Opinion: Mandie’s discovering Scotland during Covid pandemic

Thanks to some nice sunny weather I got the walking boots looked out and had a fab day walking the Cobbler which is a Corbett in Argyle and Bute.

I took Frank the pug too where he had an absolute ball running around and sniffing everywhere.

It was great to get back exploring and shake the cobwebs from the legs. My first climb in over a year. I thoroughly enjoyed the picnic and views at the top.

Another great few weeks have been spent with family and friends. I was once again blessed to celebrate another birthday, I certainly don’t feel 31 years old but equally delighted to reach another milestone.

I had a lovely stay over at the Champany hotel courtesy of my husband for a birthday treat and a lovely steak in the main restaurant. As usual first class food and service.

Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday. I had a lovely day sauntering through the Devilla Forest near Kincardine before having some birthday cake with my parents.

I highly recommend Maley’s Artisan chocolate shop in Falkirk where I received a delicious bouquet of strawberries coated in white and milk chocolate. A very thoughtful and tasty gift.

After a long six months of no trips away I am delighted to have enjoyed a staycation at Orocco Pier in South Queensferry for two nights with my husband and in-laws.

It most certainly brought back the good memories of my wedding there back in January. It felt great to be away from home and enjoy good company. On the first day we enjoyed a boat trip onthe Maid of the Forth where we sailed under the three bridges on the Forth, it was a great experience.

My father-in-law Mally previously discovered a place that I would describe as a little hidden treasure named Cove, which is a cute small village on the Scottish Borders, I just need to go back when it’s not pouring with rain! Nevertheless it was still great to see and had a beautiful beach. It was lovely to wander around and take in the fresh sea air then we continued our journey in the car to Eyemouth. Another place I haven’t visited before.

The last stop of the day was a little quaint fishing village in St Abbs, which is near Berwickshire before travelling back to South Queensferry for dinner and drinks.

This month has been filled with ticking off all the Scottish Highlands and it was a seamless trip where all I had to do was turn up and enjoy since my father-in-law and Julie were the walking tour guide for the week and drove me around. Thanks for making it such an enjoyable trip. I am currently travelling through Glen Coe as I write my column on my way to Fort Augustus and then Inverness and Dornoch. The plan is to walk some Munros and enjoy more of beautiful Scotland.

Thank you Covid – if you hadn’t made an unwelcome arrival I probably wouldn’t have had my Scotland staycations. It is probably the one silver lining of the tragic world pandemic that we are all exploring more on our door steps. I certainly plan to do more but until then I have some cancer treatment at the hospital and a routine CT scan next week to check the current situation with my health. With some luck and positivity I will be stable and can continue with my adventures.