Road to Helmsdale by Jen Gordon

Welcome to the Valhalla Holiday Home blog and website.  

Here you can find images of the house and local countryside, 

links to places to go and activities to do in the surrounding area. 

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Overlooking River Helmsdale from the Strath

Continuing the 70's theme....

Travelling to Helmsdale in my memory banks begins circa 1970.  The epic journey north to Helmsdale from the west coast of Scotland happened at least once a year, normally during school summer holidays.  As a family we looked forward and willingly endured up to 15 hours of a VERY long arduous journey in dad's jalopy of the moment.  

Back then it was normal for cars to be unreliable so there was a sense of adventure about the journey - would we make it to Helmsdale in one go, did we have enough food for the duration, what if there is a breakdown, would there be enough food to sustain us during this misfortune, and most importantly for me - how would we feed the family dog?  In the remotest parts of Scotland there was no easy access to a public phone, and no conveniently located mechanic available to help in our hour of need. In my young world this was the nearest I was going to get to an adventure Enid Blyton style. 

So to be prepared for this epic journey expedition packing was required - this was organised by our dad loading the car to the gunnels with anything and everything we might ever need.  All available space had something squeezed into it .... thus allowing only a minimal spot for any passenger(s) ie normally, me and the dog, and sometimes my sister.  To be honest with the weight of the car and its contents it's a wonder the car even left home.  

Yet despite the weight of the car's expeditionary load we criss-crossed up and over Scotland taking various ferry rides, overtaking endless queues of caravans and tractors, negotiated sheep crowded single track roads, trundled over many cow grids (that bit was fun), endured an out of control yappy Jack Russell barking at absolutely everything, and very importantly kept close to hand a large supply of plastic bags for the inevitable bout of car sickness.

In true Gordon family style, food was a highlight of those journeys; mum ensured a travel tin of boiled sweets and choc limes were available during the journey, with a packed lunch usually consisting of a cup of tomato soup from the flask, egg and tomato sandwiches, a packet of Golden Wonder salted crisps, and chocolate biscuits - all enjoyed by the side of the road with fresh air and amazing views.   

These days that journey is quite different with a recent trip from Auchterarder in Perthshire to Helmsdale taking only 4 hours, and there are many great places to stop for a bite to eat and refuel.  Some of our favourites en route on the A9 is House of Bruar, just outside Pitlochry, or Storehouse of Foulis on the Cromarty Firth, and for additional shopping including a Costa caffeine pit stop try Inverness Shopping Centre.  There are no ferries to enjoy en route now but a few bridges to cross - the Kessock Bridge across the Moray Firth in Inverness, the Cromarty Bridge on the Cromarty Firth and Helmsdale Bridge on reaching your destination.  As a hobby I enjoy taking photographs (see below) and on a recent run north, with Spring not quite sprung the scenery is still awesome and is a reminder of where we might have had some of those picnics. 

Drumochter Summit 

Drumochter Pass, officially the start of the Highlands

Snow capped mountains at the Drumochter Pass

Oil Rigs on the Cromarty Firth

Salmon can be found at the Mound swimming upstream.  

Loch Fleet Nature Reserve is in the distance

The Mound

River Helmsdale from the Bridge near Kildonan Lodge  

River Helmsdale from the Strath 

Find us on Instagram on #valhallaholidayhome

Valhalla Adventures

Explore Meandering Forest Trails and Hidden Gorges ... Enjoy a Spectacular Waterfall ... Discover a Fairytale Castle ....  Spot Shy Wildlife ... Enjoy Spring Flowers  ...  Climb a Path ...  Reach the Summit of a Magnificent Hill  ... Muse over an Ancient Statue ... Overlook the Spectacular Sutherland Coastline ... Spot a Stag ... Weave through Woody Forests ... Enjoy Great Views ... Get Wet and Muddy .... Find a Pub .... 

Warm Reflections from the Summer of 1976 on a Cold Winter's Night

1976 was not a normal year. Those of you old enough will recall the standpipes in the streets, the reservoirs empty and the ground cracking. 1976 was one of the driest, sunniest and warmest summers right across the UK since records began.  It was also the perfect summer for our annual summer holiday in Helmsdale.

Our family has a long association with the village of Helmsdale. Our grandparents and many cousins lived in and around the area. So returning there was a welcome break from the pace of life in the South of England. However in those days finding somewhere for the extended family to stay was always a challenge. Over the years we stayed in all sorts of places and it was these experiences that led us as a family to look for somewhere where we could stay and enjoy and make available to friends and relatives. That path took us to Valhalla.

My memories of those few weeks in ’76 include spending so many days on the wonderful beach at Loth (at Crakaig – down through the farm and under the railway bridge minding the gate, sheep  and the pot holes – when rejoining the main road be very careful). It was one of those summers were suncreams were an absolute must. The air is so clear, UV’s so strong and with a gentle cooling breeze off the sea you burn very easily. And even though it was a record breaking year the North Sea is still the North Sea. There are the hardy types and then there are wimps like me. Gentle immersion was a form a torture – a quick run and a dive was the best way to go swimming.  Luckily there is plenty of space for group activity and cricket, rounders and a convoluted form of pitch kept us all busy.

On those days when a change of scenery was required we would go to Loch Brora picnicking at the scout camping ground and swim in the (warm) loch. Then with periodic visits to Bad Bea (to help the kids realise just how lucky they were), panning for gold in the burn at Baile-An-Or (difficult given that most burns up the Strath were very low on water) trips to Berridale and walking the length of the Crask (Loth to Kildonnan).

Trips to Capaldi's in Brora for ice cream (finest in the North) and fish and chips from La Mirage in Helmsdale was a must.

Taking the kids fishing in the harbour, walking up and over the hill at the back of Helmsdale or playing hunt the golf ball at the local 9 hole golf course meant we were never bored. As a break from the sun worship, trips to old friends in Thurso where we lived for a few years, or Wick to see other family with detours to John o’Grouts was a welcome diversion. It was the summer you thought (and hoped) would never end. Certainly my first born seemed to enjoy those moments of contemplation under the blue sky with wellie boots……

Easy Winter Walks

 Easy Winter Walks 

One of the activities our family enjoy on holiday in Helmsdale are the local walks right on our doorstep.  Most of them around the village accommodate everyone's taste so you can walk along the river, up the hills, across the golf course, along the beach, and each offers stunning views of the area and the village. 

Some of the walks have a short duration like the two recommended below and are suitable, with adult care, for children and dogs. You can easily return to base camp is required with little ones and as long as you are appropriately attired with good walking shoes, or welly boats and waterproofs, everyone will feel refreshed with some invigorating fresh air in their lungs.

To be honest we mostly use these walks as an excuse to go for coffee and cake in local cafes.  We recommend La Mirage who do an exceptional meringue or Thyme & Plaice, both of which are located in the Main Street, and just around the corner is Timespan Cafe overlooking Helmsdale River.   

Helmsdale & Harbour Views (30 mins & easy)
A lovely easy walk around the village taking in the Thomas Telford bridge, the ice house, a walk alongside Cooper Park, across the A9, onto the shore and back to the Old Bridge by way of a path under the New Bridge. Lovely views of the harbour, the river and the North Sea. 

Fisherman's Footsteps by Helmsdale River (1 hr duration & welly alert for muddy terrain)
From the car park opposite the Bridge Hotel take the directions for St. John's Well down to the picnic area (you will see Helmsdale clock across the river), take the riverside walk until you reach St. John's Well then take the rough footpath alongside the river's edge.  Keep to the rough path until the stone steps, at the top turn right and follow the road back to Helmsdale.  Take stone steps opposite cemetery to St. John's Well and return to car park opposite Bridge Hotel. 

For those who enjoy more challenging walks we will feature more information over the next few months.  

If you require a map of the village to find your way around please click through on this link for more details http://www.helmsdale.org/walking.html.

A Scottish Highland Fishing Trip

Salmon & Trout Fishing on the River Helmsdale 

The calibre of salmon and trout available in Scottish rivers attracts people from all over the world.  Most will agree there is something special about being in the Scottish Highlands enjoying the amazing scenery with the challenge of a catch, and perhaps with a hip flask for sustenance.  Our holiday home, Valhalla, is in a prime location in the pretty village of Helmsdale close to the river, so whether you are an experienced fisher-person or keen to create a new dimension to your holiday in the Highlands there are opportunities for you to enjoy this world locally and further afield in the North of Scotland.  We can furnish you with more information by calling 07813 660204.

Fishing Season 2017

Many of our guests return regularly over the years to fish in the area.  This year the season for salmon and trout fishing runs as follows: 

• Salmon & Sea Trout: 11th January until 30th September.
• Brown Trout: 15th March until 6th October.

North of Scotland Salmon & Trout Fishing

For more information on fishing in the North of Scotland please click through on this link.

http://www.trout-salmon-fishing.com/salmonfishing-northscotland.htm 

Helmsdale Salmon Fishing 

More information on local fishing please click through on this link for more information:

http://www.trout-salmon-fishing.com/scotland-river-helmsdale.htm

Fishing Equipment Dry Room 

Valhalla Holiday Home does not yet have a dry room for guests fishing equipment but we are looking into this and hope to be able to offer a secure facility for storage in the future. 

Visitor Angling Tickets for the River Helmsdale may be bought from either:

Thyme and Plaice Restaurant

 10 Dunrobin St. Helmsdale

 tel 01431 821598  

email: robertstephenson81@hotmail.com

or 

The Bannockburn Inn

Stafford St

Helmsdale

tel 01431 821461

email: tartanlounge@aol.com

Valhalla News for 2017

...... a word from Ian Gordon (top bloke) 

At the start of another year we would like to take the opportunity to thank all our guests to Valhalla for their custom and at times, forbearance. Holidays are an important part of our lives and we want your visit to us to be memorable for all the right reasons. We understand there are many self-catering cottages available and fully understand that we need to adapt and continuously improve to be able to keep you returning to enjoy Valhalla.

Over the past 10 years we have gradually tried to improve the house so that that it feels like a  “home from home“ in terms of comfort and convenience.  It’s a difficult balance to provide all ….. not cluttered but not stripped back like so many rentals.

Guests Suggestions for Improvement 

In line to our desire to keeping improving, we would like to ask you for your input as to what additional changes and improvements we could make to make your stays even more comfortable. We are afraid that solving the midge problem cannot be one of them ! But please, if you can find a few minutes to help us plan the next steps we can take it would be extremely helpful. I’m afraid there are no prizes and of course we reserve the right to cherry pick and only focus on the ones we like…

2017 External Improvements 

For our own part this year we expect to focus more on the garden, certainly a new BBQ, perhaps refine the far end of the garden to be more attractive, freshen up external paintwork and improve composting. 

Refuse Collections

One change from previous years relates to bin collections. I’m sure you share our frustrations over the 2 weekly cycle of rubbish collections.  Its been a real challenge for many to cope with this constraint and we appreciate the efforts made by guests. The good news is that from April through September there will be WEEKLY rubbish collections. Same day, Wednesday. The recycling will only be 2 weekly so we ask that you continue to follow the guidelines regarding what can  be disposed of in this bin. Its not the same rules across the country so please take special note.  Empty bottle disposal is still a chore having to take them down to the harbour but seeing as we drink so little these days I’m sure its manageable!

2017 Internal Improvements

Internally we are planning to tidy up the PC area in the kitchen to make it less obtrusive (does anyone ever use the PC?), improve the “feel” of the place with a change of colour scheme and soft furnishings, fit a thermostat to the central heating system to better control the temperature (maybe even upgrade to a SMART unit NEST or HIVE); and add some additional chairs.

At the end of the season the kitchen carpet will be replaced; the use of the shed will be reviewed to enable it to be used for storage by guests and we will redecorate hall, stairs & landing.

Next year the seating in the front room (or lounge depending on where you come from) will hopefully be improved.

But of course we would really appreciate your contributions. We cannot commit to implementing them all but we will take the most popular requests first.  Please email any suggestions for improvements to valhallaholidayhome@gmail.com.

With the fall in the value of the £ abroad we are expecting a busy season this year so we would encourage you to secure your preferred dates ASAP. Please contact Jackie Boyd on 07813 660204 who will be delighted to organise your booking for you.  

Historical Improvements

In 2011 we carried out big improvements - we laid new carpets and redecorated throughout, fitted fire alarms and new lighting, created new colourful furnishings which have been added to each year. Recently we replaced all radiators, renamed rooms (we still get confused), repainted doors in kitchen to brighten up the room, had fibre broadband installed with nearly 40Mb download speeds, added Google Chromecast so you stream your Amazon Prime and Netflix services (if you have them), fitted a wifi extender upstairs, replaced mattresses in most rooms with Hypos ones, and provided percale Egyptian cotton bed linen.

Autumn Storms

In Scotland the weather in October and November can turn stormy and wild bringing a intense grey beauty to this part of the United Kingdom.  Helmsdale faces the North Sea so when a storm happens it bears the brunt of some fierce weather, particularly when the tide is high.  The high winds and tidal surges affect the harbour and river inlet with dramatic surges of water, however, as the photo below shows the fishing boats are protected by the shape of the harbour.  

A recent trip to Helmsdale coincided with some stormy weather yet there is no doubt this is the best time to appreciate a warm, cosy and welcoming environment. Valhalla Holiday Home is a cosy centrally heated house with a wood burner in the lounge for added comfort and atmosphere.  After an afternoon taking some photographs around the area and getting a bit soggy Valhalla was a welcome relief to return to and enjoy!  

View from the hill behind Valhalla looking down onto the harbour during a recent storm

High gusts of wind created dramatic wave surges over the harbour wall

 High Tide at Helmsdale Harbour

A local taking it all in his stride and enjoying the view

Helmsdale Harbour wall bearing the brunt of the storm

Large waves surge over the harbour wall

The storm starts to pass

Calmer weather ahead.....