We had a leisurely early morning with Helen before leaving Pitlochry on the final proper day of our Scottish holiday. We made our way down to the Scottish Borders via Perth and Edinburgh. Just as we were approaching Edinburgh we got a message to say that another Helen (old school friend of Liz’s), who was supposed to be meeting us later in her motorhome, had a flat battery and did we have any jump leads? Of course we did so we made our way to Gorebridge, just south of Edinburgh where we eventually jump started her Moho in the rain. Hot cross buns and coffee were a welcome recompense.

We then set off in convoy to Tibbie Shiels Inn campsite by St Mary’s Loch. It should have taken an hour as it was down single track roads (a theme this holiday!) but felt much longer. When we finally arrived it was clear that the field was pretty saturated and the only pitch that had electric hookup that Helen needed was through a very soggy patch of grass and yes, we got stuck!

The owner kindly towed us off and moved us onto our pitch next to Helen. The heavens opened and rain fell all evening and well into the night. This meant that we couldn’t do much other than stay inside Helen’s van with her dog, Knox, catching up, drinking wine, being serenaded by Helen on her guitar and eating her fabulous homemade lasagne!

We awoke the next morning with some trepidation as to how stuck we might be with all that rain but the ground wasn’t as wet as we had feared. After breakfast we took the plunge and tried to vacate the field. We were amazed that we managed it first time so we said our goodbyes to Helen who also got out before the long drive home.

We arrived back at 18.15 having had a lovely break and for the most part good weather. We still have the very top part of the NC500 to complete but we will go back once Jo’s knee has fully recovered.

Miles since last blog: 447

Miles this trip: 1,842