Today we were still anchored in the harbor near South Queensferry and we had an early excursion to the Scenic area called the Troussachs, Stirling Castle, and Aberfoyle.
We started off by tendering to shore again, and joining a bus in South Queensferry. We then drove past the bridges that we can see from the harbor. The new bridge is not yet opened, it will carry car traffic after it is opened by the Queen in August. We got a fairly good view from the bus.
We then traveled along the highway towards the town of Stirling. This sculpture was along the highway.
Eventually we saw the Stirling Castle ahead of us. It sits on top of a volcanic plug. It was very high up on a hill We didn’t stop at the castle, we just drive through the town and then came back down to a spot below the castle so that we could take pictures from below.
In the field that we stopped at below the castle there were a number of highland sheep. They have horns and long hair that covers their faces. The seemed completely unphased at all of the people who were standing beside their field and taking pictures.
As we headed through the Troussachs, we saw many little B&Bs and hotels as this is a popular area to come and vacation and hike the paths, and mountains. This particular hotel looked like a castle.
Hotel in the Troussachs.
We climbed up a mountain road and came to the Queens Overlook which allowed us good views of the Troussachs. There were valleys and mountains in the distance as well as some very pretty flowers.
Queens Overlook
Queens Overlook
Queens Overlook
Queens Overlook
Eventually we drove along towards a little town called Aberfoyle and stopped for lunch. There were different sheep at this stop who were grazing in the field near the stores.
It was a cute little town with shops and restaurants and bars. We stayed just to have lunch and then headed back.
Aberfoyle
We pulled out of South Queensferry tonight headed towards Invergordon Scotland. We say pretty scenery as we pulled out.
We had dinner and then decided to take a long walk on the Promenade deck where we saw lot’s of Northern Gannets flying along with the ship. These birds are seen offshore at home but not frequently close enough to really see well.
We were also treated to a nice sunset at the end of our walk.
When we got back to the room we had a new kind of towel animal in our room. We’re not sure if it’s a Turkey or a Peacock.
We also had a nie full moon fro the Verandah later in the evening.
