Munros and Other Walks

 The October  holidays are here and despite further restrictions on part of the county we were determined to make the most of our week off. The fact is we should have been away visiting relatives this week and as this couldn't happen we still wanted to get out and about. Safety is our No. 1 priority, especially with 4 children travelling with us so we booked ahead and took the short car journey to Blackness.  Castle Location There is only one road in and out of Blackness with the castle itself situated at the tip overlooking the river forth. It has been suggested that before the castle built in the 15th century the place was used as a port for the surrounding towns like Linlithgow. Tickets must be booked online prior to turning up. We were allocated a 90min time slot which was just enough time to get around the castle and visit the toilets etc. Inside the castle it is only the south tower that has a one way system, so it is best to visit that one last. We started off with...

  With lockdown restrictions easing Historic Scotland started opening up select places of interest. Obviously, the most famous example of this is Edinburgh Castle. Bookings for the castle can only be made online for specific time slots. With 4 children with us, we opted for one of the morning slots when it would be quiet.  Not all of the areas inside the castle are open and social distancing still needs to be adhered to. There is also a one way system to stick to once your in the castle, and we even missed a couple of places that were open, we didn't realise until we had walked passed. With all of that in mind it was still refreshing to see something new other than a shop or a play park. The views are still fantastic and it s a good opportunity to take in the city, although it strange to see it so quiet. This place  is a must for anyone, just ensure you book in advance. 

Stirling Castle For a moment there was a break in the weather, the sun emerged for the day and for the first time in a couple of weeks, I managed to venture outdoors. The rain and wind had been constant and it looked as though the country was vying for the wettest Feburary ever. With the break in the rain, plans were made quickly to do something that could utilise this rare dry spell. The journey from Glasgow to Stirling is a quick one and we were in Stirling in 40 minutes. There is parking available but it costs £4 for cars for the day. Robert the Bruce  Entry to the Castle There is plenty to do inside, we checked out the bottom of the Palace first. This was split into different themed rooms and gave a little more history about the castle. This short version was it was built by King James V using his wife's money. After that we  ascended to the upper levels that showed the throne and bedrooms.  Great Hall Inside the Palace Actors portraying...

Cost Free Amenities  Toilets, no gift shop.  Where is it? Pollock, just a stones throw from Silverburn shopping centre. From Glasgow take the M77, exiting at junction 2. Take a right at the lights and continue straight (passed Silverburn) to the roundabout. At the roundabout take a right (3rd exit) and continue along this road for a mile or so. You will see the castle on a small hill on your right. Turn right into the housing estate and find somewhere to park on the street.  Castle Crashers My wife works evey alternate weekend. During this time I look after our 4 children. My wife looks after them the majority of the time during the week. This isn't a problem during the summer; a trip to the park or a walk in the woods can be done with relative ease, with the long days and warm(ish) weather. Winter is different and difficult. It's cold and dark and the opportunities to get outdoors decrease. The children like to visit old places, mainly to explore and...