*Waking up to a beautiful day and fantastic view from our window...*

July 30, 2024 -

Travelers - Jeff & Mandy (with baby on-board) & Teo (2 yrs)

Good Day Everyone! Peeping out the window we see a beautiful sunny warm day awaiting us. Which is a rare day in Scotland. When we arrived at the hotel yesterday, the receptionist had made the comment, we were so lucky to have sunny warm weather. She said last year she only remembered one day like this. We are thankful to say the least!

So what’s on the schedule today? We have busy day. A tour of old town Edinburgh with a With Locals Guide. Beginning at 10:00. In the early afternoon we plan to meet our Turo car rental at the hotel. Then the plan is to drive into the country heading Northwest towards the Cairngorms National Park.

But first we need breakfast…Téo up and dressed, we three all headed downstairs to the dining area of the hotel were breakfast was being served called the cozy restaurant called Spencer. Walking in to this space it has a real wow factor with Atrium ceiling high above and the beautiful glass letting in the natural light. The decor is so beautiful well coordinating, plush, chic and very welcoming. We were seated a table beside a fireplace which wasn’t on this time of year but nice nonetheless.

Make it stand ou

*Stunning dining area of the Spencer Restaurant..*

Our waitress was quick to welcome us. She introduce herself and then hand us an attractive breakfast menu. We settled for a delicious meal of Corn fritters, Buckwheat Pancakes and Porridge…it was all well plated and full of flavor.

*Breakfast drinks..*

*Sunshine smoothie, Cappuccino and Americana*

*Corn Fritter with spinach, mushroom and salsa…very delicious…*

*Buckwheat pancakes with blueberries and crushed brittle on top...*

Soon it was time to catch a cab to meet Monica at a spot along the Royal Mile.

Monica was a wonderful tour guide. We can't recommend her enough if you are planning a trip to Edinburgh and would like to have a tour of the Old Town. See if she is available.

*Meet Monica our Withlocals tour guide of Old Town Edinburgh...she is just as cheerful, friendly and welcoming as she looks here!!*

The thing about With Locals tours that make it special…it’s the personal touch. Just you and a local who is eager to show you around their beautiful city. You can easily find tours in alot of cities and towns in Europe. https://www.withlocals.com

Today's tour started on the Royal Mile with Monica sharing stories with us and some history as she knows it. We walked along and listened as she pointed out different areas along Royal Mile Street. Including an impressive monument with the important Crest and at the top the national animal, the Unicorn, holding the Scottish Flag.

*Edinburgh Crest... Notice the Scotland national animal, the Unicorn, at the top holding the Scottish flag...*

She pointed out the narrow alleyways between some of the buildings. These are referred to as a Close.

*One of the many passageways coming up the Royal Mile. These are called a Close...*

What is a Close? A close alleyway in Edinburgh refers to a narrow passageway or courtyard, often situated between buildings, that leads to residential areas, businesses, or hidden gems of the city. These intimate spaces are characterized by their stone walls and cobblestone paths, exuding historical charm and often evoking a sense of mystery. Many closes date back to the medieval era and provide insight into the city's rich architectural history. Some may feature distinctive architectural details, while others serve as access points to small shops and cafés, making them an integral part of Edinburgh's urban landscape.

*Tour continues headed towards a Museum that has a clock Monica wanted to show us..*

*A quick peep through the bridge railing to the street below...*

Monica then took us past the famous dog Greyfriars Bobby and his statue (which we didn’t even know about) She said many people visit the grave of this loyal dog each year, some leaving flowers, sticks etc..

*Greyfriars Bobby's grave site...this grave draws alot of attention, many people visit and leave flowers or in this picture sticks for Bobby the dog..*

Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier, is a notable figure in Edinburgh's history, renowned for his loyalty to his owner, John Gray. After Gray passed away in 1858, Bobby refused to leave his master’s grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard, spending 14 years watching over it until his own death in 1872. The story of this devoted dog captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike, leading to the construction of a statue in his honor near the graveyard. Greyfriars Bobby symbolizes unwavering loyalty and companionship, making him a beloved part of Edinburgh's heritage.

*A pub next to the grave site of the dog Greyfriars Bobby...*

Next we passed by the Grassmarket area. It wasn't too busy this morning but in the afternoons and evenings it can become a lively congestion area to be.

*This is the Grassmarket area...in the afternoon and evening this area get really busy this time of year...*

The Grassmarket area in Edinburgh is a vibrant historic marketplace located just below the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Known for its cobbled streets and lively atmosphere, it has served various purposes since the 14th century, ranging from a marketplace to a hub for public executions. Today, the Grassmarket is lined with an array of shops, cafes, and pubs, offering visitors a taste of local culture and cuisine. The area is also notable for its striking views of the castle and the surrounding architecture, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. In addition, the Grassmarket plays host to various events and festivals throughout the year, further enriching its community spirit.

*Colorful Victoria Street lined with small boutique shops..*

Close by we discovered the colorful Victoria Street with many small boutique shops. Some of the clothing stores with Scottish fashions were quite inviting. High quality wool clothing is a real thing here. Harris tweed is considered top quality wool.

*Small boutique selling attractive Scottish Fashion Attire...*

*Should I purchase a kilt? That is a question that will need to be answered another day...*

Victoria Street in Edinburgh is renowned for its vibrant, colorful facade and historic architecture. The curved street features a row of shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a bustling hub for both locals and tourists. Its distinctive multi-hued buildings, which date back to the 19th century, offer a picturesque view that is often photographed. The street is not only a significant part of Edinburgh's Old Town but also serves as a bridge between the Grassmarket and the Royal Mile, adding to its charm and accessibility. The atmosphere here is lively, drawing in visitors looking to explore unique shops or enjoy a meal in one of the cozy establishments.

*The Hat Shop...Monica told us this is the place to visit for high quality hats of all kinds. Sorry about the glare of the building across the street in the window..*

*Ahead we spot the Edinburgh Castle...notice all the flags flying, this is the stadium where the Edinburgh Tattoo is held. We are looking forward to attending August 5th, stay tuned!*

*See and heard our first bagpiper...something about the notes of the bagpipe is so just Scotland..*

Along the way we asked questions and Monica was always quick to answer. Including food suggestions. She suggested we try Cullen Skink Soup and the traditional Cranachan dessert while in Scotland. We made a quick mental note to try these dishes before leaving Scotland.

What is Cullen Skink? Cullen skink is a traditional Scottish soup from Cullen, Moray. This hearty dish features smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions in a rich broth. Fish and vegetables are simmered until tender, then milk or cream is added for creaminess. Seasoned with salt and pepper, it serves as a comforting meal during colder months, reflecting the region's fishing heritage and Scotland's culinary history.

More about the Scottish dessert Cranachan. Cranachan is a traditional Scottish dessert made of layers of whipped cream, Scottish raspberries, toasted oatmeal, and whisky. Served in a glass, it displays vibrant raspberries against creamy layers, complemented by crunchy oats. Often sweetened with honey or sugar, it balances the fruit's tartness, making it a delightful end to meals. Popular in summer when fresh raspberries are available, cranachan is commonly featured at gatherings and festivals.

*Quiet oasis just off the busy Royal Mile street..*

Part way through the 1.5 hour tour, Monica took us down a Close to quiet, peaceful oasis steps away from the bustling city. It was a great place to sit down, relax a moment, let his Da have a break from carrying Téo. Téo was happy to have a place to run and explore a bit.

*Teo enjoyed stretching his legs while giving his Da a break from carrying him..*

*Teo leading the way through the Close...*

*Old clock again a blue sky backdrop...*

*This blue man depicts the only to enter Edinburgh back when there was wall by climbing up and over. If a person was trying to avoid check points and the main gate...*

*P.S. follow this close to find the filming area of Jamie's Print Shop in Outlander...*

An interesting stop we made, was to see Jamie Frasier's Print Shop which was the actual set for the Outlander Series. P.S Find Bakehouse Close along the Royal Mile and then a short walk to see this area. It was interesting that throughout Scotland we would see the Clan Frasier name here and there. (We'll show you Clan Frasier tomb marker in Battle of Culloden in a later blog post…) Scotland is full of ‘moments in time’ that had an impact in the development of this country and beyond.

*On the steps of Jamie's Print Shop set...*

*Guide Monica explaining something important..*

*The tribe passing through Bakehouse Close...*

Towards the end of the tour Monica took us Old Edinburgh cemetery. Here we had some scenic of views of the valley and the hills beyond…

*An old Edinburgh graveyard Monica took us took...here we had some nice views overlooking the valley and the hillside beyond...*

*A view across the way from the cemetery...*

The tour ended near our hotel. We said our farewells to our new friend in Edinburgh. Thank-You Monica!!

*A striking building... I have forgotten the name of it*

It was lunch time when we returned. We ate a delicious lunch at Spencer. Téo was all tuckered out and took a nap while we ate a relaxing lunch. We ordered some food for him to take with us.

*Back at the Spencer for a relaxing lunch...*

*All tuckered out, Teo took a nap while we ate a relaxing lunch..*

*Small plate of childrens fish and chips...*

Now it was time to pack up and meet our Turo rental car. Nadeem was so kind to have the Mini Cooper brought to the hotel so we didn't have to pick it up at the train station.

*Turo car Rental has arrived on street right in front of the hotel...*

The convenience was amazing and something that makes Turo stand out over big company rentals like Avis, Hertz etc. Instead Turo is a P2P (person to person) approach rental service. It works really well with a good selection of fun vehicles like this two door Mini Cooper.

All packed up, and ready to start navigating the streets of Edinburgh on our way to the Cairngorms National Park. Driving in Scotland is totally different than in the USA. The driver seat is on the right side of the vehicle, they drive on the opposite side of the road and the manual shifting lever is in the left hand. I was happy to discover the clutch, brake and accelerator pedal were the same as I was used to. Let's say the learning curve is real! Especially when starting out in busy central Edinburgh. The goal was to find our way out of Edinburgh as quickly as possible.

*This feels so backwards driving on this side of the road...gonna have reprogram my mind quickly...*

*Approaching one of the many roundabouts throughout Scotland. We really like roundabouts!*

After a wrong turn or two we soon found ourselves out on the open roads driving through beautiful rolling hill countryside. We could begin breathe a little easier.We settle in for the ride and enjoyed the scenery change to purple hills with the blooming Scottish Heather all around.

Part we way to our destination we stopped at the House of Bruar. This was recommended place to stop to buy groceries and food options for the cottage. However we arrived right close to their closing time. We only had time for a quick bathroom break and to time to purchase a prepared casserole for our supper. We will have to make do with this for our meal this evening. Hopefully there is some food waiting on us at the cottage…

The little pit stop over we conitued on our way following the Google maps as it began to take us through quiet little villages and into the very narrow roads into the forest. If we met only vehicle one of us had to pull to allow they them to pass. It took us about 20 mins from the little village of … till we caught our first view of the Kennels Cottage. All by itself surrounded by nature. Yes this will definitely do!

*Kennels Cottage...coming from bustling Edinburgh this looks like to perfect place to unwind and relax...*

Kennels Cottage in Glenfeshie, Scotland, offers a cozy retreat in Cairngorms National Park. Surrounded by mountains and forests, it provides a warm ambiance with traditional design and modern comforts. Guests can enjoy local hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and the serene River Feshie, making it ideal for nature lovers seeking adventure and relaxation…

*Surrounded by nature...very tranquil except when the little mingies are out in a swarms..*

Now please join us has we tour the house together…. unpacking the car can wait! Teo is good and ready to stretch his legs and explore. Lets go!

*A view of the front of the house...this picture doesn't show the picnic table in front as well..*

*A bench in the boot room with extra firewood...*

*We really enjoyed this beautiful spacious kitchen*

*I spy two french presses and a espresso machine!*

*The best bread, butter, and fresh raspberry jam..*

*We thoroughly enjoyed this den in the evening with the candles lit and fireplace burning…*

*Wood burning fireplace in the den or family room...*

*Bunk beds near the master bedroom...we made a bed here for Teo to sleep. It worked well.*

*A quick peek outside and a pinch to make sure this is all real...*

*Stairs leading upstairs and the den to the left...*

*One of the two bedrooms upstairs with each having two twin bedrooms...*

*Upstairs washroom... with a shower with a view inside and outside :) if you get my meaning..*

House tour over we went outside to collect our bags from the Mini. This is when we were quickly introduced the biting little bugs called mingies…they are worse than mosquitos! Long sleeves are a must.!We discovered if we stand still they will swarm and if we stay walking its better. We ran back into the house to get a jacket or two..

*Teo is quite impressed with his bunk bed sleeping area to share with his friends he has picked up along the way...*

All settled in the cozy cottage, it is It time to call it a day.

Tomorrow we plan to visit Blair Castle which is about a one hour drive away… Bon Nuit!

P.S. The next Scotland Blog post titled Exploring Cairngorms & Blair Castle is scheduled to post the evening of November 12, 2024…

Kennels Cottage - Cairngorm Highlands

Exploring Cairngorm & Blair Castle

Beautiful Edinburgh