From the Majestic to the Humble.
Since leaving the stunning Scottish Highlands, three years ago and moving back down to England, I realise just how much I miss living in the land of the lochs. Hubby and I decided to travel up for a week’s break – staying at The Highland Club, Fort Augustus (Loch Ness).
This former monastery and abbey underwent a £30 million restoration project – now this grade A listed building has been converted into luxury accommodation. Sitting in 20 acres of gardens, with views over Loch Ness and minutes from the Caledonian Canal, is a joy to behold. Featuring original architecture including stained glass windows, bell tower and cloisters that run around a grassed courtyard.
Our lodging was a one bedroomed basement apartment, with en-suite facilities, separate bathroom, large lounge and fully fitted modern kitchen. Although we were lower ground floor, the flat was light and airy but needed to be kept heated due to the construction and age of the building. Wine, biscuits and milk were a nice touch, compliments of the owner. With plenty of parking and helpful friendly staff to meet and greet, we were given a tour of the amenities, including the swimming pool, gym, tennis court and table tennis which came inclusive with our Airbnb booking.
Fort Augustus is a lively, buzzing place with boats of different shapes and sizes, traversing the sixty-mile waterway which cuts through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, following the natural geological fault line of the Great Glen. There are many eateries including the Boathouse Restaurant which is set in the abbey grounds, although we chose to eat at The Moorings restaurant, on the canal side. We had a lovely meal, with hubby’s doner kebab being ‘up there’ – definitely recommended. The staff were friendly and we thought the prices were reasonable.
The Highland Club is a perfect base with many walking trails, including the canal path (beware the toilets are for boat users only), the Pepper Pot Lighthouse and not too far down the road the stunning Urquhart Castle.
Our last couple of nights took us up to Blairgowrie, in the beautiful Perthshire countryside, to visit eldest daughter and her mob. We booked two nights in a wooden camping pod set on a quiet tranquil park – Corriefodly Holiday Park. The unit was clean with a small decking area with picnic bench, inside comprised of TV (very limited stations) microwave, fridge, kettle and toaster. What we weren’t aware of was there were no cups, plates or cutlery included, lucky for us daughter lived nearby and we raided her kitchen.
On site there are glamping pods, lodges, caravan hire and hard standing touring pitches with a clean, spacious toilet/shower block along with washing facilities. Luckily for us the toilet block was situated very close, as toilets are only found in the glamping pods. Some lodges overlook a serene river; nearby there is a secluded woodland walk and a children’s play area.
The site is in the peaceful village of Bridge of Cally, on the edge of the Cairngorm National Park and a short drive brings you to Pitlochry, Glenshee and Blairgowrie.
Reception staff were very helpful and friendly – we would definitely visit again. Although we found the mattress too firm, we would bring a topper next time, and hubby’s only complaint being that he is 6’4’’ and felt he needed a crash helmet to negate the door frame, which I have to admit made me chuckle.
We were sad to leave, although perhaps eldest sprog would disagree.