Scottish
Countryside
My son is learning to drive at present (be very afraid), and I
realised that a lot of his problems were stemming from not enough actual driving
experience.
What better way to learn than taking him out on a fine day and simply going
round a tourist route?
I mean, tourist routes are generally filled with slower drivers and more forgiving
natures (since they expect people who aren't sure of the roads).
We set off from our glorious little part of Scotland and headed North.
AA Route Planner had been consulted, and the results printed out. I had checked
the "avoid motorways" part as well.
This ensured that we wouldn't encounter a road he wasn't able to drive along.
The route I took was just under 100 miles and should have taken a couple of
hours.
Off we set. As I said, the day was nice, dry and quite warm for our part of
the country.
I highly recommend the AA route
Planner
I can see reasons for it killing a lot of business for the likes of AutoRoute
and the other map packages.
If you have internet access before your journey, it's a Godsend.
Of course, Sat-Nav units are now making it redundant........c'est la vie.
The route took us via Irvine , Dalry et al up to Erskine, where we crossed over
the bridge.
The more observant may notice the blurring of the barriers. Yeah, it was taken
while moving.
Surprise, surprise, they were laying down cones........
Traffic, so far, on the journey had been light and the hardest part of the journey
had been getting my son to slow down.
It seems that drivers must show that they can traverse all roads by driving
at the limit for that road.
A quick slap round his head sorted that one out (I'm kidding). Besides, he's
bigger than me!
The countryside had been steadily improving as we left the heavier populated
areas behind.
After Irvine and Kilwinning it was glorious scenery until we hit the conurbation
again.
We headed down off the bridge and headed for Dunbarton, swiftly moving through
Alexandria.
After Balloch , we stayed on the A82.
This took us along Loch Lomond.
We passed Luss, where they filmed that famous TV show.
The scenery by this time was breathtaking.
All those trite comments you read about Scottish scenery were being brought
to life in front of us.
One of the nice things about Loch Lomond is the fact that they have a path next
to the waters edge.
Simply stop in one of the plentiful laybys , cross the road and enjoy!
Even the road is picturesque.
Our journey times were suffering.
Stopping at frequent intervals to take pictures and simply look in awe.
According to the AA, the journey should have taken less than 2 hours.
Ahem, we had nearly used all this already.
My inital route had been to Tarbet, but since my son was clearly enjoying his
time at the wheel, and I was enjoying the view, we kept going.
At Tarbet, we moved to the A83 and stopped for a drink in the car park at Ardgarton.
No, that isn't us in the picture, it was just (yet ) another picture of the
countryside.
My son wanted to continue, so after checking the watch (3 hours gone), off we
went agian.
Thank God it's a diesel.
I don't mind helping my son prepare for life by why does it always involve me
spending money?
Ahh, the joys of parenthood, and a daughter who'll want the same treatment in
another couple of years.
We set off and headed up into the hills.
My stomach was rumbling by this time and I was sorry not to invest in some food
at Ardgarton.
Thankfully, there's a burger van at Rest and be Thankful.
Not only that, but the food isn't bad.
We ate and enjoyed the view.
Judging by the height difference here, I can see why its named like this.
Absolutely spectacular.
At this point, we decided to head home retracing our steps.
A few more stops entailed but, not only did my son get more driving
experience, but we enjoyed a different part of Scotland.