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Day 1 - Sat 03 Sep 11
Up at 04:00 to get to Luton. Found the off airport parking with few problems and got their transit van to the airport. It was mobbed with traffic queuing to get in, and that was at 05:00! Queue for security was long, but moving quickly.
Onto the plane, which was on time with no issues. It's pretty full so got onto the rear steps and found a seat quickly.
Flight was okay, and got to Aberdeen on time, straight out of the airport, and located the bus stop. Too late to try for the connecting service to the train station, so took the 727 all the way into Aberdeen Central.
The bus station is right next to a big shopping centre, so nipped in and had a second breakfast there. The first was a sandwich on the bus!
Bit of confusion with the bus to Stonehaven. Several 7's appeared at the stand, or stance as it's called up here. But none were going all the way to Stonehaven. After about twenty minutes, an X7 did appear, on another stand ! Jumped on and off we went.
Stonehaven is a really nice place especially the older part near the harbour - although it was early, checked with the hotel and the room was ready! Lovely views over the harbour. Changed into walking trousers, and headed up the cliff path to the war memorial that over looks the town.
It's an impressive affair that looks like a ruined roman temple. Great views over the town, the sea, and first sight of Dunnottar Castle which was the whole point of this trip.
It took about an hour to get the the castle entrance but decided to keep going to get a better photo of the place from the cliffs on the other side.
Then it was back to pay the entrance fee and to have a look at the castle. It's billed as a ruined castle, but there are plenty of buildings that have roofs, and with a bit of work could be put back into action!
Spent a couple of hours investigating every nook and cranny. Then it was a case of retracing steps to the hotel. The restaurant was booked out, so the only seat was at 18:00, which when it was offered seemed very early - however after such an early start, and a day walking, was just perfect!
Supper was excellent - Goats Cheese starter, followed by Battered Haddock and then a Cheesecake Gateau - simple food, but expertly done. In a vain attempt to burn off some of the calories I decide to head out for a walk down the waterfront at sunset. It was one of the most spectacular sunsets I've seen in a long time.
Back to the hotel room by 21:00 and crawled into bed - well it was an early start!
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