A big step in the right direction this week.
I will be working in Alloa so we will be looking to live somewhere in "Central West Scotland" for a couple of years which will see us through the build on Skye and have us living much closer to Skye itself. Handy for those trips to see progress, make decisions and mull over where and how we are going to use the croft.
Now the only thing we have to do is find an actual house to live in; must be somewhere nice and quiet with good views and close to hills / mountains. Not too much to ask surely. Had a quick look around while up there for interview and think we should be able to meet these criteria.
Alloa is the north point of a triangle formed by using Glasgow and Edinburgh as the west and east points. Just across the Forth river, it is in the smallest county in Scotland, Clackmannanshire.
Travelled by Easyjet from Bristol for the interview - plane delayed so arrived in Scotland in the dark, on unfamiliar roads in an unfamiliar car which made for an interesting drive to the hotel - which had stayed open especially for my arrival. I finally arrived at 23.00 hrs and they were very professional and gracious about the whole thing. I'm not sure the alternative option of a night in a Peugeot 107 would have left me quite so chilled the morning of the interview! (It's the size of a smart car but with the addition of two very small back seats)
We already have a short-list of properties to look at and it only runs to 15 at the moment. Sounds vaguely familiar to a couple of months back when we were looking for plots to buy.
The completion of this house sale will be end of September / beginning of October so we have 6 weeks to sort it all out! Are we worried? No, just another part of the great Scottish adventure.
Plans for the next few weeks then:
1: Pack up the house
2: Find somewhere else to live
3: Charlotte and Richard's wedding
4: See as many people as possible before we pack our bags and are off.
5: Settle into new rented house then a week's holiday in the Lakes.
6: Start new job.
We are eagerly waiting the contract from Dualchas so that we can sign up "officially" and start to design the house for real. Drainage and topographical surveys all quoted for and approved by us. Ready for the off!
Thursday 25 August 2011
Sunday 14 August 2011
Wet Wales, walking in the rain and home to positive developments.
Friday and Saturday continued in the same wet theme with more heavy rain.
Were we deterred? No. Did we have Gortex? Yes. Did we get wet? Oh yes.
So on Friday we (Ian and Jacqueline plus us) walked from Beddgelert (of the dog and grave story) along the fast flowing river using what looked deceptively like an easy path to start with. We had done this before so were prepared for the deterioration into a slippery, tricky path that was pretty close to the white water at some points. People coming in the other direction had not researched so thoroughly and were slipping and sliding and falling towards us. Took a few photos before the rain started in earnest. In some of them the river just looks like white water.
We stopped at the car park shelter for a coffee break then decided to carry on up the track to the top of the pass then down to the lake for the walk back to the car. Unsurprisingly there was no view but we did see the steam train heading towards Porthmadog and waved to the people on it.
After hot showers and a good drying out of kit, Ian barbecued dinner for us.
Discussions for Saturday's entertainment were considered and it was agreed that we would go up the PYG track on Snowdon and return by the Miners Track - thus avoiding the zig zags and the summit, both of which would be heaving on a Saturday in August. A good walk nevertheless.
Ian decided not to walk on Saturday morning so he delivered us to the car park at Pen-Y-Pass (and saved us paying £10 to park - really) I hardly need to say this, but it was raining as we set off. There were many, many people attempting Snowdon on this Saturday and quite a few of them were using the PYG track so we shared it with them. There was also a fine assortment of kit on display ranging from shorts and tee-shirts completed with trainers to full on waterproof gear. Many children were walking up the mountain and none of them were moaning at the weather or the walk. We put our heads down and went up. At some of the steeper points of the track there were queues of walkers. Started to meet people coming down from the top as well. We could see our return track far below us but had to walk a fair bit further before we could turn down. No chance (or appetite) for a coffee stop as it was a) too busy and b) too wet and c) too windy. The Miners Track at this point used to be a rocky, slippy, scree type climb but those nice people at Snowdonia National Park have done some repairs and improvements so it is now much safer although still tricky in places.
We found the best shelter we could at the bottom of this section and had our lunch. At this point it actually stopped pouring down so we could at least eat our lunch in the dry. Both Gary and I were wet through (new coats may be required) so coats off and warmer kit on. Jacqueline remained dry which was pretty good in that weather. Carried on back to the car park where the bus for Llanberis was waiting so we took it and walked to the pub where we waited for Ian to pick us up again. After another marathon drying off / showering session we were once again treated to a fine dining experience courtesy of Ian.
An early start this morning saw us leave the mountains in the rain but empty roads allowed us to make good time to the bacon butty stop near Shrewsbury. Enjoyed at one of the outside tables because we could sit out and not get wet!
Arrived home to a message asking if our purchaser's surveyor can visit the house on Wednesday which is a positive move. We have been very patient but it really is time to get this sale going now. And, the isle of Skye Estate Agency's website finally shows "our" plot as under offer. A perfect end to a very enjoyable week.
Were we deterred? No. Did we have Gortex? Yes. Did we get wet? Oh yes.
So on Friday we (Ian and Jacqueline plus us) walked from Beddgelert (of the dog and grave story) along the fast flowing river using what looked deceptively like an easy path to start with. We had done this before so were prepared for the deterioration into a slippery, tricky path that was pretty close to the white water at some points. People coming in the other direction had not researched so thoroughly and were slipping and sliding and falling towards us. Took a few photos before the rain started in earnest. In some of them the river just looks like white water.
We stopped at the car park shelter for a coffee break then decided to carry on up the track to the top of the pass then down to the lake for the walk back to the car. Unsurprisingly there was no view but we did see the steam train heading towards Porthmadog and waved to the people on it.
After hot showers and a good drying out of kit, Ian barbecued dinner for us.
Discussions for Saturday's entertainment were considered and it was agreed that we would go up the PYG track on Snowdon and return by the Miners Track - thus avoiding the zig zags and the summit, both of which would be heaving on a Saturday in August. A good walk nevertheless.
Ian decided not to walk on Saturday morning so he delivered us to the car park at Pen-Y-Pass (and saved us paying £10 to park - really) I hardly need to say this, but it was raining as we set off. There were many, many people attempting Snowdon on this Saturday and quite a few of them were using the PYG track so we shared it with them. There was also a fine assortment of kit on display ranging from shorts and tee-shirts completed with trainers to full on waterproof gear. Many children were walking up the mountain and none of them were moaning at the weather or the walk. We put our heads down and went up. At some of the steeper points of the track there were queues of walkers. Started to meet people coming down from the top as well. We could see our return track far below us but had to walk a fair bit further before we could turn down. No chance (or appetite) for a coffee stop as it was a) too busy and b) too wet and c) too windy. The Miners Track at this point used to be a rocky, slippy, scree type climb but those nice people at Snowdonia National Park have done some repairs and improvements so it is now much safer although still tricky in places.
We found the best shelter we could at the bottom of this section and had our lunch. At this point it actually stopped pouring down so we could at least eat our lunch in the dry. Both Gary and I were wet through (new coats may be required) so coats off and warmer kit on. Jacqueline remained dry which was pretty good in that weather. Carried on back to the car park where the bus for Llanberis was waiting so we took it and walked to the pub where we waited for Ian to pick us up again. After another marathon drying off / showering session we were once again treated to a fine dining experience courtesy of Ian.
An early start this morning saw us leave the mountains in the rain but empty roads allowed us to make good time to the bacon butty stop near Shrewsbury. Enjoyed at one of the outside tables because we could sit out and not get wet!
Arrived home to a message asking if our purchaser's surveyor can visit the house on Wednesday which is a positive move. We have been very patient but it really is time to get this sale going now. And, the isle of Skye Estate Agency's website finally shows "our" plot as under offer. A perfect end to a very enjoyable week.
Thursday 11 August 2011
Dartmoor classic, lost and noisy children & a trip to Wales
The weather on Tuesday was set fair so we decided to head for Cranmere Pool - third attempt at this one. We set off from Belstone and used the western track to get to the ridge. Headed off to pick up the military loop road which took us further, faster. It was decidedly odd to round a corner and see cars parked up. At the top of the road we met up with the army and its cadets - and their lunch van. All happily tucking in to their bag lunch but none to spare for passing walkers.
At this point we had to leave the road and walk on a bearing to the Pool. This was where the going got distinctly wet and boggy. There is no choice but to wend your way across peat hags, through the boggy bits and try to avoid the wobbly ground.
Cranmere Pool sits in a boggy hollow and is not visible until you arrive so you have to trust the bearing you are walking on. About half way there, we were passed by a chap wearing shorts and carrying only a compass moving at some speed. Once he was behind us, he started to shout loudly - we assumed he was looking for his dog or something. On we trudged and thought we could see the "pool" ahead when a second person approached us. This turned out to be a young (11 or 12 year old) boy who was clearly distressed. "Have you seen my dad?" were his opening words. Suddenly clicked that his dad had passed us and the shouting was him trying to find his son. We shouted across the moor, waved our sticks and suggested that the young lad stayed in one place while his father headed back towards us. Left them getting reunited.
Question - if there are only two of you and you are in the middle of a huge bog, how DO you lose your young son?
We had lunch at the Pool, signed the visitor's book then set out towards Hangingstone Hill over yet more bog then back on decent tracks to Belstone. A 12 mile classic through some tricky and trembly terrain.
On the way back through Taw Marshes we find a good path that avoids Steeperton Gorge and watch two men on quad bikes and their dogs round up a whole valley-load of sheep and corral them onto one hillside. The sheep file up the hill very neatly one by one.
As we arrived back at the village, we just happened to do so at the same time as three mini-bus loads of children who had been on various "activities" on the moor that day. They were being rounded up ready to return to their camp. They were very busy discussing the best bits of their day very loudly. Sat and enjoyed our flask of chilled OJ despite the company!
Arrived home tired but happy.
On Wednesday we set off for North Wales to visit Ian and Jacqueline as threatened.
Today the Welsh summer welcomed us with torrential rain followed by heavy drizzle and low visibility. Decided that we would go and see their house plot in Aber then walk on up to the falls, depending on the weather of course. With a brief interlude for a splendid lunch at the cafe in Aber, we did just that. The walk to the falls, though wet and windy with driving mist, was well worth the effort. I have never seen water thundering off the mountain as it was today. The noise, sheer amount of water and spray had to be heard and seen to be believed. The river could definitely be described as in spate. Stunning waterfall and quite a few people had made the effort. Not sure that umberellas and jeans could be called appropriate clothing though. (For clarification this was not us- we were well wrapped in Gortex,)
No photos as it was too wet for cameras - that didn't stop some people trying but not us.
Oh - and we heard today that we now have an official verbal acceptance of the offer on the plot and the land. Just waiting for the formal written acceptance to arrive with our solicitors.
Should also mention that Gary has been "red-penning" previous posts to ensure my grammar and punctuation is correct. I have had to make a few amendments!!
At this point we had to leave the road and walk on a bearing to the Pool. This was where the going got distinctly wet and boggy. There is no choice but to wend your way across peat hags, through the boggy bits and try to avoid the wobbly ground.
Cranmere Pool sits in a boggy hollow and is not visible until you arrive so you have to trust the bearing you are walking on. About half way there, we were passed by a chap wearing shorts and carrying only a compass moving at some speed. Once he was behind us, he started to shout loudly - we assumed he was looking for his dog or something. On we trudged and thought we could see the "pool" ahead when a second person approached us. This turned out to be a young (11 or 12 year old) boy who was clearly distressed. "Have you seen my dad?" were his opening words. Suddenly clicked that his dad had passed us and the shouting was him trying to find his son. We shouted across the moor, waved our sticks and suggested that the young lad stayed in one place while his father headed back towards us. Left them getting reunited.
Question - if there are only two of you and you are in the middle of a huge bog, how DO you lose your young son?
We had lunch at the Pool, signed the visitor's book then set out towards Hangingstone Hill over yet more bog then back on decent tracks to Belstone. A 12 mile classic through some tricky and trembly terrain.
On the way back through Taw Marshes we find a good path that avoids Steeperton Gorge and watch two men on quad bikes and their dogs round up a whole valley-load of sheep and corral them onto one hillside. The sheep file up the hill very neatly one by one.
As we arrived back at the village, we just happened to do so at the same time as three mini-bus loads of children who had been on various "activities" on the moor that day. They were being rounded up ready to return to their camp. They were very busy discussing the best bits of their day very loudly. Sat and enjoyed our flask of chilled OJ despite the company!
Arrived home tired but happy.
On Wednesday we set off for North Wales to visit Ian and Jacqueline as threatened.
Today the Welsh summer welcomed us with torrential rain followed by heavy drizzle and low visibility. Decided that we would go and see their house plot in Aber then walk on up to the falls, depending on the weather of course. With a brief interlude for a splendid lunch at the cafe in Aber, we did just that. The walk to the falls, though wet and windy with driving mist, was well worth the effort. I have never seen water thundering off the mountain as it was today. The noise, sheer amount of water and spray had to be heard and seen to be believed. The river could definitely be described as in spate. Stunning waterfall and quite a few people had made the effort. Not sure that umberellas and jeans could be called appropriate clothing though. (For clarification this was not us- we were well wrapped in Gortex,)
No photos as it was too wet for cameras - that didn't stop some people trying but not us.
Oh - and we heard today that we now have an official verbal acceptance of the offer on the plot and the land. Just waiting for the formal written acceptance to arrive with our solicitors.
Should also mention that Gary has been "red-penning" previous posts to ensure my grammar and punctuation is correct. I have had to make a few amendments!!
Friday 5 August 2011
The missives are being sent out!
Which means that we are about to make a formal offer for the plot and the croft at 5 Fernilea.
Discussions and negotiations have gone back and forth over the last 10 days and have finally concluded with a draft missive that we have now agreed.
So we have had an offer accepted for the house plot and made a separate offer for the croftland. Both have been discussed informally so now it just the "proper Scottish legal terms" bit.
A proposed completion date of late September for the house site depending on the planning permission being renewed by the seller. The assignation of the croft will take longer as we (or at least our solicitor) will need to involve the Crofters Commission. We will only purchase the croft if the sale of the house site is agreed - just to be sure that we don't end up owning six acres of land with nowhere to live!
The sellers have 14 days to respond to a 7 page letter setting out our conditions of purchase. I'm sure it's not this simple in England. Everything is done through the solicitor and dates are clearly set out so you know very quickly if there is going to be a problem.
Mary is sending us a draft contract for the house design, build project and project management. Assuming we are happy with that, then we may proceed.
Meanwhile we have been continuing the get fit theme with an average weekly mileage of between 25 and 30 miles walking, most of that with full packs.
As part of the on-going theme of achieving the "to do" list we are considering whether we might be sufficiently fit to tackle the coast to coast walk which is 190 miles and takes in the Lake District and parts of Yorkshire, along with a boring bit in the middle. Logistics including washing (clothing) and lunches are taking up a fair bit of thinking at the moment. How do you wear clean, fresh clothes for each day's walking without taking a very large and heavy case of clothes as back up? The research continues. Even more important is the matter of eating lunch each day - who does the sandwiches? Will they be of a suitable quality? What if the pie shop is closed or sold out?
This week we walked on three consecutive days just to see if we could. Answer - yes and we slept well into the bargain. Will need to increase the distance but won't be driving for a couple of hours each day so seems viable.
Highlights of this week's walks included a satisfyingly quick time for the canal walk to Tiverton; a hot and sunny climb through Willsworthy range to Hare Tor on Dartmoor then back along Tavy Cleave where we battled with the "path" that was obliterated by a selection of rocks, heather, bog and hidden holes that trapped you just when you thought it was safe to move! Also saw a collection of lizards, small unidentified snakes and a baby adder basking in the sun - all of the above enjoying the sun amongst the aforementioned heather and rocks. Finally the coast walk from Exmouth to Budleigh and back taking in the delights of Devon Cliffs Holiday Park (heaving with visitors), marines firing on the range adjacent to Devon Cliffs Holiday Park and the glorious view back along the coast to Budleigh which looked like somewhere in the Med. All of this with only a few spots of rain and plenty of sun.
Back to the chores and house tidying / packing for a couple of days then we will be off out again.
Planning to visit Jacqueline and Ian in Wales next week for a few days. Will be visiting the plot they are buying as we have only seen photos so far. Hope we might get in a walk or two while we are there - we have only done a little walking in Snowdonia this year and it would be good to reacquaint ourselves with the Welsh hills.
There will be little to report for a couple of weeks so will sign off for now although I may update from Wales as we get out and about.
Discussions and negotiations have gone back and forth over the last 10 days and have finally concluded with a draft missive that we have now agreed.
So we have had an offer accepted for the house plot and made a separate offer for the croftland. Both have been discussed informally so now it just the "proper Scottish legal terms" bit.
A proposed completion date of late September for the house site depending on the planning permission being renewed by the seller. The assignation of the croft will take longer as we (or at least our solicitor) will need to involve the Crofters Commission. We will only purchase the croft if the sale of the house site is agreed - just to be sure that we don't end up owning six acres of land with nowhere to live!
The sellers have 14 days to respond to a 7 page letter setting out our conditions of purchase. I'm sure it's not this simple in England. Everything is done through the solicitor and dates are clearly set out so you know very quickly if there is going to be a problem.
Mary is sending us a draft contract for the house design, build project and project management. Assuming we are happy with that, then we may proceed.
Meanwhile we have been continuing the get fit theme with an average weekly mileage of between 25 and 30 miles walking, most of that with full packs.
As part of the on-going theme of achieving the "to do" list we are considering whether we might be sufficiently fit to tackle the coast to coast walk which is 190 miles and takes in the Lake District and parts of Yorkshire, along with a boring bit in the middle. Logistics including washing (clothing) and lunches are taking up a fair bit of thinking at the moment. How do you wear clean, fresh clothes for each day's walking without taking a very large and heavy case of clothes as back up? The research continues. Even more important is the matter of eating lunch each day - who does the sandwiches? Will they be of a suitable quality? What if the pie shop is closed or sold out?
This week we walked on three consecutive days just to see if we could. Answer - yes and we slept well into the bargain. Will need to increase the distance but won't be driving for a couple of hours each day so seems viable.
Highlights of this week's walks included a satisfyingly quick time for the canal walk to Tiverton; a hot and sunny climb through Willsworthy range to Hare Tor on Dartmoor then back along Tavy Cleave where we battled with the "path" that was obliterated by a selection of rocks, heather, bog and hidden holes that trapped you just when you thought it was safe to move! Also saw a collection of lizards, small unidentified snakes and a baby adder basking in the sun - all of the above enjoying the sun amongst the aforementioned heather and rocks. Finally the coast walk from Exmouth to Budleigh and back taking in the delights of Devon Cliffs Holiday Park (heaving with visitors), marines firing on the range adjacent to Devon Cliffs Holiday Park and the glorious view back along the coast to Budleigh which looked like somewhere in the Med. All of this with only a few spots of rain and plenty of sun.
Back to the chores and house tidying / packing for a couple of days then we will be off out again.
Planning to visit Jacqueline and Ian in Wales next week for a few days. Will be visiting the plot they are buying as we have only seen photos so far. Hope we might get in a walk or two while we are there - we have only done a little walking in Snowdonia this year and it would be good to reacquaint ourselves with the Welsh hills.
There will be little to report for a couple of weeks so will sign off for now although I may update from Wales as we get out and about.
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