The delectable ditherings of an old fool as he tries to find the best location in Stirling from which to view the Wallace Monument.
Starting in the Darnley Coffee House at the foot of Broad Street, we warm our bones with a bowl of 'Potato, Spring Onion & Cheddar' soup and very swiftly realise that we are indeed sampling the very best soup in Scotland, so good that it's hard to leave and make our way in the big wide cold world.
Best locations from which to view the Wallace Monument at Causwayhead also means the best spots from which to get a good photograph, and we start on the esplanade of Stirling Castle. Hard to imagine a better location, with a view soaked up and admired by every visitor to the castle.
Then we drop down onto Gowan Hill. There, the view of the monument is similar to that from the castle's esplanade, but it is a slightly different angle and elevation so we take some shots while the warmth of the soup still gives us a glow.
Down near the old bridge over the River Forth next, and the potential for some stunning views and photographic vistas that incorporate both the Wallace Monument and the old bridge. Problem is, there's a tall lamp standard in the way. Can we ease it out of shot?
Finally we head for the public footpath that runs from a roundabout near the back of the castle leading towards Cambusbarron. But a gate is rusted solid and there is some difficulty gaining access. But we make it, and stand in a sodden field for a while wondering what on earth we are doing here. Views of both the monument and snow-capped mountains far far away, like Ben Ledi and Ben Lomond, allow some great images.
After a final fond farewell back in the Darnley Coffee House, we end the video with an apt end-of-year song that may bring tears to your eyes. It's that time of year; tinsel and tears.
All music by Eddy Burns.
14 дек 2023
