Fort William, Mull and Berwick upon Tweed

20:56.48 - Saturday 11th August 2007   (Link to This Entry)

We have just returned from a week-long trip tootling around Scotland. With the holiday closing in I wasn't in the mood to do any updates, hence the lack of new stuff to read and wotnot. Here's what happened, anyway:

Saturday - We're Off!

Mum, M and myself piled a load of crap into the car and headed North. We had originally intended to go over to Mull, but after a lot of driving I was tired and decided that, since Fort William was closest, we'd go there instead. First night away it rained, of course.

Sunday - Driving Fun

Went for a drive along the length of Glen Nevis - some twisty, turny roads that are great fun if you get a good run at it and don't hit too much oncomming traffic. Took plenty of photos of the wet campsite, enjoyed peace and quiet until two large tents went up, one of which was full of chavs.

Monday - Free Food!

A Bank Holiday in Scotland as it turned out, so we decided against catching the ferry over to Mull (since it wouldn't be there) and stayed another night in the Glen instead. The chavs had gone, having only stayed one night, and the owner of the other big tent gave us a bag full of food because he'd had enough of the rain. Score!

Tuesday - Ferry to Mull

Drove to Oban and caught the ferry over to Craignure on Mull. We headed straight for Tobermory (setting for the Childrens' TV Series, Balamory) and spend a few hours shopping and taking photos. Tobermory struck me as a genunely nice place, and didn't really cash in on its TV fame to any great extent. Found a campsite on the outskirts of the town and settled down for the night.

Wednesday - Balamory and Calgary Bay

Eaten by mosquitos. Went into Bala Tobermory again. Took a drive around Mull, enjoying the single-track rollercoaster roads immensely. Found Calgary Bay quite by accident and spent an enjoyable afternoon on the beach before heading back.

Thursday - Berwick-upon-Tweed

Found a castle and a bird sanctuary but both wanted £££s entry fee, so we didn't bother actually going in. Hopped back on the ferry and headed for Berwick-upon-Tweed only to discover that the campsite we'd found using the TomTom was for caravans only. Drove around a bit asking locals if they knew of anywhere and ended up at a place in Coldington, arriving after 8pm and so finding nobody in charge.

Friday - Coldingham Bay and Eyemouth Harbour

Drove out to Coldingham Bay. M and I strolled on the beach while Mum climbed a nearby hill. We moved on to Eyemouth harbour where we fed the seals and did a bit of grocery shopping. Back to camp to read and relax (the whole point of the holiday) and we finally find someone in charge so we can pay up - good thing we're honest.

Saturday - Home, James!

Up at 7am for breakfast and to start packing, we headed South on the A1 past Newcastle and stopped in to photograph the huge Angel of the North statue there. Stopped again at some services to cook up some burgers and have a cup of tea, before finally heading home, pausing only to refill the car at a nearby Tesco.

Photos to Follow!