A week in Scotland.

A week ago now we had an excellent 8 days up in Scotland spending time in Symington, Aviemore and Glasgow.

We drove up to Symington on Friday 7 July and on the Saturday had a great ride to Peebles where, of course, we visited Cocoa Blacks for a wee treat.

On Sunday we were up early and heading north to Aviemore and the Glenmore Campsite - one of my favourites despite changes in recent years. We had a leisurely drive but still had time for a ride once we'd 'set up camp'. Our route was a circuit to Boat of Garten and then a steep climb up the 'Ski Road' to the base of the Cairngorm Ski Station. This reached 20% in places and Susan wondered why we needed to do it. The views and the descent made it worthwhile. 

The weather forecast for Monday wasn't too bad so we decided on a walk in the mountains. We drove up to the Ski Station and then headed for Scotland's second highest top Ben Macdui. It was overcast but dry as we headed up - not a bad day. The higher summits remained in the cloud all the way to the summit and it was cool on the top with limited visibility. After a quick snack and drink we had to carefully navigate our way down towards Choire Etchachan. Fortunately as we descended the cloud began to break and we were rewarded with excellent views.

Lunch was taken in sunshine next to Loch Etchachan and then we head into the heart of the Cairgorms - the Loch Avon Basin. The views of the Loch, glacial trough and Shelter Stone Crag were amazing and we were happy with our route choice.

Unfortunately the weather started to change as we climbed into Coire Raibeirt and onto Cairn Gorm where rain set in making the descent to the car rather soggy. It continued to rain heavily all night but we stayed dry in the tent.

On Tuesday we decided to cycle from the campsite and did a 60 mile circuit taking in Coylumbridge,  Nethy Bridge, Feshiebridge, Kingussie and Aviemore. There was one heavy shower but overall it wasn't a bad day and the ride was very enjoyable.

Wednesday's forecast was much better than anticipated so we again headed into the mountains - this time straight from the campsite. We wanted to visit the other end of the Loch Avon Basin so head first up Bynack More. From it's summit we then headed over A'Choinneach before descending to The Saddle where the view across Loch Avon to the Shelter Stone Crag made the effort worthwhile. We were along way from 'Camp' at this point and it took several hours to walk back along Strath Nethy and through Glenmore forest. A long but excellent day and why Scotland is so addictive.

To our surprise Thursday was also forecast to be a good day. We were heading down the road but couldn't resist another mountain day. I've climbed Sgor Gaoith above Glen Feshie 4 times but have never had a summit view. As it's a 4 hour 30 minute car to car round it was the obvious choice. 

After ' breaking camp' we drove to Auchlean in Glen Feshie parked up and headed off. The ascent isn't too steep and within 2 hours the summit came in to view. I was going to get a clear summit and the view of Braeriach across Loch Eanaich was as good as I'd read about.

We descended via the same route and on reaching the car headed off for Symington. It had been a great wee highland trip.

After heavy rain on Thursday night we had a lie in on Friday but then went out for a cycle on an improving day. We headed to the Gardens at Dawyk for lunch and then extended the round by going up and down the lovely Glen Holms.

Saturday was my birthday and it was wet. After 7 active days a rest was pleasant and we did have a wander around the village. 

Sunday was our last full day in Scotland and it very different. We drove to Lanark and caught the train to Glasgow. Here we met up with Ross and his girlfriend before having a superb 3 course lunch.

On Monday we headed back to Cumbria after a great week away.

Back on the Cumbrian coast.