This morning the clouds greeted us as we ate breakfast in the Titanic Hotel. There is so much natural light in this property that you think the sun is shining. Our meal was quick and good because our ferry was leaving at 11:30 am! We are off to Scotland.

The pier area is vast in Belfast. There are commercial docks and buildings and cranes for new developments. It’s busy yet spread out. Very interesting to be sure. Once we get the car loaded, we program the gps to take us to the ferry port. Even though it’s nearby, there’s no easy way to get there. It’s a circuitous route and I manage to really annoy another driver. Happened to be a truck driver. There’s tons of round about here and I got in the wrong lane causing the truck to have to brake. He caught up with us at the next light and let me have it. He gestured to me to roll down the window so he could blast me, but I didn’t. So he yelled (to himself) until the light changed. Great way to start the day.

The ferry dock was already lining up cars. And the number of people travelling with dogs was amazing! The cars get loaded up and we make our way to the lounge to bide the 2.5 hr crossing time. The lounge had snacks and drinks (self serve) and a light lunch menu. The crossing of the North Channel was surprisingly smooth. And in no time we were arriving at the Scottish coast. Stena Line runs ferries all over.

As soon as we hit land, the ferry unloaded. Everyone was ready to go and we drove off without a hitch.

The coastal route took us past Trump Turnberry Hotel and Golf. Green fees are exorbitant and the exotic cars in the lot were proof! The course is owned by the Trump Co. and its right on the water.

Shortly after that we pass the birthplace and museum honouring Bobby Burns

Just down the road from Bobby Burns is Culzean Castle. Unfortunately we arrive after closing but we drive into the grounds which are also a park. The gardens are spectacular.

From there we continue on to Stirling Castle. In order to reach it we drive through Glasgow. It’s a big city with lots of traffic and people.

As we leave Glasgow behind and head back into rural countryside, the lush landscapes are vast. Rolling hills of greenery and canola fields and green pastures dotted with cows or sheep. It’s a picturesque drive.

Then suddenly the castle looms in the distance.

Perched high on a hill (strategically located) it’s surrounded by village shops and restaurants. The quaint town has cobblestone and very narrow streets!

Once we reach the top of the hill, the castle is so much bigger than it seemed and includes a number of statues and a cemetery. Just for Rudy there was an ice cream truck in the parking lot, too.

Our final stop is our accommodation for the night Dunkeld House Hotel. Located just outside the village of Dunkeld, the boutique hotel is reached via a winding narrow road following alongside the Tay River. The property is breathtaking with birds of all kinds, grazing deer and gorgeous, lush gardens.

It’s a lovely country inn with a view of the river and a giant stag to greet you in the courtyard. We check in and are offered a welcome shot of whisky. And we head to our room.

It’s already 7:30 pm and we head to the bar for a pre-dinner tipple. There’s a lot of whisky to choose from. I could be here a month and still not try them all!

In the dining room we gave a view of the river. I order the local favourite: smoked salmon.

By the time we are done dinner it’s late. Time for bed!

There’s more to see and do tomorrow!

Again many thanks to Brenda, the navigator, for some great photos ♥️