Why not join me on a virtual walk along the Scottish coast?
You're coming then? Brilliant! Let's get going!
We start off in a tiny wee fishing village, Whinnyfold, 20 miles north of Aberdeen.
We walk north along the cliffs, admiring the blue seas and the graceful arc of Cruden Bay in the distance.
(You may, like me, have to be on a lead for this stretch, along a narrow and uneven path with steep drops on one side and eminently chase-able sheep on the other.)
Eventually we reach the beach, and can run free, sniff around the rock pools and sip the salty water.
If you biggify this picture you can see the outline of a castle in the top left. That's where we're headed.
But first you may wish to stop a while and reflect, and watch the tide go out.
We are lucky that for once there is almost no wind, so no sand blowing in our eyes.
It seems we might even have the beach to ourselves today.
And also the path up to the spooky ruins of Slains Castle. (Bram Stoker stayed here; they say it's where he found inspiration for the Dracula story.)
We can walk right up to the castle and explore. It's great fun - so many fascinating nooks and crannies to investigate. (The buildings are actually fenced off for safety reasons, but there's a hole in the fence so we can slip straight through!) If I had a human who would remember to charge her camera battery once in a while, then I would be able to show you the ruins close up, but I'm afraid you'll just have to imagine it today, or perhaps follow this link.
P.S. I am off on my big train journey to visit human Granny and Granddad on Thursday. But by
Dis is so cool. And I even has da Dracula teethies. I tink I is livin' in da wrong place!
ReplyDeleteI loved that walk with you. Thanks for taking us with you.
ReplyDeleteGood luck for your BIG train trip. Or should it be Gail getting the good wishes?
See you at the picnic!
Love and licks, Winnie
That was a great walk Bertie. Dracula's castle is a bit scawy
ReplyDeleteBenny & Lily
What a lovely walk on a lovely day! It's a good literary trick to leave the scary castle to the reader's imagination, Bertie!!
ReplyDeleteSee you at the picnic!
-Gizmo, Bart and Ruby
Oh Bertie that looked like a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteThat Drac Castle sure did look scary!
I cannot wait for your lecture!
woos, Tessa
My Daddy is all hot and bothered by your castle, but I think the beah looks pawtastic!
ReplyDeleteWhat a dramatic coastline. We'd love to be there. It would take us months to get to the castle because we'd be sniffing everything!
ReplyDeleteThe water experiments sound great. We love water....except bath water.
Have a fantastic time on the train and at Granny and Granddad's.
XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella
Beautiful scenery Bertie. You east coast guys are lucky as it's usually a lot dryer for walks that us poor pooches on the west coast!
ReplyDeleteFabulous walk Bertie. WE are quite pleased we didn't go too near the spooky castle, we were worried somebody would jump out and go BOO!
ReplyDeleteHave a good trip to Nottingham. We are passing by Sherwood Forest on Saturday. If we see you we will wave our paws.
Molly, Taffy, Monty and Winnie
How fortunate you are to have such a beautiful coast within reach!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd mostly off leash to boot.
Wirey woofs,
Jake and Just Harry
This is way WAYYY cool!!! So did you get to go in the castle?
ReplyDeleteBertie its looks beautiful, and all to yourself what could be better. So its water you are doing about!!! I'll pop over and check it out.
ReplyDeleteHave a good time, just keep reminding Gail pub, pub, pub ;)
See Yea George xxx
Hi Bertie, I've been meaning to drop by for a long time now. I finally did and I am so glad I did.
ReplyDeleteYou get to do some wonderful walks and I love that you share the pictures for us to see.
See you Saturday
Bert
When we saw the first part of your post, we thought 'Gail's gone off and left him for sure,' but it sounds like in spite of your trial run you're actually about to take a long train ride. Did we see on your ticket that Gail booked a sleeper car for you? That should make the journey much less stressful, if so.
ReplyDeleteWe learn something new every time we visit your blog. Who knew "Dracula" owed its existance as much to Scotland as to Transylvania! Good thing you visited in broad daylight. Much the safest thing.
Can't wait to hear and see your demonstrations at the picnic!
Jed & Abby
Bertie! This is so neato! I biggified the last castle shot. It looks like a giant sand castle! Way cool :D And to think the infamous Count's creation was inspired there... Superb! Thanks for the incredible walkie! :D
ReplyDeleteWaggin at ya,
Roo
Looks beautiful by the beach and SPOOKY by the castle! Have fun with Granny and Grandad!
ReplyDeleteBertie, buddy, do you have something in mind for the big cook out? I wasn't going to go, but now you have me thinking. Send me a peemail, OK? Perhaps you require some photoshopping?
ReplyDeleteSlobbers,
Mango
backupdogATcomcastDOTnet
Hiya Bertie - Can you and your Gail please e-mail me at kolchakpuggle at gmail dot com? There is something important I need to share with you. Thank you very much!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHelloooo Bertie Boy! Long time no see. Our secretary is a mess. She was too busy with a (5k & 10k) race she was helping with. It's over now, so maybe we'll once again become her priority...as it should be! Now it sure looks like you walked a very far distance to that castle. Wow, could you come over here and adopt us so we can join in these cool walks?? We'll try to get over here next Sat. to see what's up with the H2O.
ReplyDeleteSmooches from pooches,
BabyRD & HOotie
Thank you so much!! It was as if I was right there with you. Wonder if they could ever take me on the plane to a cool place like that!!!
ReplyDeletehey Bertie,
ReplyDeleteLove your walk! What a fun, and gorgeous, place to run and romp! I really loved your contemplative moment on the beach. That is something I would definitely do!
The castle looks spectacular! I bet you had fun exploring it. See any ghosts?
Have a great visit with your Granny and Granddad!
Cheers,
Suka