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Day two in Glasgow, time to venture out in our awesome ‘Spaceships’ (see the pics, can’t miss their orange good-ness and big thanks to Spaceships for supplying them for us!). First stop Stirling Castle, about 40 minutes out of Glasgow on a route that has been used for thousands of years by invading armies.
The Castle itself has had a ton of uses over the years. Originally it was built by kings and queens as a great royal residence but in times of war it became a mighty fortress. It’s said that whoever occupied Stirling held all of Scotland and with views stretching for miles it’s not hard to see why!
It seems each occupier made their mark on the castle with a number of additions and restorations in its vast history. One of the highlights is the Great Hall, which was one of the largest banquet halls built in medieval Scotland.
If you head to the Castle make sure you catch a tour, the guides are super informative, plus we can’t get enough of that accent! If you time it right you can also catch the costumed performances to take you back in time.
From the Castle there’s a great view of the 220 ft tower of the National Wallace Monument, celebrating the great William Wallace (for the history lesson just watch Braveheart!). There’s a bit of a walk up (or you can take the lazy route and get the shuttle). Fletch and Vaughan definitely impressed us with their fitness levels (and also with all the salads they’ve been eating!) leaving the rest of us huffing and puffing up the hill! The climb continues, this time it’s up the winding stairs to the top of the tower, stopping at various stages to see the exhibitions on Scotland’s favourite war hero.
You’re more than rewarded when you get to the top though, the view is truly beautiful – green rolling hills, rivers, quaint houses and of course the castle in the distance. It’s hard to imagine this was the site of Wallace’s greatest triumph, the battle of Stirling Bridge, where he defeated the English army in 1297.
Sir Alex was a treat, a costumed Scot telling us the story of the war. A real character!
Next stop Loch Lomond, a picturesque part of the country with shimmering lochs, rugged mountain tops and forest-filled glens. Amazing wildlife can be found in the area including a number of species of birds, squirrels, otters, and even porpoises and seals! Amazing.
We were keen to get to the Distillery of Glengoyne to try some of the leading malt whiskies of Scotland, and we were rewarded with a shot of their finest 10 year old whiskey. Certainly warmed us up! Considered buying the 40 year old good stuff, a steal at only 900 pounds a bottle!
Live cross to the Morning Madhouse for the boys during the evening while the rest of us wound down and worked up an appetite. Ad Lib was our choice for culinary deliciousness this evening with a fab selection of burgers, yummy looking salads and a super tomato and coriander soup. Yum!
Another early night ready for our 7 am start tomorrow – off to Liverpool to be at one with Beatle mania!
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