We took back roads today, winding our way towards Pitlochry and Killicrankie, where the lowlands meet the highlands. We are camping at Faskally Caravan Park, €21.70.
We made several stops along the way and enjoyed driving through Scone, Auchterarder, Dumfermline, Aberfeldy and Blairinroar. I loved Bridge Hill Cottage...located on a tiny hill just before a tiny bridge. The weather continues to be perfect--it's just magical.
Our first stop was in the town of Muthill (with its flower competition). We looked and looked for a tea shop but in vain. Nothing was open and we found out from the postman that the one tea shop had closed. We did, however, find an interesting cemetery and Romanesque bell tower dating from the mid 12th century as well as the outer walls, arcades and chancel arch from the 15th century.
Muthill
The Landscape of Scotland is beginning to look more wild and hilly and I was surprised to see ferns growing in profusion along the road. Noticing one of the brown signs indicating a Scottish Trust Property, we turned in and parked for free. This was the Hermitage in Dunkeld with walking trails to a viewing site to see the Black Linn Falls. There are cathedral-like groves of giant Douglas firs along the trail. The falls come through a wild gorge of the River Braan.
Driving through new landscape
Trail to the Hermitage
Under the bridge
Last stop, Pitlochry. What a lovely town it is! It has the nicest Tourist Information Center we've ever found.
Pitlochry--it has charm
We asked about WiFi so we could upload our blog about Stirling Castle and the woman sent us next door to the Baptist Church. The guy who helped us couldn't have been nicer, setting us up at a table that he cleared off so we would be able to access the electric plug. He even offered us coffee. We left a donation then took a walk across the suspension bridge to the Fish Ladder. This is big salmon area and even though the salmon go up stream to spawn in May, we enjoyed the walk and met a guy who knew everything about fish and explained it all to us as we looked at a view point with brown trout and perch.
I envy England and Scotland their many foot paths. They are everywhere.
Fish ladder
Dorothy Cottage
We stopped to admire this lovely garden in the middle of town.
Today was just the kind of day I love. This is one of the many advantages of having wheels. We can stop wherever we like (as long as Homer will fit).
There are two seasons in Scotland - Winter and July. ~ Billy Connelly
Well you'll have to tell Billy Connelly that you experienced "July in June." Happy summer solstice.
ReplyDeleteWhat a marvelous travelogue this week! It sends me to online research every time. It also appears you have a very well-informed reader re: the Wallace story. What I didn't understand was why there's no "history programme" in Scotland's schools. Surely I misunderstood. I always thought "history was written by the victors," and Scotland won. (?)