Magical trip
Known for its strikingly beautiful landscapes, cultural heritage and braw clans, Scotland is one of the most visited countries by nature lovers and hopeless romantics. On the traces of Bonnie Prince Charlie, this ten day trip will guide you on an extraordinary journey through misty mountains, breathtaking glens and the mysteries of Caledonia.
As one of Scotland’s most vibrant cities, Glasgow is a great place to start your trip. If you love music and want to experience something totally different, the World Pipe Band Championships in August are an absolute must! The hypnotizing tunes of traditional bagpipes will immediately plunge you into Scottish culture and the bands dressed in tartan kilts are just mesmerizing.
After this brief city break, your next stop will also be the start of your escape into Scotland’s beautiful nature. Driving along Loch Lomond, the small Coach House Coffee Shop in Luss invites you to try their exquisite sweets and pastries, before heading north towards Inveraray Castle. From the castle it is only a stone’s throw to Nether Largie and its famous standing stones. But beware: touching the mythical stones may or may not catapult you into a different time…
On your way up the coast, it’s time for a hidden gem: the Gypsy Caravan in Blaich! This AirBnB is perfect for a romantic night for two, or a chatter-filled girls sleepover under the stars. Well-rested, you can continue your journey with a drive through the scenic “Lost Valley” of Glen Coe. Its dramatic wilderness and wild mountains are definitely a must-see! From here, simply follow the Road to the Isles, which will lead you from Fort William up to Mallaig through the beautiful Celtic fairyland. Not to be missed is the Viaduct in Glenfinnan, from where you can see the Jacobite Steam Train, also known as Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter movie series.
Our next destination is worth way more than just a brief stopover. Isle of Skye is pure magic. Whether it’s the hidden fairy glen that you find when driving down a narrow side road, a trail revealing the wide beauty of the Quiraing or the steep climb up the Old Man of Storr, Skye has got it all. Although beautiful when seen on a bright day, the true charm of the island’s scenery will only unveil behind a curtain of mist and a light drizzle.
Back on the mainland, Inshriach House offers the perfect getaway for all those seeking an untypical place to stay. Hidden in the dark woods of Cairngorms National Park, a yurt right next to the small town of Aviemore invites you to spend adventurous nights in Scotland’s wilderness. From here, short rides take you to the infamous Loch Ness, Culloden Moor or less touristy places like Elgin, Lossiemouth’s West Beach and the amazingly outstanding Bow Fiddle Rock in Portknockie.
On your way back south to Edinburgh, Deanston Distillery – no real Scotland trip without tasting a fine Scotch single malt whiskey, aye! – should be on every culture fan’s bucket list. If you’re lucky, you might be able to witness the fascinating tradition of Highland Games in Stirling and watch brave men throw hammers and bonnie lasses dance to Celtic tunes. After that, a good night out singing karaoke at the pub Half a Tanner in Perth is the perfect thing to do to bring your day to a close.
If by then you still haven’t had enough of mystery, old stories and magical places, Edinburgh’s culture-filled streets will be about just the right place to let your trip trough this wild land come to an end- until the next adventure awaits!
Laura Tomassini