Unveiling the beauty of Scotland

A Journey Through Its Mystical Landscapes and Historic Sites

When we think of adventure, our minds often wander to distant lands, enchanted forests, and breathtaking landscapes. We LOVE being out in nature. Well, we found all of that and more during our unforgettable two-week journey through Scotland’s magical Highlands. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves; our adventure began much earlier and in a rather whimsical fashion.

We kicked off our journey with a unique road trip that smoothly transitioned into a boat adventure. Sailing from Rotterdam to Hull via P&O Ferries. Picture this: the open sea, the wind in your hair (or, as Willem jokingly observed, my hair leading a life of its own). Finally, the exciting thought of soon setting foot on Scottish soil.

From the moment we stepped into Scotland, we were greeted with an array of colours painting the skies and the lands. Breaking all stereotypes about Scottish weather. We were incredibly lucky to experience almost non-stop sunshine for two whole weeks at the beginning of June. This is a rarity that even the locals said hadn’t happened in years! The normally ever-changing, but now sunny weather and the friendly locals welcomed us. They were etting the stage for an unforgettable journey through this ancient, beautiful land. For those who have been following our Instagram updates of our first two trips… You would know that this trip was nothing short of captivating.

The First Stop: Edinburgh (we stayed here for two days)

Our first stop was the stunning capital, Edinburgh, where we were entranced by its rich history and architectural marvels. The city is an exceptional blend of old and new. Cobblestone streets meet trendy boutiques. You have to make sure to book your tickets in advance to Edinburgh Castle. When you try to do it when you get there, you are almost always disappointed. Perched on an extinct volcano, the castle provided a panoramic view of the city that took our breath away. The Royal Mile, a stretch leading to the castle, was bustling with life. From the enchanting sound of bagpipes to the mesmerizing performances of street artists. We tasted the best nachos at Dirty Dick’s Pub, which was courtesy of Mrs. Quality time. Each step (all 29.000 of them) painted a vibrant story of a city etched with time’s tales.

The outskirts

The rustic beauty of Dean Village, where we walked the beautiful Water of Leith Walkway. On the second day we also hiked up Arthur’s Seat at the end of the day to see the sunset (it takes less than two hours, I think we did it in a little over an hour – it’s only 3.7 km), feeling the city’s heartbeat beneath us as we enjoyed the panoramic views from the summit. Every moment in this city feels like turning a page in a living history book, with both the past and the present speaking in unison.

A Highland Fling in Glackmanshire

After relishing the southern landscapes, we headed to Glackmanshire for a relaxing start and some nice hikes. We stayed two nights in the private annex with jacuzzi and a view of Scott and Jenn, whose hospitality added a warm touch to our trip. Our stay wouldn’t have been complete without a hike up to Ben Cleuch and Law Hill via the scenic trails of Tillicoultry Glen. Though the steep inclines were a test of endurance, the summit’s panoramic views were a feast for our eyes. Yet, nature’s splendor wasn’t limited to grand spectacles; it revealed itself in subtler forms too. From wool strewn about by local sheep—providing us impromptu hand warmers against the gusty winds—to intimate cascades and vibrant wildflowers lining our path, the journey was filled with delightful nuances.

Once back, we treated ourselves to the Jacuzzi—a well-deserved reward after a 16 km hike (we did the round-tour in the link, but hiked a little different, that’s why it was longer). Sipping on glasses of fine wine, we soaked in the warmth and the surreal beauty surrounding us. It was a moment of pure relaxation, a moment where time seemed to stop, letting us savor the tranquility.

Conic Hill

Another highlight of our Scottish adventure was the ascent up Conic Hill. Starting from the Balmaha car park, we embarked on a 4 km journey that, though a bit steep, was absolutely manageable and incredibly rewarding. Within just over an hour for the roundtrip, we found ourselves standing atop the hill, captivated by panoramic views that stretched over a tapestry of lakes and getting down again. It was a breathtaking tableau that seemed to capture the very essence of Scotland’s wild beauty, an unforgettable experience that took significantly less time but offered no less wonder.

Glencoe: The Valley of Tears

Our next destination was the beautiful Glencoe. Words can barely express the mysterious allure that this valley holds. The mist-covered mountains and the rolling green fields were nothing short of looking like another world. While the stillness of the place made us feel like we were in a land that time forgot, steeped in stories and legends, the history of the Massacre of Glencoe, which you hardly believe happened, still hangs in the air, adding a touch of melancholy to the breathtaking beauty.

We went to some of the beautiful places that are a must-see while you are here:

Ben Nevis

Nestled for four days in the Dragon’s Den, an inviting and contemporary cabin replete with a lush garden and BBQ area, we geared up for one of the trip’s most anticipated challenges: hiking Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest peak. Embarking on this nearly 16 km trek with 1,337 meters of elevation, we were greeted by cascading waterfalls, pockets of snow, and a bustling trail of like-minded adventurers. Despite setting out early, the path was teeming with hikers ascending the mountain, and as we descended, the crowds only seemed to multiply. Yet, we conquered the climb in an impressive 4.5 hours, finding ourselves both humbled and invigorated by the grandeur that is Ben Nevis.

Oban – Whisky-tasting

Our journey took an unexpectedly delightful turn in Oban, a cozy fishing town known for more than just its maritime offerings. A whisky-tasting experience awaited us, and to say it exceeded expectations would be an understatement. Though Wendy had never been particularly fond of whisky, this intimate tasting transformed her perceptions entirely. Guided by experts, we learned the art of savoring a good whisky—transforming Wendy into a newfound appreciator of this fine spirit. Beyond the spirits, Oban charmed us with its local seafood restaurants, providing a wholesome experience for both the palate and the soul.

Glenachulish forest (1 hour till 1,5 hour walk)

Close to the Dragon’s Den, where we enjoyed the rustic charm of our contemporary cabin, lay the enchanted forest of Glenachulish. Embarking on a hike here felt like stepping into a realm of fantasy, evoking scenes straight out of a Tolkien epic. But this was no stroll. The adventure required us to grasp onto tree branches and, at one particularly steep and slippery point, a strategically placed rope. It was a hike that challenged us, yet made us feel alive in the most exhilarating way. If you find yourself staying at Dragon’s Den, this fairy-tale forest adventure is an absolute must-do. On the way back, take a moment to sit on one of the small rocks along the ‘Loch’ watching the sunset.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Our journey wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, a structure immortalized in the Harry Potter films. We arrived early, seemingly alone, but within minutes, the solitude transformed into a bustling gathering of onlookers, all eager to catch a glimpse of the locomotive that passes just a few times a day. As we waited for the locomotive to chug its way across the viaduct, we became aware of an uninvited gathering—the notorious Scottish midges. Thankfully, we came prepared with our Jungle Formula Deet spray and were even able to assist fellow travelers in warding off these pesky critters. When the locomotive finally appeared, framed perfectly against the Scottish sky, we realized the wait (and the midges) was worth every moment.

The Isle of Skye

The grand finale of our Scottish sojourn was a six-day stay on the Isle of Skye. This duration we highly recommend to truly immerse yourself in the island’s splendors. With the dramatic cliffs of the Quiraing as our backdrop, our three-night lodging served as the ideal launchpad for explorations. One such gem was a 5 km coastal hike straight from our doorstep. Here we tread upon rocky paths and kept our eyes peeled for elusive sea creatures. We saw seals, and whales – a spectacle we enjoyed in Shulista.

But no visit to Skye is complete without wandering through the magical terrain of Fairy Glen. This is a serene escape to another world that beckons you to roam its rolling hills and peculiar rock formations. Equally unmissable is the Quiraing Walk—a stunning 7 km journey through landscapes so picturesque, they scarcely seem real. The island’s dramatic cliffs and secluded bays offered us endless opportunities for photography. Each click of the camera seemed to capture a little piece of heaven.

The Final Word and some tips:

Scotland has left an indelible mark on our hearts. Each destination, steeped in history and bursting with natural beauty, offered a unique experience that was both educational and exhilarating. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure junkie, or just love to soak in natural beauty. Scotland has something for everyone.

If you haven’t visited Scotland yet, what are you waiting for? Take a journey through its mystical landscapes and historic sites. We promise, you’ll come back with a heart full of memories and a camera full of incredible photos!

Additional tips for an unforgettable Scotland adventure:

• Wear Layers: The weather in Scotland can be highly unpredictable, sometimes experiencing all four seasons in a single day. Packing clothes you can easily layer allows you to adapt to fluctuating temperatures and conditions.
• Driving: Remember that Scotland drives on the left-hand side of the road. Willem had an easy reminder: ‘stuur-stoep’ in Dutch, which means the steering wheel is close to the curb.
• Start as early as possible for the more touristic trips, since it can be very busy.
• Cash and Cards: While most places accept cards, having some cash on hand can be helpful. Card machines might not always be available.
• Try the local seafood! Eating locally not only supports small businesses but also adds a delicious dimension to your travel experiences.
• Use the midge forecast: https://www.smidgeup.com/midge-forecast/ – fortunately there weren’t that many while we were there. But it can be a plague.
• The Jungle Formula Spray with 50% Deet works very effectively against midgets. If you spray yourself, they will stay at a distance, even while there are many – they really don’t like this.
• https://www.alltrails.com/nl-nl/ is a must-have – make sure you download this before you go. It will show you all the nice trails to hike and walk with clear explanations and recommendations.
• Ask Locals: Sometimes the best experiences come from local recommendations. Don’t be shy to ask locals about their favorite spots or lesser-known gems.
• Stay tuned for more travel stories and insider tips on our next adventure!
• Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information and tips! We’d love to share our stories and insight information.