Loch na Keal, Isle of Mull

Early morning at Loch Lomond, a mist shrouded the tops of the mountains. The forecast for today once again warm, dry and sunny. Perfect for a Scottish Road trip.

We packed up quickly, keen to arrive at The Green Welly Stop at Tyndrum late morning. Angela read on the internet you could take a hot shower there for three pounds. Our other choice was the leisure centre at Oban, which we were not keen on as the showers were communal. Once you reach a certain age, there are somethings that shouldn't be shared. Tyndrum is a small village located along the west highland way, a ninety six mile walk starting north of Glasgow, and finishing at Fort William. We plan to take this walk in September after midge season. Our ferry from Oban to Mull wasn't until six, but this morning John broke his glasses so we continued onwards in order to visit the Specsavers in the town. Of course along the way there was a castle to see.

Kilchurn Castle at Dalmally is supposed to be one of the most instagrammable castles in Scotland, so we thought we'd best stop to see why. Specsavers Oban couldn't repair Johns glasses, fortunately he has a spare pair with him. Keen to try and secure a place on an earlier ferry we filled Muddy Marge up with fuel, and her cupboards with as many provisions we could cram in. Food shopping on the islands is understandably expensive and the choice is limited. Plus it doesn't seem fair on the islanders to buy too much from their small supermarkets. Sadly we were not able to secure a standby place on an earlier ferry.

Never mind, the afternoon was glorious so we were happy to wait, watching various ferries arriving and departing until eventually Muddy Marge was loaded onto the six fifteen.

A smooth sailing with magnificent views of the surrounding area passed quickly and with our hearts filled with joy we disembarked the ferry and made our way to tonight's stop at Loch na Keal. A favourite of ours. The evening warm,  we sat out and watched the sun go down. It felt wonderful to be back on Mull.

Balloch, Loch Lomond

'She's a beast!'. No not Angela. Muddy Marge of course. As usual she doesn't go unnoticed.

 Enough flirting Marge, next stop Glasgow, always an interesting drive, and then onto Loch Lomond to a rare, free overnight stop in the parking area at the rear of the Balloch House Hotel, adjacent to the marina with views towards the loch and mountains with Ben Lomond visible towards the north.

We secured a great spot upon arrival mid afternoon and straight away hit it off with our Scottish neighbours. One of the ladies relatives was actually born at Airthrey Castle Maternity Hospital! It was in a cottage within the grounds of the castle where John's mother grew up. Small world. The walks here are interesting, through the trees and alongside the loch. Late afternoon as trains arrived at the small station it seemed as if the whole of Glasgow had decided to visit the area on this glorious evening. The day has passed quickly and most of it seems to have been spent conversing with people, which is great.

As the sun dips behind the silhouetted trees the temperature dropped reminding us it's not summer just yet. But we will be all snuggly in Muddy Marge with our teddy bear bedding. Tomorrow we head to Oban, we have a ferry booked to the Isle of Mull early evening.

Spotted at the fish and chip shop opposite where we are staying. 

Caerlavelock National Nature Reserve, Glencaple, Dumfries.

Up at seven. No, we weren't. Despite Angela setting the alarm on her phone. The constant drone from the nearby M6 motorway resulted in her putting earplugs in during the night. Oh well, every cloud has a silver lining, we were up, dressed and packed up in fifty minutes ready to drive to the nearby McDonald's for breakfast. Right, head for Scotland Muddy Marge. We were excited. The traffic moved freely, and the lorry drivers gave Muddy Marge the respect she deserved.

The scenery of the Lake District looked magnificent on this bright clear morning. After a loo stop at Tebay service area, the  'Waitrose' of service areas, it was a race to the border, or perhaps a trundle in Marge's case.

We crossed the border just after 1pm. Muddy Marge had made it. We never doubted she would. Well Angela did. As always our first stop in Scotland was to be at the Corner Campsite at the Caerlavelock National Nature Reserve. Donation for an overnight stay now a minimum of ten pounds, which we don't mind. There is drinking water, waste water disposal and a toilet emptying facility. The location is fantastic, with views over the Solway Firth back towards the stunning mountains of the Lake District.

The area is bursting with the new growth of spring, flora and fauna all around, fresh and vibrant. Amongst the trees deer hide, but unbeknown to them we can see them standing like statues. Long tail tits skittish in the hedgerows call a warning of our presence, and a tiny wren frantically flies from branch to branch hoping we won't spot the nest it's building. But we have.

  As always we walked to the nearby castle before returning to the site for an evening meal cooked outside on our grill accompanied by shrill birdsong.

Perfect. We can't tell you how pleased we are to be in Scotland, and how excited we are for the next few weeks of exploring this beautiful land.

Pickering Arms, Thelwall, Warrington

Pack your kilt Muddy Marge. No not the one that's like a pelmet, something more respectable please. We don't want to be shocking the Scots.

The past nine months have been so busy for us. Three rental houses to make good, and a house move from Poole to Oxfordshire. We are whacked, both physically & mentally, but the thought of this Scottish road trip has powered us through. 

A later start than expected, we decided to head to Thelwall, just off the M6 to The Pickering Arms, a charming pub where we overnighted enroute to Scotland in Marge II three years ago. As always when heading north, a stop at Stafford services to break the journey where we were surprised to see a RAF helicopter in mid transportation. Since our last visit to The Pickering Arms, ownership has changed.

We enjoyed a delicious meal whilst being entertained by two women dining opposite. 'Those, black bins. What are they all about?' Then straight into a conversation about truffles. Angela loves these characters.

A few more characters in the form of comic tiles from the 1970's in the gents loo!

Tomorrow we will cross into Scotland. And we can't wait!