I’m sure you’ve seen those pictures of Scotland shrouded in mist. You picture wind-swept moors, weeping grey sky, and men roaming the country side in Kilts. It’s all true, except for the Kilts. Unfortunately, most men opt for pants these days with the exception of special occasions such as Weddings. I love a man in a kilt. *sigh* But the, rugged, brooding, atmospheric landscape of Scotland has one of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen. I feel blessed to live here. With one exception. It rains. A lot. Which makes it difficult to go out and enjoy the beautiful, brooding, landscape because the sky weeps so much. Except today. Today the sun is shining and Dave and I are out doing what we love best, enjoying the beauty of Scotland. Raincoats in tow-just in case. 🙂
We started our walk in Auchincruive which is just on the outskirts of Prestwick and Ayr. It is a farming area with rolling hills and lush green fields. William Wallace once hid in the woods here and Oswald House has links to Robert Burns who was born just 5 miles away.
We started by crossing Oswald’s Bridge. The bridge was built in 1826 to gain access to the estate. There is evidence that it was built upon an earlier ruin.
Since I forgot to print the map (oops), we chose a narrow path that followed the river.
Around a beautiful field where we watched the cows basking in the sunshine.
Past ancient monuments.
And straight to a dead end.
Truth be told, I prefer not following a map. I love the adventure of not knowing what might be around the corner. Maybe that’s why I’m a panster, not a plotter. Even though we had to turn around and go back to the beginning, I wouldn’t trade that walk, those moments, for anything else.
Do you like following a map or do you like the surprise of what might be around the next corner?
What a lovely place. I’m so jealous! Thank you for the pictures.
Thanks for stopping by, Karen! It is beautiful and so inspiring. I have to pinch myself sometimes. 🙂
I’m so, so jealous! Your pictures are beautiful – it was like taking the walk with you! As far as using a map or not, I like the map to get me on the trail, but then I like discovering the trail on my own. And I love your analogy to the plotting/pantsing – because it’s exactly the same way when I write. I’ve decided to call myself a “plantser”!
Lara, I love that you call yourself a ‘plantser’! Awesome! I’m going to try plotting a wee bit more on my next book, I think it will make things a little easier in the long run, but I’ll never be a full plotter. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you’re having a great weekend 🙂
Beautiful and inspiring, indeed! I love the pantser = lovely, yet deadend walk analogy. 🙂 So apt. For myself, I don’t even mind walking in the rain. Some of my favorite walks are in inclement weather. It insures solitude, if nothing else. 😉
Glad you and your hubby got a nice day, though. The shots are just gorgeous. I’m with Karen, so jealous. Thanks for sharing, Heather!
I don’t mind walking in the rain if I’m dressed for it, but the last few weeks have been super windy and torrential rain. Not the best for walking weather. i was so glad to get out of the house and see a little sunshine for a change. Five years over here and you would think I would be used to the rain, but this Texas girl misses the sunshine.
As a panster, I come to a lot of dead ends in my writing, but I wouldn’t change it. I love what I’ve learned along the way. I do think next time I’ll print a map, both for the walk and for my writing. I think having a point of reference would save a lot of heartache in the end. I don’t want to rely on the map though, I’ll always veer off the path for new adventures and discoveries. It’s in my nature. I love Lara’s idea of the ‘planster’ … a rough roadmap to start. Thanks! 😀