Continue reading Return to the Vineyard – first weekend out of 2021

Warning: Do not read this if you have a tendency towards muppetry ⚠️⛔ Easter holidays, nice weather. Kids have been very good dealing with all the changes from home school, to real school, to holidays with nothing to do, so a day out in the van to Clumber with bikes and picnic is arranged. When it comes to it, it feels a bit weird, partly … Continue reading A tale of muppetry

Nothing to report since the summer and #OperationHebrides2020. Back to school and bubbles, social distancing (or lack of), masks, hand gel and staying home. Tier 3 restrictions and term ending a week before Christmas put paid to the standard celebrations and the sneaky New Year night away. Neighbouring counties now in tier 4. Sitting tight in the snow and hoping for some positive changes. #CampervanCapersNotTheCampervanButWishingWeWere Continue reading 2021

Statistics time, number fiends: 1340.5 miles covered. No issues getting fuel when we needed as we may have suspected, obviously we researched in advance where fuel stops were and when they were open (Sundays an issue) and kept on top of consumption, but you would, wouldn’t you? 16 days on the road. Loved (and needed) every one together. Cadac used only twice. Perhaps to be … Continue reading #OperationHebrides2020 – The Final Score

We have no idea how long it takes to pack up the van! We set ourselves a 10am deadline, to leave in good time for the ferry, but despite not being up much before 8 we were ready to go by 9. An attempt at finding Finn’s people stone circle was fruitless, ending up in a hotel car park, so we pushed on. First in … Continue reading Hopping over to Harris and Lewis

Nail biting footage of the approach to Leverburgh Harbour, what seemed a very long hour indeed, pressing the imaginary brake pedal and leaning back to not end up inadvertently in the Sound of Harris. This had been the view for the whole crossing, due to Covid restrictions having to stay in the vehicle. Continue reading Granny Peg Alert

Following the gusty night of windiness we were up and out early and tried again to visit the Kildonan Museum, but alas, we were thwarted once more as there were no signs of life. We retraced our steps of the previous day up through South Uist and Benbecula, taking the road bridge over to North Uist. It turns out that our campsite of choice, Moorcroft … Continue reading The Uists Part 2

After a very quiet and beautiful stopover at Marilyn and Graham’s it was time for the real #OperationHebrides2020 to begin. Just under 30 mins to Mallaig, despite the longest roadworks contraflow in existence, and we were queuing for our boat and unable to test Marilyn’s hypothesis that you can have seconds of fun there. Apparently the coast road via Arisaig is worth the scenery, but … Continue reading The Uists Part 1

This is just a short one, because the pictures speak for themselves. We couldn’t undertake a sojourn to the Hebrides, sailing from Mallaig, without calling in at Marilyn and Graham’s after so many years of a standing invite. During a global pandemic is far from the ideal time to be visiting old friends, particularly ones who live way out away from the crowds anyway, but … Continue reading Chez Marilyn

So finally the day has arrived and we are off on #OperationHebrides2020. First stop is the Hostel/campsite at Tyndrum, right next to the Highland Way walking trail, hence the name By The Way. Booked online, 30 nicker including EHU. Miles on the clock at departure: Topped up with fuel and it looks like being a beautiful day According to the wisdom of Google we are … Continue reading All the Way to By the Way