An Edible Voyage

June 2021 Rarely do I go anywhere without my bike.  People say I'm mad but I relish the flexibility to get off the beaten track (literally!), the extra time to savour the views as I plod my way up a hill or fly along country lanes, the opportunity to be at one with my surroundings.  If I didn't, I never would have come across Broughgammon Farm - a teeny tiny hedgerow sign spotted as I battled a blustery wind, committed to memory for further investigation. Having established the opening days (limited to Friday - Sunday at the time of writing), I decided to pop in on my way back to Belfast, to soften the blow of having to leave my beautiful campsite (which I'd had all to myself for the week). Some old-fashioned sign-following (Google Maps was a bit off) took me down a long and windy track, on and on it went, increasing the anticipation, but also having me wondering if I'd taken a wrong turn.  But a wrong turn I had not taken and soon I popped out in the farm.  The farm...

November 2020 Behind it's retro sign, the Cairn Hotel in Carrbridge is one of those wonderfully charming places that reminds me of childhood holidays - patterned carpets, creaky stairs, a plentiful tea and coffee station in the room, and the warmest hospitality.  I particularly liked the nod to a Scottish teatime favourite with a Tunnock's caramel wafer in every room. Breakfast was a particular highlight.  My first experience of a full Scottish breakfast and it set the bar high!  I made sure to make space for it by going on a morning run to explore the beautiful local scenery and enjoy the vibrant autumn colours, discovering the most picturesque stone bridge along the way.  And I'm glad I did! Kicking off with a huge, steaming bowl of traditional Scottish porridge which has a pinch of salt.  I was a little dubious as porridge to me has always been in the 'sweet' category, even when plain.  It was delicious though, and I'm a definite convert to going Scottis...