It was always going to be hard going back to the tent after a night in a hotel. Made harder by the weather forecast. In less than 24 hours we’d become fair-weather campers and had booked ourselves into another hotel. A full circle moment because it was where we were due to stop for lunch on the first day before the various delays. It’s also a little lux to end a great week and gear up for a busy return to work.
We weaved our way from Torridon to Braemar, home to the Highland Games. The hotel is owned by two art collectors and houses some 16,000 pieces including Picasso, Reuben, three water colours by King Charles, a sketch by the late queen Victoria and various bespoke pieces. Sophie and I were booked in for a guided tour meanwhile the boys wandered around the village and kicked back in the bar.
After a lovely dinner in The Flying Stag listening to the late Queen’s Fiddler (!), Fynn bunked in with Dom, and Sophie and I retired to ours. Not the most economical arrangement but the only way they could accommodate us outside of the Royal Suite!
A spot of souvenir shopping with the children whilst we (namely Dom) completely overhauled the Landrover. Every item back in its home, every possession packed away, the shells, rocks (aka Fynn’s crystal collection) sorted and jettisoned where allowed.
Everyone bundled in, destination Edinburgh Airport with loads of time to meander our way there.
As we were driving out of the Cairngorms, Dom spotted a moving ski lift. We pulled over to investigate. Sure enough it was open to transport walkers to the top/bottom of the monros. Time to unpack all the warm clothing we’d just packed. Off we set.
Now to Pilochry, the home to one of our early dates almost exactly 10 years ago. Hettie’s Cafe was a huge success for lunch. Our first real rain of the week…Next stop the airport and a sad goodbye to The Beast.
We’ll be back!
Ps I wasn’t expecting to leave with one of these…
Grim (on tour) up North 