Scolty Hill

On October 23rd, I went on my first legitimate hike in Scotland with the ladies of the AWA. The leader of our group decided to take us to walk Scolty hill because of the remarkable views of Aberdeenshire. We were all very excited for the photo-op! 

Pausing to take a breather

Can't see where I am headed

 The summit

We climbed all the way to the top for this lovely view of the fog. Alas, the weather got us. This just means we will have to do the walk again!

After our hike, we stopped by the magnificent Falls of Feugh. 

If you come during the right seasons, you can see the salmon leaping out of the water!

Lunch

It is so nice living in a city that actually has a fall season!

Stonehaven

On the Saturday of our first weekend in Aberdeen, we decided to drive south along the coast to Stonehaven and visit Dunnottar castle.

Dunnottar Castle

View of Aberdeen

Along the coast of Stonehaven

Super windy

Dunnottar means "fort on the shelving slope."

 We hiked down a cliff to the rocky shore.

The seal friend who came to visit us

Seal family

 Beautiful sunshine

The weather has been so good to us!

Dunnottar Castle is most known for being the place where the Scottish crown jewels were hidden from Oliver Cromwell's army.

 Supposedly, in 1297, William Wallace captured Dunnottar from the English. (Inspiration for the movie Braveheart)

For all of you Disney fans out there: Dunnottar Castle was also used as inspiration for the movie Brave.  http://pixartimes.com/2012/04/10/how-the-legends-and-beauty-of-scotland-inspired-brave/

After visiting the castle, we were determined to "wild camp." James went to scout out a good camping spot, but it was too windy on the bluffs and to rocky on the beach. Bummer.

Dunnottar is definitely one of our favorite castles. We will be back!

Pitmedden Garden

On my first Discover Aberdeen tour with the wonderful ladies of the AWA (the Association of American Women of Aberdeen), we visited Pitmedden Garden. On the Discover Aberdeen adventures we take a tour and learn a little history about somewhere near Aberdeen. The heart of the garden was originally laid out in 1675. Today, the garden includes more than five miles of box hedging that are intricately designed.

The apples and pears have had a difficult time growing due to the late frosts this year.

 The brilliant sunshine and striking flowers made for a perfectly cheerful day!