Category: Travel – UK

Kevin and I woke up around 6am to lots of mist on the hills. We had a call from Dad at 8am to say that Amy had been vomitting during the night and was still asleep. So we had a lazy morning – playing on the computer and Christy started watching a DVD. Eventually they turned up around 10am but Amy was still sick and promptly fell asleep on our bed. But at least the vomitting had stopped. When the rain stopped for a bit we got out for a walk around the campsite and Christy played at the park.

While Amy was still sleeping Kevin, Christy and I went to the shops to buy an extra suitcase for Kevin to take home. We also picked up some salads for lunch.

Amy was feeling somewhat better on our return but not 100%. Poor thing – she looked a fright :-).

We had some salads for lunch (I forgot to take a photo) and then Poppy and Christy went to the movies to see Shrek in 3D. I used the free time to tidy up the van a bit and wash all our towels. Amy slept a bit more but when she awoke felt well enough to go the Old Town Jail. So when we picked up Poppy & Christy from the movie (which they both really enjoyed) we went straight to the jail and arrived just before last entrance at 4pm.

This also meant we were just in time to take the last tour of the day. This was really great – two actors playing out the various characters who made up the goals past – from the hangman, to the warder to the convict.

Kevin and Christy tried out the exercise yard..

and we got a great view from the top viewing area.

Christy bought some pink handcuffs…

and posed for her mug shot :-).

We left just a few minutes before closing time very glad we’d been able to fit this in.

Tonights dinner was pies and some of the rice salad we had a lunch heated up. My veggie pie was delicious and I’m glad we’ve got more to have another night.

Amy decided to go back with Poppy aswas looking forward to another bath in the hotel (and we’re very glad she was there last night to be sick and not in the van). Later we sampled some IRN BRU (Scotland’s 2nd most popular soft drink). I don’t like soft drinks but this was okay – I thought it tasted like creaming soda.

Christy then showered and we realized the grey water tank was full so we moved the motorhome so we could empty it. Christy watched some more of her show and I typed up todays post.

For the first time on holidays we woke to a wet, rainy and cold day.

We had an easy morning (Christy got a much needed sleep in) and Dad & Amy arrived back just after 8.30am. We had a cup of tea and comtemplated todays plans. We decided with the rain expecting to ease to go do our grocery shop and hope it would ease up. We drove to a nearby Tesco and did shop which included 5-6 dinners – so that will keep us going for a while. We then drove back to the motorhome and unpacked before heading out to the Wallace Monument.

We caught the bus up the hill (much easier than last time when we walked!!! ) to try and avoid the rain…

and arrived just in time to hear a talk all about William Wallace and the battles fought in the area. The guy was great and we enjoyed this, in spite of it being rainy and cold.

We then started to walk up inside the monument. I wasn’t really sure about the enclosed staircase but there light coming through so I made it the first part. This is where Wallace’s sword is (and as far as I got the last time).

Kevin was keen for me to go up further so I gave it go and it was fine because there was light and fresh air coming in. So we all made ALL the way to the top – up over 200 steps. It was well worth the effort as the view was incredible – even on a day like today. But boy was it cold and windy.

We headed back down the staircase – there is really only room for one so passing is very difficult. But going down was a lot easier than going up :-).We then walked back down the hill and went to have lunch at the cafe. We all had toasted sandwiches.

Then we drove over to Stirling Castle.

We arrived just in time to catch a tour that had just started. This was great (once Christy got over her annoyance that we didn’t do an audio tour). The guide was really great – one of the best we’ve had – and it was very informative.

After our tour we explored a little more on our own and headed back to the motorhome around 4pm. We had some afternoon tea and Christy went off to play at the park. Amy made up this awesome platter for us to share.

We spent the rest of afternoon chatting and I got some more washing done (most of it done by Kevin !!). We had dinner about 6.30pm. My prepacked mac ‘n’ cheese was really GOOD! I’d say almost better than what I make at home :-).

Dad & Amy left around 7.30pm and we settled in the for night. It had started to rain steadily again but we were so pleased to have missed the rain this afternoon

We had a bit of a slower paced morning, which began with Yorkshire tea and butter cookies.

In spite of a forecast of rain we woke up to beautiful blue skies.

We were going to go on a short nature walk but it was rather muddly and wet so decided not to both. We visited to caravan park hoping to buy some fresh bread but it hadn’t been delivered yet.

So Amy and I had a wrap to eat in the van. Kevin & Christy had already eaten. Shortly after Christy fell asleep.

After leaving the Lake District behind we entered the different countryside of Hadrian’s Wall.

Evenutally we arrive at Vindolanda.

I wasn’t really sure what to expect here but it was really fascinating. We were able to talk to real archeologists – there were so many working away on the site. It’s not expected that they’ll be finished with the excavations here for another 200 years!!!

It’s also where they found many old Roman tablets – which are no considered to be Britain’s greatest treasure.

Look closely and you can just see Christy at the top left hand side…

After going through the museum we stopped for morning tea and then headed back to the van. We could have spent more time here but were hoping to arrive in Stirling at 4pm to meet up with my Dad. Next we drove to the Roman Army Museum – which is a joint project. We watched a short film about Hadrian’s wall and saw more artifacts. It was not what I was expecting so I’m glad we went to Vindolanda first.

We drove on to and into Scotland.

Stopping shortly afterwards at the Old Blacksmith in Gretna Green.

First up was some lunch..

We then went through the museum where we learnt all about  why people came here from England to get married.

We couldn’t believe how quickly the landscaped had changed when we drove in Scotland.

and we had a good laugh at the excessive use of traffic cones… some were even touching they were so close.

Just after 4pm we finally made it to Witches Craig Caravan Park where we’ll be staying for the next 3 nights.

I made up a cheese platter (using our Wensleydale cheeses) and we waited for my Dad to arrive. He arrived in Scotland 5 days ago and has been visiting relatives (he was born in Scotland) and doing some sightseeing around Glasgow.

Not too bad a spot to sit and relax is it?

Finally Dad arrived just on 5pm. The girls and I were very excited to see him. But it will be strange not having my Mum as well (she doesn’t like to fly so a 24 hour flight is out of the question). HI MUM!!! WE MISS YOU!

We chatted and caught up with one anothers adventures over the cheese platter. And around 7pm headed out in search of dinner. This turned into a bit of an ordeal but eventually we found a Little Chef. It was way on the other side of Stirling but it was quick and the food was good.

Like last time I had the tomato soup. Kevin joined me tonight.

Another ordeal getting home with road works and getting slightly lost on the back streets. We got the Wallace Monument that we are visiting tomorrow up close.

Eventually we made it back and Amy packed her stuff as she is sharing Poppy’s hotel room tonight. Christy and Kevin headed to bed and I typed up todays post.