Dic 07 2010 Scotland: Tour of the wildest castles

• St Andrews

  https://www.viajesalpasado.com/wp-content/uploads/St-Andrews.jpg

  The traveler includes a rock that comes from the same sea guts. On top of that mass of stone castle holds a, Dunnottar, demolished and

• Dunnotar Castle

  https://www.viajesalpasado.com/wp-content/uploads/Dunnotar-Castle.jpg

  The traveler includes a rock that comes from the same sea guts. On top of that mass of stone castle holds a, Dunnottar, demolished and

• Eilean Donan Castle

  https://www.viajesalpasado.com/wp-content/uploads/Eilean-Donan-Castle.jpg

  The traveler includes a rock that comes from the same sea guts. On top of that mass of stone castle holds a, Dunnottar, demolished and

• Blair Castle

  https://www.viajesalpasado.com/wp-content/uploads/Stirling.jpg

  The traveler includes a rock that comes from the same sea guts. On top of that mass of stone castle holds a, Dunnottar, demolished and

• Urquhart

  https://www.viajesalpasado.com/wp-content/uploads/Urquhart.jpg

  The traveler includes a rock that comes from the same sea guts. On top of that mass of stone castle holds a, Dunnottar, demolished and

• Dunnottar

  https://www.viajesalpasado.com/wp-content/uploads/escocia.jpg

  The traveler includes a rock that comes from the same sea guts. On top of that mass of stone castle holds a, Dunnottar, demolished and

[tab:Travel]

The route of castles and fascinating natural areas that offer begins in Edinburgh (city, who with his close and enigmatic Rosslyn Chapel, will own report in this journal). Scotland does not disappoint; is as film and literature has taught us: stories of riots and battles that have left a landscape scattered with rocks and past.

After several days in the capital, rented a car and headed to A-90, after crossing the bridge at Port Edgar, and had there the A-921. We drove along a country road that leaves to the right small fishing villages of great charm and Pittenweem or Anstruther (worth stopping at any of them). At the end of path, after turn onto the A-915, is our first stop: St Andrews. Experts believe that words are unnecessary golf, field there is the most famous sport; for history buffs, find the remains of the old cathedral, was the largest in Scotland, dating from 1160. Next to it are scattered the stones of an old cemetery. Its origins date back to 742, were taken when the relics of St. Andrew (one of the twelve apostles and patron of Scotland). The flames, the severe storms and sixteenth-century Protestant revolt eventually demolish most of its walls. But, its appearance is still awesome.

A huge rock, that comes from the guts of the ocean, hang some impressive ruins raised in 1392 por Sir William Keith, Grand Marshal of Scotland. The sea hardens his message,

After the meal, the traveler resumes the path and take the A-92, taking you to Stonehaven. At six in the evening the town is calm. The traveler has heard of a magical place, elected: el castillo de Dunnottar. Question in the only tavern in the port and tell a small dirt path that goes right (overlooking the sea). After more than two miles of walking among green fields and cliffs appears to him a distant image, indecipherable. A huge rock, that comes from the guts of the ocean, hang some impressive ruins raised in 1392 por Sir William Keith, Grand Marshal of Scotland. The sea hardens his message, the voices of thousands of birds revoletean between the steep rocks surrounding the, in times, impregnable fortress; dozens of rabbits go in and out of their burrows. Have to go near to see that there is a narrow dirt road that connects the rock with the mainland. It seems impossible that a set never want to stop looking.

The Honours of Scotland

Dunnottar Castle was conceived as a lookout sea. From there they controlled the sea routes that sailed to the north of Scotland. Among its walls now worn a small garrison stood up for eight months the troops of Oliver Cromwell English almighty leader, in the seventeenth century, safeguarded while the hidden there Scottish Crown Jewels: The Honours of Scotland. Legend has it that two women risked their lives to get them out of the castle and make them safe from the heavy siege. Years later, in 1685, were executed at Fort 125 men and 42 women after the rebellion of the Duke of Monmouth. And 1718, the castle was dismantled. Three years earlier, in 1715, Marshal of Scotland, owner of the premises, was convicted of treason for supporting the Jacobite movement. All its properties were seized.

The next day, the traveler picks up the A-90 to Aberdeen and there the A-96. The purpose is to know the beaches of northern Scotland. Along the way it is worth stopping at Elgin and see the skeleton of the cathedral. Then, Inverness have to cross and go where the Highlands are more sparsely populated. The vast sandy Dornoch, where water and wind beat against themselves, offers a beautiful picture of the churning sea Scottish. After a morning in front of the raging waters of the north, the next destination is the Loch Ness (around the sur, through A-82). There, advancing along the road to the water. Are constant references to the monster in tourist demand, on t, cups. The landscape is fascinating, violent nature in water and rest. Green as far as the eye. Overnight in Drumnadrochit, in the heart of the lake. 
 The route continues through the morning following the A-82, dirección Fort Williams. Midway are the ruins of the castle of "Urquhart". You caught al Ness. Again a postcard idyllic stone, water and mountain. It was built in the sixth century and has witnessed the eventful history of the country. It was taken in 1296 by Edward I of England and retaken several times by the troops of both countries. Like other fortresses were destroyed by the British in the late seventeenth century that were not captured by the Jacobites. Spectacular.

The capture of the Spanish

The traveler then decides to aim at what is perhaps the most famous and photographed strength of Scotland. After deviation, first to A-887 and then to the A-87, direction of the Isle of Skye, located on the shore of Loch Duich the "Eilean Donan Castle". It comes out in movies like Braveheart and the Immortals or is a symbol of the country. It was built in 1220 by Alexander II to defend against the constant attacks of the Vikings. Here Robert Bruce took refuge when he fled from the English invasion of Edward I. The weight of Spain is strong in this fortress. Their destruction is due to take that into 1719 staged 46 Spanish soldiers, who supported the Jacobite cause against British rule, and awaited the arrival of artillery and reinforcements. After just over a month of occupation, three British frigates bombarded the castle, without being able to pay their defenses. Finally, the British launched a strong attack that managed to take the square. Again, the traveler is struck by a postcard that looks like a decorated. Magical place that needs to be viewed and understood in detail. Take a beer bar in the store is across the stone bridge and let your senses rest there.

A huge rock, that comes from the guts of the ocean, hang some impressive ruins raised in 1392 por Sir William Keith, Grand Marshal of Scotland. The sea hardens his message,

The route now takes us to the unique island of Skye and its fascinating landscapes. Coral Beach not lost (coral island), cercana Dunvegan, or stop taking any of the seafood restaurants in Portree. One day after we went into the Highlands, after taking the A-87 and A-82, and we slept in Fort Williams. Its main attraction is the nearby Glen Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland (rain fell and could not make the trek planned). The next morning, A-86 and A-9 would lead to Stirling. Near Pitlochry, on the road, the traveler visits the charming Blair Castle, which was also besieged by Cromwell and taken by the British after the final Jacobite defeat at the Battle of Culloden (1746). In Stirling we see the most important monument built in honor of Scottish hero William Wallace (there took place the mythical contest in which the Scots led by Wallace defeated the English troops) and strength in the upper part of the city, which boasts one of the few enclaves that survived the British attack in the Jacobite conflict. Finally, turn our steps back to the capital, Edinburgh. In six days, the traveler has traveled much of the country. Without doubt this is a unique, loaded with pictures and past lovers of history travel with. Make this trip, not going to disappoint.

[tab:the way]EasyJet is the company that offer the cheapest flights, but then you have to take into account the additional costs imposed if a baggage is passed. There are a lot of supply, so look online.
About the rental car, the best is to do so at the airport (make the return just before returning), where four companies operate with different prices. We rented from Europcar who offered, at the time, the lowest price.

[tab:a nap]-Stonehaven: Glencairn, Bed and Breakfast (B&B). Between 30 and 50 pounds. Direction: Dunnottar Avenue, Stonehaven AB39 2JD – Such: +44(0)1569 762612.
-Ness Lake: Fiddler’s Restaurant: Good rooms for between 50 and 60 pounds. This is a very recommended, awarded in 2007 and 2008 for its whiskey tasting. Direction: The Village Green, Drumnadrochit. Such: +44 (0) 1456 450678.
-Skye: The Pink Guest House. The magic of this place is that it is in the same fishing port, with magnificent views of the bay. Yes, the rooms are austere, without any luxury (not recommended for those looking for plenty of comfort). It's cheap, although prices vary depending on the room (there are up to five beds). Direction: 1 Quay St. Such: +44 (0) 01478 612 263
-Fort Wiliams: Craig Nevis, Guest House. On the outskirts of the city, the price does not exceed 25 pounds per person. Direction. Beldford Rd. Such: +44 (0) 01397 702023
-Stirling: Linden Guest House. Good rooms for up to five people. Prices from 25 pounds per person. Direction: 22 Linden Avenue. Such: + 44 (0) 01786 448850.

[tab:a table set]- Fiddler’s Restaurant, in Loch Ness: good meat. Strong food discounts. Main courses cost around 13 pounds. Direction: The Village Green, Drumnadrochit. Such: +44 (0) 1456 450678.
-Anstruther Fish Bar, en A struther (circle of St Andrews): a restaurant famous for its fish chip shops. The place is full of charm, near the port, and offers the opportunity to drink wine made by them. He has received several awards and is cheap.
-The three Chimneys, Portree: One of the most famous restaurants in the Isle of Skye. The food is exquisitely prepared and. Seafood and fish quality. The price of a meal can be overcome 60 pounds per person, although menus offer meals 30 pounds per person.

[tab:highly recommended]-View movies and then recognize different scenarios. In the castle of "Dunnotar" were filmed some scenes of Hamlet, con Mel Gibson y Glen Close. But "Eilean Donan Castle" is certainly the more times it has become a set: The Immortals (1986); James Bond, The World Is Not Enough (1999); The last Stuart (1948) or The Lord of Ballantrae (1953) are some of the titles.

-Make a whiskey tasting. There are many small distilleries tasting, even in some accommodation (Recommended for those who just want to experience the feeling of a drink that has nothing to do with the whiskey we had in Spain). Near the castle of "Eilean" is the Cardhu Distillery, a "Knockando, Aberlour, Banffshire”. Your phone to reserve is +44 (0)1340 872 555.

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