Stirling and Leigh

It was a sunny day today and I thought of paying a visit to Stirling. Hence I took a train ride to Stirling (return tickets £13.80) , which is almost an hour's ride north of Edinburgh. 

My virgin train right in UK was usual; trains in UK are efficient and clean. Upon arriving Stirling it was merely 830 am, and the castle only opens at 930am! 

Hence I took a long stroll in this little medieval town, heading for Gowan's Hill and its Beheading Stone. Walking on the cobbled paths of this little town, I finally reached the edge of town and the starting of the path leading to Gowan's Hill. 

Since I planned to conquer Arthur's Seat, I took this hike as a warming up practice, still honestly it wasn't that tough. I was constantly startled by hares hopping in and out of bushes; lucky there aren't anymore predatory animals in UK except for foxes. Finally I arrived up Gowan's Hill, and was stunned by the awesome view of Stirling. The Beheading Stone is just a rock locked in a cage on top of the mountain; I could vaguely remember its story but I guess some person if great significance was beheaded there I suppose.

It was alias 9.10 am by then and I hurried back towards Stirling Castle using the back path. I was somehow worried that I might get lost as the road seemed to be leading to nowhere! On my way back I was waylaid by this Scottish lady asking me the directions to Edinburgh. Perplexed was I as who in her sound mind would want to ask for directions from a guy carrying a ruff sack on his back, wearing shades and carrying a camera in his hands? Obviously I was a tourist too! I shrugged my shoulders and told her I was lost too and this mental lady sped away! I thought she would want to offer me a ride! 

Navigating through the public footpaths I somehow ended at the foot of Stirling Castle's but the main entrance was not to be seen! And between me and Stirling Castle was this eerie looking forest trail which left me no choice but to attempt it. And there was no one else in sight! 

I eventually made my way through the woods and exited via a small path beside the kirkyard. And I was never so happy to see other fellow human beings in my life! I followed the crowd and scurried towards the main entrance of Stirling castle, and it's £14 pounds entrance fees! 

Legends say that whoever holds Stirling Castle controls the entire Scotland, hence this fortress has always been besieged again and again throughout the years. The castle itself was lovely and very informative; I particularly liked the great hall which could fit a ship inside! Apparently someone king had made a sea food buffet party in this hall by having a ship in it with tons of seafood being served from the ship in the hall! The kitchens were very lovely and they have recipes for medieval dishes too! 

Having spent almost an hour I left Stirling castle and headed back to town, stopping by at the Church of St Rue for a peak. After that it was goodbye to Stirling as I boarded the train back to Edinburgh. 

My next destination was HMS Britannia, a royal yacht once belonged to Queen E and now opened for public viewing after its decommission. The bus ride was horrendous as I almost had motion illness in this 20 minutes bus ride! Yet, upon arriving Leigh I was consoled by the sea breeze and the sight of the North Sea. 

The tickets to visit Britannia was rather costly, around £16 but it was worth it! I got to visit the royal yacht itself and take as many photos as I like in there! Man, these British royalties do know how to enjoy life! 

By 4pm the sky was gloomy and rain was imminent, hence I bid farewell to this gargantuan yacht and headed for my hostel. The next 2 days would be gloomy too as my exams were on the day after. I have this feeling that the Scottish sky was mourning for me too!