The best way to see the most amazing scenes on the Isle of Arran is by hiking. Follow the foot paths to destinations that include mountain top views and rushing waterfalls. By letting your feet hit the dusty path and kick up gravel or walk thru lush grass, you are able to see things that others would not even be able to imagine. 

In Whiting Bay, the Glenashdale Falls is one such place that you can only get to by hiking. The hike is about three miles round trip and well worth it. The woods resemble something that you could only read about in your favorite fairy tale. The trees seem to stand over you like friendly giants gently swaying in the wind as if dancing. The sound of the trees swaying provides a calming atmosphere that can only be trumped by the gentle sound of a meandering stream.

This beautiful scenery is the perfect distraction for the many hills and rocky areas in the path that make the hike a bit strenuous. However, no matter how tired you get during the hike, the final destination is well worth it. The Glenashdale Falls is a mighty, two tiered fall where the white water comes rushing down the stream, weaving around the rocks and over the side. While standing on a boulder close to the edge, you see the water hit the rocks below and quickly make its way down one more fall. The view is spectacular and a feeling of excitement rushes through you knowing that you made it all the way without passing out from exhaustion.

  Traveling abroad attracts me to doing various things. One of them is walking, which I like because I am able to enjoy natural landscape. I like the outdoors.

I always want to be one with nature in different countries in the world.

     Walking is a primitive way of moving from one place another. I can encounter unknown world through walking. Nothing is more pleasant than finding something new.

One day in the late afternoon during the study abroad in Scotland, in the Isle of Arran, I took an opportunity of free time to go out for a walk from the youth hostel.

It was a walking route on the main circular road from Lochranza to Catacol in the northern part of Isle. The road runs along the coastline.

     I could see the rock coastline full of variety, and various types of rock on the hillside. The houses were dotted along the road, and anyone wants to live in those nice houses. It is fun to walk imaging various things in the mind.

There were few cars running, and it was fun to walk in the middle of the road.

     On the sea, seagulls jumped into the sea to catch fish and they were in the sea for a while. It is incredible to catch fish in the sea which moves very fast.

     Everything around me was very quite and calm. I found a unfamiliar bird different from seagulls on the small rock off the coast. When it flew, it had a rather long wings. It touched down on another rack. I realized it was a golden eagle. I had no idea that golden eagles come to sea.

     I was approaching the village of Catacol, which features a series of twelve cottages. Each cottage has its different unique windows. It is said that a fisherman could recognized the sign in his different window’s light.

     There is a pay phone even in the small village. In Japan, the spread of the cellular phone has reduced the pay phone, and there is no pay phone in the small Japanese village. British telephone company is kind to people who don’t have a cellular phone.

     Walking makes me think from one thing to another. I always walk while thinking something, looking at the scenery.

     It was two hours walk there and back. Walking gives me good chances to think something and watch and feel the working of nature.   -  Akira
 

One of my favorite movies is The Haunting, its about this lady who goes to a haunted castle and is haunted by the crazy, barbaric ghost of the owner of the castle. Well tonight I feel like I’m staying in that castle. When we first pulled up to Loch Lomond we all stared in amazement at the awesome looking castle we would be staying the night in. As I explored the grounds and took pictures I started to realize how creepy this place actually is. Outside there is nothing around for miles just the ocean and the highway. Fields surround the castle but they’re all dead and look like no ones walked them in years. I noticed that all of the statues are broken or missing chunks of them, which I understand, is typical for a place this old. Well the fact that  one of the statues is a child angel and its head has been completely taken off sends chills down my spine.

              When we entered we found an interesting site. The walls are covered in this weird wallpaper that is actually metal; along these walls are tons of old paintings and photographs of random people. When you enter the lounge you find a giant fireplace where the words “East, West, Hame’s Best” are carved. Above the fireplace are faces carved into the wood they’re not so bad they just look like colonial men. Along the walls is plaster with wood panels that also have faces carved in them. Now these face are beyond creepy all of them are of old men that seem to be screaming in pain. A few of the faces resemble goats and gargoyles for some reason. To top this room off there is an enormous deer head that looks over hundred years old. All three floors are have tons of doors that lead to many different rooms; the design reminds me of a maze where you always end up in the same spot.

            I think tonight should be interesting the rooms are actually nice despite the eerie feel of the castle. I’m just glad that the girls and I are sharing a room other wise I wouldn’t sleep a wink. -Chelsea

Meeting someone at a particular time and place in a foreign country is very exciting, but it causes anxiety because the person you are waiting for will not come properly.

I have had such thrilling experiences several times.

On August 2, I was going to meet Linda Williams and her students from Webster University in front of Tesco Express at the ground floor of Glasgow International

Airport at ten in the morning. We were to gather and disperse at the appointed spot on a short study abroad in Scotland.

I entered Glasgow two days earlier and I checked airport bus timetable and how long it would take to the Airport from the center of the city.

On August 2, I went to the Airport one hour and a half earlier, and I tried to look for a meeting place, Tesco Express, There were two arrival gates, and I could not find the Tesco, so I moved to the other gate. I finally found the Tesco. To make sure, I asked the tourist information center’s stuff about Tesco Express. The store I found was just the place.

I looked at the arrivals on the television screen, and found out her plane would be delayed for about a hour. In general, American commercial airplanes are not trustworthy in operation.

I had enough time for the delayed airplane to arrive, and I needed to kill time.

I was not worried, because I had enough information on the situations.

Her airplane, which was supposed to arrive at 9:15, landed at the airport more than one hour late. In about half an hour after the passport control, she and her four students appeared to me. I was very much relieved.

In the global age, it is very usual to meet someone in a foreign country.

It is very exciting and thrilling to meet someone not at home but in foreign country.

You will find out the remarkable contrast between Brodick Castle and Lochranza Castle in the Isle of Arran. Both have different historical backgrounds, but today

I am able to notice interestingly obvious differences between two castles.

Brodick Castle is a perfect example of a Victorian “Highland” estate. The Castle was

The ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton, and therefore there are gorgeous historical paintings, ceramics, and furniture from 16th century until 20th century.

I can get a glimpse of the elegant living style of noble owners in each day.

The National Trust for Scotland manages the Brodick Castle and visitors to the Castle can enjoy the historical legacy of the well preserved Castle. It has become popular sightseeing spot.

On the other hand, Locharanza Castle, situated in the northern tip of the Isle of Arran, lie in ruins. The castle went through a lot of turbulent changes in the early history of the Isle. At present I can see only ruined building, which is in sad state.

There are few people who visit the Castle as compared with the Brodick Castle.

The remarkable contrast between two historically different Castles tells me the rise and fall in one’s daily life.

Did you know that the Scots use different words for the same types of American foods like French Fries? Read more to discover what the Scots call their "Fries." 
By Bridjes O'Neil

          Ever since I was a kid I’ve had this secret love for gardens…I blame my grandma who used to make me help her with her vegetable garden. Soon after I started helping my mom pick out flowers for her garden. I think my secret obsession really kicked in when I would watch Alice In Wonderland. I always loved that movie and its showcase of curiosity and discovery.

          When we went and toured Brodick Castle I thought, “Oh sweet this place has a little garden.” What I wasn’t aware of is that the garden is huge and completely and utterly, without a doubt the most beautiful garden I’ve ever seen. The first section is carefully planned out with paths letting you tour all the different flowers that form a frame around the paths. In the center is an incredible sitting area made of wood where all kinds of flowers in all different colors grow up, around, and cover the wood.  The next section is like a artfully decorated park. With a few benches under giant trees with long leafy, green branches, a peaceful pond covered in Lilly pads, and to top it off the ocean is right behind the garden.

            As I ran around this spectacular place I couldn’t help but feel like Alice from Alice In Wonderland. When walking around a strange feeling of not being alone over came me. I realized I actually was completely alone but the nature was there to keep me company. Although the flowers seem lively with they’re striking colors; the bees were also there. Watching these bees fly from flower to flower working vigorously triggered a feeling of appreciation for this gorgeous place. All I wanted to do was sit and watch my surrounding for hours. Seeing this castle’s garden makes me extremely excited to see the castle in Edinburgh and see if they’re garden can top this one!

Just when I thought I saw everything our journey just keeps getting better!

Linda dropped us off to the starting point of the trail that would take us to Glenashdale Falls.  She had said she was going to set this one out but the trail was about 1 mile round trip and mostly flat. BOY were we in for a treat.

The trail was a 1 ½ miles to it, and as we got farther into the trail it continued to get tougher. I’m sure this particular trail is a piece a cake for the locals, but for me it was a challenge since I’m not used to climbing up hill very much. When we arrived it was very rewarding seeing the massive Glanashdale Waterfalls.

I have never seen a large waterfall like this in real life so it was quite an experience. I even got to stand on the rocks right by it. I’m usually terrified of heights, but today it was all or nothing, because I may only get one opportunity to see this falls. This has probably been one of my favorite places we’ve visited so far. There still a ton of stuff to cover on our trip, but time is flying by fast!

~ Jody