Three Posts in One

Day 5 – June 30^th

Today was a much needed low key day. The first order of business was to fine some internet access. We decided to go the TESCO in Dalbeattie and use their internet in the café. Sadly we could only get 15 minutes free without using a club card which we did not have. So we headed back towards the cabins and took over Christina’s aunt’s patio and mooched off of her WIFI connection.

Once we had all established with family and friends that we were still in fact alive and well, we grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed out to find tower that eluded us on Saturday. After a very quick drive we ended up at Orchardton Tower. This is the only round tower house in Scotland. It is suggested that is was built shortly after 1456.

Our last stop of the day was a little fishing village called Kipford. We walked along the shoreline and stopped at The Anchor Hotel for an afternoon snack and drink. This was the same place that Christina’s grannie took us to when we visited 4 years ago.

Then we followed the path from Kipford to Rockcliffe. In all it was about a 20 minute walk that followed the shoreline then took you through some wooded areas until you came out at Rockcliffe. The tide was going out and all we could see was wet muddy beach.

Day 6 – Tuesday, July 1^st

Tuesday we got up bright and early to head north to Stirling so we could tour Stirling Castle. Along the way we stopped at Moffat Mills to buy some beautiful cashmere blankets and scarves and such. (Got a great blanket for you Melany!) Once everyone had dropped at least 50 pounds on some loot, we headed north again. When we reached Stirling, there was a small driving incident on the hill leading up to the castle and I almost ran into the car behind me and then almost burned up the engine but we made it….barely….again. Stirling Castle is always an impressive site.

After Stirling, we headed east to Linlithgow to see Linlithgow Palace. This was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and by far is one of my favorite palaces that we’ve seen so far.

Day 7 – Wednesday, July 2^nd

Today we spent the day getting to know Dumfries a little bit better. Dumfries is the largest city closest to where we are staying in Dalbeattie.

We visited The Globe, which is the local pub where Robert Byrns would sit and write poetry almost every evening. Uncle Bernard sat in his chair and entertained us with his own poetry.

Mom and I bought a few scarves from Capt. Jack Sparrow in the street market.

We also walked by the Peter Pan house where John Barrie lived. 

After wandering around the city, we stopped for lunch at Dock Park which had the cutest Peter Pan themed playground for Coen to play in.

After lunch and a little play time at the park we drove south the see Sweetheart Abbey. This is still one of my favorites. It is the daughter abbey to Dundrennon Abbey that we saw earlier in the week. Its layout was almost identical to Dundrennon but very different parts remain today.

Our next stop was just down the road to the New Abbey Corn Mill. This mill was built by the monks that lived at Sweetheart Abbey and it still works.

The last stop of the night was at Christina’s grannie’s house for dinner. We sat and visited for a while, had some delicious Banoffee pie then headed home.

Sunday Sight Seeing

Day 4 – Sunday, June 29th

Sunday began with a drive to the near by town of Dumfries to find Lincluden Collegiate Church. This church was built in 1389 on what used to be a nunnery. It also houses the tomb of Princess Margaret, daughter of Robert III.

Next we drove to Caerlaverock Castle, which was one that I visited my first time here and I loved it! This castle is completely surrounded by a moat and was used as a stronghold to guard the Solway Shore.

We enjoyed another picnic lunch and then headed to our last stop of the day which was Drumcoltran Tower. 

This was an example of what landowners would live in during the mid-1500s. It was in really great shape. We were able to walk right in and there was even roof access. It was definitely smaller than the castles and abbeys we’ve been looking at but I think it was one of my favorites.

The rest of the evening was spent making dinner, and throwing Coen a late birthday party.

All of the colors here seem like they are on steroids. Everything is brighter and bolder than anything in my backyard. It is truly beautiful.

In A Cabin In A Wood...

Day 3 – Saturday, June 28^th

We woke up and finally got a good look at the cabin. It is set against the Scottish National Forest and has sheep one on side and a huge mountain behind.

Once we all got up and ready, we started out to see our first castle, Threave Castle. This castle was created by Archibald the Grim and is on its own island. When you arrive you have to walk about 10 minutes to the boat dock that will take you across the river to the island.

After exploring for a bit we sat down and had a nice picnic lunch and just enjoyed the scenary.

After Threave Castle, we went in search of a tower that we couldn’t find but it certainly took us on some very challenging roads…(insert video).

Once we gave up the hunt we landed in Kirkcudbright to see MacLellan’s Castle. This castle was used as the residence for Sir Thomas MacLellan in 1570.

Our final destination of the day, which was my favorite of the day, was Dundrennan Abbey. This was where Mary Queen of Scots spent her last hours in Scotland in 1568.

That evening we were invited to a Hen party for one of Christina’s cousins. We had a great time meeting her extended family and enjoying some local customs. (We were also grateful that they allowed us to use their WIFI!)

I have lots more pictures but internet is so slow this was all I was able to get uploaded in my short amount of time allowed for internet.

Will post more soon!