The Vault Regulars

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Onwards and Upwards.

Our first B and B in Scotland was in Glenelg. A small village but absolutely beautiful. First we had to get there which is quite a drive from home. Some 400 miles.
We stopped overnight at the Travelodge at Stirling junction 9 which was very good and took advantage of the Eat all you can Curry night at the Pirnhall Inn. I must say that i din't go back for a second helping. The first was big enough and great value for money at £6.95.

We had a bit of a detour through Glasgow at rush hour after missing the turn off for the M73 due to the massive road works with the M74, junction 5. I never want to repeat this mistake.

We was going to get breakfast at the Pirnhall Inn but neither of us were hungry after the filling evening meal and decided we would wait until we got to Spean Bridge and then get brunch at the Bridge Cafe.
Just as we turned off the A9 at Dalwhinnie we think we saw our first TGO Challengers crossing a field near the distillary. It was raining, so hoods were up and we couldn't recognise them.

The drive to Spean Bridge from Dalwhinnie is really pleasant and the rain stopped. The Bridge cafe was quiet and we ordered coffee and a bacon roll each. The coffee came, which we drank, then we checked out the loo's and the paintings and the newspapers and 30 minutes after we ordered, the rolls arrived. I think they forgot us and wondered why we looked like inspectors.

The drive to Glenelg was magic. The Mam Rattagan pass was better than i expected, but i wouldn't like to take a caravan up or down it.
Our B and B, was easily found and it turned out to be a first class place to stay. Called Marabhaig and run by Maggie Cameron and hubby John.
Maggie doesn't have a website but the phone number is 01599522327 and has supported the TGO Challengers for 20+ years. Pick up from Shiel Bridge can be arranged with her but there is a local bus service which meets the City link Bus and leaves Shiel Bridge at around 12.15pm.

Breakfast is as good as you will find anywhere. TGO sign out at the local shop is less than 10 minute walk away where you will also find the only pub. The Glenelg Inn. Evening meals need to be booked in advance and we were told that it is essential to book especially at weekends.


The view from our room at the B and B across the bay to Skye.
John was involved in Farming so we could have talked for hours. His Zetor parked outside the house.



7 comments:

  1. Cracking view there Alan. A long drive up but well worth it.

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  2. It certainly is. More views to come.

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  3. Glenelg was near Gavin Maxwells's cottage at Camusfearna. His biography "Maxewll's Ghost" by Richard Frere is a fascinating read describing a most enigmatic character. The lonely beach with the memorial to his most famous otter, and the site of his cottage which burned down is one of the most atmospheric places I have ever visited. It takes a bit of effort to find and get down to, or it did when I visited years ago. I hope it has not since been more commercialised.

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    1. The forestry has been cut down at Sandaig bay but apart from that there is no change to the way it was. The memorial is still there and it's still atmospheric. Apart from one signpost on the road there are no other way markers.

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  4. It's a lovely spot Alan and we at are looking forward to hearing more about your trip. I assume you've had the same great weather as we have.
    B

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  5. Don't know where the 'B' came from!

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  6. I'm well behind with the blog at the moment and we are away again this weekend. I will try and post again on Monday. We did have excellent weather on our wee jaunt and enjoyed what we did immensely, although the backpacking had to be curtailed as my foot and left boot did not get on very well. Very disappointed.

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