We drove to Stirling from our Glasgow area timeshare and once out in the open flatlands of the green Scottish countryside, the Castle came in to view many miles away. It sits high atop a volcanic rock formation that seems to jut out of the ground. No wonder this was a stronghold for many in power through the 800 years of its existence.

All the famous and infamous players in British history have had some connection to Stirling Castle. One entrance over a draw bridge and moat takes you into the heart of this great building. The Great Hall, the largest hall built in Scotland, was undergoing ceiling restoration during our visit so we were only able to view the plans and hear about the scheduled changes to take place in its domed wooden ceiling. Walking the tower castle walls in the mist gave an eery feeling to the place that transcended the many centuries when look-outs occupied these spots. If only those walls could talk. The gardens were magnificent. The sheer size of this castle both outside and the height and size of the interior rooms was breathtaking. We did a self-guided tour using the brochure given us upon admission, 7 pounds for adults, and worked our way around and in and out of the main castle building, on-site tiny church, and memorial building to Scotland's fallen military personnel throughout the hundreds of years since the castle was built. It was awe-inspiring. The sheer walls of the castle atop the vertical walls of the rock made it totally impenetrable. Off in the distance you could see the William Wallace Memorial and the site of Brannockburn Battle and Stirling Bridge Battle that changed Scottish and British history. If you like history, this is definately one place not to miss on your trip to Scotland. You could almost hear Mary Queen of Scots and William Wallace in the halls. The Castle is open 7 days a year except Christmas and Boxing Days. There is ample free parking at the entrance to the castle.