Horses Heads, Wheels and Castles..
A trip of two halves, one dry one wet...
Fact Panel
Details
Trip Date:
June 2023
Transport:
Volvo XC90
Accommodation:
59 Causewayhead Road, Stirling
Duration:
Five Days
Cost of Trip Per Person:
£600
Video:
Panasonic SD Camera, DJI Mini 2 Drone
Rating:
Good
Members Attending
Stirling Trivia
County
Stirlingshire
Population:
50,000
Known For:
Castles, University, Bridges, Battles.
Where is Stirling?
Day One: Tuesday 11th June
In the tradition of the Arrow Group, a hire car was obtained, a massive behemoth which was in fact, larger than it actually needed to be. Room enough for all the luggage and passengers in the world it would seem, however on this occasion it accommodated 4 members of this austere group.
Arising for the first full day, the Group drove into Stirling, parking at a small car park just off Baker Street and deiced on the wetherspoons Crossed Peel pub for breakfast. It wasn't particularly warm when it came out.
The Group made their way up the A1, stopping at Leeming Bar to refuel with food before continuing northwards, stopping off at Berwick to collect Mic who was waiting in anticipation.
Eventually they arrived in Stirling at Causewayhead Road at their abode for the next 4 days. Beforehand they had done the shopping, this was quickly put away then the Group ventured out to explore Stirling and its hostalries and eateries. As so often on the trips, a favourite pub was found in the form of the Baker Street No2 which served good ale and nice food, so there we stayed for most of the evening, winning the pub quiz in the process with a score of 28 points..we won a £15 voucher so that paid for the next round.
It was a good walk back to the house, about a mile and a half, and upon their return out came the wine, Baileys and cheese and crackers, a good end to the first day.
Day Two: Wednesday 12th June
After the uninspiring food it was down the M9 to visit the Kelpies, the first attraction of the day. According to Chris, why do we have to pay to see them when we could see them for free from the M9?. In the end it was a moot point as we parked for free anyway and walked a short distance to see them for nowt. After a period of picture taking and milling there, the Group mobilised themselves back to the large vehicle they hired and drove a relatively short distance to the next attraction, the Falkirk Wheel.
This was also free to visit, apart from the parking, and again much millage occurred, ending up in a cafe for coffee and cake, the usual Arrow tradition. Whist there, a conversation ensued between Mark and Chris; "Do you think that Stuart is unfairly maligned?" says Mark, "I wouldn't say unfairly" responds Chris.
After that pleasure there was no time to lose and it was back to Stirling and a visit to the Castle. The Group are now entering the age where concessions are becoming a thing, with Chris and Mic obtaining them, one being old and the other being partially sighted. Lots of walking and wandering about as one does when visiting castles, admiring the various rooms and displays contained within, especially the Highlander regiment.
After the Group had had enough of historical buildings it was back to DSA, fly the drone for some overhead shots for the video. Then out to Stirling City Centre and a bite to eat at an Italian restuarant which was very good. The rest of the evening was spent in the Baker No2 pub where there was a live band on putting out an ear splitting 105 decibels which stopped all conversation. It was then back home for cheeses and crackers.
Day Three: Thursday 13th June
Despite yesterday's poor breakfast, it was decided to try the Wetherspoons again in the hope that it would be actually hot. They were sadly disappointed. Crestfallen, the Group nevertheless a trip over to Edinburgh was in order and so the tank masquerading as a car was pressed once more into service and they got to Edinburgh in short order, parking at St Leonards car park. It was intended to climb Arthur's Seat and so they chose that car park to be close to it, however there was some distinct apathy at the thought of exercise from some quarters that the plan was shelved. Had they known that they could of parked closer to the city centre but now faced a 1.8 mile walk instead. A stop en-route at the Coffee Angel for edible delights helped the journey somewhat.
They reached the city centre, a quick look in the front to Edinburgh castle proved of little interest, filled as it was by thousands of tourists and seating decks for the forthcoming Edinburgh Tattoo Show. They went to visit the art gallery instead, looked at loads of paintings in there and exited to go to St Giles Cathedral. Both the art gallery and the cathedral were free which pleased the group mightily..
The Group made there way then back towards the car, stopping at a pub called the Southsider for more eats. En route, in an Edinburgh street, Mark sneezes loudly close to the group. Reeling from the blast, Stuart says "I thought I just stood on a landmine.."
The Group eventually left Edinburgh for home, then after the usual DSA they ventured once more into Stirling in the rain. They ate at a Chinese restaurant and went to the Crossed Peel for the evening. The walk home after was very wet.
Day Four: Friday 14th June
There was no chance of the Group going for a cold brekkie again, so they ended up at the Mint cafe instead which was at least hot. A boat trip seemed to be in order today so it off to Loch Lomond to float around a bit of it at least. This was duly done, very pleasant too, at least it wasn't raining. Foods calls as it always does, so afterwards they repaired to a cafe, Mic had enquired as to vegan options but his request was rather rudely rejected which didnt go down too well. There was a cafe right next door promising good reviews and vegany options. But the Group made a choice. It was the wrong choice. And not for the first time...
After all that it was a drive back home and a climb up to the Wallace monument, what better way of completing a nice wet day? For the rain had started to assault the group, and the going proved to be certainly a wet one. Chris decided he wanted to explore the actual monument and the others did not, so they walked back while Chris explored inside, hoping that the rain would cease when he came out. It didn't.
After DSA it was back into Stirling for a ruby murry which was very nice. Over then to the pub Baker Street No2 where the Scotland - Germany Euros match was taking place, leading to a busy pub. There was another live band on afterwards killing conversation once more. Back home after to eat the remaining food while watching old Arrow videos.
Day Five: Saturday 15th June
The final day was upon them once more, so after the final brekkie at the Mint Cafe they packed up, did the video house tour then left for Musselburgh, a seaside town near Edinburgh. it was a walk round the harbour taking pics etc, exploring the high street, pretty much like Great Britain plc these days, a bit forlorn. They called in a cafe called Di Rollo on Bridge Street for coffee and cake which was nice. Back to the car then continued their journey home, stopping once more at Mic's to drop him off. They said there goodbyes to him and carried on home, again stopping at the McDonalds at Leeming Bar for a final Arrow meal.
That bought the trip to a close, it was felt it was a good trip, not perhaps eclipsing some previous ones, but it was good nevertheless. Where will thier 40th anniversay trip take us? Click below to find out! .
