Go climb a mountain

We went to Cairn Gorm mountain, but we couldn't climb it actually as we didn't have enough time. Instead we took a funicular rail up the mountain to the top. It wasn't too crowded, so we got our own seats on the train.


The top of the mountain was very beautiful, though a bit foggy. It was one of the highest mountains in the UK, so we were happy to be so high up. It was a fitting end to our trip to Scotland, and went back to Sheffield the next day. My only regret was I didn't get to try on a kilt.

Time to head back down the hill

After our Nessie-spotting, we took a short break on the bench with Grandma and Grandpa before returning to the car. Grandpa let me take some pictures with his camera of the nice view. It was a little big for me though, as I can't lift too much.


Here we all are posing on the bench one last time before heading down the hill.

Searching for Nessie

We heard there was a mysterious hidden creature named Nessie that lived in nearby Loch Ness, so we hiked above the lake to look for it.


Here we are at the best view of our hike. It was a great view of the lake and nearby hills.


Bill thought he could see Nessie off in the distance, but he wasn't sure, since playpuses don't have great vision above land.


Everyone knows that pandas have the best eyesight in the world, so sure enough I was able to see him where Bill was pointing. He was much easier to find than everyone said he would be! Bill said he must be related to playpuses if he lived in the water.

Resting in Aberdeen

We were very tired from all our hiking the last few days, so we just stayed in bed and rested when in Aberdeen.

In the footsteps of the Queen

We found this tree at the Queen Mother's house, Glamis Castle. We thought it looked perfect for sitting on.


Dad said that Queen Elizabeth used to come to this castle when she was a young girl to play. I bet she used to sit on this same tree we were on.


Here I am in with the castle in the background. The castle was very pretty, so I want one like it when I grow up. Though mine would have a big moat around it to swim in.

More hiking

We also hiked up to Castle Campbell, a castle on a hill. Strange Panda was tired so Grandma had to carry him.


We also visited a place with lots of water and trees called the Hermitage. I was hoping to go for a swim and find some tasty water bugs but Dad said the river was moving too quickly and I might not be able to swim back.


Here we are at the waterfall at the Hermitage, not too long a walk compared to the rest of the day. I bet there were lots of yummy water bugs in the waterfall. Yummy water bugs....

A hike at Alva Glen

We went for a walk on the woods, in a place called Alva Glen. After walking for awhile we had to take a break.


Looking back the way we came.


Grandma and Grandpa holding us at one of the glen's waterfalls.

His and Her Royal Highnesses

In Stirling Castle I got to be King, while Strange Panda was the Queen.


Here she is on her throne.


Unfortunately there was not a crown for me to wear at Stirling Castle, which was the only thing missing (besides a kingdom).

Knights of Bannockburn

I was named King of Bannockburn, with Bill as my squire.


Later I dressed up a peasant (so as to see how the locals live without giving away my identity).


Bill also got to wear some chainmail to protect himself in battle. Thankfully there were no attacks though.

A home fit for a king (or queen)

We went to Linlithgow Palace, the former home of Mary Queen of Scots. It is now just a bunch of ruins, but this used to be the mantle of the fireplace in the king's room.


Dad warned us not to go too far into that cave, inviting as it looked. Apparently it is an oven to cook food in!

Touring Edinburgh

Here we are in front of Edinburgh Castle, that big building in the background.


Here are Grandpa and Grandma holding us in front of the skyline.


Another picture of them - they just can't get enough of us.

Off to Scotland

We started our journey to Scotland in true style for us, with a nap in our bed and breakfast in Edinburgh.


The view from our room of the city was not that great, especially as it kept raining, encouraging us to stay inside. It's well known that pandas don't like rain, and platypuses only like water when it's on the ground.