Scotland: Kilchurn Castle

Kilchurn Castle was built in the 1400s and belonged to the family Campbell. In the 1600s, it became a garrison for 200 soldiers. It was abandoned in the 1700s. The ruins still stand in a beautiful location on Loch Awe near Dalmally, Scotland:

It had been raining off and on all day, and the clouds were still looming. Erick and the kids and I hiked through some muddy, marshy areas to get to the castle. We couldn't go inside, but we explored the exterior and the little peninsula on which it is located:

Scotland: Doune Castle

Doune Castle was built in the 1300s. It was restored in 1883 and again in 1970. But most people my age are familiar with this castle because it is in the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. 

We enjoyed a quick stop here because it was along our route, and it was a good time for a break. I loved the stone fireplaces and small doorways inside:

Joey and TJ liked the shop where they could dress up in clothing from different times in history:

Bailey found a book with the Baird name, seal, and tartan, and brief history. Baird is a family name of our ancestors:

Doune Castle was our introduction to the narrow roads of the Highlands that we were about to experience:

Scotland: Linlithgow Palace

Our first stop in Scotland was Linlithgow. We spent the morning wandering through Linlithgow Palace and the surrounding grounds. 

Linlithgow Palace is best known as the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. The castle was built in 1301, though there was already a royal residence at this location as early as the twelfth century.

In 1746 the palace burned. We don't know if the fire was intentional or accidental. The English army had camped at Linlithgow palace, and the fire ignited upon their departure. It was never restored.

Inside the palace, we saw school-age children on a guided tour. My favorite part was the fact that their guides were about their same age (maybe 10 or 11) and were dressed in historical costume (not pictured).

Though the castle itself is just a shell, the adjacent St. Michael's Kirk is still being used today. the church has a very distinctive steeple. It is made of aluminum and was added in 1964 to replace its damaged stone steeple:

Statue of Mary Queen of Scots:

In 1650 an English army invaded Scotland, and Linlithgow palace became their supply base. Some soldiers used the walls of the chapel for shooting practice. We could still see the bullet-holes in the stone:

After exploring the castle, we walked through the town of Linlithgow. It is such a cute town. We loved many of the shops and the architecture. I definitely recommend a visit!

Three Christmas Markets in one weekend

 This market in Auerbach is held every year at the sight of an iron ore mine. It was our first time visiting. It was very unique, very very cold, and very crowded. If you go to this one, try to go earlier in the day.

After we got home from Auerbach, Erick and I headed for the tiny market in Grafenwöhr.

The following day, we visited a super cute market in Erbendorf at Schloss Wildenreuther. The kids tried out some archery and met St. Niklaus, his companion Ruprecht, and several other fun characters.