The Caledonian Sleeper train arrived in Edinburgh at roughly 8am and we quickly disembarked and collected our luggage. Waverly Station is undergoing renovations and the new rental car facility is about a 10 minute walk from the terminal. The signage is a bit misleading with the renovations but we eventually located the rental facility and the National counter. I reserved a compact class vehicle and was surprised to find we were given an upgrade and were driving a Mercedes-Benz C-class hybrid. The car was spacious and easily accommodated the two of us plus our luggage. R seems nervous about me driving on the opposite side of the car and the opposite side of the road but I am feeling up to the challenge! 

I set my seat position and all of my mirrors while R set the GPS for Rosslyn Chapel. Founded as a place of worship in 1446, weekly services are still held here. The chapel fell into disrepair following the Reformation and was used as a horse stable by Cromwell’s troops at one point. The chapel gained fame due to Sir Walter Scott’s work The Lay of the Last Minstrel in the early 1800s and was rededicated in 1862 following a period of Victorian repair and restoration. Despite the chapel being a longstanding destination for visitors, it gained worldwide prominence in the early 2000s thanks to Dan Brown’s publication of The Da Vinci Code and the subsequent film release. The book follows Robert Langdon and Sophie Neveu as they investigate a murder in the Louvre and follow clues to unravel an ancient mystery, taking them to London and then to Rosslyn Chapel. Brown is quoted as saying: “When I decided to write The Da Vinci Code, I knew that its finale would have to take place at the most mysterious and magical chapel on earth – Rosslyn.” 

The gorgeous chapel remains open to visitors today and is absolutely worth a visit. Plan to spend roughly two hours at the site and take in one of the free 10-minute talks offered throughout the day. Unfortunately, photography inside the chapel is not permitted but there is plenty to see! We walked the interior of the chapel (be sure to pick up a brochure when you purchase admission and look for all the detailed stonework!) and listened to one of the talks before completing a loop of the exterior. The gift shop on site is small and has a decent selection of items. The café is lovely and offers delicious hot chocolate and freshly baked scones (try it with double cream and jam!) which was a perfect pick me up to start the day. 

From Rosslyn Chapel, we began the drive toward Stirling. We were running a bit ahead of schedule and decided to go see the Kelpies while en route. There are a few parking lots within the complex which is connected by a large walking path. We parked just as the rain picked up but we pulled up our hoods and kept going. The architecture of these horse-like structures is impressive rain or shine. The Kelpies are beautiful though there isn’t much to do aside from walking around the base. There are some tour options that will take you inside the Kelpies if interested. There is also a café, gift shop, and toilet on site. 

We were slightly longer at the Kelpies than I anticipated so we arrived in Stirling half an hour after my originally planned time. This delay was further compounded by the disaster of a parking lot at Stirling Castle. Honestly, find open street parking wherever possible and walk the rest of the distance. The lot at the castle is primarily reserved for the tour group buses and the few regular spaces fill up quickly. Again, the rain picked up as we exited the car but we shouldered onward. The combination of the side trip to the Kelpies and delay due to parking meant that we were a full hour behind schedule so Stirling Castle felt rushed. In fairness, it can be a worthwhile visit though there isn’t a ton to see at the castle.

We spent about an hour walking around Stirling Castle before we grabbed takeaway lunch at the Unicorn Café. We opted for sandwiches so we would eat in the car and ensure we were on time for our next stop (one R is particularly excited for!).