Winding down in Manchester

The last few days journey have been spent in the North… from Blackpool, to Preston, Southport, Liverpool and Manchester. I guess you could say we’re getting back into home mode as we sort our stuff and sell the car (an experience in itself) lol. Just as we’re about to drive to the car yard to sell, it breaks down on the motorway. What are the odds of that… just as well we’ve got cover, and if it all goes to plan tomorrow, and it’s a quick fix, we’ll be car free and back to taking the train. Been a great car tho, it’s taken us all over Europe, quite sad to see it go.

Manchester city vibe

Blackpool pier

Lots of laughs in the north

Looking through Glasgow

A quick trip to Glasgow, and a look around the city for some art and culture. I really liked it here. It’s old and a bit grungy, but so much like Wellington in New Zealand. My home city and where I studied design. Running into the set for the new Spider-Man movie was a bonus… a real live set we spent a long time overlooking. That’s Scotland done for the meantime… next off we’re off to England to sell the car.

Movie set just there for entertainment 

New York in Glasgow

Art and culture at the gallery

Interesting behind the scenes 

Free camping at last

Our journey down the west of Scotland is a rugged and quiet one. The scenery is amazing, the beaches are fine. The mountains are majestic, and the plains are dotted with lakes and wild flowers. A true wilderness we’re pleased to experience. The idea of free camping here is a romantic one, and we plan an overnight stay beside a lake. A real case of expectation vs reality sets in as the evening fills with mozzies and midgees, biting as many times as they can.

I rate Shrieks swamp an inside the tent job, with a side of mud and a mossy undertone. That’s camping done for the trip… we’ve a tent to dry out and a change of direction…Thanks to Storm Floris rushing through, we’re off to Stirling instead, and a roof over our head. Next time.

Off to the Isle of Skye

(More like no sky)

Top o’ Scotland

Spent the night at John O’Groats campground… what a view!

Today we drove the NC500 across the top of Scotland, taking in some wild beaches and open views along the way. The beaches here are gorgeous… so pristine. I had no idea Scotland was so beautiful, it really is. Starting tonight near Durness, another campground overlooking the sea.

Lunch with a view

Even the rocks are lush

Smoo Cave

Wild and open… nice place for a walk

Our beach at Durness

Up to John O’Groats

We’re heading up to John O’Groats, ain’t got a boat, but ave a coat, me in the moat, aye like to float, and if you vote, might even wrote. A book.

Nice drive up here today, lots of views and the odd castle. Feels like the end of the earth.

John O’Groats… nice view of the Orkney Islands

Loch Ness… lunch spot

Duffus Castle 

East coast venturing

Exploring the East coast up to Peterhead from Dundee. We camped last night in a wild flower field, woke up this morning and made the most of the weather. The coastline is lovely, pretty dramatic cliffs and a couple of good castle ruins along the way. 

Dunnottar Castle 

St Andrews golf course

Slains Castle

Sculpted rocks at Aberdeen 

Highland cows