British Church Heritage

British Church Heritage – Now is the time to visit England with the currency drop

Lots of changes in the British political arena, with the exit from the European Common Market. My family tell me that they voted for “out” and now you get more for your dollar so it’s a good time for the tourist.

I always recommend you visit one of the historic churches or cathedrals throughout Great Britain. No matter where I am in the world I always find time to go look at the local church, perhaps attend a service, and learn some history.

I am blessed that I visit London regularly and always try to go to the 5.p.m. Sunday organ service at Westminster Abbey which is a wonderful experience. The shop at the Abbey is a wonderful place to buy gifts, great selection and quality items.

This is a smashing itinerary if you are interested in having a glimpse into the history of British heritage. I go on the Virgin train from London to Glasgow up the West Coast into Scotland which is the most scenic route north. If you don’t want to drive yourself, we can get you a car and kilted driver. Glasgow Cathedral and the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life are interesting. Glasgow is a very cosmopolitan city, great restaurants, and shopping. Stay one night there.

Go north to Loch Lomond, with a stop at the new Visitor Center. The loch is the largest stretch of freshwater in the United Kingdom. Continue towards Oban, skirting Loch Long and Loch Fyne with a stop at the pleasant town of Inveraray which has a very historic castle where the Clan Chief of the very powerful Campbell’s lives. His title is the Duke of Argyll, and the chief has lived there since 1500.

Iona Abbey lies on a small island off the island of Mull and is a must see. I would take the afternoon ferry from Oban to Craignure on the Island of Mull, 45 minutes, then bus to Fionnport to take the ten minute ferry to Iona. There are unrivalled views from the island, with superb long sandy beaches and turquoise seas. Few people, and can be visited all year. Stay overnight on Iona. The island is a very historic place for pilgrims. This is the site of St. Columba’s landing in 563 AD and his original monastery. From here, Christianity spread throughout Scotland and beyond. The abbey precincts contain the graves of many kings and chiefs of Scotland. Worth seeing is the St. Oran’s chapel, and the 10th century St. Martin’s Cross.

Take the early morning ferry to the mainland, head north from Oban with a side trip to magnificent Glencoe before arriving in Fort William. Glencoe is very important part of our history since the Campbell’s massacred the MacDonalds in 1692 and the Valley of Tears is a breathtaking place. I spent a lot of time at Fort William since its nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis, one of my favorite climbing mountains. If you don’t want to hike, take the Gondola up Anaoch Mor, for a smashing view of the countryside.

Continuing north, follow the line of the Caledonian Canal, through the Great Glen to Loch Ness where St.Columba of Iona reportedly saw Nessie, the famous monster. I remember sitting on the loch side as a little girl while my grandfather fished, and I was convinced that one day, Nessie would pop his head up to say hello to me. Visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle which was one of the largest castles in the land and it was blown up in 1692 to prevent it being occupied. Culloden battlefield is next, scene of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s final defeat, and stay overnight in Inverness.

Travel south thru the Grampian Mountains with a stop in the village of Dunkeld to visit the Cathedral. In Perth stop at St. John’s Kirk where John Knox delivered a sermon in 1559, on to Stirling, which has a very historic castle, then overnight in Edinburgh.

See the Royal Mile, the castle, the Palace of Holyrood, the official residence of the Queen when she is in Scotland. Go see St.Giles Cathedral and John Knox House.

Seven miles south of Edinburgh is Rosslyn Chapel which is I think, the most interesting place in the whole land. Built in the l5th century and its history is spooky, home for the Knights Templar and it is reported to be the hiding place of the Holy Grail. Read the book the De Vinci Code first.

If you haven’t had enough history by now, you could continue south to Melrose, Jedburgh, which has two 12th century abbeys, into Northumbria for a visit to the Holy Island, watch out for the local tides. Stop at one of the Roman forts on Hadrian’s Wall, a wonderful hiking area, into York, which has York Minster a must see.

You could take the train back down the East Coast to London, or go into Manchester and fly out of there. Go look at our web site www.allhorizonstvl.com for some ideas.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Ave

Menlo Park, CA. 94025

650-961-2340 direct