Cairngorms National Park

We had to get to Dundee early because there were two important sporting events on that Malcolm needed to watch. The final of the cricket world cup and the men's final of Wimbledon. We did plan a route that would allow a few nice sites along the way in the Cairngorm National Park, and ended up listening to New Zealand's innings in the car. The first stop was at Carrbridge for the old Packhorse Bridge. The bridge, built in 1717, is the oldest stone bridge in the Highlands. It was supposed to be a snap and run. However the children still managed to climb down the banks and stick a limb in the water. We were at Carrbridge so early that we could smell the breads being baked at the bakery...we had to steel ourselves and move on!

Old Packhorse Bridge in Carrbridge

Ten miles of the original Highland Railway Line were painstakingly restored by volunteers. There were three stations and we chose to stop at Boat of Garten as it was enroute for us. Train rides as well as meals and afternoon teas were available should one want to do it. Although not cheap, this would still be a cheaper alternative to get a feel of the romantic yesteryear feel of travel by steam train compared to the journeys provided by Belmond on the Royal Scotsman. Granted it was not as luxurious!

The Strathspey Railway

Our walk for the day was around Loch an Eilein in the peaceful Rothiemurchus Forest. This was an easy circular walk that the olds could do. The flat track was also suitable for bicycles and there were quite a few cyclists including younger children. We tried to squeeze in another stop before lunch at Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder. As the dam provided a barrier across the River Tummel, the Fish Ladder was made so that it was still possible for the salmon to migrate upriver. At the right time of the year, one could see fish jumping up the levels. When we went...the Fish Ladder observation area was closed!!! Our disappointment was mitigated by the excellence of lunch. The tiny village of Moulin had one of the prettiest hotel called Moulin Inn. They served amazingly fresh, hearty and tasty food. The whisky fudge cake was AMAZING! The outdoor seating was shaded which was a bonus. The best part though...it was not packed with tourists. Thank you Secret Scotland!

Loch an Eilein

Pleasant stroll through the woods

Lots of flora

Nice flat tracks

Wouldn't be Scotland without ruins of a castle

The lake created by the Pitlochry Dam

River Tummel downstream from Pitlochry Dam

The very pretty Moulin Hotel

Lunch time!

The sticky whisky fudge cake. Doesn't look like much, but was the star of the meal!

Hungtingtower Castle

We overnighted at Dundee staying at the Hampton by Hilton, mainly for 2 reasons. The first, was so that we didn't have to backtrack to visit St Andrews from Edinburgh, the second was that it was cheaper than accomodation at St Andrews or Edinburgh! We were also hoping that Nana and Grandpa could fish as it was right by the River Tay. Dinner was at Wee Slice - a local pizza joint which was on the way to the seawall near the discovery - our potential fishing spot. The pizzas were so big that we had one between 7! The prawn mango half was more popular than the notorious PIG half. Unfortunately the tide was out so we moved along. The fishing would have to wait again.

Disappointingly, the Wimbledon and Cricket world cup results were not what we hope it to be!

Wee Pizza where the slice were not so wee-sized...