Scotland, Day 1 of Sightseeing - Midhope Castle

I was very exited, and having booked on-line entry tickets, I arrived at my first location, the Midhope Castle, a short 15 minute drive from Bo’ness at 8.30am, even though the location only opened at 9am.

The drive to Midhope Castle was very pretty via the back roads from Bo’ness.

Walking up the road from the Car Park to the Entry gate.

The iconic driveway up to Midhope Castle aka Lallybroch, in the Outlander TV Series.

I was the First visitor and was able to take a few fabulous photos without others in the background. 

Walking up the road to Midhope Castle 

Castle door locked

New windows to keep the interior dry

Further into the property, the newer Farm buildings, as this is an operational farm

Part of the car park where Outlander Actors Mobile homes are parked during filming, and ‘Cast Toilets’ which are kept operational for visitors to the castle.

All info I had seen online was that the only outside of the Castle could only be visited, as the inside was slowly under repair, but whilst taking photos, a couple arrived unlocked the chain on the Castle door and went inside. After about 10 minutes, I boldly went and knocked on the door, and went in. To my surprise they invited me in, and were setting up a props and effects from Outlander filming.

I spent a wonderful half hour with the couple who told me History of the Castle, and the surrounding area, and kindly took photos of me inside the entrance room (the only room opened). Towards the end of the half hour, a knock came at the door, and numerous people had arrived by bus, and wanted entry. The couple asked them to wait outside, and they finished my wonderful experience with them.

I have a wonderful video, unfortunately to big to upload here.

Photo of Outlanders Jamie Fraser and me

Exiting, I found a bus load of people in the grounds taking photos and waiting to gain entry into the seldom opened Castle. 

The couple had also told me that the Highland Coos could be seen behind the Castle, so off I went and got some lovely shots, although not close ones.

Back side of Midhope Castle

Midhope Castle Original Farmyard Buildings

Highland Coo

There are a few renovated Cottages in the Midhope Castle Grounds. This one can be rented.

Another interesting building is the Original Doocot, which also features in the Outlander TV Series.

The Doocot

On my way back to my vehicle, I saw this notice and path, and took a walk down it. I did not go to the end, but had a lovely peaceful 15 minute walk along the pathway through the woods and alongside the  burn.

This was one of the highlights of my Scotland Sojourn, so much more than expected. Highly recommended, especially for all my fellow Outlander fans.

UK, London to Scotland on LNER

As I had just over a week with not much to do, until an appointment at the US Embassy in London on Wednesday 1 July, and with the heatwave, I decided to escape north and explore Scotland - one of my Bucket List places to visit.

I booked a LNER train mid-morning, for Monday 22 June, giving me ample time to use the Tube to get from Belham to Kings Cross/St Pancreas.

I arrived early at St Pancreas, and had time to get a coffee and some snacks from the well stocked small Supermarket within the station for the 4 1/2 hour LNER journey to Edinburgh.

Seeing I was early, I just had to visit the iconic Hogwarts Platform 9 3/4’s 🤣

I found the Electronic Board did not display any Departure Platform Numbers until about 10 minutes before a Trains Departure time, then there’s a rush to enter the Turnstiles, make your way to your Platform, find your Coach, stow luggage and find your seat. I was a bit apprehensive, but as my Train platform was displayed, I just had to follow the throng of passengers suddenly gravitating to the Entry Turnstiles and to my Train.

Just an example of how large and well arranged the entry turnstyles are, where you scan your electronic ticket to enter your platform

LNER train

Aboard at the doors, there are luggage racks for suitcases.

I had booked a window seat on the RHS of the Train, which the Scotland Travel FB page advised had the better vistas. I had no-one next to me for the entire trip.

Some views of the journey north

I arrived at Waverley Station, Edinburgh and made my way to Avis Waverley Location to pickup my vehicle. Unfortunately I found their Underground Parking Pickup desk unattended, and after numerous phone calls to Avis, they asked me to catch a cab to the City Branch, where they Upgraded me, due to all my troubles.

The BYD vehicle was my first Hybrid.

Due to the 2 hour delay in picking up my vehicle, my afternoon plans of visiting nearby attractions did not work out, so I drove directly to Bo’ness, and checked into my Richmond Park Hotel. 

Even though had I stipulated only 1 person when booking, I was given a huge room and it had lovely views over Firth of Forth.

London, at home in Belham

I spent the weekend working in the Garden, and particularly loved the rose bushes which over the next few weeks began to flower. One white and one pink. This is the white rose bush which Connor and I pruned and attached to trellis to support the numerous buds.

Connor tackled the lawn which had not been mowed since the end of winter, so was at least a foot tall.

The garden, now all neat and bbq ready to be fired up for dinner.

Katie came over, and we had a fab bbq and shared a bottle of bubbly.

Connor and Katie

Sunday, Connor and I walked down to Belham for a morning walk, coffee and brekkie.