Scotland

  Our main holiday is now upon us a week booked in here  http://www.glen-nevis.co.uk/?id=13 with the TT.On arrival at the site you can't help but take in the freshness and beauty that surrounds you.Not least the striking closeness to Ben-Nevis or the fact that we have a bird's eye view from our pitch.

Our Pitch

  Setting up today takes longer as we are just so in awe of our surroundings.The site is very peaceful though far from empty.Back home in England it's the bank holiday and we relish the fact that we are out of it.

After setting up we wander around the site and are impressed with the facilities on offer.Gardeners are busy trimming and sweeping.Yet still more noticeable is the peace and quite, yet there are children and adults alike enjoying the on-site park.

As night falls all we can see of the groups of walkers coming down from Ben Nevis are the torches.It's quite a scene.

We have no set itinerary though we do have a few places we'd like to visit.So after a leisurely breakfast we head out on foot to explore the surrounding area.Camera's clicking constantly at the scenes before us.We call in at the Ben Nevis visitor center to learn more about our neighbour.

Day 3   We head off to John O'Groats.On arrival the weather has turned and it's blowing a gale with torrential rain.The trip over to the Orkney's was out of the question as the ferries were all cancelled.We took refuge in the cafe until the rain stopped.Building work was well underway on the all new modern looking hotel.We had the obligatory photograph taken,wandered around the few shops that were open,and headed back.

Day 4   We stay local again and complete the Ben Nevis walk which was very pleasant.After tea we head off through the site to the pub, it's a balmy evening here so we choose to sit outdoors.

Day 5   After trawling through the brochures at reception we decide to visit steallfalls.The walk is fairly easy but very picturesque.As we reached the meadow we were dumbstruck it's just so well erm there!! We did the rope crossing and wandered around for some time just taking it all in and capturing the moment on camera's.

Steady

 Stopping on the way back at lower falls.
After a pleasant day we settled down to watch the walkers descend Ben Nevis.What we didn't expect was the gut wrenching sound of search and rescue.I instantly felt shivery and thought I was about to lose my tea.It is the most horrible feeling knowing someone is in distress but not being able to do anything about it.Sleep didn't come easily to me on this night.

Day 6   Just what the doctor ordered a visit to Ben Nevis Distillery. This was a first for us having never done any of the brewery tours before.What an eyeopener,a good couple of hours and a lesson learnt,not to mention the extra bottles now sat in the drinks cabinet.We followed this with some good ole retail therapy,constantly being reminded by hubby of the space required to take these new items home.With lots of daylight left we head off to Aonach Mor .Taking the cable car to the top,we once again have some great views.After a walk over the mountain we head back down and watch the bikers come down,before we head back for a hearty tea.

Day 7  Today is the day we are going to climb Ben,we've sat and admired him all week now it's time to test our nerve.After a good breakfast we pack the rucksack with all the must haves and set off through the site heading to the youth hostel.This is the quickest starting point from where we are pitched.The weather is slightly overcast with a glimmer of sunshine sporadically.
Today there are plenty of other walkers on the path too,we are in no rush and let them by.
Surprising how many were on there way down as it was only just 9am.We were also disturbed by how many were just in regular footwear and no bag in sight.
We took our time and found it easy going,the weather was brightening and we had some great views of the Glen and our TT.What the hubby didn't like was the small bridges,preferring solid rock under his feet.As we approached the summit the weather turned and we were now climbing in a downpour.We didn't hang around at the summit, a quick picture or two a sandwich and a chocolate bar and back down.

Descending Ben Nevis

 If the weather was going to get wild we didn't wish to stay out in it.Halfway down it became slippery underfoot and more care was needed.The weather had began to pick up again so we sat for a while taking in the magnificent views.Still plenty of walkers passing us going up and down.On reaching the bottom we headed for the visitor center and took a steady stroll back to the site.
Noticing the tuck van that operates onsite, was now open we quickly showered and treated ourselves to Haggis and chips.It wasn't long before we were ready to turn in for the night.

yes unfortunately it's time to go home to dreary old England and work.