Stirling, Scotland, historically known as the "Gateway to the Highlands."
'The brooch which clasps the Highlands and the Lowlands together'
But you may know it better as the home of William Wallace, of the 'Braveheart' movie staring Mel Gibson. Two historic battles happened here in this small hamlet.
The Battle at Stirling Bridge in 1297 lead by William Wallace and the battle at Bannockburn in 1314 involving Robert the Bruce. Both during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
It is timely that we are visiting just before a historic and monumental vote. that will affect all of Scotland and her people, takes place this September. They vote to be separate, after a millennium of battles and wars, from England.
We booked ourselves on the Megabus from Edinburgh, and a little over one hour and 8.50 pounds later we arrive in Stirling. Our plan is to see the National Wallace Monument and the Stirling Castle.
Little did we know, we can CLIMB the monument!
From the bus stop, we walk a few minutes to the entrance of the Monument. Beautiful stone walls, covered with ivy and moss lead the way.
English.....oops....Scottish Ivy? So green it almost doesn't look real.
Viola.....here we are.
Looking up the hill, we could see it before we arrived. Perched on the Abbey Craig overlooking the city of Stirling. The Abbey Craig is a volcanic crag (rocky hill or mountain). The Wallace Monument.
William Wallace....doesn't look like Mel Gibson?
They are able to surmise from the length of his sword, which is on display in the monument, that he, Sir William Wallace, may have been close to 6.5' tall.
Born in 1270 he is a Scottish hero and patriot.
Fighting for peace and freedom for Scotland against the English. He was executed in London charged with treason in 1305.
The Scottish flag in front of the monument......we are climbing to the top.....the very top tower on the left.
Built and completed in the year 1869 it stands 67 meters high.
A heads up....all towers are spiral and narrow. Around and around you go until you find a landing or you are at the top. Exhilarating. Tiring. But well worth it.....you will see.
I am wearing my kilt....in honour of William Wallace.
Interesting, my kilt tartan is the Wallace tartan?
Planned....I don't think so. Maybe?
We are still climbing here.
About 246 steps to the top. Only two platforms with information, historical facts and a rest stop.
The Declaration of Arbroath April 6th, 1320.
This Declaration is amongst the most famous historical record held in Scotland.
'It is a letter from the barons and the whole community of the kingdom of Scotland to the Pope in 1320, asking him to recognize Scotland's independence and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as the country's lawful king.' Written almost 700 years ago, Scotland is only now of the threshold of a vote for Independence.
The top of the Wallace Monument with sweeping views of Stirling, the Lowlands, and the Highlands.
Gorgeous.
Snow covered mountains in the distance.
A bird's eye view of Stirling below. The monument is on Abbey Craig which is the place where, in 1297, William Wallace and his men waited to attack the English when they began crossing the Stirling Bridge. As the English army crossed, only two horses side by side, William Wallace waited as he knew the army would be cut in half trying to get across the bridge. Between being divided and the bridge collapsing, and the battle that ensued, the English were defeated. It was a huge victory for Wallace.
Todays Stirling Bridge from the top of the monument.
Farm land and hills as far as we can see.
And sheep!!!
Mountains further ahead if we were heading to the Highlands.
We have booked a tour that will take us up to Inverness which we have been told will be spectacular scenery.
Rivers, crags, blues and greens.....beautiful landscape.
The sword of William Wallace. It is 5'4" long and weighs almost 3 kg.
Stirling Castle in the far off distance. From the monument you can see that it is also built high on a hill, towering over Stirling, strategically a very defensive spot. It is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland. The first record of Stirling Castle is dated 1110. Mary, Queen of Scots was crowned there in 1543.
We have planned another day trip to Stirling specifically to explore the Stirling Castle next week.
Can't get enough of the views. The wind was gusting and it was cold up there. But we stayed for a good 20-30 minutes taking it all in.
Happy climbers....
Time to go down......round and round we go.
...and down.....
You can either take a minibus shuttle to the top of this steep hill or hike up. These stone markers with the 'swords' on the front mark the way. But with 246 steps ahead of us to climb, we decided to save our strength and take the shuttle.
As we were walking to the Stirling bus station, I caught the moon shining near the Wallace Monument.
It was even more serene than the picture can express.
Hiking down to the town we passed this stone pillar with a thistle on top.....the Symbol of Scotland.
You can see the monument from almost everywhere in Stirling. It is so tall and impressive.
Another great moment with the moon coming out, peering at the interesting bridge near the bus station.
How enjoyable to take the bus back and forth. Affordable, comfortable but especially stress free.
Back home by 8pm....is it bedtime....I'm exhausted.
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