The A68

We have just returned from a short break away and I took some photos on the journey home yesterday evening. We had flown from Newcastle, which is 3 hours away. The reason we flew from Newcastle is that the choice and times of flights was better for where we were going. Anyhow, from Newcastle to Edinburgh you can travel along the A68 which is the most glorious journey through Northumberland and the Borders. Naturally I had to stop and take a photo at the Scotland - England Border. It was the most gorgeous summer evening and the views just kept coming. I have definitely put a break in the Borders on my list to do, my Mum is from Jedburgh originally. I was very impressed by the parkland type landscapes, straight out of a Catherine Cookson novel.

AA Highly Commended Award

I am delighted that for the third year running we have received an AA Highly Commended Award certificate. This means we are in the top 10% of our 4 star rating.

Euro Diagonale

My cycling guests who stayed last night were doing an amazing cycling trip called the Euro Diagonale, they were doing the stage Inverness - Brest in France. It all has to be completed in 150 hours averaging at 125 miles a day. Above I have a copy of the route they took to reach us, a very mountainous route I must add. Naturally they were very tired when they reached Blairgowrie, but they were up and away early this morning destination Longtown in Cumbria. When they reach Brest they are doing another stage which is Brest - Strasbourg. For information about the routes click here it will take you to a web site I found and then click on 'en Diagonales'. I have a great photo of the cyclists, but unfortunately forgot to ask permission to put it on here, so best not.

Hill Primary School

This evening and tomorrow afternoon Hill Primary School is open, to former pupils and the community, for a final wander around before it closes at the end of the month. We went along for a look around at the classrooms etc, the girls enjoying having a nosey in other classrooms. In the hall they had albums and displays of old school photos and pupils, former pupils of all generations were enjoying looking themselves up. It is strangely quite sad it will be closing, but exciting for everyone to move to the new campus.

If you have a moment have a look at Van winkles art blog, she has kindly given me a mention.

Some of my Favourite Flowers

Such a lovely day I took some pictures in the garden. The flower colours are spectacular and the bees are loving it.

Wildflower Meadow

The field where they hold the Highland Games in September is awash with the most beautiful wild flowers at the moment, a real pleasure to walk around.

Small Bottles or Large Bottles

After a couple of years of using individual toiletries, I have decided to go back to large bottles. So I was quite excited when my order from Scottish Fine Soaps arrived the other day. They have a tremendous range for the hospitality industry, all shapes and sizes and smells. I am now using their 'The Tub' range and I also purchased some nifty little trays and chrome holders. I have got quite a nice selection of 'bits and bobs' in the en-suites now, big change from when we first started here, all you got was a bar of soap! That is one of the things I like about being here is seeing how we have progressed, slowly getting the Bed and Breakfast to how we would like it to be. I'm already planning in my head what I want to do this winter, which may include re-organising my off-road parking. Bizarrely enough I was measuring the size of a car parking space whilst I was in Perth the other afternoon!!

I nearly forgot to say, I now have a follower, thank you. Now I know at least four people have read my blog!!

Reekie Linn

This afternoon I had a run along to Reekie Linn (smoking pool) which is 15 minutes away on the B954, over the border into Angus. The spectacular waterfall is a short walk from the Craigisla Bridge. There is a path along the side of the gorge, it is a 150 foot drop and there are no fences to keep you back, so care should be taken!! not for the nervous. I have driven along the road many times, but never stopped to view the waterfall, it was some guests this morning who said I should go and look, so I'm glad I took their advice. I'm the one who is meant to recommend places! Another must go place to see, take a picnic as they have some picnic tables by the car park. If you continue along the road you will come to Peel Farm Tea Room/Shop or you could walk along from the gorge as the path links along to Peel Farm.

New Primary School & Deer in the Wood

On my way to the woods, to walk the dog, I called in to have a look at how the new Blairgowrie Community Campus was coming along. They have done a lot of planting, but I really need to go around the front for a better view. Looks super though and great outdoor space.

Got a reasonable close up photo of Mr and Mrs Roe Deer today, fortunately my dog seems to have no interest in them at all. It was lovely in the woods today with the birds singing happily.

Loch of the Lowes

The third part of my journey today so me stopping at Loch of the Lowes (I know I mentioned it last year!) but If you follow me on Twitter (yes I succumbed to twitter a couple of weeks ago) you will see I have been rambling on about osprey chicks, and as a member of the Scottish Wildlife Trust and it just being along the road I should go more often as it is a lovely tranquil place to sit and look out over the Loch. I have still yet to see the male osprey fishing, maybe another day. Three chicks now, but one has died. Got up close to a gorgeous red squirrel, they are just lovely.

Craigvinean Forest Walk

Next to the Hermitage is Craigvinean (crag of the goats) forest. The forest was created in the 18th century and is one of Scotland's oldest managed forests. I went on a lovely waymarked walk and came across Torryvald Folly, which was fantastic as I never knew it existed. There are many mountain bike trails and waymarked walks throughout the forest.

The Hemitage by Dunkeld

As my guests were away sharp and with the torrential rain over the past few day's I decided a trip to The Hermitage, just 25 minutes away near Dunkeld, would be a good idea as the waterfall would be in full torrent. Ossian's Hall and Bridge provide a perfect viewing platform over the River Braan. It is a very easy walk from the car park passing by some of Britain's tallest trees, one Douglas fir measuring in at 212ft. I took a video of the waterfall which I shall try to upload and shall put more pictures on Flickr

Scotland's Gardens Scheme

If you had not already worked it out I have a slight obsession with looking at gardens. This afternoon there was a lovely garden open under Scotland's Garden Scheme near Bridge of Earn, so as I had the opportunity to go out this afternoon I went for a look, love having a nosey around private gardens. After a beautiful start to the day we had a couple of torrential rain showers, but nice again now and forecast I saw looks good for a few days. To bore you even more my Rhododendron's are about to come into full flower, so I'm sure I'll take some photos!!