#CousinsTakeEurope....Dunnottar Castle

Though I posted photos from our multiple castle visits I thought Dunnottar deserved it's own post. Driving along the cost to get to the castle you start to take in the beautiful views of the sea and I could only imagine what we would get to see.
We parked in the lot provided and from the moment we got out of the car Dunnottar started to lay on the charm. We could hear the bagpiper playing and the short walk on a narrow road took us to the music with amazing views.

This castle is a bit of a commitment as the walk is steep with lots of steps and it is one of the ruins that charges, but was totally worth it. 

The Chino kids chose to stay back on this day which had the Loibner boys moving a bit slower. We roamed around the ruins with Alison and took our time checking out the grounds and different buildings.

We then headed just outside the castle walls and walked down to the rocky beach. Wilson found a seat while Pete, Alison and Campbell took to the beach to search for sea creatures and shells.

Then we slowly made our way back up the hill and took in another view from a lookout spot.

After the hills around the castle we decided to head into the nearby town (I am in love) and grab some fish and chips. We caught up with Cole, who had come with us but taken a small hike from the parking lot. He was sweet enough to run around on the beach with the boys and then we all sat on the rocks and ate the most delicious fish and chips I have ever had. I mean seriously amazing!

Dunnottar was maybe not our most favorite castle I would say it is a must see! It was so striking and the views from and around it were indescribable. We loved it.

#CousinsTakeEurope...a walk by the sea

On our Saturday in Scotland we headed out for another day of adventure, but this time with Taido in tow. We snuggled up in the Chino van (we pushed the limits on this several times) and went a bit north for a walk along the sea. I was a little bit nervous as the walk started with a small climb up some rocks and my knee is not back to normal, but at first sight the view was going to be totally worth it.

Taido walked ahead with the boys while Alison and Pete hung back with the slow walker (me). We took tons of photos and enjoyed every step.

The cliffs were breathtaking! Also made us a little weak in the knees a few times with serious drop offs.

In the distance as we walked we could see this ruin as our destination and even saw the boys start to climb it as we approached through a field of sheep.

We grabbed a few photos....

and took a little country road back to the car.
We were on an ongoing hunt for the highland coo, but were plenty entertained by this field full of regular Scottish cows. They followed the boys and loved the sound of my camera.

This walk might have been my most favorite piece of Scotland. The sea meeting the rolling green hills was perfection.

#CousinsTakeEurope...castles, castles and more castles

Our second day in Scotland was spent adjusting to the time change and hanging at the Chino house while the kids finished up school. Campbell also had a stomach problem that kept us close to home and enjoying a lazy day, but I was itching to get out of the house and so that evening we hit the ground running. Starting our tour of castles and gardens. Scotland is the land of castles and gardens...AMAZING!!!

And days 3-7 were pretty much spent exploring the amazing Scottish landscape with the Chinos. The boys felt that each castle (and garden) was set up just for them and their sword fighting pleasures. They were in heaven! An ongoing battle began at the first castle and carried us through Scotland, London, Paris and Switzerland.

And while they battled we took time to stop and smell the roses, literally. THe most amazing garden that took me back to my love of Alice and Wonderland and the Secret Garden. I walked around in total amazement and came home with an unbelievable amount of flower photos.

I think in all we saw 8 castles and many gardens. I am sharing 7 here and saving 1 other for it's own post. The boys favored the castle ruins because they gave so much room for their imagination and freedom to explore. I really loved them all for different reasons, each with it's own highlights.

This is Auchindoun Castle Ruins which was for sure a highlight. We didn't see another person on the way to or in this ruin and the boys loved having the run of the place. That mixed with the beautiful hilltop location, green rolling hills all around, and peeks of blue sky. Perfect!

Castles Visited:
Crathes Castle
Tolquhon Castle Ruins
Auchindoun Castle Ruins
Drum Castle
Haddo House
Balvenie Castle Ruins