We had been anticipating this trip for a long time. However, Gordon had been looking forward to the hiking with some trepidation. old age, back pains and arthritis were lurking, but in the end none of this was really a problem. The venue had been arranged very early and chosen for a variety of reasons, not least the fact that everybody was within a short distance of the main house and we were able to have dinner together in the same building without having to rent a village hall or something similar. All spaces were taken for a record 39 people. Then Lynn and Clive Callard signed up at the last minute; they were accommodated nearby in a rental cottage.
Tuesday 15 April
It was uneventful flight to on BA Glasgow via London. We bumped into Dave Campbell at the gate for GLA connection in Terminal 5. His journey from San Diego had been less than good via Chicago. On the leg from Boston, Gordon saw “A Complete Unknown” and Betsy watched “Conclave” on the plane. Gordon’s food was OK (chicken), but Betsy was not happy with her vegetarian choice (stodgy gnocchi).
Wednesday 16
The shuttle flight to Glasgow was on time and nothing dramatic happened. On arrival we had coffee at the airport Starbucks with Dave, Gordon helped him with Internet to get a Uber into town by using our U.K. phone as hot spot.
At the appropriate time we picked up our car from Avis. As planned, it was big so that we could accommodate Dave and Rosemary plus their luggage; a Vauxhall Grandland – butterscotch coloured.
Next we checked into hotel. Although we were early they allowed us in without a penalty; very nice of them. They also waived the parking fee. As usual after arriving in Glasgow, we stayed at the Airport Premier Inn. The plan was to take Dave and Rosemary to Ormidale on the Friday so we scouted out the pickup and drop off areas.
Next we headed to Tesco in Paisley to buy supplies; a very testing time for Gordon as the driver of the technology overloaded car. We got there using the satnav without any horn pipping!
We ate in hotel; usual Premier Inn food; middling quality, but what we needed.
Thursday 17
A trip to the Kelvingrove Museum was high on our list. so we took the 77 bus from the airport because the fast service just went to the city centre. The 77 stopped everywhere and took ages.
It was a very good few hours at museum. In addition to the engineering and technology on show, we saw art from the Glasgow boys, the Glasgow girls, the Colourists, Salvador Dali, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. There is an extensive wildlife exhibit with stuffed animals…
It was a nice lunch of soup and tea in cafe. After visiting the gift shop we walked or city centre and took a side trip to see what’s left of the Glasgow School of Art after the fires (Mackintosh’s masterpiece). Then we went on to more Mackintosh at the Willow Tea room, but it was closed by the time we arrived. We bought more bits and pieces at Boots, then had a nice dinner at Wagamma. After the slow trip out it was worth the expense of the express 500 bus back to the airport. In bed early.
Friday 18
First, we bought groceries at Tesco for our meal contribution. This time Gordon managed to get one “honk” at a confusing road junction. It was a few hours before we were planning to meet Dave and Rosemary, so we decided to visit a nearby RSPB reserve; using the satnav was a big mistake – it took us on a wild goose chase and the route ended up going on a single track road to Largs and nowhere near our planned destination. At least it gave a Gordon a chance to have some practice with the car. Fortunately there were some woods on the way where Gordon could relieve himself… So we never arrived at the RSPB reserve, but we did pass it when we reset the satav to take us back to the airport where there was no problem picking up Dave and Rosemary.
The next problem was to get to Ormidale. We hoped to go on the inland route over “Rest and Be Thankful” road, but after another argument with it, the Satnav took us on a bizarre route via the ferry. There was a long queue for crossing, the car had an objection to moving at one point causing us to lose a place in the queue, and to cap it all there were no toilets at the terminal on the Gourock side. It was raining too, but when eventually we drove on to the boat Gordon and others were able to make a dash for the “conveniences”. it was a 30 minute crossing and there was time for two visits if necessary.
Arrived at house after the 16-mile drive from Dunoon – it was a bit shabby, but perfect for us. We were greeted by a gentleman that said he was the owner. We had one of the few en suite rooms fortunately.
When we had settled in, the managers gave us a talk about what we were expected to do. One annoyance that was flouted often was the insistence that we use bottled water. Although the owners provided a supply, if was not enough for the whole week; more had to be purchased as the week went on. Use of this water was certainly not convenient for cleaning teeth so we just used tap water. It all seemed like CYA because the water came unfiltered from a stream on the nearby hillside. There were lots of other dos and don’ts, especially with respect to rubbish and recycling. Apparently the owner had very little involvement in running the place.
The adjacent smaller houses seemed to be in better shape and had been upgraded more recently. David and Rosemary had a small cottage to themselves, many of our party were in a larger house. Another house was occupied by a hen party; apparently they were unexpectedly quiet and restrained. They left after the first night.
Dinner was good, but late. Pat and Geoffrey had been awake at home since the early hours preparing the lasagna before driving all the way to Ormidale. Betsy and I were on cleanup and serving duties. Nice starter and dessert too.
Everyone wanted to talk about the orange man (Trump). We resisted this for the rest of our trip.
The traditional after dinner decaff coffee was replaced by a new feature introduced by Bob (Ingram). Bob brought three bottles of single malt scotch and invited everyone to try some. Dave Kee soon produced a bottle. Over the next few days the popularity of this grew and other people such as Phil Sanderson brought more whisky. There will be no comments or revelations about which individuals imbibed too much occasionally.
Saturday 19.
Dave Brough had a somewhat out of date book of walks in the area, but it was largely accurate so we chose a route in a nearby village (about 1 mile away). Dave Campbell joined for the 8-9 mile round trip. Dave’s Campbell ancestors came from this region and he was very interested in the place.
The start was very interesting at Gluenruel church:
The cemetery had plenty to occupy us with many references to Campbells.
At the side of the cemetery was a small building that contained what were called “stones”. These were actually grave stones dating back to the 1300s. Some were very heavily worn and eroded, but the carvings on many of them were very easy to see.
The actual walk took us along the road for a short distance and then over a bridge built by Thomas Telford on the single track road to Otter Ferry on Loch Fyne. After the bridge, the guidebook warned us to check on the status of an old bridge across a burn, because at the time of writing this had been in a very sorry and dangerous state and the proposed return route was across it. Fortunately, a new structure had been installed as part of the building of the Cowal Way long distance path.
The road walk was for a few miles up to the bealach crossed by the road and then there was a left turn on to a forestry road that had been upgraded significantly and slightly rerouted since the guide book was written. Also the online OS map did not seem to show the new route. The forestry roads provided very easy walking and took us almost back to Ormidale.
The final section along Cowal Way took us back over the Telford bridge and along the road to the car. We stopped to look at an old boat that was next to the road and had been converted into a self-catering holday house:
After returning to Ormidale house, Gordon arranged to visit Richard and Mandy on Tuesday. We would take Rosemary and David for the day trip to Oban.
Long chat with Dave Brough about the Orange Man and other politics. We enjoyed the whisky tasting care of Bob Ingram and Dave Kee.
Sunday 20
Prepared our starter for dinner. Lots of carrots to be shredded and Gordon had the task. Bob chopped other things and and Betsy took charge.
When time allowed Betsy and Gordon took the car to the nearby coast town of Tighnbruaich and stopped at viewpoints.
We had tea and scones in the village. then we looked at the RNLI station hoping to buy some souvenirs, but it was closed.
It was a quiet lazy day with good weather, but we were unable to enjoy some of the time it because of catering duties. However we were relaxed in time for the hectic time of dinner.
That evening the heating and hot water went off at house because of oil non-delivery. The AGA cooker and most showers stopped working. Our shower was electric so we were not affected, but our room was cold so we used the electric space heater that had been provided. It was all caused by a snafu at with the delivery man and a mix up about the Easter holidays.
People with electric showers were offering to help those with a connection to the oil heating
Supplies were promised for the following day – we were not optimistic because Monday was a public holiday…
Monday 21
Betsy’s birthday- 65! There were cards from the group and a nice homemade one from Pat and Geoffrey.
The fire alarm went off while Gordon was in shower. It was caused by burnt bacon… no comment. Gordon was just getting ready to dash out in a gown when the all-clear was yelled around the house.
This being a special day, we were slow to get going, but decided on a trip to Bute. The weather was damp with no prospect of a real improvement. We made sandwiches after breakfast and headed towards the CalMac ferry at Colintrave. Our timing was perfect and we drove straight on to the boat. After a drive around the main roads in the south of the island we Stopped in Rothesay for a look around the visitor centre -very interesting. In its heyday, Rothesay had been a popular vacation spot for Glaswegians. While in there we met Tom Van den B plus family. Then we went to tea and ran into Tom, etc. again. They were going to follow one of the car tours and maybe do some walking.
After eating lunch in the car we decided to head for Mount Stuart; a big house and garden, it was closed (we missed it as a consequence of our late start) so we headed further south and eventually took a walk to St Blane’s church which is a fabulous spot, took lots of photos then went north for the return ferry at 4:40 pm.
Dinner was beef stew with Dave Brough’s splendid potatoes. Dessert was Eton Mess from Dave Wharton and Rosemary.
Oil not delivered because of bank holiday. Now promised for Tuesday. No comment. Phil was trying to get a discount from the owner, we were not optimistic because all that was promised was that any savings from the oil company would be passed on.
Tuesday 22 April
Oil delivered, but heating and Aga were not be available for some time because they take a while, also an engineer had to be called to get the Aga started.
Trip to take Dave and Rosemary and see Richard and Mandy. It was a long drive and at least two bio breaks were needed when the woods allowed. We took the route via Inveraray and loch Awe as suggested by the SatNav. It was an opportunity to remember the ascent of Ben Cruachan with Richard in 2012,. It was great to see good friends and recall the happy two weeks we had spent with them in 2022 when COVID restricted our ability to fly home. We were greeted with tea and light refreshments with samples of Richard’s baking (scones). It was great to sit and chat. For lunch we had to get our food at the Fish and Chip shop in Oban that had been rated as third best out of thousands in the UK. We patronized it multiple times in 2022, but we had also been there during our first visit to Ganavan in 2012.
As Mandy’s daughter, Anna, had her birthday on 21 April – the same day as Betsy, Richard and Mandy had bought some very nice cakes for a small celebration.
The drive back was uneventful. we retraced our route precisely. On return we learned of an emergency change to dinner menu because the Aga was not up to temperature; the main course was jambalaya; a good bit of quick action by Ian. Lentil soup was the starter and crumble for dessert.
23 April
A very nice day was promised so we took another walk idea from Dave Brough’s book.
The route started in a community wood near Portravie where there is a ferry across Loch Fyne. The walk began through some pleasant forest past a small loch that fed the local distillery, past a ruined castle that had been built by the Lamont clan, but they had razed a nearby Campbell settlement and there had been retaliation. The result was a ruined castle, now mostly a pile of stones. Apparently it was originally a typical tower building.
We then followed roads in the general direction of the start point and we had lunch at a convenient bench. The traffic on the main road to Portravie came in batches as the Loch Fyne ferry left and returned.
After a mile or two the route took us off the road towards an island, past some cows, Boys Brigade huts, standing stone, then back to the start. The path by the standing stone was not easy to follow because it had obviously changed a lot since the book was written, but there was a clear marker for it near the huts.
Weather first class and Gordon was tanned.
Portravie as it turns put was the site of a government sponsored oil terminal and deep water dock in the 1970s, but this was never used because Aberdeen became the centre of the oil industry. The guidebook mentioned sad old concrete buildings next to our route and there was some evidence of that with some structures that were decaying when the guidebook was written. Apparently, these structures had been intended for use by workers. However, in the 20 years since, enterprise cannot be stopped and the dock had been tuned into a marina with nice associated condominiums/houses.
About 7.5 miles of walking. Just what we needed. We enjoyed it a lot, even the road walk. It turned out that Dave Brough and Dave Campbell had also done this walk a day or so earlier, but they did not really like the road walk; probably the weather had not been as good either.
We drove back using the very exciting road from Otter Ferry to Glenruel. Luckily, on the only occasion that we met a car coming the other way, the driver coming in the opposite direction gave way for us.
Dinner made by Tom’s family. Very good – pasta with salmon.
24 April
Yet another walk from Dave’s book. Dave Brough took us in his car along with Dave Campbell. Weather good so Gordon wore shorts. This time starting in Tighnbruaich. There was a small incident at the beginning when a cheerful energetic little dog ran out under a bus as we walking along the sea front. The dog was alive, but severely injured. A neighbour took it to a vet, but it’s hard to believe that it could have survived. It was a mood dampening start to what should have been a very good day.
A walk along the coast passing shipyards and a waterfall to a pheasantry and a couple of pepper pot lighthouses. It was a large group to start with, but it reduced to six individuals when we left the paved road near a waterfall.
We wondered why the lighthouses seemed to be not on the most obvious promontory.
Some boats were cruising in the loch. After passing the pheasantry the route took us up some stone steps into a woodland for the walk back, initially upward into the forest. The path was obviously little-used and rhododendrons were invading from many directions; passed a couple of huge anthills and a lily pond. Also a fallen tree crossed the path. Rather than clear the obstruction it had been made into a stile by cutting steps into it end flattening out the top, obviously with a chainsaw. Another recently fallen tree had not been cleared and we had the clamber over it.
A patch of trees had been cleared giving a view point where we had lunch.
Soon, the path headed steadily downward to meet a forest track that led back down to meet the route outwards and on back to the village. We had tea and scones in the Five West cafe – the same one that Betsy and I had used earlier in the week. The “dropouts” for the beginning were in there. Di James volunteered to go back with them so we should not have to squeeze 6 into one car.
Dinner was chicken liver starter (homemade from Peter’s hens) followed by chilly with bread and butter pudding dessert plus leftovers for those that wanted them.
Did most of our packing – leaving tomorrow. We said goodbyes to people that were planning an early start in the morning.
Friday 25 April.
Weather overcast.
It was time to leave. There was the usual food scramble and we scored a few things for the following week in Killin, including some bacon. We said our good-byes and had our hugs, but some people like the Hancocks had a long drive and had left early so we didn’t see them.
Collected Dave and Rosemary and set off at 10 for GLA. There was a lot of traffic in Dunoon and it took three cycles before we were in the ferry. After which, there were no issues in getting to airport and filling up with fuel, dropped Dave and Rosemary near an assistance phone, then took the car to Avis. Used loos, etc. Jesper was parked in the multi story car park where we met him.
Bob was already on his way to Killin to meet us for the next week. Jesper drove us to the house where we met Bob who had done some shopping – a salad was requested by all.
Went to Coop in the evening and bought more supplies.
Gordon found tiny ticks all over his legs. They must have come from the day before when he was wearing shorts. fortunately he had a few left over antibiotic tablets. There’s a lesson here – he sent a message to the others to check.
Saturday 26 April
We all had a relaxed day in Killin. Betsy and Gordon did some planning of Munro bagging with Jesper. Then we took a drive along Glen Lochay to check on the parking facilities for later in the week. After which we had a walk around town. Jesper bought a Craghopper jacket from the guy selling outdoor gear in the village hall. We thought that it was probably the same person that was selling clothes in the village hall in Plockton on our 2019 trip. We had relaxed afternoon tea and scones at the coffee shop. Had a nice dinner at the Killin hotel. It seems to now be run by an Indian family. Watched TV; BBC show about the Scafell area of Lake District.
Sunday 27 April
Jesper went to Edinburgh to have brunch with a long-time friend. Bob took Betsy and Gordon to Aberfeldy. We parked near Tigh Eilean; the B&B that we have used a few times before and we liked very much. A passerby told us that it is still run by the same people, but we know that it’s now AirBnB; a pity. The town hasn’t changed and still has the nice atmosphere. The decent public toilets are still at the putting green and are very clean. We noticed a parade of Hillman Imps. Betsy also noted that the Monkey Puzzle Tree was still there.
We went to the book mill and bought a few books. In fact Bob bought so many that they gave him a nice quality shopping bag for free. After buying books, the three of us had tea and cakes in the cafe then we went upstairs to see the current art exhibit. We had reserved a table for dinner at the Courie Inn; we stayed there in 2018 for 6 nights. Jesper was home soon after us and and we all had cullen skink at the Inn. As expected, it was a nice meal and we all ate too much. Gordon had very good fish and chips followed by sticky toffee pudding. As before the chef was the husband of the woman that seemed to be in charge.
28 April
Slow start. We had planned to go to Dundee, but after the lazy morning we didn’t have time and were not keen to spend 3+ hours in a car so we all took a local walk with Jesper – Acharn Woods, about 2.5 miles plus the walk from our house so it was more like 6 miles altogether.
It was a nice few hours in the woods. Along the way, we chatted to some forestry workers that were replanting a significant number of trees in a logged area. Apparently they had tried this the previous year, but the saplings had been attacked by a weevil – there was no comment from us about the unintended consequences of monoculture. The replacement trees had been treated with some chemical and these workers had to wear protective clothing. Hopefully the chemical was benign to the rest of of then environment.
On the way back to our house, we stooped an reminded ourselves of Killin’s falls and some old structures.
We stopped at the Community store and checked on its opening hours.
Spent a few minutes preparing lunch and planning for a Munro on the following day.
29 April
Definitely a Munro day; the weather was good and forecast to stay that way. It was going to be our first of the trip and a test for whether Gordon was too old for such things or not. He wants to get to 150 at a minimum on this trip. Betsy wants to get to 120 at a minimum.
We agreed with Jesper that we would do one of the summits at on the northern side of Glen Lochay and chose Beinn Heasgarnich. We were a bit later in getting ready than planned, but started at about 10:00 with a drive along Glen Lochay to the car park at the end of the paved road.
A long and dull walk up zig zags with a few vehicles passing. Some cyclists on sports bikes came down the hill. Traffic seemed to be mostly works vehicles for the nearby hydro projects. Then along the flat part to the point where the Walkhighlands route suggested setting across the moorland. Noted the cell phone antenna which was a good landmark on a featureless area.
We crossed an ATV track at one point – it was possibly a service track for the cellphone tower. The area was potentially very wet and boggy, but Jesper read the terrain well and we mostly avoided soggy land and wet, black peat. It was hard work crossing the moorland grass because there was no clear trail.
A couple of stream crossings were required but it was mostly steady uphill walking with some flat stretches. The Walkhighlands gps track and the OS maps apps were very useful.
The summit cone initially was a shock after ascending multiple false summits, but as we approached it became less forbidding and was actually not too much of a problem. We had to call Bob to reset expectations of our return time. Reached the summit at about 3:50 pm.
On the descent, we took a line a little bit further to the right than on the the ascent, but it was much the same kind of terrain. After altering our route a few times and avoiding a lochan the cell phone antenna came into view and was a useful feature in pinpointing the final way to the road. We eventually crossed the ATV track again and were soon back on the way down to the Hydro plant.
We met some cyclists on a camping trip while walking along the road. They were resting at the top of the hill and obviously knew the area well. As we were reaching a gate, a big truck that seemed to be carrying sheep appeared. Jesper closed the gate for the shepherd. It was a huge vehicle. It stopped at a lay-by and the driver allowed the flock out on to the hills.
We were back at the car at 8:12 pm and back at the lodging at 8:40. Bob had made an excellent dinner of spaghetti bolognaise. It always seems unfair for Bob to be the “chef” on these occasions, but he does a very good meal!. Bed At 11:00 pm. Slept well. A good day and Gordon was feeling confident of his Munro bagging capabilities again after about 15 miles and a lot of uphill walking over uneven terrain.
30 April
Rest day. Late start. Tea and cakes in town for lunch. Bob, Betsy and Gordon walked out to Loch Tay and took the loop that came back along the old railway bed. Nice relaxed day. An amusing event was when somebody had not secured a canoe on the bank and it drifted out in to the loch. You could see the panic as the owner paddled out feverishly to retrieve it by towing using another canoe. After leaving the loch shore, we looked for, but failed to find the castle. There was something familiar about that from a previous trip and it might be so overgrown that it isn’t obvious.
We checked on the menu at the food trailer with a view to dinner on later in the week
Salad dinner, followed by Mr Kipling pies for dessert they had been scored from the previous week’s food frenzy.
1 May
Another Munro day. Bagging another one was a must for Gordon to get to 150 on this trip. We chose Creag Mhor which is adjacent to the hill that we climbed ion Tuesday. Another reason for the selection was that it would allow us to compete all Munros on the north side of Glen Lochay. We were quicker off the mark for this one because it was likely to be a longer day than the earlier walk.
The day was overcast with dark clouds and a breeze. It’s a long walk up the glen after climbing up the same zigzags on the paved road from the car park about .75 miles away.
The walk in to the start of the steep ascent to the shoulder of the first, lesser summit was about 5 miles . We stopped to take on food about .5 miles before starting the climb in order to give us energy. There were several kissing gates along the way. They had hook and eye arrangements to keep them closed. We saw a herd of deer on its way up into the hill.
The path skirts a line of deer fence posts to a stile which leads to the moors. The stile could be a bit hard to climb for short people (e.g. Betsy) because of the step over at the top.
Although steep, the route was actually one of the better moorland climbs we have known. In the early part, the path is occasionally indistinct, but generally easy to follow. Overhanging crags made it necessary to note landmarks and so ensure that the correct route was taken on the descent.
The steep walk up eventually led us to the relatively flat and easy terrain on a clear path on Sron nan Eun summit plateau. This crosses a muddy patch before ascending to the top of Creag Mhor. We had a second lunch in a sheltered hollow before making the final trek to the top. There were many false summits, but this final section Involved almost as much height gain as the initial climb from the road. We saw a couple of very fit individuals on the hill. One was in skimpy running shorts and vest. Another was wearing more clothes, but moving fast. We also saw an older gentleman and his daughter (or maybe granddaughter) on the descent. They warned us about wind on top.
It was very breezy up there, but we could stand up – not like on some previous occasions. Gordon had achieved his target of 150 Munros. We stayed long enough to take photos then headed back down with a lunch stop at the same hollow was was used on the ascent. An uneventful descent with the usual slow progress down across steep lumpy ground.
We tried to keep a good pace on the walk out. Just one stop to eat Kit Kat. It was still a 5-mile march. We were Back to the car around 8:30. With an uneventful drive back, except for some deer crossing the road.
Another excellent meal had been made by Bob – chilli this time. It was time for a celebration beer back at base. Shower, back to bed before midnight.
A very good day. 15 miles and a lot of ascent. 36,000 steps. Gordon very happy that he can still climb Munros even with arthritic knees. Back rarely a problem, but as usual the right shoulder was occasionally painful where the rucksack strap rubbed; this could be an adjustment issue.
2 May
The last day in Scotland and a rest needed after the exertions, but it was necessary to prepare to leave. After a slow start we went for a gentle walk around the town. First we visited the recycle store then walked up to the falls. We all took a look in the old mill near the falls. It was good to see a local venture for artists in the area. The upstairs exhibit was just some photos of local people. We visited the smoke house and Jesper sampled the salmon and had some wine. Then we had coffee in the pub and walked up the nearby lane.
On the way back to base we had a beer at the Courie Inn and then stopped at the pizza and Vietnamese caravan near the village hall. We were disappointed that they had sold out and only had food to satisfy the online and phone orders so we purchased two frozen pizzas at the Coop to be eaten with left over salad. Rioja red wine with dinner.
Did our packing…
3 May
Bob made his own way because he was meeting his sister at Carlisle railway station for a week in Dumfries and Galloway. It was an uneventful drive south. We stopped at two Tebay-owned services and had snacks. Jesper stopped in Moffat and we had a nice lunch at a quirky cafe. Gordon drove part of the way. We arrived in Preston with an hour to spare for the train to York.
The train was cancelled, apparently because of a fatality. We were rerouted via Bolton and Manchester Victoria. The inevitable happened – many trains crossing the Pennines had been cancelled or delayed. So it was standing room only all the way to York with the aisle full. People and luggage filled all space near the doors. The emergency button was pressed just outside Leeds – maybe somebody leaned or fell on to it, but the train set off again after an inspection by the guard. No explanation was given. We arrived at about 8:30 pm (about 1 hour late). We had kept in touch with Gail and Jesper by text. Awful journey, but everyone on the train was in a good mood; no aggravation and we helped each other. Dinner on the train was potato crisps and an energy bar!
Gail picked us up quickly and back at her house she provided a nice snack of soup and cocktail sausages. After a long chat, we were in bed at almost midnight.
4 May
Trip to Breezy Knees gardens with Gail. Very whimsical sculptures and excellent gardens.
Even in mixed weather and before the real blooms of Spring it was a nice day followed by Gail making a nice dinner.
After washing up and settling in comfy chairs we stayed up late discussing all sorts of stuff – politics, life health, friends, etc.
5 May
Visit to York, walk around the city. Had lunch in the Treasurer’s house then had the tour. Very interesting and we learned a lot about the Green family, the history and the contents of the house. Many notable items of furniture, etc. very knowledgeable guide.
As usual, York had its quota of quirky artists and entertaining items. Afterwards on to Betty’s and bought tea and biscuits for gifts, then went to the O2 store to recharge the UK phone account for the next year.
Gail made a nice chicken casserole dinner with wine and sticky toffee pudding dessert. Yumm!
Arranged for Phil Broughton to join us for lunch on Thursday when we planned to meet Steve Poulton and David Brittle; former colleagues from the ICL days.
Another late night of talking…
6 May
Off to Manchester
Uneventful train ride – it was on time! We had a coffee at the Cafe Nero in Piccadilly Station and checked into our hotel just before 3:00. Discovered that I had lost my Platypus collapsible water bottle somewhere (probably on the train). Time to unpack and relax a bit before heading out for a walk around town on our way to meeting Janet and John. Tried to find a replacement water bottle, but Brighams and Cotswold had nothing suitable; will wait until we get home. I have seen them somewhere recently and it might be at the Maynard Outdoor Store or REI.
After fiffing and faffing a bit with Google Maps we found the rendezvous point near the Central Library where we stopped for a bio break and Gordon remembered the Library Theatre. We also noted the plaque commemorating Peterloo.
John and Janet had chosen a real Manchester pub; The City Arms; very small and very friendly. It was excellent. They had been regulars there while they were working and some of the people in were acquaintances from those days. They were true Mancunians; friendly and liberal – it was a lot of fun being there. It had an excellent beer selection. John had booked a table at an Armenian restaurant in Albert Square. First class food, nice surroundings, good service, very polite and nicely turned out staff. A bit expensive by our standards, but well worth it and we tried a few new flavours.
7 May
Up in time to have breakfast and be off on the tram to Shaw from Victoria. We bought flowers for the grave and a bunch for Heather, plus a bottle of Rioja wine at ASDA. Then we walked up through Shaw via Farrow Street and on the way purchased some sticky tape for the grave at the pound store in the building that had been the Yorkshire Bank in years gone by. We noted that 58 Farrow St has just been sold and that there seemed to be a lot of renovation in progress. 35 Manor Road looks much the same as last time. Peter Jump’s old house has been changed a bit and the garage turned into living space.
On a whim, we called at 33; Rachel and Martyn were in, so we spent about 30 minutes chatting and catching up on gossip. Joy has died, David Swift is now 83 and having some difficulties including falling downstairs. Dominica and Romano are doing well and were in the band at King Charles’ coronation! R&M and very proud parents and now grandparents.
Off to the cemetery and we cleaned up the grave plus adding a glass jam jar to hold flowers. The metal top to the stone flower holder had gone missing, but one of the improvised plastic flower holders (half a coca cola bottle) from last year was still in place. Took photos to send to John and Janet to help them find the place. Chris and Heather were a bit late having been lost slightly so G called them and directed them to the cemetery.
Reminisced a bit as we drove to Luddenden especially when thinking about riding bikes up to Blackstone Edge back in the 1950 and 1960s.
Were impressed by Chris and Heather’s new home, especially the view; an excellent spot for them as they become elderly. Nice lunch of soup, chicken plus salad made by Chris followed by apple cake made by Heather. Several hours of catching up on the latest news and going over memories. C&H dropped us at the Milnrow tram stop for the journey back to Manchester Victoria. After returning to the hotel, we debated getting dinner, but settled for a couple of sandwiches from Pret at Piccadilly Station.
We noticed a large number of football supporters with red and white scarves near the cathedral. They were Spanish. After looking this up we learned that Manchester United were to play against Bilbao in a Europa semi final match on the following evening… one supporter crossed himself as he walked next to the cathedral, where bells were ringing.
8 May
Up at 7 again, shower, breakfast, a arranged taxi to airport for the following day.
Today’s adventure was to meet up with Steve Poulton and David Brittle at the Old Wellington. A Tudor building near the cathedral. Steve and Dave met us outside our hotel at 11:30 as planned and we walked across the city centre to our venue, stopping at the bank on the way.
The area around the Wellington was absolutely full of Spanish football fans. They were singing and full of beer. It made audible conversation hard at times, but we had a nice launch. By some miracle, Phil found us just as we arrived. After some confusion in the dining area because the pub was expecting a large contingent of Bilbao fans for food we were seated. In fact a group of 10+ Spaniards were eventually settled at the far end of the room from us. Occasionally they would burst into a chant.
Phil and I reminisced about some Scotland trips and I recalled some aspects of my career since leaving ICL in 1981.
Phil took the train home to Bolton and after lunch then Steve, Dave, Betsy and I had a cup of tea at a Nero’s on Cross Street.
Later, Betsy and I did a walk around Deansgate and looked for gifts in the Central Library shop (also used the loo), and afterwards in Waterstones. The evening meal was a few bits and pieces bought at the Coop on the Piccadilly Station approach.
9 May
Going home; a sad day. We took a taxi to the airport having reasoned that it was better to pay the extra to have convenience rather than the trouble of lugging our bags on the train or tram.
Very few Spaniards at the airport. Since Bilbao had lost we assumed that they must have gone home early in disgust or were nursing sore heads somewhere. Uneventful flight to Heathrow. Almost 3 hour layover, so we had lunch at Wagamama in terminal 5. Bought some gifts.
We were called to the gate on time, but soon learned of a delay because the plane needed to be resupplied with water, etc. after a routine service. It must have been close to an hour before we eventually took off. I watched “Conclave”. Betsy had trouble with her audio. Food okay. Pilot made up about half of the lost time, but on landing at Logan we were stuck waiting for a gate resulting in all the time gained being lost. It was raining quite heavily.
Global Entry worked well and we were through immigration quickly with a very friendly agent. Bags came out after a wait, but then we were stuck in a queue to get through Customs. All the delays on the ground were not visible to Dave McMullin (our limo driver) and he became concerned so called to check on us. I hope we did not upset his next client. Eventually we were on our way to home and arrived shortly before 11:00 PM.
So ended a good trip. Only 46 1/2 weeks to the next one! Easter 2026 is on 5 April.