As we draw closer to the time when I left for Sabbatical (July 1st, 2019) a year later, I wanted to take you on another "series" journey, as I did with the hike to Randolph's Leap. This "afternoon adventure" I'm going to share with you will take us on a 10 week journey together. I hope you enjoy!
One of the days I was in the Glasgow area, I decided to simply follow my intuition - my soul - if you will. I spent the morning at in the Milngavie village shopping area in "charity shops" and ended up finding a pair of pre-loved mint colored hi-tops (assisting Cancer Research UK) and a pre-loved cream colored sweater with "angel" sleeves (assisting the Debra organization). I then had lunch in a cafe and spent some relaxing time people watching.
From there I headed to a place for a hike in nature, but I didn't know that's where I was heading. :) I was looking for a castle to explore and found Mugdock Castle on Google maps, it wasn't until I got closer that I realised the castle was part of the Mugdock Country Park, a sprawling 643 acres of trails, history, and even a few shops/cafes.
After parking at the North lot, I stopped by the visiter center briefly to get my bearings, and then headed out - following my "nose" to find Mugdock Castle.
On the way, I found another castle ruin...with no signs, no information, anywhere. Not even in the maps. Just a fence and LOTS of green growth...
One of the days I was in the Glasgow area, I decided to simply follow my intuition - my soul - if you will. I spent the morning at in the Milngavie village shopping area in "charity shops" and ended up finding a pair of pre-loved mint colored hi-tops (assisting Cancer Research UK) and a pre-loved cream colored sweater with "angel" sleeves (assisting the Debra organization). I then had lunch in a cafe and spent some relaxing time people watching.
From there I headed to a place for a hike in nature, but I didn't know that's where I was heading. :) I was looking for a castle to explore and found Mugdock Castle on Google maps, it wasn't until I got closer that I realised the castle was part of the Mugdock Country Park, a sprawling 643 acres of trails, history, and even a few shops/cafes.
After parking at the North lot, I stopped by the visiter center briefly to get my bearings, and then headed out - following my "nose" to find Mugdock Castle.
On the way, I found another castle ruin...with no signs, no information, anywhere. Not even in the maps. Just a fence and LOTS of green growth...
For a short while, I thought, "Well, maybe this IS Mugdock Castle and it doesn't NEED any signs because all the locals know it?" A quick check at the map showed that I was still a long way off from Mugdock. But it made no mention of this ruin.
(It wasn't until I got home was I able to do research and found out that this ruin is Craigend Castle.) Nevertheless I was enchanted by this forest of a ruin and took several pictures of it. The next one I cropped out the fence, because it ruined the "old" look. :) )
(It wasn't until I got home was I able to do research and found out that this ruin is Craigend Castle.) Nevertheless I was enchanted by this forest of a ruin and took several pictures of it. The next one I cropped out the fence, because it ruined the "old" look. :) )
As I headed away, toward Mugdock Castle, I couldn't resist turning around once more to look at Craigend...wondering why it had been "allowed to go to seed."
On to Mugdock Castle!
I also want to mention that during this walk I was listening to a book on "tape," The Will of the Empress by Tamora Peirce. It is the 5th book in a young adult series that I DEVOURED in three weeks, while I was staying with my first Air BnB hostess (for three weeks). My hostess and I had very similar taste in books and she graciously let me read her books while I was there. I had read all the way through the first part of book 5 and then ALAS I was heading on to the next part of my journey! Luckily I found it on Hoopla (Thank you Concord Public Library!) and was able to listen to the rest. If you are a lover of Fantasy novels, I highly recommend it!
After a lovely walk through woods, meadow, and over a creek, I arrived at the entrance to Mugdock Castle.
I also want to mention that during this walk I was listening to a book on "tape," The Will of the Empress by Tamora Peirce. It is the 5th book in a young adult series that I DEVOURED in three weeks, while I was staying with my first Air BnB hostess (for three weeks). My hostess and I had very similar taste in books and she graciously let me read her books while I was there. I had read all the way through the first part of book 5 and then ALAS I was heading on to the next part of my journey! Luckily I found it on Hoopla (Thank you Concord Public Library!) and was able to listen to the rest. If you are a lover of Fantasy novels, I highly recommend it!
After a lovely walk through woods, meadow, and over a creek, I arrived at the entrance to Mugdock Castle.
As I walked up to the front gate, I suddenly realised how sprawling the ruins were! I shut off my audiobook and stepped up to the sign to see what I was in for...
The castle was "retained" and in use until 1945!!! It was the seat of the Graham Clan for a long time. Sir Hugh Fraser donated the Castle and the land to the Central Regional Council in 1981 (er...the year I was born. :) ) No one is completely sure how old the "oldest" part the ruin is, but it was first mentioned in an old vellum document dated 24th August 1372.
I hope you will join me again next week as we step through the Castle entrance and back in time.
Blessings in your Journey,
Pastor Emilia
I hope you will join me again next week as we step through the Castle entrance and back in time.
Blessings in your Journey,
Pastor Emilia
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