On our days off we have been going out and about to see things that I had on my list I made before coming here. But last week we decided to be tourists for the day and look at things right on our doorstep.

So the day started with a lazy morning and I nice bacon sarni at mid morning. The car was staying put today and we were going to walk into Killin and be tourists.

The right to roam is a great thing in Scotland, basically it gives you the right to walk where you like apart from through people’s gardens etc. But across fields etc is ok as long as you are respectful to the land and animals in the fields.

We left the site and climbed over the farmers gate into his field and started to walk down the hill, through an open gateway between a lovely stone wall and continued down hill towards the golf course. On the edge of the golf course we climbed over another fence, after crossing a small stream, this fence had a stile to climb over.

So now we were on the edge of the golf course. We walked around the edge of the golf course rather than stomp across the greens which were immaculate and continued down hill passing the club house and onto the golf course driveway leading out onto the road. It was tempting to call into the club house but we had a lot to see and do.

After a short walk into the village we turned off to cross a small bridge leading us down a road towards Killin cemetery. Such a strange name when those two words are put together. Our first thing to do was look at the ruins of Finlarig castle.

The castle is an early 17th century castle standing on a mound between the river Loch and Loch Tay. I love old castles and ruins and the fact they have been there for so long and will will continue to be there for many more years with nature slowly taking them over.

After looking at the ruins we headed out on the small track that goes across the river Tay and comes out at the bottom of the village. The weather was overcast but very warm and the sky and river looked moody together but I like photos like that.

Our next stop was the Killin hotel where we thought we might eat so wanted to have a look inside and have a look at the menu. We were not going to eat until later but as we were passing it made sense to pop in. If we didn’t like it then we had other choices in the village. We were greeted by a beautiful Indian lady and shown around and showed us the menu. We asked if it was smart dress code and the answer was you come as you are we are used to hikers and bikers, everyone is welcome. So we booked a table for later that day.

Our next stop in the village was to look at a small old barn conversion which Nikki’s sister is renting when she comes for a visit. When I say barn it’s a small barn and the owners house is next door. The owner was in the garden doing some work and let us have a peek inside and told us a bit about it.

Onwards through the village and our next stop was the old water mill which sits beside the falls of Dochart. The mill wheel has been refurbed and the old mill itself is now an art and craft shop with some lovely stuff for sale. Luckily we don’t have a house otherwise that could have been an expensive visit. Upstairs were some old photos of Killin with stories from the people that used to live in the village which I found interesting.

Now it was time to cross the main bridge that crosses the river Tay with the falls of Dochart. This bridge is narrow and is only wide enough for one car so drivers have to look ahead and make sure nothing is coming across. And then also watch out for the people walking across the bridge. Half way across the bridge is a gateway and some ruins on a small island. This is the Clan Macnab burial grounds.

The gate is locked and you get a key from the little shop at the end of the bridge. It costs five pounds and you leave a deposit. We were lucky and got our key and opened the gate and had the whole island to ourselves, apart from the Macnab family who were buried there.

Really interesting to think why they would have been buried on this island. The island is long and narrow with the grave at the far end.

We sat on the island for a while enjoying the space and peace and quiet. After taking the key back we were getting thirsty so we called into the pub at the end of the bridge. The falls of Dochart inn. We took our drinks outside and sat there watching the vehicles crossing the bridge and all the other tourist taking photos of the falls etc.

We had now reached the end of our mini tourist route so it was time to head back home, or to the Killin hotel for our next drink stop. It’s hard work being a tourist on foot. No buses or cars to show you around but we managed it ok.

A slow walk to the hotel with a lovely greeting and a well earned pint. We sat in the conservatory overlooking the river while having our drinks and a very nice meal. Although we could have stayed longer we still had to get back to base which was all uphill.

Retracing our steps and after a few drinks and a meal the uphill trek was slower than when we came down to the village. Red faced and panting we got back to base and realised our little tourist route and sightseeing adventure had taken us about eight hours and we had walked six miles. That did include stops for food and drink.

Today we are off in the camper for a couple of days to a nice site on the edge of a loch. Watch this space.