What so special about Scotland? A typical tour in Scotland includes epic battlefields where clans fought fiercely against the English and literary trails where Sir Walter Scot and Robbie Burns once trotted. There are spectacular remote purple colored moors and untouched forests all waiting to be explored. If these don’t entice you to visit the country of famous skirted knights, then nothing will. Here are some of the best places in Scotland.
Isle of Skye
To start the Scotland adventure, Isle of Skye ranks at the very top of the list among nature lovers. This place boasts of very beautiful mountain scenery, evergreen forests, and mysterious caves. Known as the “Cloud Island”, it’s the largest inner isles in Scotland. The Isle of Skye, by its Viking name “Sküyo” is famous for its heavy mists that often hide the isle, where majestic waterfalls and pristine beaches are all located in this magnificent isle.
The series of clear emerald pools is what makes the Isle of Skye even more attractive to adventure seeker tourists. With just a few miles hike, tourists can continue their adventure into Coire na Creiche which takes them into the majestic Cuillin Mountains without any difficulty. Follow the sign at the forestry car park from Sligachan into Glenbrittle.
The Northern Highlands
Located in the city of Inverness all the way to Thurso, the Northern Highlands rests at the northern peak of the Scottish Mainland. This place has the most scenic view; one can be fully enjoyed through riding a bike or by walking on its many trails. There are many picturesque villages and small towns along its skirts which serve as a quick getaway and resting place for the big hike ahead. The most rewarding view one can get is from the coastal town of Dornoch with its cathedral and castle ruins. Extending from Inverness on the east and crossing over to the Corpach near the western coast of Fort William, tourists can find the ancient fault line which gives birth to the Caledonian Canal.
Edinburgh Castle
Tourists may encounter several castles while in Scotland, but the Edinburgh Castle is not something they should ignore. It’s most popular fortress in the country and played a very vital role during the reign of King David I during the 12th Century. The castle stands as the most prominent national monument in Scotland. Sitting atop of the extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle has one of the most spectacular views overlooking Princes Street, Holyroodhouse, Royal Mile, and other notable city landmarks.
Its entrance is well guarded by two bronze statues of their national heroes, Robert the Bruce and William Wallace. Both fought viciously and defeated English invaders during the later 13th century until the early 14th century. Tourists are greeted with a grand entrance through a drawbridge which crosses an old moat. The best time to visit the palace is during the month of August when they held the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Ride the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig
There’s not a single Harry Potter fan in the world that doesn’t recognize this famous Jacobite Steam Train. Aside from its worldwide famous role, the train pass has a lot of very scenic views. The six-hour return journey which starts at Ben Nevis in Fort William, Glenfinnan Viaduct which was featured in the Harry Potter films, to the Morar before arriving in the fishing port of Mallaig, commuters are well treated with beautiful landscapes and majestic sceneries.
Visit Inverness to see Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
For centuries, the Loch Ness monster sparked controversies and many curious urban legend seekers. Many think of Loch Ness as a mythical monster hiding in deep cold waters of secluded lakes. But there’s no place on earth that does better in telling its story, and something proof of the urban legend than Drumnadrochit Hotel’s Loch Ness Exhibition. Another favorite tourist destination is the ruins of Urquhart Castle. This much-photographed castle sits on top of land overlooking the loch. With its history and mysterious ambiance makes the Inverness a unique attraction in Scotland.
Trossachs National Park
Trossachs National Park is the every anglers dream; plentiful harvests of whitefish, trout, and salmon. Located about 14 miles north of Glasgow, Loch Lomond is considered as Britain’s largest lake. It has the most scenic view for a fisherman, its beautiful mountain slopes and streams will never bore anglers. Many would brave some water activities and hikers love its luscious greeneries.
