{"id":11296,"date":"2018-07-01T10:02:26","date_gmt":"2018-07-01T10:02:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?p=11296"},"modified":"2019-05-26T07:24:32","modified_gmt":"2019-05-25T21:24:32","slug":"finishing-the-nc500-scotland-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/?p=11296","title":{"rendered":"Finishing the NC500, Scotland 2018 \ud83c\udff4\udb40\udc67\udb40\udc62\udb40\udc73\udb40\udc63\udb40\udc74\udb40\udc7f"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Date: &nbsp;29th June 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Travelled: &nbsp;134 kilometres from Golspie to Nairn, in Scotland.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Visited: &nbsp;Dunrobin Castle, \u00a39.50pp. &nbsp;Culliden Battle Fields, \u00a39.50pp.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Stayed: &nbsp;Nairn harbour car-park, free + tap &amp; toilet. &nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/AdC259zQJoGbj3ff9\">N57.59170, W03.86100<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Roused by something on the roof of the Hymer around 5am, bloody seagulls again. &nbsp;This goes on for some time, so I get up and venture out to tell them to piss off. &nbsp;I find a one-footed gull staring at me from the roof. &nbsp;Obviously if i could have caught it it would have been a dead seagull. &nbsp;Anyway the gull flies to a nearby lamp post seemingly happy to have me up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Back to bed for a while. &nbsp;Around 7am we start the usual things to get the day started. &nbsp;I step out of the Hymer to take some rubbish to the bin. &nbsp;My one legged mate is stairing down at me from the same lamp post, standing on it\u2019s one remaining webbed foot, but appearing to wave his stump at me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its only a short drive back along the A9 to Dunrobin Castle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Dunrobin_1.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Dunrobin Castle is claimed to be Scotland largest home. Whilst it dates from 1275 as a tower fortress, most of what we see today was completed in 1850.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Dunrobin_2.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Dunrobin is not on our free list, so coughing up \u00a319 was hard, however it is a magnificent example of what can be achieved if you have more money than God.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Dunrobin Castle, Scotland\" width=\"1140\" height=\"855\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yAR7Qo3G4f8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Dunrobin_3.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>We chat with one of the attendants for a long time. Such an interesting person, having gone to school with the current Laird. He has worked here as a young man and now part time in his retirement. He obviously loves the estate and this part of Scotland.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Dunrobin_5.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Unlike many of the other great homes and castles we have visited in Scotland, the gardens of Dunrobin maintain there formal elegance and design.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Dunrobin_6.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>The 5th Duke of Sutherland died in 1963 with no heir. &nbsp;As such the furniture, momentous and feel of Dunrobin remains captured as it was, at his passing. &nbsp;The estate passed to his cousin, whose twin sons manage it on her behalf.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We both found Dunrobin a memorable visit, but time moves along and so must we. &nbsp;Continuing south we stop at Dornoch just north of the Firth of Dornoch for a coffee and more exploring. &nbsp;Dornoch is most famous for it\u2019s golf course, Royal Dornoch also as a market town blessed with many fine stone homes. &nbsp;It was also the place the last witch was executed in 1722.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Dornoch_1.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>We found this wrought iron piece in the small park outside the Cathedral.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Dornoch_2.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>So we wander into the cathedral, as you do. More like the size of a large church it must be the seat of the local bishop.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Dornoch_3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\"\/><figcaption>The Cathedral is light and airy with a friendly somewhat modern feel. We chat with one of the volunteers for a while, telling us she has just returned from NZ and Australia is next on her list.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wpps_container\" style=\"margin: 10px auto; width: 1000px; max-width: 100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/2DFED7E6-C648-4B4D-9BEF-B08823F188CC-scaled.jpeg?height=550px&amp;segments=100&amp;rings=100&amp;hide_link=0&amp;autoload=1&amp;anim_after=2000&amp;anim_speed=1rpm&amp;vertical_anim_speed=2rpm&amp;vertical_anim_target=0&amp;navbar=1&amp;overlay_img=&amp;overlay_position=bottom+left&amp;min_fov=30&amp;max_fov=90&amp;zoom_level=0&amp;long=0&amp;lat=0&amp;tilt_up_max=90&amp;tilt_down_max=90&amp;min_long=0&amp;max_long=360&amp;reverse_anim=0&amp;xmp=1&amp;smooth_user_moves=1&amp;scroll_to_zoom=1&amp;zoom_speed=1&amp;eyes_offset=5&amp;full_width=default&amp;full_height=default&amp;cropped_width=default&amp;cropped_height=default&amp;cropped_x=default&amp;cropped_y=default&amp;horizontal_fov=360&amp;vertical_fov=180\" style=\"display: block; padding: 5px; background-color: #3D3D3D; color: #FFFFFF;\">Michael and Pam's Photo Sphere (Dornoch Cathedral Pano)<\/a><div style=\"position: relative; box-sizing: content-box;\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Back in the Hymer we move on again down they final leg of the NC500. &nbsp;Mind you with the traffic, it\u2019s a slow drive for the last 50 miles to Inverness taking almost 90 minutes. &nbsp;Our week or so driving the North Coast 500 Tourist Route has been magic and we would recommend it without hesitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We stop for lunch on the Caledonion Canal in Inverness for an hour, fuel up, then visit the Tesco for a quick shop before heading east to Culloden. &nbsp;We pass the Culloden Railway Viaduct, an amazing 29 span masonry bridge over the River Nairn on our way. &nbsp;But with no viewing point to safely stop we cannot show you a picture. &nbsp;We arrive at the Culloden Battle Fields some 15 minutes later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Culloden_1.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>On arrival at Culloden I am less than impressed to find I must pay \u00a32 the park. &nbsp;Then walk 20 metres and pay another \u00a39.50pp for entry. &nbsp;I try to maintain a positive outlook as our friends Ian and Jo recommended visiting here.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Culloden_2.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>We know very little of Scottish history other than Errol Flynn helping Bonny Prince Charles to escape and Mel Gibson\u2019s Bravehart. &nbsp;But Culloden was Scotland\u2019s last stand and the massacre that followed resulted in the collapse of the Jakobites cause and the dream of Scottish rule.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Culloden_4.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>The interactive displays and information panels provided an insight into the days leading up to the battle and the subsequent crushing of the rebellion. We found it a very interesting couple of hours. However our later walk of the battlefield was cold and miserable. &nbsp;So we took the abridged version after 15 minutes and headed back to the warmth of the Hymer.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Culloden Battlefield\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/j7J8N6mdQ_Q?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Culloden_8.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>We plan to visit Fort George tomorrow but there is no overnight parking nearby, so we drive another 5 miles on to Nairn and find company on the marina after another long day. &nbsp;So we go to sleep with the sounds of waves rolling up the beach.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Michael and Pam<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"bpp_credits\" style=\"clear: both; float: right; width: 200px; height: 70px; text-align: right;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.blogpadpro.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"vertical-align: middle; font-size: 8pt; color: #999;\">Edited with BlogPad Pro<\/span><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"vertical-align: middle; padding-left: 5px;\" src=\"http:\/\/files.blogpadpro.com\/images\/speech-bubble.png\" width=\"25\" height=\"25\"><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Date: &nbsp;29th June 2018 Travelled: &nbsp;134 kilometres from Golspie to Nairn, in Scotland. Visited: &nbsp;Dunrobin Castle, \u00a39.50pp. &nbsp;Culliden Battle Fields, \u00a39.50pp. Stayed: &nbsp;Nairn harbour car-park, free + tap &amp; toilet. &nbsp;N57.59170, W03.86100 Roused by something on the roof of the Hymer around 5am, bloody seagulls again. &nbsp;This goes on for some time, so I get [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":11333,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16,25],"tags":[88,101],"class_list":{"0":"post-11296","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-scotland","8":"category-united-kingdom","9":"tag-castles","10":"tag-scottish-villages","11":"czr-hentry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11296","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=11296"}],"version-history":[{"count":32,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11296\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18337,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11296\/revisions\/18337"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11333"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11296"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=11296"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michaelandpamstravels.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=11296"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}