Gadgrith (Scotland) September 2013

Hotel: Gadgrith Lodges, Annbank, Ayr

Having recently suffered the loss of our son Spud at 20 weeks, Clare and I desperately needed time to ourselves, but also time for healing.  We had already booked the lodges in Gadgrith a few months ago and instead of cancelling and hiding away, we ventured up to Annbank to our wooden log cabin.

Our cabin in the woods was superb, a real hideaway from everything with log burner, steam room and relaxing environment.


Clare had planned a few trips to see the area and our first destination was Dean Castle.  A nature park

with a stately home in the centre.  A whole host of animals and birds could be found on the grounds and the walk did us good.

Clare had also booked to visit the Sky Dark Observatory near Loch Doon as it was the Summer Solstice and the celebration of the Moon.  Although it took us over an hour to travel 8 mile, we arrived at the Observatory and had a fantastic evening using all the telescopes and equipment on hand.  Then we had to venture back down the rocky terrain back to the lodge.

Near to Annbank are the coastal towns of Ayr and Troon.  Beautiful seaside towns with a quaint feel to them.  Hosting many restaurants, tea rooms and bars we partook in several scones and haggis.
Also close by is the birthplace of Robert Burns, the famous Scottish poet.  O'er the Brig O Doon, the Robbie Burns Cottage and Poets Corner, Ayr is a lovely place to visit.



We also took a long trip to Loch Lomond and jumped aboard a boat trip round the massive Loch.

 The mist was coming in from the hills around and it gave the Loch a real eerie feel.

Our log retreat was ideal and just what we needed.  We came back from our holiday still hurting from our loss but feeling stronger as a couple