Wed, Sep 4th, 2019 1:32:42 am
Heading north from Edinburgh, our first stop was St. Andrews golf course - the home of golf. And what an impressive course it is, particularly for Stu (the golfer in the family), but even for me. An interesting golf museum and a cafe overlooking the course offering possibly the best scones I’ve ever had made this detour well worth while.
A little further up the coast we stopped to explore the ruins of Dunnottar Castle, perched on a rocky headland. It’s easy to see why this was chosen as a fortress, and for a time the Scottish Crown Jewels were hidden here.
Spent a night at Banff, on the edge of the North Sea, but sadly too cold and wet to plunge into the sea. We did manage a bike ride along the coastal path and a walk in the other direction between bouts of rain. Also explored Portsoy a delightful little fishing village.
End: Scottish Highlands
Mon, Sep 2nd, 2019 7:03:17 am
First trip back to Edinburgh for over 40 years. Unsurprisingly, I couldn’t remember very much other than the canons at Edinburgh Castle. The biggest ”Mons Meg” a world famous medieval gun could fire a 150kg stoneball over 3 kilometres!!
Fortunately the fringe festival and Edinburgh Tattoo has just finished so the city was not too crowded.
Plenty to see and do, so walked for miles. Took a peek at Scotland‘s Crown Jewels, but no photography allowed, so you will have to visit yourself to see these priceless gems. Didn’t have time to walk up the impressive peak in Holyrood Park, named Arthur’s Seat, but got a grand view from Nelson’s Monument.
Walked past Holyrood Palace, the Queens official residence in Edinburgh. I believe she spends one week a year here, so skeleton staff must rattle around for the rest of the year polishing the silver.
End: Edinburgh
Sat, Aug 31st, 2019 8:47:42 am
Located in Derbyshire, not far from Sheffield, we took a peek at the Peak District. We stayed at Beech Croft Farm, a very nice camp in Blackwell between Bakewell and Buxton.
There is a huge network of inter-connecting walking tracks throughout the area, over farmland, through bush, along bubbling streams and along old bridle paths - the choice is endless. And of course with little villages dotted so close together, there are quaint and picturesque little pubs along the way as an added bonus.
The Monsal Trail is a fabulous cycling and walking path along an old railway track, that has become a huge attraction. The scenery through massive limestone cliffs is spectacular, plus you ride through a total of six tunnels, and over a viaduct. The trail is flat and suitable for all ages and abilities.
End: The Peak District
EUROPE
