Day Trips & overnights from Edinbrugh
Aug 29th, 2006, 02:59 PM
#21
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Stirling and Edinburgh both have castles but there the similarities end. In the old days Stirling was the only place it was possible to cross the River Forth without a boat - downstream it was too wide and upstream there were miles of treacherous marsh and quicksands. This gave it a huge strategic importance and is one of the reasons why so many defining events in Scottish history took place here. Definitely worth a day trip from edinburgh, by organised tour, hire car or train.
You don't need to go too far north of Stirling to see the heather in all its glory. Autumn is the time to see it. Unfortunately most of the heather you see is not completely natural but is encouraged as food for young grouse which are then shot in the autumn - if you decide to take a wander through the heather be prepared to duck!
If you hire a car you can easily visit not only St Andrews but also some of the other villages in the East Neuk of Fife. If you're lucky enough to get good weather go to Elie / Earlsferry and climb the wee hill behind the golf course overlooking the bay. You'll know why the Kingdom of Fife has been called a beggar's mantle fringed with gold.
Whatever you do, enjoy and come back.
You don't need to go too far north of Stirling to see the heather in all its glory. Autumn is the time to see it. Unfortunately most of the heather you see is not completely natural but is encouraged as food for young grouse which are then shot in the autumn - if you decide to take a wander through the heather be prepared to duck!
If you hire a car you can easily visit not only St Andrews but also some of the other villages in the East Neuk of Fife. If you're lucky enough to get good weather go to Elie / Earlsferry and climb the wee hill behind the golf course overlooking the bay. You'll know why the Kingdom of Fife has been called a beggar's mantle fringed with gold.
Whatever you do, enjoy and come back.
Aug 29th, 2006, 05:54 PM
#22
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I've always thought that the castles of Stirling and Edinburgh are similar, even if the cities are very different. I almost prefer Stirling's castle, however.
Stirling is a nice town, and has some interesting things to see (I have spent 5.5 weeks there), but I think I'd vote for Pitlochry. Go for an overnight. Your daughter will see LOTS in Edinburgh during her school year. She will also be able to hop a train for a quick visit to Stirling (on our most recent visit my girls went there from Glasgow for an afternoon). But Pitlochry is farther and will have things for you both to enjoy. The Edradour distillery is charming. There's a nice walk on the edge of town that goes along a stream and you can cross the dam and visit a fish ladder. I'd go to Blair Castle also - much more of a grand country house than the fortified castles at Stirling and Edinburgh. We've eaten at the Old Armoury restaurant in Pitlochry twice and enjoyed our meal very much. A bit off the beaten tourist track. http://www.theoldarmouryrestaurant.com/
Stirling is a nice town, and has some interesting things to see (I have spent 5.5 weeks there), but I think I'd vote for Pitlochry. Go for an overnight. Your daughter will see LOTS in Edinburgh during her school year. She will also be able to hop a train for a quick visit to Stirling (on our most recent visit my girls went there from Glasgow for an afternoon). But Pitlochry is farther and will have things for you both to enjoy. The Edradour distillery is charming. There's a nice walk on the edge of town that goes along a stream and you can cross the dam and visit a fish ladder. I'd go to Blair Castle also - much more of a grand country house than the fortified castles at Stirling and Edinburgh. We've eaten at the Old Armoury restaurant in Pitlochry twice and enjoyed our meal very much. A bit off the beaten tourist track. http://www.theoldarmouryrestaurant.com/
