After leaving lovely Greece I headed to Edinburgh, Scotland. While I wanted an escape from the heat in Greece, the 58-60 degree weather of Edinburgh was a surprise when you consider it is July. But it has been easier to handle than the unusual heat of Greece. I have been in Edinburgh for a little over a week now. So many great buildings. And there are so many hills to go up and down!! I am staying in a college dormitory that is down near the Palace of Holyroodhouse. I haven’t gotten to go in there yet because last week was Royal Week and King Charles, Carmilla, Prince Edward and Prince William have been in residence. Caught some photos of them driving up the Royal Mile to St. Giles Church where their official Royal Week work was taking place. Edinburgh Castle was also closed much of the week. Lots of rather random photos.
Palace of Holyroodhouse GateQueen Mary’s Bath House at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lots of uncertainty that this really was a bath house for Mary Queen of Scots (1542-1587). It was once attached to a boundary wall enclosing the King’s privy garden and served as a pavilion or summer house where the royal family might relax whilst strolling in the garden. Whether it ever contained a bath if unknown.Edinburgh Castle, 1.27 miles up the Royal Mile. One of the two places I DO NOT need to keep going to.This is the other one!! Okay, I bought a couple of little decorations for when it is Christmas time so I can decorate my little room.For those that have been to Edinburgh, there are lots of “Close”…alleyways that sometimes lead to a courtyard. This Close will take a person from the lower level of the Royal Mile up to Regents Terrace. Next two photos show the stairs and path.Regent Terrace which is one of my walkways from the place I am staying. This ultimately gets you to Princes Street.View of Arthur’s Seat…Edinburgh’s own ancient volcano. From the top you can see views over Firth of Forth, Edinburgh and the Lothians and toward the North Sea. It is 823 ft high and is part of a 650 acre Holyrood Park. The walk is considered moderately challenging and is just under 3 miles. I haven’t climbed this yet but I will. One of the places I like to eat. This is by St. Andrews Square.This is on the Royal Mile.National Art Gallery. It is free which seems amazing but nice.KIng Charles’ beautiful car. I was able to get a great video of his car going by and him waving but It is too big for me to send from my phone to my email. Darn.Prince Edwards car. I could see him in the car but again the video is too large.St. Giles where they were headed. This is a short distance from the Castle.
The following photos are from Dean Village which is a nice area of Edinburgh.
More hills
Tour to Loch Lomond & the Kelpies
The Kelpies are huge. They are the largest equine sculptures in the world. They stand at 100 ft tall and 300 tons each. These are modeled on real life icons – Clydesdale horses Duke and Baron. They represent the lineage of the heavy horse of Scottish industry, pulling the wagons, ploughs, barges and coalships. Scotland is full of myths and fairies and the Kelpies reflect a mythological transforming beast that possess the strength and endurance of 100 horses. These structures are on the banks of one of the canals where horses would have helped pull the canal boats.We then headed over to Loch Lomond which is the biggest Loch in area; Loch Ness is the deepest.
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most historically and architecturally important castles in Scotland. It was once a favored residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations at the castle. The castle dates from the 12th century. Present buildings mostly built between 1490 and 1600. The castle sits atop an intrusive crag. It is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs which provided a strong defensive position. Mary Queen of Scots was crowned here in 1542. I met a wonderful couple on this tour. They live in McAllen, Texas. It was fun to spend the day with them.
