After a five year delay in taking this trip (our original deposit was still there this year!) due to Covid and grandchildren, Hubs and I bit the bullet and made the trans-Atlantic flight, meeting my daughter and family in Edinburgh four days before the trip began. I’d forgotten how tired the time difference made you, but my daughter only scheduled two tours a day to account for that and our advancing years.
This is the entrance to Edinburgh Castle. A steep walk uphill all the way to the top, with gorgeous views and lots of history. The second picture was taken from the end of the street where our hotel was located.
You can see why the castle was never taken, although parts were blown away by cannon fire. The volcanic rock on which it sits offers a naturally defended position, with sheer cliffs to north and south. This is Mons Meg, a six-ton cannon that could fire 500-pound balls for two miles. It was a gift from Duke Philip of Burgundy to King James II of Scotland. My grandson told me he could crawl inside!
This is the back of a barracks at the top of the castle – looks like it would be interesting inside, but not.
This ;picture was taken in the great hall at the top of the castle complex. Lots of armor and swords etc. This was NOT Queen Mary’s primary residence – she preferred Holyrood Castle at the other end of the Royal Mile – warmer and more comfortable. But she gave birth to James I of Scotland ( who was also James Vi of England) here, because of concerns for her safety.
The views from the top breath-taking (as was the climb!).
We also took a long taxi ride to Midhope Castle, which is derelict but intact on the outside. Does anyone recognize Lallybroch from Outlander?
Then a tortuous and expensive taxi ride to find Hopetoun House, another Outlander site. The house was built 1699–1701 and the south wing of the house is occupied by the family of Adrian Hope, 4th Marquess of Linlithgow. First seen as the Duke of Sandringham’s home, Hopetoun House has been used in seasons 1, 2 and 3 of Outlander, to recreate scenes in Scotland, England and Paris. We had a great lunch outside the original stables and enjoyed the glamorous surroundings, gardens, and manor.
The following day we visited HRM Britannia, the Royal Yacht of Queen Elizabeth II for over 44 years, travelling the world and hosting state events.
Today, she is a five-star museum and events venue in Edinburgh, Scotland. We had high tea to celebrate my birthday on the Fingal, a companionship to Britannia where people can book to stay. The food was overwhelming and we slept with tight bellies that night.
On Sunday we had to find our own way to Glasgow, where our tour began the next morning, so we said goodbye to the family and discovered the clean and efficient Scottish bus system.
More to come…
It sounds busy, gorgeous and exciting, Noelle. Looking forward to more!
Thanks, Olga! Scotland is a land of contrasts and I especially loved all the lochs, estuaries and ruins!
How lovely, I shall look forward to your next report.
Thanks, Rosie. The first day of the tour was a slog, but it got better.
I loved Scotland when I was there is 2018. Best wishes on the tour.
Thanks , John. Hubs and I wish we had done this when we were 20 years younger!
I agree. i had some huffing and puffing too.
A lovely post, Noelle. We also visited Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace and the Queen’s yacht. We also did a tour of the Edinburgh dungeons. Now you are back, I’ll share my review of your book next week.
Thanks, Robbie. I just wished the trip hadn’t been so rushed. I would have liked to stop along the way and take it all in. Next time and without the mountain goat.
Yes, that is one down side of trying to do to much. I limit our activities to two a day otherwise it all overwhelms everyone. TC would squash as much as possible into a day. He is a real touristy tourist.
All the Outlander references made me laugh. And I recognised them, especially Midhope Castle. What a fun trip, Noelle. Getting to Scotland is hope for me – castles and ruins (and old pubs for my husband). Happy Travels!
That’s what we liked most -castles and ruins and pubs! Gene had his picture taken in so many bars – and one bar even asked him if he could help them the next night (since he’s a bartender). Lots of whisky tastings but my favorite part was the views of the lochs, estuaries and mountains ranges. Scotland has so much water!
Lovely pics to go with an interesting account, Noelle. Not been to Edinburgh, but visited Scotland twice. Once to the Isle of Skye, which was spectacular in August. Rained every day, but the sun also shone every day. Second visit was to the home of my first wife’s sister, whose husband was gamekeeper to a Lord who had an estate near Inverness. We met the guy while walking the extensive grounds. We were there in October, which is normally quite cool, but on one day we ventured to the coast where a number of oil rigs were docked in the deep water harbour and we were able to sunbathe on the cliffs!
I hope you tried the scotch whilst you were there. There are very many varieties, and I’ve enjoyed each one I’ve sampled.
Looking forward to your next post on this.
Yes, we tried many many whiskies while there. I do have my favorites and they are now from the Islay side!
I think we need to read the small print about the tour next time!
Edinburgh Castle is such a beautiful place to explore and photograph. We were in Scotland this summer and loved every minute of it 😍
I wish we’d had more time there, but my daughter had scheduled two more tours for that day!!!
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Sky Scarlet I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
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