Scotland - Day Twenty Two

Day 22 - another walking day basically.

Before we left Aberdeen we headed to Footdee beach and what a delight it was. There were people swimming, which is never going to be me, but I have to admit, it actually looked inviting. Clearly I’m losing it. There were food trucks and saunas and a small amusement park that was so unexpected abutting the city of Aberdeen, that I thought it was great. I wish we had more time here, there is so much we haven’t seen and it would be good to have a few days just relaxing and soaking it in. But no, onwards …

We left Aberdeen and headed to our first stop, Stonehaven. For the walk to Dunnotar Castle. The Favourite Husband declared (somewhat boldly) that “we’ll never find a park” and in fairness the town seemed incredibly busy. But we followed Miss Leading to the free car park behind the Tollbooth Museum and there was plenty of parking. We walked round the harbour and followed the obvious signs (even for me) to the castle. The wind was blowing a hoolie, whipping up a dance off between my hat and my hair. Not sure who won, but we’ll go with hair as it was persistently in my eyes or mouth. I’ve started wearing my sunglasses regardless of the level of brightness, in an attempt to protect my eyes from wind, hair and debris. I’ve not started wearing them indoors yet. But if I do and I start demanding all legal documents use my first name only, then you are allowed to slap me.

Dunnotar Castle is fiercely knocking up against Castle Sinclair for my top spot now. It was brilliant. There’s a lot to explore and the walk towards it is exciting and mysterious. Or maybe I was still a bit dusty from my 47 gins last night. There weren’t too many people, and with the wicked wind it was very atmospheric. I particularly liked the “Countess Suites.” As we know, the amount of castles and a palace that I’ve now visited, I’m practically royalty. And the Countess Suites included their own library, which is my current project for when I get home. I suggested I get my own suite to the Favourite Husband to which he responded “whatever you want my love, if only we had the room.” So, he’s definitely keen.

The walk to the castle is a little bit of a hike, and there are steps down and as we know, what goes down must come up. I thought the Favourite Husband was hallucinating on the way back up.

“Puffin.” He said.

“Where?” I asked.

“Puffin” he replied.

“What me?” I wondered, was he trying to instigate a pet name?

“I’m bloody puffing.” He yelled. Between breaths. No need to shout.

I wish we had more time in Stonehaven, if anyone does I’d love to know what they discovered.

From Stonehaven we headed off for one of our walks/hikes/tramps (depending where you’re from.) I was beyond excited for this walk, and I wasn’t disappointed.

It was off the beaten track to Edzell and the blue door walk. Or the stones of solitude. Spectacular. There’s a small laybuy just before the bridge over the river where we were lucky enough to park. And then you simply go through the blue door. Into what I can only describe as a magical kingdom. It’s like Narnia meets the Secret Garden and collides en-route with the fairy grotto. It’s so quiet and we had a deep carpet of golden leaves. It was still and splendid. The Autumn colours are absolutely glorious. More than that, we managed to see the salmon “a leaping” (like lords, but leg less.) It was one of those watch in awe, put the lens down moments. I realise how many times on this trip I’m smiling and laughing out loud and saying words like “wow!” and “amazing.” Which in any other situation would be completely unacceptable. But somehow here it’s joyful and therefore appropriate. It’s like seeing the world after it’s been through a particularly vigorous washing cycle, and everything is new and shiny. It’s bringing me so much happiness and I’m not ashamed to admit it. We even saw a red squirrel, which even delighted the Favourite Husband. It was one of those, don’t talk to it, don’t look at it, don’t make eye contact, or it will disappear. The walk is not hard, but it is about an hour and a half. If you’re short on time I’d suggest you turn back after the old bridge and the jumping salmon. The walk will remain with me as one of the absolute highlights of our trip, I am in danger of overusing the same word, but it is magical, no other word will do.

And then it was on to Dundee where we’d totally earned dinner and drinks.

Such a great day. I never want this trip to end.