UK Road Trip |Edinburgh to Iverness| Part 4

It took so long to fall asleep last night and then I woke up at quarter till two. I was awake until, well, now. I culled through my photos, watched the rain fall into the street below, took a shower, texted some friends, and ate more bread. Jet lag is a minor inconvenience when one is getting to see the world.

Kate’s was across the road from our Airbnb, so we had our breakfast there. We had Americanos, a macchiato, a Cortado, a cheddar scone, and carrot cake muffin. Everything was spectacular.

The drizzling sky made our morning walk the best.

Our destination, Vennel Viewpoint.

Father walked to get our rental car while we walked home. We backtracked through the Meadows and by Upland Roast. For research purposes I stopped and got a hot chocolate. I ordered the smallest size and they took it as a challenge to get all the toppings on it. (I now wish I’d have requested fewer marshmallows). The same barista from yesterday greeted me and complimented my scarf. I told her it’s a kitchen tea towel and she said, “has anyone ever told you you’re a genius?” I didn’t quite know what to reply, but we bonded over thriftiness.

Something about visiting the same place multiple times while visiting a city, brings a sense of belonging.

I indeed spilled the warm beverage down my front, on my chin, and glasses. It was worth it for the research. It has just occurred to me that I could have asked what’s in the hot chocolate. But where’s the mystery in that?

This door always helped me know I was on the path home.

In all my pondering and wandering about, I somewhat forgot about my people. I walked the whole way home without any maps, and when I arrived I called Grant. He and mom were still at the park waiting on me. They had the keys so I just waited outside and wrote in my journal.

We packed up our things and walked through the close to The Refillery. Dad arrived just then; so I hurried and filled a bottle with vanilla orange, tap kombucha and bought a few other goodies.

The views from the road were absolutely stunning. The trees here are so much brighter than I’ve seen. Dad has been doing quite well with the driving; if we keep quiet and don’t scare him with our screams.

We stopped in the town of Dunkeld an hour and a half into our drive.

I happened upon this darling lending library, and after choosing a few books I walked to the Royal Hotel for lunch.

All I have to say about lunch is that sticky toffee pudding is hopes and dreams. I wanna cry it was so good. Also the lack of slumber is showing with the amount of giggles to tears.

Aran Bakery and Lòn Store were so beautifully curated.

Outside the bakery a girl sat with a doll carrier strapped to her. I complimented her; and with her perfect accent, she told me her baby’s name was Amelia.

Grant told us about the Beatrix Potter Gardens. It was a free walk with a gift shop at the corner. I found a baby gift and some wrapping paper for scrapbooking.

We tried to go inside this church, but it was locked.

Grant was walking by the river, and he got to see the alleged oldest tree in Europe.

I walked up this street while dads got coffee. The sun came through the clouds a bit to light up the trees.

Back on the road toward Iverness, around every curve is another delicious view.

There will be moments where I think this could look like the US; then I see a castle.

Ever since Ella was at Leakey’s Bookshop last year, I’ve dreamt of visiting.

The scent of books filled the air and each word spoken was a whisper. The book I wanted, the gentleman had never heard of; so I settled with only a postcard.

A view of the River Ness from a churchyard.

After a few days in cities, we’re ready for more slow, countryside adventure. Like sheep crossing roads instead of people.

Dores Beach had the perfect view of Loch Ness. It was blustery and freezing but so lovely to hear the waves. We saw no monster, unfortunately.

I found Coul House Hotel on Google Maps for dinner.

We drove up a narrow, winding street to this glorious stone building; circa 1820. The red door opened into a beautiful lobby.

There were many waiters inside. One said if we’re quite peckish, we can be seated right away. The happy Scot took our coats and brought out menus. While I was sitting down, I knocked over a goblet.

He came and brought us water. They always serve the women first, I think highly of this tradition. Earlier, I thought about writing my post over dinner, but it was not the time to do so. I felt disrespectful taking the photos I did.

One of the waiters had recently moved from Austin, TX. It was quite fun to hear a “y’all” here and there. He knew the part of Idaho we’re from and said that it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth😍

At some point my goblet fell again.

The couple at the table next to us came to celebrate the gentleman’s birthday. They gave us tips for the rest of our journey. We talked through our desserts and until we left. I asked the lady to leave some advice in my travel journal❤️