August 21st 2016: Scotland: Logan Botanic Garden

Monty the Motorhome is feeling very exposed as he is sitting in the car park of the Mull of Galloway - the most southerly point in Scotland - with the sea on three sides, as this is the end of a peninsula.

Last night passed very quietly in the car park of Logan gardens and we were ready in plenty of time for the 10.00 am opening.

The gardens benefit from the warming influence of the Gulf Stream, creating a mild climate and permitting plants from warm temperate regions of the world to flourish.

We spent a couple of hours wandering round with plenty of different and unusual plants to see. That took us to lunch, which was taken at ‘the potting shed bistro’ - a nice Galloway crab salad for me, while Ruth had parsnip and carrot soup.

Chusan Palms line the entrance

Tree Ferns from New Zealand thrive 

We moved on, stopping briefly at New England bay, our base of a few days ago, as just outside the Caravan Club site there is a large parking area (no overnighting restrictions) where we could get an internet connection. Yesterday’s post was uploaded and various bits of news caught up on.

Then on to the Mull of Galloway. The drive in is along a single track road, with passing places, and it is 5 miles from the last village on the peninsula. There is a lighthouse at the end, together with an RSPB information centre and a cafe. There is also a large car park, which was virtually full when we arrived. Well it is Sunday and the weather has turned out fine.

Having bagged the last parking spot, and been grateful that Monty can squeeze into designated car parking bays, we strolled about in the afternoon sun. Despite some haze it was possible too see the Mountains of Mourne (Ireland) to the west and the Isle of Man to the south. If it had been a bit clearer we could also have seen the Cumbrian hills.

Liked the one pointing to Senegal

We had our evening meal at the cafe - all day breakfast (including Haggis) for me, chicken pie for Ruth, then back to the van as the weather deteriorated rapidly. Wind and rain started and we are hunkered down for what may be our most exposed wild camp site so far.

Once again no internet, so this post will go out tomorrow.