Scotland – Cairngorms

4 nights at Glenmore Campsite above Aviemore going via Corrieshalloch Gorge. Had a pitch near the end of the loop in the forest, about 50m from Loch Morlich. Evening walk around Loch and swim.

Drove up to Aviemore car park. A boring trudge up by the funicular then further on to Cairn Gorm. Then down a really steep rough track to Loch Avon which was amazing – twinkly water, sunny and deserted. Skinny dipping 😆 Eventually found Shelter Rock which had a snow shovel, sleeping bags, journal and first aid kit courtesy of Caingorm Mountain Rescue. Next day felt tired so walked round Loch and drove to Feshiebridge, the best swim spot ever where Lou went swimming.

Walked up to Ben Macdui (1304m) via nice route off to right of lifts, apart from boulder fest near top. Flat and rocky at top, super windy. Jogged down. Lou stopped at mountain stream, then a swim in Loch Morlich when we got back. Headed home via Feshiebridge for a last swim and stopped off at Liverpool on the way back.

Loch Avon – difficult to get to, deserted, beautiful

Scotland – Badrallach

4 nights at Badrallach Campsite, little secluded site down a long narrow road. Right next to a funky little bothy. 100m walk to the sea at Little Loch Broom. Swimming and coastal walk, and it stayed light till 11.30pm! Walked to the beach at Kildonan then fresh fish tea at The Seafood Shack in Ullapool. Ardessie Falls opposite the campsite were amazing – chambered up and were quite randomly offered mangos by a group of guys. Walked to a sandy beach at Little Gruinard and sat in the sun. Bliss.

Stoke – Churnett Valley

Saturday night at Farm on the Hill campsite near Alton. Massive pitch on an eco site. Special toilets and campfires. Swimming in the River Dove and went to the pumping station that we saw with Dad on his 80th birthday.