Abriachan Eco-Campsite and Café

On a recent road trip, mindlessly ticking the miles away on a long stretch of interstate, I was traversing the memory lane of lifetime fun experiences, and my adventure of hiking the Great Glen Way in Scotland consistently popped up. I have written about this experience before in Strange Magic, but I did not mention the Abriachan Eco-Campsite and Café run by Howie Whyte and his partner Sandra Delday. It is the highest inhabited croft in Scotland, open year-round since 1999, and my visit there in 2017 had a profound impact on me.

My family wanted to attend the Highland games in Aberdeen. Hiking in Scotland was on my bucket list. And opportunity swung open the extra-wide doors of the Great Glen Way enticing me with the promise of a rich experience I would never forget. I was determined not to miss this chance to fulfill a dream. We agreed to split up for the day to satisfy what we all wanted out of this incredible country.

Nervous because this would be my first time hiking without the company of dogs or people, I began by checking with the local visitor center to find out more about the trail. I developed the plan to hike the Great Glen Way from Inverness to Drumnadrochit, where I would catch a bus back to Inverness to meet my family.  Armed with a map, brochure, hiking gear, a sandwich, snacks, water, phone, and my wits, I followed the signs leading me out of town to the magnificence of the Scottish Highlands.  

Finding it difficult to relax without Charlie’s enthusiastic personality, curiosity, companionship, and protection, once in the countryside, I attempted to take in the area’s splendor and tried to find my spiritual center.

The landscape transformed from a thick forest lined with old stone walls and fallen down stone buildings overtaken by nature, to open barren landscapes with no protection from the whipping winds, back to thick brush and trees, and finally the famous Loch Ness.

And about four hours into my adventure, there was the sign:

“Welcome Abriachan Café and Campsite”

It took me by surprise. Neither the literature nor the young man at the visitor center mentioned anything about campsites along the way. As I continued, a path emerged leading from the main trail lined with signs in different languages welcoming visitors to hot soup, cocoa, sandwiches, toasties, a place to relax, and camping.  With my daughter’s warnings to be careful of ax murderers with chainsaws (she was only half-joking), nervous about being alone, and feeling pressed for time, I was unsure about checking this out.

My curiosity won out happily, and I met Howie Whyte, who welcomed me with open arms and an offer of nourishment. Worried about my timeline running short, I hesitantly accepted biscuits (cookies) and a soda.

Howie encouraged me to slow down. I think his words were (in that wonderful Scottish accent), “You Americans need to learn how to relax and enjoy.” He could not have been more truthful. I was not relaxed—quite the opposite. Ax murder with a chainsaw and afraid of being late for a bus created an adrenaline-soaked brain, letting fear overtake my intuitive sense that all will be well.

We chatted briefly - he shared his story of being the coxswain of the lifeboat on Loch Ness and he gave me a few different options if I happened to miss the bus. He took my picture for his Facebook page; I finished my snack and headed out to complete my quest with his words about slowing down tumbling through my head.

When I planned my trip to Scotland, I felt that I was supposed to meet someone there. When I returned home, I realized that I had met myself. But I also met Howie and have never forgotten him. A wonderful person who enjoys helping others, his kindness and words made quite an impression on me - Slow down…. Relax… Enjoy yourself.  

This venture proved to be rich, just as opportunity promised. In addition to meeting myself and Howie, I met Scotland. Shortly after leaving Abriachan Café and Campsite, I came around a corner, and there it was. One of the most beautiful, breathtaking, heart-stopping, and awe-inspiring sights I have ever embraced. I exclaimed, “Oh, there you are!” I could have stayed in that spot forever, soaking it in. Another spiritual experience that a picture cannot convey, but I will share the one I took. 

Every time I look at this picture, I am immediately pulled back to the moment I witnessed this beauty. It captured my heart and lures me back to Scotland.

When I returned home, I friended Howie on Facebook and learned that he is a fellow biker! No wonder I like him! I am grateful to have had his support on my journey and for Charlie’s Wisdom.

Namaste Howie! I look forward to visiting again soon!

https://www.facebook.com/LochNessLifeboatRNLI/posts/10155265331144495

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/meet-couples-scotlands-love-boat-16200071

© 2013-2020 Kelly Marker, Charlie’s Wisdom All Rights Reserved

The information and material on this blog are based on my personal opinions and experiences.  It is not intended as professional mental health advice.  The ideas and strategies should never be used without first assessing your mental health situation, or without consulting a mental health professional. My thoughts and opinions will continue to evolve and change as I continue to grow and learn.

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