North to Scotland

Onwards to Scotland by way of the Lake District . . .

Had a couple of days in my old stomping ground of Keswick - arrived in beautiful sunshine, and had a good wander round the town and down to Friar's Crag.  Did find that the place had gotten even more touristy - when I first worked there it was a proper town, now it's all cafes, and kit / gift shops.

At least Buttermere hadn't changed that much - had a glorious day walking round the lake, and sitting in the sun outside The Fish.

From there it was on up to Scotland - first stop Kirkcudbright where we spent a couple of nights - nice enough little town, good fish and chips, and some interesting characters in the local pub.

Was particularly taken by their war memorial - can just imagine their chap cuddling up with the similarly unclothed lady that graces the Aberystwyth memorial!

From Kircudbright had trips out to Logan Botanic Gardens (well worth a visit), and the nearby Logan Fish Pool (charming but a tad expensive).

Finished our day out with a walk along Luce Bay in the sunshine (fantastic expanse of beach, although the peace was shattered occasionally by the MoD blowing things up somewhere inland!).

Further north then to Ayr, stopping at Culzean Castle (National Trust for Scotland, and the main reason for our trip, since we'd visited briefly years ago and had always promised ourselves a return visit).

Had a lovely day walking the grounds, gardens, and beach - the sun even came out and it turned into a really nice day.

Returned the next day (in the rain) to go round the Castle interior - and then when the weather cleared up more of the grounds.



On the way back to Ayr tried out the 'Electric Brae' (one of those optical illusion roads where cars appear to roll uphill), and called in at the ruins of Dunure Castle.

Didn't see that much of Ayr itself mind you - seemed ok - found a nice bar, and an excellent curry house! 

Headed back south after that - called in at Grasmere (which out-touristed Keswick by a country mile), before settling in for a couple of nights in Kendal.  Met up with some old friends, walking the limestone pavement at Holme Park Fell, having a burger by Kirby Lonsdales' Devil's Bridge, and visiting 'Sheepfest' in Sedbergh.















All in all, a lovely break - time to go home now . . .