words by Williams

Where has that time gone? Three weeks ago we were in Tewkesbury, now here we are more than 400 miles north in the Highlands of Scotland. In that time we’ve joined a fabulous country house celebration of a much-loved friend’s 50th, and seen the appointment of a new prime minister, the death of a revered queen and the succession at the age of 73 of King Charles III.

We were actually near Ayr sitting listening to the rain when we heard of the Queen’s death and by the time we reached Balloch on the shores of Loch Lomond the country was in full mourning, even so it still brought you up sharply to see the flags at the Lomond Shores site at half mast.

And since then we’ve moved on again. We’re actually much closer to the area so much loved by the Queen and from where she has made her final journey south.

We continue to learn. We’ve got the drive-away installation and removal down to something approaching efficiency, although we’ve not packed the awning the same way twice yet.

Things we’ve learned…

1 Haven Holidays may do really good static van stays, but at Craig Tara at least, touring’s very much the poor relation. Everything had a very much ‘end of season’ feel - for instance, three out of four toilet roll holders in the gents shower block were unusable for two days.

2 Wooda Farm in Bude was spectacular, but Wood Leisure certainly runs it close if the Lomond Shores site is anything to go by. My only disappointment was not having the spare quid to have a go with the mechanical toilet cassette cleaning machine. I’ve only heard of Balloch through Billy Connolly’s tales, but we had a great time there. Loads to do and see, even if the trip on the bus to the small town of Luss did disappoint herself.

3 Scotland’s getting more beautiful the further north we go. We’re currently neighbours to a Castle at Blair Atholl. The journey up the A9 reminded me a lot of parts of the Rocky Mountains in Canada. No wonder the Scots who helped build Canada felt so much at home.