I was never particularly fond of nature or enjoyed driving down scenic routes for enjoyment. It wasn’t until I spent 3 days on coaches and trains surrounded by the beauty of Scotland that I actually took a step back to appreciate the natural wonders that the world has to offer. The gothic beauty of the buildings down every street in the cities was absolutely breathtaking. You could only imagine the history that those walls had stood through. With that, here’s my guide for Scotland travel:
Edinburgh:
-Beautiful gothic city
-Learn all about Mary Queen of Scots
-Walk the Royal Mile
-If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, visit multiple sites around the city that hold history from the show
-Birthplace of Harry Potter and where JK Rowling lives and wrote the novels
-Actual gravestone of a man named Tom Riddle (very cool)
-Doune Castle (about 45 minutes out of the city) is the real Winterfell. They filmed the first episode of the series on this site.
Glencoe: (Lowlands)
-The most beautiful mountain scenery
-Leads into Loch Ness which is eerie and mesmerizing. You cannot take your eyes off of it (which is why I believe people think they saw something in the water!).
-Three Sisters are a breathtaking group of mountains that you have to drive about 20 miles through the Lowlands of Scotland to get to. Completely uninhabitable area, so it is secluded and very peaceful.
Fort Augustus:
-Very small town with maybe 500 inhabitants. It sits right on the end of Loch Ness
-Best fish and chips I have had in Europe so far (and I live in London, the fish and chips capital)
Scotland as a whole:
-The Highland Cow is one of the most beautiful animals you will see in this world.
-There are more sheep in Scotland than people
-They love their cashmere
-Not as many men in kilts playing bagpipes as you’d think
-Every person is so genuine and kind
Scotland was an unexpected surprise. I didn’t anticipate to be so entranced by it, but I would go back in a heartbeat and recommend it to all who get the chance to go!