Scotland - Day 3 Loch Lomond

Today was ostensibly a travel day but turned into so much more. Its wonderful to experience a new country where almost everything we do is so different to our life back in Australia. And James to experience it with James makes it all the more rich.

After another cooked breakfast we left our hosts Linda and Chris at Keswick and headed north to Carlisle. We were on the road just after 9am which we knew would give us plenty of time for adventures.

Merrilyn and I had longed to visit Hadrian's wall. So at Carlisle we veered east for about 15 miles and visited one of the better preserved sites maintained by English Heritage. It is site of a large Roman fort that literally abuts the wall. The wall itself was built around AD122 and was believed to be about 4 metres high. Towers were placed about every mile with commanding views over the barbarians (Scots!). Soldiers not only occupied the towers but also walked the walls.

These forts were used to house the soldiers and seem to have been dense encampments. Each fort had the same layout so that visiting soldiers would be familiar with the facilities no matter where they were. Each had a central command building (under which was a vault containing the soldier's pay). Also on site were store houses and, in the case of this site, a training hall affording all weather training.

When we arrived it was wet so we donned our kit and were happy enough. Unfortunately there were about 15 volunteers that had built a replica camp and had donned costume. I think they were going to show us mock battles but the weather didn't co-operate.

Instead, we gathered indoors and the showed us a number of weapons and tactics. Although not limited to the timeframe of Emperor Hadrian I was most impressed with the Rapier and the various techniques for "sticking" the enemy.

James loved scrambling on the wall. He walked along calling himself Hadrian. We called him our little Roman. So all day today, if we wanted him to come, we'd say "come on Roman"!

We were on the road again about 11:30am and crossed the border into Scotland soon after. No signposts - just a set of Scottish flags on churchs and the odd building.

After a quick lunch we continued north through Glasgow and on to Loch Lomond. We arrived at our B&B about 3:30pm and basically dropped some kit off and headed east to Balloch. There is new Tourist centre there offering a good overview of interesting places. We tried to grab a boat for a quick tour of the Loch but were a little late. Instead we walked the shores but it was raining fairly consistently so decided to head back to the car.

On impulse we headed north up the eastern edge of the Loch. And what a treat! Its a little used road that winds right up against the Loch. The rain was whisked away and in its place were breaks of sunshine. The hills were ablaze with the light and the purple heather was a magnificent contrast against the dark patchy sky. Lots of photos - just have to wait to put them up.

We found a lovely pub called the Oak Tree Inn. It is set on a harbour with boats set against the backdrop of these dramatic hills and craggs. We had a god meal and, with out appetite for adventure still not sated, headed still further north to Rowardennan.

On the way we saw so many gorgeous spots. We stopped the car on small pebble beaches and James enjoyed running around picking up small pebbles and handing them to us as gifts.

Arriving at Rowardennan we walked to the end of a jetty. Standing there in the rising wind you could turn around and feel like you're in the middle of the Loch. Plunging hills all around with flowing stream forming waterfalls. There was also a wonderfully fresh smell to the air. My first thoughts were of Tasmania.

We walked along the shores a little way passing a camping ground. There was a small party setting up three tents. With the sun setting and the dark clouds and wind rolling in I didn't envy them. But then again - waking the morning to this vista is probably worth it.

Back to the car at 7:45pm we witness the sun set the clouds on fire and then back to the B&B. I'm writing this in the breakfast area because James, by now, should be in bed.

I'm lucky to be here. And lucky to be able to share this with my family. Can't wait till tomorrow.