The standard image of Scotland that most people have in mind is very romantic and idyllic, given its spectacular natural landscapes and picturesque towns. If you believe that the general idea people have of Scotland as a fairy-tale-like place is an exaggeration, you need only take a trip to the country yourself, and you’ll instantly realize that this reputation is well-deserved. If you’ve been thinking about visiting but are unsure what areas should be on your itinerary, here are some spots that you don’t want to miss.
Glen Coe is a deep valley surrounded by mountains which was created millions of years ago as a result of volcanic activity. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire country due to its scenic beauty, history, and wildlife. If you’re fond of long hikes on hills or fancy the idea of wandering around in a quiet, peaceful spot, Glencoe’s breathtaking landscapes will be perfect for you. The journey through the glen on the A82 road has been described as a staple and classic of Highland journeys. Glencoe village lies at the northwest end of the glen, on the south of the River Coe. The village is known for a rather grim episode in Scottish history, the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe, during which almost 40 members of Clan MacDonald were killed on behalf of the government under King William of Orange. Glencoe is home to a museum dedicated to the area’s history, as well as the well-known Clachaig Inn, which is particularly popular among climbers and walkers visiting the surrounding mountains.
You can reach the Isle of Skye via ferry, car, or public transport. If you’re in Edinburgh, you can take a train to Inverness and then a bus to Portree, the capital and largest town on the Isle of Skye. Checking some excellent guides to different travel locationswill also provide you with the necessary information for your trip. A significant portion of the residents are fluent in Gaelic, an important aspect of the region’s culture. Portree is known for the stunning colourful houses located in its harbour. Make sure to visit the dramatic Point of Sleat if you want to spot the marine wildlife species and the Armadale Castle, the ancestral home of Clan Donald. The climate is milder in this area as well, so apart from the remains of this historic building, you can also enjoy the 20,000 acres of gardens. Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continually inhabited stronghold of its kind in Scotland, hosts several stories and heirlooms of Clan Macleod, including the Fairy Flag. The history of this impressive building dates back to 1320. In the beginning, it was a small fort established by Clan MacDougall during their time as Lords of Lorn. In the late 1380s, the Stewarts of Appin became rulers, and it is believed that they gave the castle its current form sometime around the 1440s. The name “Stalker” has its etymology in the Gaelic “Stalcaire,” which can be translated as “falconer” or “hunter.” There’s a gift shop and café overlooking the castle, as well as a wildlife hub where you can enjoy nest cameras and wildlife films. The shop offers plenty of interesting and unique books so that voracious readers can sink their teeth into an interesting read. Castle Stalker is a particularly great destination for photographers who want to add some stunning pieces to their collection.
There is a unique appeal to lighthouses that only those who love them will understand. They are guiding lights to those in need, helping ships find their way in the large, boundless expanse of the sea, but they also seem like remnants of a bygone era, adding to their charm and idealized image. The lighthouse located on Neist Point in Skye was first lit on November 1st, 1909. Aerial cableway is still used to bring supplies to the cottages and lighthouse. Several rare plants, such as rockfoils, are found on the viewpoint. Whales, basking sharks, dolphins, razorbills, guillemots, and gannets can all be spotted from the point as well.
The remote archipelago of St Kilda, known as Hiort in Scottish Gaelic, is located almost 70 km northwest of the North Uist. It is the most important breeding spot for sea birds in the entire Northwest Europe, home to the largest colony of guillemots in the world, the oldest and largest colony of fulmars, and the biggest colony of puffins in all of Britain. Since 1930, there has been no permanent population in St Kilda, but there are typically anywhere between 20 and 70 individuals who live in St Kilda temporarily. The Soay sheep are one of the most interesting animal species in the area, a breed of domestic sheep descending from a population of feral sheep in the uninhabited Soay islet. The sheep are known for being incredibly hardy and agile, finding refuge in the cliffs when feeling threatened or scared. Two other unique animals hailing from the region are the St Kilda field mouse and the St Kilda wren. The architecture of St Kilda is particularly interesting, with the oldest ruins dating back to 1850 BC. They are unique to St Kilda, and their purpose remains a mystery to historians and archaeologists. Cleits are another unique feature of the St Kilda isles. These structures are also unique to the archipelago and were used to cure fish, barley, oats, lamb, hay, potatoes, ropes, feathers, fishing gear, and bird eggs.
The Balmoral estatein Deeside is known as a residence of the British royal family, being the summer residence of Queen Elizabeth II. There are also sixteen stone cairns on the property, the majority of which were created by Queen Victoria. There is one dedicated to the Duchess of Kent, Queen Victoria’s mother, several which commemorate the marriages of Victoria’s children, one for John Brown, the queen’s favourite and personal attendant, and the largest, which was constructed in memory of Prince Albert following his death in 1861. Two additional cairns were created for the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 2012. There are so many beautiful sights in Scotland that it can be quite challenging to settle on just a few of them. If you can’t fit all the spots you wanted to visit in just one trip, there is always the option of returning during your next holiday to uncover more of the beauty of Alba.