24th to 27th. April
The 2015 event was once again, back in Grantown, the Grant Arms Hotel being our Headquarters for the three days.
Friday:
The start of the three-day tour was from Dobbies Garden Centre, just off the Northbound M80 at junction 6 at around 10.30 am. As you can see below we had 14 cars starting.
The first section took us via Greenloaning, Crieff, bypassing Perth and up through Dunkeld. From there we continue to head East through Blairgowrie, Alyth and to the lunch halt at Peel Farm near Kirriemuir in Angus.
After a nice lunch at Peel Farm, we now made our way north via Cockbridge to Tomintoul, which, fortunately, was free of snow. This time, however, we were using photocopies of Google maps instead of the usual “ball and arrow” instructions. Not to everyone’s taste, but fortunately, the route was fairly straightforward and no one got lost before we arrived at the Grant Arms by late afternoon. As usual, Bob had arranged a Reception prior to Dinner.
Following Dinner, it was an early night for most!
Saturday –
Saturday’s took us via Dufftown, Cabrach to Alford where we were to visit the Grampian Transport Museum where we were joined by a local member, Brian Parke and his wife Vivian. This was a most interesting visit and a revelation to most of our members from the Central belt, who didn’t expect such a marvel in a place like Alford.
Break for coffee at the Museum
On the return trip to the Grant Arms, we had the option of two routes. The shorter one went via Tomintoul while the longer one went via Huntly, both getting us back in time to freshen up for the evening.
Saturday Evening –
Our usual competition on the Scalextric track was not to be this year as Gordon Clendinning had had other commitments. After dinner, there was the expected banter but no singing!.
Sunday –
We were scheduled to depart the Hotel by 9.45 but trying to get a group photograph was delayed by a few stragglers. However, we did get away eventually.
The route on the Sunday tour took us south to see the Fort Augustus Swing Bridge on the Great Glen. Leaving the Grant Arms we travelled via Carrbridge, then south on the B862 and eventually on to the A82 just north of Fort Augustus.
Those who were now staying for another night were able to return to Grantown via either via Fort William (the longer route) or the shorter one via Drumnadrochit and Inverness, leaving the others to travel south via Fort William to Glasgow and the south.
Monday Morning –
The snow was still around in the Morning, so it was gentle run back south. Everyone agreed that it had been another great weekend despite being somewhat colder than normal. Congratulations and thanks to Bob and Mid for all their efforts in arranging everything for us.
