The journey took about 4.5hrs though with stops etc more like 6.5… However was uneventful and despite drizzle and then low cloud the A9 and surroundings looked impressive, until we reached Colloden Moor and the campsite We collected Thomas from the hospital accommodation largely unchanged since we used it (elsewhere obviously)… Thomas guided us through …
Bacon butties set us up nicely for today and a walk up Screel Hill, described by Rob in daunting terms but although steep in parts and a bit vertical down for 10-20 feet was a lovely view, walk and experience with sandwiches at the top. A little hazy so mainly enjoyed the day than able …
Rob sent us off to explore the Raiders Road whilst dropping Emma off for her second freshers week (or three) in Glasgow. Raiders Road is essentially a 10mile gravel track through forestry commission woods. The journey up there via Loch Ken was already beautiful but the Otter Pools and Loch Stroan were particularly fine though …
Thinking of Mick… After arriving at Dumfries Rob, Anne and Emma took us to Casa Mia for a fine meal
After a good first night, we had a lazy start (eggs on toast and coffee) and then we set off to the new RHS Bridgewater site to meet Lizzie and Mick. Apparently yesterday was very busy but it was fine today and although initially overcast gradually it warmed up and was full sunshine by afternoon. …
Today was mostly functional, packing and heading north, A34, M5, M6 for 200miles to Burr Park in Bury
We travelled down to Blandford Forum where Anna and Tom had just set up in their new house, Grade 2 listed, and I think will suit them perfectly. Plenty of work to put their stamp on it but that’ll be fun. Lovely courtyard garden and prospective drum studio for Tom at the end of a …
Just a selection…. Lovely big beefsteak tomatoes, one of the fennel, and discovery of chilliest hidden from sight!
First stop – Ledbury. Lovely old town with historic elements and plenty of independent shops… trying the organic raspberry and almond cake Stop two – Westbury Water Garden Although parking is pretty poor (ended up on main road) the Water Garden itself was lovely. Three straight “canals” amid topiary and veg plots with a stream …
We spent a very relaxed and enjoyable day in Hereford. Went through the town then to the Cathedral and cloisters for lunch Saw the Mappa Mundi (from around 1300) and the chained library Rather reminiscent of Chichester and I could imagine living here, had most amenities but small enough to “know”. Worth visiting