WyllieHQ

21- July

After missing holidays/breaks for 15 months due to family health issues then the Covid19 pandemic, we decided to book 3 nights in the Scottish Borders. It was a welcome break from the monotony of the last few months. Our grandkids Lewis (18) and Lauren (16) also joined us.

We booked Smiddyhill Lodge on the Glenormiston Estate near Innerleithen for 3 nights @ £378 (including £38 service charge) through the HomeAway website. You may be able to get a better price if you book direct with Julie the owner. The lodge more than met our expectations. It was presented to a very high standard, sleeping 4 adults comfortably with space for another on a pull out bed. There were two bathrooms both with ensuite. The lounge/kitchen/dining area was spacious. The property had WiFi and Freesat TV including Netflix. Pets were not allowed but there was a separate garage with kennels for up to five dogs.

We arrived late afternoon Tuesday and once settled in took the short drive into Innerleithen for a look around. Innerleithen is a typical small borders town. It has all the amenities including an excellent ice cream shop. The local Co-op supermarket is ideal for stocking up on essentials. We returned to the lodge for some dinner. Lewis an I went for a walk along the River Tweed to Innerleithen. We passed the Velvet Alpacas Centre where you can book to take one for a walk. Lewis isn’t the quickest on his feet so I left him in my tracks. Coming back along the river I came across a horse and rider out for an evening ride.

We made our way back to the lodge to settle down for movie on Netflix (Eurovision starring Will Ferrell – worth a watch quite funny)

22 July

A very wet start to Wednesday morning. After breakfast we had a drive through Peebles and back down past St Mary’s Loch to the Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall.

We didn’t walk up to the top of the waterfall as it was very wet underfoot. It was quite cold and wet so we headed into Moffat where we had a walk around the town and had a drink in The Buccleuch Arms, mainly as we needed somewhere for a comfort break.

We had made up packed lunches which we ate in the car then drove back up to Innerleithen. The scenery was spectacular even in the rain. After arriving in Innerleithen we went for a walk around the St Ronan’s Wells.

The walk fairly tired us out so we returned to the lodge for the evening, had dinner and settled down for Norbit ( Eddie Murphy), Lauren’s movie choice for the evening.

23 July

Thursday morning was again very wet so we took our time with breakfast and preparing lunch for the day. The weather was due to clear around lunchtime. The forecast was accurate the sun came through as we were heading down to Abottsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott. It is well worth a visit. Unfortunately due to Covid 19 the house was not open but the gardens, grounds and visitor centre are. The admission for the gardens us £5.80. Lewis and Lauren used their Young Scot cards which admitted them for £1.

Later in the afternoon we drove up to Glentress Peel for a walk along one of the forest trails. There are also mountain bike trails which were very popular. The scenery and views were fantastic. It was really good to be out and about in the fresh air.

The walk took us a couple of hours. It would have been quicker but Lewis was taking the opportunity to get some good photos/video for his own blog)vlog. There is a GoApe centre at Glentress with ziplines etc.

After a busy day it was back to the lodge for showers, dinner and the final movie Get Hard (Wil Ferrell, Kevin Hart) chosen by Pauline.

24 July

After a thoroughly enjoyable few days it was time to pack up and get Lewis to work for Noon.