Return to THE ISLANDS
Fast fact
Arran is one of the very few places in Scotland to benefit from a climate that is temperate enough for palm trees to grow
When the words ‘summer holidays’ and ‘staycation’ were mentioned, we made a unanimous decision to return to Scotland, so we could continue our voyage of discovery through the Outer Hebrides. A previous tour had given us a real sense of the uniqueness of the islands – each with its own flora and fauna, changeable landscapes and miles of deserted sandy beaches.
Keeping a close eye on the Government guidelines, we began the meticulous planning stage, booking all of our campsites and ferries well in advance.
As the temperatures began to soar above 35 degrees, packing waterproofs and warm clothing alongside our shorts, suntan cream and Smidge seemed a bit surreal, but in the knowledge that Scotland could easily offer us all four seasons in just one single day, ‘Scout’ rules applied – we were definitely prepared!
Crunching the miles
Unrazed by hours of driving, we were happy to crunch the miles, making Sunnyview CL, just off the A1, our first overnight stay.
After a leisurely departure the following day, which naturally included a full English breakfast, we headed towards the working farm and CL at Ghyll House Farm, in West Yorkshire. Blessed with clear blue skies, we pulled on to an immaculate grassy pitch offering panoramic views over Wharfedale, and were soon enjoying a pleasant afternoon stroll along the Millennium Way to the nearby spa town of Ilkley.
Only 150 miles remained and the late ferry crossing from Ardrossan meant
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