July 15th
Monday 15th July 1822
Received a letter from Peggy. Walked through Mutton Hole & Cromond town. crossed the ferry there to Dalmeny Park, the seat of the Earl of Roseberry. Here are by far the most extensive and finest Avenues, and gravel roads, grasswalks, groves and plantations of majestic trees I have seen at all. the ruins of Baron Bugle, (the old castle) still stands on the edge of the Frith of Forth, as a landmark: but the present residence is a handsome building of a castellated form, in a more sheltered situation, amid noble trees, yet commanding a view of the water. The upper grounds are truly magnificent: the Frith here stretches out into a wide expanse; dotted with boats and vessels of different kinds: the small island of Inch Garvey with its single castle; the villages and towns on the opposite shore; and the lawns and plantations round you, form a scene exquisitely beautiful. I spent a considerable time and walked several miles in this delicious place. Then went to Queen's Ferry, a small landing place; and returned by the high road to Craigie Hall, the seat of James Hope Vere Esq.r This is a fine old fashioned place, with the Almond water running through the grounds, with a grotto and plantations, and a fine avenue at the entrance. Both here and in Ld Roseberry's domains they were in the midst of the hay harvest, whose fragrance was delicious. A little beyond this, the scenery of Cromond bridge over the river Almond, the rich plantations sloping to its banks and the winding stream are very beautiful: indeed the whole road till within three miles of Edinburgh is uncommonly rich. Struck into the Leith road at Mutton hole; got back about eight o'clock, having sauntered about twenty four miles. It was a very rough cold easterly wind, though the sun was warm.