Travel – Page 8 – Curious Bystander

The Cateran Trail – Part 4 (we cheated) to Bridge of Cally / Blairgowrie / The Strawberry Farm Shop, north of Perth

After the arrival in Kirkmichael and a bought lunch (tasted great!), we headed via car, to Bridge of Cally, with the intention of walking to Blairgowrie, which went astray! We stayed the night and the next day shifted with the car to Blairgowrie.

Various shots in Bridge of Cally – Last shot showed a fatal car accident!

What a very small place, with the hotel the Bridge of Cally hotel, being packed yet the food was wonderful – world class btw. We needed the sleep and chill, and the next morning, I discovered that the A93 to the front of the hotel was closed. After I enquired, I was told that this was due to yet another road fatality on the A93 to Blairgowrie. I can only say, that on the same road heading south to BOC, the level of driving whether a caravan or not, was simply appalling! Take care, though this may have been due to the fact that this was one of the first days where travelling was allowed after COVID.

Once in Blairgowrie, where we discovered that they are the Strawberry or Berry capital of the World, we went for a short roam, and found a path on the Cateran Trail, that followed the river into the town. Some shots are below, and was struck by the sheer beauty of the place. Afterwards had a tea / cake in a cafe, the delightful Cateran Cafe in the heart of Blairgowrie.

Various shots in and around Blairgowrie (note the new flats via Savilles!

Finally, after leaving on the A93 again to Perth, we came to a bend in the road and just simply HAD to stop at the best stocked farm shop (The Strawberry Farm Shop) I’ve seen. The cake / pecan pie / brownie was heaven!

After about £60 worth of grub was bought, we stumbled back to Glasgow.

The Strawberry Farm Shop, just north of Scone

The Week Ahead / Cateran Trail – Part 3

This week, will finish a look at my recent trip doing part of the Cateran Trail, where we finished the top, circular part. We will also look at some recipes, restaurant / cafe reviews from Glasgow, and a look at Glasgow highlights (their Churches) and maybe a “First Hit, Last Hit” from a pop band from the past . . .

Cateran Trail:

We will finish the walk later in the year, but would first say, that it is one of those rare walks that is circular, and is therefore a relief for people who simply want to start / end in the same spot (where they have either travelled to using public transport, or have parked their car).

The final day, we decamped and left to return to Kirkmichael, in Perthshire. This was probably the most enjoyable of the three days, as it was only 4 to 5 hours to walk, was sunny and was mostly downhill!

Whilst finally in Kirkmichael, I had a very interesting talk with the shop assistant, who told me that they (the village) had had a very tough time during COVID, and the winter. She also noted that the village itself had fewer and fewer people residing there, as the flats in front of the shop on the High Street, were virtually ALL holiday lets.

Depressing . . .

Cateran Trail – Part 2 – Lunch Hut to Lair

Day 2, as we were just so close to the Lunch Hut –

Towards Lunch Hut, Visitors Book (with Queen Victoria), Inside Hut, Looking back to Hut

(only around a corner from where we camped at, the night before), we stopped there and used our stove inside (shame on us) to make a cup of tea.

From here, as the weather was sensational (and after reading some dreadful bothy graffiti, and the wonderful signature book), we headed off to the summit of An Lairig (a pass between two higher peaks), at a height of 648 meters, that had wonderful views looking back on the route where we had come from.

From here, it was all downhill to the Spittal of Glenshee, that unfortunately was completely closed due to COVID. It would’ve been a welcome relief with its one café, but from here, it was now to head east, then south onwards to Lair, and a shop / café at the Wee House of Glenshee, on the A93. We arrived too late and hence, after another 10 minutes, just over the A93, we camped for a second night.

Various shots from Spittal of Glenshee to Lair

This week / Cateran Trail, Perthshire, Scotland

Another week, and I’ve been so busy, but am writing now more than before (finally). Will give a review of a restaurant (a changing one) that I’ve been to recently in Glasgow, but will start with a recent walking holiday, on the little known Cateran Trail, in Perthshire – Will be back as well!

The Cateran Trail:

Had heard of this a few years past, when in Kirkmichael / Blairgowrie, and felt intrigued, as it was both circular, and remote – We needed to use a tent two nights.

The first day, we travelled from Kirkmichael to just by the Lunch Hut (Used by none other than Queen Victoria a long time ago!) on the way to Spittal of Glenshee. Enjoy the fotos, it was actually quite warm, and the stream next to the tent site was beautiful to drink from.

Road Trip – Tarbert, Loch Fyne and Surroundings – Part 2

Continuing about our recent trip to the west of Scotland; after the visit to Tarbert, we went further south to a very small hamlet called Skipness, which is also reachable by bus from Tarbert. Whilst there is no pub, and even the Post Office / Village Shop is now unfortunately closed, we did manage a walk to Skipness Castle there, and went by Skipness Smokehouse (that was closed on the day).

We continued with a circular route that lead us back to Skipness, where I had a wonderful conversation with the warden(?) of the Church of Scotland there, at St Brendans. Afterwards, we returned to our accommodation for the night.

Beach Back to Skipness / St Brendans COS

The next day, we meandered back the way we came to Glasgow, along the A83, where we stopped at both Lochgilphead and then Inveraray. The final stop was at the great, though now, quite posh Loch Fyne Oyster bar, for some of the best soup I’ve ever had.

Lochgilphead (1-3), Inveraray (4-6), Loch Fyne Oyster bar (7-8)

Road Trip – Tarbert, Loch Fyne and Surroundings – Part 1

Early last year, I was in this region, and rather disgracefully, that was the first time that I’d ever been in this part of Scotland. Well, I’ve returned and can only say I’ll be back.

On the way up, we took the normal route to the west of Loch Lomond following the A82 and noticed, that the recent cold weather had brought more snow onto Ben Lomond.

After Loch Lomond, we headed west on the A83 and stopped at Slanj Restaurant, located in an old church of some sorts? After a miniature fish and chips (recommended), continued on the A83 to the first point of interest, the area known as Rest and Be Thankful, worth a visit! An area that is notorious for rock & mud slides and that has had traffic controls on it for some time now.

We got lucky and were first in the queue! With a lovely view of Beinn an Lochain.

Later, we continued with the A83 and wound up in, after driving by the Loch Fyne brewery & restaurant, passing through Inveraray, and then Lochgilphead; our accommodation at Stonefield Castle, where we were staying fro the weekend. More about those first three places in Part 2.

The castle is fab (food, view, service) and the next day we took a trip to nearby Tarbert. With it being the second time there, I noted that it is not a toy town Scotland; people actually live and work here. It may not be filled with Londoners and their organic tofu café’s but still has a certain, realness to its charm.

Enjoy the photos.

Beijing – Part 2 – European Quarter / Tiananmen Square

Near the old French Post Office, Beijing

To continue this series on Beijing, I was amazed that the old buildings from when the European powers were here a hundred odd years ago, are still standing and looking good. There was also a number of older, mature trees, that I didn’t see any where else in central Beijing.

Automatically, all seemed “different”, and “old” and more “European”! In fact, it reminded me of home, in Glasgow. So much so, that I automatically assumed, that there should be a pub nearby!

From here, it was very short walk to Tiananmen Square, though it was approaching dusk, and the light was not good enough for more shots.

Various shots in and from Tiananmen Square

Try Beijing – Part 1

As there is little to traveling right now, I’ll go over some of my recent travels. Please try Beijing. As you can tell from my crude map, it’s a very centralised type of old city, with a central ring road and road system; ideal for walking.

Of my trips to the far east, two were to China, with the second trip seeing Beijing for a second time. After the first time the year before, I couldn’t wait to get back. Unfortunately, I lost many of the photos from that year, owing to a disaster with my PC! Not deterred, after the second visit, I actually took my time to save my photos onto my hard drive properly.

Please, before you die, I’d recommend that you go here. It still has enough of its old charm (though you may disagree), that is mixed with its newfound wealth.

I’d recommend, and the next few blog posts will show, several things:

* The Hutongs
* The old European quarter / Tiananmen Square
* The zoo / Summer Palace, in the outer northwest of the city
* The Qianhai Lake area, a musical, hive of activity, particularly at night
* Just walk in the streets – Central Beijing is VERY easy to get about in.

We started by getting a cheaper, studenty / youth hostel – the 161 Hotel, at about £40 / night, that also did a reasonable breakfast, right in the central Hutong area. In addition, the Panda Bear beer was delicious!

A Hutong being a number of narrow alleyways / streets, that have been used for centuries, both as courtyard residences, as well as an area where some of the old royalty had lived. These are now both being preserved and also possess a variety of cafes, pubs, bike shops, hotels and millionaire flats – in certain areas. My favourite place, was the Ho Kitchen & Co. establishment, with a very nice draft beer. My friend told me, that some of the properties are worth well over a million dollars (or pounds, I can’t remember) nowadays. Mainly for the central location.

Whilst at times, there was a degree of, dare I say impoverishment, the overall level of safety and basic amenities were never in question. Though, I must warn you that it is an experience if you are desperate to use the public rest rooms! From what I had watched on the tv, and what our bartender / barista had confirmed, it is the intention of the Chinese government to launch a mammoth improvement of these much needed facilities, a total of about 100,000, if I understood correctly.

In addition, when I was talking to the said bartender, because I had noticed that in my previous trip (the year before), that there was a larger window in the pub that faced the Hutong street, he confirmed my recollection. But he also added, that this was due to a government edict, that he really had no desire to talk about – which was interesting.

All of the photos are from the Wudaoying Hutong area.

Park Circus, Glasgow – Part 2

To complete my Park Circus photo blog, I started at the Lord Roberts monument, at the entry to the Circus from Kelvingrove Park. Roberts happened to be the last Commander of British Forces, before the post was abolished in the early 20^th century. This is looking west, over Kelvingrove Park , Glasgow University & the part of the West End known as Woodlands.

From here, we moved east, to the entry of the Circus, looking at Park Gate.

Thence, we meandered to Park Circus’s north side, its central park area, and the south side of the Circus; complete with a Goethe Institute / Allianz Frances.

On the way out of Park Circus, we see both the Trinity Church (the Old Trinity College that was part of Glasgow University), and the old Park Church (Free Church college) on Lynedoch Place, that was rather disgracefully destroyed in the late 60s, with only the tower remaining.

After heading west on Lynedoch Crescent, there are now a number of new builds on the left, that actually follow the old design plans that were there in the past, on Park Quadrant.

Finally, on the way down and out from the Circus, we are in Woodlands Road, by the Free Presbyterian Church, travelling back westwards.

The Wolds Way – Part 4 – Filey to Muston

For the final part of this delightful walk, and one that I shall be wishing to complete some time soon, we headed from the end, in Filey, and walked briefly backwards to Muston, which at one time had a Scarecrow Festival; but was recently axed!

Before we headed off from Filey, we did an incredibly long beach walk from Reighton (Haven Reighton Sands Holiday Park), and headed north towards Filey Beach & Filey, in order to get there; recommended! From the start, Filey was a ways ahead, with a distinctive protrusion that you are welcome to climb if you wish.

Looking back aways towards the Reighton section complete with WW2 formations, I think. It was interesting to note, just how many people who were there on the day. And also, the number of very well-behaved dogs.

Equally, there were certainly some brave souls catching the waves.

When we finally made Filey, after only an hour, it was a very pleasant surprise. But the appropriate British seaside food just made it seem just so right!

Beef burger; even more delicious after a long beach walk!

Whilst in Filey, there was everything to expect from a seaside experience, with huts at the beach, delightful views over the coast and a charming town centre.

From here, it was actually quite easy to meander through Filey, and onto the correct pathway. It is not very long, and with a distance of only about 2+ miles, we were in Muston in no time . . . for a pint, at the Ship Inn.

Along the way to Muston, from Filey

After this, there was a very fast, local connection by bus, back to Reighton to collect our car. It should be said, that Filey is connected with British Rail; for those who would wish to start their way from here, and head towards the start of the Wolds Way, located in Kingston-upon-Hull.