Gadgrith (Scotland) October 2014

Hotel: Gadgrith Lodges, Annbank, Ayr

Having loved our last trip to Annbank as it was just what we needed at the time, we thought we would return on a happier occasion, my 35th Birthday.

This time we had opted for the larger lodge with us having Chewie and regular holiday hijackers Clare's Dad and Debbie joining us a couple of days in.  This lodge was significantly larger, the living area was huge, the kitchen massive and the bedrooms more than adequate.

We settled in straight away and got Chewie used to his new surroundings.  Then off we tottered to the Lang Scot Mile in Ayr, a mile long walk along the promenade looking out to sea and the Isle of Aaran.  Chewie absolutely loved this freedom and was chasing leaves continuously.  We also treated our little monkey to a play on the beach.  Chewie had not really seen sand before and was just overwhelmed by how much fun he could have.  Digging, sniffing, scuttling and generally running around, he was one happy puppy.  We then returned to a lovely log fire and settled in for the night.

The week we had chosen, mainly because it was birthday week, must have been the wettest week in Scotland for years.  We had rain pretty much everyday, but this did not dampen our spirits.
We covered familiar haunts of the previous year, such as Ayr, Alloway (Robbie Burns Birthplace) and Troon even before our guests had arrived.

Chewie was loving the whole Scottish life and would bounce every time we got out of the car, ready for his new adventure.

When Clare's Dad and Step-mum joined us, the cards came out and the holiday ritual began, Nomination Whist.

A little trip back to Alloway, Ayr and Troon were on the cards on the first day, just to take in the sights nearer to home, hoping that the rain would clear for our longer treks

We ventured as a group to the idyllic Loch Lomand for a boat trip around the deepest loch.  The rain had stopped for a few hours so the trip was really picturesque and relaxing.  Chewie loved his first boat trip and was also a little star on deck.  Some tourists were happier to take pictures of our little puppy rather than the sights around.



I awoke on my 35th birthday and lit the log fire ready for the day ahead.  Chewie was already giddy and I can't thank Clare, Terry and Debbie for making me feel so special on this day.  A trip to Dean Castle was my treat, (one I had decided on a few weeks before) as I knew it would be a great place for Chewie to run around, but also a great place for a walk.  Little did we know that the rain would not stop all day.  Still, we had fun as we always do, and I even treated myself to a scone.

We found a little sanctuary restaurant that was happy to take dogs into the restaurant and serve lovely hot soup.  This park is one I would like to return to when it wasn't so wet and cold as it was a real delight and the fact that we could nip in for a warming drink and soup with our little mutt is a pure bonus.

Ayr is a lovely place to visit and there is so much to see an do within a close proximity, the lodges just add that extra cosy feel, and with Chewie settling in and enjoying himself so much, I am sure we can look to do something similar in the future...as long as it has a log fire!