After our big day in Glasgow yesterday we need to move on. Firstly however, we should visit Dunbarton Castle since we have been parked in itโs carpark for two nights. Another beautiful morning greets us, cannot believe this weather.
Dumbarton G82 1JJ, UK
A huge truck parked next to us yesterday evening and I had visions of him driving out at 3am and waking us up, but no he started it at 6.30, so we had a little sleep in. The castle opens and 9.30am and we are at the door waiting…
I know the sign calls it a Castle but locally itโs known as the fortress. There is no castle here only various gun batteries, accomodation for soldiers and a prison. There is one larger house now used as an office, were Mary Queen of Scotts lived under house arrest before she escaped.
A cannon stands sentry on one of the many batteries located around the fortress. The fortress and the rocky outcrop it stands on, is known as the Rock of the Clyde. According to the blurb there has been some form of a stronghold here for 1500 years.
Nice view up the Clyde from here, thatโs Glasgow Port in the distance.
Originally built as a barracks this lovely building was used to imprison French prisonerโs of war during the napoleonic era.
We notice there are just as many cannon facing town. Maybe the locals got a bit rowdy on a Saturday night. I should add our hero William Wallace was captured and gaoled here before going on to his trail and execution.
Anyway we enjoyed our visit to Dunbarton Castle and the 550 steps to the top battery, a good morning leg stretch. So we get the Hymer on the road, needing a supermarket and some fuel. Just in passing, diesel fuel in the UK is currently running at ยฃ1.33 or A$2.35 per litre. The supermarket and fueling done we continue north to Balloch on the lower shores of Loch Lomond. Balloch is the southern gateway to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
Alexandria G83, UK
Driving through Balloch we look for an information centre to confirm our plans for tomorrowโs walk. We follow a parking sign into some parkland and find this tree covered area, stop and have lunch. The tourist information is just around the corner so we check it out before walking off lunch.
Our walk takes us over the bridge, the cruises up Loch Lomond depart from here (obviously).
Looking downstream from the other side of the bridge, small boats are very popular here.
Bonus picture, the traditional roses are amazing.
We leave Balloch and drive into the national park to find the trail head for our walk. Through Drymen up a long narrow country land, there is no sign but the GPS says this is the spot. Looks good for the night from here and Pamโs favourite price.
Travelled: 87 kilometres from Welshpool to Nercwy in Wales Visited: Montgomery Canal and Chirk Castle (National Trust) ยฃ11 pp Stayed: The Butchers […]
One thought on “Dunbarton and Loch Lomond, Scotland. 2018 ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ณ๓ ฃ๓ ด๓ ฟ”
Looks so amazing. So pleased the weather is good for you.