Day 1 - 5 Sept 2014 ( Friday)
Woke up to a beautiful bright and sunny morning at Trinity Mansions, Weston-super-mare, the residence of Terry and Marie.Although they are not Stewarts and are not related to us, we regard them as family. This is our third or fourth time at Weston-super-mare and each time we were here, we would stay at Marie's place.
Yesterday we left our house in Malaysia at 6.00 am, took a 13-hour flight to London and from there by train to Weston and all in all, we reached Weston after 24 hours from the time we left home. So today we just took things easy, had a leisurely breakfast and spent time catching up on each other's lives.
We went to the town and browsed around the shops and had lunch at an Italian Restaurant selling fish and chips. After lunch we took a drive to Cheddar to meet Johanna and I was given a badly-needed body massage by Johanna who operates a salon at her house.
That night we had dinner at another Italian Restaurant by the sea-front.
Day 2- 6 Sept (Saturday)
At midday it was time to say goodbye to Terry and Marie. The time that we spent with them was too short as there was so much to talk about. We parted at the railway station for our trip to Stockport, Manchester.
We arrived at Stockport at 4.20 pm and cousin Ian was already waiting at the train station to bring us back home where Susan had tea and cakes ready for us.We spent some time in their garden, admiring the flowers and getting excited plucking apples from the tree.
Day 3 - 7 Sept ( Sunday)
We left Stockport at 9.30 am with Ian and Susan in their car and Ian driving,making our journey north along M74. We stopped along the way for coffee and at midday arrived at the border town of Gretna Green which is just a short turn-off from the motorway. This was the second time we came to Gretna Green, the last time was in 1993 some 21 years ago. Gretna Green's famous blacksmith shop was the place where girls from "respectable families" eloped and married "undesireable scoundrels" against their families' wishes. It's very much like our Malaysian border town of Golok where couples elope but in the Malaysian case, the guys are running away from their first wives to marry a second one !
We walked around the place and shops and had lunch at one of the restaurants.
After lunch we continued our journey passed the city of Glasgow to Balloch and straight to our hotel The Balloch House ,Loch Lomond, part of The Innkeeper's Lodge chain. On this journey we had specially requested Ian to arrange for accommodation at old or country bed and breakfast as we thought that the experience would be interesting. Our hotel is on the River Leven and it is quaint and old,just as I imagined and liked it to be.After checking in we went for a walk along the river, through a park and right to the Loch Lomond's shore.Dinner was at the hotel.
The next morning before breakfast we decided to go for a walk again and catch the scenery in the morning sun. The sight of boats moored on the river was like a picturesque postcard.
We left the hotel at 9.00am and traveled along the loch and stopped at a couple of places including at Firkin Point where we walked down to the lake shore.
We left the loch(lake) and travelled west-ward inland meandering along valleys with rocky mountains looming on both sides. We reached the edge of Loch Fyne with its calm and still water ,reflecting the houses and hills.We stopped at Inveraray and sat by the loch and had coffee, with the white-washed buildings in the background and a picturesque scenery of a boat reflected on a very still loch.
We proceeded along Loch Fyne and halfway made our way north to Oban.It is a pretty town and along the esplanade there are shops and hotels and flower boxes with exuberant blooms adding colour to the town. The day was sunny and beautiful with a clear blue sky. We had a picnic lunch at the esplanade and enjoyed the sun and watched the world go buy.
After lunch we proceeded along Loch Linhe and then east-wards to Glencoe where according to history, 40 members of the MacDonalds clan were massacred by their guest,the Campbells after playing host to them for 10 days.What was left now is a vast valley surrounded by menacing mountains on all sides.We were told that on gloomy wintry days the place exude an eerie atmosphere.
We retraced our journey back west-wards through the heather-covered glen (valley) and then along Loch Linhe north towards Fort William.
Our accommodation for the night is a bed and breakfast called Leasona at Torlundy, Fort William. We were greeted by our hostess with the mostess Fiona who immediately made us feel at home.Our room was overlooking the front of the house and from our window we had a good view of the majestic Ben Nevis with its top covered by a layer of cloud,adding a mystical feel around it.
At Fiona's suggestion we had dinner at Ben Nevis Inn which is a barn which has been converted to a restaurant. It was crowded which was a good sign and the food was indeed good.
Day 5 - 9 Sept (Tues)
We woke up to the smell of breakfast prepared by our friendly host Fiona. After checking out we said goodbye to our host and the looming Ben Nevis in the distance.
At 9.30 am we left the place and travelled along Loch Ell and stopped at Glen Finnan. There, is erected a Jacobite monument in honour of the clansmen who followed Prince Charles Edward in the '45 rising for the Stuart (Stewart) cause.
We proceeded to Mallaig a coastal fishing village and ferry terminal between the village and the island Skye. We had a coffee picnic at the look-out overlooking the harbour.
We retraced our journey back to Fort Williams and from there north bound. We stopped at Laggan Locks for a lunch picnic. After lunch I went looking for the loo but unfortunately the loo at the Loch's locks was locked !
We made a quick stop at the Commando Memorial before travelling passed Fort Augustus along the west bank of the famous Loch Ness.
Although we didn't get any glimpse of the legendary Nessie the Loch Ness monster , we were mesmerised by the ruins of the Urquhart Castle along the Loch.
From there we travelled along the Loch ,passed Inverness to the village of Farr.We drove some 8 miles after Inverness,past open pastures and heath land with cottages far apart. The GPS on the car ran out of direction and we thought we were lost but after asking passers by we managed to find the place we were looking for. Farr is certainly far from the madding crowd !
Our accommodation for the night was Dunlichity House, Torrdarroch, Farr. We were given a room named Stewart and decorated with the Stewart tartan. How appropriate !
After checking in we went out again to Fairview Golf Club for dinner. On the way back as we passing a stretch of pine trees, a deer darted in front of our car. Oh dear !
Day 6 - 10 Sept (Wednesday)
After breakfast we left the hotel at 9.30 am and shortly arrived at the Culloden battlefield which saw the battle between the Jacobites and the English.
We continued along moors covered with heather, pass narrow stone bridges into the Cairngorm Mountains. Stopped for coffee at Lecht Ski Centre which was quiet, but must have been bustling with people and activities during winter.
We travelled further inland along narrow roads to Balmoral Castle. Unfortunately we were not able to enter as the Queen was staying there for her holidays. So we had to content ourselves with looking at the massive gates.From there we moved along and stopped at Braemar to post a postcard and buy lunch. We stopped by the road side away from the town for lunch among the grazing sheeps who were giving us a curious look.
To my husband, coming to Scotland is not complete without visiting St Andrew's Golf Club. We spent some time searching for the place thinking its on the outskirt of St Andrew's city, not realising that its right smack in the centre. We walked around the course, over the famous arched bridge and our final stop was at the pro shop for some souvenirs.
From there we made our way to the outskirt of Edinburgh and checked in to our hotel the Hawke's Inn. We spent our fourth night at the hotel which is under the first railway bridge, The Forth Railway Bridge over the Firth of Forth and overlooking the Forth Road Bridge !
Day 7- 11 Sept 2014 (Thursday)
Woke up to a misting and cold morning. Went for a walk before breakfast to enjoy the cold.
After breakfast we drove to Straiton Park and Ride and from there took a bus into Edinburgh city. We walked along the Royal Mile up the slope to Edinburgh Castle. from there we walked down to Princes Street gardens with its famous flower clock. We then walked to George Street with its fine Georgian buildings. Lunch was a picnic in the sun at the garden. We walked a while around the city and then took bus 67 back to the Park and Ride station.
At 3.55pm we left the station and drove southwards to wards Tweedsmuir. Our lodging for the night is at imposing Victoria Lodge at the edge of Talla Reservoir which is 1000 feet above sea level.We were greeted by Rosemary and David and shown to our rooms. Ours was at the front of the house over-looking the reservoir. Somehow I felt very at home at this place. We then had tea in the massive living room with its wooden wall panelling and high ceiling.After a short rest we went down again for dinner and later sat by the fireplace for a chat.
Day 8 - 12 Sept (Friday)
The morning was misty. After breakfast we walked to the reservoir. Then drive through narrow winding road along Talla Reservoir and Magget Reservoir and along St Mary's loch.We passed sheep farms with mist hovering over the valleys creating a mystical feel.
Our next destination was Traquair House, Scotland's oldest inhabited house.It was originally the hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland. In 1491 the Earl of Buchan gave the house to his son James Stewart who became the first Laird of Traquair. The famous Bear Gates at the top of the main drive was closed following the visit of Bonnie Prince Charlie and it was promised not to be opened again until the Stewarts return to the throne. Ah I better quickly stake a claim for the throne so that the gates can be opened !
Currently the house is inhabited by the 21st Lady of Traquair.
Part of the house is opened to the public and we moved from floor to floor and from drawing rooms, bedrooms, kitchen etc to have a glimpse of how people lived in the early days.
We toured the well kept gardens with its beautiful flowering plants and pears and apple trees. Lunch was in the sun at the cafe in the house grounds.
After lunch we drove southwards and joined the motorway towards Stockport and spent the night at Ian's house.
Day 9- 13 Sept (Saturday)
We had a leisurely morning and then took the train to London and checked into Berjaya Eden Hotel where we will be spending the next few nights.
Day 10 - 14 Sept (Sunday)
We left London after breakfast and took the train south to Winchester. We were met at the station by cousin Anne and John. They took us for a quick tour of the historical sights of the city including the Great Hall and Roundtable,and after which we drove to Romsey and had lunch at a cosy English pub.
After lunch we went to cousin Ronald's house to pay him a visit. Cousin Ronald at 90 is my oldest living Stewart relative. Ronald was dressed in bow tie and tartan pants to greet us. It was nice talking to him and to catch up on his life. It was too soon before we had to make our way back to Winchester with a promise that we will visit him again next year, InsyaAllah (God willing).
When we arrived at Winchester we had some time before our train is due to leave, so we walked around the town a bit taking in the local places of interest.
Day 11- 15 Sept
The day was spent shopping . Evening we cousin Duncan and Joyce together with Geraldine came to our hotel and joined us for a dinner. The hotel is Malaysian-owned and the restaurant served authentic Malaysian cuisine. We had satay for starter and main dishes comprising rice and roti chanai (flat bread) with beef rendang,chicken curry, mixed vegie, fish in sweet sour sauce followed by banana fritters with ice cream for dessert. These were accompanied with rose syrup drink and teh tarik ( frothy milk tea). There was so much to talk about and we were already planning a trip together when next they visit us.
Soon it was time to leave UK and head back home to my Malaysian home and family, but the Stewarts will always be close to my heart.
To my husband, coming to Scotland is not complete without visiting St Andrew's Golf Club. We spent some time searching for the place thinking its on the outskirt of St Andrew's city, not realising that its right smack in the centre. We walked around the course, over the famous arched bridge and our final stop was at the pro shop for some souvenirs.
From there we made our way to the outskirt of Edinburgh and checked in to our hotel the Hawke's Inn. We spent our fourth night at the hotel which is under the first railway bridge, The Forth Railway Bridge over the Firth of Forth and overlooking the Forth Road Bridge !
Day 7- 11 Sept 2014 (Thursday)
Woke up to a misting and cold morning. Went for a walk before breakfast to enjoy the cold.
After breakfast we drove to Straiton Park and Ride and from there took a bus into Edinburgh city. We walked along the Royal Mile up the slope to Edinburgh Castle. from there we walked down to Princes Street gardens with its famous flower clock. We then walked to George Street with its fine Georgian buildings. Lunch was a picnic in the sun at the garden. We walked a while around the city and then took bus 67 back to the Park and Ride station.
At 3.55pm we left the station and drove southwards to wards Tweedsmuir. Our lodging for the night is at imposing Victoria Lodge at the edge of Talla Reservoir which is 1000 feet above sea level.We were greeted by Rosemary and David and shown to our rooms. Ours was at the front of the house over-looking the reservoir. Somehow I felt very at home at this place. We then had tea in the massive living room with its wooden wall panelling and high ceiling.After a short rest we went down again for dinner and later sat by the fireplace for a chat.
Day 8 - 12 Sept (Friday)
The morning was misty. After breakfast we walked to the reservoir. Then drive through narrow winding road along Talla Reservoir and Magget Reservoir and along St Mary's loch.We passed sheep farms with mist hovering over the valleys creating a mystical feel.
Our next destination was Traquair House, Scotland's oldest inhabited house.It was originally the hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland. In 1491 the Earl of Buchan gave the house to his son James Stewart who became the first Laird of Traquair. The famous Bear Gates at the top of the main drive was closed following the visit of Bonnie Prince Charlie and it was promised not to be opened again until the Stewarts return to the throne. Ah I better quickly stake a claim for the throne so that the gates can be opened !
Currently the house is inhabited by the 21st Lady of Traquair.
We toured the well kept gardens with its beautiful flowering plants and pears and apple trees. Lunch was in the sun at the cafe in the house grounds.
After lunch we drove southwards and joined the motorway towards Stockport and spent the night at Ian's house.
Day 9- 13 Sept (Saturday)
We had a leisurely morning and then took the train to London and checked into Berjaya Eden Hotel where we will be spending the next few nights.
Day 10 - 14 Sept (Sunday)
We left London after breakfast and took the train south to Winchester. We were met at the station by cousin Anne and John. They took us for a quick tour of the historical sights of the city including the Great Hall and Roundtable,and after which we drove to Romsey and had lunch at a cosy English pub.
After lunch we went to cousin Ronald's house to pay him a visit. Cousin Ronald at 90 is my oldest living Stewart relative. Ronald was dressed in bow tie and tartan pants to greet us. It was nice talking to him and to catch up on his life. It was too soon before we had to make our way back to Winchester with a promise that we will visit him again next year, InsyaAllah (God willing).
When we arrived at Winchester we had some time before our train is due to leave, so we walked around the town a bit taking in the local places of interest.
Day 11- 15 Sept
The day was spent shopping . Evening we cousin Duncan and Joyce together with Geraldine came to our hotel and joined us for a dinner. The hotel is Malaysian-owned and the restaurant served authentic Malaysian cuisine. We had satay for starter and main dishes comprising rice and roti chanai (flat bread) with beef rendang,chicken curry, mixed vegie, fish in sweet sour sauce followed by banana fritters with ice cream for dessert. These were accompanied with rose syrup drink and teh tarik ( frothy milk tea). There was so much to talk about and we were already planning a trip together when next they visit us.
Soon it was time to leave UK and head back home to my Malaysian home and family, but the Stewarts will always be close to my heart.
