We took to the High Road for a Christmas never to be forgotten

TRAVEL

BY KEELEY KNOWLES

When we told people where we were going for our family Christmas most of the responses we got went along the lines of 'are you mad?'

Looking back, yes we probably were but we had a great time and have some interesting stories to tell.

We wanted to go somewhere off the beaten track, somewhere we wouldn't be disturbed and somewhere - dare I say it - with lots of snow.

We were definitely not disappointed.

Culkein Lodge - our home for the week - was the perfect venue for our festive break in the North West Highlands of Scotland.

Its open fire, cosy rooms and table football were almost enough to drag us in from exploring the area. And what an area it was to explore. Even my brother, who to put it politely 'doesn't do mornings', was up in time to get the most out of the days.

The view from the kitchen out onto the tide lapping at the bay was well worth getting out of bed for.

Tempting us outside into the subzero temperatures were the vast waters of the North Atlantic Ocean complete with playful seals and some of the most staggering snowcovered mountains.

It was impossible to get bored of the scenery and although we were looking at the same hills and lochs, they looked so different depending on which angle you were standing at and in which light.

Our nearest village, Drumbeg, which was a couple of miles away, illustrated just how isolated we were.

It had one shop, a hotel and probably more sheep than people, although we didn't count.

Lochinver, around 20 miles away down a single and challenging road through the tiny communities of Stoer and Clashnessie, was huge in comparison.

With a population of around 600 and more than one shop, the delightful town hosts equally beautiful views out on to the sea. It also boasts the best pie shop which was recommended to us by a local policeman (another story).

It would've been rude not to sample the delights so we spent an evening pie tasting, which was a very filling one.

Ironically, but typical during the week, we hardly saw any fresh snow fall, despite travelling through areas of up to two feet deep in the stuff on our journey up.

There was enough for us to proudly state that we had enjoyed a white Christmas but most of the hills and mountains looked more like chocolate cake sprinkled with icing than ski slopes - although we did manage a good bit of sledging.

Unlike most parts of England, Scotland didn't grind to a halt at the first sign of a snowflake but even the locals were surprised at the amount they had seen in the days before we arrived.

We didn't do much driving in the week due to an earlier mishap I won't mention but when we did, the piles of sand and salt at the side of the roads which hadn't already been eaten by the sheep was most helpful.

We also saw something which is somewhat rare in parts of England - a salt spreading truck. Amazingly it was gritting the single track road which went to our house, now that's service for you.

Christmas Day was spent traditionally drinking and eating lots of food and playing games including our favourite, Monopoly.

Although it was fairly standard, it felt more special because of where we were and before tackling the mound of dinner mum had prepared, some of us ventured up a mountain just yards from our house.

It was slightly surreal standing on one of the highest peaks looking down on to the deep blue sea with the ghostly figures of the snowcapped mountains in the background.

With just each other and the resident wildlife to wish a Happy Christmas to, we toasted the day with a tipple of local beer.

After the week, we spent much of the long journey home all claiming our stake to what was a Christmas never to be forgotten, a far cry from the treacherous trip up when we questioned whose 'crazy' idea it was in the first place.

Now back to civilisation, we're looking at where to go next.

Somehow I think it may be somewhere slightly warmer and nearer but wherever it is it'll probably be my idea