The next stop on our tour was the beautiful Lake of Menteith, the only lake in Scotland! Yes you’ve heard right all the other ones are called “loch” which is similar but not quite the same (please don’t ask me why! To me it looks pretty much identical!). We took great pictures there and then left for our lunch break in a lovely little town I absolutely can’t remember the name of. But when you are there try to find a family run cafe/bistro with unbelievably good cake! Yeah we had cake for luch and I don’t regret it in the slightest! If you brought your own lunch you can enjoy it on one of the many picnic tables around the parking lot.
On our way to Loch Katrine Brian stopped in the middle of nowhere on top of a hill with wonderful views over the Highlands for a few minutes before we all had to go back to the bus.
Loch Katrine is not only the primary water reservoir of the greater area of Glasgow but also inspiration for many literary works. Sir Walter Scott for example dedicated his poem “The Lady of the Lake” to the 13km long Loch. As well as famous writers there is another celebrity linked to Loch Katrine: Queen Victoria who opened the aqueduct network there in 1859. The time you will have there is probably enough to surround a great deal of the Loch but not to enjoy a cruise on it. You will still see a lot, don’t worry!
On our “rollercoaster ride” (you’ll know it when you do it!) to the last sight Brian stopped again to visit his hairy friends and feed them with delicious, fresh carrots. Who are they you ask? The Hairy Coos! Those cute animals have easily been one of the highlights of the day and not only for kids!
Doune Castle was the last halt of the day and my personal favourite. I have a thing for castles and old buildings in general but if they served as a shooting location for “Outlander” and “Game of Thrones” as well, I literally can’t handle my excitement! I did an audioguide tour which I strongly recommend doing if you want to feel the abandoned rooms come to live again. You have access to the great hall with it’s beautiful timber panelling, the kitchen with the highest chimney I’ve ever seen and many other rooms, every one with it’s very own story.