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The UK & Ireland experience
  • Stephen Brading

The UK & Ireland experience

Travel day has arrived. Off to the airport by train for a 3pm flight. Read more
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  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Port Isaac
    Port QuinDoc Martin's house in Port IsaacClovellyClovelly HarbourClovelly street sled

    Cornwall & Devon day 26 Fri 18 May 2018

    May 18, 2018 in England ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    High cloud this morning. Huge buffet English breakfast at the Bowood Park Hotel Lanteglos Camelford. Left at 9.30am, drove to Port Quin and parked for two pounds (honesty box). Followed the Coast Path for three miles to Port Issac (Doc Martin land). Wandered around and took photos. A film crew were filming something in the hotel. Yvonne purchased a tea towel with a print of an Atlantic Sea Bass for the growing collection. After returning to the car in Port Quin drove back to the strawberry farm with a pick your own sign only to be told they were not in season. No matter Yvonne purchased farm vegetables and cheese for dinner. Then set the GPS for Clovelly in North Devon and arrived just before 5pm after the visitors centre had closed. Signs directed to a side ramp which could be secured by a serious gate. However staff going home said the gate is open all night. (So arrive late to avoid the GBP 7.50 entry fee). Yvonne’s knees took a pounding down the steep cobblestone sloped roads. Clovelly is car free and everything is transported down the cobbled streets by sled. Dinner and beers in two Clovelly pubs. Drove to Porlock in Somerset passing lambs, sheep and horses on the roadside. However there was no "Hillside" property in the High Street and roughly twenty people in the hotel knew of its location. Spent an hour following people's best guesses and knocking on doors till the owner rang us back and advised the location of the hidden lane we needed to use. We still had to wait till 10.45pm for the owner to get home from performing in a play. All amenities of the house were shared with the owners not just the toilet as described by Booking.com.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Lynmouth Rhenish tower and waterdriven cable railway
    Lyn valleyOur lunch view above the Lyn valleyFlyby while we had lunchExmoor NPThe unnamed lane in Porlock to the "Hillside" accomodation

    Exmoor NP day 27 Sat 19 May 2018

    May 19, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Left “Hillside” in Porlock Somerset around 9am and drove to Lynmouth in Devon. Looked around and took photos before walking along a path beside the Lyn river to a junction with the Hoar Oak river called Watersmeet. From here followed a path uphill and had lunch with a view over the deep wooded Lyn river valley to farmland, moors and the Bristol Channel. After lunch took a side path to East Lyn (farm) but failed to rejoin the main path. After backtracking to the main path took another side trip to Lynbridge. As there was nothing much there we returned to the main path and continued down to Lynmouth. We drove up to Lynton and wandered around before returning to “Hillside” in Porlock. Dinner of venison at the Ship Inn in High Street round the corner from the lane where “Hillside” is located.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Brunel's Clifton bridge
    Historic fire boat on Bristol's "floating harbor"Bristol "floating Harbor"Brunel's Clifton bridgeCaerphilly CastleCaerphilly Castle

    Bristol & Wales day 28 Sun 20 May 2018

    May 20, 2018 in England ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Left Porlock in Somerset before 9am and drove to Bristol in the county of Bristol. Saw Brunel’s Clifton bridge linking Clifton In Bristol with Leigh Woods in Somerset across the Avon Gorge, as we drove in. Parked the car and walked to the upper inland lock of the floating harbour. The floating harbor separated from the Avon River was constructed to overcome port limitations imposed by a high tidal range. Walked downstream from the inland lock and had a beer in a floating pub. Drove to Caerphilly Castle in South Wales and Yvonne took photos as I had Ieft my cameras in the car. Then drove on to Brecon Beacon Guesthouse which is under new ownership from when I made my booking. Dinner in the George Hotel (Wetherspoon) in Brecon where a member of staff gave us directions to the start of the walk we wanted to do tomorrow.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Descending to Cribyn peak & ridge from Pen y FanThe valley we would cross before the treesLunch behind the dry hydroelectric damRear of the dry hydroelectric damView from Fan y Big

    South Wales day 29 Mon 21 May 2018

    May 21, 2018 in Wales

    Another day of beautiful weather. Full English breakfast at Beacons Guest House. I ate everything as usual and Yvonne skipped the baked beans and black pudding. She gives me the mushrooms and hash brown. I should be getting fat. Followed the verbal directions to find the start of our walk but drove seven miles the wrong way as the roundabout sign did not have the welsh named town starting with M the two separate people referred to, but had another town starting with M in another direction. Eventually started the classic Beacons Horseshoe walk from the Storey Arms. Walked up the tourist path to Corm du then across a saddle to Pen y Fan which is only 886 metres high and full of people including school groups on a Monday. Leaving the crowd we descended and over another saddle to reach the Cribyn peak and ridge. At the end of the ridge we had morning tea while deciding where we would walk next. Descended to a road that went down the side of the valley and followed it till we were above a dam wall, then walked cross country through a boggy field to reach the dry dam. We had lunch under pine trees before following a track behind the dam wall across the back of the dam then walked cross country to reach the path ascending Fan y Big. Followed paths all the way to the car. Washed clothes and showered before dinner back at the George Hotel in Brecon (only pub with food on Mondays).Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Llyn Clywedog
    View from summit Foel CaerynwchFoel Caerynwch hilltop viewFoel Caerynwch hilltop viewLlanberis

    Wales day 30 Tue 22 May 2018

    May 22, 2018 in Wales

    Sorted out phone number and photo transfer between phones during breakfast. (Use email attachment). Drove to Brithdir in Snowdonia National Park including a couple of miles along a lane so narrow the proximity sensors were sounding constantly.Took a photo of a dam lake Lyn Clywedog on the way. A local at Brithdir kindly directed us to the start of our planned two mile walk which was where we parked the car. The walk was basically an uphill path to the top of a small hill the Foel Caerynwch (175 metre climb) with a wonderful 360 degree view. While we ate some lunch jet fighters were flying past (a bit like Top Gun movie). After the walk we drove to Llanberis also in the Snowdonia National Park. On a narrow section of road I decided there was insufficient room to pass an oncoming bus so reversed over 100 metres to a large wide area to avoid damaging the car. The stairs at Idan Bed & Breakfast in Llanberis were so steep to my booked room on the second floor with the shared toilet and shower on the floor below Yvonne moved us to a better room on the second floor. Maybe we will be billed extra but I am OK with that.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    PYG track view
    PYG track view of Llyn Llydaw and Miners trackSnowdon Mountain RailwayView from Mt Snowdon of PYG & Miners trackWelsh National Slate MuseumDolbadarn Castle Llanberis

    Wales day 31 Wed 23 May 2018

    May 23, 2018 in Wales ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    Realised that I had left our two beanies and Yvonne’s thermal top in a drawer in our accommodation a few days ago. Score one for messy people because out of sight got left behind. Caught the Sherpa bus after breakfast at 9am to Pen y Pass and followed the PYG track to the summit of Mt Snowdon. The path climbs 723 metres over a distance of five and. half kilometres, and took us 50 minutes in perfect weather. Mt Snowdon is only 1085 metres above sea level and has a train station shop and cafe adjacent to the trig point. Purchased two beanies and a tea towel in the shop and lunch from the cafe, Walked down the seven and a quarter kilometre Llanberis Path under two hours including a stop just before the end Snowdonia National Park. The path mainly followed the Snowdon Mountain Cog Railway. We then walked to the Welsh National Slate museum in Llanberis for an interesting and informative afternoon. Yvonne then wished to look at the Dolbadran Castle round Tower built in 1230 by Llywelyn an lorwerth a supreme leader of the Welsh. Back to the room for a shower and clothes wash then out to a pub for a feed.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    View from Catbells Hill
    Keswick and DerwentwaterCatbells ridgeView from Catbells HillRoyal Hotel Penrith

    Cumbria England day 32 Thu 24 May 2018

    May 24, 2018 in England ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Breakfast at Idan Guesthouse in Llanberis Wales then purchased a thermal top each at a outdoor shop. Drove to Cumbria and the Lake District with a stop for coffee at a service centre near Lancaster. Petrol was 1.45 pounds per litre (say AUD $2.90 per litre), the highest price I have seen so far. Later spotted and filled up at 1.27 pounds per litre plus a touring atlas so we have some idea of where the GPS is taking us. Continued on to Derwentwater Cumbria. Had to stop sharply in a small lane to avoid flattening a male pheasant which ran right in front of the car. Parked and walked up the lane before the start of the Cats Bells walk then continued up Cats Bells hill (445 metres above sea level) stopping to eat the cheese and bread Yvonne purchased earlier. Lovely views of Derwentwater (just like on the Derwent Coloured pencil tins), and surrounding countryside. After the walk we drove to Penrith Cumbria and ended up in the Morrison’s supermarket car park when I missed the correct roundabout exit. The Red Townhouse has a narrow driveway but a nice bedroom and a huge bathroom for our exclusive use with bath robes provided. Dinner in the Royal Hotel pub down the street in Penrith. We built a hamburger from the salad and sauces provided separately. Not something the barmaid had seen done before.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Howtown
    Lake UllswaterLake UllswaterLake Ullswater walk to GlenriddingAira Force waterfallsUllswater steamer (ferry)

    Cumbria England day 33 Fri 25 May 2019

    May 25, 2018 in England ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Nice breakfast then drove to Howtown roughly in the middle of the Ullswater Lake. Ended up parking beyond the village and walked back to the pier. Unfortunately the ferry that was there was going to Pooley Bridge the opposite to the way I wanted to go. We walked the remote ten and a half kilometre path which followed the lake shore to Glenridding at the southern end of Ullswater Lake. Apart from the occasional walker, people we passed were involved in water activities, children swimming to a boat in dry suits with helmets, teenagers and adults with canoes and two people paddle boardingr. Took plenty of pictures of the scenery and had a beer at Glennridding before continuing on for another four and a half kilometres alongside both a road and the lakeshore to reach a National Trust carpark and visitors centre called Aira Force. We followed paths beside a creek through an arboretum with labels trees to view waterfalls and some small slot canyon like sections of the river. During this time light rain set in and we used our spray jackets to stay dry for the first time in four weeks. Waited for a ferry to take us back to Howtown and the car under an oak in steady rain. Dinner in a fifteenth century hotel “Dockray Hall” in Penrith.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Castlerigg Stone Circle Keswick
    DerwentwaterDerwentwater walkDerwentwaterPenrith Castle built in 14th centuryPenrith Beacon built in 1719

    Cumbria day 34 Sat 26 May 2018

    May 26, 2018 in England

    Yesterday’s rain finished during the night so woke up to a nice day. Breakfast at 8am and met the other guests from Anglesea taking the proprietor’s training course before settling up their own bed and breakfast. Drove to Keswick and visited the Castlerigg Stone Circle. This consisted of a complete circle of standing stones and a smaller rectangular “room” within the circle at the top of a hill with beautiful views in one direction. Then moved the car to start a walk I found on a Keswick guest house website. Missed the first public footpath and ended up in a tea and craft shop where Yvonne bought a souvenir sheep and an ice cream. The walk took us initially to the top of a hill called Castle Head. There were superb views of Derwentwater Lake, The walk took us to the lakeshore where we had our light lunch before taking us along the lakeshore with views to Catbells Hill where we walked a couple of days ago, as well as other lakeside views. After lunch walked for two and a half mile walk above the lake and a plateau return via a viewpoint call Walla Crag. Drove back to Penrith and looked at the Penrith Castle ruin. The Castle was built at the end of the fourteenth century and modified by the future king of England Richard III. After dinner we walked up to the Penrith Beacon. The Beacon was built in 1719 in a spot where fires have been lit in times of war and emergency since the time of Henry VIII. Back to the Red Townhouse for the night.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Belfast Harbour
    Cardoness CastleStranraer where we had lunch just before CairnryanStena Belfast ferrySouthern USA themed bar where we had dinner in BelfastBelfast in Northern Ireland

    Travel to Belfast day 35 Sun 27 May 2018

    May 27, 2018 in Scotland

    Another dry and windy day. After breakfast left the Red Townhouse in Penrith Cumbria, drove towards Cairnryan. As we had some time available I stopped at Cardoness Castle and took a couple of photos. On the other side of the road was a path following a canal to a wider spot called Port Macadam where goods were loaded onto small cargo sailing ships before steam railways. Continued on to Stranraer where we had lunch with unusual dark headed seagulls. Drove on to Cairnryan Stena ferry terminal and the car travelled on deck 3. Saw busses on deck 5. We found seating on deck 8 and could see Ireland as soon as the ferry reached the end of the bay. Drove to All Seasons Guesthouse on arrival in Belfast Northern Ireland. Difficult off street parking. Purchased a Ireland roadmap guide after dinner.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    The Great Gantry Slip 3 Queens Island BelfastTitanic tender Nomadic used in CherbourgBelfast carriage tourSt Patrick's Tower (Windmill built 1805 to grind grain for Roe's Windmill)

    Belfast & Dublin day 36 Mon 28 May 2018

    May 28, 2018 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Another beautiful day. Breakfast at the All Seasons Hotel and the manager gave us a Atlantic Way brochure with a large fold out road map of Ireland. Drove to Belfast Titanic Quarter and visited the Titanic Experience. The experience started with a historical look at Belfast before and during the period Titanic was built at the Harland and Wolff shipyard. The city was the worlds largest manufacturer of linen yarn from flax as well as woven linen goods. The experience then detailed the construction of the Titanic White Star liner including a “ride” inside a recreation of the construction environment inside the Titanic’s hull. There were displays and information about the double skin of the lowest sections of hill filled with water for the engine boilers and as ballast as well as the steel rib framing about three feet apart for the hull structure. The passenger decks lacked watertight doors and bulkheads that may have saved the ship. There were displays of the fit out of various passenger classes and a theatre with a film of the actual wreck found in 1985 12,000 feet down using remote robotic vehicles. We also visited a tender “Nomadic” commissioned for use in Cherbourg France. We then drove one hundred or so miles to Dublin. The GPS guided us to three separate motorways called the M1, very confusing. Arrived at the Guinness Storehouse car park early and took a carriage tour of Dublin city before visiting the Guinness Storehouse. An informative and fun experience including a display of Irish dancing and the opportunity to pull a Guinness pint behind a bar. Overnight at the IMI Residence (Irish Management Institute) a huge conference centre.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Craoghanmoira Mountain
    Craoghanmoira trig 664mKilkennySt Candice Anglican Catherdral (Tower built 1111)Kilkenny Castle

    Wicklow Mtns & Kilkenny Tue 29 May 2018

    May 29, 2018 in Ireland

    “Hot” day today (26 degrees). Excellent continental breakfast at the IMI residence Dublin, then drove to Aughrim County Wicklow where we asked for directions to the start of our walk in the local pub and had a beer while we were there. Followed the verbal and internet directions to a spot that was the half way through the circuit walk after receiving verbal directions from a local. Walked up the hill to the summit of Craoghanmoira passing an Irish couple with two dogs on the way down who were considering driving to the coast for a swim. There was a strong wind at the summit and the views were excellent as Craoghanmoira (664 metres) is the highest hill in the area of the southern Wicklow Mountains we were in. We found a sheltered spot and had lunch before returning to the car. Drove to Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny and checked in. Walked to the medieval area of Kilkenny. Photographed St Candice Anglican Cathedral and the oldest structure in Kilkenny a round tower constructed in 1111. Then wandered around talking photos and visited a bar called Hole in the Wall. Dinner at a hotel with live Irish music then walked back to the Newpark Hotel.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Durrow station platform
    Durrow rail viaductBalitmore harbourBaltimore harbour entranceBaltimore harbour beaconBaltimore

    Waterford & Baltimore day 38 Wed 30 May

    May 30, 2018 in Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Thick curtains so we woke at 8.40am at the Newpark Hotel Kilkenny. Huge breakfast from 9.10am then tried to sort out Saturday’s accommodation at Renvyle as the bed and breakfast advised they are not honoring the prepaid booking. Finally got away after 11am and drove to Waterford and commenced following the R675 towards Dungavan County Waterford, looking for the Waterford Greenway old railway cycling and walking trail to a local tunnel and viaduct. Purchased strawberries and took photos on the way to Durrow. The sign on the cycleway at the Durrow carpark was wrong so we walked for six kilometres when all we needed to do in that direction was walk one kilometre plus an additional three kilometres in the other. Drove to Casey’s at Baltimore at the extreme southwest end of Ireland. Arrived after 6.30pm and walked to the harbour entrance Beacon. Dinner in a pub looking at the beautiful large protected natural harbour.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Altar Wedge Tomb erected 3000 -2000BCMizen HeadMizen HeadSheeps Head LighthouseDriving in County Kerry

    Mizzen & Sheep Heads day 39 Thu 31 May

    May 31, 2018 in Ireland

    Breakfast at 8am and left Casey’s of Baltimore County Cork at 9.15am and drove to Mizen Head County Cork, the most southerly point of Ireland in occasional light drizzle. Stopped and photographed an ancient capstone burial tomb used by priests as an alter when they were banned from using a church for worship. Paid the entry and visited the radio signal station buildings and displays as well as taking photos from a number of vantage points. Drove from there to Sheep's Head County Cork and walked the lighthouse loop, about six kilometres. Had dinner in Kenmore pork ribs, before driving to Victoria’s House in Cappamore Kells County Kerry on the Ring of Kerry. We were greeted by biting midges when we got out of the car. Like flying fleas, not pleasant.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Kells beach Cappamore Ring of Kerry
    Cappamore KellsCappamore Ring of KerryVictoria's House Cappamore KellsSilted up seaport of TraleeBlennerville Windmill

    Blennerville Windmill day 40 Fri 1 Jun

    June 1, 2018 in Ireland ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Breakfast at Victoria’s House at Cappamore Kells County Kerry, and had a long chat with the owner. More like a home stay than a bed and breakfast. No midges and nice weather, so we walked down to Kells beach down a mossy and Ferny lane. Clouds were covering the hillsides above so later when we drove past the “Mountain Stage” all the bus tourists where peering through the cloud at the view. Drove to Tralee County Kerry in error as I took the wrong road through a town an left the “Wild Atlantic Way” scenic route. Rejoined the scenic route and drove south to reach the original Tralee Harbour and the Blennerville Windmill restored in 2004. The Windmill was the last commercial windmill in Ireland and was only closed down a few years ago due to dust disease risk. The silted up seaport of Tralee is of enormous importance as the majority of the population that survived the Potato Famine of the 1840’s embarked on what were known as coffin ships bound for the New World (America & Canada). A canal built upstream to Tralee transported grain tp the mill in the 1600s to be shipped to England and France to feed the British army at war with France at a time England controlled all of Ireland. Followed the “Wild Atlantic Way” scenic drive northward to Limerick and our accommodation at the Pier Hotel there. We needed to park in a public multi story parking station paid by the hotel. Limerick is a regional city the size of Parramatta.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    View from Pier Hotel Limerick
    Bunratty CastleHag's HeadCliffs of MoherCliffs of MoherConnemara region

    Cliffs of Moher day 41 Sat 2 Jun 2018

    June 2, 2018 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Breakfast at Pier Hotel Limerick in County Limerick at 7.45am. Had to pay cash as merchant Visa would not log in. Stopped at Bunratty Castle in County Clare, took photos and looked at a tourist shop. Drove to Liscannor also in County Clare, and followed local roads to the start of the Coast Walk to Hag’s Head then along the clifftops of the Cliffs of Moher. There is a Napoleonic signal Tower at Hags Head built in 1803. There were many seabirds nesting in the cliffs. After taking many photos we returned to the card followings public lanes and roads. Walked about nine kilometres. Continued on through Galway to to the Connemara region and found accommodation at Maam Cross at the Peacocke’s Hotel in County Galway, replacing the accommodation that the hotel we had booked refused to honor.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Between Maam Cross and Connemara National Park
    Diamond Hill viewDiamond HillKylemore AbbyView at Henry's Pub RestaurantView from Mt Edwards Bed & Breakfast near the village of Grange

    Connemara day 42 Sun 3 June 2018

    June 3, 2018 in Ireland

    Slept in till 7.30am to a grey drizzling morning. Full breakfast and away about 9.15am. There were a lot of midges biting us as we loaded the car at Peacocke’s Hotel in County Galway. Scenic and misty drive to the Connemara National Park visitors centre past a lake with sheep on and beside the road. More biting midges in the visitors centre car park and the drizzle had stopped. Looked at the displays relating to the formation, harvesting and drying of peat which is burnt instead of wood producing no sparks. Started walking up the tourist Diamond Hill walk with most views obscured by low cloud. As the morning became early afternoon the cloud gradually lifted from the hill tops and the sun came out as we finished the seven kilometre walk. Towards the end we passed fields where peat had been harvested. The park was created to protect remaining peat from exploitation. We took a photo of the nearby Kylemore Abby driving to our accommodation in County Sligo. Dinner in Henry’s Pub restaurant near the village of Grange near our accommodation at the Mt Edward Lodge bed and breakfast.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Bog Road cut through peat on escarpment above Glencar Loch
    Glencar LochOn the way to the top of the escarpmentMountcharles PierKillybegs fishing boatsPortrush Northern Ireland

    Waterfall & Peat day 43 Mon 4 Jun 2018

    June 4, 2018 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Breakfast with a lovely sea view at Mount Edward Lodge Lissadel Grange in County Sligo, then drove to the Glencar Waterfall. As the weather had been dry for some time only the 15 metre high Glencar Waterfall was flowing. We walked the 230 metres from the car park and took a couple of photos. Then located the Bog road which we followed to the top of the escarpment about 500 metres above the lake. The road was mostly tarmac passing through a pine forest till a farm gate was reached at the top. The plateau was peat bog moor country with sheep. The road and areas beside the road showed clearly where the peat had been harvested. The peat was roughly 1.5 metres thick and it is wonderful to have seen it before it is all harvested. (Ireland has most of the peat in the world) There were spectacular views from the plateau which were unfortunately obscured by mist. Lunch on a seat near the car looking at Glencar Loch (lake) at the bottom of the bog (peat) road. Drove toward Portrush in Northern Ireland stopping at Mountcharles Pier and Killybegs both in County Donegal. Killybegs is a major Atlantic fishing port. We had drinks at the “Wee Bar” there. While driving we saw people harvesting and loading the harvested peat into their cars or stacking it to dry for collection at a later time. There were so many sheep and lambs on the roads completely ignoring traffic. Purchased petrol at Derry about 500 metres from the Londonderry Northern Ireland border and was asked if I wanted to pay in Euro or Sterling. (1.44 E or about 1.26 S). So many more cars and people in Northern Ireland compared to the Republic. The GPS took us right to Aaranmore Lodge B & B what a difference a full address makes. Walked to the harbour and a good sirloin steak for dinner in a pub.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Dunluce Castle ruin
    Giant's CausewayHexagonal basalt columnsThe OrganBasalt column on the Causeway CoastFish house in Port Moon Bay

    Causeway Coast day 44 Tue 5 Jun 2018

    June 5, 2018 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Breakfast at 8am at Aarnmore bed and breakfast Portrush County Antrim. Drove towards Portballintrae stopping to photograph the Dunluce Castle ruin as well as releasing a trapped bird inside a rubbish bin. Parked the car above Runkerry Beach and commenced walking Section 3 of the Causeway Coast Way to the Giant’s Causeway visitor centre crossing the Bush River as well as the Bushmills railway tracks on the way. We also passed Runkerry House built in the early 1860’ies. Watched a large pod of dolphins swim along the coast from the cliffs. Also photographed an Oyster Catcher bird. Walked down the road with masses of people and photographed the famous tessellated area. What the tourist information does not say is that the cliffs beyond the tourist area also contain bands of hexagonal basalt columns. The coastal scenery in this area is outstanding. We walked Section 4 of the Causeway Coastal Way to the ruin of Dunseverick Castle the back to the car, twenty seven kilometres in total. Dinner in Portballintrae. Steak two nights in a row.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Ballintoy Harbour
    Carrick-a-Rede rope bridgeSea cave with Larrybane and Sheep IslandsHexagonal basalt columns at Fair HeadLough-na-Cranagh at Fair HeadCarrickfergus Castle

    To Belfast day 45 Wed 6 Jun 2018

    June 6, 2018 in Northern Ireland ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Breakfast then left Aaranmore bed and breakfast in Antrim and drove to Ballintoy Harbour which was far more scenic than I expected. After taking many photos drove on to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. We directed to a car park in a old limestone quarry. While Yvonne visited Carrick-a-Rede island via the rope bridge I explored the old limestone workings roads and some sea caves nearby. Took photos of the nearby Larrybane and Sheep Islands as well as Carrick-a-Rede. Drove to Fair Head and walked a twelve kilometre marked route. There were hexagonal basalt columns in parts of the vertical cliffs and most of the people there were rock climbers. There were views to the Rathlin Island which was partly obscured by mist. We passed the Lough-na-Cranagh with a stone wall surrounding the edge of a small island built possibly in the Iron Age, possibly Early Christian. Back at the Fair Head car park had a pleasant conversation with the farmer who owned the land. The farm is 400 acres and carries 500 sheep for meat and about 50 cattle. Followed the scenic coastal route to Carrickfergus and took photos of the Castle and harbour. Ate steak and chips in a local hotel before driving to Belfast. The GPS took us to the end of the street where our accomodation was located but there was no street sign. Having located the terrace house there was no answer on the phone number supplied by Booking.com. Another number on the door directed us to another terrace house a block away also without off street parking that was in the process of being renovated around the paying guests. There was no toilet paper or hot water and the front and back doors of the unattended property could not be locked. Fortunately the owner responded to our calls and turned up with toilet paper and turned on the hot water about 10pm.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Loch Trool in Galloway Forest Park
    Driving onto Stena Line ferry at BelfastLeaving Belfast harbourAbove Loch TroolLoch Trool in Galloway Forest ParkYvonne's dinner at House O’ Hill at Bargrennan

    Travel to Scotland day 46 Thu 7 Jun 2018

    June 7, 2018 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Breakfast at 81 Antrim Road Belfast was dodgy. Could cook scrambled eggs in a glass bowl in the microwave as no pots and pans were provided for the stove. Drove to the Stena dock and travelled on the 11.30am ferry arriving at Cairnyan Scotland around 1.45pm. Saw jellyfish, one turtle and penguins from the ferry window as we neared Scotland. Drove to House O’ Hill at Bargrennan and booked in. Continued on to Loch Trool in the Galloway Forest Park and walked the ten kilometres around the lake in hot (24 degrees) temperatures. Took many photos of the loch and surrounding hills and a deep canyon like burn (stream). Back to the hotel for a dinner including crab claws, venison and lamb rump.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Drumlanrig Castle in the 90,000 acre Queensbury Estate
    Drumlanrig CastleFormal garden one acre in sizeMoving sheep past Drumlanrig CastleA small part of the gardens of Drumlanrig CastleOne of the formal gardens from the Drumlanrig Castle terrace

    Drumlanrig Castle day 47 Fri 8 Jun 2018

    June 8, 2018 in Scotland

    Cloudy day, slept in to 7.35am and breakfast at 8.15am with an English couple who were starting a walking holiday but the husband had back issues. Drove to Drumlanrig Castle along some narrow roads dodging the odd loaded timber truck going the other way. Drumlanrig Castle is on the 90,000 acre Queensbury Estate in Dumfries and Galloway Scotland. This is real life Monarch of the Glen. We passed a couple of farm hands on the drive in on quad bikes both with six border collies on board. Later at the Castle the farm hands and the dogs herded a mob of at least 100 sheep past the Castle to a new pasture about half a mile beyond the Castle. A highlight for Yvonne. In addition a loaded timber truck drove by the car park soon after we arrived. The 40 acres of formal gardens as well as the Renaissance style exterior of Drumlanrig Castle were outstanding. We had lunch in the cafe and walked five kilometres along marked forest trails. The exterior of the building as well as the living rooms and bedrooms became Bellhurst Manor slept in by Bonnie Prince Charlie on his way north to Culloden in the Outlander series. Drove to Sanquhar to the Nithsdale Hotel. Had a Knickerbocker Glory (Icecream Sunday with fruits) for dessert.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    St Andrews footbridge Glasgow
    Typical rural trafficDean CastleDeer at Dean ParkCentral Station GlasgowPolice Box in Glagow

    Drive to Glasgow day 48 Sat 9 Jun 2018

    June 9, 2018 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Another fine day in Sanquhar in Dumfries and Galloway at the Nithsdale Hotel. A full cooked breakfast is bacon, sausage(s), fried egg(s), tomato, mushroom, black pudding, fried bread, and toast. In England.they add baked beans and hash browns. In Ireland they add white pudding. In Scotland they may offer minced haggis in the shape of a black or white pudding. Sausages are better in Ireland than in Great Britain. Main road to Glasgow was closed without any diversion directions. The couple living adjacent to the closed highway told me the route around the road closure, an extra scenic 23 miles. There were sheep and at least 50 school aged children with weekend packs plus the odd semitrailer thrown into the mix. After just under three hours later we arrived at the Electric Brae Stone. Took the photo then searched for the optical illusion. Yvonne spotted the uphill appearance which is a blind bend, so too dangerous to roll a car backwards to prove the illusion. Drove on to Dean Castle Kilmarnock East Ayrshire located in a lovely park. Photographed deer lying down in the heat (23.5 degrees on the car thermometer) as well as the Castle. Teenage boys were jumping into a creek pool. We next drove to South Glasgow and our accommodation at Redhurst Hotel. Then caught the train into Glasgow and wandered around. Looked at George Square used for Outlander scene where Frank proposes to Claire at the end of WWII. Love the Scottish sense of humour the plaque commentating Queen Victoria’s visit in 1849 is positioned beneath the horse’s arse of the statue of the Queen on horseback. Thundery rain shower mainly while we were in a shop. Dinner in a Weatherspoon Hotel with a similar menu to the one in Brecon Wales. Packed return train with young people probably going to a concert.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Callendar House
    Callander House kitchen FalkirkFalkirk WheelKelpies sculpture at FalkirkDrummond Castle GardensDrummond Castle

    Outlander locations day 49 Sun 10 Jun 20

    June 10, 2018 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Breakfast at 8.30am at Redhurst Hotel Giffnock South Glasgow then off to buy cheap Morrison’s petrol. Could wash the bugs of the windscreen for once. Then drove to Falkirk and Callendar House. Displays of European Athlete Masters, people not much behind the current world record holders competing in their 80’ies and 90’ies. We then moved on to displays of the history of the site from the ancient long house meeting place for the regional Thane groups, through the the Saxons, Celts and Romans (Antoine wall built 20 years after Hadrian’s is just in front of the building). Once the Normans arrived the existing building started to take shape. The owner of the building was very powerful and as the keeper of child Scottish Kings controlled the country. At one point the owner of the house was a London water company and the Scottish Lord was supporting the Jacobite Cause till the British executed him after Culloden. The authentic Georgian kitchen with a staff of six serving a family of eight. This kitchen with large number of specialised spit roasting, bread baking, general baking, and various stovetops was used in Outlander as part of the home of the Duke of Sandringham, Bellhurst Manor. Next drove to the Kelpies sculpture in Falkirk for a photo then on to the Falkirk Wheel, a mechanism for raising and lowering barges connecting the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal. Drove on to Drummond Castle Gardens which were used to represent the park at Versailles France in series two of Outlander. Drove on to Deanston Distillery which provided the setting for Jamie’s cousin’s wine warehouse on the docks of Le Have in series two of Outlander. Yvonne had a whiskey tasting and purchased a bottle. Finally arrived at Invernente bed and breakfast in Callander Stirling Scotland. Dinner of soup and fish pie in a nearby hotel.Read more

  • Stephen BradingThe UK & Ireland experienceTraveler
    Sir Walter Scott steamship on Loch Katrine
    Loch KatrineLonghorn bullView from the start of on Three Loch Forest DriveLoch Reoidhte on Three Loch Forest DriveLoch Drunkie on Three Loch Forest Drive

    Walking near Callander day 50 Mon 11 Jun

    June 11, 2018 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Weak or no internet as we were on the second floor of Invernente bed and breakfast at Callander in Stirling. Baked beans served as part of a Scottish breakfast. Drove to Loch Katrine, paid for parking and walked for 12 km with views from above and along a lake shore road. On the way to the Loch we saw a red squirrel on the road. Later a field mouse with a tiny tail which we have been told is called a Vole. We also saw deer hoof prints in bog mud. From Loch Katrine we drove up Dukes Pass to the 11.5km Three Lochs Forest Drive toll road. Paid the two pounds at the machine and drove past Loch Reoidhte (walked to this one before entering the toll road), Loch Drunkie (had lunch there and also walked on short trails at the picnic area), and Loch Ard. Back to Invernente bed and breakfast Callander in Stirling Scotland. Purchased a bottle of Cava from Catalonia at the local Co-op shop.Read more

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