Onich - Scotland July/August 1980

July 26th
Set off at about 6.15am. It was a foggy morning with visibility down to 50yds at Market Weighton. Saw some hedgehogs and some men picking peas in a field. Two rabbits were also observed. Suddenly the sun appeared. The roads were empty. Saw a donkey on the side of the grass verge.

Passed through York and Thirsk. Saw a military police car on the A1. Potatoes £2 for 55lb. Crossed the river Swale, passed the Little Chef at Scotch Corner, hazing a little into the county of Durham. Saw a lot of rabbits, passed through Bowes and into Cumbria. Saw an old ruined castle and an army camp. Saw a De Havilland Vampire at Appleby.

The fog had just about cleared as we stopped for breakfast at a Little Chef. I had grilled egg, sausages, bacon and tomato with a cup of char. Onto the M6 and into Scotland. Saw sheep on a sheep bridge on the A74. On through Glasgow. Saw Blair castle and Doone castle and some vintage cars.

Stopped at Callander for a sandwich lunch, looked around and mum took photos. Set off again, saw good mountain scenery. A lot of hitch hikers. Through Glen Coe - massive mountains and waterfalls. took photo of reflections in a lake. Stopped at Glen Coe information centre bought post cards, a pen, a badge and took photos. Magnificent scenery.

https://goo.gl/images/M2iVi4

 Drove over Ballaculish bridge into Onich and arrived at Inchree House at 4.45pm. Stephen and I had a single bed each and our room had a good view of the hills behind. We asked if we could use the television to see the Olympics and we could. We were just in time to see Coe/Ovett and we also so Daley Thompson win gold. For tea we had orange juice, asparagus and butter soup then pork chops with carrots, greens and potatoes. For dessert we had apricots and custard. Then sponge cake with strawberry jam.

Then we went back through Onich to telephone nanny and grandad. We went across on a car ferry to the other side of Loch Linnhe. We went in a pub and i downed half a pint of shandy non-stop. We had only gone in as it was pooring with rain and it still was when we cam back on the ferry, so the captain let us go in his cabin to shelter.

https://www.obantimes.co.uk/2018/11/12/options-appraisal-on-corran-ferry-service-carried-out/

We went back to the hotel to watch TV. Then e had supper which consisted of about 4 or 5 pancakes with strawberry jam and a cup of coffee, then i went to bed and had a fairly good night, even though i was fairly hot.

July 27th
I woke up to the sound of pouring rain at about 7.50am. I got washed and dressed and went down to breakfast at 8.30am. First it was grapefruit, the scotish porridge. I ate mine without sugar and milk. Then it was bacon, egg and a beef burger with a potato pancake. We finished with two slices of toast with butter and marmalade and set off in the pouring rain to Fort William. On the way there, waterfalls were running onto the road and it was a little misty. We looked around the shops, then went on to Glen Nevis. There was a raging river at the bottom and massive waterfalls running from the top of the big mountains.

https://www.viinz.com/voyages/ecosse-roadtrip-randonnee-glen-nevis-glenfinnan-arisaig/

There were alot of chaffinches, all quite tame and as we were having our sandwiches we offered them some crumbs and they perched on our hands. Stephen and I went down to the river then after a while we decided to go for a walk. I put my wellies on and it was a good job too as we had to walk in a stream most of the way. It was quite easy going even though we had to cross four big waterfalls. After that we went back to the car and drove on, looking for Ben Nevis and a path leading to it.

Then we went back to the hotel  and got ready for dinner. We watched TV for a while before dinner. We had orange juice, some kind of soup then a piece of beef with peas and boiled potatoes. For desert we had ice cream and jelly with sliced banana. I had a cup of coffee and cheese and biscuits. After that we went on a walk to a waterfall, then after we had seen the raging torrent we went back some wild raspberries that were ready to eat. Then we (not dad) walked up the forest road and had a good view of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding countryside. On the way back we saw two bullfinches and some more raspberry bushes. Then we went back to the hotel and watched TV. For supper we had beef sandwiches and a cup of tea. I went to bed at 10.30pm.

July 28th
Woke up at 7.50am. It had not rained in the noght, but it was still cloudy. For breakfast we had grapefruit, porridge, then scrambled egg with bacon and sausage, plus toast and marmalade. We went into Fort William and Stephen and I looked around some fishing shops. Then we drove on past Loch Lochy and stopped on the shores of Loch Garry. We had our picnic lunch there and afterwards we went to the Loch and started fishing. The rod and reel were not in phase with each other amd we could not cast very far.

Then we went to Fort Augustus where i bought a badge and we had a look out onto Loch Ness - but we did not see anything. 

https://www.mediastorehouse.com/prints-prints-prints/scotland/loch-ness-sign-loch-ness-scottish-highlands-fort-augustus-15270383.html

On our way back we stopped at Fort William and I bought a new fishing rod, reel, line and lure with the help of dad. It took a long time deciding and we only just got back in time for dinner. We had bitter lemon juice, some kind of soup,the just as we were about to have our steak and kidney pie with cabbage and potatoes, we were called through to see Alan Wells in the 200m final. It was a good race and Wells was leading at 150m, but he had gone off so fast that he was tired out and an Italian won by about half a foot. For desert we had pineapple and custard. 

Then straight after, Stephen and I put the line on the reel. Then a man from Liverpool who was staying at the hotel gave me a weight and showed me how to cast. We went into a nearby field and practised. It took a bit of getting used to. The first time I nearly hit some horses, then i put it over some telephone wires, but after that I got used to it and could get quite a long cast. Then we went fishing in Loch Linnhe. We put the spinner on and as we did not need any bait we set off quickly. The fish must have gone to bed and the seaweed must have taken their place bexause the hook got caught on the seaweed. Stephen took his shoes and socks off and pulled it free just as dad almost slipped in.

We went back to the hotel and watched TV. Supper was tomato sanwiches, then tea and biscuits. I went to bed at 11 O'clock.

July 29th
I woke up at about 5 past 8 and wearily got washed and dressed. For breakfast we had grapefruit, porridge then fried egg, bacon, tomatoes and beefburger. We were going to climb Ben Nevis today.

https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/guides/reaching-new-heights-ben-nevis-is-now-officially-1345m-tall/

We set off to Ainchree Farm. It was a good sunny day and with only a few provisions we set off. It was a bit boggy at first, but when we got on the main path it was much easier apart from all the boulders that were in our way.

http://www.achinteefarm.com/

 It was a fairly steep climb at first but then as we got higher up it was a gentle gradient with only a few places of relative steepness. Then after rounding a corner the path became very steep and after a while mum decided to go back to the car. We three carried on straight up that stretch. About that time a girl called Fiona was walking about the same pace as us, so she tagged on with us. Now as we rounded the next corner we could see the summit, grey and covered in stones. I was quite thirsty now an was relieved to find a suitable stream running off the side of the mountain.

After ages of plodding on we came to a bigger stream and had another drink, the water tasted funny but we did not mind. Now there was a rather steep climb over a stream on stepping stones and up the side diagonally on a rough scree and boulder path.

http://www.loughtonac.org.uk/Images/Ben%20Nevis%202011/IMG_0068.JPG

This went on for ages in a zig-zag fashion. About 3/4 of the way up we had our lunch and plodded on again. Then all of a sudden it came very cold and windy and the clouds blocked out the sun.

https://www.tripadvisor.it/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g186545-d194657-i152208776-Ben_Nevis-Fort_William_Lochaber_Scottish_Highlands_Scotland.html

We put our kagoul's on and walked slowly on again. We asked people coming down how far it was an we got answers of 45-60mins, then 30-45mins. Dad decided to call it a day but the rest of us plodded on over the trecherous stones, tripping on the boulders with the wind almost blowing us over. We saw a big patch of icy snow and at one point the path at either side was a sheer drop.

Then there was yet another steep climb, we must be there soon; and yes, at first i didn't beleive it. The summit was a large cairn with a trig point on.

https://www.childrenincrossfire.org/ben-nevis-personal-account/20171021_131551/

 There was also a war memorial and some ruins of a stone mountain shelter. We were glad and relieved to have done it. After about 5 minutes we started off down. This was more difficult because it put a lot of strain on the knees and you had to be very careful you didn't slip. We met dad again and after having a rest we set off down slipping and sliding. It took a long time and it was hard work. We had a drink at the halfway stage and finished off the sandwiches and biscuits.

Then it became better ground to walk on but there were still alot of boulders. After we rounded a corner me and Stephen went off in front and went quickly over the bolders and the two aluminium bridges at the very end. We had a race to the car which i won. Mum was waiting there and we just flopped down in the chairs and then a little later we got out the ornage [cordial] and had a drink. We were dripping with perspiration. Dad came 5mins later and he also had a drink.

When we got back to the hotel we both had baths before dinner and changed our clothes. We had bitter lemon juice, then fish, chips and peas. It was apple and jelly and ice cream for desert and a cup of coffee. We watched TV about sharks and for supper we had beef sandwiches and tea. Went to bed 10.15pm.

July 30th
Woke up at 8.10am tired. Cloudy/windy day. For breakfast we had grapefruit then porridge, then egg, bacon, sausage and fried bread (i did not have mine though). The we set of to Oban. On the way up we went in an Aquarium [Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary] and saw all kinds of fish. Shark, Salmon, Eels, Octopus, Rays, Flatfish, Lobsters and Crabs.

http://www.scotland-flavour.co.uk/pictures/oban_scotland_7272.jpg

Went into Oban and walked around and had a bread roll with cheese, tomato and lettuce and a glass of milk. We walked back along the front and it was hot and sunny, then when we got back to the car park it was cloudy again. We set off back to Loch Etive to do some fishing, but the ebb tide was running so we went to another Loch and stopped for a while. We could not fish because the water was too low and there was some seaweed. 

We went into Glencoe village and looked round the folk museum. Afterwards it started to pour with rain so we headed back to the hotel.

https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/glencoe/folkmuseum/index.html

For dinner we had pork and apple sauce with potatoes and cabbage with grapefruit juice to drink. For desert e had strawberry and pineapple sponge and custard, then coffee wth cheese and crackers. Watched TV and for supper we had tomatoe sandwiches and tea. Went to bed at 10.15pm.

July 31st
Woke up 8.05am. For breakfast we had grapefruit, porridge, smoked haddock with bacon and egg then toast and marmalade. We went to Loch Eil and saw the north face of Ben Nevis. 

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g4281804-d9587629-i185215316-Travee_B_B-Corpach_Fort_William_Lochaber_Scottish_Highlands_Scotland.html

We drove right round the Loch and found a good place to fish. So we started but the spinner got caught on rocks and the line snapped. Luckily the weight was still attached. Then we went for lunch and then we went along the other side of the coast past Corran where the ferry was and up to Strontian through Glen Tibbert to Loch Sunart. After looking around Strontian we walked back along the beach and i got some scallops to use as bait.

We then walked back to the car and drove to a jetty where we were goiing to fish. My hook was too small and a man said scallops weren't too good for bait, so he gave me some bigger hooks and some lug worm. I cast out a long way and waited a while but I did not catch anything. We drove back and on the way saw somw hooded crows, two buzzards and a heron. There was a long queue at the ferry and as that was the only reasonable way of getting back we had to wait.

We just managed to get back to the hotel in time for dinner. Stephen did not have any because he had a temperature and a headache. For dinner we had cold corned beef, baked beans, carrots and potatoes with grapefruit juice to drink. We then watched the Olympics and had ice cream, jelly and pears, then coffee with cheese and crackers. We stayed in that night and had beef sandwiches and tea for supper. I ernt to bed at 10.25pm.

1st August
Woke up at 8am. Stephen was feeling better and ate some of his breakfast. I had grapefruit, porridge, then scrambled egg, tomato, bacon and sausage. Then toast and marmalade. We started off to Glencoe to go on a nature walk. When we got there me and mum walked through the woods to An Torr viewing point and then on to Signal Rock and took a photo of the mountain scene and river.

https://www.trover.com/d/11Riy-an-torr-carpark-highland-scotland

Then we followed a path onto the main road but we were in a different place from last itme and we were really lost. We walked one way, but then as it did not get anywhere we went back the other way and found Glencoe car park. We had lunch then dad went for a walk. I read part of The Moonstone and then when dad came back it started to rain so we decided yo go to Fort William. Just as we were leaving we saw a Mountain Rescue helicopter coming out of Glencoe towards us. We did not think anything of it at the time but later we heard some climbers had fallen and one was dead.

It was raining a little in Fort William so we put our kagouls on. Stephen was looking for a penknife so we went to look in camping and fishing shops. We found a lock-knife in one shop that was good value for money, so then we went back yo the car and showed dad. After a lot of persuasion he was allowed to keep it. I bought a spinner. Then we went back to the hotel for dinner.

I had orange juice, salad with three types of meat, then fruit cocktail and cream. We watched the Olympics and Coe won the 1500m final. For supper we had cooked meat sandwiches. Went to bed at 10.35pm.

2nd August
Woke up at 8am, it was a clear sunny day. For breakfast i had orange juice, grapefruit, [no porridge?] then sausage, egg, potato and bacon plus toast and tea. We packed up and put the suitcases on the roof rack. We said goodbye and set off for Boat of Garten. It was a beautiful day and when we were passing Loch Laggan dad stopped and took a photo.

https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/20850

I wanted to fish, but i didn't. At Newtonmore we stopped for lunch 15 miles from Aviemore. Then we went on to Aviemore and looked around the sports centre. There were all kinds of sports and games. Then we went on the wrong road to Boat of Garten but finally fot on the right road to the Hotel. It was called Doughlaggie. I had a very small single room like the Black Hole of Calcutta. 

Then we went to see the Ospreys at Loch Garten. There was a special hide about 250yds from the tree and another about 60yds from it. The supervisor was linked by a telephone system. By using dad's binoculars I could see the nest and the two young ones easily. The femail bird then flew in with a fish and started eating it and then allowed the young ones to have some.

https://community.rspb.org.uk/placestovisit/lochgartenospreys/f/loch-garten-ospreys/196700/daily-update-loch-garten-nest-tuesday-10-april-2018

There were also some bigger fixed binoculars and telescopes that gave a better picture. We came back just in time for dinner. Fatty pork with runner beans and new potatoes (avec le skinz). Then raspberries and cream (not fresh cream) and a cup of coffee. After that we went on a walk up a farm track behind the hotel. We saw a wasps nest and some interesting and colourful fungi. When we got back we looked in my bird book and then decided where we were going the next day. We played cards and had a cup of char. Went to bed at 10.30pm.

3rd August
Woken up by dad at 8am. For breakfast we had porridge, then bacon, egg and sausage plus toast and marmalade and tea. It had rained heavily during the night but i did not hear it. We set off to Aviemore centre to find a doctor. Stephen got some medicine and we set off to Landmark forest. We firstly had a look around the shop then went to the restaurant for lunch. After that me, mum and dad went on a nature trail and then me and dad went on a sculpture walk. Then we had lunch [again?] and set off to Glenmore by a Loch and watched people sailing, but quite a few were being blown right over because the wind was strong.

We saw a bird, I think it had a broken leg or something was wrong with its leg. We drove a little further and went for a walk. After that we went back to the hotel and I changed my trousers and got ready for dinner. We had cabbage soup with real cabbage leaves. Then a good sized chicken leg with cauliflower and potatoes with skins on. Then a kind of trifle with cream and a cup of coffee. Tonight we went to Landmark to see a nature film about Ospreys. Very good, also about the importance of not draining too much land. Then we came back and had a cup of tea and a biscuit. I read a little and went to bed at 11pm.

4th August
I woke at 8am, for breakfast i had porridge, scrambled egg, uncooked sausages. Three pieces of toast and tea. It was a dull misty morning when we set off to Inverness, but it had brightened up when we got there. We looked around the shops and then after our lunch e went to the Culloden Battlefield visitor centre, but it was too expensive so we went on to Cawdor Castle. 

https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/cawdor-castle-p245791

It was drizzling a little. Mum and Stephen looked around the castle and me and dad decided to do the pitch and putt. I lost my ball on the first tee and twice after I almost did again. Dad won 48-51. It then cane on to rain heavily and on the way back over Culloden moor it was very misty. We rested when we got back. For dinner we had chicken and onion soup, then lamb, potatoes, carrots and peas followed by pear sponge and custard. By then it was still raining heavily. Tonight we decided to go to the ice rink at Aviemore. The road was fairly flooded in some places.

https://canmore.org.uk/site/109131/aviemore-the-aviemore-centre-ice-rink?display=image

It was the biggest rink i had been on. I got size eight boots. I soon got the hang of it fairly well. Dad took a photo of me and Stephen. When we left it was still raining but not as much. On the way back we could see moths reflecting the lights and looking like fire flies. Also some frogs started jumping across the road and we had to swerve to miss them. When we got back Stephen went to bed and I read my book a little. I went to bed at 11.15pm.

5th August
I woke at 8.10am. For breakfast i had Rice Krispies, bacon, egg, toast and marmalade and tea. Today we were going to Balmoral, the Queen's holiday house. We had to go over the Cairgorms and it wass very foggy on top. We reched 2090m above sea level. We passed through Tomintoul. It was a very windy and narrow road. There were a lot of hump-backed bridges.

https://cairngorms.co.uk/discover-explore/planning-a-visit/getting-here/

Went to Balmoral for coffee. Saw the area for the Highland Games. Then went to Crathie and had lunch there. Afterwards we went in Crathie Church but we could not even go into the grounds of Balmoral, it had been closed from July 31st - 6 days too late. From the road we could see a fairly good view of the castle.

https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/balmoral-castle-p245771

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-4743846/Queen-arrives-Crathie-Kirk-near-Balmoral-Castle.html

It rained on the way back. For dinner we had tomato soup, then beef burger, butter beans, cabbage and potato. For dessert it was raspberry flan and ice cream and coffee. After dinner we decided to go fishing in Loch Garten. I lost my spinner again after a few casts, with no sign of fish. We then went back into Boat of Garten and phoned nanny. Then we went back to the hotel and had a cup of tea. Then i ready my book and went to bed at 11.20pm.

6th August
I woke at 8.10am, got washed and dressed for breakfast. We had porridge, poached egg on toast then toast and marmalade and tea. It was another wet cold morning when we set off to Forres. We had a drink there and then instead of going to Elgin as first planned we went to Inverness. After parking the car we crossed a footbridge over the river Ness.

http://www.trout-salmon-fishing.com/scotland-river-ness.htm

There were a lot of people in waders fly fishing in the middle of the river but we did not see them catch anything big. Me, dad and Stephen went for a walk along the river and then i read my book when i came back. Then we went back to the hotel. For dinner we had ox-tail soup, then fish and chips with assorted salads. Then rice pudding and peaches with coffee to drink. We went skating again tonight. The ice was dryer than last time. I went fairly well. Then we came back to the hotel and had a read and i finished The Moonstone. Went to bed at 11.05pm.

7th August
Woke at 8.15am. A bit better morning, not sunny, but not raining, For breakfast I had Rice Krispies, then bacon, egg and toast and marmalade and tea. Today e decided to go up Cairngorm mountain on the chair lift. When we got there it was drizzling so we wrapped up warmly and put out kagouls on. I went up with mum and Stepen with dad; it was good fun. When we got to the top we had a hot drink and biscuit.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2dszss77y6V5SyHj4Pj04zY/meet-the-summer-workers-of-the-cairngorms

Mum did not want to back down on the chairlift, so mum and dad walked back and Stephen and I came down on the chairlift. Then as mum and dad had not used their return tickets we walked back up and got the chairlift down again. Dad took a photo of us. 

Before we came to Cairngorm we went to a trout hatchery. Stephen and I bought a bag of food pellets to feed the fish. You could throw a handful in and half of the 40,000 in the pool would charge and leap to get the food. Sometimes if you just put one pellet in the effect would be just as good. There were all sizes. Some weighed 1lb, others were up to 15lb. We took a photo of a big one.

We had lunch at the chairlift car park. Then the clouds closed in and it started to rain again. We drove on and stopped at Loch Morlich. We played football but unfortunately i kicked it into a tree and we could not get it down. It started raining heavily so we returned to the car and went back to hotel. For dinner we had roast beef and yorkshire pudding with potatoes, peas and carrots. For pudding it was peaches and ice cream and coffee. 

Then we went to a Scottish evening in Boat of Garten. We had two shandies amd packets of crisps while we watched singers and some girls doing highland dancing/dancing waltzes etc. piano and accordian. Went home just before the last dance at half past eleven. Got to bed at 11.45pm.

8th August
Woke up at 8.30am at the sound of the breakfast bell. I quickly got dressed and hurried in. For breakfast I had porridge, smoked haddock with scrambled egg on toast, then toast and marmalade and tea. Took a photo of Floss (the dog) and Socks (Kitten). Set off after getting a newspaper in Aviemore. We joined the A9 to Pitlochery and passed through a scenic valley. The sun was shining on the heather covered hills. Saw extensive road works outside Pitlochery. At Pitlochery we stopped for coffee, then went on across the Forth bridge and stopped in Edinburgh for lunch in the car park beneath the castle. 

http://www.wow247.co.uk/2016/07/18/didnt-know-about-the-forth-bridge-scotland/

 

https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/travel/20-things-probably-didnt-know-princes-street/

After that we had a walk down Princes Street. After coming back we looked around a gallery. Dad found a place for us to stay out of the farm guide book and rang to see if they had rooms. It was about 20 miles south of Edinburgh. We arrived in time for a high tea. I had a ham salad, a slice of bread and jam, two pieces of ginger cake, one rice crispie cake, one fairy cake and two cups of tea.

Then we went to Peebles and looked around. When we got back, mum made a coffee and I read my book and watched TV. Went to bed at 10.30pm.

9th August
Woken up by dad at 8am. Our room was not bad but no wash basin and the ceiling was very low and I could not stand upright in it. Had breakfast of cornflakes then sausage, egg and smoked bacon plus toast and tea. Set off at 9.11am for Moffat. Passed the Beef Tub - a very deep valley.

https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/568362

Stopped at Moffat to buy provisions and had a coffee.Mum bought some material. Set off again and after a long time came to the A1 at Scotch corner. We had our lunch at the Little Chef there [now no longer].

https://www.thedrum.com/news/2013/04/15/buyer-sought-little-chef-restaurant-chain

I had a cheese and pineapple salad. Saw a big articulated lorry carrying an army crane. Passed though Thirsk and saw the white horse on Sutton Bank. Then back home.