A bit of hardcore prep and we were off. Loch Morlich bound, near Aviemore, for four nights, and then onto to Banchory to, ahem, 'house sit' for another three.
The hardcore bit was knowing what to take. The early forecast for the week was a bit grim – down to 5 degrees Celsius at night and plenty of rain – and then later in the week might see it picking up, but who knows in Scotland? The van was laden with 4 bikes, food, awnings etc, but I managed to find space for all our wet weather gear and a small fan heater (and what a godsend that was!). Wetsuits etc were abandoned on account of cold. So decisions and preparations for the worst made, we were off – excited about another Rooke family adventure.
We arrived, and it rained. Pause to the wet weather and the awning was up Рso we grabbed some fish and chips and jumped on the bikes round Loch Morlich. A test run for the next few days which was passed with flying colours. We even christened our wheeled steeds Caspie, Luna-wings, Shrek and Bored-man. Next day saw more and more rain, till we really were rather wet. Nonetheless we ventured on a lovely (if wet) walk to Lochan Uaine Рthe green lochan Рwith some exciting scrambling on the way back. Retreat was needed though so lunch was ordered at the caf̩ while I set our stuff to dry using our lifeline of a heater. It brightened temporarily after lunch for some fun at the Reindeer Centre before the heavens really opened for the night. We retreated to the van-cinema for the eve and watched the groundwater rise till all below was waterlogged. But we endured. And the next day led to slightly brighter conditions and the ground drying out a little (enough anyway that we didn't abandon camp). So off we pedalled on our trusty steeds on the old logging road to Coylumbridge. A leisurely lunch was followed by a wonderfully epic cycle off road round Loch an Eilein, the Cairngorm Club bridge, a touch of the Lairig Ghru before reappearing once more alongside Loch Morlich. The kids did amazingly and we were all just elated.
Next day was up bright and early for our final trip to Landmark Adventure Park. By this time the sun was shining and we were in full on holiday mode. A day was spent enjoying all that the adventure park had to offer, apart from when Niomi got stuck on her own in the tunnel on the flumes. A little voice came calling up “I’m stuck” she said. The ride got shut and everyone waited with baited breath whilst the rescue operation got underway – her frightened tears echoing up the tunnel. Eek! Another parental nightmare. But rescue completed and a quick hug and she was back on the flumes – the best way to overcome her fear. In fact, 5 minutes later and she was going down the really steep one. What a girl! So brave… We topped off the day with a sunny bbq and some stunning views and play on the beach. True magic.
So Cairngorms done, we departed in bright sunshine – heady with holiday joy for Banchory. A couple of chilled out days before we were back out pedalling, walking, clambering and wading our way around Banchory’s best. And all in glorious sunshine for the Jubliee weekend. A word of warning though across all our adventures….covid may be going but 'staff shortages' are the order of the day. Many things were not fully open due to the latest phrase to dominate the headlines – and I don’t see it changing soon.
Still… holiday done. Massive tick. Two thumbs up. Batteries recharged. Memory banks loaded with joyful times. And plenty of stunning views to keep as content as we returned back down the road. Phew – all in all it was quite the adventure. Truly life to the max.
Greetings from a wet Lochan Uaine
Wildcats are back
The discovery of fizzy in Fanta
Cairngorm Club Bridge on our trusted steeds
We're hot!
Honey I shrunk the kid!
All going very weird
Videoclip: The Landmark Flumes
Or you can watch the video
here
Evening sun on the Cairngorms
Farewell Loch Morlich
The sun was shining in Banchory
Oystercatcher babies!!
Jubi-Dee
My Jubilee picnic
