19/07/2025
Tour Tales with Neil — Coastlines, Curry & Quiet Moments
This week began in Edinburgh and wound its way north to Tongue, John o’ Groats, and the wilderness of the Highlands.
It wasn’t the kind of week packed with attractions or tight itineraries. My clients chose a slower pace—watching the Highlands roll by from the comfort of the vehicle, soaking in long views and stillness.
We stopped in Pitlochry, admired the far north around Tongue (stunning, even if it’s a marathon to reach), and stayed in some brilliant spots along the way— Lundies House for the guests, and The Bothy in Tongue for me, highly recommended if you're heading north. Always good to keep things professional and stay in different hotels.
A late-night road closure near Fort William added 90 minutes to the day—and a closed kitchen at my hotel didn’t help either. Thankfully, fish & chips came to the rescue. Small wins.
The loop through Roshven, Loch Ailort, Glen Uig, and Glencoe was a highlight—the kids loved climbing up into the mountains. My clients checked into the Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Island, near Oban, while I rounded off the evening with a hot Naga curry (extra heat always welcome) and... a hot chocolate.
Now, I know what you're thinking, Neil, where's the dram? 🥃 Trust me, I asked myself the same question. But with a 7am start and 300 miles ahead, you shelve the single malt and pretend cocoa does the trick. (It doesn’t.)
Still, it did the job. Warm mug, sleepy eyes, dreams of curry victories. Whisky can wait… just not for long. Let’s be honest—after a long day behind the wheel, a dram would’ve been the preferred companion. But with an early start looming, the whisky stayed shelved and the bedtime cocoa did its best. Still, no regrets… well, maybe just one sip’s worth.
It’s been a long week—plenty of miles, fewer stops—but fantastic scenery, especially up north.
Made it back to Edinburgh—the tyres sighed in relief, the curry memories lingered, and yes, the whisky’s finally back on the table. Tour tales pause… just for now.
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