By the time our followers read this, they’ll hopefully have seen our latest short film which shows you exploring stunning Scottish rural landscapes. Can you tell us what you got up to in your time with the Plus Four and where your adventure took you?
“My adventure started in Glen Coe which is my favourite place on the planet. Driving along the A82, with mountains flanking both sides of the road, it’s a truly awe-inspiring, majestic place. With clouds filtering over the tops of the mountains like a wizard’s cauldron, there was an other-worldly air to the place. I headed down what has become known as the ‘James Bond Road’, a stunning single track road carving through the mountains alongside a fast-flowing river and waterfalls. Next up was the Isle of Skye and a gorgeous drive along lochs and through forests, before crossing the Skye bridge. I love a hidden gem and exploring off the beaten track, so I avoided the well-known spots on Skye and headed to a secret emerald green loch to swim in the coldest water I have ever experienced. A true shock to the system! After the exhilarating swim, I continued my quest and headed to the very North of Skye where a red telephone box signalled the start of my walk to ‘The Lookout Bothy’ – another gem on Skye. The sun was setting and illuminating the skylines of the Outer Hebrides and the Northwest Coast of Scotland. Upon arriving at the Lookout Bothy I saw a pod of dolphins and marvelled at the 360 degree views.”
“There’s a saying in Scotland, ‘West is Best’, and if you’ve ever been to the West Coast, you’ll understand why. You must make the effort to get there as Scotland is vast, but if you do, you will be rewarded with the most incredible scenery on the planet. I may be biased, but I’d urge readers to go for themselves and let me know. Cruising up the Bealach Na Ba pass in the Plus Four with the roof down, heated seats on and music playing, I felt the whole world melt away. Nothing existed apart from this moment. Focusing on the features of the road as it carves its way up and over the most iconic mountain pass in the UK, I was in flow and completely immersed in the experience. A state that’s rare to find when caught up with daily life and the multitude of things life requires.”
“The next few days were spent cruising up the Northwest Coast until I got to the Kylesku Bridge. Along the way, I stopped in quaint towns like Gairloch and Ullapool. I ate fish and chips at sunset on the beach, sampled local delicacies, and hiked through Scotland’s oldest pine forest. I sat on a rock for a few hours in a place that felt like I could have been on top of the world. Just BE-ing. Something we don’t give ourselves enough permission to do. Amongst all the roles we play in life, things we need to do and places to go, the opportunity to stop, think, listen, observe and BE is rare. The voice of a friend pops into my head “Do less, be more.” This is Scotland’s gift to us.”