Edinburgh Castle

We stayed near Edinburgh, but didn't want to even think about trying to drive into the middle of town, so we took a bus in from the outskirts. It was a nice way to see some neighborhoods on the way.  Our day started out sunny, but unfortunately didn't stay that way!

Edinburgh Castle is about as impressive and imposing as they come, having been built up high, on a dormant volcano.  We did a short tour, which was very interesting, but you have to pay attention. I know it's the same language, but the Scottish brogue makes it challenging to understand sometimes!

The "front door" to the castle.

The view from the castle wall, looking out over Edinburgh.

There's something about a man in a kilt...

It was rainy, windy and very cold, so we limited our walk around town.

Leaving Edinburgh we headed along the coast. Our destination is Newcastle. (We'll be taking a ferry to Amsterdam from there.)  We're staying the night in a fascinating town called Berwick Upon Tweed. Part of it is walled. It was the sight of many conflicts because it is on the border between Scotland and England, and changed from English to Scottish  and back many times, depending on who won the latest battle.

We'll be kind of sad to leave Ireland and Scotland behind. I thought Ireland was really beautiful, but so is Scotland! Nobody wins - it was a tie!  We loved them both.