Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle, is a medieval fortress, perched atop a cliff overlooking the North Sea. Although it's now a ruin, it's location makes it highly photogenic.

Dunnottar Castle, was the first stop on the last day of our road trip. We were one of the first cars to arrive just before it opened. The parking lot is not very big, so plan accordingly! 

Your first glimpse of the castle on the cliff is kind of breathtaking. As you walk towards the castle, you approach the very steep staircase down. There are just over 200 steps. My first thoughts were, oh god am I going to make it back out?

Having struggled making it back up the steep incline from the Fairy Pools on Skye, I was worried I'd get stuck down there, so I made sure to give myself plenty of time to make my way back up and recover. They had a few benches and a coffee cart near the parking lot.

Going down.

Looking back up the first stair case.

On our way down, a tour group pulled up in a large coach. We hurried. We were first in line when the castle gate opened. We bought our tickets, and then I took off, trying to get as many people-free photos as fast as possible.

I hustled and had the place to myself everywhere I went. It was great. It's a rather sprawling place with many buildings. I zipped through the grounds in about 30 minutes. Even though I went fast, I still enjoyed it! 

As I was exiting, the staff said well done, you've beat the cruise ship. Haha. Mission accomplished. I beat the crowd and I got the head start I needed to make it back up to the car.

There were several older people from the tour group standing at the top of the stairs debating whether to make the descent. The view is just fine from up there, but I'm glad I was able to make the trek. It's worth it, if you are able.

The Smithy

The West Range & Chapel

The North Range. The castle's water supply behind the fence.

The Kitchen

The Whig's Vault. Over 150 Covenanters were imprisoned here at once.

Because it was our last day with the car, and I don't have many photos left, or stories to tell, I'm just going to tack on the last bit of our journey here.

From Dunnottar Castle, we went to Glamis Castle, the birth place of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, or at least where she grew up. It's said to be the most haunted castle in Scotland.

Glamis Castle

Two cons about Glamis, is: First, you can't take photos inside. Although, after googling Glamis, I see loads of photos and videos, so I don't know when the no photo rule went into effect, we were there in September of 2023. It seems that every place that has a no photo policy, seems to make exceptions for some people, which is enraging.

Second, the only way to see the inside is by guided tour. I loathe tours. I'm mostly a solo traveler. I dislike being in a group of people. Guided tours are generally time consuming and boring. You're going to be told a bunch of history about the place, but I'm not going to remember 90% of it, so to me, it's a waste of time. I just want to experience a place on my own.

Even though we had already paid, and waited for the tour to start, we debated leaving after being brought into the first room, which was the elaborate dining room. We were anxious to get back to Edinburgh early, and this tour was going to be a slog. (Actually, it was only 50 minutes.)

Ultimately, we stayed. I'm glad I got to see it. My favorite part was the library, that had ancient books, that would probably disintegrate if you opened one. The library has been turned into a billiard room. Who would do such a thing?

Some guests on the tour asked about the castle's current resident. I remember they got quite excited to learn that he was a young single guy. The tour guide said he was a nice lad. LOL. One quick google search reveals he's a convicted felon and registered sex-offender, so...make that three cons about Glamis.

Our next, and final stop, was St. Andrews. Although, I'm no golf fan, I had to to see it's birthplace. We pulled up to the Old Course Hotel, got out, took a picture of the world's oldest golf course, and left.

Old Course

Getting to see all of these castles, ruins, and special sites was a dream - but a nightmare to get to.

From waiting in line to pick up the rental car for hours. Driving in a foreign country, on the other side of the car, on the other side of the road, for the first time, was very nerve-wrecking. Navigating was also anxiety inducing, as well as the flat tire, continuous engine overheating, and no oil.

We never did get the hang of the round-a-abouts. Getting back to Edinburgh, from St. Andrews, we had to go through round-a-about hell.

We were so done with driving. Never been so happy to return a car before.

But had a great time!