Dunkeld is well worth a visit, it sits on the banks of the river Tay surrounded by the Perthshire hills and the bridge was designed by Thomas Telford. The Cathedral started life as a monastery in 570 A.D. and is simply stunning especially as it sits right on the river bank. Also a very kind lady in the public toilets allowed me to fill up my water container.
Well who would have thought that finding LPG gas would be so difficult in a big town like Perth. There were supposedly three petrol stations that sell it but only the final one I chose actually did, thank you Jet garage. However, the one hour detour to find it turned out to be a true blessing, as on the forecourt I made friends with a wonderful American couple, Mary & Bill who live in Portugal and Richard who was just about to head off to Outer Mongolia via Russia on a 4×4 trip. We met because we helped each other with the LPG gas. Mary & Bill invited me to stay on their land in Portugal whenever I want, how amazing is that. It was on my list to visit in December so life seems to have decided for me.
The drive from Perth to St. Andrews along the Firth of Tay was delightful. At St. Andrews I parked in the West Car park, which sits right on the ‘Chariots of Fire’ beach and next to the 18th hole of the famous Old St. Andrews golf course. It cost just £4.20 for 24hrs so this was the perfect place to stay overnight, although the university students all seem to descend here in the evening. A lovely town which you can see in a matter of hours. It’s quite atmospheric watching the golfers on the first tee/18th hole even if you are not a golfer. Even ‘Lucy’ took in the view! Of course I also had to have a little run along the beach la la ing the theme of ‘Chariots of Fire’.
From St. Andrews I continued along the East coast road headed to Kinghorn to meet up with Lynn, whom I had met at Hope House in Haiti in 2017. It is definitely worth taking a detour off the coast road and driving down to the harbour fronts and beaches of the little villages along this route as they are very picturesque and give great views of the Firth of Forth. St. Monans has a quaint wellington boot garden on the jetty! and an unusual break tide, breaking in two different directions, not sure why! There are also a couple of nice coastal walks here to a 18th century windmill and saltpans and the Auld Kirk! (the old church). It was great spending an evening of conversation and laughter with Lynn and Niall and what a view to wake up to.
Next stop Falkirk, which meant I could avoid the Firth of Forth bridge but I did drive over the Kincardine bridge. (I’m definitely getting braver), to take a look at the Kelpies, a shape-shifting water spirit inhabiting the lochs of Scotland, the biggest equine sculpture in the world. Very cool.
On to Edinburgh. Parked in Hermiston park and ride which costs just £2.40 return for the bus in to Edinburgh. I selected this park and ride as it was near to the Pentland hills where I was headed later that night to wild camp. A day of dodging rain showers, but managed to get a feel of the city, despite the mass of people. After spending so much time in nature it was a bit of a shock to the system which resulted in me sampling Scottish gin! Carlton hill in the Old town gives wonderful views of Edinburgh which I am sure on a sunny day would be stunning. The castle of course is impressive as are the many old monuments and buildings. It’s just a shame that they are tearing down some of the old without a care for the historicness of the Old town.
Pentland hills, just south of Edinburgh, have several car parks which you can wild camp in overnight. Flotterstone walk around Glengorse reservoir.
Harlaw House – walk around Black Hill. Look closely at the left hand picture to see the Firth of Forth Bridge and the Sottish mountains
Sadly time to leave Scotland, I’ve loved every second of it, and slowly head further south – down the east coast to Berwick upon Tweed heading towards York.
