Picts, a Priory, and a Castle | UK Adventure Part V

After traversing Edinburgh, we piled into a rental car and headed up the East coast of Scotland towards Aberdeen. Along the way, we hopped out to explore some Pictish Stones, Restenneth Priory, and by far my favorite castle of the whole trip--Dunnottar Castle.

The first stop of the day was Restenneth Priory, a lovely little ruin tucked away in the middle of nowhere.


We happened to arrive on the one day a year local residents actually hold a Sunday service on the grounds.


An earlier workup of the classic smiley face.








Next up was another old (still working) church that had an 8th century Celtic cross. This was in Aberlemno Parish.




Their baptismal (in the corner) is from the 12th century.






Nearby were some Pictish stones.


And this lovely, green field.


Now we come to my favorite castle--Dunnottar. It's everything you would imagine about a medieval fortress--on a peninsula, surrounded by crashing waves, glorious views, and moss covered rocks.










We were allowed to roam pretty much wherever we could.


Queen Mary of Scotland herself paid a visit to this castle in its heyday.


But most of its history is rather bloody and sad (I think that's the way it goes for castles).










Above the fireplace--1648


Rocks, not eggs.








It was a pity it was such a misty day, though, I think it did add to the romanticism of the place.






Next up are a couple of castles and a distillery!