Overnight rain left the city slightly fresher, and after a delicious breakfast in the hotel (where Dave tried tatty scones), we walked to the home of the Scottish National Orchestra, where a bus tour we had booked was meeting. Just 17 passengers and a friendly and knowledgeable guide (John of Skye from Timberbush Tours), it was a good option for exploring where transit doesn’t tread.
Our first stop was Loch Lomond. Some folks opted for a boat cruise, but we chose to walk in the park and enjoy the waterfront, including a steam wheeler they are working to restore.
Next was a small town, where we had a bite to eat, checked out a number of sheep from different breeds, and watched a sheepdog demonstration… herding ducks! They can’t demonstrate with the sheep as they are too smart and would get used to the dog. 😂
After the hilarity, we would our way through some spectacular scenery, including Duke’s Pass, where we saw hectares of wild heather just starting to come to colour.
Just past the park we came to a small farm to see the highland cattle. Adorable bovine, we got to feed them carrots and potatoes. They are known locally as hairy coo.
The next sight was a pretty spectacular one – Stirling Castle. Sitting atop a crag and in a key strategic position, a lot of fighting happened near here. There were military stationed here until 1964. It was also a royal court, and Mary, Queen of Scots (among others) were crowned here.
Stirling Castle is one of the largest, most historically important and most architecturally important castles in the UK, and its years of changing hands, additions of fortifications, and other changes made for a fascinating visit.
After Stirling we returned to Glasgow for a quick supper, bag repack, and sleep. More adventures await tomorrow!
Jen and Dave: Adventuring 
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