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.
Monday, 25 July 2011
An offer we hope they can't refuse
It appears that we have been cleared as far as the ID verification stage of purchasing a plot and land in Scotland (with thanks to our solicitor in Devon) so we are now at the point where we can make an offer for both the plot and the land.
Have just spoken with Mr McPhee who will shortly be talking to Alison at the IoS estate agency to discuss the market rate for 6 acres and a house site. We will apparently be starting at a lower price than the owner would like to achieve but that's OK with us!
Mary's colleague has visited the site and in her opinion "it's great" so we are just waiting to speak with her to discuss the next steps - assuming we manage to conclude a deal and actually buy it.
The suggestion is that the house is built as far out towards the loch as possible to make the most of the elevation and the views across the loch and eastwards to the Cuillins (plenty of sunrise photos in the offing there in the future). Also the option for our very own "living window" framing the mountains if we can design it in.
Otherwise life is carrying on as normal as we wait for an exchange date for this house sale after which we will be able to better plan our departure and entry to the rental market. Where to live??
Despite the warmer July weather and the appearance, finally, of the summer, we managed to get absolutely soaked last week on a walk on North Dartmoor; too wet to complete the planned walk but we did manage six miles and a bit of exercise. Followed by a good seven and a half miles around Sidmouth yesterday. Hoping to hit Fur Tor in the centre of Dartmoor tomorrow - carrying plenty of water (more than 5 litres between us) to avoid dehydration.
Hope to have further news this week - watch this space.
Have just spoken with Mr McPhee who will shortly be talking to Alison at the IoS estate agency to discuss the market rate for 6 acres and a house site. We will apparently be starting at a lower price than the owner would like to achieve but that's OK with us!
Mary's colleague has visited the site and in her opinion "it's great" so we are just waiting to speak with her to discuss the next steps - assuming we manage to conclude a deal and actually buy it.
This is the link to the plot on the IoS website for those interested to see where we might be living in two years time.
http://www.iosea.co.uk/2080.shtmlThe suggestion is that the house is built as far out towards the loch as possible to make the most of the elevation and the views across the loch and eastwards to the Cuillins (plenty of sunrise photos in the offing there in the future). Also the option for our very own "living window" framing the mountains if we can design it in.
Otherwise life is carrying on as normal as we wait for an exchange date for this house sale after which we will be able to better plan our departure and entry to the rental market. Where to live??
Despite the warmer July weather and the appearance, finally, of the summer, we managed to get absolutely soaked last week on a walk on North Dartmoor; too wet to complete the planned walk but we did manage six miles and a bit of exercise. Followed by a good seven and a half miles around Sidmouth yesterday. Hoping to hit Fur Tor in the centre of Dartmoor tomorrow - carrying plenty of water (more than 5 litres between us) to avoid dehydration.
Hope to have further news this week - watch this space.
Sunday, 17 July 2011
Of Solicitors and Sales
What a week!
So, we have an offer for our house which we have negotiated on and agreed to meet in the middle. House sold (stc as they say) Likely to be completing in September.
We have decided on 5 Fernilea as the plot for us - with the extra land; price yet to be agreed
Have found a Scottish solicitor willing to represent us in the purchase of the land and plot
Have appointed a local solicitor to deal with the sale of the house in Devon
Have asked Mary from Dualchas to visit the plot and consider:
1: The house potential and design options, given the plot orientation
2: The water situation - either a connection via Scottish Water or a borehole
3: Is it feasible to remove the bushes to confirm the view is as it should be? (She is taking a colleague and strimmer with her)
4: Access and boundaries to the plot
This is all planned for next week although we will have to check on progress.
Next steps - go through the money laundering procedures with both sets of solicitors; make a conditional offer for the plot and land - this follows our expression of interest but is not a formal offer to buy - then let the negotiations commence; really start the design process in earnest; find somewhere to live for the next 12 - 18 months; agree a price for the plot and apply for detailed planning permission; start the build.
Sounds easy doesn't it?
All of the above to be done from a distance of over 600 miles, thank heavens for email, mobile communications and the internet.
Gary has downloaded CAD software so we are spending a happy afternoon designing for real!
If we can work out exactly how to use it!
So, we have an offer for our house which we have negotiated on and agreed to meet in the middle. House sold (stc as they say) Likely to be completing in September.
We have decided on 5 Fernilea as the plot for us - with the extra land; price yet to be agreed
Have found a Scottish solicitor willing to represent us in the purchase of the land and plot
Have appointed a local solicitor to deal with the sale of the house in Devon
Have asked Mary from Dualchas to visit the plot and consider:
1: The house potential and design options, given the plot orientation
2: The water situation - either a connection via Scottish Water or a borehole
3: Is it feasible to remove the bushes to confirm the view is as it should be? (She is taking a colleague and strimmer with her)
4: Access and boundaries to the plot
This is all planned for next week although we will have to check on progress.
Next steps - go through the money laundering procedures with both sets of solicitors; make a conditional offer for the plot and land - this follows our expression of interest but is not a formal offer to buy - then let the negotiations commence; really start the design process in earnest; find somewhere to live for the next 12 - 18 months; agree a price for the plot and apply for detailed planning permission; start the build.
Sounds easy doesn't it?
All of the above to be done from a distance of over 600 miles, thank heavens for email, mobile communications and the internet.
Gary has downloaded CAD software so we are spending a happy afternoon designing for real!
If we can work out exactly how to use it!
Sunday, 10 July 2011
A return to Devon and time for a good old think
Two days of travelling back through the highlands and today, the joys of the M6 and the M5 again. We were lucky on both days and didn't experience any delays or hold-ups.
In case you're travelling in the north - the travelling community (AKA p...ys) are also on the move swinging their caravans and dodgy vans all over the place.
We stopped and swapped the driving every two hours; had lunch in a glorious position overlooking Glen Coe - away from the crowds in "the" layby.
Arrived at the travel lodge in time to purchase a reasonable dinner from M&S which was eaten in the splendour of a travel lodge bedroom. Should probably mention at this point that we almost had to go round again as I completely missed the turn for the travel lodge and had to carry out some dodgy maneuvers to get there. That would have been a fun trip down the M6 then back again! Was right about the wifi connection - yes it was available but £5 for 1 hour. Even the dodgiest B&B had wifi available at no cost. Hotels are going to have to improve on this in the future; it's outrageous practice to charge for one hour what it would cost for two weeks on average at home or in business.
Sleeping in a service station is surprisingly quiet and I got the hairdryer on arrival. All pillows were allocated though with none extra to spare. Also had the best sized towels of the trip - best not to mention the quality though.
Decided to avoid the hot food on offer on site and stopped at Tebay for a really good, quality breakfast this morning. Local farm-sourced food, good service and a nice environment.
One more stop en route and we drove on home.
To summarise the last two weeks
We have driven 2,124 miles; visited 17 potential house sites; shortlisted four sites - all of which would be perfectly suitable to build on; made some good contacts on Skye; stayed in some delightful and some dodgy B&Bs; enjoyed a week at Fisherman's Lodge and have made the decision that we will be building and living on Skye.
Message from the estate agents on Skye - the owners of the plot at Fernilea will consider selling half of the croft that surrounds the plot we enquired about. There is already a house site available and this would give us extra land that runs down to the loch. All we have to do is let the vendor's solicitor know what we would offer for the plot and croftland. OK then; quite a bit of thinking to do tomorrow!
We return to find out there is the possibility of an offer on the house - will find out more tomorrow. If so, then we really will be doing some serious planning over the next few weeks!
We will be speaking to a Scottish solicitor tomorrow; need to understand crofting law, tenancy implications and expressions of interest.
Will update as and when things happen over the next few weeks.
In case you're travelling in the north - the travelling community (AKA p...ys) are also on the move swinging their caravans and dodgy vans all over the place.
We stopped and swapped the driving every two hours; had lunch in a glorious position overlooking Glen Coe - away from the crowds in "the" layby.
Arrived at the travel lodge in time to purchase a reasonable dinner from M&S which was eaten in the splendour of a travel lodge bedroom. Should probably mention at this point that we almost had to go round again as I completely missed the turn for the travel lodge and had to carry out some dodgy maneuvers to get there. That would have been a fun trip down the M6 then back again! Was right about the wifi connection - yes it was available but £5 for 1 hour. Even the dodgiest B&B had wifi available at no cost. Hotels are going to have to improve on this in the future; it's outrageous practice to charge for one hour what it would cost for two weeks on average at home or in business.
Sleeping in a service station is surprisingly quiet and I got the hairdryer on arrival. All pillows were allocated though with none extra to spare. Also had the best sized towels of the trip - best not to mention the quality though.
Decided to avoid the hot food on offer on site and stopped at Tebay for a really good, quality breakfast this morning. Local farm-sourced food, good service and a nice environment.
One more stop en route and we drove on home.
To summarise the last two weeks
We have driven 2,124 miles; visited 17 potential house sites; shortlisted four sites - all of which would be perfectly suitable to build on; made some good contacts on Skye; stayed in some delightful and some dodgy B&Bs; enjoyed a week at Fisherman's Lodge and have made the decision that we will be building and living on Skye.
Message from the estate agents on Skye - the owners of the plot at Fernilea will consider selling half of the croft that surrounds the plot we enquired about. There is already a house site available and this would give us extra land that runs down to the loch. All we have to do is let the vendor's solicitor know what we would offer for the plot and croftland. OK then; quite a bit of thinking to do tomorrow!
We return to find out there is the possibility of an offer on the house - will find out more tomorrow. If so, then we really will be doing some serious planning over the next few weeks!
We will be speaking to a Scottish solicitor tomorrow; need to understand crofting law, tenancy implications and expressions of interest.
Will update as and when things happen over the next few weeks.
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