Iona’s first Trip in 2026…
- ionacali
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Having had a hiatus since the turn of the year in terms of ‘Van-life’, we decided to head down to the Scottish Borders for a week or so and visit an Abbey or two. And so, after some initial research, we set out for Melrose, whose campsite is one of the few which stay open all year. Unfortunately, our ‘Research’ hadn’t included looking at the weather, although, in all honesty, the weather is mostly dull and rainy around these parts in February. Therefore, with the rain falling steadily as we pulled into the campsite, we were not too disheartened; after all, it would soon change. However, the change we anticipated was not to heavier, more persistent rain, which blew in during our first night!
The following two days were a wash-out, although it did not prevent us from visiting Melrose Abbey and taking a walk along the banks of the River Tweed to view the Chain Bridge, erected in 1826. Nor did it stop us visiting The Ship Inn, Burts Hotel, and the Provender Restaurant, where we enjoyed three pleasant and very different meals. However, as the forecast was for continued heavy rain for the next 7 - 10 days, we decided to up sticks on our last day in Melrose and head north to the promise of better weather! The only issue was that, with no destination in mind and few open campsites, we had passed Perth before settling on Loch Morlich and Glenmore Campsite at the foot of the Cairngorms. The result of which was that the last hour and a quarter was done in the dark, with sleet and driving snow as we powered north into higher ground. Loch Morlich and its iconic beach sit 300m above sea level!
Having arrived safely but drained by the drive, we set Iona up for the next three nights. Then we headed to the ever-welcoming Pine Martin bar, located judiciously adjacent to the campsite, where we enjoyed some pleasant local beer called Treehouse Pale Ale, from the Black Isle. That evening and night passed peacefully, and we woke refreshed for a walk up Glen More along the Ryvoan Trail, and later down to the beach to view the loch.
On our last night, it snowed lightly, so we set off in the morning for Tomintoul, leaving a picturesque scene behind!
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