Wednesday 12th

Well we had a good night sleeps and with everything we had planned for the day lazing in bed was not an option.
Got up and had cereal, Whilst Julia had shower I got everything out for her EggyBread start to the day. We nipped to shopping outlet so I could buy some shoes that didn't leak the minute there was moisture in the air. Found some really comfy and sort of cheap ones.

We headed towards Stirling castle excited that we were about to do something both of us had wanted to do for years.

Oh dear Stirling was bus we maybe should have got up even earlyer. Not to worry we are members so we are allowed to park for free so we drove all the way past all the people and parked cars up and up the twisty cobble and tarmac streets. Really glad member because no way would I be happy about walking from the bottom and doing the mile or two walk up the hill.

We did have to wait for about half hour to get parked but that was still better than the hour or so it would have taken to walk the hills.

No sooner had we bought our book and guide headsets the main gate guys got us turned around and on to do tour o Argyll lodgings. A House built in 17th century and in cracking condition. The main house that stands facing the courtyard was not the original size (far from it) the original was just the left hand side corner a simple small ish 2 up 2 down. The estate was then bought by a Richer man who extended the Left hand house out towards the road and built 3/4 what is the main building. This was then bought by a richer man and with his wealth he wanted to show off by making it even bigger and grander he made the final 1/4 of the main house a whole wing on the right and two towers at each end and the wall and gate to make it private courtyard. He was nice enough to recognize the men who had built there bits before him and (info a little hazy) had there names and the dates they built there bits put on various bits visible from courtyard. Info on this hazy as the tour had moved inside as we were getting soaked and as the Tour guide was describing the final bits I sort of switched off as every time I looked out the window to see what he was meaning I seen sky or window ledge (the windows were a bit high or the rain had shrunk me). The room we were stood in was a massive great hall with a roaring fire going. This is where the staff would eat on a big long solid table the folk closest the fire end of table would be the better staff, the ones near the door would be lower class staff. this room was also where the staff would sleep at night. It was also where the folk coming to see the Earl would be left to sit next to the fire drinking port or wine or sherry left to wait till the Earl seen fit to see you.
Leading from this room were the kitchens and cellars formally the little 2 up 2 down.
There was a grand stair case to the right of the kitchens. This was the first that had a turn in it and made of ???wood in Scotland the Earl had all the best new stuff. We walked up the stair that kings and queen had done in the past. To a great hall this hall was very nice and still had the original art work on the walls. Not bad for over 250 year old wallpaper. from this room was where the earl would be sitting and he had a not bad size room. He also had a rock n roll bed incase sitting was too stressful. leading from this room was a tiny room where the wife would sit and write. Also led on to the very purple bedroom (Julia now thinks its posh having a purple bedroom fingers crossed we don't any more purple).

We did a bit more looking round but the tour was over and we wanted to go see the castle.

We entered the entrance courtyard were told about the Princess palace (the newer building the last king made) the Kings home the original Kings quarters, The great hall, now the rest of the castles should stop calling there's great there alright but this is GREAT and this is before even been inside. There was some other buildings around too but I can't remember em.

We went in the Great hall and




Speechless what a room the size the feeling the look the roof the stained glass windows the size of house's it was just so grand and dare I say it again GREAT!!!!! I wouldn't have thought pics could give you the feeling of this room and I suggest to any one it is well worth a visit.

We did do quite a bit more exploring but the Palace was shut and there weren't a great deal other things to see. A bit disappointed to be honest. We left after about 2hours. Hmm best mention the great kitchens they are a good bit of history just too busy to enjoy!

Tuesday 12th

Left Grizedale just before midday arrived Stirling 2ish.

We quickly set up camp and went to get some lunch (very nice little cafe but oh wow £14 for sarnie n roll).

Whilst in the cafe had a little think about what to do with it been close to 5 we knew it would need to be near by. Had seen a sign post for Castle Campbell on our travels to the cafe so knew this was close by. After checking our Historic Scotland book knew we could use our membership so we headed up the hill.

Not really expecting much just a bit of a ruin on top of a hill but time filler before tea and less time on camp site as it was not the nicest of days weather wise.

WOW after a roller coaster walk up steep hill down hill climb again we caught a glimpse of the castle. Looked pretty impressive hiding in the woods and hills.

We eventually got inside the castle and was shocked you entered into grand court yard and looking up left was a complete tower. We went inside the tower and entered at what would have been the storage areas cellars and Jail. Leading from there was 2 spiral stair case. we went up that and it led to many rooms and great hall. We then got to the top and I realized just how high we were, Great views of the local area and the east wing ruins and gardens. The north face has had a Tea room built inside and other rooms that were locked but if it was as grand as the Tower (West wing) I'm sure they were great sized rooms and made Castle Gloom a very nice place to live. Castle Gloom became Castle Campbell in 16th Century when the new owner asked his friend (The King) if he could call it something nicer.

The pictures don't do this place justice it was very nice.

Seen as the weather had changed for the better we decided to go on a walk in the grounds and surrounding area. We went on and on along a walk with a very powerful stream with lots of waterfalls and pools at the side of us. It took a while to realize but this walk was not going to go round in a circle as it should of (If I had choose the correct path ). Once we reached the top of the mountain took some pics and had a rest. We then walked back taking a left turn so as to head in direction of the car. I had a plan and started walking through the 4ft high ferns trying to walk in a more direct route. With the area been so hilly and wet this did prove to be a very stupid ida I was enjoying my self going for a Ramble though, Julia how ever was not happy as she did not have anything like the right sort of clothes or shoes on for this walk (Now a hike).

We did eventually get back to the made path just in front of the castle. The now lowering sun was creating lovely image of castle in the woods.

When we got back to the campsite felt pretty grubby so had a shower and went out for tea the weather had turned again and to be honest was feeling lazy and tired after the drive up. We found a lovely quite local pub and got a drink but was a little upset as they were not doing food that evening. Still early we got out the Map and Historic Scotland book and planned our next day of castles. Had another pint whilst doing this and decided we would get Chinese take away and take it back to the tent. Eat our food and went to bed read all the history of Castle Campbell, It was a very interesting read and I was looking forward to the next day of more castles.

Second day (10th)

Weather turned on us during the night, became typical Lakes weather but we weren't about to let that ruin our day.

We headed off to Lakes Aquarium the most of it was pretty rubbish to be honest. It was very nice set out and everything just a bit too busy and too much of a control you will walk this way and do not stop at any point feel about it.

Any way we got about half way round after the salmon and the other fish and animals (they were so easy to forget I have) there was a large otter pen with loads of breads inside (apparently) we seen nowt at all there was loads of folk waiting sitting and standing. It was too bus to stay stood around so just walked through (shame it would have been nice to see them.

Next room was well basically lots of fish I know and most I have owned or currently own slight difference been there about ten times the size ha-ha. There was some very impressive giant Piraha's it would have been great to be there at feeding time these things looked aggressive, But just like the Otters we just walked on.

We then walked in to the Rainforest was alright like but snakes and spiders just shouldn't be in a Aquirium the Pygmy monkeys were well cute though.

Not the best of pics but they were fast and it was through glass would have been loads better if they were running free.



A Tortoise is one of the other things before the main event a walk under Lake Windermere.
Well it could have been even better if they had not made us walk over the tank to get to it I thought this was a bit stupid however this silly mistake was forgiven once in the tunnel. Viewing the biggest Carp , Sterlert (type of sturgeon) Char's from underneath and up close was really good. The glass in the tunnel actually makes the fish appear 25% smaller so these are fish are massive and well worth a visit. If fish are not your thing then I'm sure you will enjoy seeing the Tufted Ducks diving its an amazing sight. Again not the greatest of pics to follow due to only using camera phone and viewing through very thick glass. Oh and fish don't pose for pictures.

When we came out the weather was a bit better so we decided to have a drive down to Furness Abbey lots of history about Monks and there power and wealth and land was learnt...... Julia knew it all! Well, heck of a lot more than me. The pictures don't do this place any justice but here are just a few of them.

We left Furness Abbey and went for a drive to go to a museum.

Even though we arrived before the closing time it was shut hmmm not good I'd tell you the name of the museum but but I can't remember as it was shut!

We drove to tescos to get our planned utensils and food so we could cook spuds in the fire.

This sounded like a great fun idea, The actual cooking was not the easiest I had built a great wee fire / oven the down side was we could not feel the heat from it so i kept fueling the fire.

The spuds were a little erm burnt the cheap cheap foil bought was probably our first mistake second mistake letting me do the fire ha-ha. I had mine out the skin but julia just scooped hers out on to a plate (wuss).

We snuggled up again and looked at the stars tonight was a lovely clear night, It was lovely and peaceful and we had a night time story read us by parents of a young lass they were camped over hundred meters away but her character voice really carried.