The Abbey and the Mill

 Slept in this morning, in fact it was a tad before 8 am. Even Toffee didn't wake us up! Breakfast was late too. We bought some Scottish square sausage, Iceland (the shop) also sells it but the difference in taste is something else. So a full English was had before we set off. 

Today we made for Sweetheart Abbey at New Abbey. Lovely little village which also has a water mill. Of course with the mill being open we had to have a look. It's run by Historic Scotland and as English Heritage members could get in free. I stayed outside with Toffee while Ian went in. Found a lovely small park with a stream running through it, on a hot day like today just perfect to allow Toffee in for a paddle.
By the time I returned Ian had all but seen the mill, so we swapped and in I went.

Spot the dog

 
Wow, what a fascinating place. The mill usually runs every day but lack of water in the mill stream meant none to turn the water wheel. Never mind, the guide was brilliant explaining how every thing worked.
The Abbey was magnificent...well it would have been had it not been covered in scaffolding and closed to the public. More problems with falling masonry. Nothing for it, we will have to return next year to see a restored Abbey and working watermill.

 

We tried several places to stop for the night. One in Delbeattie forest would have suited us down to the ground. Unfortunately no overnight parking. Slightly at a loss as to where we could go Ian found a CL site not far from the forest. It's very rural, has horses and breeds Vizslas. Lovely place to stay and so very quiet. Chairs came out under the awning for shade, and ice cold beers went down a real treat. Another unknown day tomorrow. Beach maybe with it being so hot? So lovely not to have to worry about time.