Scotland trip – Part 8 – Living Life Every Day

Aviemore to Stirling

The train- I joined Erin and Kathy on the train to Stirling. They were just one stop beyond mine so we visited for a couple hours. They are so nice!

We all had the big suitcase issue and could not find a place for our luggage other than taking up a whole row of seats. Thankfully the train wasn’t full so it worked. At least I know what to expect on my continuing trips. And again… I should have brought my back pack. It would have been so much easier!

Highland Stirling Hotel originally built in 1854 as a school for the wealthier families

Arrival in Stirling- My hike up the hill to my hotel was brutal. I was tired and very warm! When I arrived at the hotel I was greeted with stairs- lots of them. I learned there was a better approach into the hotel but there was no one to ask upon arrival. And then… I was given a room on the second floor and the lift went to the third floor, not the second. I chose to get off on 3 and bump my suitcase down the stairs. It worked!

I found a coffee shop to occupy my time while I waited for my 5 pm walking tour to begin.

Old town jail with the exercise area on the roof

The residence of Queen Mary of Scott’s second husband. They were not getting along as apparently he was a very nasty man.. They had two boys who eventually became king of England and king of Scotland. He died mysteriously of strangulation but there was more to that story… and what a story!

Many buildings displayed the type of work being done. These two were a tailor and a bread maker

After the tour I went back to the hotel to check in. My room was lovely and the bed looked inviting! Instead of going back out to look around the town I decided to take a break and relax in the room. Tomorrow will be here soon enough!

This morning I left early to see the old bridge and the Wallace Monument. I knew I didn’t have enough time to climb to, and into the monument but I wanted to see it closer. It was quite a hike!

The Wallace Monument- it’s quite majestic!

After turning back around I spotted a bakery that looked good. I thought about getting a coffee and something to eat but I didn’t have enough hands for that, so I went with food. I ordered a nice seeded roll with egg and bacon. It was delicious!

Next stop the Stirling Castle for my 9:30 reservation. The first chapel was built in 1100, but much of the existing castle dates back to the 14th century due to destruction during the wars of Scottish independence.