Sunday - The journey north. First stop Durham where we find a superb Chinese buffet for lunch. The bacon sarnies now get saved for tea.

Further stops at Hexam (worth another visit but quiet on a Sunday) and Gretna Green. Finally we arrive at the Hilton Strathclyde hotel. Time for a swim in the superb pool.

Monday - Today we drove into Belshill and caught the train to Glasgow then Edinburgh. Unfortunately we get the slow train. You'll see every blade of grass on the way, the conductress told us.

Both city centres were lively and pleasant. Weather was fine but chilly apart from a brief downpour in Glasgow. In Edinburgh we visit the castle area and Royal Mile.

Tuesday - We drive up to the Hilton Coylumbridge, stopping on the way at Perth and then Pitlochry. A pleasant journey and we made good time.

At Pitlochry we had a pleasant little walk via the salmon ladder at the hydro-electric power station before a stroll through the town.

Wednesday - Morning in Inverness. Sunny as usual though rather cold. We spent a pleasant time in the city centre and then go for a stroll by the River Ness. Very pleasant crossing the bridges amongst the Ness Islands.

Later we had coffee and buns whilst parked by the Moray Firth. We watched three herons wading about in the water.

Visits to Nairn and Elgin followed. An enjoyable time in both towns and some impressive buildings and monuments to look at.

Thursday - Today we travel from Coylumbridge to Aberdeen via some wild countryside. A pleasant stop at Grantown-on-Spey for a wander, purchases at the bakery and a quick museum visit. Then a snack in a bleak and windy car park near Corgarff Castle. Our route then took us through Alford and we found a TARDIS in the grounds of the transport museum.

Friday - Aberdeen City Centre today. A sunny day making the walk round the impressive granite buildings and the park most enjoyable.

Later in the day we drive up to Peterhead and Fraserburgh. Not really worth it for the amount of time we get to spend in the towns.

In the evening we go for a walk and hear two owls hooting. After a while we get to see one of them perched in a tree.