Today is a driving-intense day as we are returning to Edinburgh from Portree. The drive should take five to five and a half hours with minimal stops but we will stop a couple of times to help break it up. We checked out of the AirBnB and got an earlyish start on the drive. The weather was cold and rainy but, aside from the rain, the drive was pleasant enough. We stopped for lunch at the Glencoe Tourist Center which is about three hours from Portree. The visitors center has toilet facilities, souvenirs, and a nice little café. It was a good opportunity to stretch our legs after a few hours in the car and the café has good food including soups, sandwiches, and desserts. We ate and browsed the souvenir shop before continuing on our drive. 

After another two hours of driving, we arrived at the National Wallace Monument. This is one of the most distinguished landmarks in Scotland, and particularly in Stirling, with views overlooking the scene of Scottish victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The location, history, and visibility of the monument continues to attract travelers, weddings, special events, and filming crews. Visitors embark on a journey up the 246-step spiral staircase to take in the Hall of Arms, Hall of Heroes, and Royal Chamber. The Hall of Arms is the first floor gallery inside the monument and it details how William Wallace has been remembered over the centuries. This room aims to shed light on the man who rose from obscurity to become an enigmatic leader of the Scots. You will also see the Wallace Sword in the Hall of Arms. The impressive two-handed sword measures 1.68 m (5.5 ft) and weighs 3 kg (6.6 lbs). 

Continue onwards up the spiral staircase to the second floor to take in the Hall of Heroes which tells the story of many illustrious Scots who have helped influence the story of Scotland. The hall contains a total of 18 busts of Scottish heroes and 12 Scottish heroines who achieved greatness while often facing adversity. At the third floor, explore the Royal Chamber which presents several facts and figures about the Battle of Stirling Bridge. View the weapons both armies would have used and learn more about the brutal battle that was fought and won. On a clear day, use the viewfinder to look out across the terrain and imagine the bloody battle unfolding. You can also design your own Coat of Arms and get a picture of you holding it on your shield as you prepare to march to battle! 

If you conquer all 246 steps you will be rewarded by summiting the 220 foot tower to experience incredible panoramic views in all directions, including up, as you take in The Crown. Bundle up as it tends to be windy at the Crown but the views are worth every second, even in the rain. The vantage point is particularly amazing in clear weather but we don’t go to Scotland and expect all sunshine! The spiral staircase is narrow and winding with a handrail on one side only. Try to pause at each floor to allow others to pass rather than passing on the staircase. It is possible to pass on the stairs but someone will be hugging the stone spiral in the center and standing on the narrowest steps, while others utilize the handrail and wider steps on the outside. 

There are two shops on the property, one at the tower and one near the car park. There is also a free shuttle which takes visitors from the car park to the tower and back or there is a path you can walk. The café serves the standard sandwiches, soups, and desserts as well as a decent coffee selection. R picked up a latte and I had a hot chocolate which was delightful, rich, marshmallow-y, and perfectly warming. 

Back in the car, it was another 45 minutes to the Edinburgh airport where we dropped J and J off for the next part of their Scottish adventure. R and I returned the rental car to Waverly Station, enjoyed a pasty form The Pasty Shop, collected our bags from Left Luggage, and waited for boarding. We are taking the Caledonian Sleeper Train back to London and are ready for some sleep. Since we knew what to expect from our train journey here, we dropped off our larger luggage in the luggage car and headed straight to our cabin. Neither of us was interested in more than washing our face, brushing our teeth, and going to bed. Hopefully we are both able to sleep better on the return journey and can take full advantage of our final day in London. Scotland has been an absolutely incredible experience and I have thoroughly enjoyed the country, the food, and the time with R and friends.