It struck me today at Glencoe just how big and connected the story of the Scott’s is. We have heard stories at all our stops but as we visit more places, more of the pieces are fitting into place. Even our time in Norway links in with this story.

When putting this trip together, I was looking forward to riding through the Scottish scenery. What I didn’t expect was to be so captivated by the Scottish history.

So many of these gorgeous places have very dark stories. And these stories are linked.

Now, the more I see, the more I want to understand. I find it hard to take it all in at our stops as the clock keeps ticking, and we need to keep moving. You may say that’s poor planning … but at the end of the day, we only have a finite amount of time and a certain distance to cover.

As it is, we have hung at many of the places longer than planned, just taking it in.

With the knowledge I now have it’d be good to go back … especially Culloden … for another look with a better understanding.

A couple of backroads today which were both very scenic and a fun ride.

Today’s roads really felt like home – like this one.

Glencoe

When planning this trip, I was looking forward to today’s ride through Glencoe, and it did not disappoint.

All the stories of how beautiful Glencoe is … are all true.!

Visor up, roll-off speed, soak it all in. Stop with everyone else in the parking spots to just take it in.

The vibrant green of the rolling hills and valleys are breathtaking.

The visitor centre is worth visiting to hear of the tragic past of Glencoe and the slaughter of the MacDonalds. And to see the work they are doing to preserve the beauty of Glecoe for future generations, and to preserve the stories.

Part of the preservation included the re-creation of a traditional turf hut that was used in this area. This was based on old pictures and archaeological digs in the area.

Glencoe visitors centre – link

Scenery through the Glencoe Valley.

I hope to put a short video in later of Glencoe.

Stirling

Our destination for tonight was Sirling.

Rather than just wander randomly through town, we booked a private walking tour, which wasn’t much more expensive than joining a larger group. The advantage … they met us at our hotel at a time that suited us.

Beth from Walking Tours in Scotland was an awesome guide and I’d highly recommend their tours – link

The two things we wanted to do in Stirling was: explore the Stirling castle and the William Wallace monument. But with only one night in town we won’t have time for either … let alone both. And following our walking tour, they were both shut.

We really need more time.

In the end we just went to the Wallace monument and didn’t go though it, as we really didn’t have time.

The scale and position of this monument are simply staggering. This overlooks the whole city, including the castle and was completed in 1869, over 570 years after William Wallace’s most famous victory at The Battle of Stirling Bridge.

For more information – link

Total distance today – 130 miles