CLAN GATHERINGS, WOODED WANDERINGS (AND A GRAND 'SPOONS) - Ullapool, Aberdeenshire and Cambridge, UK

......previously, our amazing adventure in the far north of Scotland- the Orkney Islands........

After departing Orkney, we were ready to re-connect with family. We never get to visit folk as often as we would like to due to our lifestyle- that's the downside of being nomads on a budget. It doesn't help that our families are on opposite sides of the world! It is a real bonus when we are able to stay with people and spend some quality time together. 

Our week in Ullapool on the far west coast of Scotland and the following days in rural Aberdeenshire on the east side of Scotland were filled with wonderfully boisterous times with both tribes, walks in the lovely surrounding areas and playing games inside when the inevitable bad weather arrived. We had a ball, and were sad to leave Rich's kids and grandkids.

Lael Forest Garden, near Ullapool, Scotland, UK

Making the most of the sunshine! Near Ullapool, Scotland, UK

Ullapool harbour, Scotland, UK

A walk in the garden, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, UK

Apart from family time, Richard was able to visit an island where he used to live around 40 years ago. It was, in the past, an isolated place (at one point he shared the whole island with only one other guy), and Rich has happy memories of living there. Now, the island, and much of the land around the adjoining mainland village has been bought up by a billionaire. He has transformed the whole area into an empire of sorts, with an emphasis on privacy for his elite VIP guests. As Richard's son works on the island, they were able to gain a visitor's pass for a day, and Rich had a ball exploring and reminiscing. Can't say too much more - he had to sign a NDA!

Mainland pier, where the island boat leaves from

Newly built estate on island

A wee church was moved to the island

Scenic place Rich used to live

Rich's old house on the right

Fairy cottage

Roads that didn't used to exist

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Aberdeen has many detractors, but we love it's vibe and spent a splendid couple of days there- it's a great spot for us to break the journey between far flung Scotland and the south of England. One big bonus of the city is the glut of "cheap" hotel offerings. Apparently during the oil and gas boom, many hotels were established to cash in on all the incoming workers back and forth through the city. Nowadays, demand has dropped, and many rooms in big old characterful buildings are sold off relatively cheaply.  

Grand room downstairs in our budget Aberdeen hotel

Quirky street art, Aberdeen

Loved the street signs with the pointy finger, Aberdeen

Happy in the changeable Scottish weather!

Duthie Park with it's unique winter garden was delightful, and we loved the river walk from Brig o' Balgownie (reputedly the oldest bridge in Scotland) along the River Don within Seaton park in the north of the city. 

Duthie Park, Aberdeen

Winter garden in Duthie Park, Aberdeen

River Don, Seaton Park, Aberdeen

Riverside path, Seaton Park, Aberdeen

The wee old bridge

Ancient Brig o' Balgownie

Quiet old streets near Brig o' Balgownie

Dog in the window

Beautiful cathedral in Seaton Park, Aberdeen

And of course, there is the grandest Wetherspoons we have been in, the almost glamorous Archibald Simpson, in the historic center of Aberdeen. Apparently in it's previous life it served as a grand old bank, and we loved sitting in the main room with it's opulent high ceilings and gold decorations (and sticky tables and the strange folk that seem to inhabit 'Spoons everywhere!).

Couldn't resist the big breaky, 'Spoons, Aberdeen

Grand bar at Aberdeen 'Spoons

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Revisiting family in Cambridge after some years, we had a brilliant visit with Rich's siblings. His bro had put a lot of effort into planning our stay in order for us to catch up with many relatives and old friends. Days and evenings were spent reminiscing about mischief gotten up to in times gone by!

One highlight was visiting Duxford, a former airfield during World War II, and now an amazing war museum on enormous grounds housing historically important aircraft. There was an incredible amount to see, too much for one day, really. Many old hangers held exhibitions focusing on aircraft and war related vehicles, mostly from World War II, but some real oldies as well. The Concord was a star exhibition, and we were allowed to board the sleek airplane and marveled at the narrow interior. The Vulcan and B52 bombers were also astonishing in their size and designs. Outside, many old planes were buzzing and flying around - Sally B was a particular stunner! A joyride in a Spitfire was on offer, but at £5000, we declined.

B17 beauty, Sally B, Duxford War Museum, Cambridge

Inside one of many huge hangars, Duxford War Museum, Cambridge

Controls in an old plane, Duxford War Museum, Cambridge

Sal admiring an exhibit, Duxford War Museum, Cambridge

Sleek interior, Concorde, Duxford War Museum, Cambridge

A day fishing at a secret spot near Cambridge, saw Rich and his bro in their element. So many fish were biting, that after a while they stopped going for the little tidlers and concentrated on the big carp. Not sure about the final count but it was well over twenty between them.

Beautiful spot and weather for a day's fishing, Cambridge

First fish caught!

Idyllic lake scene, Cambridge

Lucky to have a woman on the inside (Rich's little sis!), we were taken on a private tour around St John's college, a prestigious and ancient place for study in Cambridge, said to have been established in 1511. Lavish and ornate in it's historical courts, gates and gardens, the highlights were "The Chapel", a huge grand church, and the much photographed Bridge of Sighs, usually only seen from a punt on the River Cam.

Arch upon arch, St John's College, Cambridge

Much photographed Bridge of Sighs, Cambridge

Old walkways, St John's College, Cambridge

Spiral staircase

Punters on the River Cam, Cambridge

The Chapel, St John's College, Cambridge

Student bikes, Cambridge

2026 has been quite a big year of travel for us. There was our re-discovery of northwestern Thailand, and a wild journey in Laos in search of giant jars. We loved our first time in tropical Bohol in The Philippines, followed by house-sitting and getting married in Melbourne. Then we enjoyed far flung villages in Azerbaijan and pottering around western Romania on the trains. After our much needed catch up time with family in the UK, we were just about flat out! We will spend the rest of 2026 relaxing in Malaysia and Thailand, and have no plans what-so-ever for next year. Let's see what ideas come to us after a good recovery! Love to you all.