We went from Annan to Taynuilt, to visit family on the way, and the bluebells, primroses and differing shades of green foliage were lovely to look at on the way, although there was still some snow on the tops of the mountains.
The journey from Taynuilt to Stirling was uneventful but the countryside is always stunning to look at. Seeing the castle and then the Wallace monument told us we had arrived!
As it is bluebell time we thought, the next morning, we would try and find a bluebell wood to go for a walk. Balquidderock Wood, known locally as Bluebell Wood, proved to be absolutely beautiful.
We walked through the wood which led then into Ladywell Park, Bannockburn, where there is a bridge designed by Thomas Telford. The circular arch road bridge was built in 1819 but it is only from the park that you really see and can appreciate the bridge that motorists and pedestrians go across every day. As well as walks there are playing fields and play areas and a BMX track and the path is right next to the Bannock Burn.
The afternoon took us to one of our favourite places to visit - the Kelpies at Falkirk. We have been here a few times but it is just as spectacular every time. The sculptures are 30m tall and depict shape-shifting water spirits. They stand next to an extension to the Forth & Clyde canal and pay respect to the working horses who used to pull barges along the canals and work in the fields. Stunning.
A short walk alongside the River Forth at Alloa concluded our day, rather mixed in terms of weather with a grey day and occasional spots of rain but nothing to stop us getting out and about.
Wednesday began wet and grey again this morning, and saw us take the Three Lochs Drive in the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. It was a 7 mile drive around Lochan Reoidhte (however you pronounce that!), Loch Drunkie and Loch Achray. We only got out of the car to take a few photos - and it was only a few!
Although a miserable day weather-wise the scenery is still amazing and the bluebells and primroses looked superb on the verges and in the woods.
Thursday looked a much brighter day as we headed off to Perth. Kinnoull Hill with its views over the River Tay looked inviting, although being a hill we weren't too sure how steep it would be. It began flat enough but then steadily climbed up, but the views on the way were stunning.
On the way home, to finish off the day, we went to visit the Wallace Monument. Officially called the National Wallace Monument it is a tower standing on the shoulder of Abbey Craig, a hilltop overlooking Stirling. It was completed in 1869 and has 246 steps to reach the top.
This was our last day in Stirling - but it has been another amazing visit - and I'm sure won't be our last!
