Having never been to Scotland, Grayden and I decided to take a couple of day trips from the Lake District to visit a part of the northern third of Great Britain. Edinburgh Castle was our first day trip on the agenda. We drove up the M6 excited to see our first glimpse of Scotland!
The early morning fog was giving way to glorious sunshine.
It wasn't too long before we see the sign we've been waiting for!
Scotland is that beautiful green and lovely land like England. We pass many evergreen forests that appear to be planted for logging purposes.
We get on a smaller A road on our way to Edinburgh. Passing many sheep farms and lovely pastoral views.
As we reach the outskirts of Edinburgh, we see the iconic Hackney Carriage.
We also see the Edinburgh Castle up on the Castle Rock! Now we must find the parking deck and hike up the hill to visit.
Edinburgh is a bustling city with lovely architecture around every bend. You can view Edinburgh Castle from almost every street.
Make sure you have comfortable shoes on, because we are walking up....
And up...
And up....Stopping to take photos, we can take a breath!
A castle built on this rock was a very good idea! Protection on all sides certainly would hopefully keep you safe from harm. Can you imagine that a royal castle has been here since the 12th century to 1633? Since the 17th century it has been used as military barracks. Scotland's history is all tied to the castle--The Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century to the Jacobite rising in 1745. It is believed that Edinburgh Castle is the most attacked site in all of Great Britain. Because of it's storied history, it is the most visited site in all of Scotland. We can attest to that fact as it was quite popular on the day of our visit.
I couldn't help but take a photo of one of the many gentlemen proudly wearing the clan tartan.
We enjoyed an easy entry as we bought the Three Day Scotland Explorer Pass before leaving the US.
The views from the top are amazing!
Like most castles, Edinburgh Castle is a city within itself.
The Royal Palace clock tower in Crown Square, and our stomachs, remind us our breakfast is long gone. There are several places to have lunch, so I hope you will join us for our first taste of Scotland.
Yes, I think we'll enjoy this spot!
I ordered the Rosemary Chicken Ciabatta sandwich. It was delicious!
Grayden had the Eggs Benedict. He said it was great!
Grayden and I normally split a lunch, but today we were both quite hungry. After lunch we'll explore the castle more extensively.
I can't begin to recount all that has happened at Edinburgh Castle. We toured the Royal Apartments.
An interesting display of Royal Keys to Edinburgh Castle!
While touring we also were able to view the Scottish Crown Jewels. Of course, no photography is allowed.
Edinburgh Castle will always have a special place in our memory.
Many shops in the area carry all things Scottish!
Riding back "home" was lovely.
Our first time in Scotland was exciting and we'll return soon. ♥
Make sure you have comfortable shoes on, because we are walking up....
And up...
And up....Stopping to take photos, we can take a breath!
A castle built on this rock was a very good idea! Protection on all sides certainly would hopefully keep you safe from harm. Can you imagine that a royal castle has been here since the 12th century to 1633? Since the 17th century it has been used as military barracks. Scotland's history is all tied to the castle--The Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century to the Jacobite rising in 1745. It is believed that Edinburgh Castle is the most attacked site in all of Great Britain. Because of it's storied history, it is the most visited site in all of Scotland. We can attest to that fact as it was quite popular on the day of our visit.
I couldn't help but take a photo of one of the many gentlemen proudly wearing the clan tartan.
 |
| Portcullis Gate |
We enjoyed an easy entry as we bought the Three Day Scotland Explorer Pass before leaving the US.
The views from the top are amazing!
 |
| Scottish National War Memorial |
Like most castles, Edinburgh Castle is a city within itself.
The Royal Palace clock tower in Crown Square, and our stomachs, remind us our breakfast is long gone. There are several places to have lunch, so I hope you will join us for our first taste of Scotland.
Yes, I think we'll enjoy this spot!
I ordered the Rosemary Chicken Ciabatta sandwich. It was delicious!
Grayden had the Eggs Benedict. He said it was great!
Grayden and I normally split a lunch, but today we were both quite hungry. After lunch we'll explore the castle more extensively.
I can't begin to recount all that has happened at Edinburgh Castle. We toured the Royal Apartments.
 |
| The Great Hall |
An interesting display of Royal Keys to Edinburgh Castle!
While touring we also were able to view the Scottish Crown Jewels. Of course, no photography is allowed.
Edinburgh Castle will always have a special place in our memory.
Many shops in the area carry all things Scottish!
Riding back "home" was lovely.
Our first time in Scotland was exciting and we'll return soon. ♥
Visiting Scotland is something I think I would enjoy. I’d not enjoy the very touristy areas as well as some quiet scenery and I’d want to visit Castle Stalker. Your luncheon looked most delicious.
ReplyDeleteVee, Grayden and I don't enjoy the touristy areas either. In fact, Edinburgh Castle is possibly the most touristy site we have visited in Great Britain. Castle Stalker would definitely fit the quiet scenery demand! ♥
DeleteWhat a beautiful country. Castles amaze me and always have. Maybe one day I will see Scotland. Eggs Benedict are one of my very favorite brunch dishes.
ReplyDeleteBetsy, I hope you will have the opportunity to go to Scotland. It's beautiful. ♥
DeleteThe beauty of Edinburg castle is breathtaking..
ReplyDeleteKrishna, you are right. The views from the top are breathtaking as is this beautiful fortress. ♥
DeleteYou did all that in one day?! You certainly had wonderful weather for it.
ReplyDeleteOh yes Cathy, we did visit Edinburgh Castle in one glorious day! ♥
DeleteNice visit to Edinburgh. We were there years ago when we lived England while we served with USAF. I enjoyed the photos you took. So pretty indeed! A good trip down memory lane. Enjoy your time in the UK. I hopped over from Teresa K blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you visited today, Becky. We took this trip, celebrating our 50th anniversary last fall. We were traveling over a six week period so I'm writing as time permits about our celebration in Britain. I'm so glad it recalled memories of your service in the US Air Force in the UK. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! ♥
DeleteI would say that going to Scotland was a side trip well worth taking! Such beautiful countryside along the way. I was looking for sheep in your photos. My mom and her sisters visited England and Scotland many years ago. They had made several purchases including some kilts. As they rode back to England, one of my aunts waved at the sheep and said, "Thank you for the kilts!" (My mom has told that story many times!) :)
ReplyDeleteEdinburgh castle is quite a commanding presence up on the Castle Rock! And no wonder you were hungry after walking all the way up there. (Your lunch looks delicious!) I imagine that you keenly feel the history as you tour these amazing sites.
Cheryl, your aunt's comment on the sheep is so funny! It's very similar to the one our daughter makes when she sees sheep---"wool for making sweaters!" She's a knitter and sees the potential.
DeleteWe are so happy we decided to take the time to travel a little further north and visit Scotland. You are so right that history comes more into focus touring these iconic places. ♥
Amazing place to visit. Yummy food, good shopping...:)
ReplyDeleteYes, it was an amazing place. Thank you for stopping by. ♥
DeleteI adore Scotland. For me, the further north you go the better I like it, out into the highlands, and even to the islands! You could take a lifetime of holidays just to explore this magical country north of the border.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly managed to get a lot into your day! Looking forward to seeing more of Bonnie Scotland!
~~~Waving~~~from Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
Deb, when we planned our trip, we felt Scotland tugging at us to visit. The parts we visited were so lovely and peaceful. It would be grand to have all the time in the world to visit the Hebrides one day! I do enjoy visiting by way of mamasmercantile blog.
DeleteI hope your day is full of joy and singing! xoxo ♥
Martha it looks like you had a wonderful weather for such a great and iconic tour. Hope the midges weren't biting? Delicious looking lunch, hope it tasted as good as it looked.
ReplyDeleteThe midges were no where in sight! By your comment, I suspect they are normally a problem. On our trips to Britain we have never encountered them. Thank goodness! Oh yes, both of our lunches were delicious! Have a great day. ♥
DeleteLovely post, Martha Ellen! I would love to visit Scotland. It always seems so much farther to travel. Were you glad you traveled there by car or might you consider train travel another time? Sounds to me like you easily burned off those lunch calories. Lol
ReplyDeleteJudy, when we planned our trip to Edinburgh we thought a train would be the way to go. We found it would take a while to get up there and use most of our day due to the timing of the train. The car ride was very easy and quite pleasant. (Of course, Grayden was driving). We left early from our "home" and enjoyed a full day. ♥
DeleteThat was wonderful! Oh how I love castles and history. Did you try the Cock a leekie soup, as stated on the menu? Yumm, I am hungry for those eggs benedict. Great photos, Martha!
ReplyDeleteJeri, I didn't have the Cock a leekie soup in Edinburgh, but I did in another castle in Scotland. It was delicious! I may have a photo to post about it later. The soups in Britain are quite tasty! ♥
DeleteWhat travels you have enjoyed ...
ReplyDeleteA wonderful trip into Scotland and Edinburgh, it's always lovely to see your photographs, and I like the history you share too.
Those Eggs Benedict looked delicious.
All the best Jan
Jan, as I'm sharing our photos, I have to remind myself of how very blessed we were to take this amazing trip!
DeleteGrayden really enjoyed the Eggs Benedict. They are one of his favorites. Have a lovely week. ♥
Wonderful tour! Thank you! I wonder if you will take a trip just to Scotland next!
ReplyDeleteThank you for coming along with us, Dotsie. A trip just to Scotland would really be special. No plans, but I like the way you think. Have a nice weekend. ♥
DeleteOh wow- again I am so happy you are sharing these tours you took. I know I'd enjoy seeing these castles- especially this one. I think I would have found myself buying several of the tartan scarves for gifts! I would have a tough time driving on the wrong side! You two sure had a good time!
ReplyDeleteLiz, Edinburgh Castle is quite huge! I think we could have spent days just looking around at all the history. I would love to go back one day and view the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. It only takes place in August, so we just missed it! ♥
DeleteScotland looks absolutely beautiful! I would love to visit one day. Your photos are amazing!♥
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting, Danielle. Scotland is as lovely as my dreams hoped it would be. ♥
DeleteWhat a fabulous place to visit! I hope you got a nice tartan scarf. Just imagine the history that has transpired in those stone walls. Thank you for sharing it with us. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteTeresa, I looked for my maiden name tartan and did not have any luck. Name spelling took twists and turns through the years. Thank you for coming along with us to Edinburgh Castle. ♥
DeleteYour post hit home for me, Martha Ellen, as my children are part Scottish on their father's side. Such a wonderful heritage. Your trip sounds amazing. The Eggs Benedict reminds me of Nel, who loves that breakfast dish. The Scottish tartans are delightful with much history, and I always smile when I see them being worn. : )
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us along, Martha Ellen. You have traveled to some exciting places.
~Sheri
Sheri, Scotland is in my blood as well. I feel so much at home in Britain. It's kind of amazing that feeling you get when you know that you are in a place you belong.
DeleteSharing our trip makes me realize just how exciting our trip truly was. Thank you for being here, my friend. ♥
So exciting to see your photos of Edinburgh Castle, I was there last September and fully enjoyed the history of the castle and the wonderful views over the city. Now the Scottish highlands are still on my wishlist to visit, who knows....
ReplyDeleteRegards from Holland,
Janneke
Janneke, we were there in September as well! I wonder if we visited on the same day? The Highlands would be a wonderful trip, wouldn't it?
DeleteHave a great week. ♥
One of my very dear friends is from Scotland, and I cannot wait to visit her home someday! This post is so wonderful. xx
ReplyDeleteMadison | Breakfast at Madison’s
Madison, that would be so fun to visit your friend in Scotland. I'm sure you would be treated to the insider spots of Scotland. Thank you for stopping by today! ♥
DeleteSimply enchanting, Martha Ellen! I loved tagging along as you toured this wonderful castle. Your climb up to the castle brought back lovely memories of our hikes up to German castles along the Rhine. Stopping to take photos was always the perfect way to catch our breath, too! The tartan scarves are magnificent! It would be so hard to chose a favorite one. I can hear your joy as you share each place you and Grayden visited on this amazing Golden adventure! It must feel like a fairy tale to both of you. Can't wait to see more...
ReplyDeleteHappy May, sweet friend!��
Dawn, thank you for sharing in our joyous Golden trip to Britain. Visiting Scotland was really quite exciting for us! Edinburgh Castle and the surrounds will always be imprinted on our hearts. I'm glad you have such lovely memories of the beautiful castles in Germany! They certainly are quite fairy tale like! Grayden and I were so blessed to be able to take this trip together to celebrate our anniversary. Sending hugs to you, my friend. ♥
DeleteLooks like a wonderful trip and good eats. I so want to have an afternoon tea soon.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my little corner today! I hope an afternoon tea is in your future soon! ♥
DeleteI enjoyed this visit to Edinburgh Castle! That looked like an adventurous climb but well worth it. So much history there! Tea and lunch looked delicious and I love all the plaid scarves that were for sale.
ReplyDeleteEdinburgh Castle has left an imprint on our hearts, Pat. The climb was so worth the visit! ♥
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