First day of this years trip to Scotland, pick up Steve on the way at 09:30 and we're due to meet Nige from IoM at Southwaite services on the M6 around 14:00.Al & Steve take the scenic route to the M6 - A1 to Leeming Bar and then along Wharfedale and into Hawes for lunch at the Penny Garth cafe.
After a big fry up, we go to the M6 via Kirkby Steven - Steve nearly binned it as he hit some freshly dropped diesel on a mini roundabout. I saw and smelt the 18" slick, and so managed to miss it and hoped Steve in front had as well. He didn't and had a big step out and slide of the rear wheel. I reckon if we hadn't been following a van that was doddering along we would have been through this roundabout a bit quicker and who knows??
We meet Nige as planned at 14:00, first time we've seen him since last years jaunt. Off we go to our digs for tonight at the Balmaha Bunkhouse on Loch Lomond, which we reach at around 18:30. Cracking location, but the bunkhouse, although new isn't the best we've been in. Anyhow, a bit of wheeling and dealing by Nige results in us getting the cottage which sleeps four at a pinch, but has it's own en-suite and kitchen. Bob, the owner, brings us our breakfast - cereal, fruit juice, toast. Ended up paying £54 for the 3 of us so all in all not too bad.
Balmaha bunkhouse and the view of Loch Lomond across the road from it.
100yards down the road is the Oak Tree Inn, a great pub where we retired to for something to eat and a bit to drink. Got talking to Agnes, who runs the place, and it turns out they also have a bunkhouse, so that gives us another option for the future. Strangely, we got a look of shock and pity from her when we mentioned that we were staying at Bobs across the way!!!
So, 370 miles today and the overgloves staying firmly put in the top box.
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