A great motorhome trip to Scotland.. And back!

Travel by motorhome, we used the well organized camping rarely stop free.
to calculate the budget between ferries, fuel, visits to various sites, overnights camps food for 3 people and a dog was about 3000 euros

 

We have an appointment with Aurelio and Eve to 'on the A26 motorway Turchino, John, Dona, Arna and Gabri have already started with a couple of days and now they will stop at Nancy. Our goal instead is Bourg en Bresse, then proceed in the direction of Val d'Aosta to the Little St. Bernardo.
We travel without encountering traffic sent and, coming on top of the right step for lunch time. Should I take off my hat to Eve that led to the top of his camper, I would not have known the plain guidatrice be up!
Svalichiamo in France and run along the Isar valley coming quietly in Bourg en Bresse to the 18.
The municipal campsite is nice and the manager, very kind, makes us pay a flat fee of 29 euros for both the campers, 5 people and Zara.

We start early, we travel the 450 km that separate us from the rest of the group that arrived in Val de Vesle yesterday.
Filiamo A26 smooth on the beautiful French, like all the salty French motorways is beautifully kept. We go in Bourg en Bresse and practically go out in Reims (45.00 euro coins) stopping near Troyes in Troyes for pranzo.Quella is an area where we have been a few years ago coming back from the Loire, in the vicinity is the forest Park East, an area characterized by large lakes and very beautiful that I think is worth visiting.
We arrive at the municipal campsite Val de Vesle (rue de Route 8; N49 ° 10'1''E4 ° 12'51'') to the 16, others have already taken place, it is a joy to see them again! Val de Vesle is a small farming town, nice but not anything special, its municipal campsite is clean and tidy definitely be kept in mind as a stopping point in the direction north-south, we spent three with Zara 16.50 euros.

Before you begin the journey to Dunkirk we go to visit the beautiful cathedral of Reims. If you're in those parts is only right to do so to enjoy the special Chagall windows,. As impressive and beautiful I must say that I was not impressed so deeply as that of Chartres.
We arrive at chekin well in advance and tell us that we can embark on the ferry of 20. Rapid control of documents and hey presto! We can not move, Zara's passport to which we dedicated a very special care of our vet does not have a page stamped indeed the most important page (but if he does not know!), Moral of the story is all our friends board and we remain on the ground!.
We have to thank the kindness of the lady at check in which, going beyond his duty, on its own initiative, has called for a vet in Calais, they very kindly received us after hours by applying the elusive stamp missing. All this has enabled us to arrive in time for the embarkation of 22 as was planned. We have gathered the rest of the group in Dover at the Marine Parade car park (N51 ° 19'13 ° 7'28''E1'') just outside the port where we spent the night.
So if you have a furry friend in tow, remember these simple but mandatory rules:
test for assessing the antibody response to rabies vaccine must be done so that the date of the results is not six months prior to that of the reference (eg reference to June, the test must be done no sooner than December or January).
Double check the dates and that, in addition to the page where vaccination should be recorded by the ASL office, we have compiled the specific page where it is the control test certificate from the veterinarian.
Should not be passed more than 48 hours (before boarding), after administration of pesticides and the specific page must be completed by the veterinarian (this is really stupid, in fact, just that your vet to fill in the date then you put you)
Make sure that the microchip is easily readable by the infernal machine!
Be careful because you risk everything to stay in France, but are very much tax and you also control when he landed at Dover.

Let's start by stopping the approach to Scotland to visit the cathedral of Canterbury
and the historic center of this town. The first starts at the parking mess, the machines only accept coins and we do not have them, we try to change but nobody (not even the nearby supermarket) there allows. Fortunately un'addetta to get control of the park and points out that you can also pay by credit card depriving dall'impiccio. Kindly tell us to park two by two stalls on the bus and then paying a single room for two campers (10 pounds per stall per day, even if you stop just 10 minutes, a solution that will apply even after the woman was very "lovly"!
The entrance to the cathedral would cost 9 pounds per person, but we pay them only three, the other one over 60 and all students get a reduction (so the group now consists of 5 old men, 2 students and 3 losers).
We have been visiting the church of St. Martin, the oldest church in England, there is nothing special (except the special), very "cute" that surrounds the cemetery. The center also is delicious and it points out the "home court".
After lunch we walk to Teversal, our destination for the night.
Teversal is a small town north of Nottingham, known only for being the set of the remake of "Lady Chatterly's Lover", a campsite on the other hand has really nice and very nice, the room was really good and services were substantially higher than expectations. Camping International with the card we saved 8 pounds spending 31.Il Teversal Camping is the CP end Silverhill Lane Car Clubs NG 173 JJ (N53 ° 8'58''9'32''W1 °).

The goal now is Alnwick and its castle, made ??more famous for having been the seat of the set of Harry Potter, remember the school Howguards?
In fact the building is spectacular, furniture and furnishings inside are truly unique. Even today, the castle lies the Percy family who owns it for 700 years. Apart from the castle, Alnwick is a pleasant land, we toured and bought some 'of things, among these the "LEMON CURD" a sort of jam with lemon butter and eggs, but definitely not a dietary supplement ... ...... delicious! You must leave in the fridge and try it on toast for breakfast ... gnammm (I have to stock up before returning).
In the afternoon we went to Kelso, stopping in a parking lot on the beautiful banks of the river, the place is sheltered and therefore we decided to do our table anyway.
Today we covered a lot of beautiful country roads and relaxing, so far the weather has graced us hope it continues!

Obviously I had to keep quiet, in fact today with rain water!
We would like to visit the abbey (although turning around you see it from outside without any problems) but is closed on Thursday and Friday, we would like to visit the Parish Church at noon, but until it is closed, we would like to visit the other churches of Kelso but are all closed! The next time someone tells me that in Italy we do not have the culture of tourism, I raise the overall! The question I ask myself is: In what season they think the tourists come here? In January?
So we settle, so to speak, a haggis paninazzo with the "Central Baguette" on the main square ... something very good ... as long as you enjoy things like pate fois gras.
Let's go back to the camper with half-empty-handed, and we head to Melrose Abbey, fortunately there is open sin to rain pounding drums.
At the entrance we propose membershipcard, a paper annual entitlement to be in a flood of sites, not to be confused with the Explorer Card, which lasts 14 days and only entitled to discounts. We make, on balance it is definitely convenient because we will visit at least 10 of the sites mentioned. We three, David was a student discount, the discount as Ivano has over 60 years and I (that being part of the nerds) as his wife I am entitled to the same discount because we make a card for the couple then spend 99 Pounds.
The abbey is very nice, we were also able to see the gargoyle in the shape of pig with a bagpipe Pluvio although Jupiter has decided to haunt us, we also wanted to see the museum but we were so wet, and even umbrellas kway, we decided to campers return to make a quick lunch and get away to visit Roslin laRosslyn Chappel.
The building is very special and has some rather unusual decorations such as the representation of a plant during the construction should not have been known since the original of the Americas, is rich in symbolism and full of legends. Finally it was made famous by the book and the movie "The Da Vinci Code"
Fortunately the rain stopped. Considering that the campsite Edinburgh responded to our request booking spades, we decided to skip the step of reserving a visit to Edinburgh return if using as a basis Glasgow. We went directly to Stirlig, finding a small camping without much special that it cost only 15 pounds, but for what it offers are too many, however, has helped us to make CS.


August 5, 2011

Stirling is a really beautiful city. We're going to park at the entrance of the castle and the park costs 4 pounds without time limit (no overnigth)
The ticket would have cost us 39 pounds, but we have the membership card and we should not go to the ticket office, an office dedicated we stamp the booklet we had been given to the issue and provide us with audio guides in Italian.
I assure you that the visit deserves to be made, and the audio guides explain fully the history of the castle and its inhabitants.
We also visited the cathedral and then we went down in the Old Town.
We found an Italian restaurant "Ciociaria" Baker Street led by the Romans in which you eat buffet at a fixed price (5.95 pounds), you can take what they want and how much you can eat all that is exposed on the buffet and it is not just believe me!
Then we headed to St Andrews, a beautiful town on the beach stopping at a campsite mentioned by the Lonely Planet guide, much better than the previous one, we got off the bus in the village with dining in a Pub: Jaket potatoes with cheese and bacon; Fish and chips and a chicken dish with vegetables and mashed peas.
The local beer on tap I did not like, you just need SGAS and fresh (after 5 minutes becomes a broth) The next time we take out of water. We walked back the right to dispose of all that we have swallowed

Today we have won two stamps on the book of the Membership, the abbey and the castle of St Andrews.
We climbed to the top of the tower which offers a magnificent view over the city and the bay. We visited the museum and bought a CD of Gaelic music very well recommended by the clerk.
Then we went downtown to the local market for buying up of Angus beef. Ivano has bought a Scottish beret terrible, and ... he is very happy buying!
Then we went to a fishing village Crail very characteristic, it would be nice to tour more substantial, sin has started to rain!
We leave to Braemar along the A93 after crossing the Tay Bridge, which has enabled us to overcome the landing bay in Dundee, the way we did took us through the desolate moors dotted with houses, sheep and cows grazing in the pasture land. Mountains are not high, but no trees of any kind, with streams and waterfalls.
Braemar is the top of the Royal Desidee that descend up to Stonehaven.
When we arrived at the camp you choose, The Invercauld CC Site at Glenshee road, we found closed, playing a scocciatissima lady came out followed by an equally scocciatissimo husband. When he saw that we were 4 campers you are putting your hands in your hair, then looked (still grumbling) where he could put finally asked us a good 35 pounds to camper (the highest price ever so far).
Honestly, it seemed an exorbitant price for the place and then we were averse to pantomime that he had made, so we turned on his heels, and we left.
A 500m further down we saw a parking lot where a camper was still English, we joined the writing there is no overnigth ..
We went for a walk in the country where you play as the 5 pm everything is strictly closed, also is starting to rain heavily.
Let's go back to the camper home for dinner, each on its own.
Let's hope for tomorrow.

It rained heavily all night and again this morning continues unabated.
We decided not to stop at Balmoral, the summer residence of the Queen, the best thing that let you see are rain gardens and since we have not
want to drain them.
Then continue in the direction of Aberdeen, with the idea to visit Crathes Castle and Drum Castle. We pass the junction for Crathes without seeing the signs, have the bad habit of putting it just behind the junction just a moment to overcome it.
Let's go on then to visit Crathes Drum in the afternoon.
Drum Crathes is that they are very beautiful and interesting houses, in both cases we provide a printed explanation and Italian with the story.
In both cases we give to see the gardens, though with regret, particularly if the drum where there is a rose garden with old roses very nice, but it rains too much.
After the visit to Crathes to Stonehaven on the coast we go, a nice town with a quaint harbor.
We stop at the Queen Elizabeth Camping (N 56 ° 58'13 ° 12'13''W2'') spending 20 Pounds. After settling in we go for a walk on the waterfront.
The gray weather definitely makes things worse, it strikes me that much of the North Sea. The water is dark brown as I would say was that the brown river that flows into Royal Deeside. The foam that breaks on the rocks is yellow and not at all inviting. The town as a whole, is clean and tidy but everything is of uniform color: brown and gray houses like the beach and the sea, save only the spots of color in the flower beds and gardens flourished amazingly.
The restaurant to eat Fish and Chips and recommended by Lonely Planet. 2008 no longer exists, is closed, so do not count. On the other hand we have found another on the market square next to their shop takeawey, leads to the first floor and eat well, we spent 90 pounds in ten, remember that does not serve alcohol of any kind, including beer, so water and lemonade (excellent).
August 8, 2011
What a day! It's raining heavily and pulls a stiff wind would envy to Bora.
Let's all go to CS. Aurelio has a problem with the water pump that has now decided to become a "problem" it does not work anymore. Tomorrow we will come to Inveness and we hope to find someone who is able to fix the darn thing.
We have been visiting Castle Dunottar under a time pandemonium that goes well with the place. These ruins on top of a promontory, with sheer cliffs overlooking the sea
and windswept moors and rain, are something spectacular!
Too bad we're all reduced to chicks wet and cold.
We returned to campers to make us a cup of hot coffee and off again at a time of Dufftown in Spey Valley, known for its whiskey distilleries.
Let's visit the Glenfiddich, the nice lady tourist office told us that a 10 minute walk ..... we move under pouring rain, rain horizontally so umbrellas are useless, the three of us (that clever! ) we left the rain pants in a camper to repair the closet! We arrive at the distillery and found that there is a convenient RV parking right outside the entrance ... luckily the visit is free!
At first you make a movie that explains (in Italian) the history of the distillery and the Grant family who founded it, then a very kind lady who speaks only English brings you to see the stages of production and at the end makes you taste a whiskey making you choose between the one aged 12, 18 and 21 years.
I do not like (but I do not like any kind of spirits) and I have not tried, but those who did said it was good.
In the shop, among other bottles aged 50 years, there is one that costs 10,000 Pounds,! Think what a mess on the floor spilling a drop! Stuff to lick the floor!
We carry in Grantown on Spey, stopping at the local campsite, very nice spending 24 Pounds. The lady who runs it speaks excellent Italian and chatting with her, we discover that he has a sister who lives in Italy 500m from our home.
It's cold and it rains, we stay to dine in each of our campers, we hope that the weather will straighten a bit. '

August 9, 2011
We are hoping to Inverness to repair the damage to the camper Aurelius, after a little 'shot found the place that we had indicated.
The workshop is run by very nice and helpful, but you can not find either fuses or the water pump and where ever they have hidden? It looks like a treasure hunt! Eventually you will get nowhere, and despite the efforts of the boys have to miss the workshop.
We have been visiting Fort George, which is among the membership of the circuit, then we go and give us the audio guides in Italian.
We finally have a day without rain. We visit the fort calmly, the building is large, with many buildings, and is still used by the military (some parts are inaccessible)
He has also two museums inside, one of them really interesting with personal weapons and uniforms of the military, the other with reconstructions of what life was like inside the fort ..
Since we still have time and the weather holds, we go to Nairn, a seaside town mentioned by the guides as very nice and interesting. To be honest I did not figure at all particular, there was also the usual tight that is found anywhere after 5 pm.
We find a campsite for the night, camping is part of the international circuit and then we have the discount, we can have dinner with the usual table, the night starts to rain ....... what a bore!

August 10, 2011

It rains, it rains, it rains.
We decide to visit Cowdor Castle, at least we're covered!
The tour is interesting and the castle, where the owners still live, is very very nice. Despite the rain we can take a ride in the gardens.
After making a bet on the Tesco Extra Inverness to do a little 'spending and hoarding of Lemon Curd (we have tried several but the best is the brand name Wilkin & Son Tiptree Essex England LDT) we head towards Drumnadrochit, where we go to Loch Ness Exhibition Centre. I like the way they approach with rigorous scientific mystery of Nessie. The castle Urquarth, membership is part of the circuit, with this visit we paid off all the cards, visits from now on we'll be really free. Before entering the site allow us to see a movie, subtitled in Italian, with the castle's history, then we go to see the spectacular ruins on the shore of Loch Ness.
Obviously the big rains, and I bless the fact that he wore waterproof pants including the entire complete ....
Since it is still early we climb towards Durness, stopping for the night in Dingwall, local camping can not welcome us because we stop's flooded in a large parking lot where there are trucks, there is no written overnight but it is not our fault The camp can accommodate so there we stop anyway, tomorrow we start early.
August 11, 2011

7 Before we put in motion, we do not want any of the threads used for no overnight parking, but it was a case of force majeure, in fact, no one came to disturb us.
Walk up to Durness stopping to see the Falls of Shin, a site where you should see salmon migrating upstream, of course we do not have this luck. Luck, however, is the fact that more and more we get the best time. Haggis and buy smoked salmon to the local shop.
The landscape that awaits us on the Highlands is very different to anything we're used to, miles and miles of moorland covered with heather and fir forests,
dark lakes and streams, wandering sheep flocks to pasture land without the slightest human presence, not a house, not a power line, nothing except these small streets, the "Single Trak". Single-lane roads with frequent intersections between open spaces to allow the media circulating or overtaking.
I wonder why with all that there is not the place to widen at least one lane in each direction, but, given the small number of cars that crossed maybe just that!
Of course there is hope that everything runs smoothly and remember to have a full tank and the load cell because in case of difficulty can not tell you how it ends, between Lairg Durness and we did not encounter even a distributor.
The considerations may be several, as they live in the winter the inhabitants of these small, sometimes tiny towns scattered houses but often very distant from each other, judging from the posts that mark the road to plenty of snow and temperatures should not be very nice! We are in August and we are with sweaters and jackets even if we see the local T-shirt and running shorts!
We arrive in Durness in the early afternoon, after making several stops to photograph the beautiful ocean views.
Finally, a clear blue sea and not dark and murky as the one seen to the north of Stonehaven.
We go down in Smoo Cave, a large karstic cave in which there is a spectacular waterfall, unfortunately it is impossible to do the tour on inflatable raft in the rest of the cave, it rained heavily (and we realized) in recent days and the presence too much water makes the risky and the organization has decided to stay around.
We go to the local camp where we spend 22 pounds pretty spartan, square, and we prepare for our traditional dinner table common sin that breaks the wind boxes (but better than rain), however, we are cold and, after dinner, we return quickly to all warmth of our campers.
Turn on the stove, and it takes away a bit 'damp.
August 12, 2011

Since we are in advance (so to say as we skipped Edinburgh)
decide to agree to do the step that will take us to the island of Skye in two days to visit the area extending the fjords on the west coast.
To get along in Lochinver is a single-trak, again breathtaking views and wilderness of heath and woodland.
The village is very pretty and we get the very day in which the Games take place in the Highlands. Omoni gigantic, all dressed with the traditional kilt compete in feats of strength like throwing huge logs or iron weights or tug of war etc.. all seasoned by the sound of bagpipes. Very picturesque!
After lunch we head towards Gairloch Ullapol passing by, this road is really beautiful and we stopped several times to admire and photograph the scene.
We arrive at Gailoch late in the afternoon, we were first to see the parking lot, mentioned in a diary that I read, where you can stop to sleep.
In fact, the place is nice, a terrace overlooking the coast and the country also has a picnic area, but is right on passage of the main road, so we opted for the nearby campsite where we stopped spending 23 pounds.
Obviously the free ride is over, it started to rain again, our table jumps, too bad there is not even cold and stay out of it would have been nice.

August 13, 2011

Descending towards Kyle of Lochlasch to cross the Skye Bridge, the road is very scenic and we did some stretches of the single-trak it runs very smoothly. We stop several times to take pictures, unfortunately, sometimes it rains and gets a tremendous wind.
The scene in Kyle with the port and the bridge that soars over the bay would be great if there was no fog to put a hand.
Once on the island of Skye Dunvegan Castle we head towards the parking lot is so full of cars, campers and motorcycles. It would pay 9 Pounds head but since we are a group of ten we are paying 7, are also associated with some Italian motorcycle that drives the group to 15 and can take advantage of the discount too. The castle is nice gardens more, you could go for a boat trip to see seals groped but do not feel too much wind, too much rain and rough seas, and then if the seals could not be seen? Already we have not seen the Falls of Shin salmon, and hence does not, then at Fort George dolphins avoid.
Let us also go to visit the Pottery Edimbane, has very beautiful and very expensive items, I'm looking for a plate to replace the Dutch tragically committed suicide falling from the wall a few months ago to my great regret,
style, however, is quite different and therefore not even buy anything because any object the size I needed so much cost.
Continue to pull in a wind and rain showers unbearable, so we head to the campsite which is part of the circuit Edimbane Camping International (N 57 ° 29'9''
E 6 ° 25'49'') spending Pounds 30.70 (quite expensive, but it is high season).
He shared a room but it is small and distant from the campers, we should go back and forth with dinner under the water and wind, we prefer to dine in a motorhome.

August 14, 2011

Luckily it does not rain this morning but the gale did not let up.
We plan around the island and would like to make a bet at the whiskey distillery, but fortunately we inform you discover that Sunday is closed.
The road to Portree and Staffin Uig going to be really beautiful and spectacular views. We stop several times to take pictures.
We arrive at a viewpoint and take a ride to admire the cliffs, the wind is unbearable, in the end we get fed up and go back to the camper.
We also stopped to photograph "The Old Man of Storr" a great monolith placed vertically on the side of the mountain, you could take a trip up there but the stiff wind and chilly discourage us, but we stop to have lunch with him.
In the early afternoon we are in Portree, the town is very pretty, has a beautiful marina and features colorful houses all (it appears that they are less gray in Stonehaven!) There are many shops with nice things, we are all buying: a jacket for Ivano , a sweater and a jacket for David, and stacks of wool for me.
We'll be back on the road to Skye Bridge and head towards Dornie see Eliean Donan Castle, the most photographed and certainly one of the most famous of Scotland. In fact it is in a unique position with four arches that bridge that connects it to the mainland. Beautiful!
The campsite Dornie not for nothing that inspires us proceed to Fort William stopping Campsite in a family business seems more the home garden, clean but basic services. And 'later, it's cold and wet we dine in a motorhome.
August 15, 2011

Fort William is a very beautiful town, we would like to take the steam train that runs along the route up to Glenfinnan Viaduct Mailag crossing, made famous by the movie Harry Potter, but today there are no free places are fully booked. So we are content to photograph the station,
Let's take a stroll downtown getting virtually all the shops and finding a new way to shop.
To go to the Loch Lomond walk the valley of Glen Coe which is considered one of the most beautiful valleys of Scotland, is the second time we see a ski resort (a hotel and some lift), I continue to amaze me, but do you remember our ski resorts? Some I think are abominable money machines that have lost the charm of the mountain, if we had their residences and condominiums, there would be spaces anywhere, but here is the exact opposite!
Descending towards the Loch Lomond National Park, there are beautiful views, luckily it's sunny and the temperature is much more pleasant addition there is no wind.
We stop in Luss, but the local camp tells us that it is full so we go up to the campsite Lomond Balloch Woods (N56 ° 0'5''E 4 ° 35'33'') where we planned to stop.
It 'very nice and cared for the pitches and large bathrooms very clean, we spend 26pounds
Let's go to dinner at a local village where we head with 13 Pounds stuffed with Haggis, Fisch and chips, steaks and mixed grill Angus beef.
We will stay here tomorrow, going down to Glasgow by train, the front desk told us that it takes not 45 minutes.

August 16, 2011

Clearly we must now serve the wonderful day yesterday. Pours.
The train to Glasgow for the 8.53 am on schedule and tickets cost pounds 5.30 A / R. Get off at Queen Street. We decided to walk around recommended by Lonely Planet which starts from George Square where the town hall in which organized two guided tours a day because the interior is really interesting.
How do we get in the square are all fenced off and we see a considerable deployment of forces, the door is a good sign that says that the visits are suspended until August 31, are making a movie .......... sgrunf!
The Hutchesons' Hall has all the scaffolding in front of, the Trades Hall will also been refurbished as luxury apartments, but do not say anything from outside, the building is very dilapidated and Tobacco Excange obviously unusable.
The only thing really worth seeing is the Cathedral, a Gothic building is very impressive. Even the oldest house in Glasgow is very interesting. The views of the chimneys you see the cemetery as far as I can be avoided. There are beautiful streets with nice shops, we have made several purchases, just as you would do in any city! Let me tell you, is that Genova, let's face it, a small provincial town in spite of the title that boasts superb, offers many more interesting things to see, obviously this is my personal opinion.
Perhaps you will understand that I have a great feeling to Glasgow!
In addition, it rained in the most absurd all the time, to 3.53 part of us, myself included, decided to get on the train and return to Balloch.
Others have tried to visit the Museum of Transport but, after turning over an hour to find it empty they realized they would not have had time to see it .... everything but everything closes at 5 pm inexorably!!



August 17, 2011

We stopped in to visit the castle of Dunbarton is part of the circuit Membership, and free (and luckily!), From the rock of volcanic origin, but you can enjoy a beautiful view of the castle?? See the main building two rooms, one used as a shop, the other with two narrow split and some engraved stones, the prison unusable for renovation (but I bet it would not offer much) and the powder is a powder keg ... ...! A cottage with four barrels of gunpowder fake .......... go further! Our goal today is New Larnaka a site of so-called industrial archeology, currently Unesco.
Before arriving, however, we stop at Motherwell because Dona has to find the jersey of the local football club to take his nephew.
We can find the official store, and we win the trophy!
Lanark is later, only about twenty miles, we get that are 4 pm and close at 5 so obviously useless to enter now, wait till tomorrow.
Back in the country is useless it is annoying to shoot in a place where everything is closed except for a few pubs, but the country would be nice.
We walk to the Falls of Clyde, the path in the woods is well maintained and our we have the fact that it has not rained all day.
Tonight we will sleep in the parks of New Lanark (there is no written overnigth)
The evening is beautiful, blue sky, finally we can do our usual table. The place is sheltered and we do not bother anyone.

August 18, 2011

This morning we went to visit New Lanark.
It 'a workers' village dating from the early nineteenth century. Its founder had built a large mill for spinning and weaving of cotton which used water as a driving force of the nearby River Clyde.
In addition to the factory had built houses for the workers, school, church, and also provided a free health care; things very futuristic for its time.
Obviously, those who lived and worked in New Lanark was not a simple life, they worked at least 10 hours per day (including children of 10 or 12 years) with an hour for breakfast and for lunch, had also Sunday and two festive holidays a year. Clearly, in contrast to the majority of other workers at the time, these conditions were quite acceptable.
For our meter rather than across the entire structure has the appearance of a forced labor camp where everything is marked by the performance of duties and obligations.
Visiting the house of the founder of all this, it must be said that although a person is not indifferent to the economic possibilities, and spartan living in a house whose only luxury was essential in the larger: an office, living room, a kitchen, and bedrooms. While his workers had two rooms with a toilet (which was something at the time) but maybe in ten lived there!
Some of the wool for spinning machines still work and are used to produce what is sold in bunches in the shop.
In the early afternoon we arrived in Edinburgh. The campsite is Mothornall cap Lothianbridge so we went to the outskirts of Newtongrange.
The camp site is served by bus line 29 in about 30 minutes takes you into the center.
We took a walk in the Royal Mile, a first taste of this beautiful and lively city.

August 19, 2011

Amazing .... you will never be the yellow ball in the sky blue?? and 'a nice day! Today, a saint in heaven has finally moved!
We return to Edinburgh by bus 29, go up the Royal Mile to the castle, we get for free thanks to the membership card that stamped on entry.
We also get the audio guides in Italian, and begin exploring the various parts of the complex. It 's all very interesting, the Hall of Honour of Scotland including the sword, the scepter, the crown (which seem to have been hidden Dunottar and discovery of which there are several intriguing stories) and the Stone of Destiny on which were crowned rulers. The museums of the Regiment of Dragoons, the Scottish National War Museum, presents rooms and Great Hall. The prisons and the Memorial.
The visit, which made it absolutely takes about three hours.
We then jump down the distillery (there was a sufficient) and we stuck straight up in the Camera Obscura where we had so much fun with the play of light and optical illusions that are on display there (beautiful holograms).
Hungry we stopped at one of the many excellent pubs eating sandwiches, dearest water 1.95 pounds the half-liter bottle (and then complain of Italy in the fact that we had asked for two euros in Rome were definitely exaggerated but Here are worse!)
We would like to visit Mary King Close but there are places for today, book and pay for tomorrow morning.
We go down around the Royal Mile, to the Scottish Parliament that almost mockingly was built right in the face of Holyroodhouse (the royal residence of the British when it comes to Edinburgh). It 'a modern, interesting to see just to say you did. On the other hand, do not enter Holyroodhouse, costs 14 pounds each and we believe that the queen does not need to be subsidized by us.
By dint of running 5.30 and have become the fatigue begins to be felt.
One of us decided to return to camp, others are turning a little ', while the beautiful day that Jupiter Pluvio graciously decided to grant seems drawing to a close, gray clouds gather and the first drops begin to fall .. .... it is normal!



August 20, 2011

The goal this morning is Mary King Close Yesterday we had booked.
The visit would also be very interesting and quite fascinating if the audio guide, which make only a brief summary of things, telling the stories that the guide tells it with passion.
When we leave the road is so full of people, I had never seen a world as diverse and quirky as here these days.
There are street artists everywhere, some really very good, others to the limit of improvisation myriad of guys committed to advertise theatrical performances, often dressed in an unlikely but all very kind, thank you whenever you take one of their leaflets. As for the clothing then there are the strangest things, ranging from those who did turn in a vest coat, some boots have sheepskin with fur of summer dresses in addition to the ever-present men in kilts flawless.
Edinburgh is a city very much alive and feels clearly a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
In the afternoon we play around the smaller streets, climbing up to the observatory and the monument to Nelson, from the hill you can enjoy a splendid panorama of the city.
We did a little 'purchases, pulling in the evening, dining with sandwiches, along the way.
Back in the Royal Mile were all so full of local people on the street a lot less people than we expected, but at night there are shows in theaters, clubs (restaurants and pubs) are full of people.
Instead we have seen a few still show from the street then to the bus 10 with # 3 while we returned to camp for a change, it unleashed a flood.


August 21, 2011

To see the two bridges that cross the fjord we arrive in Edinburgh to South Queensferry, it was worth it! Rail is wonderful, we were also lucky enough to see the steam train through it!
Descending towards Brampton, is the area of ??Hadrian's Wall, we stopped at the very beginning of the path that runs along the wall.
Of course this great work is still very little, you see just a very large wall, spaced from the ruins of towers called "milecastle". The path to where we allowed the path.
As soon as you decide to go up to Stratford On Avon, we stop in Blackpool, a seaside town, the country is large and there is a large playground just down the beach. The beach is sandy and the sea, which is low tide, far away.
The camp at which we would like to spend the night reception has already closed, are the 8 pm hour unthinkable, fortunately the lady who runs it is nice and is open.
We have dinner and sleep, we're pretty tired.


August 22, 2011

Today we go on along the motorway to Birmingham, we are lucky, to the contrary is almost a continuous line, we find only a few delays. Up Stratford On Avon is a really lovely town, I'd say one of those that I liked more.
Of course the main attraction is the birthplace of W. Shakespeare, the admission is a cifretta (12.50 pounds / 11.50 the reduced) also visit the tomb has a small price (2 pounds / 1 senior / student 0.50).
We stayed in the large parking lot behind the sports complex, because it takes care of the pennies to pay, it does not accept paper money or credit card.
There are great shops, beautiful streets, manicured gardens and you can take a boat trip on the river.
The camp at which we spent a pleasant evening is the Dodwell Park
Eversham Road (N 52 ° 10'56''W1 ° 45'26''), fortunately the weather has graced us and we could do our usual table.

August 23, 2010

Bath, we arrive late in the morning by parking at the university (the usual pocket money given to you for payment of the parking lot), here is the terminus of line U18 into the city center in 5 minutes. As in 10 we paid a group ticket round trip with 15 pounds, saving you 7.
The Roman Baths of Bath is a truly remarkable site, if you're in the area do not miss it! Admission is 12.50 pounds, but are well spent.
Provide audio guides in Italian, unlike those of Mary King's Close is exhaustive and complete. The pool with thermal water, the source and much of the structure are visible; filmed reconstructions and numerous exhibits make the visit pleasant and varied. Consider that it takes at least a couple of hours to see the whole site. The city is very pleasant, with a beautiful abbey, the municipal market and covered several notable buildings.
Around 17 we left for Stonehenge (distant about sixty miles).
We stopped near the most famous, mysterious and fascinating circle of monoliths in the world, a dirt road where already stationed some campers (N51 ° 10'41''W''1à49'53) do not expect a parking area, the Park officials are not overnight, so if you want to wake up before this wonder you must be satisfied.

August 24, 2011

Waking up before the image of your screen saver is absolutely real exciting. There he was the magic circle of Stonehenge!
Having the card of membership admission is free and we provide the audio guide in Italian. Although the voice recites a story full of scientifically established facts in front of the enigma of blue stone 5000 years old, the imagination can not run at full speed. Disappear even the throngs of Japanese tourists that swarm by the tens of buses that arrive at the parking lot.
For me it was a memorable morning.
After the ritual of coffee and Dolcino we go to Salisbury, a little distant.
It 'a very pretty town with a beautiful medieval old town with typical houses "pain de bois" similar to those seen in the French Brittany and Normandy. It has a beautiful cathedral, which houses one of the original handwritten copies of the "Magna Carta".
This a great document of 1200, written in Gothic characters with a handwriting on a perfect and fine leather. This important document speaks of rights, and it says already nine hundred years ago, among many other things make sense, the principle that all men are equal before the law by the last king of the peasants.
It would be good if the law very, very well some of our political pimps and opportunists, freeloader like vultures flying around in the halls of power taking care of their back and making us feel ashamed in front of half the world.
In the evening we stopped at a campsite in the name in Washington (N 50 ° 54'32''W 0 ° 24'23'')
where we have spent 26 pounds.
It's too cool and windy despite the beautiful day, we give the usual table. Tomorrow we will arrive at Dover ready for boarding.


August 25, 2011
We are moving towards having to stop in Brighton, it rains, we want to visit the palace of George IV, the construction is really unusual. From the outside, when you arrive, it looks like a mosque, there seemed to have rewound the film back to last year in Istanbul. Inside the home is truly magnificent (too) full of chinoiserie, with a dining room dominated by a huge chandelier supported by a large dragon and lotus flowers that once held the gas lamps, there are a number of rooms where the king received his guests, and the private apartments of the king decidedly more sober and in contrast to the excesses of the previous rooms.
The building was heavily criticized at the time was precisely because of its high costs in a time of happiness for the country (but it should be ... ... ... ... history repeats itself never learns from itself ... ..) The decline began in the Victorian period, as Queen Victoria did not consider in keeping the residence and donated to the city.
It is worthwhile to visit, there are audio guides in Italian.
In late afternoon we arrived in Dover, we parked at the Marina Parade, where we stay when we arrived in England 25 days ago, we went to eat fish and chips in a little place in the center, this holiday was our final table. Tomorrow morning we will embark together even if reservations have different times at 12 Aurelius and Gianni, Arnaldo and we at 18.
The fastest possible return.

August 26, 2011

As decided we showed up to board all together, Aurelio and John have the opportunity to embark at noon instead of 10 because there is no place two hours earlier and entails no additional charge.
The situation is different for us that we Arnaldo and the reservation to 18.
We could wait for 16, or paying a premium of 20 euros to 10 ..... embark pay the heavy tax and depart together.
At 3 pm we are at Dunkirk, as we found ourselves well and that we need to accelerate the return we decided to return to the municipal campsite Val de Vesle. The reception lady remembers us. We settle, it is very humid, it rained recently, dinner in a motorhome. Tomorrow morning Aurelius, Eve, and we will leave first, soon, because we think we do a pull unica.Gianni, Dona, Arnaldo and Gabri have more time available to pass again from Switzerland.
In the evening, with a little 'of sadness, we take all the greetings and we hope to see you again soon.

August 27, 2011

Filiamo smooth on French roads in the direction of the Mont Blanc tunnel that we decided to do to speed up.
We do not find traffic, sometimes it rains, we do a couple of stops for coffee and lunch. We arrive at the tunnel to the 15, the boards indicate a waiting time of 90 minutes, but luckily the caviamo in much less.
In Val D'Aosta is very different time, a bright sun greets us and within three hours we are at home.

Conclusions

I'm really not sure what rating to give this trip, maybe I should wait a little 'time to absorb things.
Much has certainly struck my fancy, especially some spectacular scenery and wild, windswept moors and rain, the ruins of castles, cliffs, the dark sea and rivers and streams with water from a strange color and little inviting. Everything changes with the sun, the grass greener you can not, large lawns dotted with myriads of white sheep, the purple heather.
It 'a place in no uncertain terms, all or nothing.
Few large cities inhabited by most of the 5 million inhabitants of Scotland and uninhabited areas as large as we are not even able to imagine, small towns do not understand how they can stand in isolation, in the Highlands.
It 'good to go, in my opinion, hoping to get lucky to have a great time forgiving but accepting the likelihood that happened to us as the rain-faced lady. By doing that even as the Scots use the umbrella and you see them spinning on bikes shirt under water, the Scots who are swimming in a sea in which we would not dare set foot and catch salmon in those rivers blacks, who play the Their bagpipes and I am very proud of their traditions.
Give large landscapes and places rich in history.
For us, with our habits are a little 'tight as tight as soon as the last stroke of 17 overall. It does not happen in Edinburgh, at least in the main streets of the center as the Royal Mile where the shops (at least in this period) are open until late evening. Even if you decide to dine out early, at 20 you already look like Martians. Also dispel the bogeyman of the left-hand drive, just be careful the first two or three round that you have to take in the opposite direction and that of "single trak" that there have never created problems while having all the big vehicles, all are very polite see us often and watch from afar stopped already waiting for us to facilitate the transition.
Although people have always been courteous and kind with very few exceptions, have always preached when we had some difficulties.
Scotland is a myth, to be discovered!
Our legendary Zara the lookout for campers
The photo shoot was done by the talented Donatella's diary, as always, was written by Sandra scribe.
Note: Actual 130 hours of driving - about 6000 kilometers.