Photos and the City

Tag: my british summer

  • Glenluce Abbey

    glenluce abbey, scotland, ruins, dumfries, galloway,

    The Cistercian abbey was founded in 1129 by Roland, Earl of Galloway near Glenluce and the river Water of Luce.

    Glenluce Abbey occupies a site of great natural beauty in the tranquil and secluded valley of the Water of Luce. The remains include an impressive early 16th century chapter house and a museum of monastic life showcasing the fascinating collection of artefacts found during clearance work. The cloister is less well preserved but the overall layout of the domestic quarters can be followed. Over the years the abbey’s historic visitors have included Robert

    the Bruce, James IV and Mary Queen of Scots.

    (Visit Scotland)

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    Monastic life lasted for about 400 years until the Protestant Reformation of 1560, it isn´t quite clear what happened to the monks afterwards. It is said that only the monks who accepted the new doctrines were allowed to stay, the last one died 1602.

    glenluce abbey, scotland, ruins, dumfries, galloway, glenluce abbey, scotland, ruins, dumfries, galloway,

    Over the following 300 years the abbey remains deteriorated through the forces of nature and through their use as a quarry for nearby building projects. Glenluce Abbey passed into State care in 1933 and is today looked after by Historic Environment Scotland.

    (Undiscovered Scotland)

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    glenluce abbey, scotland, ruins, dumfries, galloway,

    glenluce abbey, scotland, ruins, dumfries, galloway,

    Back in Glenwhan Gardens enjoying the view of the Mull of Galloway.

  • Mull of Galloway – Maol nan Gall

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    Let´s visit Scotland´s most southern point – the Mull of Galloway.

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    Dumfries & Galloway reminded me so much of Ireland – no wonder as the Green Island is close by and even visible from the coast.

    Beautiful countryside awaits you in the Rhins of Galloway, together with miles of sandy beaches, splendid views and cliff top walks. Wildlife in the area is abundant and the Mull of Galloway is one of the best places in the UK to view dolphins, porpoises and many sea birds. The warm climate means that the area is blessed with stunning gardens, each with its own individuality, and a variety of plants and trees.

    (Mull of Galloway)

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    Skiddaw in the English Lake District is visible 68 miles due east of here, while Snaefell on the Isle of Man can be seen 31 miles to the south east. On a really clear day you can even see Snowdon, 133 miles to the south in Wales.

    (Undiscovered Scotland)

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    mull of galloway, scotland, summer, sea, ocean, lighthouse, holiday, travel, roadtrip, blue, sky, clouds

    The still active lighthouse was built in 1828 and lit up in 1830 for the first time. The tower is 26m high and you can actually climb up to the top. It is surrounded by cottages and workshops – some of them are part of the museum now.

    mull of galloway, scotland, summer, sea, ocean, lighthouse, holiday, travel, roadtrip, blue, sky, cloudsmull of galloway, scotland, summer, sea, ocean, lighthouse, holiday, travel, roadtrip, blue, sky, cloudsmull of galloway, scotland, summer, sea, ocean, lighthouse, holiday, travel, roadtrip, blue, sky, cloudsThe old foghorn built 1894, was out of use from 1987 to April 2018, the engines are running again and now it is the only operational Foghorn on mainland Scotland.

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    mull of galloway, scotland, summer, sea, ocean, lighthouse, holiday, travel, roadtrip, blue, sky, cloudsmull of galloway, scotland, summer, sea, ocean, lighthouse, holiday, travel, roadtrip, blue, sky, cloudsmull of galloway, scotland, summer, sea, ocean, lighthouse, holiday, travel, roadtrip, blue, sky, clouds

  • Glenwhan Gardens

    Little did I know I was in for a surprise with my next home for two nights. I had booked this little Shepherd´s Hut at Airbnb just because it seemed a great spot to explore Dumfries & Galloway and I wanted to stay in a lovely hut for some time.

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    Little did I know it was situated in the most beautiful gardens above the little village of Dunragit. The work on the gardens started about 35 years ago and is an ongoing labour of love.

    It was a wee wet day when I arrived and the little hut seemed even cosier.

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    But I still had to explore the gardens a little bit.

    The Gardens are a labour of love, hewn from rough moorland 35 years ago. With the warming influence of the Gulf Stream, Glenwhan grows many tender plants from around the Southern Hemisphere, together with large collections of rare trees and shrubs. A numbered tree trail for the dendrologist has been collated, along with a 17 acre moorland walk with 120 species of wildflowers, grasses, and ferns. Two small lakes (Lochans) are the focal point of these family-run gardens, with seats and  meandering paths running along enchanting walks with interesting scupltures, which the visitor will discover.

    (Glenwhan Gardens)

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    On the next morning, I woke up to sunshine, some lovely visitors and another surprise: the sea!

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    South facing and 300 ft above sea level, Glenwhan Gardens offer magnificent views over Luce Bay, the Mull of Galloway and the Isle of Man, a perfect backdrop for this garden gem, with leisurely paths and Seats to sit and relax on and enjoy the Spectacular sea Views

    (Scotlands Garden Route)

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