I grew up in Royal Deeside and it was the best place for a childhood. We could play outside all day and only return home when we were hungry but usually we were fed by whoever s parents were closest to where we were. My best friend had a farm and his mother was a prize winning baker so bannocks and scones were always still warm for eating with home made jam. With regards the snow gates they are closed on a frequent basis in fact one night I was travelling from Banchory back to Glasgow over Banchory to Fettercairn by the Cairn O'Mount road and although it was raining in Banchory by the time we had driven over the 1st steep hill it was sub arctic conditions and white roads and drifting snow I was stuck. I kindly local rescued my car and when the police drove by to rescue drivers stuck further up they had to admit there had been a miscommunication and the gates should have been closed earlier. I had a neighbour who used to change his alloys in winter for steel wheels and winter tyres but I have all season tyres on my all wheel drive Land Rovers and Jaguars not more than one at any time I am not that wealthy. I was up in Aberdeen last week and when I drove past the Glenshee ski resort there was a dusting of snow by the road and the snow line was not that much further up and they had a good dump a couple of days later in Aberdeen. I hope you have a Happy Christmas and Good New Year and I look forward to your 2024 content.
My wife and I did a road trip in the Highlands many years ago and loved it. Your casual mention of “single track” brought it back. That frugal road concept is worth explaining, especially its proper use, as opposed to road adventures with foreigners who drive like they are ‘king of the road’.
I just found your channel and have really been enjoying your travels around Scotland. This May we will visit Scotland for the third time. These videos definitely help pass the time while waiting for our own explorations.
Great video Ruth, to answer your questions. 1. Yes we do put on Winter tyres here in Scotland but not everyone does it. Usually people who commute long distances. 2. Bath tubs are for water for animals so you were correct. Hope you have a fantastic time at Christmas and Happy Hogmany 🎉when it comes.🏴💙💕
Hello from Minnesota, USA! We do use winter tires here, although I’d say not as many people use them as should (mainly because they have the foolish idea that 4x4 or AWD work on ice…). It’s about temperature more than snow and ice. Below 45°F (7°C) regular tires get hard and don’t grip or stop as well. Winter tires stay pliable in the cold. Cheers!
Used to live fairly high up in England where it got icy and quite heavy snow when it snowed and had 4WD with winter tyres in the winter which we found very helpful.
On one of our holidays we stayed at Aboyne, just a year before we moved to the Black Isle. We travelled past Corgarff Castle, stopped for a photo and then entered Strathdon. Thought that this would be a delightful area to live. Then pulled into the roadside cafe for a delicious lunch. Also checked out Lecht ski centre in Summer, no skiing of course.
I run all-season tyres all year round - almost as good as full winter tyres, but also work in the summer. Probably not needed in the south, but here in Wales or up in Scotland I'd definitely always fit them now.
@@ruthaisling I've not had any issues over the last 4 or so years. Other than the price of the premium brands! I've seen vans with them on locally, so they're definitely available for larger vehicles too.
I lived in Glenlivet for many years then a few years in Tomintoul, brings back all the memories of being snowed in. We did get fed up of the white stuff 😂 beautiful area. Next time you will have to try The Glenlivet
Another informative and well presented video Ruth, we stayed in a log cabin not to far from the Balmoral estate on the Cairngorms (September 2022), such a lovely area with lots to see.
Living in Argyll both my wife and I have either All season or winter tyres on different wheels for our cars which are used from November to Easter. Some people say they're not required, but we'd disagree!
Hi Ruth, fantastic scenery, I loved loading a tanker from three or four different distilleries. You don't think you're working when you enjoy it so much.
30 or so years ago I remember hearing from a snowboarder friend that the Lecht got the most snow of all the skiing areas in Scotland, but it would take days to get the roads cleared to actually get to the ski centre.
Yes, from what I remember the access roads to it are private so the council doesn’t grit or clear it and it’s down to the land owners. Think they did invest in a big snow blowing machine thing some time ago.
She’s lovely. Happy Christmas xx you should put winter tyres on. Summer tyres are no good below 7 degrees. It’s law in Switzerland to put them on at 1st November ; also Germany. No laws in UK but I always put winter tyres on in November. Xx
Nice video Ruth . On winter tyres - I live in the central belt and I put winters on my vans front between November and April. They don't just make a difference in snow ,but in cold wet roads too. Safe travels Martin.
In Nz people put chains on their tyres when it comes to snow, but we do get road closing on our 'Desert Rd' and down south on the roads across and around the southern alps during winter.
I never put on winter tyres on my 1990 Range Rover Classic and I took off-road in Glen Affric in the snow to see how it would perform. Never got stuck with wheel spinning. They were regular Bridgestones.
Yes, it's a bonny area!👍👍 I cycled there and most of the rest of the highlands back in the early 1980s and all going well I shall visit the highlands again.
Brilliant video, very envious of you being able to do that trip in winter . I have been to Tomintoul many times on my way to Breamar, but always in Summer. The Whisky shop is amazing, I spent £114 on a bottle of Lagavulin in 2022 from there. I will be back again in June next year, but it is a long journey from Dorset. Hope you get the van door sorted, probably needs grease on the runners .
I drive to Deeside from home on the West of Scotland twice a year to fish for Salmon on the River Dee. That road from Grantown on Spey, past Tomintouil and down to Ballater is my favourite in Scotland. The views are incredible. And I only live 30 minutes from Glencoe - but this is my favourite! ❤️
A lovely video as usual. Loved watching your content this year, especially knowing how the van was created and is being used now. Terry, who built the van would have loved it. I've sent a couple of pics to your email, to help piece together the vans history. Have a great Xmas and new year. 👍🎉🎉
Sorry, I couldn't download the pictures I wanted you to see. They were pictures of Ernie and Mike, who sold the van to you and a picture of Terry who built the van. But other than email, I don't do social media, so I'll have to do it another time. Cheers
For once watching your video without work the next day, wishing you a merry Yuletide and much thanks for your uplifting and educational videos they are appreciated Ruth 😊, hope you are keeping warm
I learned to Ski with the army in Lecht in January 81 but back then we had to go on to another slope for more advanced skiing as Lecht slopes mustn't have been as developed as today. Or maybe it was just the army being the army. Most learned to ski in Germany and we had just done 4 weeks in Bad Tolz before Christmas but they sent us to Scotland for the ski training. The video brought back a few memories of Aviemore.
Just a thought about your Coir block u got for the loo ,Ruth you normally soak that whole or Half of it before use and it will Swell up to about 4 times its Volume and then ready 4 use and you can store the rest as you want it would be more convenient than the bag of straw, I have used Coir many times 4 Garden and great for seeds etc a great alternative to Peat based compost.❤💚
Great video. I remember seeing big snow gates on the A9 somewhere north of Perth near the Cairngorms. Hopefully you are back home as I see news items today about heavy snow and high wind in Northern Scotland with cars getting stuck in the snow. Several snow gates are closed due to conditions.
Sounds as though you could make a chocolate brownie tour! 😋And I ordered a Manta sleep mask (thank you for the discount!) and it does black out light!!
Lovely trip to the highest village, the campsite is well priced & you must have been so cosy with the radiator on all night. Yes the baths are there for animals to drink the water.
I use Falken Wildpeak AT all season tyres on our motorhome. With the three peak and snowflake symbol they’re great year round, but are legal for use in the Alps in the winter. They give confidence in sketchy conditions in Scotland in winter.
Lovely views and video, it brings back so many memories, many years ago the SYHA had a hostel in Corgarff, it was more like a Bothy as you had to walk over the grass for some distance, I remember pushing my bike as we couldn’t ride on the grass. We usually go through Tomintoul from Grantown down to Royal Deeside, lovely part of the world. Glad your heater is working well, they are SO good. Also your wee heater with a hookup. Merry Christmas to you, hope you meet up with some pals. Cheers Mike 🍷🥃👍👍
I know the road you are driving, its part of my 2,000 mile tour of east to west Highland tour, from Helmsdale to Glen Brittle on Skye. Thanks for sharing your travel adventures.
You should visit the village of Edzell and go to the swinging bridge and walk up the Esk river by going through the blue door. Anyone in the village can give you directions.
Another rich content, pro produced video. Lovely area. We like staying in Ballater, which also has a caravan park. Happy holidays to you. Your videos are gifts that comes along all year. Thanks for sharing.
Good evening Ruth, Well what can I say but you've done it yet again. What a great vlog and I really enjoyed every minute. Can I take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a very peaceful, prosperous and positive New Year 2024. Take care and be lucky 💝💝💝
Let's celebrate the holy night. The temperature in Highland is -2 degrees, and it was the same cold yesterday in the city where I live in Japan. It was interesting to see how people spend cold days in Scotland, such as heating, drinking, and how to spend time inside and outside the house. Thank you.
Great to see these fascinating places in Scotland Ruth and that you are toasty warm in the low temperatures ☺️ ! Merry Christmas and happy hogmanay! Xx
The road via Lecht is gorgeous at anytime of the year. Thank you for rekindling memories of my own trips to the area. Merry Christmas. Thank you for your inspiring videos during 2023👍🎅
Hi Ruth. I actually erected a lot of the paths network signage around Tomintoul and the Crown Estates land in the area. If you're ever back in the area please try the fantastic walk to the Hidden Seminary. Built to train priests during the times when the Catholic faith was persecuted, it's in a very isolated location and (I believe) open to visitors all year round.
03:52 Have you got a dashcam? if not you should and useful for backroll footage, like the eagle. Very useful if you are involved in a road incident to show what happened.
Lovely thanks for your trip Ruth. I am so glad to have found you, I'm fascinated by Scotland & only been to a couple of places, I long to do it in a van like you tho I'm 65 eek. Bucket list! Dads ancestors were from Galloway, I must get up there.
Hey 👋 Ruth Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 😊 . I live in Chicagoland area in US , usually very snowy , I dont get snow tires . I do drive a pick up truck , so I have 4WD , but when I had a car no snow tires . Just drive right through it 😅💪haha
Hi Ruth, glad you had a visit to Deeside.Thanks for the great video's, please keep them coming.Best wishes to you and yours for the coming year !!.N.x.
Another fantastic view of Scotland. I love the Cairgorms. Climbed Cairngorm itself both during the summer and a cold spring as well. Views on the summers say were breathtaking, and up at the summit on the cold day, thick fog and a sense of loneliness. First mountain I've climbed with snow on. Keep up the good work. Happy Christmas and New Year
I went to Ben Macdui via the Cairngorm plateau. I encountered reindeer and a great big field of snow in July. And I've been at the summit of Cairngorm in thick fog too - magic !
Another lovely video, Ruth. Not far from Grantown on Spey which is a very special place for us. Mr GST's late dad is laid to rest there in a beautiful natural setting.
Interesting video. I drove through Tomintoul in the spring but didn’t stop. I hadn’t realised it was the Highlands highest village. Good to know for future. I live in North Ayrshire and put snow tyres on my van every winter. It’s good to have the extra grip when heading to the hills. I also carry tyre socks and tyre chains. Atb Dave
Ruth. I remember when the late Terry Wogan on BBC Radio 2 would always mention the snow gates on the Tomintoul road, now I’ve seen them so I know they are real!
Thank you for watching the video today! For those of you who celebrate Christmas, I wish you a wonderful Christmas! 🎄
Hi Ruth, former resident of Tomintoul here. The village name isn't pronounced as Tomin"tool", it really is Tomintoul (sounds like towel).
Merry Christmas to all
@@tehklevster I was wondering about the pronunciation.
Happy holidays Ruth. From Canada. Thanks for your genuine way of presenting and sharing these trips
What an awesome documentary. Well done and keep up the good work….👏🌝
I grew up in Royal Deeside and it was the best place for a childhood. We could play outside all day and only return home when we were hungry but usually we were fed by whoever s parents were closest to where we were. My best friend had a farm and his mother was a prize winning baker so bannocks and scones were always still warm for eating with home made jam. With regards the snow gates they are closed on a frequent basis in fact one night I was travelling from Banchory back to Glasgow over Banchory to Fettercairn by the Cairn O'Mount road and although it was raining in Banchory by the time we had driven over the 1st steep hill it was sub arctic conditions and white roads and drifting snow I was stuck. I kindly local rescued my car and when the police drove by to rescue drivers stuck further up they had to admit there had been a miscommunication and the gates should have been closed earlier. I had a neighbour who used to change his alloys in winter for steel wheels and winter tyres but I have all season tyres on my all wheel drive Land Rovers and Jaguars not more than one at any time I am not that wealthy. I was up in Aberdeen last week and when I drove past the Glenshee ski resort there was a dusting of snow by the road and the snow line was not that much further up and they had a good dump a couple of days later in Aberdeen. I hope you have a Happy Christmas and Good New Year and I look forward to your 2024 content.
Great memories and what a beautiful place to grow up! I hope you had a lovely Christmas and NY!
Ruth I never get bored of watching you
晴れた夜は、星空が美しそうな町ですね。ウィスキーは、美味しそうでした。
暗い空とウィスキーは最高だ(笑)。
My wife and I did a road trip in the Highlands many years ago and loved it. Your casual mention of “single track” brought it back. That frugal road concept is worth explaining, especially its proper use, as opposed to road adventures with foreigners who drive like they are ‘king of the road’.
The foreigners being mostly Englishmen. I'm allowed to say this as an Englishman who spent the greater part of my life in the Highlands :D
I just found your channel and have really been enjoying your travels around Scotland. This May we will visit Scotland for the third time. These videos definitely help pass the time while waiting for our own explorations.
Thanks Holly, really glad to hear the videos are helpful!
LUTHさんおはようございます。X'masはどうでしたか？今日はTomintoulと言う、田舎町ですか。ウイスキーと聞けば最高じゃ。バタリーか、旨そうなパンじゃ。いつ見ても手馴れて細かい編集が素晴らしいよ、それに解説は内容もアナウンスもプロ並みじゃ。次の動画を楽しみにしています。
ご丁寧なコメントをありがとう。
Happy new year. お正月はどうだったの？スコットランドの正月の雰囲気を知りたいです。次の動画を楽しみにしています。@@ruthaisling
Great video Ruth, to answer your questions.
1. Yes we do put on Winter tyres here in Scotland but not everyone does it. Usually people who commute long distances.
2. Bath tubs are for water for animals so you were correct.
Hope you have a fantastic time at Christmas and Happy Hogmany 🎉when it comes.🏴💙💕
Thanks for sharing!
Corgarff Castleは、現在の私のデスクトップパソコンの背景に設定しています。今年の9月12日にCorgarff Castleを訪れたのを懐かしく思い出しています。写した写真を見返していたらスキー場のリフトも写していました。この後、カーナビの不具合で道に迷い行く予定のなかったBalmoral Castleに辿り着きました。
雪のハイランド地方は一段と素敵な風景ですね。
城の中にも入れたんですか？デスクトップの背景に設定されていると聞いて、とても驚いています！
That was good timing, I just put UA-cam on! Happy Christmas!!
Tom - in - t - owl. Also loads of people get winter tyres lol
Hello from Minnesota, USA! We do use winter tires here, although I’d say not as many people use them as should (mainly because they have the foolish idea that 4x4 or AWD work on ice…).
It’s about temperature more than snow and ice. Below 45°F (7°C) regular tires get hard and don’t grip or stop as well. Winter tires stay pliable in the cold. Cheers!
Thanks!
Thank you! ❤
空気が透き通っているのが良くわかります、雄大な雪景色に真っ赤なダウンジャケットのルースさんと真っ赤なアーニーさんは良く似合いますね、スコットランドにはまだまだ知らない土地がたくさんありそうでルースさんの案内で観れるのが楽しみです、アーニーさんの修理も終わりこれからが冬のバンライフを期待しています。
ご声援ありがとうございました！新年明けましておめでとうございます！
Used to live fairly high up in England where it got icy and quite heavy snow when it snowed and had 4WD with winter tyres in the winter which we found very helpful.
On one of our holidays we stayed at Aboyne, just a year before we moved to the Black Isle. We travelled past Corgarff Castle, stopped for a photo and then entered Strathdon. Thought that this would be a delightful area to live. Then pulled into the roadside cafe for a delicious lunch. Also checked out Lecht ski centre in Summer, no skiing of course.
I used to live in Tomintoul and i always put winter tyres on
Nice place to live! Why did you leave?
@@ruthaisling I lived there for 5 years and would have liked to stay but i had to return to Devon
I run all-season tyres all year round - almost as good as full winter tyres, but also work in the summer. Probably not needed in the south, but here in Wales or up in Scotland I'd definitely always fit them now.
Are there any downsides to using them in summer?
@@ruthaisling I've not had any issues over the last 4 or so years. Other than the price of the premium brands! I've seen vans with them on locally, so they're definitely available for larger vehicles too.
Have a look at the tyre reviews of Michelin Cross Climates etc
So a chocolate brownie followed by whiskey…sounds like my kind of diet! Cheers for the holiday season 🎄❄️🎄
😂
I lived in Glenlivet for many years then a few years in Tomintoul, brings back all the memories of being snowed in. We did get fed up of the white stuff 😂 beautiful area. Next time you will have to try The Glenlivet
I found Whisky from Jura's distillery today in my small Oregon town. I thought of this video and purchased a bottle. I can now say it's excellent !
冬のハイランド地方の雪景色は美しいですね。対策をしたおかげでバンライフが快適になり良かったです。積雪はなくても道路の凍結に注意してください。メリークリスマス！😺
ありがとうございます。
Another informative and well presented video Ruth, we stayed in a log cabin not to far from the Balmoral estate on the Cairngorms (September 2022), such a lovely area with lots to see.
That sounds lovely, I can't wait to re-visit the area again
There is a Highland gathering there usually mid July that is fabulous.
many people in Scotland do put on winnter tyres
Living in Argyll both my wife and I have either All season or winter tyres on different wheels for our cars which are used from November to Easter. Some people say they're not required, but we'd disagree!
Hi Ruth, fantastic scenery, I loved loading a tanker from three or four different distilleries. You don't think you're working when you enjoy it so much.
Sounds great!
The bath tubs in the fields are for cattle to drink from, there’s one in the field next to my house in Ayrshire for the cows to drink from
今回も訪れることはないイングランドの風景を見せてくれてありがとう。 相変わらず草原ばかりで高い木々が生い茂る場所は見当たりませんね。 日本ではクマやイノシシがあちこちに出没して大変なことが起こっています。 此処では獣害の心配なくあちこちひとけのない所でも行けますね。
熊にはくれぐれもご注意を！
Beautiful, professional video................. thank you........................ I wish you a fantastic Christmas....................
Thank you! You too!
ゆたんぽ、すてきですね☺️
Thank you so much. Happy Christmas
Same to you!
Great video. Getting out of the large cities is definitely the way to see a country
Definitely!
I put winter tyres on my GT86
30 or so years ago I remember hearing from a snowboarder friend that the Lecht got the most snow of all the skiing areas in Scotland, but it would take days to get the roads cleared to actually get to the ski centre.
Yes, from what I remember the access roads to it are private so the council doesn’t grit or clear it and it’s down to the land owners. Think they did invest in a big snow blowing machine thing some time ago.
She’s lovely. Happy Christmas xx you should put winter tyres on. Summer tyres are no good below 7 degrees. It’s law in Switzerland to put them on at 1st November ; also Germany. No laws in UK but I always put winter tyres on in November. Xx
That's interesting to know and makes sense why my friend always put them on!
I lived in Strathdon many years ago and would put winter tyres on, they do make a big difference even in a muddy single track road.
Good to know!
Ahh, the unbelievable BEAUTY. 😊
It really is!
Had Tomintoul whisky long time a nice 1❤
素晴らしいロケーション！城の蒸留所も本当にクールです。シェアをありがとう！
ありがとうございます。
Happy Christmas. But tut tut. Whiskey is distilled in Ireland. In Scotland they distil whisky. Enjoy your videos. Keep making them. C.
Ah yes the auto subtitles maybe? Sorry about that! 😂
Merry Christmas Ruth
Stay safe 👍
Nice video Ruth . On winter tyres - I live in the central belt and I put winters on my vans front between November and April. They don't just make a difference in snow ,but in cold wet roads too.
Safe travels
Martin.
That's good to know! Thanks for sharing Martin!
Aye! Its quite a place. And a few of the Biggles books were penned there when the author went salmon fishing in the area.
Merry Christmas 😊Ruth!
Same to you!
Another lively video to watch. Thanks Ruth 🙂
In Nz people put chains on their tyres when it comes to snow, but we do get road closing on our 'Desert Rd' and down south on the roads across and around the southern alps during winter.
I never put on winter tyres on my 1990 Range Rover Classic and I took off-road in Glen Affric in the snow to see how it would perform. Never got stuck with wheel spinning. They were regular Bridgestones.
Yes, it's a bonny area!👍👍 I cycled there and most of the rest of the highlands back in the early 1980s and all going well I shall visit the highlands again.
Merry Christmas Ruth hen 🎄
Same to you!
Brilliant video, very envious of you being able to do that trip in winter . I have been to Tomintoul many times on my way to Breamar, but always in Summer. The Whisky shop is amazing, I spent £114 on a bottle of Lagavulin in 2022 from there. I will be back again in June next year, but it is a long journey from Dorset.
Hope you get the van door sorted, probably needs grease on the runners .
Long journey but it will be worth it once you get there!!
I drive to Deeside from home on the West of Scotland twice a year to fish for Salmon on the River Dee. That road from Grantown on Spey, past Tomintouil and down to Ballater is my favourite in Scotland. The views are incredible. And I only live 30 minutes from Glencoe - but this is my favourite! ❤️
What a wonderful place to live near!
A lovely video as usual. Loved watching your content this year, especially knowing how the van was created and is being used now. Terry, who built the van would have loved it. I've sent a couple of pics to your email, to help piece together the vans history. Have a great Xmas and new year. 👍🎉🎉
Sorry, I couldn't download the pictures I wanted you to see. They were pictures of Ernie and Mike, who sold the van to you and a picture of Terry who built the van. But other than email, I don't do social media, so I'll have to do it another time. Cheers
Thanks for watching! I'd love to see the photos, my email is ruthaisling@gmail.com if you get another chance!
For once watching your video without work the next day, wishing you a merry Yuletide and much thanks for your uplifting and educational videos they are appreciated Ruth 😊, hope you are keeping warm
Thank you! I hope you had a lovely Christmas and New Year!
You are suppose to have a dip in the icy bath tub whilst watching the stars LoL 😁
Hahaha 😂
I learned to Ski with the army in Lecht in January 81 but back then we had to go on to another slope for more advanced skiing as Lecht slopes mustn't have been as developed as today. Or maybe it was just the army being the army. Most learned to ski in Germany and we had just done 4 weeks in Bad Tolz before Christmas but they sent us to Scotland for the ski training. The video brought back a few memories of Aviemore.
Love what you do . The history of Scotland you cover is amazing. Take care .❤
Thank you 🙏
Just a thought about your Coir block u got for the loo ,Ruth you normally soak that whole or Half of it before use and it will Swell up to about 4 times its Volume and then ready 4 use and you can store the rest as you want it would be more convenient than the bag of straw, I have used Coir many times 4 Garden and great for seeds etc a great alternative to Peat based compost.❤💚
That’s great to know, thank you!
Great video. I remember seeing big snow gates on the A9 somewhere north of Perth near the Cairngorms. Hopefully you are back home as I see news items today about heavy snow and high wind in Northern Scotland with cars getting stuck in the snow. Several snow gates are closed due to conditions.
Thanks for watching!
Sounds as though you could make a chocolate brownie tour! 😋And I ordered a Manta sleep mask (thank you for the discount!) and it does black out light!!
Haha I could, I'll look out for more on my travels! Glad you are enjoying your sleep mask, I love mine!
Happy Holidays Ruth! Great video - thanks for sharing! Cheers...
Thanks for watching!
3:11. Yep. it's not unusual for us to have a separate set of wheels with winter tires around the back of the garage for winter use.
Lovely trip to the highest village, the campsite is well priced & you must have been so cosy with the radiator on all night.
Yes the baths are there for animals to drink the water.
The heater was so cosy! So glad I got it!
これがハイランド地方か〜👍
そう、高地だ。
Merry🎉Christmas from Ontario! Really wonderful drone photography on this episode. Kudos… your presentations just keep getting better.
Thank you so much Ben!
Tomintoul Rd is usually the 1st to close when it is snowing hence the snow gates. Council area wise Tomintoul belongs to Moray not Highland.
ルースさん❤メリークリスマス🎄
メリークリスマス
I use Falken Wildpeak AT all season tyres on our motorhome. With the three peak and snowflake symbol they’re great year round, but are legal for use in the Alps in the winter. They give confidence in sketchy conditions in Scotland in winter.
That's great to know, thanks for sharing!
Love butteries. I remember going up the hill near Corgaff castle, missed a gear half way up and stalled😂 Panic time then hilarious now.😂
😂
What a beautiful area of the country, not jealous at all Ruth
Lovely views and video, it brings back so many memories, many years ago the SYHA had a hostel in Corgarff, it was more like a Bothy as you had to walk over the grass for some distance, I remember pushing my bike as we couldn’t ride on the grass. We usually go through Tomintoul from Grantown down to Royal Deeside, lovely part of the world. Glad your heater is working well, they are SO good. Also your wee heater with a hookup. Merry Christmas to you, hope you meet up with some pals. Cheers Mike 🍷🥃👍👍
I'll need to look out for the hostel next time!
I know the road you are driving, its part of my 2,000 mile tour of east to west Highland tour, from Helmsdale to Glen Brittle on Skye. Thanks for sharing your travel adventures.
What a great tour!
That was fun. Thank you for taking us along.
Glad you enjoyed it
You should visit the village of Edzell and go to the swinging bridge and walk up the Esk river by going through the blue door. Anyone in the village can give you directions.
Thank you for the recommendation
Another rich content, pro produced video. Lovely area. We like staying in Ballater, which also has a caravan park. Happy holidays to you. Your videos are gifts that comes along all year. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much!
Good evening Ruth,
Well what can I say but you've done it yet again. What a great vlog and I really enjoyed every minute.
Can I take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a very peaceful, prosperous and positive New Year 2024.
Take care and be lucky 💝💝💝
Thank you so much. I hope you had a great Christmas and New Year!
I gew up near Moniaive. We used to go the Wanlockhead to ski. There was a great outdoor adventure park at Drumlanrig which we used to go to as kids.
Let's celebrate the holy night. The temperature in Highland is -2 degrees, and it was the same cold yesterday in the city where I live in Japan. It was interesting to see how people spend cold days in Scotland, such as heating, drinking, and how to spend time inside and outside the house. Thank you.
Thanks for watching. I hope you had a nice New Year!
Great to see these fascinating places in Scotland Ruth and that you are toasty warm in the low temperatures ☺️ ! Merry Christmas and happy hogmanay! Xx
Same to you!
The road via Lecht is gorgeous at anytime of the year. Thank you for rekindling memories of my own trips to the area.
Merry Christmas. Thank you for your inspiring videos during 2023👍🎅
Thanks for watching!
Hi Ruth. I actually erected a lot of the paths network signage around Tomintoul and the Crown Estates land in the area. If you're ever back in the area please try the fantastic walk to the Hidden Seminary. Built to train priests during the times when the Catholic faith was persecuted, it's in a very isolated location and (I believe) open to visitors all year round.
Thank you, I’ll make a note of that!
I have a Manta mask and the thing is, as you say, fabulous. No pressure on my eyes, easy to adjust, absolutely wonderful.
Wonderful! Yes I love mine 👀
Hello, I live 30 minutes from Tomintoul and we tend to use all weather tyres up here to be on the safe side haha!
I can understand why!
Merry Christmas Ruth, Great video 😅❤X
03:52 Have you got a dashcam? if not you should and useful for backroll footage, like the eagle. Very useful if you are involved in a road incident to show what happened.
I don't - good idea though!
Cheers for another great video Ruth 🏴
Thank you! 😀
Aye lassie we use winter tyres.
Lovely thanks for your trip Ruth. I am so glad to have found you, I'm fascinated by Scotland & only been to a couple of places, I long to do it in a van like you tho I'm 65 eek. Bucket list! Dads ancestors were from Galloway, I must get up there.
Galloway is lovely, that’s where I’m from! Please come back and visit again soon! 🏴
Merry Christmas and looking forward to more of your adventures in 2024
Hey 👋 Ruth Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 😊 . I live in Chicagoland area in US , usually very snowy , I dont get snow tires . I do drive a pick up truck , so I have 4WD , but when I had a car no snow tires . Just drive right through it 😅💪haha
I once visited Chicago in January, I remember it being so cold!!
Your positivity and sense of fun and exploration are utterly captivating!
Excellent video Ruth. The town I grew up in Marysville, Kansas, we have black and red squirrels. 🐿️
Great video as always very informative. Have a good Christmas Ruth 🎅
Thanks Paul!
Hi Ruth, glad you had a visit to Deeside.Thanks for the great video's, please keep them coming.Best wishes to you and yours for the coming year !!.N.x.
Thank you!
Live in Aberdeenshire and in recent years have got All Weather / 4 Season tyres. Pretty sure they've helped on cold wet and snowy roads.
Good to hear, I might look at getting some too!
Another fantastic view of Scotland. I love the Cairgorms. Climbed Cairngorm itself both during the summer and a cold spring as well. Views on the summers say were breathtaking, and up at the summit on the cold day, thick fog and a sense of loneliness. First mountain I've climbed with snow on. Keep up the good work. Happy Christmas and New Year
I went to Ben Macdui via the Cairngorm plateau. I encountered reindeer and a great big field of snow in July. And I've been at the summit of Cairngorm in thick fog too - magic !
Thanks for watching. I really enjoyed my time in the Cairngorms too. Can't wait to get back and explore more!
Another lovely video, Ruth. Not far from Grantown on Spey which is a very special place for us. Mr GST's late dad is laid to rest there in a beautiful natural setting.
I drove through there, lovely place ❤
Interesting video. I drove through Tomintoul in the spring but didn’t stop. I hadn’t realised it was the Highlands highest village. Good to know for future. I live in North Ayrshire and put snow tyres on my van every winter. It’s good to have the extra grip when heading to the hills. I also carry tyre socks and tyre chains. Atb Dave
Ruth. I remember when the late Terry Wogan on BBC Radio 2 would always mention the snow gates on the Tomintoul road, now I’ve seen them so I know they are real!
Haha, they are real, glad I stopped at them!
as usual great video
Thanks!