Having Fun in Our Own Backyard

Matthew & I had wanted to visit Craigmillar Castle for a while, but after we got our Historic Scotland passes, we finally had enough motive to actually figure out how to get there and so we planned an expedition.  One sunny Sunday afternoon, five of us intrepids set out to walk there from the city centre, picnic lunches in hand.

None of us had been, so we felt like quite the explorers as we first had to brave a long, dark, seemingly endless tunnel (that had very atmospheric damp and dripping walls) before we tumbled back into the sunshine of an expansive meadow on the other side. We walked along the tramped-out path admiring the wildflowers and the brave among us scrambled up rocks until we finally came to the castle itself.

We are not so sure about the tunnel we have to journey through...

Those of us not afraid of heights scaled this rock on our meadow walk.

Finally, we see our destination - Craigmillar castle.

It is in ruins, its battlements wind and rain-swept.  This made it all the more fun to have a picnic inside its walls while still being able to enjoy the warmth of the sunshine.  Plus, that particular day boasted a visiting falconry display!  Matthew got to hold a falcon, which was a dream of his.  I was in charge of the photographic evidence since there was NO WAY I was about to hold a falcon!

Enjoying the sunshine on full stomachs after our picnic.

A very pleased Matthew holding a falcon.

We enjoyed scrambling bout the ruins and found lots of fun nooks and crannies on our way up to the ramparts.  When we finally made it up to the top we were rewarded with stunning views of the city. We were all quite impressed with how far we'd walked... and we all resolved that we'd take the bus home!

The intrepid adventurers!

Any guesses as to what this wee, chained chamber was?

A cupboard?  Maybe?

Three lassies in a fireplace.

A view from the top.

A roof in ruin.

Look how far we walked!  Arther's Seat with the City Centre off to the left.

 After our view from on high, we took a tour round the outside at ground level.  I do so love a ruined castle!  They seem to have so much more character than intact ones.  Plus I am a sucker for all things Romantic and Tragic.

I really liked how the foundations look kind of like tree roots here, anchoring the castle through the winds of centuries in their firm grasp.

I liked the outline of this bit of wall.

Oh, and they have a really great gift shop that we had a little too much fun in. :)

We didn't really see how they justified selling viking helmet in the shop, but we had fun with them anyways!