I'm making preparations for my camping

As Summer is now well under way, I'm making plans for my trip into Scotland, A project well under way is a, ' rocket stove' This will provide a way of cooking in high winds without making a big camp fire,

Tom:

It's a long way off summer, chuck, and it's still very cold; probably more so in Scotland. I'd be needing a big camp fire going, and be dressed like Nanook of the North to keep warm.

Well you've got to understand Mollie, Even in a heat wave, Scotland has snow so it never gets ' summerish' rain is a permanent fixture and if/when they get temps above 17 degrees, the Scottish Midge comes out to play and they come in cloud form, So a early approach is essential to visit the highlands and then you understand why The Scotts like a wee dram ,

any road for anyone interested,

this is my home made rocket stove

I've never been to Scotland, but I know it's a pretty cold country all the year round. I understand it's very beautiful, but it's the one country in the UK I've never felt the urge to visit.

Wouldn't like those clouds of midges either, and I can't stand the smell of whisky, so it's not on my bucket list, but I hope you enjoy yourself anyway.

I can hear the song in my head they will sing when I get there,

Will yee no come back again,
Will ye definitely no come back again,

aye, see you Tommy lad , Its a braw bric back de noo , de ya Ken ?

I must admit I did think your rocket stove is very clever, but does it really get hot enough to cook food on?

Perhaps a larger "bucket" would be useful as well because your pan looked a little unbalanced on there.

Just an observation.

Mollie M we have been to Scotland a few times and have had very hot weather and no midges every time we have visited. We mainly toured around Dumfries and Galloway and I have a sister who lives near Port William which is a few miles from Stranraer.We once stopped at a place called Ellenabeich which is on the Isle Of Seil. To get to it you go to Oban then head south for about 8 miles and go over a bridge at Clachan.This bridge spans the Atlantic and has a steep apex and it is said a coach got stuck on the top of it.Oban itself is very small and you can walk round the main streets in about an hour.The farthest North we visited was Fort William again not a large town but well worth the visit

mollie m

Its not always cold in Scotland and it is a nice part of the UK, not only in the lowlands in places like Dumfries, Hawick, Kelso etc but also the highlands with some nice towns and cities like Aviemore, Fort William, Inverness, Oban, Pitlochy etc

You need to vist it if you like lovely scenery, but if visiting in the summer, beware of the wee beasties.

Och Aye!

Mollie M if you did go watch out for them haggis . They run wild in Scotland

Tunnock’s Teacakes, anyone?

Why thank you, I thought you'd never ask

Milk and two sugars!

More tea vicar

Posted by: PeterP (11166)
Mollie M if you did go watch out for them haggis . They run wild in Scotland

Yes Peter. I've heard about that and I'd be frikkened to deeth of one grabbing me for its tea. They like gnawing on owd bones!

Fair enough though, it's not always cold in Scotland, but surely it is in March which is when Tom is planning his trip later this month?

Owd Codger:

I'll have to take your word for it. Unfortunately, there's no way I could get to Scotland. I definitely wouldn't drive myself, and there's nobody else I could go with, so I'll just have to be satisfied with any photos posted on here from people who have visited there.

Owd Codge, I'll be sure and do a video just for you

Mollie M we have been lucky to go to Scotland Wales Northern Ireland and overseasIsle of Man and the Isle of Wight but do not need to travel far for open county/beaches on our door step.

Peter:

I've been to Wales many times, but going to Northern Ireland wasn't a visit. I lived there with my husband who was posted to Londonderry in 1977 at the height of the "troubles" so it wasn't a happy experience.

Been to the Isle of Man on several occasions and Isle of Wight just once.

I haven't been on a trip anywhere since 2008 when my partner died, but it really doesn't bother me because I'm much older now and no longer have the good enough health to enjoy places, but I do enjoy reading people's posts on places they've been.

Oops! Tell a lie. Several years ago I went on a coach day trip to Bronte country, Haworth. Don't know if you've ever been, but that cobbled street is the steepest I've ever seen. Alright going down, but a beast walking back up again. I thought about crawling back up on my hands and knees, but then thought better of it!

This was my camping trip last year in Wales,

the campsite is in Yfron a small village near Caernarfon North Wales

I've been to all those places in your video, but I have a question, Tom. Well, several really.

Many parts are desolate with few houses/farms etc. Do you not miss having some company whilst you're out there camping alone? Does your missus not fancy going with you?

Also, have you thought about what could happen to you if you fell ill? Do mobile phones work okay with all those mountains around you?

Mollie, Mrs Plum and myself are a true meaning to, opposites attract, She loves shops, I hate shops, She hates camping and I love being alone, I've been camping long before mobile fones were invented and, When things go wrong, and they often do, I get round it one way or another, The other saying which is true, Absence makes the heart fonder so, when i get home, We both enjoy that togetherness again, She enjoys days and weekends away with her pals shopping too while, I'm home tending the nest and looking after things, We have a understanding and trust which, is very rare , happiness is a thing you cannot buy,

Looks like you've got all bases covered there, Tom.

I can understand your idea of spending time alone and just enjoying blending in with nature, and you do seem to have a wonderful partnership with your missus. As you say, that's very rare indeed, especially these days.

mollie m

My Wife and I make regular trips to the Peak District National Park which is within reasonable driving distance and has everything you need for a short break, be it accomodation, nice pubs and restaurants for meals, attractions like underground caves, stately homes, preserved railways and of course lovely scenery and for the more energetic, rambling.

Oh, and we now always go via the M6 and the A537 as we have found it far more pleasant than going on the motorways around Manchester and the A6 gridlock of Stockport, Hazel Grove and Glossop.