14th April 16 - A really big day out

Thursday -  in the car by 7.30am to get a good early start. The skies were not blue and it was quite dull all day but... it did not rain! ... again disappointed that neither of my cameras work very well in 'low light' conditions...and that's how it stayed all day (the 'low light' conditions that is)  first stop was to visit the oldest working Post Office in the world! and then  through beautiful countryside up to the highest village in Scotland (a former lead-mining village) and finished the day with a visit to a magnificent Castle but sadly the castle itself was closed but  had a fabulous time exploring the gardens and parts of the immaculate estate and the outside of the castle. It was so beautifully landscaped that the lack of bloom didn't matter at all ... could well imagine the blaze of colour in another 4 weeks.
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setting off with lots to see on the way

arriving at the quaint town of Sanquhar

the drive up to the highest village in Scotland and not a hint of snow to be seen

and on to Drumlanrig Castle home of the Duke of Buccleuch and has been in the Douglas family for well over 400 years - some sources say 600

the Castle is made from pink sandstone and is in immaculate condition

the oldest pet grave goes back to 1929

40 acres of landscaped gardens surround the Castle itself with the estate holding 120,000 ac

the Castle's cafe houses a marvellous collection of its copper cookware

and it's time to finish up and hit the road

towards the Galloway Hills...

...and back to Newton Stewart

Sat 9 April 16 Kirroughtree walking trails

Today was sunny and a mild 10 degrees so  set off for the Kirroughtree walking trails in the Galloway Forest Park.  One of my favourites - through wooded forest, sometimes gloomy with birdsong and  little streams being the only sounds. Lunch by beautiful Loch Bruntis and paused a while by Little Bruntis Loch (my favourite of the two)
It was was a lovely walk and weather permitting will return at the end of the month for a gourmet picnic by the little loch.
enjoy !

approaching Bruntis Loch for lunch

.... and approach Little Bruntis Loch

absolutely gorgeous spot

from beautiful Kirroughtree

Tues 5th Mar - a local walk Water of Minnoch

Having had a couple of dreich days activities have been somewhat curtailed. Today it was overcast but not pouring so set off on a local walk of only a few kilometres along the Water of Minnoch through Brigton Woods and to the Roman bridge.

the weather is turning and one can really feel Spring's warmth (sometimes)

lunch near the Roman bridge

 from the wilds of Scotia

Easter, Preston and back via Lake District

Been back three days from the trip south into Preston England.

on the road to Preston England

Preston's fabulous buildings with me managing to pick up a tummy bug

... set off Easter Monday for Scotland via the beautiful Lakes District and drove over the stunning Kirkstone Pass (one vehicle lane!)

charming villages and buildings at every turn

a quick visit to Beatrix Potter world was an absolute must!

and over the Kirkstone Pass

down from the pass and following more gorgeous lakes (not lochs, we're in England!!)

all too soon we are back on the motorway! and joining the Easter throng heading back into Scotland and surrounding areas of Dumfries

and almost home

- the last day of March and feeling so well again after my 'bug' that I set off for a 7.5km walk through Forestry tracks in the lower hills of Auchinleck Newton Stewart.

... pass by Auchinleck House and it doesn't look so spooky today...

it was a lovely walk and felt much better for it - lucky - 'heavy' rain is expected for the next two days.