Hike Firth of Forth, Scotland



(Above image is a capture of a trail through the woods.)

This evening, I am posting a record of today's small group hike along the north shore of the Firth of Forth (bay/estuary) in western Scotland. Distance covered was about 7 miles. As will be evident from the images herein, the weather conditions were wet, overcast and dull. Nevertheless, the group encountered a wide variety of scenery, flora and landscapes culminating at Culross, a heritage site which has gained popularity through featuring in the Outlander series.

Happy hikers near start of walk.



Interesting aquatic flowers

Lilies


Lush, green landscape. Note rhododendron on left which is a non-native, invasive shrub.



Aquatic landscape with a pair of swans



Broom in flower



Landscape view with Scotland's only oil refinery in distance.



Tidal inlet



Firth of Forth (view south)



Summer flowers at Culross


Culross Palace

Following a period of decline many of the >400 year old buildings at Culross have been restored and refurbished by the National Trust for Scotland, a heritage organisation. The houses are *white-harled with red-tiled roofs and line cobbled streets. The 'palace' is ochre-coloured adjacent to which is a magnificent period garden. (* Lime harling is a thrown, or cast-on, finish consisting of a slaked lime and coarse aggregate mortar, and it usually has a rough-textured surface. This forms a weather-proof shield, to protect the walls from Scotland's climate.

 

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