Scotland 2018 Planning

[TheRealTMA]

God I don’t even drink Whisky but I could do that! Well, except for Baileys and Canadian Club but I figure that doesn’t count.

No. It definitely doesn’t. It’s a Single Malt club.

 

[Denali]

This mornings castle...



Hint...

 

[TheRealTMA]

This mornings castle...
View attachment 123435


Hint...
View attachment 123436

Fake news?

 

[Denali]

And for the Outlander fans.

 

[Denali]

A year ago, while we were sitting in the Holiday Inn in Santiago, RooFlyer told me us we had to see the Falkirk Wheel. I was a bit meh but he's right, it's pretty freaking awesome in action.

I wish I could post the hypervid I took of it. Im impressed.

 

[Denali]

This morning was Doune castle, where a number of films have filmed on location, Monty of the course, Outlander, Games of Thrones.

Seems Outlander is drawing the crowd these days.

Not very big but we once again got our monies worth from our Historic Scotland passes, included the audio guide.



The staff were asking why we had 12mth pass as most use 14 day Explorer passes. We're here for 3 weeks so value wise, it's been great plus discount on purchases, which was put to use today for a couple of Tshirts and Christmas decorations.







Small but fun.

 

[Denali]

Did castles, Falkirk and a 5hr city walk yesterday so hubby wants a do nothing and have a rest/do not disturb on the door day.

Feel like we should be doing something, Stirling or Wallace monument but going to hit the pool and spa soon and late this afternoon/tonight go see the Kelpies.

Hubby exercises daily but castle steps in boots are very different so he's been having some leg cramps, got a in room massage booked for him as well.

Duke of Wellington says hello.

 

[Denali]

I have no experience in Glasgow hotels other than to say Hilton 1 William Street has been fantastic.

The room could do with a slight update but the staff have been a step above and we just enjoyed a really nice swim and spa. They think of everything, even the wet gear bags in the change room and the best swim googles Hubbys ever had so he bought 2 pairs and charged then to my credit card.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Did castles, Falkirk and a 5hr city walk yesterday so hubby wants a do nothing and have a rest/do not disturb on the door day.

Feel like we should be doing something, Stirling or Wallace monument but going to hit the pool and spa soon and late this afternoon/tonight go see the Kelpies.

Hubby exercises daily but castle steps in boots are very different so he's been having some leg cramps, got a in room massage booked for him as well.

Duke of Wellington says hello.

View attachment 123509

Bloody students!!

 

[Denali]

Kelpies.

 

[Denali]

Heading to Edinburgh and back on the castle hunt at Craigmillar castle, Mary Queen of Scots once resided here.

It has a outer wall and a really pleasant courtyard type space. Very pleasant and lots of fun, all these nooks and towers to explore. Enjoying this more than Edinburgh castle. I could happily live here, after some modern renos.

Just like we are "temple people", we enjoy the ruins more than the maintained castles like Stirling, Edinburgh or large estates.





View attachment 123621









Additional info, Craigmillar Castle and the yew trees of Mary, Queen of Scots

The yew trees are very old.

 

[Denali]

We booked a two bed room (as we either sleep king bed or twin beds) and they upgraded us to a queen bed suite.... hmm, queen bed?

Told a single bed has been put in the room and hubby happy as he officially has a man cave with mini bar.

Main part of room, website photo as mine was rubbish. Photo doesn't give justice to size of it.


Hubbys man cave, the living room part of the suite has its own door and now has a bed with full mattress (not fold out bed). He may not want to leave.


He also gets a castle view, all rooms have castle view, inc the toilet.

 

[Denali]

Scottish weather can break your heart.

Above post is yesterday blue skies, the parks were full of people. Below is today's.

 

[Denali]

Hubby out doing a photography walking tour so I'm wandering, in search of a vanilla milkshake or choc frappe, which is surprisingly difficult to find. Even tried Maccas but nope. Even the Waldorf Peacock Alley does not do milkshakes. Craving milk!

Peacock Alley, where people do drinks and afternoon teas. Currently being serenaded by a gentlemen playing the Girl from from Ipanema on piano.









And blue skies are teasing.


Original clock from when this was a train station hotel back in the late 1800s. The plaque reads it was famously set 5mins early so it's guests would not miss the train.

 

[Denali]

Hubby had a 6hr walking photography tour with this guy and says he can highly recommend.


He had a great time, going in and around all the sneaky pathways and nooks and crannies around Edinburgh. He also guides around Glasgow.

 

[RooFlyer]

<snip>

He also gets a castle view, all rooms have castle view, inc the toilet.
View attachment 123629

Sod the castle, that's St Cuthbert's in the foreground! The church is a relative newie, but the churchyard has a number of ancient relatives of mine residing there.

I love Edinburgh

 

[Denali]

Sod the castle, that's St Cuthbert's in the foreground! The church is a relative newie, but the churchyard has a number of ancient relatives of mine residing there.

I love Edinburgh

I was looking at some of the grave markers today, can see them from our room.

If I could redo this trip I would give Skye a miss and spend extra days in Edinburgh, it's really interesting wandering around and getting lost/see what you find.

 

[Denali]

Didn't take photos while I wandered today but this i really liked. Amazing work.

 

[Denali]

Last day was a late one, we drove down to Melrose Abbey and I really enjoyed it.











Apparently this marks the burial of Robert the Bruce'
heart.


Really wish we had more time to explore the Scottish Borders and more of Aberdeenshire.

So many ruins, too little time.

 

[Denali]

Currently sitting on flight. Last night we stayed at the Hilton Edinburgh airport hotel.

Car drop off was literally across the road and short walk back to hotel. Very helpful staff but restaurant was blah. Room very comfortable.

Free, easy shuttle bus to airport that took about 2mins.

Now on flight, sad to leave as too many castles left unvisited!