From Mary's birth to Maritizid

Built in the late 14th century, Craigmillar Castle has been involved in much of Scotland's tumultuous history. Best known are the castle's links with Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, who stayed here in 1563 and then again in 1566.
Her second visit, from November 20 to December 7, 1566, saw Mary recovering from the birth of her son, the future James VI. However, it was the conspiracy of her noble supporters that was notable during her stay. These nobles made an agreement, the 'Craigmillar Covenant', in which they agreed to kill Mary's unloved husband, Lord Darnley, a murder that was to take place the following February.

Known as 'the ship that never sailed', it's easy to see that this impressive castle resembles the prow of a ship as it juts out into the Firth of Forth. Built in 1453, Blackness Castle was converted into a state-of-the-art artillery fortress just months before the birth of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots in 1542.
Blackness Castle was a crucial bastion during the Marian Civil War. This battle raged across Scotland as supporters and enemies of Mary vied for control of the country, with the castle changing hands three times between 1567 and 1573.
Although Mary probably never visited the castle, Blackness was used as a location for the 2019 film 'Mary Queen of Scots'.
There is ample parking at the castle, and it is recommended to walk along the narrow pier leading out from the castle to get a great view of the intimidating walls.

After sailing to Blackness Castle, the 'ship that never sailed', take time to relax and enjoy the fruits of the sea at the nearby Lobster Pot. Reopened in August 2019 after an 11-year hiatus, it has become a popular meeting place where locals and visitors alike enjoy the pub atmosphere. The menu offers options such as whole grilled lobster in garlic butter or the seafood platter with smoked mackerel pâté, prawns, hot smoked salmon and crayfish.

Visit the grounds of the royal 'pleasure palace' where Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, was born in 1542. This royal residence now lies in ruins, but was an impressive structure when it was built in 1424.
Walk around Linlithgow Loch, with a circular walk offering beautiful views of the palace. Then look out for St. Michael's Church at the gate of the palace, where Mary was baptized.

Stop at the small parking lot to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Lake of Menteith. Look across to Inchmahome Priory on a tiny island in the middle of the lake, nestled in a grove of 500-year-old sweet chestnut trees.
Legend has it that Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, planted these trees herself when she stayed at the priory as a four-year-old. Safely ensconced on the island while the Scots prepared for an invasion of England, the young Mary may have distracted herself with some soothing gardening.

Drive through the stunning Trossachs, under the watchful gaze of the looming Ben Lomond, before stopping at Stronachlachar to enjoy the beautiful views of romantic Loch Katrine.
Loch Katrine enchants visitors with its breathtaking scenery. Beyond its natural beauty, the loch serves as a convenient reservoir, supplying water to the Glasgow conurbation through aqueducts built in 1859. This iconic lake, steeped in history and inspiration, also has literary significance as the fictional setting of Sir Walter Scott's poem 'The Lady of the Lake' and Gioachino Rossini's opera 'La donna del lago'.

Next to the restaurant where you'll dine, there is a fast-charging station equipped with various plugs for your EV. One hour should suffice to get the charge needed for the next part of your journey. Type: CCS/SAE 1 station, 1 plug Power: 50 kW

The pub presents a diverse selection of seasonal British cuisine, with occasional special menus featured. For those travelling over the weekend, the traditional Sunday Roast is a highlight, offering perfectly roasted meats accompanied by a variety of seasonal vegetables.

Return to your car once it is fully charged to continue your trip.

Discover and taste the best of fresh, locally sourced produce, cooked to perfection at The Inn at Kippen. Then stay at this traditional Scottish inn, located in the beautiful village of Kippen in Stirlingshire.