Stirling - the city of many walls

West view from the wall.
see all photos »

There didn't seem to be a great deal in Stirling other than the castle, William Wallace Monument and Stirling Bridge, if your into the history side of it. So its probably not worth spending a night here if you're like me.

Stirling is a much dirtier city than Edinburgh - if you want to know the first thing I noticed... hey - it's only natural for human beings to compare.

Stirling Castle tells you a lot more; its not just there to be looked around like a 3D sculpture, its there to teach you.

Entering - theres two entrances, outer and inner.
see all photos »

Apart from that, we visited Stirling Castle today. We made it take all day, coz there was nothing else to do; the William Wallace monument was too far away, and lets face it, a bridge is a bridge and nothing more.

The castle was interesting. I went in there with the impression that it was going to be better than Edinburgh Castle, because that is what I had heard from everyone else. It is definitely smaller, so if size matters, then choose Edinburgh. Other then that, it would be wrong to compare them.

Cemetry, Ochil Hills and William Wallace Monument.
see all photos »

But I will anyway. Stirling Castle tells you a lot more; its not just there to be looked around like a 3D sculpture. With all it's history it should be there to teach you - and it does. There are more accessible buildings and places, although less in number. There are plenty of walls that you can trek around (there are about 1/8th the amount of people there, so you wouldn't have to worry about falling off), and you get a sweet view of the city, Wallace Monument, that used-to-be royal garden and the Ochill Hills.

The Great Kitchens in Stirling Castle
see all photos »

After exploring this castle, I was able to imagine people living there 3000 years ago (ok, it was probly only about 800) - more so than what I could with Edinburgh, which might only be because there were way less people there. There were a few display models of how it was in the Kitchen, and the Palace building which is being restored, along with visual commentary - though disapointing to see the scaffolding on the outside. I will go back in a few years to check it out when its all finished.

Random room in Argyll's Lodging
see all photos »

Next door to the castle is Argyll's Lodge, which we got into for free because of an Explorer Pass which we bought. Buy an Explorer Pass, it saves you money and time. Only have to use it for a minimum of three castles, and you will be saving money already. I probly wouldn't have paid for Argyll's Lodge otherwise. Its a typical town house of the 1300's ,upper-class residence.

Maccas is fun in Scotland. The breakfast selection they have is amazing! I ate pancakes with sausage, which was really nice. The sausage was the same shape as the pancake.