Europe 2023 August 19th Day 16 - Castle , Gardens and Outlander

This morning we were up and about a little later than usual so after a bit of breakfast we headed off with Isabel in the Italian stallion to a small town called Linlithgow. Here was the ruins of the ancient Linlithgow Palace occupied by Mary Queen of Scots born here in 1542 and King James V. Spent quite a bit of time walking around and through this ancient ruin that was a well preserved carcass is my best description. Loved the underground kitchen and wine cellar, that were later used as cells for a period. A very interesting visit. We then walked through the town and of course the ladies were ravenous so stopped for coffee and apparently the best chocolate cake. 

From here we headed to a garden, art installation property called Jupiter's Artland. Took a couple of hours walking the many acres of forest and pasture land with art installations dotted throughout. A rather unique experience and one worth visiting. Much more enjoyed than the Lost gardens of Heligen personally. It was an extremely windy day with the odd shower and we were continually looking upwards to make sure no trees or limbs were going to fall on us.

Next stop for the day was Cluross, another ancient town, well noted for being the basis for filming of Outlander and of course the famous Saint Mungo, now one of the finest beers of Scotland. Cobblestoned narrow and steep streets with picturesque whitewashed buildings it was certainly a beautiful place to visit. Stopped for a late lunch at a little cafe which due to heavy demand had run out of the soup of the day, bacon for a BLT or bacon butty and a couple of other items so settled on a cheddar cheese sandwich with leaf and relish. Bloody hell, half a loaf of bread, half kilo of cheese , lettuce and brilliant relish, what a sandwich; no need to eat for a week.

We then waddled dutifully back to the car and made our way back to Larbert over the Kincardine swing bridge before trying to find a Tesco to grab something for dinner. An effort in itself that landed us god knows where and a couple of pizzas later we were back at our apartment ready for a feets up and relax. Not a late night to be ready for another day.