Par for the Course at St. Andrews

Our destination today is the town of St. Andrews and a stay at the Old Course Hotel. But coming down from the Highlands presents landscapes and vistas right out of “All Creatures, Great and Small” and
“Outlander”. The rolling hills, trees, infinite shades of green and yellow are just mesmerizing.

The remains of the Old Packhorse Bridge, left as it now stands from the floods of August 1829, are as picturesque as you’d ever see.

A few minutes later we stopped at a sheep farm for a demonstration of the working dogs. The shepherd is a fount of knowledge although getting through his heavy brogue is a bit daunting. Since pictures are worth a thousand words, please take the time to to watch this YouTube video we took to get a true feel of what these brilliant dogs can do.

https://youtube.com/shorts/AdDtDVWieaQ?si=i0FZF14o1wsqIoYV

The shepherd/farmers are actually tenant farmers, taking care of the livestock, shearing the wool, and breeding those wonderful dogs. Their love of what they do and of the “creatures” they care for is touchingly evident. The mutual respect they have for one another is inspiring.

A welcome lunch stop in the charming town of Pitlochry for fish and chips, prawns and chips, and ginger beer helps us settle in for the rest of the drive.

The Old Course Hotel at St. Andrews as we arrive on another brilliant, sunny day with temperatures in the low 70s. The beautiful old course is teeming with people wielding sticks,

And boasts some beautiful gardens,

As well as brilliant desserts capping off a special meal at the hotel’s restaurant.

But St. Andrews has much, much more to offer than golf as we’ll be seeing tomorrow as we explore the old university town.