A traditional start to the day with a full Scottish breakfast (including a Pan loaf), which again was fantastic. I chatted with the host and found out there are lots of people walking the Highland Way! I put that hike on my list for sure! Having reviewed the weather, I decided to head for Stirling, one of my family’s ancestral homes. The weather was closing in with large rain showers moving in from the west. The first part of the drive finished the NC500. I returned to Inverness, which seemed a long time since I was last there—in fact, it was only five days.
From there, I worked my way down the A9 and stopped at the Dalwhinnie whisky distillery. I did not sample any as it was closed at my time of arrival!!
From there, I proceeded down to Stirling. After parking up for the afternoon, I strolled around the impressive town and made my way to the castle. Perched high on an intrusive volcanic crag, Stirling Castle commands the landscape and played a pivotal role in Scottish history, serving as the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the site of numerous fierce battles for independence.
Next stop was the Wallace Monument, which is perched on a hill across the valley from the castle. Standing nearly 220 feet tall, this striking Victorian tower honors Sir William Wallace and proudly overlooks the Abbey Craig—the very spot where Wallace famously watched the gathering English army before the historic Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.
I spent the night at a hotel on the university campus, which is a very impressive campus. Set around the stunning Airthrey Loch beneath the Ochil Hills, the University of Stirling campus is regularly voted one of the most scenic in the UK, blending modern architecture with rich historical parkland.
Today was overall a lot quieter than the epic of yesterday. The NC500 is now behind me and, as I reflect on the journey around Northern Scotland, it is one that simply must be done if possible. It takes you through all sorts of emotions, all sorts of scenery, and exhilarating experiences. Tomorrow I head south and return home.
LC
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