Got to love the bloke's honesty...

[Stalker62]

In anticipation of next year's (I know) trip to Islay, I have just been sorting out the accommodation for the Biblical journey it always is...



We will overnight in Cumbria, and then again in Argyll & Bute, before rolling the dice with the CalMac Ferry Game...


Having taken some advice from Members on here, I have gone for quite a smart Hotel, in a vain attempt to appease MrsS62, who is once again being dragged North to enjoy the pleasures of stalking north of the Wall.




After last year's farce (booked online), when I turned up a year too early for the 'actual' date I had booked, I thought I would take no chances this time. Phone up and speak to a person.

It all went rather too smoothly, and it was so refreshingly honest, that I actually laughed...


"Do you want a room with a Garden or a Loch view sir?"

"I am trying to keep my wife 'on side', so whichever is the nicest"

"It makes no difference. At that time of year, there won't be any view out of any of the windows".

"Do you mind if we keep that wee bit of information just to ourselves?"






Ah well. Let's hope the bar is well stocked...

 

[tozzybum]

Enjoy your self, I'm sure the view from the bar will entertain your mrs whilst you're out on the hill.
And breaking up the journey is a great way of " extending " your holiday experience atb

 

[Foxyboy43]

In anticipation of next year's (I know) trip to Islay, I have just been sorting out the accommodation for the Biblical journey it always is...

View attachment 349938

We will overnight in Cumbria, and then again in Argyll & Bute, before rolling the dice with the CalMac Ferry Game...
View attachment 349939

Having taken some advice from Members on here, I have gone for quite a smart Hotel, in a vain attempt to appease MrsS62, who is once again being dragged North to enjoy the pleasures of stalking north of the Wall.


View attachment 349940

After last year's farce (booked online), when I turned up a year too early for the 'actual' date I had booked, I thought I would take no chances this time. Phone up and speak to a person.

It all went rather too smoothly, and it was so refreshingly honest, that I actually laughed...


"Do you want a room with a Garden or a Loch view sir?"

"I am trying to keep my wife 'on side', so whichever is the nicest"

"It makes no difference. At that time of year, there won't be any view out of any of the windows".

"Do you mind if we keep that wee bit of information just to ourselves?"


View attachment 349942



Ah well. Let's hope the bar is well stocked...


View attachment 349944

That would be some bar for an “optics chase”!

 

[JockStalk]

Reminds me of night before I left home to make my way in the world with my mates in the Malt Shovel on Cockburn Street in Edinburgh.
Before any sniggers, the ‘ck’ is silent - embra is posh.
Presented with a similar range of malts, we decided to partake in as many as we could get through, starting with the A’s.
I have learned that there are many A’s, and for that matter B’s. After my first C, a 15 year old Caol Isla, I had a little nap.

 

[Klenchblaize]

I recall staying at The Torridon many years ago and marvelling at their range of vintage whisky. None of which were touched as I dislike the stuff!

I see they still wax lyrical about their range:

The Whisky Bar in the Scottish Highlands | The Torridon

Explore our unparalleled whisky selection, a treasure trove of 365 classic and rare malts. You’re bound to uncover a new favourite at The Torridon. Book today.

www.thetorridon.com

K

 

[Foxyboy43]

I recall staying at The Torridon many years ago and marvelling at their range of vintage whisky. None of which were touched as I dislike the stuff!

I see they still wax lyrical about their range:

The Whisky Bar in the Scottish Highlands | The Torridon

Explore our unparalleled whisky selection, a treasure trove of 365 classic and rare malts. You’re bound to uncover a new favourite at The Torridon. Book today.

www.thetorridon.com

K

365 whiskys eh? Bit of a disappointment coming up at the end of this month maybe?

 

[Stalker62]

I recall staying at The Torridon many years ago and marvelling at their range of vintage whisky.

Just looking at the prices of a stay in The Torridon, it's all academic really - could not afford to do that and visit the bar.

 

[Klenchblaize]

Just looking at the prices of a stay in The Torridon, it's all academic really - could not afford to do that and visit the bar.

Indeed but the Boat House looks I nice place to stay if stalking in the area.

K

 

[JockStalk]

Indeed but the Boat House looks I nice place to stay if stalking in the area.

K

Ben Damph estate are great hosts!

 

[Dave_45]

Ben Damph estate are great hosts!

The Grays?
Fantastic people

 

[Dave_45]

Just looking at the prices of a stay in The Torridon, it's all academic really - could not afford to do that and visit the bar.

There’s other options ranging from a bothy to a lot more spendy, I stuck my nose in one night to speak to some guests up stalking hinds , they were eating steaks with head torches on , in the pitch black ,it was warm and dry though but not for me….

 

[Stalker62]

There’s other options ranging from a bothy to a lot more spendy...

@Dave_45

I did see the Bothy has no running water.

However, it does look to be a beautiful location - to get a week up there, with perhaps three days stalking would be heavenly.

 

[Dave_45]

@Dave_45

I did see the Bothy has no running water.

However, it does look to be a beautiful location - to get a week up there, with perhaps three days stalking would be heavenly.

I’d recommend it , if they try and get you to stalk at the back of the boat house ,the second word is ‘off’,or take a Sherpa with you.

They own an estate with some cracking soay rams if that floats your boat too,very much a set up , that when you open the door and get on ok,opportunity comes your way.

 

[Stalker62]

I’d recommend it...

@Dave_45

Well now.

I have fired off an email enquiring about the possibility of a week at the end of next year - three days on the Hinds.

I have also made it clear that I am too old for The Bothy, and too poor for the Lodge, which would only leave the House.

Let's see what they say...

 

[Dave_45]

@Dave_45

Well now.

I have fired off an email enquiring about the possibility of a week at the end of next year - three days on the Hinds.

I have also made it clear that I am too old for The Bothy, and too poor for the Lodge, which would only leave the House.

Let's see what they say...

There’s plenty of leisurely stalking in front of the house ,lovely genuine family and I mean that.
If you want to pm me feel free.

 

[Stalker62]

And breaking up the journey is a great way of " extending " your holiday experience...

@tozzybum

Long gone are the days of doing it in 'one hit'.

For over 20 years I made the journey up and down the M6







in a 110 - (ironically) 666 miles door-to-door.







Since we (I was ordered to by my wife) have started 'breaking' the journey, it has indeed become an 'extension' of the holiday, and is altogether a much more 'civilised' way of going about things.

 

[Klenchblaize]

Chaining one’s fowling piece to the bed of an Edinburgh B&B made stopovers a little stressful back in the day but less so after the 2nd beer in the Laird’s Tongue!

I’d not adopt such an approach to firearms security in the 21st Century though.

K

 

[Stalker62]

I’d not adopt such an approach to firearms security in the 21st Century though.

I have always adopted, what I hope is a pragmatic approach, to 'on the road' firearm security.

The rife is chained to the body of the truck.
The ammo is in my room.
The bolt is in a holster and never leaves my hip.

Fairly confident that if the worst should happen, I could look the local Sheriff in the eye without blinking...

 

[Mungo]

@Dave_45

Well now.

I have fired off an email enquiring about the possibility of a week at the end of next year - three days on the Hinds.

I have also made it clear that I am too old for The Bothy, and too poor for the Lodge, which would only leave the House.

Let's see what they say...

Some very lovely hill loch fishing there too.

 

[Dorsettaff]

Stalker.....The Stonefield Castle is also another one to consider.....20 mins from Kennacraig...dog friendly as well.