aArriving by car and parking (free) by the former Craigend Stable Block we started our tour of Mugdock Park.
Although the day was overcast the weather was mainly dry and in no way spoiled our exploration of this country park designated a four star tourist attraction by Visit Scotland.
After being a seat of the Buchanan family for many years it was purchased by Sir Hugh Fraser (1936-1987) of House of Fraser fame.
Sir Hugh gifted Mugdock estate to the council as a Country Park in 1987.
The park is managed jointly by East Dumbartonshire Council and Stirling Council with the former running the day to day management.
It is terrific place for a stroll and adventure whatever the weather.

The start of our stroll took us about a ten-minute walk to the surviving ruins of Craigend Castle.  The lands of Craigend were originally owned by John Smith (founder of John Smith bookshops in 1751)
The house or castle was built to designs by Alexander Ramsay in Regency Gothic Style.  In 1851 it was sold to the Buchanan Family.  
More interestingly in 1949 Glasgow businessman south the castle and some land and opened Craigend Zoological Park with many exotic animals including an Indian elephant called Charlie.
The zoo proved a popular attraction but business dwindled when the bus service from Milngavie ceased.  Shortly after this the zoo closed its doors in 1955

A short stroll over the hill from the castle took us to the substantial remains of a World War Two gun battery.
Built during the war after the Clydebank Blitz the gun battery formed part of the regions defences.  
At night fires were lit to draw bombers away from the Clyde shipyards and away from the city, towards the guns.  it is said to be the most intact remains of a gun battery in the Clyde valley.
The panoramic views from here to the south across the City of Glasgow and the lower Clyde Valley are awesome.
Round about this area cattle were grazing and ancient Scots Pines flourished.
We defended the track along the hillside to the east an made our way to our second castle - Mugdock Castle.  
Parts of this structure date back to at least 1372 and in the intervening years the buildings have been subject to centuries of dramatic attacks and colourful characters according to the guide.  What remains gives a good idea of what it must have been like.

The castle keep is watertight - with a roof - and non-medieval solar panels.  The tower is open to visitors at weekends.
​The castle was once the administrative centre of the Lands of Mugdock and owned by the Graham family linked with the Duke of Montrose.
There was a large mansion attached to the castle but this was demolished in the early 1960s.
There is still a sizeable portion of the ruinous remains of both the castle and the mansion.  
The castle once incorporated a courtroom and a jail acting as the legal centre in early days.
To the west the rise overlooks the walled garden.  The wall around this garden was rebuilt by volunteers a few years ago but moss has claimed its place once more making the repairs far less visible.
In the distance can be seen Mugdock Loch.
At this time of year a fantastic display of snowdrops lies close to the castle.

The land in the park varies from heathland, woodland to open moorland.  Wherever you walk there is variety.  
Popular with walkers and joggers the country park is free to access.
There is a generally wild feel to it - un-manicured which makes a visit most rewarding.
As well as Mugdock Loch there is another water closer to the Stable Block where we arrived.  This is the pretty Craigend Pond which is popular with ducks and those who like to feed them.
Adjacent to the pond is a well stocked garden centre

We pass Craigend Pond on our way back to the Stable Block where the car is parked.
Within the courtyard of the stable block there is outdoor seating, toilet facilities, an information point, gift shop as well as food outlets.  
There is also a performance area and on some evenings musicians come to play.
It is a great place to have a cup of tea and a sandwich after our walk.
We had only been at the park for a couple of hours and according to the map plan there was still a great deal to explore.
There is a moot hill and a former ducking pond - an ominous place in days gone by.
Despite being so close to the north end of Glasgow the park feels quite rural and unspoilt.
The views from the high ground over the city of Glasgow are quite spectacular.
​It is great to think that this excellent facility is situated so close to Appletree Luxury Self-catering Cottage in Croftamie.
We'll certainly be back again!

We took a day out to visit Stirling Castle - about half an hour's drive from Appletree Cottage.  In the first part we explored the entrance, the Queen Ann Garden and the exhibition.  Going through the main gate we entered the lower square with the medieval Great Hall on the left.  
The Great Hall was the largest of its kind ever built in Scotland - used for feasting, dancing and ceremonial pageants.   
Heated by five huge fireplaces it was completed in 1503 for James IV of Scotland
During refurbishment the Great Hall was hailed in a striking yellow / ochre lime wash.  This is intended to replicate the original covering - the lime to protect the stonework and protect against the elements.  The Great Hall with its bright distinctive colour is clearly visible from several miles away.