very small carpark but also a couple of lay-bys near by to park. The doors are open and you can pay for your visit by donations which all go to the upkeep of this wonderful old church. I really hope that people do donate. The national trust would charge a fortune for people to walk around a church like this.

There were only about six other people inside on our visit which was nice so taking photos and having lots of time to look around and take in the atmosphere was a pleasure. I also took a black and white photo to remind me of how it would have looked if someone had taken a photo years ago. I think old buildings always look good in black and white.

Then it was time to head home and again the drive on the A85 was stunning. On Jo’s last day the weather was looking good so we had a BBQ cooked by me. Everyone enjoyed it and no one was ill so I must have got it right. I am so glad we had the BBQ because the weather has changed now so we may have just caught the summer in Scotland.

I have still been taking lots of photos of the site and the different bugs I see. And the other day I got a photo which I was very pleased with of a bee collecting nectar. To get this photo I had to get so close I thought the bee would fly off but luckily he stayed where he was. Perhaps he or she was a model bee and just posing for the camera.

Yesterday I went for a 28 mile bike ride along the old railway line between Killin and Callander which was nice. I wanted to go further but my fitness has gone somewhere else at the moment but I am hoping to find it soon.

So that’s us up to date as we head towards the end of the season for us here. I think we have about ten weeks left here this year before we pack the site up and head out on the highway for a U.K. tour to see friends and family.

We are still loving Scotland so much. The Flora and Fauna on site is forever changing. As one plant goes to seed something else pops up and as one bug is spotted another appears.

We went for a walk up in the forest behind us and it had changed so much since the last time we were up there. Everything had grown and certain views we had before had gone because of the trees and bushes all greening up.

But then there were more flowers to see which also means there are more bugs about. The bees were doing what bees do and collecting their nectar. The midges were trying to bite me, yes they are around now.

The birds and the two squirrels are costing me a fortune in food but they give me so much pleasure watching them it’s worth it. The midges have been hiding the last few days because of the wind, they don’t like wind but this morning the wind had dropped so they were out. We have some spray to protect us from them which seems to work and other things like candles etc. we managed to sit outside yesterday afternoon and have a couple of beers without getting bitten so that’s good.

We saw some swallows flying around a few days ago and were hoping they were going to nest in the tractor shed or on the outside of our shack but so far they have not. Swallows are supposed to be a sign that summer is here but they got it wrong this year as it’s been so cold and wet. Perhaps we will have a late summer.

The woodpeckers that go to my feeders (Great spotted woodpecker) are now bringing the young one to feed. Word has got out that Mike provides a good source of food. And a Jay has also started to come around on a daily basis.

A couple of Hares were running around the other day which was great to see. And of course Tufty the red squirrel has been about every day. I can now open the camper window and he is less than three metres away on a feeder and just carries on eating. Again he knows where he is well off.

Two days ago we went for a walk down by Loch Tay and saw evidence of Beavers that had been felling the trees so we know they are about. I would love to get a photo of one but think they prefer to be out in darkness. I also went out on my bike yesterday in Glen Lochay area and spotted a deer in the field feeding.

I also managed to get a couple of Ticks on me. They must like Guinness. Really hard to spot until it’s to late. They can be quite dangerous, not in the way they are going to eat you or attack you but they carry disease so it’s best to get them off you as soon as you can. I now inspect my legs after walking in long grass. I know it would be sensible to put long trousers on but that’s not going to happen. I will take my chances.

I could put so many photos on here of all the Flora and Fauna but it would take a long time so I will end this short blog with some photos of some of the Flora.

So that’s us up to date as I sit here in the camper the rain has yet again started, the temperature is nothing like I was hoping it would be at this time of year but we are in Scotland and it’s stunning.

It was time to take the camper out for a run. Destination sorted, fuelled up, two days off and even the sun was out on those days so we headed out on the A82 towards Bunree campsite.

The drive on the A82 towards Glencoe we have done before in the car and to be honest I could drive that road everyday and not get bored with it. There was a bit more traffic on it this day as the season is getting underway. A few tourist coaches which pull into the viewing points, everyone jumps out takes a photo, gets back in the coach and away they go again to the next one.

The site we were going to was about and hour and half away from us and we arrived just before 1pm. There are pitches right on the Loch side which is where I wanted to be, and luckily we got one of these pitches.

Parked up, chairs out and the words WOW and STUNNING were put to good use. With the water so close and the mountains spreading from left to right as you looked across the loch there was nothing to dislike.

This was going to be a chilled out couple of days. We were happy just sitting with our postcard view with a beer and wine for the afternoon. No driving around because we left the car behind but we planned a small walk. Not to a pub, well sort of.

The next day I was up early as usual and the loch was like glass so I was out there taking photos. Getting up early has its advantages as it’s so quiet and peaceful. I saw a seal and various birds and just sat in a rock looking out across the loch. It reminded me of when we were in New Zealand with the water and mountains .

We had a lazy morning and then got our walking boots on for a short walk to catch a ferry to the pub. Let me explain. The walk from site to a small ferry is about half an hour. The small Corran ferry takes you across a small stretch of water to Ardgour with the landing strip right opposite the pub called the inn at Ardgour.

The pub does not open until 3pm which we knew but we were not going to the pub. Instead beside the pub is a 1960’s caravan that does drinks and snacks. And just up the road was a small lighthouse I wanted to get some photos of.

The ferry took all sorts of vehicles from bikes to big logging lorries and we even saw a Ferrari coming off. For us as foot passengers it was free.

The 1960’s caravan was called the Nomad cafe and was run by a lady who moved there about three years ago and set up this little cafe. She was very friendly and the display of food was fantastic. We had a quick chat and said we would be back after walking up to the lighthouse.

The walk to the lighthouse was only just around the corner and we walked on the beach. While Nikki was searching for treasure I was taking photos. I got more photos than she got treasure.

After our photo shoot and treasure hunt we sat on a rock and stared at the scenery once again. Then it was time for lunch, so back to the Nomad cafe. We both chose a chicken Tikka wrap with Bombay potatoes and samosa in it. I can honestly say it was the best wrap I have ever had and it was huge. Sat outside the old caravan looking at the ferry coming and going it was ideal.

After our huge lunch we got the ferry back and walked back to site for another sit down and gaze out across the loch. That afternoon the cloud rolled in and it started to rain so we headed indoors. The next morning we packed up and headed back to work. We had a really nice chilled two days .

We had some friends staying on another site just down the road so we planned to meet up with them and go for a drink and meal in Killin. The weather was not too good so we chose to drive to them and then walk to the hotel for our meal. We left the car at the site and planned to pick it up the next day. We had a lift back arranged. A really nice meal and catch up was had.

The next day was supposed to be a walk to the loch and the longhouse and then pick the car up. What really happened was a walk to the site to pick the car up then a drive to the longhouse.

The Moirlanich longhouse is an old longhouse which was owned by the same family for generations and the last ones left in 1968. The house is virtually as it was then. And in a tin bothy next to it is some pieces found in the roof space etc including old cloths and wallpaper.

It would have been a hard rural life for the families, farming the land and fetching water etc. No services like we are all used to and one part of the house called a Byre would be where a couple of cows or sheep would sleep. Must have smelt nice in there.

The house is what they call a cruck framed byre building. This means the frame is built then the walls are built up around it. That way there is no stress from the roof and frame on the walls. Originally it would have been thatched but now has a tin roof on to protect it. The national trust own it now.

As we left there the conditions were good for a photo I had wanted to get for a while so I took the opportunity while I was there. The small private fishing and pleasure boats moored up on the river Lochay.

So that’s us up to date. There is so much more to say and so many more photos I could show you here but we have to work and you would only get tired of me saying the word stunning so I try and keep it short and sweet as they say. Take care.

On our days off we have been going out and about to see things that I had on my list I made before coming here. But last week we decided to be tourists for the day and look at things right on our doorstep.

So the day started with a lazy morning and I nice bacon sarni at mid morning. The car was staying put today and we were going to walk into Killin and be tourists.

The right to roam is a great thing in Scotland, basically it gives you the right to walk where you like apart from through people’s gardens etc. But across fields etc is ok as long as you are respectful to the land and animals in the fields.

We left the site and climbed over the farmers gate into his field and started to walk down the hill, through an open gateway between a lovely stone wall and continued down hill towards the golf course. On the edge of the golf course we climbed over another fence, after crossing a small stream, this fence had a stile to climb over.

So now we were on the edge of the golf course. We walked around the edge of the golf course rather than stomp across the greens which were immaculate and continued down hill passing the club house and onto the golf course driveway leading out onto the road. It was tempting to call into the club house but we had a lot to see and do.

After a short walk into the village we turned off to cross a small bridge leading us down a road towards Killin cemetery. Such a strange name when those two words are put together. Our first thing to do was look at the ruins of Finlarig castle.

The castle is an early 17th century castle standing on a mound between the river Loch and Loch Tay. I love old castles and ruins and the fact they have been there for so long and will will continue to be there for many more years with nature slowly taking them over.

After looking at the ruins we headed out on the small track that goes across the river Tay and comes out at the bottom of the village. The weather was overcast but very warm and the sky and river looked moody together but I like photos like that.

Our next stop was the Killin hotel where we thought we might eat so wanted to have a look inside and have a look at the menu. We were not going to eat until later but as we were passing it made sense to pop in. If we didn’t like it then we had other choices in the village. We were greeted by a beautiful Indian lady and shown around and showed us the menu. We asked if it was smart dress code and the answer was you come as you are we are used to hikers and bikers, everyone is welcome. So we booked a table for later that day.

Our next stop in the village was to look at a small old barn conversion which Nikki’s sister is renting when she comes for a visit. When I say barn it’s a small barn and the owners house is next door. The owner was in the garden doing some work and let us have a peek inside and told us a bit about it.

Onwards through the village and our next stop was the old water mill which sits beside the falls of Dochart. The mill wheel has been refurbed and the old mill itself is now an art and craft shop with some lovely stuff for sale. Luckily we don’t have a house otherwise that could have been an expensive visit. Upstairs were some old photos of Killin with stories from the people that used to live in the village which I found interesting.

Now it was time to cross the main bridge that crosses the river Tay with the falls of Dochart. This bridge is narrow and is only wide enough for one car so drivers have to look ahead and make sure nothing is coming across. And then also watch out for the people walking across the bridge. Half way across the bridge is a gateway and some ruins on a small island. This is the Clan Macnab burial grounds.

The gate is locked and you get a key from the little shop at the end of the bridge. It costs five pounds and you leave a deposit. We were lucky and got our key and opened the gate and had the whole island to ourselves, apart from the Macnab family who were buried there.

Really interesting to think why they would have been buried on this island. The island is long and narrow with the grave at the far end.

We sat on the island for a while enjoying the space and peace and quiet. After taking the key back we were getting thirsty so we called into the pub at the end of the bridge. The falls of Dochart inn. We took our drinks outside and sat there watching the vehicles crossing the bridge and all the other tourist taking photos of the falls etc.

We had now reached the end of our mini tourist route so it was time to head back home, or to the Killin hotel for our next drink stop. It’s hard work being a tourist on foot. No buses or cars to show you around but we managed it ok.

A slow walk to the hotel with a lovely greeting and a well earned pint. We sat in the conservatory overlooking the river while having our drinks and a very nice meal. Although we could have stayed longer we still had to get back to base which was all uphill.

Retracing our steps and after a few drinks and a meal the uphill trek was slower than when we came down to the village. Red faced and panting we got back to base and realised our little tourist route and sightseeing adventure had taken us about eight hours and we had walked six miles. That did include stops for food and drink.

Today we are off in the camper for a couple of days to a nice site on the edge of a loch. Watch this space.

The wildlife refers to creatures that surround us not our life’s. Maybe if I had wrote this forty years ago the wildlife connection would have referred to my life and the creatures that surround us. Even as a kid I was always out playing across the fields and not stuck indoors. My mum only seeing me when I was hungry. My life was also pretty wild but that’s another story for another day.

I have already told you about the deer on site and the once I saw a pine Martin and was hoping to see a Red squirrel. Well the red squirrel is a regular to my bird feeder now. He loves the peanuts in the feeder and hangs on to it upside down trying to get the nuts out, then sits on the branch it’s attached to while eating them all the time looking out for anyone who might want to harm in.

We actually got two days off with good weather so went for a drive up towards the Ben Lawers dam and on further to Glenlyon post office which is now a tea room. The drive is stunning and it was Nikki’s first time up that road which she loved but was a little anxious about the road edges being a single track road. She calmed down by the time we got to the cafe and enjoyed her bacon roll and coffee while sat out side looking at the river view with the mountains as a backdrop. What’s not to like.

And right behind us in the covered part of the cafe was a Thrush nest. The female sitting on the eggs and the male flying off and bringing her back some food. They were not bothered at all with all the coming and going of peaple.

As I said I love the wildlife and I have put four bird feeders up with different things in them to attract different birds and a squirrel. The amount of different birds visiting the feeders is fantastic. We do have some very pretty birds in the U.K.

The birds visiting the feeders are Blue tits, coal tits, Great tits, chaffinch, nuthatch, Siskin, Green finch, Great spotted woodpecker. There are also so many other birds around the site.

I lifted a manhole cover on site the other day to unblock it from leaves etc and there sat on a pipe was a smooth newt. I just froze still because I did not want to disturb him. I reached for my camera hoping he would stay still for me and I started to take his picture. He never moved at all and I got one of the best photos I have ever taken for me. The smooth newt looking at his reflection in the water with the sky reflecting in the water also. All the colours were just right. I replaced the manhole cover gently and went on my way with a very big grin on my face.

Don’t you just love wildlife. Another day off and we headed out on A85 towards Tyndrum then we would turn off onto the A82 and head for Glencoe. This road I have wanted to drive for years. The weather was fine, not the hottest of days and not a lot of blue sky but then clouds look nice on the photos also. At this time of year there is a lot less traffic about also which is a good point.

The road from Killin to Glencoe is 51 miles of stunning scenery with mountains, open moorland, and Lochs. With snow still on the tops of the mountains. It takes an hour to drive this route unless your me, then you have to keep stopping to take photos or just pull over into a lay-by or viewing point just to soak up the stunning scenery. And listen to the silence only interrupted by a car going by. Some photos from that road trip below. You have to do it to really appreciate it.

I could post so many more photos of that trip. So if you ever meet me be warned you might see a few more photos. And to the peaple that know me, don’t hide I know where you are.

Glencoe is such a big name name in Scotland, everyone has heard of it but in reality there is not a lot there but you just have to go and have a look. Sit beside Loch Leven and just stare at the mountains in the distance. I could have sat there for hours but I was getting hungry.

We then drove just around the corner to a small village called Ballachulish where we had some lunch. After lunch I wanted to look at the old slate quarry there which was just across the road from where we had lunch. As you walk in you can imagine all the workers hammering away at the slate and the noise and dust. Their lives would have been shorter then and it would have been a tuff life. Now the old quarry sits there all quiet and the only noise is birdsong. It’s a wildlife heaven with some nice walks around the old quarry pools.

It was now time to drive back home along the same road we came up on seeing it all again in a different light from a different angle. But I had a little stop planned. Turning off the A82 towards the Glencoe mountain centre which is where I hope to go for some mountain biking. There is an old cottage called Black rock cottage and it must be one of the most photographed cottages in Scotland. Well as I was passing I could not give up this opportunity to take my own photo of this cottage.

Last week I actually went out on my mountain bike for the first time in eight months after my injury, which is still not right but then it never will be now at my age so I just have to get on with life and suffer the pain and limited movement. I only went about ten miles around the back roads just to see how it felt. It was ok but I don’t think my shoulder would stand up to a bike park yet. But it felt so good to be out on my bike again so more rides planned. And yesterday I went for more physio.

So that’s up to date with our wildlife and adventures. For the last week I have heard a cuckoo daily which is nice. Today we are off and going to walk into Killin across the fields and there just maybe time for a pint or two.

It’s funny how we remember things from years ago but can’t remember what we did yesterday. Even more so as we get older. I like rolling back the years and thinking how it used to be. How simple life was, how polite people were and nothing was too much trouble. People spoke to each other.

The small village we are in now is like rolling back the years. We went and registered with a doctor and everyone was so friendly and helpful.

We went to the post office/ village shop to draw some money out. A lady behind the counter then came over to the post office desk and served us. There were no bars, no big screen to hide behind. The loose change was on its little stand just there on the counter top. This was normal and I loved it.

We had a day off and decided to go to Callander, a small town just over half an hours drive away, and a very nice drive with stunning scenery. The main road runs through the town and shops are either side. We parked up at the end of the town and the plan was to go down one side and back up the other side.

This size town is as big as I like, Nikki likes bigger towns every now and then but she was happy with this one for today. My idea of going up one side and down the other soon became obvious it was not going to be quickly with Nikki. She likes to go in shops and have a look, I am happy looking in the windows as I walk by.

A shoe shop appears. How many pairs of shoes does a woman need. A lot apparently. And yes she bought some new shoes. Apparently they were needed for some reason. The two ladies in the shop were very chatty and took the shoes and Nikki’s bag from her and put them in the bag and doing it up so it was all secure. Good old fashion service.

We did manage to get to the end of the street without any further expense but then we had to come back up the other side which meant a lunch stop. I didn’t mind that one. After that we were on the final straight but failed when a cake/ bread shop came into view. Just when I thought we had made it to the finishing line. The cake was lovely eaten down by the river with no more shops in view.

As we left Callander just down the road is the Trossachs wooden mill shop. Now this one I wanted to stop at. Not because I wanted to shop but because in the field next to it are three Highland cows or coo’s as the Scot’s say. I have loved these breed of cow for as long as I can remember.

The big one is called Hamish and is 13 years old and a fine specimen he is. They are very docile and you can buy food from the shop to feed them. So yes that’s what I did.

We have just got over Storm Kathleen but to be honest the winds were not as bad as we thought they were going to be. We even had snow on the 5th April but that soon went. It stayed on the mountains for a good few days though and looked great up there.

Where ever we drive around here takes forever because I have to jump out the car and take photos. A quick pull over into a lay-by when I see something. The photo below of Glen Ogle viaduct was a quick stop. It’s part of the old railway line which is now a cycle way from Killin to Callander which I plan to do one day. It’s about 24 miles each way and now I know where there is a nice cake shop in Callander it will drive me on. Depending how much cake I eat is whether Nikki has to come and pick me up or I cycle back.

We had a nice walk up the hill behind where we are the other day. Up through the woods passing small waterfalls and going higher and higher. The view looking down over the loch and the valley was stunning. That’s Killin in the distance. There’s that word again. I would have liked to see some blue sky but that’s for another day.

Nikki gets our food shopping done by Sainsbury’s home delivery because it suits us otherwise it means a hours drive to Stirling an hour plus shopping and then an hours drive back and then unpack etc which means your day off is gone so home delivery is the best for us.

Stirling is a city in my eyes but Nikki wanted to go there to get some bits and pieces from Tesco which is the nearest biggest store. I wanted to get some bird food, not from Tesco but from a big garden centre on the way.

So with the sat nav set and the thought of driving in the big city, off we went. We got close to Tesco and the sat nav decided to take us through some back streets and not the way I had looked at on google. To be fair it got us to Tesco but the back of Tesco where the deliveries go.

I was glad to get on the road out of Stirling I must admit but we will go back because I want to visit the castle. I did get my bird food from the garden centre though. Hope they like it.

We have seen two red squirrels on site and the other evening a Hare ran through the site which was great to see. I am hoping the red squirrel comes to the feeder which is close to the camper but not to close.

Ben Lawers mountain is not far from us and there is also a huge dam up in the mountains named Ben Lawers Dam which is on a single track road that goes from the A827 to the Bridge if Balgie. It goes up and up and then down and down.

Yesterday morning I decided when I got up early and Nikki was having a lie in that I was going to drive up there. So at 7.30am off I went on a photo shoot. The road climbs up and winds its way through the mountain until you come to the dam which is very impressive with the mountains all around.

It was cold up there, about 3 degrees so I had a quick walk across the dam to get some photos of the loch from a different angle. Then back in the car and carry on along the single track road.

And then as I turned a corner, up in front of me down in the valley were about eight Highland coo’s crossing the small river and making their way up the side of the hill towards the road. I must admit I was very excited about this and parked up in a passing place and started taking photos as they were heading towards me.

I drove off leaving the coo’s behind and heading for the bridge of Balgie which is a small narrow bridge. Just up from the bridge is an old post office and tea room which we plan to go to as we have been told it’s very good. And of course the drive there is stunning.

Then I turned around to head back the way I had came but to see the scenery from a different angle. And then I met the coos again. They were just strolling along the road as if they owned it. They do really because they were around before me, this is their land. I just stopped the car and they all walked around me and stared and went on their way. My morning had been great. The rest of the day it rained and rained and I don’t know how many times I looked at the photos I took but it was a lot.

I can’t believe we have been in Scotland for three weeks already, I also can’t believe how many times I have used the word stunning.

After our couple of days down the road on our friends site we came up the road to our own site and started the big clean up of leaves and twigs that had all come down through the winter. And getting the camper into the compound after I had cleaned it all out. The view from the window is stunning.

The site is very wooded which is why there was so much debris all over the six acres. The office and pod area were also a mess but Nikki was on the case with that while I was outside. We both worked really hard and worked well over the hours we were allocated but the site was looking good and ready to accept guests on time.

This site is never going to be a white picket fence and bowling green grass site. It’s a wildlife heaven which is why we like it. I think they call it rustic. Every night we hear owls and in the day we hear all sorts of bird song and woodpeckers drumming on the trees. Early every morning I would see Roe deer while sat having my breakfast and one morning a stag wandered through the site before we were open. The photo is not my best because I took it so quick and through the camper window but the site of the stag was just amazing and so close.

Other wildlife on site are frogs in the marsh area and I have seen a pine Martin. I have not seen a red squirrel yet though but have been told I will. I am sure I will discover more as the weeks go on.

After working so hard to get the site ready for opening we gave ourselves a day off and had a drive out heading for the A82 which leads to Glencoe. We were not going to go all the way that day but just a short distance to admire the views.

There are some big gates on the A82 which when the snow is bad are closed so you can’t use the road and also you see poles at the side of the road which are markers for edge of the road and with red reflective tops so you can see how deep the snow is. Luckily that day the gates were open.

We stopped at a view point to take in all the scenery and yes the word stunning was used again. That was our turning point today and coming back the other way you see things in a different way. The road was empty of traffic to the point I could stop, get out the car take a photo or two and get back in the car and carry on before we saw another car.

Another photo stop for photos of a mountain looking like a volcano, even had a cloud at the top which made it look like it was about to erupt. This was called Beinn Dorain

I had also spotted another lock on the way so wanted to stop there on the way back. It didn’t disappoint with crystal clear water and mountains as a backdrop this was loch Lubhair. To be honest I wanted just to dive on in for a swim. Maybe when it warms up a bit.

We will travel that road on other days off and hopefully the sky will be blue. We may even take the camper out for our days off and park up somewhere and wake to that sort of view.

Yesterday we had a day off and decided to go out for a drive to Aberfeldy. After the weather forecast the day before saying it was going to snow we were hoping all the roads would be clear. The roads were fine and the snow was just in the mountain tops. We had been told it’s a nice little town with a great butchers so with the thought of BBQ food and with me starting to dribble we headed off.

We drove along the North side of loch Tay to the end of the lock at Kenmore. Loch Tay is fifteen miles long and with the snow capped mountains around it I was constantly stopping to take photos and saying that word stunning over and over again. My face ached from smiling so much at the end of the day. I absolutely love this area.

We drove through Kenmore and onto Aberfeldy where we had a wander around and a spot of lunch. And of course we found the butchers and bought some different flavours of sausage and burgers ready for a BBQ and some bacon for this morning which was very nice. Will let you know what the sausage and burgers are like when we have a nice sunny day for the BBQ

We came back to Kenmore and parked up for a wander and some more photos. In the summer this will be a tourist trap because of the small beach area and the lovely clean water and a view to die for.

It was hard to drag ourselves away but we will return over the next few months. We decided to come back a different way, choosing to drive down the southern side of the lock this time. This is a single track road so not the sort of road you would want to be going down in the summer with all the tourists. We only met three other cars while travelling the length of the loch and luckily there was somewhere to pull over so we could pass. It was nice seeing the loch and surroundings from the other side.

Along the single windy track were some lovely properties dotted along the side of the loch with price tags to match the view. Priceless. It had been a great day out and it’s just the start. We have more exploring to do and more stunning views to see and some burgers to eat. spring is near and summer is not far away.