 Forres. The Mercat Cross is modeled on the Scott Monument in Edinburgh Forres is know for its floral displays, impressive architecture and the largest Medieval carved standing stone in Scotland. The town is in Moray, around 26 miles from Inverness. Here are the highlights from my visit to the town. Sueono's Stone This is one of the most impressive standing stones in Scotland. It's over 6.5m high. The protective glass box makes it stand out and draws you to it. The box seems to enhance the importance of the stone and provides a striking landmark for the town.  Sueno's Stone The carvings on the stone depict a battle. It's got infantry, horse riders and even decapitated enemies. It was made sometime in the mid 800s to early 900s. Forres in Bloom The town has won numerous awards for its floral displays. Grant Park is the place to see them. During my visit the displays were not quite ready, but the park is always a special place to spend some time. My favourite view from the park looks out on a Tuscan bell tower. St John the Evangelist Scottish Episcopal Church has a tower that wouldn't look out of place in an Italian village. There's a great variety of architecture in Forres and this is one of the highlights.  St John the Evangelist Scottish Episcopal Church, with Tuscan bell tower There's also a cute statue of a piper in Grant Park.  Piper statue in Grant Park Burn of Mosset There are nice paths with bridges to explore on a walk down by the Burn of Mosset. On a sunny day this is the place to head with a picnic.  Burn of Mosset St Laurence Parish Church This is my favourite building in Forres. It is grand with beautiful stonework and a 120 foot high spire. During my walkabout the bells were ringing and the Minister was outside the door, greeting parishioners.  St Laurence Parish Church Mercat Cross and Tolbooth This structure might look familiar to you. It is modeled on the Scott Monument of Edinburgh's Princess Street. With the Tolbooth nearby this part of Forres is an architectural delight.  Mercat Cross in Forres My favourite thing about the Tolbooth building? It's the stonework, with the different sizes and colours, and the arched windows.  Tolbooth in Forres Favourite buildings The large number of impressive buildings in the town makes Forres a delight to explore. Some of my favourites include the Town Hall and the Red Lion Inn.  Town Hall in Forres  The Red Lion Inn, Forres Maclean's Highland Bakery You will find this bakery on the High Street and you should try one of their delicious pies. They have won awards and during my visit there was a window display devoted to the haggis and chicken and Scotch pies.  Window display of pies at Macleans bakery in Forres More to discover I did not have time to see and do everything that Forres has to offer. This was a short visit, but I really enjoyed the town and would love to come back and spend more time here. Check out the Visit Forres website for ideas of more things to do. Brodie Castle It's just a 4 mile cycle from Forres to Brodie castle.  Brodie Castle Where to stay I stayed in the wonderful Knockomie Inn.  Knockomie Inn Getting here
It's around 30 minutes by train from Inverness to Forres. I cycled here on National Cycle Route One.
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 Cycling is a popular outdoor sport in the United Kingdom. It allows us to enjoy the great nature views and to improve our health significantly, and what is more - at a fairly reasonable price. There are many routes all over the country available, no matter where you live. There are many benefits to cycling, including improved physical shape and a significant decrease in stress, as well. If you ever happen to get tired of the trip and want some home-like feeling, you can always get some of the used motorhomes for sale and get in. You can even store your bicycle there. Cycling with your family will definitely be more enjoyable if you have kids. Family bike rides are an effective and healthy way to bond with your children better, whether you ride together or it is everyone on their own. This comprehensive guide will help you learn a little bit more about cycling with your family. It is important that before you start your cycling trip, consider getting additional provisions you might need to use in extraordinary situations. Cycling with your family is an excellent way to increase your overall health. This type of exercise is just great for family bonding. You can cycle to a park, ride along the river or explore new some new places. Another great way to entertain and simultaneously care for the health of your kids is to cycle together during your family vacation, for example. Get your teenagers on bikes if you want to reduce their screen time, and that way, you will also protect their eyes better. It has been proven that cycling can reduce stress significantly. It increases children's ability to concentrate at school and allows them to get to know their surroundings. It's a great way to reduce the carbon emissions of your household and teach your children sustainable living habits. Family cycling vs solo riding  Solo riding is great for improving your skill and speed. Family bike rides are a great way to spend time with your loved ones. It is the best possible choice if you're training for a specific sporting event. You can listen to your music and push yourself a bit more each time. Family biking is an option that is more fun if you want to explore the area. You can have a good time with your kids and share stories. Family cycling is far more rewarding than solo one. You can help your family improve their skills and take them on thrilling adventures. What equipment do you need to group ride?  It does not matter if you're riding alone or with your family members, the same safety equipment will apply. Every member of your group should have a helmet. For better protection, children who are just getting started with cycling should wear elbow and knee pads. When it comes to cycling wear, long sleeves and trousers are a great option. Leggings, however, can also be a good choice. There are many various options when it comes to selecting bicycles for your family. A bike seat or baby trailer may be a good option if you're cycling with a child under two years old. A training bike is best for 3-4 years olds that are just starting to learn how to ride. A shared bike is an excellent way to bond with your children and to learn together. For little ones still learning, there is always the option of towing with trail bikes or tagalongs. Six-year-olds and older who are confident may choose to ride their own bike for a bit more freedom. In conclusion  And please always remember to consider all safe driving measures during your travel. Having a first-aid kit with you is recommended. I will be happy if this brief guide made someone's cycling experience more pleasant.
Cycling is one of the best exercises for seniors. It can promote blood circulation, maintain or improve cardiovascular health, and is one of the forms of cardio that will put the least stress on your joints. However, if you’ve been cycling at a high level all your life, you will have to slow down as you get older. You might feel as though you’re still fine but going too hard at this moment could cause injuries. You also have to know how to monitor your overall health so you can avoid incidents. Let’s take a look at a few essential health tips for ageing cyclists.
Pay Very Special Attention to Heart Health As you get older, you will need to pay close attention to your heart rates when you’re doing any form of intense exercise. You also have to look out for symptoms of heart disorders. One of the most common heart issues for cyclists is arrhythmias and there are warning signs that will show you if you might be suffering from it. If you get lightheaded when riding, or you have blacked out once, then this is one of the biggest signs that something is wrong. Other things to watch out for include unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, or a drop in heart rate while riding. Paying attention to your diet is vital for heart health too. For instance, the benefits of eating a cherry and other fruits are well known, with fruit-rich diets being associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Cherries in particular are rich in antioxidants and nutrients that are known to promote heart health. They have anti-inflammatory properties and are a good source of minerals, like magnesium too. If you’re dealing with any of the symptoms, like unexplained fatigue and chest pains, we would suggest that you visit a private cardiologist like Dr. Georgios Karagiannis right away. This private cardiologist has been serving the community for many years and will be able to tell you exactly what the situation is. He will then be able to propose and administer different treatments based on your condition. Protect Your Knees Knee health is another thing you'll need to pay very close attention to as an ageing cyclist. While cycling is one of the easiest exercises for the joints, years of riding will take their toll on your body, and you will need to make some adjustments. If you’ve never paid attention to your pedal stroke, you will need to do so right away. If you have access to a stationary bike, put it in front of a mirror and start pedalling. You should see a straight line from your shins to your knees when you pedal. If they’re unaligned, then your stroke could eventually cause discomfort or injuries. If you don’t have a stationary bike, ask one of your friends to record you as you’re riding towards them so you can analyse your stroke after. Get the Proper Bike Your bike should be ergonomic and properly fitted. If you’ve been using the same bike for the last 20 years, there’s a good chance that it’s outdated, so we would suggest you pick up a new one. More recent bikes are much lighter and require less effort than older models. They tend to be more ergonomic as well. Make sure to have the bike fitted by a professional too. These are all tips you should follow if you’re an older cyclist and want to keep reaping the benefits of the sport. Take care of yourself on and off the road, and always remember to listen to your body. |
AuthorMy name is Colin Baird and I want to see all of Scotland by bicycle. Categories
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