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I always intended to go up to Scotland sometime during the Summer of 2002. I'd just completed my contract working at St. Marks, and was looking for work. I just had so many job interviews, I began to wonder if I'd get a break between applying for jobs and attending interviews. Then it happened. I had a guaranteed break of a week between interviews, so decided to go for it. I'd bought myself a tent and sleeping bag just a couple of weeks before.
I left for Scotland the morning of Wednesday 14th August 2002, much to my mother's horror. I decided as I had no planned schedule and I was driving up there, I'd stop off at a few places of interest along the way. So I did! I had intended to meet up with a couple of friends en route, but none of them were available. Just one of the perils of last minute plans.
The first place of interest I stopped at was the National Space Centre outside Leicester. However, upon seeing the price, I decided to go to the Museum of Steam(?) on the same complex instead. The latter was free and very interesting.
When I returned to the road, I realised I wouldn't get very far before dinner time, and so decided to stop off at Bradford : approximately 1/2 way between my parents' place and Edinburgh where I was headed. It was very liberating to listening to Gareth Gates sing on my tape deck whilst driving through Bradford!! Anyway, I decided to take a look around the cathedral before it shut. What an amazing place! I'd recommend it to anyone. Then I stopped off and bought some food, before deciding to find somewhere cheap to stay the night. I ended up staying at Abbey Lodge bed and breakfast. They were interested to know why I decided to stay in Bradford of all places! It's no reflection on the service provided, which was very good, but I didn't sleep too well. I was staying on the road-side, and had underestimated the 'regular' stream of traffic passing by ie probably one car every hour. But it was enough to keep me awake!!
I left Bradford after breakfast, getting slightly delayed in traffic as I did so, and headed for the hills. It was a good day for travelling once more, my next stop being Hadrian's Wall. I stopped at Chesters Walled Garden, which was pretty, but nothing to do with Hadrian's Wall; and Chesters Roman Fort plus a couple of other spots whose names slip my mind. If you only want to stop at one place and are travelling up the A1(M), Chesters Roman Fort is the place to stop! It is a very good ruin of the wall. Amazing stuff!
I was just outside of Edinburgh when I discovered a campsite just outside of Dalkeith (not far from Edinburgh!). I decided to stay there and set up camp. I don't recall gaining much information regarding Edinburgh from the campsite, although there were a few leaflets I picked up.
Friday 16th August I drove into Edinburgh to see what I could see. Note : I lost the car park and ended up paying a rather big parking fee upon locating the car. I would recommend you driving into Dalkeith, parking, and getting the bus as I did on all further ventures into Edinburgh. As the Fringe Festival was on, there was plenty to see and do. My first port of call was Edinburgh Castle. The hardest part was finding the way up to it amongst the scaffolding left there was the evenings entertainment during the Fringe! I then went on the "Royal Mile Walk". I discovered this only happens as part of the Fringe Festival, but as it's so interesting with regards to the history of Edinburgh, I would recommend you make the effort to walk it! There are various points of interest you stop at along the way, and you even get to see where the Queen sits when she goes to church in Edinburgh. It also gave me ideas of where to go the next day.
My first port of call Saturday (after Dalkeith where I parked and got the bus, that is!) was St Giles Cathedral. I also stopped at the Toy Museum, Art Museum, John Knox's House, and pretty much anywhere else that was free! That's the beauty of Edinburgh : lots of free places to visit!
That evening I had dinner with my friend John and his girlfriend, and discovered you can climb the Scott Monument! I did this after attending the morning service at St. John's & King's Park Dalkeith the next day. Unfortunately it was a miserable rainy day, but it was well worth the climb and the little money it cost! A great place for photographs, so don't forget your camera!!
I left Edinburgh for Glasgow in the pouring rain that Sunday afternoon. I had been told there's not much worth seeing in Glasgow, but I think my source got it wrong! Do not listen to the lies!!!! I stayed at Craigendmuir Caravan and Camping Park in Stepps (-Southern part of Glasgow), and was helped with putting up my tent in the rain by some German hikers. There was plenty of information on Glasgow, and a map at the park. So after my tent was up, I then drove into Glasgow just before sun-set (by which time the rain was gradually slowing to a stop). WOW! I was AMAZED at the beauty of the place! Where Edinburgh is very old and historic, Glasgow is very new and architecturally exciting! I basically walked along the streets taking pictures as it was so pretty! That evening I got out the said map which contained a list of places to see in Glasgow, and planned where I was headed the next day - my last day in Scotland.
The first place I visited was Glasgow Cathedral. I then proceeded to St Mungos Museum of Religious Life and Art, and St Mungo Heritage Centre. All three places are well worth a visit to get a full picture of Glasgow's religious culture. I then proceeded into the very centre of Glasgow, visiting The Lighthouse, which at the time had a display on Charles Renne Mackintosh. When you first walk into The lighthouse, you're not quite sure what it is, but it is well worth a visit with all it's quirky elements! The Museum of Piping was another interesting place to go. It's amazing what you can learn about something so old and traditional whilst in Scotland!! Finally, I went to the Glasgow Science Centre. There is so much to see and do there, I'd recommend you go for a day or two! Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed rushing around the various activities at such a scenic location.
I spent my final night at my friends Sam and Jason's, who had just returned from a trip to the fens (where I live) following their first anniversary! It was good to see them once more, and they were interested to hear about my mad Scotish travels. When asked if I preferred Edinburgh or Glasgow, though, I honestly can't say. I think you need to visit both places and judge for yourself. As for visiting the Highlands, I'll wait until I have more time and money and fly up there!
Mother was glad when I finally returned in time for tea on Tuesday 20th August. Despite all her worrying, I returned to her safe and sound.
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