For once the sun is shining. Here are a few images of an evening cycle ride to the south of Glasgow.

White cottage with Glasgow city in distance.

View of Glasgow city with flock of sheep in foreground. In some parts of Scotland (Highlands) sheep outnumber people by a ratio of 10 to 1.


A flock of black sheep (with horns). Quite unusual.



More black sheep through Purple Loosetrife.

Purple loosestrife is an erect perennial herb with a square, woody stem and opposite or whorled leaves. Purple loosestrife adapts readily to natural and disturbed wetlands. The plant is highly invasive. It is very pretty when in flower but normally considered a weed.

Labels: Cycle Ride

posted by Nigel Cole @ 12:22 PM  0 comments

With aid of remote sensing technology, archaeologists have located the foundations of the lost Abbey of Scone. The abbey was built in 1115 near Moot Hill, an ancient mound where generations of Scottish kings were crowned at the Stone of Destiny. The abbey was destroyed in 1599 during the Reformation and only in 2007 have the remains been located. The famous Stone of Destiny was removed to London in 1296 but was returned to Scotland (Edinburgh Castle) in 1996.

Here is a brief chronology:

• c700-900: Scone established as centre of province of Gowrie.
• 1114: Founding of new monastery.
• 1249: Alexander III inaugurated on stone of Destiny
• 1296: Stone of Destiny removed to Westminster by Edward I
• 1306: Robert the Bruce crowned.
• 1371-1390: Robert II and III hold parliaments on Montern (Moot Hill).
• 1559 Sacked by protestants.
• 1651: Charles II last king crowned on Moot Hill
  

Scone Palace

Moot Hill


Highland Cattle at Scone

Labels: Scone Abbey

posted by Nigel Cole @ 12:29 PM  0 comments

Whisky tasting/blending at Glengoyne Distillery

Distillery tour, Glengoyne

Group with Highland gentleman at Loch Katrine, Trossachs


Family Group at Swilken Bridge, Old Course, St Andrews

St. Andrews from Ladies Course

View of Old Course, St Andrews from Club House


Crail, quaint fishing harbour on Scotland's East Coast


Fishing Boats at Crail


Rosslyn Chapel
Apprentice Pillar at Rosslyn Chapel


Ceiling at Rosslyn Chapel


Dancers at Wellington Statue, Edinburgh


Royal Mile, Edinburgh with St. Giles in background



View of Edinburgh and castle from Calton Hill



Old Observatory (1776), Calton Hill, Edinburgh



National Monument (1822) Calton Hill, Edinburgh



Nelson's Monument (1816) Calton Hill, Edinburgh


Entrance to Stirling Castle
Palace at Stirling Castle


View of Wallace Monument ("Braveheart") from Stirling Castle


View of Ben Vorlich from Stirling Castle.

Labels: Nabil Tour

posted by Nigel Cole @ 7:37 AM  0 comments

Mr Fox selects his evening meal (evening time in Glasgow)


View of Forth & Clyde canal near Kirkintilloch


Swans on Firth & Clyde canal

HF Walking group on Forth & Clyde canal


View of Kilsyth Hills/Campsie Fells


More views of Kilsyth Hills/Campsie Fells

Bar Hill Roman Fort lies near the top of Bar Hill, in a superb strategic location looking north over the Kelvin Valley to the Campsie Fells.


HF Walking group atop old fort at Croy Hill


View of Antonine Wall near Twechar

Antonine Wall near Twechar


Antonine Wall near Twechar

View of Forth & Clyde canal near Kilsyth.
The Forth and Clyde Canal enables boats to move between the Firth of Forth ( near Edinburgh) and the Firth of Clyde (Glasgow). The canal passes large, vibrant towns, busy thoroughfares and into peaceful country locations


Auchinstarry-A fine, south facing dolerite/quartz quarry with a pond, picnic area and a car-park. Stone from this quarry was used to build Glasgow during the 19th. century. Now used for climbing and picnics



Overall, a good day, walking about 10km/6 miles. About 20 in all. Started at Kilsyth and finished at Kirkintilloch. Lots of history ( iron age fort, Roman Wall and fort, 19th century canal). A few showers but weather favourable.

Labels: Antonine Wall and Forth and Clyde Canal

posted by Nigel Cole @ 4:48 AM  0 comments