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Scotland road trip
  • Steph Crane

Scotland road trip

Anti-clockwise amble around Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Read more
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  • Trip start
    April 21, 2025
    Steph CraneScotland road tripTraveler
    Major Oak, Nottingham Forest
    Black Horse Inn, N Yorkshire

    And we’re off…

    April 21 in England ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    Great to be on the road again for our 2 week Scotland adventure.
    First stop, brekkie then a slow, and very wet, drive northbound, breaking up the journey in Nottingham. Went for a wet walk into Sherwood Forest nr Nottingham - an ancient oak woodland, observing some very old, gnarly oaks including the Major Oak, an 1,100 year old beast that definitely has seen better days! Poor thing being propped up. Looks like it needs putting out of its misery IMO! Mindblowing how old it is though. We had a little robin follow us along for a bit which was cute. Quick browse in the gift shop, made a travel brew in the van and continued on in a northerly direction to our stopover for the night, The Black Horse Inn, Northallerton in North Yorkshire. As we ate there, we were allowed to park up in their car park overnight. The sun finally came out in the evening giving us a nice sunset and then a beautiful, clear, cold starry night - a good omen for the trip, methinks 😉.
    Looking forward to heading in to Scotland and doing a good mooch around.    Read more

  • Steph CraneScotland road tripTraveler
    Hadrian's wall
    Along Hadrian's wallSycamore gapSycamore gapCanal behind Elaine's houseElaine feeding the swanWith Elaine, Tasha and MikeWith Elaine and Tasha

    In to Scotland

    April 22 in England ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Woke up nice and early to a chilly but dry day. Quick brekkie then headed out to our first stop, Housesteads Roman fort plus Hadrian’s wall. Had a little wander along that section of the wall but didn’t go in to the fort ruins being mindful of the time. Instead, we drove a little further along to another car park where we could also walk part of the wall up and down some steep hills to the Sycamore gap. Though the tree is now just a stump, there are tiny, green traces of new growth. We walked back to the van as it started to lightly rain and headed in northwards through Northumberland national park crossing the border in to Scotland. Quick stop for a sign photo then continued on observing 2 terrible driving displays of madness and nearly being in a crash too! Luckily Gary’s quick breaking and a swerve in to a lay-by helped to avoid a collision! The car two in front of us just suddenly breaked for no apparent reason causing us all to slam on the anchors sharpish. The adrenaline, maaan! Quick check over the van as the car sped off and all was good, phew. The rest of the journey was thankfully uneventful. We arrived at Elaine’s house in Philpstoun, west of Edinburgh late afternoon. Tasha was there too and we were a surprise for her. She was so excited as was Elaine. Great to see them. We settled our things, quick drink and a catch up/show around - Elaine’s house backs on to a canal. It’s beautiful and wildlife everywhere including a friendly swan at her back garden gate looking for food. Gary drove us all to Linlithgow, a few miles out to catch up with Elaine’s brother Mike then on to dinner. Such a good night catching up and chatting. Mike gave us some top places to visit in the highlands as he runs a backpacking tours company. At the end of the evening we waved bye to Mike and Gary drove us all back to Elaine’s where we danced to ABBA songs, drank and chatted until 3.30am! It was fabulous.Read more

  • Steph CraneScotland road tripTraveler
    Dores, Loch Ness
    Dores, Loch NessKessock caravan park, InvernessKessock caravan park, Inverness

    Inverness

    April 23 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Good nights sleep at Elaine’s, albeit short as we wanted to crack on so showers, breakfast and lots of tea to clear my fuzzy noggin. Many hugs goodbye later and we were on our way northbound again. Quite a long 3 hour drive though v scenic through the Cairngorms national park, which helped.
    We stopped in Dores, as recommended by Mike, on the east side of Loch Ness. A small village with a stony beach overlooking the vast loch. No Nessie but lots of friendly ducks. A man has a little shop there - he’s been set up since the early 90s his main purpose being he’s determined to get a glimpse of Nessie! Needless to say, nothing to report but what a beautiful location to dwell. In the meantime, he makes Nessie ornaments out of flotsam and jetsam off the beach. The sun was beating down at that point so we stopped on the beach for a bit before cracking on in to Inverness for a mooch. Lovely leafy walk in to town, the blossoms and spring growth is just perfect at the moment. The city is unremarkable as any other city, maybe I’ve seen so many now, they all look the same. Went to a very old, 2nd largest second hand bookshop in Scotland just out of interest, very interesting but a looot of stuff everywhere - bit too much to process. Wandered back to the van and on to our campsite for the night, Kessock caravan park in the woodland just north of Inverness ready to start the NC500 trail tomorrow.
    Gary cooked at the van amongst his birdy friends then watched the footy. Beautiful clear light sky quite late at night which I was surprised about - maybe because we’re further north?    Read more

  • Steph CraneScotland road tripTraveler
    Brekkie
    Clootie wellChanonry PointFairy Glen fallsEgg Box ShopCommemoration to Janet Horne, DornochGolspie beach

    Start of the NC500

    April 24 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Started my day with a short run around the woodland, shower, brekkie with the birdie friends then on to Clootie well, a small, natural well that people over many centuries (dating back to pagan times) believed if you washed clothing in the well then left it to dry, as the clootie (cloth) rotted it would heal your ails. Now it has become a vast washing line full of all manner and number of clothing/socks/rags draped around the woodland! Bizarre. I couldn’t bring myself to add to it though. We did a little walk around the woodland then headed on to Chanonry point with the hope of seeing dolphins. No luck there but did see a couple of seals bobbing in the water. Was nice and sunny so sat on the beach for a bit then on to Fairy Glen falls, another lovely walk in the woodland to a couple of waterfalls then back on the road to Cromarty for tea and cake by the sea.
    On our way back out we stopped at an egg box shop, a large vending machine in the middle of nowhere vending eggs. Genius. We needed some anyway so grabbed a dozen then headed out of the island, officially joining the NC500 route up to Dornoch, to a commemorative stone dedicated to the last witch (Janet Horne) to be legally executed for witchcraft in the British isles by being stripped, tarred, tied to a barrel then burnt alive at the stake. This was in 1727. Though sunny, it was starting to get windy so we headed on to our stopover for the night in Golspie, by the beach. Went for a v windy walk then a chat with the fam before getting our fish supper to eat in the van. So very windy out there, hoping it dies down.    Read more

  • Steph CraneScotland road tripTraveler
    Dunrobin castle, Golspie
    Brora beachOn Brora beachWhaligoe stepsWhaligoe bayCastle of Old WickCastle Sinclair Girnigoe, Wick

    Sprained ankle!

    April 25 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    After trying to decide how many things we wanted to cram in today (forfeiting a bird of prey display because of timings) we stopped in our overnight village for supplies and a quick nose around. Whilst walking along, Gary spectacularly slipped off the narrow curb and twisted his ankle. He had to sit down for some time in considerable agony, Peter Griffin style, whilst I went and bought some peas from the shop we’d just been in. He managed to hobble back to the van once the pain had subsided, relieved it wasn’t broken and elevated it with peas on whilst I drove on to the first stop at Dunrobin castle - a Disney inspired-looking castle. We only looked at the outside as we had already decided to crack on anyway, despite the ankle. On to Brora beach, hoping to maybe spot some seals but no luck. Very lovely but very chilly and windy albeit sunny. On to Whaligoe steps, steep steps leading down to a cove that was used in the 1700s as a port. Gary seemed to be able to cope with the steps though rather slowly. Next stop, Castle of Old Wick, an old ruin atop a hill overlooking the sea, beautiful views, v v windy, underwhelming ‘castle’. Bit of an amble round then on to Wick town for tea and cake then on to Castle Sinclair Girnigoe just north of Wick. A much more impressive ruin, again overlooking the sea. First being built from 1300s then added to over the centuries. Depleted by Oliver Cromwell’s cronies as he did with most castles in his day.
    Gary’s ankle seemed to be holding out, thankfully although just slightly stiff. As we’d managed to cram quite a bit in today despite ankle drama, thought we’d better find a stopover for the night before everyone else does on a Friday night. Picked a lovely spot by the sea again and was lucky there were spaces. Nybster Broch. Had a little recce on to the beach and the surrounding Iron Age broch, a dry stone wall roundhouse found in Scotland. Although massively overgrown with grass, it had been slightly excavated so you could make out the rooms. Reminded me of Teletubby land! Back to the van for dinner and spend the rest of the evening cooped up inside again due to the high winds. Definitely been very bracing winds the last few days and hard to be outside without many layers/hats but thankfully dry and sunny. Hoping it’s just an east coast thing and once we turn the corner tomorrow it’ll ease? This is the North Sea! Ankle seems to be holding out. Lots of frozen peas, anti-inflamatories and rest (RICE) hoping it doesn’t seize up overnight. (Just so you know, it didn’t, phew!). Hopefully that’s the 3rd thing and all should be good from now on. (Licence expired, near crash, ankle!)
    Been beautiful driving around the Highlands but not as imagined, yet. We are purposely driving anticlockwise saving the west coast until last as apparently that’s more scenic and breathtaking. Not seen much wildlife yet either despite having the DSLR camera and zoom lens with me. And definitely no highland coos yet. I’m pinning all my hopes on when we reach John O Groats and turn the corner. Lots of sheep and lambs though. Please don’t eat lamb!    Read more

  • Steph CraneScotland road tripTraveler
    Duncansby stack
    Duncansby stackDuncansby stackAt John O GroatsDunnet HeadWhen you turn a corner and get a beautiful vista. Doesn't translate.Smoo caveSmoo caveSango Sands campsiteView from van, Sango Sands campsiteFaint rainbow over van, Sango Sands campsite

    Driving

    April 26 in Scotland ⋅ 🌬 9 °C

    Beautiful early sunrise started our day, we wanted to get up to John O Groats early doors. Drove up to Duncansby lighthouse and sea stack and managed a wander around the cliff tops observing what I excitedly thought were puffins but they were ‘only’ guillemot. Would so love to see puffins but hopeful for further round. Next, on to John O Groats for the obligatory signpost then usual Saturday morning tradition of brekkie in the cafe there. Quick browse around the gift shops then on to Dunnet Head nature reserve to the most northerly point on mainland UK. Not much to report here (no puffins/seals/dolphins) but have noticed the wind dying down and the scenery changing to more traditional highland views now we’ve turned the corner and going across the north coast. Quite a lot of driving today and as Gary’s ankle is still tender, I’m doing the driving, which I don’t mind at all. We meandered along the NC500 route past puffin cove (no access), through Thurso (Elaine’s home town) , over bridges and mountains, the scenery dramatically changing for the better. Our usual late lunchtime pit stop of tea and cake has become a habit! The last stretch approaching the top left corner of the country/highlands was very scenic and rugged. Lots of single width roads, winding around mountains and getting stuck behind a Spanish motorhome for 10 miles doing the slowest speeds! Painful. Despite police signs instructing to allow overtaking, this unit would not (prob didn’t realise) budge. I even flashed him a few times but to no avail. Followed him to literally the same place we were going, Smoo Cave. We wandered down into the cave then up and around the cliff top then on to the local village looking for an overnight. Did a spot of dinner shopping and drove past a lovely looking campsite that I had phoned recently to book but were full. It looked massive though so thought I’d pop in and ask on the off chance and they said yes. V pleased. We picked our own spot overlooking the sandy beach/sea and went for a walk down to the beautiful beach. The beaches are more like this once we hit the west coast so looking forward to some swims. The water obvs was chilly when I paddled but to be expected, it is the North/Norwegian Sea. Back to the van for dinner and pleased we got to the site when we did for a good park up spot as it was starting to get busy. Spanish slow driver turned up plus another van we recognised over last few days parking up. Get to see the same people I guess as we all go the same direction stopping at similar points.
    We had a nice leisurely Saturday evening playing Rummikub, making next day plans and Gary could rest his ankle with the designated bag of peas. The bruising is starting to come out slowly. Think it may impact on some of our activities though. Hoped to go to puffin island tomorrow (my last chance to see them around this way but the boat doesn’t run on a Sunday! Not meant to be. The ton load of highland cows we’ve been promised better make up for it! Travelled 800 miles so far. Another epic journey.    Read more

  • Steph CraneScotland road tripTraveler
    Kylesku bridge
    View from Kylesku bridgeScallopsAchmelvich beachAchmelvich beachArdvreck castle

    Heading south down the west coast

    April 27 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Bit of a damp start but meandered southbound through more scenic highlands, weaving around the narrow roads, having to stop regularly at passing points for oncoming vehicles. They say you can do 60…. Gary drove this time, ankle seemed to be holding up though swollen and bruising starting to appear. Approached Kylesku bridge and stopped for a quick snap, lovely views. We’ve picked a great time as lots of wildflowers/tree blossoms and flowering gorse everywhere. Also, lots of scotch mist across the mountains here too. Crossed the bridge and stopped at a craft shop for a nose. Looks to be a fishing bay and there were loads of scallop shells in the water plus some drying outside the shop. I asked if I could buy some but the shopkeeper just told me to help myself. So I did. I’ll make a project somehow. Onward down a windy road to Achmelvich beach, a beautiful expanse of white sandy dunes. We made a brew and sat on the beach with my new picnic blanket. I took my new kite too, suddenly remembering that I had it (a birthday pressie from Katherine). Heck, let’s make the most of the wind! It was great fun. We both had a go. The boys are going to love this too. Observed a couple of people dipping in the water but we didn’t this time. Next beach though, hopefully. Trucked onward again stopping en route at Ardvreck castle for a wander. So many castles and ruins in such picturesque spots along the road. Continued on to our stopover in Ullapool for the night. The rain started by that point. We decided we needed our Sunday curry so popped into a local bar and watched first half of a footy game before the curry house opened. Very nice curry indeed then back to the van for a bit of telly. Not really much going on in this town and a bit wet to be hanging about, sadly.
    Made plans for the next day, heading down towards Skye but need to do a clothes washing first. Not many laundrettes around these parts so we’re aiming to get to the local one in Ullapool first thing Monday morning.    Read more

  • Steph CraneScotland road tripTraveler
    Meandering through the green and grey
    Gairloch beachWet on Gairloch beachVictoria FallsVictoria FallsTravel crochetBluebells and gorse behind campsite ReraigView from across the road at Reraig campsiteView from across the road at Reraig campsite

    Wet day

    April 28 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Lots of rain overnight and today - must mean washing day. Popped in to the only laundrette in the area as soon as they opened but they were fully booked. Could squeeze us in later but meant hanging about until way after lunch. There’s definitely a business opportunity up here for laundrettes for travelers as they are so few and far between! Quick brekkie then left Ullapool and headed on back through the highlands in the rain and lots of scotch mist, bit grim but still scenic. Stopped at wet Gairloch beach. Beautiful and sandy but no point hanging about so did a fam chat and brewed a tea in the van. Good to see they have blazing sun down that way. Onward to Victoria Falls in Achnasheen. As it has rained a lot, it was a good flow. Quick walk round then carried on south to Reraig where our campsite is plus the local village has a community laundrette. The village is on the entrance to the Isle of Skye, tomorrow’s plan. The rain had eased so we went for a wander around the small village whilst waiting for the clothes to finish then on to our campsite which is very peaceful by the sea surrounded by hills and woodland. Had dinner then went for a little hilly walk amongst the bluebells and flowering, yellow gorse. V pretty. Gary was struggling with the steepness though with his ankle still being slightly swollen. It is very slowly easing. As we’re in the area we watched Highlander classic movie from the 80s just to get us in the mood for tomorrow.Read more

  • Steph CraneScotland road tripTraveler
    The Storr, Isle of Skye
    Kilt rock waterfall, Isle of SkyeJurassic Dinosaurs Footprints at An Corran, Isle of SkyeShe'll fossils, An Corran beach, Isle of SkyeIsle of SkyeFairy Glen, Isle of SkyeFaery sized stone circle, Fairy Glen, Isle of SkyeView from top of rock, Fairy Glen, Isle of SkyeMe on the top, Fairy Glen, Isle of SkyeTiny Gary on a rock, Fairy Glen, Isle of SkyeDriving off Isle of SkyeEilean Donan castleEilean Donan castleLagan locks, Caledonian canal, KilfinnanSun setting, Lagan locks, Caledonian canal, Kilfinnan

    Isle of Skye

    April 29 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Managed to fit in a run this morning as we were on a campsite (showers available). Not getting in half as much exercise as I normally would so feel like I’m turning to mush! Up and on it early as wanted to cram in a lot. Left about 8ish for a short drive over the bridge to the Isle of Skye, the land of the pothole! The main roads were fine but once you got to the smaller lanes the potholes are huge, proper bone shakers. Poor Eddie. We first aimed for The Storr, a huge rock formation but sadly the carpark was rammed even that early. We stopped a little further up for some brief snaps and saved ourselves a hike up, probably just as well with the healing ankle. On a little way to a cliff side waterfall. Quite epic what with the rain we’ve had though viewing angle not great. Next on to a prehistoric beach full of fossilised shells and apparent dinosaur footprints. There were lots of dents in rocks but who knows? Very interesting to amble around though and added to my increasing rock/shell collection. Hoping to have the weather now to sit out and engrave them.
    We carried on driving anticlockwise to the north of the island then back down the west coast following a farmer on a golf buggy looking vehicle with a cage in the back with a couple of sheep and lambs and the dog just stood balancing on the back seat. So mesmerising to watch I actually took a wrong turn but it meant we got to follow her to the field she was going to.
    On to Fairy Glen that Mike had told us about. A magical place with huge grassy, conical, mound structures that no one really knows how they got there including a tiny, fairy’s sized stone circle. Myth says you mustn’t upset the fairies and here they don’t like whistling, swearing or hands in pockets. Mike said on one of his tours once, a man he was with was told this which he thought was rubbish so did all 3 “f** you, fairies” and fell straight down the hill, broke his ankle! Mike had to accompany him to the hospital! True story. Don’t mess with the faeries. The sun was coming out so quite a pleasant wander around plus a steep, narrow climb to the top of one of the rocks, should you wish to. I did, but left Gary down below. Great views. We headed back out of the island, stopping for tea and cake at a lovely spot by the sea then headed off the island to Eilean Donan castle, quite excited as this is where part of Highlander was filmed, amongst other films. It had actually been rebuilt in the early 1900s from a ruin but looks spectacular on an islet by the water. Good nose round with lots of family history and family photos everywhere. Lots of photos later and a visit of the gift shop then onward to find an overnight stop with good enough internet for the footy.
    Found a lovely spot next to a canal lock by a loch (loch Locky). Good internet and lovely views. Made dinner, quick MAFS catch up then Gaz settled for footy whilst I did a quick litter pick as there’s was lots of rubbish around then went for a wander watching the sun set over the loch/mountains. Beautiful. First night I’ve been able to be outside with it not being either high winds or raining.
    We actually left the NC500 route yesterday as it circles back up to Inverness, instead we are now slowly snaking back down in a southerly direction along the more scenic west coast.    Read more

  • Steph CraneScotland road tripTraveler
    Steam train nr Glenfinnan
    Steam train nr GlenfinnanSilver Sands of MorarSilver Sands of MorarGlenfinnan viaductThree Sisters, GlencoeMemorial for Ralston Muir overlooking Three SistersNr Ralston cairnNext to our stopover

    To the beach

    April 30 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Turned out to be a lovely sunny day for our Sandy beach visit. Moving south of the highlands, we attempted to visit Glenfinnan viaduct, rail bridge crossing made famous by Harry Potter’s steam train ride. The car park and surrounding area were rammed and marshalled. There were even police blocking one road all because the steam train was expected over said bridge (runs the same time every day). So we drove further on our way anyway and found a stop by the train track heading towards a bridge. We wandered over to the bridge and waited. And waited. I walked back to the van and made tea. And waited. Then I heard a toot toot in the distance and finally the steam emerged from afar and the train eventually passed.

    We drove on towards the beach, funnily enough passing the train a couple more times. The Silver Sands of Morar (as featured in Highlander) was as epic as it sounds. Vast sandy beach with deep, white sparkling sands. The tide was way out so not very deep at all for a chilly, bracing ‘swim’ but we went in anyway. Had a wander along the shore to dry out in the warm sun then back to the van to change.

    We had to drive back off the peninsula the way we came, passing the viaduct car park which had now eased so we pulled in and walked up to the viaduct. Quite impressive close up. I just now need to photoshop my train photo over the bridge photo and have the sought after image. Know anyone? 😉

    Next stop was a supplies run then slow drive through Fort William, past Ben Nevis to the Glencoe mountains. The scenery has changed now compared to the rest of the highlands because the mountains are closer and more imposing making the views a bit more impressive.

    We pulled over at the 3 sisters mountain range for a quick photo then a little further along to climb up some rugged landscape looking for a location that was apparently in Highlander. Also happens to be a couple of memorial spots there too. A beautiful view from there so can understand why. We were entertained by a resident crow too, flying around close to us.

    Then headed on to our stopover in Bridge of Orchy. Lovely warm evening so hung my wet things outside including the rug that the kettle water had spilled everywhere. After dinner, took a walk down to the local hotel for a drink and strategic use of facilities then back to the van. Lovely clear skies and nearly a new moon.
    Glasgow tomorrow.    Read more

  • Steph CraneScotland road tripTraveler
    Mural in Glasgow
    Mural in GlasgowPeacock on Princes Square. Spectacular building full of loads of jewellers selling high endMural in GlasgowWhen old meets new, GlasgowMural in GlasgowMural in GlasgowMural in GlasgowMural in GlasgowEntrance to Glasgow NecropolisTroon beachTroon beach

    Glasgow

    May 1 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Had a genius plan to head to David Lloyd gym in Glasgow for a shower (and hit the gym whilst I was at it). Gym membership means we can use all the nationwide gyms. We didn’t really have a major plan in Glasgow, just wanted to pop in and say we’d been there.

    Gary had earmarked somewhere we could stay overnight in the city but on further inspection, we realised there’s a Low Emissions Zone in operation in the city. Bugger. Had to reroute and found a park and ride and got a nice and easy short tube ride in to the city.

    Quick cake and tea out stop then started a self guided spooky ghost tour hand in hand with an art mural trail. Some amazing murals around the city that the authority have encouraged what with it being an UNESCO cultural heritage city. My phone died half way through the tour but it wasn’t great anyway. We wandered about a bit, checked out the cathedral, some impressive very old buildings matched with ultra modern ones is strange to see. Maybe we’ve been to too many cities now but they all blur in to one. Unless there’s an outstanding iconic feature, they are all the same - you could be in London/Paris/San Fran.

    Found a lovely Mexican place for dinner then headed back to the van, feeling full and weary. We headed westbound to the coast and found a great stopover in Troon, again by the beach. Watched a lovely sunset over the sea and settled down for the night.

    We’ll be leaving Scotland tomorrow but it’s been wonderful to do. Won’t feel the need to do it again, only to visit specific things - to see Elaine, for example.    Read more

  • Steph CraneScotland road tripTraveler
    Lake District Wildlife Park
    Lake District Wildlife ParkScottish forest cat, Lake District Wildlife ParkA owl, Lake District Wildlife ParkA owl, Lake District Wildlife ParkLanner falcon, Lake District Wildlife ParkKookaburra, Lake District Wildlife ParkMorecambeMorecambeMorecambeMorecambe1

    Back in to England

    May 2 in England ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    I felt a bit rough overnight, funny tummy but thankful we have a radar key and could help myself to the disabled toilets. All good by the morning though. Went for a local brekkie then drove south out of Scotland some 1600 miles later.

    Disappointed that we hadn’t seen much wildlife in Scotland, we went to Lake District Wildlife Park at the north of the area. Quite a small park but the weather was lovely and barely anyone there. Saw a few random animals and birds but sadly the otters were unavailable. The highlight was a birds of prey display with a rather beautiful vulture called Gonzo. My new favourite animal since our last display in Ireland. He flew around our heads and at one point, his wing slapped my cheek - it was so cool! The lady did the same with an owl , which caught dad, and a falcon that was no bother. This made up for the lack of heiland coos, dolphins, seals, red squirrels, puffins, otters, eagles that I didn’t see.

    Traveled on through the equally as beautiful scenery in the Lakes as in the highlands, past Windermere on to Morecombe for the night. Lakes were too busy to stop at what with it being the start of a bank holiday weekend and sunny. We came here last year so no surprises but nice to be by the sea again. At the moment, campers are very welcome along the promenade though it’s very busy at night with cars thundering past so we opted for a car park slightly off that stretch. Bit more peaceful. Still only a couple of quid over night.

    Went for a lovely Chinese, picked up some supplies from Aldi then had a wonder down the beach and pier to watch the sunset again. That will never get boring.    Read more

  • Steph CraneScotland road tripTraveler
    1Eric Morecombe statue in Morecombe
    BlackpoolBlackpoolBlackpool TowerView through glass floor, Blackpool TowerView from Blackpool TowerBlackpool2

    Blackpool

    May 3 in England ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    After a ‘Weatherspoons brekkie in Morecombe, we headed on over to Lancaster to catch up with Biggles. Went to his house so we could fill up our water reserves, haven’t had any opportunities to do this and we were running low. He made us fancy coffee and had a great catch up.

    We then headed on to Blackpool. Never been before so thought it’d be an experience. Parked up a little away from the promenade and walked to the tower. Very busy along the promenade including lots of hen/stag groups. Seems to be a big traveller community in these parts. They were running a horse drawn, fairytale style carriage service up and down the promenade. Seemed very popular. Alongside a pedal yourself karaoke bar truck. Buzzing!

    We arrived at Blackpool Tower, an iconic structure towering above and decided to go in. Beautifully decorated inside. Would’ve loved to see the ballroom and the circus but didn’t have time. We did take the lift up to the top though after a short 4D film. There’s a glass bottom floor section then you can climb up steps higher on the outside. Great views. Came back down and walked back the other way down the promenade to the pier. Full of amusements and rides. Stopped for an ice cream break and sat in the sun.

    We then carried on walking in the other direction looking in a few of the rock/gift/tat shops down to another pier of the same rides/amusements then down to Pleasure Beach with the big rollercoasters/small theme park. It was closing by then so we didn’t go in.

    We headed back in the direction of the van for fish n chips then back to the van so Gary could watch the footy. I browsed a few more shops. I then drove on to our stopover whilst Gary finished watching the footy.

    We stopped at a private fishing lake on a farm. Nice area but didn’t see the lake, just some nosy horses in their stables and a gobby goose. The goose has been stood at this particular stable with a horse poking its head out all night and still this morning, honking. Must be good friends.    Read more

  • Steph CraneScotland road tripTraveler
    Contestants work at Gladstone Pottery museum
    Contestants work at Gladstone Pottery museumGladstone Pottery museumIn side one of the towers, Gladstone Pottery museumGladstone Pottery museumTop tip!2000 miles traveled

    Home

    May 4 in England ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Last night on the road. Was a lovely, sunny start. Headed to David Lloyd gym in Warrington for a workout and a wash. Then on to a Toby Carvery in Stoke-on-Trent for a lunchtime roast.
    We had decided we wanted to go to Gladstone Pottery museum, home of the Great Pottery Throw Down, in Stoke, on the way back.
    Was surprisingly quiet there but meant we could have a good old look around. Very fascinating history plus some pottery birdtables created by the contestants on the recent series of the show.
    Decided then that we may as well make our way home what with only being a few hours away. Uneventful journey and good to be home.
    Just over 2,000 miles traveled over 14 days. It has been lovely to tick that off our list. The highlands were beautiful with the Glencoe mountains, a highlight. Catching up with friends was lovely and spending quality time together with each other has been the best bit.    Read more

    Trip end
    May 4, 2025
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