Touring Torridon...

Everyone should go to Torridon at least once in their life – but make sure you wait till the sun is shining. When the weather is on your side it really is one of the most stunning places in Scotland. And we arrived with an improving forecast, or at least by Scottish standards it certainly could have been a worse meteorological outlook.

This was our first proper family holiday. We set off from Glasgow in traditional west coast drizzle, the van piled high with accoutrements for every eventuality. Expectations were elevated – but going somewhere so remote was a risk if the weather turned particularly foul. The long journey progressed well, as the supreme being enjoyed a lengthy morning nap until somewhere south of Aviemore, when Mummy was forced to find a new use for the cupboards in the van.

All change at Aviemore!

Despite this impromptu change, Emily was taking fast to her first adventure in Doodoo, my much loved campervan (now relegated to my third love after T and Emi) which was a really good sign. An even better sign was that Doodoo hadn’t broken down yet. And so before we knew it we arrived for our week in the North West of Scotland – the first week of our fortnight’s holiday. Days of walks in the sun and seafood by the loch lay in front of us. I was determined to show Emily some of the best that Scotland had to offer and to let her experience nature. I wanted her to feel the rough textures under her feet, hear nothing but the sound of the birds or the running burn, and gaze over stunning long distance views, which apparently help develop sharp eyesight. And bless her, she took to it all like it was an everyday occurrence.

Home from home for a week

 

Off for a wander round the shops

 

Sun hat on...now where's the sun?

 

The early days passed as planned in a haze of glorious adventures on foot, a trip out to the resplendent Inverewe Gardens, visits to Badachro and Applecross to eat gorgeous food whilst gazing out to sea, all topped off with evenings watching DVDs in half hourly instalments/getting very early nights. The latter of these being on account of the supreme being’s new found desire to wake up anytime from 5am. 

 

 Learning about nature at Inverewe

DIY parenting

Quality Dad-Daughter time (Part 1)

 

 Quality Dad-Daughter time (Part 2)

 

Mummy impressed with her langoustines

 

Emily less than impressed with her vegetarian option

 

 Applecross Bay with the Skye Cullin in the far distance

As the week progressed our luck didn’t quite last, with the weather taking a turn for the squally. Plan B was called for, which seemed to involve sending Daddy out into the cold to go and pick mussels off the beach. Worse could happen though and he was promised a day’s munro bagging if he cooked up a feast…

Emily showing off her new 'muscles'

 

Enjoying the 'Good Times'

 

 Hooray! Rainy days means extra-long bath time...

 

Daddy’s unexpectedly snowy adventure along the Horns of Alligin

And so the first week’s adventure drew to a close. Our supreme being appeared to have loved her first real taste of the Highlands. Mummy had faired pretty well too looking refreshed and well-fed. Doodoo had scraped by with a puncture, a strange rattling sound and only one warning light but seemed determined to keep going strong. And as for Daddy? He was most invigorated following his climb, itching for the adventures to come in our second week on the beautiful coast of Fife…

 Ya cannae whack Torridon when the weather is braw!