We got going early after stirring our travelling companions from their sleep in 😴 Today we had some things to check off the list before getting to our end destination which was Melville Castle where we had rooms booked. Who doesn’t want to sleep in a Castle at least once in their life?
First stop was to visit the land of Lady Amy. Some years ago I was gifted a tourist title by my daughters. You are given a little plot in a forest in Scotland with GPS coordinates to find it. So yes, you may refer to me as Lady Amy if you like! I won’t have you beheaded if you forget…
We drove one side of the coastal inlet around to the other to find my little forest plot. Parked up on the side of the road, we followed the GPS into the bluebell covered woodland. I claimed a tree in the spot and left a little metal Australian souvenir in the ivy climbing over the bark. It was a pretty special visit.
Next we back tracked to Scotland’s National Booktown, Wigtown. The website boasts that there are over a quarter of a million books to choose from in this tiny little town. We didn’t explore all the book stores but I was dragged out of the one claiming to be the largest. It was a rabbit warren of rooms filled to the brim with books. I bought a couple for the bookshelf at home of interest.
Our third stop on the list will resonate with fellow Outlander fans. Sam Hueghan, the actor who plays Jamie bought this distillery as a local to the area. How could any true fan, not stop here if you were in the vicinity. My intention going in was to buy some whisky here, but after hearing the story of the origins of his gin, that became the item to take with me. All the botanicals are harvested in Galloway and it was his first project with the distillers, he wanted to create a gin created from everything local.
From here we had a 2 1/2 hr drive towards Edinburgh where Melville Castle lies in the outskirts. The road had us winding through more sheep and cattle farms. The scenery changed from tight little villages to cleared open hills and valleys. It was nothing short of spectacular. We spotted a waterfall out the window and decided to stretch our legs with a walk. Very pretty.
Soon enough we were back on a highway and then to our destination for the night. Tucked away about 30 minutes outside the city is the 56 acres estate which Melville Castle sits. You drive in a long driveway through green forest, along a babbling river and open grass lawns to find the castle sitting proudly.
It was a little odd to pack an overnight bag from the vans and enter into a different world of grandeur and luxury, but YOLO! We soon settled into our rooms, booked a table for dinner and headed out to explore the estate.
The grounds had a couple ponies running around, some large open lawns where people were exercising their dogs and then a forest walk along the river. All very picturesque and nice way to stretch our legs after the journey to get here.
A quick shower and change into more castle like attire and then we met up in the library bar for a drink or two. Soon enough it was time to head down into the cellar where rather restaurant was played out in various adjoining rooms. To our surprise, guests with dogs were welcome here and a couple of very well behaved golden retrievers were happily lounging at the feet of their masters. The meals were outstanding, between us we had Haggis, Pigeon, Venison, Lamb, Salmon and then indulged in desert!
We rolled out of the restaurant and back to our rooms to settle in for a good night’s sleep in somewhat bigger beds than our gypsy life in the vans.
Tip #5 – splurge a little, you’re on holidays, do the once in a lifetime thing, its good for the memory bank!
My Happy Travels 