Megan’s and Bronwen’s Adventures in Stirling:
Well, the day started off splendidly. We made it to the train on time and the sun was shining--two very important things. Upon arriving in Stirling we wandered up to the Stirling Castle, and up it was. It certainly is on a rather large hill. After our arduous climb, we spent a good couple of hours exploring the castle. It is beautifully situated so that you can get some great views of the surrounding areas.
After that we headed back into town for a quick lunch at a nice pub. Megan was able to get her favourite fish and chips, so all was good.
We then decided that we would walk to the William Wallace Monument. Note: the Wallace monument is about 2km across town, not that far we think. So, we proceed to head towards the Wallace monument. It seems simple, head in the direction of the giant stone structure. After having walked for some thirty minutes we realized that we had hit a dead end. Not only were we in a dead end subdivision, but there was a river on one side and a field on the other. Essentially we had to retreat.
Never mind, we decided we would attempt once more to make it to the Wallace monument, this time by bus. We found the correct bus and hopped on, letting our driver know where we wanted to get off. Everything seemed to be going to plan. As we neared the Wallace monument we wondered where we should get off. The first stop was not nearly close enough and we couldn't see a way to the Wallace monument so we stayed on. Note: the Wallace monument is surrounded by a massive stone cliff. The next stop also seemed a plausible stop, however, again no way of entry to the Wallace monument. Thus, we stayed on the bus.
This proved to be our second mistake of the day. After that stop the bus took a direct turn away from the Wallace monument and started off into the surrounding communities. We sure got our money’s worth. Not only did our 2 pound 50 buy us a journey past the Wallace monument, it also took us to Blairlogie, Menstrie, Alva and Dollar, some neighbouring communities of Stirling. Some 45 minutes later we moved to the front of the bus, where our driver so perceptively managed to say 'Hey, you've missed your stop'. Yes, indeed we had, and thankfully we had realized that. Upon arriving in Dollar we switched buses and returned to Stirling. Much to the dismay of our bus driver, we did not attempt to reach the Wallace monument again. Instead we decided that we were just not meant to see the Wallace monument. Not today anyways, and we returned to beautiful Edinburgh, a much more navigatable city!
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