We left Forfar in wild windy and rainy conditions and stopped off at Perthshire Caravans – next to the famous Horn cafe – on the Dundee-Perth road. We picked up a few things we needed to fix up Gus – lights, new fire extinguisher and gas hose.

We then stopped for a van lunch at the RSPB bird reserve on Loch Leven. It was quite lovely despite the wind and sideways rain. They have an upstairs’ cafe with great views across the loch.

We then braved the weather visiting the 3 bird hides. We had to push against the wind to get down some of the paths.

There were oyster catchers, black headed gulls, geese and swans all with chicks.

We then continued down the motorway towards Edinburgh but saw the ominous sign that double decker buses were not allowed across the Forth Bridge due to high winds. There was a potential for all high sided vehicles to be stopped – meaning a long trip via Falkirk to get around the Forth.

Luckily we made it across – at a maximum speed of 40mph.

We then arrived at Ruth and Geoff’s and got a perfect park outside their house. We had a good catch up and lovely dinner before having a good sleep in a house bed.

We had a cultural day the next day checking out 3 art locations. The first was the City Arts Centre with Scottish art – post war and print making – a good variety.

Then we went to the contemporary art location Talbot Rice at Edinburgh University. The quadrangle is very lovely.

The exhibition had some very interesting but odd pieces including a large room of strange blow up forms . The old building was an art piece in itself.

We stopped for a very good lunch at Canopy – a student hangout next to the meadows. It was very reasonable too being for students – who are now on holiday.

It was part of the Edinburgh Futures building – an amazing renovation of the old hospital for data and AI innovation I think.

We then went to the Edinburgh Printmakers in Fountainbridge that had some lovely pieces. There are so many new buildings it’s practically unrecognizable from 30 years ago.

We then caught the bus back to Ruth and Geoff’s for a cup of tea in the sun before we went to find our overnight camping spot.

We found a great spot at Cramond Beach.

We first discovered the ruins of the Roman fort with bathhouse in the carpark we are in.

We then went for a walk along the shore. There were lovely views in the small Harbour and across the Forth.

We had a mostly quiet night apart from one idiot doing doughnuts in the carpark at midnight!