"In battle rank, then through the Mearns they march, And diligently after Southrons search, Who frightened all before the host do flee, Unto Dunnottar standing in the sea." ~ Blind Harry's epic poem "Wallace"

As promised...

to ourselves...

 earlier in the year...

we returned to Stonehaven...

for a treacherous hike...

JK (just kidding)...

as long as you follow this advice...

to explore the breathtaking site of Dunnottar Castle...

perched on a flat-topped rock...

about a mile and a half from town.

I kept reminding myself to stop walking...

when I felt the urge to take photos...

lest I look like that stick figure...

tumbling to the shore below.

Scenery on both sides...

of the path...

required my full attention...

to click away...

so...

needless to say...

I was continuously running to catch up...

because Ren Man was in a race with the sun...

and would not have known to call 999 for the coast guard.

The sun was like a spotlight...

amplifying the ruins of the castle...

rebuilt after being destroyed by the Vikings...

 in the 9th century.

It was such an important religious site...

that when Sir William Keith built his tower house,

a status symbol for a nobleman,

 back in 14th century Scotland,

he was reprimanded by the local Bishop...

and took his plea all the way to the Pope.

The castle is strategically located...

and has provided defensive protection throughout centuries of rich and colorful Scottish history.

So...

grab a cup of coffee or tea...

and come back for a visit tomorrow...

when we go inside these impressive walls.

Happy Tuesday!