Days 3 & 4, October 2, 3

While England was basking in sunshine and record temperatures, we were getting drenched.  To the bone. Good thing we had planned on taking a bus tour to get as close as possible to the Highlands without being on the road all day.  We joined about a dozen other tourists for a trip to a couple of lochs and another castle.

Thank goodness for sturdy umbrellas and waterproof shoes.

Our congenial kilt-clad driver and guide drove us west from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.  Unfortunately the rain, although lighter, was still coming down and the view of Loch Lomond was limited at best.  Still, if brooding atmosphere was our goal, we had it in spades.

The driver entertained us with stories and ballads of Scotland.  He played Runrig's version of "Loch Lomond" and said that this music was often played at weddings when guests would circle around the bride and groom. I'm a bit surprised since the lyrics talk about the separation of true lovers.  Runrig's version of the song and images of Loch Lomond under more favorable conditions is at the youtube site:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbb9aRSQpsY.

Our next stop was a bit more visible.  

Posing with the Highland Cows ("Heeland Coos")

Hamish

Highland Cows, the oldest pedigree breed in the world, are bred to withstand the harsh living conditions of the Highlands.  They have no layer of fat but have an extra coat which they shed in the spring that keeps them warm and dry.

Fortunately by the time we reached our next destination, Loch Katrine, the rain had stopped and we were able to take a boat ride without fear of getting wet.

Our boat--the Sir Walter Scott

Despite the overcast day, the reflections on the loch were crystal clear.  This quiet boat ride over the glassy lake reminded us of our trip on the Koenigsee in southeastern Bavaria (near Berchtesgarten) only this time there was no picturesque Kapelle at the end.

One landmark that we saw at various times on the trip was a castle turned guesthouse.

These turrets reminded us of castles we had seen in France.  Several times on this visit we have been told of Scotland's affinity for France--perhaps because France was so often an enemy of England and Scotland sought alliances against England.

By late afternoon with the sun breaking through the clouds we reached Stirling Castle.  It was in this area   that the Battle of Bannockburn was fought when Robert the Bruce defeated the English army of King Edward II.  Stirling Castle sits high above the town on a volcanic crag, very similar to the Edinburgh Castle.  Since we had spent so much time at the Edinburgh site and since we had very limited time to see Stirling, we decided to simply take in the views and walk around the town instead.

View towards Stirling Castle from the town

One sight that was unique to Stirling was the monument to Robert the Bruce. 

Heading back to Edinburgh our driver took us by the Firth of Forth and the bridges that span it.  I had always heard of the bridge (I didn't know there were two and in the future there will be a third) and had wanted to see it.  Maybe it's the alliterative name that makes it sound appealing.  The actual bridges were even more than appealing.

The Firth of Forth Rail Bridge (trains only).  It's been a never-ending job to keep the bridge painted but perhaps with the new paint that has been used, it won't be necessary to paint the bridge for anther 20-25 years.

The Firth of Forth Road Bridge

Lochs, cows, castles, bridges: it had been a full day and we still hadn't seen all of the Royal Mile attractions.  Perhaps another trip another day.


October 3--time to head home.  Our final day in Edinburgh was sunny and bright.  We had a little time in the city before we headed to the train.  One last fitting image and sound (which you will have to imagine!)

The Solitary Bagpiper