Author Archives: Jmalde

It’s not a cockerel, it’s a pheasant and if I ever get my hands on him, I’m going to teach him about early morning crowing!!! Good morning everyone, I hope you’ve all slept well!!!

Breakfast in our room again this morning…well we’re checking out this morning so why not 🤣🤣🤣. Punctual again, they arrived at exactly 8am. This time there were two waiters, one with a tray and the other balancing 3 plates. A skill in itself!!

This morning, porridge for me, As they left, we eyed up our breakfast….porridge for both, black pudding, potato scone with mushrooms for Nisha. After yesterdays experience, we made sure we both had mixed fruits and a bowl of yoghurt. Quite easy to again give this breakfast a rating of 10 / 10. The breakfast was still top quality.

Breakfast eaten, time to shower, pack and check out and then onwards to Cromarty with a stop at Aviemore on the way.

Back in the A9 up towards Cromarty we go. The A9 is the same as the A1M – it takes you further North 🤣🤣🤣. Coming up to 45 minutes driving and the sign for Aviemore is displayed. Aviemore is a town within the Cairngorm National Parks. We exit and drive up towards the mountain railway. On the way, Nisha telephoned tourist information who inform us that the train to the tip is closed until August. Hey ho, we still drive to the tourist area. When we arrive we see signs that the whole place is being renovated but the facilities are open. Should we go in….no chance, the car park is empty…we turn around and park up. Now the views from up here are awesome…take a look…

It was absolutely freezing out there, a cold constant breeze…photos taken and back in to the warm car!!! We headed back down the 3 mile road and went to Aviemore town centre. This was deja vu, we had been here before, yep, five years ago and we passed the hotel where we had our first haggis neeps and tatties!!! We stopped at Tesco, got a few provisions, had a quick walk and look in a couple of camping shops (the whole street is full of such shops!!!). 15 minutes later and we were already fed up. Rather than have a coffee here, we decided to continue to Cromarty. Guess what…it was back on the A9!!!! 🤣🤣🤣. Sat nav said we were only 1 hour away. We passed river this and river that, too many rivers to remember, but all gave us a fantastic view while driving across the bridges. Could we swim in them?? Always a possibility but the undercurrents could be so dangerous!!! Eventually we turned right and off the A9 and onto a country Lane, just wide enough for two vehicles. I looked at the sat nav…still several miles to go…where on earth were we headed…the road didn’t seem to end, we slowed every now and then, overtook the odd camper van but always stayed within the speed limit (I kept up with the car in front 😜🤣😜🤣😜). The roads were very near to the coast but we weren’t sure where exactly we were. On we went and soon enough the sat nav said left, then right and finally – you’ve reached your destination. I looked at Nisha….why I hear you all ask…well, even before asked why, I asked Nisha where the hell are we??? This is why….

We parked up and went inside, luggage can wait, food was needed!!!

The waitress showed us to a table and gave us each a menu. For starters, scallops to share, for main, fillet of hake with cherry tomatoes and baby potatoes with a creamy sauce. Sides of red cabbage slaw and mixed vegetables. Starter rating was 6 / 10, reason was over cooked scallops, mains rating was 9 / 10, fillet was fresh but the mixed vegetables looked frozen. (Keep your pants on, until you’ve tasted this food, you have to go by what we rate the food 🤣🤣🤣😜😜😜).

Lunch was finished, no dessert, maybe later. We unloaded our luggage and took it to our room. Lovely room but there’s only a hand shower in the large bath and the bathroom window is transparent with only a net curtain stopping you from enjoying the view of the North Sea while doing your business!!!

After a couple of essential and emotional telephone calls, we went to explore the town. Along our route we came across several locals….it was at this stage when we realised that we were the only Indians in the town, actually, everyone else was white!!!! They had come from all across the UK and had decided to make Cromarty their home. we could see why but we’ve come across much better locations in Scotland!!!

The town is small and 30 minutes was all it took to walk the perimeter. Whilst on the shore, and looking at the sea, the sea lions and dolphins appeared to have better things to do rather than say hello to us 😜😜. The views are awesome…

As we neared the end of our walk, we stopped at the pier, the sun was shining, the view was lovely and Nisha whipped out her phone and the result…

My favourite!!!

We went back to the hotel and ordered some drinks to have in the conservatory…so sunny, so hot…we sat down…I can see why tomatoes like greenhouses!!!! We retired to the lounge, Guinness for me, white wine for madam….first round completed, Guinness for sir, Espresso martini for madam.

Nisha is reading, I’m now about to publish this blog.

Tomorrow we depart and go to Thurso, via John O’Groats!!!

By the way, at the end of Day 6, there’s a new tubing photo of us.

It’s the penultimate day for our honeymoon blog!!!

Good morning everyone!!! I was woken up by my 6.30am alarm, Nisha was still fast asleep!!! I think I was right, she needs a chocolate pastry as soon as she wakes up!!!🤣🤣🤣

I had a diy haircut, the shaver plug was close enough to the shower for my trimmer. Showered, bags packed and decision made to load the car after breakfast, we went in search for the restaurant. It wasn’t in the bar area but luckily the housekeeper guided us through a couple of doors to where breakfast was being served. This place looked suspiciously like their function hall who was split in half by a table kitted out with juices (tasted like carton rather than fresh), cereals, yoghurts and what looked like grapefruit segments from a can. Several tables were occupied and a few empty so we had a choice. Nisha selected a table while I got us orange juice. There were two waiters rushing around and we hoped that one of them had spotted us. Yep, one came over and took our order. True to form, I had porridge with honey, Nisha selected the same, followed by scrambled eggs with smoked salmon. Whole meal toast, tea and decaf coffee was also ordered.

The toast turned up first, quickly followed by tea and coffee. We started eating the toast and soon enough the porridge arrived with a small pot of honey on the side. Once the honey was mixed in, time for a photo before we started eating…

After experiencing dinner yesterday, we hoped the same chef was on shift this morning…lucky for us it appeared they were!!!

Rating for breakfast 9 / 10. The porridge was a lovely consistency, not overpowering at all!!!

Breakfast eaten, we returned to our room, collected our luggage and loaded our car, everything was put into the boot!!! Once we made everything fit, the car was locked and off to reception to check out. As part of good customer service feedback, our dinner experience just had to be mentioned and just as well it was because the lasagne was removed from the final bill!!! Job done!!!

Our next stop was Leeds, the time was just past 9am, the journey time was just over two hours and we didn’t need to arrive before 1pm…so, from the hotel we headed to Derwent Water where on arrival, parking was easy, but it was cold. Jackets and walking boots were put on and off we headed to the large lake. After an hour and a quick chat to another tourist, we side stepped the influx of tourists and headed towards the car, changed our footwear to something comfy while in the car. Sat nav was programmed to Leeds…A66, A1M and M1 was our route. During our drive, rain came down hard, sun shone brightly but there was no rainbow…!!! What’s going on???

This journey was uneventful and straight forward but we met a numpty just before the A1M turning who didn’t want us to overtake him and decided to brake sharply as we approached them. Rather than take the bait, I undertook them and continued. As we approached the traffic lights, the numpty held back and didn’t even come close to us…some people!!!

Eventually Leeds arrived and we needed diesel. Navigator Nisha remarked ‘I know where to get diesel…but then she looked around and said hasn’t it changed around here…’…me ‘probably but we need diesel!!!’ Nisha ‘oh yeah…but look at all of these new stores…’, me ‘yeah but we need diesel!!!’, Nisha ‘oh yeah…the Tesco station is past where we’re going’. That’s Navigator Nisha!!! I decided we’d stop at the filling station after visiting Nisha’s friend.

Now, we hadn’t seen Mina and family since our wedding and sadly we only had a couple of hours with everyone before we had to set off and meet Kris, Vikki, Ann, Graham and J and O. This time flew by and we just can’t wait to return. Mina, Sam and kids…we love you all and thank you for entertaining and feeding us on our quick visit!!!

Mina, as usual, you got soo much food!!!

The time flew by and soon we were back on the road…Tesco first, then on the road…car needed coolant and water…no way was I going to pay for water at a filling station…what’s that all about??? Diesel was loaded to full capacity and the sat nav led us towards the M1…

100 miles before we’d get to the A14…motorway driving is sooo boring…especially when the person in the passenger seat – Nisha falls asleep!!! When she woke up, I’m not even going to repeat what she said!!! Vijay/Ranjana…I’m ashamed!!! 🤣🤣🤣

We eventually pulled into The Ritz car park, and waiting for us were Vikki, Ann and J and O. Much like a dodgy deal in a car park, Vikki handed us a key card and sneakily ushered us into the building, showed us our room and then waited for us in the car while we freshened up. As we left the building, we looked left and right, up and down to make sure we weren’t being watched as we locked the door and rushed into the waiting car…GO GO GO was our call from the back 🤣🤣🤣. Getaway driver Vikki put the car in gear and wheel spun out of the car park 🤣🤣🤣. Oh ok…calm down Kris, we locked the venue door, made our way to the car and Vikki slowly pulled away 🤣🤣🤣.

15 minutes later and our Uber, oops, I mean Vikki pulled up at the restaurant. 🤣🤣🤣

The restaurant does lovely Nepalese cuisine. On entry, we could hear Kris and Graham. The waiter didn’t need to show us the table 🤣🤣🤣. It was lovely to meet everyone!!!

The food was lovely and tasty. Wine was a fab Argentina Malbec…For starters, Nisha and I shared a seafood platter…

Main course for me was spicy monkfish, Nisha ordered a king prawn biriyani, we both had chappatis with our mains… with another glass of Malbec…

For dessert, I had vanilla and chocolate ice cream, sadly gulab jaman was not available so Nisha had a sulk and instead ordered a liquor coffee. Just to entertain her, I ordered the same…😜😜🤣🤣

Rating for the food and drink was an easy 9 / 10!!!

I was amazed at how quick Uber drivers respond in this part of the UK, and talk about posh cars!!! Only thing you have to be aware of is that you have to share the journey with two other families!!! Suppose that’s called multi tasking up here 🤣🤣🤣

Vikki, thanks for the lift back. It was lovely to get together again…loved the evening Kris, Vikki, Ann, Graham and J and O!!! ❤️

We raided the fridge for water and headed to our room (my old room from yesteryear!!!).

Nisha and I finally get to lie-in tomorrow morning. I think we’re both physically, mentally and emotionally knackered!!! Thank you to everyone we’ve met today!!! All family to us!!!❤️

We bid you a relaxing good night and…I can’t believe I’m saying this but breakfast might not consist of porridge…!!! I’m still coming to terms with it 🤣😜🤣😜🤣😜.

First night of our two night stay in Pitlochry.

A relaxing good morning to you all. After a lovely sleep, we awoke to the sounds of bird’s chirping away and the odd cockerel!!!

Breakfast in our room this morning!! Scheduled to arrive between 8am-8.30am, a knock on the door at precisely 8am quickly got us out of bed. The waiter entered with a large tray, there was a coffee pot, cups and saucers, slices of toast and condiments, “I’ll be back with some more items” and off he went. Five minutes later and another knock on our door, this time there’s two of them, each carrying three plates. As they left, we eyed up our breakfast….porridge for me, poached egg, haggis and hash brown for Nisha. In addition, we both had mixed fruits (sliced grapefruit and oranges, prunes and a fig, all freshly made), and a bowl of yoghurt. Honey was mixed into our porridge and we both tucked in. This has been the best breakfast so far, a comfortable 10 / 10!!!

A few minutes to digest our breakfast and time to shower and get ready for our day ahead…

And what a days it been!!! At the precise stroke of 10.39am, we exited the hotel to my car, I needed my walking boots…I put them on but then realised I still had my jeans on and forgot to put my walking trousers on…back into the hotel o went, up the stairs to our room and after a quick change I was back in reception. This time we were ready…on we walked towards the hotel gates and turned a sharp left towards Pitlochry Golf Course!! Yes yes, I’ve already seen several top notch courses and yes I’ve wanted to play golf at each of them!!! God damn shoulder!!! We read the signs for the walk we intended to go on – to the top of Craigower Hill, approximately 1.5 hours to the summit. Our hike would take us through the middle of the golf course!! I was in heaven, even started chatting to the local golfers!!! Scots are such lovely warming people…shame their golf play isn’t as warming 🤣🤣🤣. We walked along the 4th hole and as we reached the end of the path, the view back was beautiful…

The path then weaved its way though an alpine forest. We came across another sign, this one read – The summit is 0.5 miles ahead with an ascend of 150 metres. In other words it’s going to be very very steep and you’re going to be knackered while struggling, I mean walking up!!! As ever, the budding Nisha (David Attenborough) kept pointing out the new buds on trees and the lichen on the trees, I think it was a tactic just so rest for a few minutes 😜😜

The summit was close, I was sure of it, it had to be, we must have walked 0.5 miles by now!!! They didn’t warn us about the last 30 metres of steep steps among the fern and pine cones….a side step here and a side step there, it was more like doing a bad imitation of a ballroom dance!!! We reached the summit and followed a well trodden path on the grass,

Another sign, this one telling us to beware of reptiles – lizards and snakes. Yep, that’s exactly what the sign said. Undeterred, we continued to a viewing platform to see a spectacular scene.

In the photograph above, the water is Loch Tummel with Loch Rannoch in the top right corner of Loch Tummel. In the far distance (approximately 75km away), we also saw the feint shape of Ben Lomond which sadly isn’t shown in the photograph.

After absorbing this scene, we walked along another trek to see this view…

Now the descent…we found the guide markers and off we set…the path in the centre of bracken!!! No lizards or snakes were seen, it was too cold and wet, yep, a light drizzle had started but I swear I was becoming a Scot, I was in my polo shirt and feeling fine which Nisha was all wrapped up in her jacket and hat.

We eventually hit a gravel road which we followed . There were tall alpine trees to the left and right of us and so many different kinds of birds, I even had one model for me…

As I said thank you, it flew away, such a kind bird. For the rest of the descent, only a quick glimpse of a deer was had, no other wildlife. The rain was coming down harder and so my jacket had to come on!! We eventually made it back to the golf course and this time we took a detour when we arrived at the 4th tee. We took a left and followed signs for Pitlochry, only 1.5 miles away!!! This time the path was a road with sheep and baby lambs on each side, lovely animals. Nisha called them cute but I swear I saw her licking her lips….haggis!!!! 🤣😜🤣😜. I think that was why we missed a turning and ended up walking an extra 15 minutes. We passed a hotel with a hydro spa (we visited it the last time we were here, and if this is a hydro then Kris, stick a paddling pool in the Ritz garden with a hot tub and you’re sorted!!!).

Hitting the Pitlochry High Street, food was needed!!! After a quick Google search, Victoria’s was recommended. A 4 minute walk…just down the street. We arrived, the attentive waiter showed us to a table and handed us menus. I chose salmon filet with pearl barley with a side of goats cheese, beetroot and greens. Nisha had penne pasta with a side of vegetables.

Drinks were oat milk decaf latte’s. During the meal, the rain came and went, sunshine came and went…at least no snow or strong winds!!!

Now, back to the hotel we headed…all uphill and still raining, we eventually got to the hotel gates, totally soaked!!!

A brief pit stop to freshen up and leave our backpack, we headed out again but this time we went in our car to Iain Burnett, The Highland Chocolatier. We parked up and entered, Chocolates everywhere!!! Through the store we went until the cafe, they call it the Chocolate Lounge appeared. The maitre’d showed us to a table and gave us a menu. Who knew chocolate could be added and used in so many things!!

Nisha opted for a classic hot chocolate, comprising of dark chocolate and milk, with a side of 4 dark velvet truffles. I ordered a vegan hot chocolate, comprising of dark velvet chocolate and oat milk, with a side of rocky road – pistachios, berries and dried fruit rolled with white chocolate. Everything was amazing…the result was more than a sugar rush!!!

We had to work off the calories so a quick walk along River Tay had to be done. We know about River Tay, that’s we’re, five years previous, we had our first experience of white water rafting!!! The river seemed quick calm today.

Quick walk finished, we headed for the car and on the way back to the hotel, we took a detour to Killiecrankie, another place we had visited five years ago!!!

We walked along the river path, this was River Garry, a very calm river. After a 20 minute walk we arrived at the junction where River Tummel meets River Garry.

That was the end of our walk so we headed back to the car, another 2 mile walk added to our daily total!! Total so far for today is 10 miles!!!

Now back at the hotel and in the bar, both with a dram, Nisha has a local malt called Ballechin by Edradour (she wants a bottle to take home) while I’m having a Caol Ila, maybe two 😜😜😜

That’s the end of today!!! Tomorrow is the actual start of our North Coast 500 trip!!!

In the morning…On to Cromarty!!!

Finally got a pic from Nae Limits…

And a fresh good morning to you all!!! Last night was an absolute blast, we’re still smiling…showered and dressed, on we go for breakfast at a nice place called Toast, we found it yesterday on our way to the bus stop). The hotel wanted to charge us £18 for a bowl of cereal, no porridge available, coffee and orange juice so we declined their offer.

As we entered Toast, a very lively waitress showed us to a table and gave us their menu. We knew from the previous night what we wanted, and yep, it was porridge with honey, coconut, pistachio, strawberries and blueberries. Oat milk latte for us both and I decided on a glass of carrot juice. Porridge, juice and coffee were fabulous, hence the rating of 10 / 10. on our leisurely way back to the hotel, we soaked in our last memories of Leith, a place we are sure to visit again even just for the restaurants!!

After our luggage was packed into the boot, the sat nav was programmed for Pitlochry. A travel time of 1h30mins was shown and off we set. The sat nav made us turn a left here, a right there, a second exit at the roundabout and in some cases even a third exit…soon we were on A9 and met with signs for Pitlochry!! But hold on, as soon as we turned off, eagle eyed Nisha, my personal navigator, spotted a sign for Nae Limits. Who are they I hear you ask, well, let me continue. We parked up, stretched our way into the place (looked like a garden centre in a previous life!!). The eager cafe barista asked if we wanted tea and cake…we declined and asked to speak to someone dealing with water adventure activities. The options were clay pigeon shooting, quad biking or white water rafting. What a choice!!! We discussed the options and settled with white water rafting, with quad biking coming a close second. Five years previous, with a different company, we had done white water rafting but in the River Tay. This time it was going to be in the River Tummel. Payment was made and we were to return in just over an hour. This gave us time to get to the hotel and check in (paper work only and to leave our luggage). Swimwear packed, we drove back to the company. As we pulled in and opened the boot to get our bag, the manager rushed out to say the water level of River Tummel was low and therefore the white water rafting would be a slow ride down as the river was also calm. Due to this, he offered us the option of doing tubing. This is where you sit in a doughnut air ring and and ride a few rapids. We agreed on the change and made our way in. They went through the health and safety information and then sized us up for wetsuits. Not your ordinary kind but these were designed for canyoning. With jackets and socks. In addition, we were allocated hard hats and life jackets. There were 7 other people in our group. Everyone changed, and then all loaded into minibuses.

The journey to the site was about 15mins. Everyone got off the minibuses and the trainers gave us all large inflated water rings. A few more safety procedures were explained and off we went down the road, everyone carrying their own rings. 5 minutes later we made our way through trees on the bank of the river. We exited very near the water. The trainer explained how we are to enter the water and where we will finish on this current stretch. One by one we put our rings into the water and then literally jumped into the ring and with a gentle push away we went. This short ride involved bouncing off rocks and using our bodies, arms and hands to manoeuvre to the calm area in the river. Some of the group made it, some struggled while a couple just didn’t stand a chance and away they went with other trainers in pursuit 🤣🤣🤣

When the escapees were retrieved, the trainers told us about the next run which was more aggressive but also looked like more fun!!!! One by one the trainer called is down. Eventually we all made it to another calm area but this time we had to get off the rings and onto the rocks. Was this the end of the adventure????? We didn’t have to worry…the trainer talked to us about cliff diving and after his colleagues carried out a demonstration, he asked who’s next??? I lunged forward, Nisha lunged forward, damn it, she was in front of me. One step to the edge and then push off with a large stride and in you go!!! Nisha jumped in and after a few seconds up she popped smiling!!! I was next, one step and push!!! Silence!!!! And then SPLASH!!! I was in and within a few seconds I came to the surface with a huge grin!!! We rushed out and did it again!!!! The height of the jump was approximately 3 metres!!!

All jumps completed, and back on our rings, off we set on another run, more choppy than before, more rocks, the run was narrower…the trainers advice – stick your arse in the air as you go down…advice was followed and it felt like being in a pin ball machine!!! Such good fun…!!! Again we ended up in a calm area of the river. This time the trainer showed us and demonstrated the next even more choppier run, with a literally vertical drop down. One by one we dropped and made our way to safety. This time, we all went underwater while on our rings!!! We made it!!! We made our way to the rocks to exit the river. Was this the end??? No way…The trainers jumped into the water…we looked at each other but they had swam across the river and climbed onto the rocks on the other side. Within seconds they were cliff jumping again but this time the height was approximately 5 metres…who wants to jump he shouted….those who did jumped in and swam to the other side, and made their way to the jumping spot (edge of a large rock). Nisha jumped in…again coming to the surface with a smile…instead of swimming to the other side, she wanted another go and so swam back. My turn…step to the edge and push…silence again!!! But longer…is all ok???? SPLASH!!! Yep, all ok!!! Another go another go!!! We got out and as we made our way up, the trainer asked who wants to jump from an even higher height…we volunteered…up we went…7 metres this time…Nisha made her way to an uneven edge and with the support of the trainer she was ready…..nothing happened….tick tock tick tock…what seemed like ages was seconds before Nisha pulled back. I looked at her, talked to her and knew she was fine…just a jitter or two and she said she was fine. I made my way to the edge, looked down and wow….I see a rock pointing out…I made a mental note….push away even further!!! I balanced myself and pushed off….SILENCE!!! No thud…!! I didn’t hit the rock…SPLASH!!! I was in and underwater….up I came and boy was I grinning!!!! As I made my way to the other bank, I saw Nisha jump in….that’s my girl!!!!! Whoop whoop all around!!! We did it!!!! We exited the river and made our way back to the minibuses with our rings on our heads…all loaded and back to the office we went. After a quick change of clothes and thanking everyone, we drove back to the hotel. We got our key and made our way up while holding wet swimwear and footwear.

We showered, exchanged our experiences and made our way to dinner…we were famished!!! The waitress showed us to our table, we sat down and looked at the menu. Everything sounded lovely. For starters Nisha had pear and blue cheese tart, I had smoked salmon and salmon mousse. For main course I had sea bream with asparagus, pak choi and potatoes, Nisha had venison with chantenay carrots and dauphinois potatoes. Drinks were a glass of white wine and a glass of red wine. No dessert, rather an oat decaf latte for both.

We’re so high on adrenaline but also physically tired now!!!

Enjoy today’s entry!!!

Good morning all!!!! What a lovely sleep we had, who needs sleeping tablets or Rioja when a 5 mile hike is the answer to a good nights sleep 🤣🤣🤣. Nisha has gone for her early morning swim, hold up, she’s already back…and already bouncing which means she’s had a good swim session!!!

Breakfast has been ordered and should arrive very soon (it’s 7.45am). On the menu this morning is another hearty bowl of porridge (we’ve decided to carry out porridge testing in every hotel we stay at), along with a platter of fresh fruit, plain yoghurt, orange juice and coffee. Still managing to keep it healthy, the lure of black pudding hasn’t hit Nisha yet!!! Only a matter of time I think 🤣🤣🤣

Breakfast eaten, we give it a score of 8 / 10. Showered, packed and after a quick check out, we reload our overnight bags and set off to Jarrow for a quick visit to Barbour and then onto Bamburgh.

Jarrow was an indulgent affair, that’s all we’re prepared to say!!!

On our way to Bamburgh (Seahouses) the rain decided to come down. Nisha was on the case, straight onto the Met Office website which reported that the rain would stop at noon, that was only 9 minutes away!!!! It did stop but it was 1pm!!! We checked in, got another reduced rate, Nisha has a daily routine as the navigation officer where she checks all the hotel rates and makes a mental note. Biggest bug bear is that she always forgets the snacks we need to munch on during the drive!!!

Room is nice, and will do for the night, bags are dumped, bathroom has been tested!!! And off we rush to Billy Shiel (he’s our mate who does the boat trips around Farne Islands), also met a Carol and someone else, but never actually met Billy!!! 🤣🤣🤣

Sea sickness tablets were quickly swallowed and we were ready for the choppy North Sea!! The boat went up and down, right and left, even this way and that but never the other 🤣🤣🤣…nothing came up, the tablets were working!!! Frame island here we come!!!

We saw birds and water…more birds, more water, we saw birds, seals and even more water!!! We saw puffins (guide says 70,000 but we only counted a few thousand 😜), guillemots, razorbills, terns, and Atlantic and grey seals, and more water!!! 🤣🤣🤣

It was cold on that boat, I forgot to pack my hip flask!!! This was the perfect time!!! Needed a swig and few to warm up our cockles!!🤣🤣🤣

Back on shore, we rushed back to the hotel, jackets off, bathroom tested once again and off we went for ‘tea’…or as us London people say…food because we is hungry!!! 🤣🤣

Starters are beetroot and goats cheese panna cotta and cheesy garlic bread, followed by roast butternut squash risotto….the risotto came out, Nisha took a bite and straight away she hunted down a waitress, the risotto wasn’t hot enough for her…off they went and before long they arrived back steaming!!! Okay, for those of you who haven’t realised, today is a vegetarian day with Guinness and wine!!! Can’t do both a dry and veggie day in one 🤣🤣🤣. Dessert will be a Mahavir special!!! (Mahavir makes and sells Indian sweets)!!! Tea has been consumed and next on the agenda is to read a chapter or two, I’m reading John Grisham, and Nisha is reading a novel by the ex con Jeff Archer!!!

The cold boat trip got to us so we had an afternoon snooze and woke up in time for a coffee and snack!!! Our latest health philosophy is to have a big lunch and a small dinner…seems to work for us!!!

Reloading for our next hotel stay has already happened, talk about highly organised 🤣🤣🤣. This evening will be spent relaxing and watching Ronnie O playing snooker.

Good morning!!! Lovely sleep in Bamburgh, room was nice and warm. We were up quite early as breakfast in our room was not available. We showered and dressed and made our way down to what we thought would be a fab breakfast…we were left so disappointed!!!! We rate this breakfast 4 / 10. Let me explain, porridge was a make your own in a pot, orange juice was from a carton, fresh fruit has run out and it was only 8.20am!!! After speaking to the waitress, the chef did bring out more fresh fruit. The score so far would have been 2 / 10. Nisha had poached eggs with spinach and I had kippers, both which boosted the score to 4. That’s all re breakfast, I could go on but hey!!!

We checked out, bags were rammed in the car and off we set to Edinburgh!!!! On the way, we recognised an Esso petrol station and within 10 seconds realised where the immediate right turn would us!!! I indicated, braked and turned right…no handbrake right turn was needed!!!! On to Lindisfarne (Holy Island to some of you!!!) we drove!!!

Such a lovely quaint place, we had a lovely enjoyable walk, but on the way back it was more of a case of side stepping the sheep s**t, and there was soo much of it…such healthy sheep!!!

Lovely views from the coast, even views to Bamburgh!!!

Now that was a nice pit stop!!! Back in the car, off to Edinburgh!!! Ok, for those of you who drive to Edinburgh, a quick tip, at the end of the A1, near Berwick, there’s a roundabout which has a Morrisons and you’re always guaranteed cheap petrol…in we drove, filled up, tank full and back on the road!!! Another tip…use Waze as a sat nav, they tell you where the cameras are!!! Not that I broke the national speed limit 🤣😜🤣😜

Within a few minutes, the Scottish border flags and signs were in full view…I had to slow down, Nisha needed time to get the camera function on her phone ready and then aim it at the sign…the result…(see below) 🤣😜🤣😜

Another 45 minutes and Edinburgh was in sight, we caught a glimpse of Arthur’s seat and then got stuck in traffic on the way to Leith where our hotel is.

After semi checking in (doing all the paperwork but no room keys), we headed by bus, number 22 for those who like buses 🤣🤣🤣 to Edinburgh city centre. We had a mission, Nisha wanted to see the old Edinburgh underground streets, Mary King Close and associated stories!!! It’s thoroughly recommended!!! Indians still had it worse!!!!

Bus number 22 was then boarded for a return journey, the bus stop was on Princes Street, not Princess Street as Nisha thought 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

On arrival, we queued at reception to check in…there were 3 people in the growing queue while the receptionist thought he was on holiday and taking unnecessary time with every guest!!! Couples in the queue were getting more and more unhappy!!! Eventually it was our turn and he gave us our room number, told us where the list was and waved us away. Well, the lift is opposite the reception desk, literally 5 metres away and we called the lift. Doors opened and still in the lift were the couple who were ahead of us in reception, we smiled and they pushed their floor button and they doors closed….after a minute we pressed the button again…the doors opened and guess what…they were still there!!! I asked the lady if she had pressed the correct floor button from the panel behind her, she turned around and pressed the button and once again the doors closed. This time we heard the rumble of the lift before we pressed the call button and waited while it returned. The doors opened and guess what….it was empty 🤣🤣🤣🤣. We entered and pressed the button for the floor we required. We also had a look at what the previous occupants had been doing and realised that they had been pushing a cardboard room notice (yep, made of cardboard and not linked to any lift button 🤣🤣🤣🤣). We laughed!!!!

We shouldn’t have laughed!!! On floor two, the rooms stopped at room 217 and our room was 226…up and down the corridor we traipsed, room 226 was no where to be found…back to the lift we arrived. Doors opened, down to reception we went. To our surprise, around the corner there was another lift which the receptionist forgot the mention and which led us to a different wing of the hotel, and that’s where we found room 226. But before we entered the lift, I told the receptionist that I would like a word with the duty manager and will speak to them after we had freshened up.

Back to reception we went, and as soon as the receptionist saw us, he went to the back office to get the duty manager…he returned back to say the duty manager will be with us as soon as she can…..in shock I had to repeat what he said….she will see us as soon as she can!!!! I bit my tongue and said we will have a word on our return….we had a restaurant booking we were running late for, and we were hungry!!

What a fantastic restaurant!!!! We totally recommend The Ship on The Shore restaurant….location, service, ambiance and food are top top notch!!! Our order: drink, a bottle of Chablis, starter was cold smoked salmon with hot salmon and salad with fresh bread. 10 / 10

Main for Nisha was monk fish with baby potatoes and steamed veg, I had freshly hand dived scallops with salad and crispy chips, both 10 / 10!!!

No room for dessert so we settled for two single 12 ye old Caol Ila malts (yep Kris and Vikki, the one I love!!!)

We sauntered back to our hotel and to reception where again, the receptionist quickly got up and went to seek the duty manager. We waited in the outer reception area where she arrived. We explained our displeasure to which she mostly agreed with (doesn’t seem like she thinks much of the receptionist and more or less blamed the training and head office.). Free drinks were offered and the bar had been notified. After freshening up in our room, we headed to the bar, sat down and ordered our drinks. As we sat down, I recognised a fella arriving at the table in front of us. Me being me had to say….how come we don’t see you much on the box these days!!!! His response….it’s in the pipeline!!!….our drinks came, and as we slowly consumed our alcoholic beverages, we googled this fab actor…what was he in…comedian…no….actor…yes that’s it…comedy actor??? Hell yes…ummmm…where had we seen him….boom….lock stock and two smoking barrels!!!! Also Only fools and horses….yes yes….I’m getting to his name…patience is a virtue!!! Anyway, as he ate his food and worked away we found him!!!!

Vas Blackwood….total legend and such a genuine down to earth gentleman!!! He loved our registry photo, even loved my Cheaney shoes!!!!

Nisha has been in heaven!!! Can’t stop smiling!!!!

We have now retired to our room, ready for the next adventure…..

After waking up from a nice relaxing sleep (who needs sleeping tablets when you have Rioja!!), we decided to have breakfast in our room, now the dilemma, do we get a Derby fry up with extra bacon or a helping of porridge, exotic fruit and yoghurt?? The decision was hard to make but eventually we opted for the latter, with the addition of a croissant (Nisha’s choice!!). Breakfast was lovely, no idea about the croissant as Nisha didn’t even give it a second glance!! (Is this early signs of going healthy ?? 🤣🤣🤣)

We checked out, reloaded our overnight bags and set off for Castleton. We parked up, had a nice chat with tourist information and with their advice, decided to go for a 5 mile hike around Mam Tor. Our hiking backpack was loaded with water, chocolate corn cakes and the most important item, mum’s thepla!!!

Half way up, the cafe pulled us in and offered us a coffee. As it was a warm day, we had to sit at the outdoor picnic table. The thepla’s were unwrapped, Nisha and I took one each, rolled them up and munched away!!! The instant coffee was a mediocre accompaniment!!! The chocolate corn cakes were now a must!! We had to rejuvenate our tastebuds!! Snack completed, on we continued. Nisha’s skill of map reading made sure the correct route was followed.

Now, we’ve all heard about the road to nowhere, well, we found it!!!! What was left of it anyway!!

During our hike, we passed several sheep and their lambs, and every time we looked at them, I swear they looked at Nisha and said “you’re the one who ate my friend”!!

The hike took us just over 2 hours, a nice warm up before Scotland!!! Our next destination is Ramside Hotel in Durham, only 101 miles away. Sat nav programmed, water, mixed nuts and bananas all ready for our drive time snacks!!! On the drive here, Nisha was surfing and came across a cheaper room rate at the hotel. At check-in, Nisha had her sleeves rolled up and ready for some argy bargy with the receptionist to make sure we got the cheaper rate. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen Nisha ready for a fight but I think the poor receptionist just crumbled…we got the cheaper rate with a dinner rate included!!!! Conclusion – DON’T MESS WITH NISHA 🤣🤣🤣

So, Nisha has come back from a swim and is now like a live wire!!! Me, well, I’ve been doing this blog (any excuse not to go for a swim 😜😜). Dinner in an hour, more soon…

What a fantastic dinner, the Thai restaurant is so authentic, the chef and sous are both from Thailand and truly know their cuisine!! For starters we had dim sum, prawns and veg, followed by Thai Seafood Karee, which is mixed seafood in turmeric based sauce served with jasmine rice. We had a teetotal day so tonic water was on the cards this evening followed by a latte…oat milk only 😜😜. We’re totally stuffed!!!

So, we’ve reached our first destination in Derby, Breadsall Priory and guess what, we stayed here when we went on our very first holiday in December 2017…

The day started with a visit mum and dad, dad was awake and blessed our honeymoon, I swear he wanted a trip out 😜😜, and true to her word, mum had prepared thepla (an Indian spicy flat bread), and not just a couple, enough for our entire trip!!!!!!….then onto to our friend Trevor and his new companion Barney, what a placid and laid back dog…Trevor and Barney are a sure match!!!

From meeting Trevor and Barney, we had a bit of work to do which eventually led us to The Ritz in Desborough and to Kris, Vikki and little Olly, not so little Jack was at Nani Ann and Grandpa Graham’s house…The Ritz looks totally amazing!!! Team Malde.. Kris and Vikki have absolutely transformed the venue and hats off to them both!!!

After a fleeting visit, we hit the road to our destination in Derby, Breadsall Priory, a fab golf and spa location which we will be visiting again, men golfing, women in the spa 😜😜😜…food is lovely, staff are a delight and the grounds are a delight!!!

We’ve had an absolutely fab meal, soup for starters, rainbow trout and veg for main and cheese and biscuits for dessert, all washed down with a 2017 Rioja, we’re enroute to getting tipsy…with a dessert of walnut barfi, care of Mahavir….need my cigar buddies now 😜😜😂😂