Scotland: Land of myth and legend

Full of iconic  attributes, from misty mountains to delicious headache-inducing whisky to hauntingly grandiose castles to some of the world’s most exquisite landscapes, Scotland is a country charged with epic history, brimming with culture and abounding in whimsical and magical scenery. There are endless captivating things to see and do in this grand and beautiful, although admittedly rather cold and wet, country.

If you’ve never set foot in Scotland before, you’ll want to start off in the capital, Edinburgh. The world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, Edinburgh is a vibrant, welcoming and historic city, full of beautiful narrow cobble-stoned streets, fascinating museums and delightful cafes and restaurants. Built around the imposing Castle Rock, you’ll find yourself wandering through crowds walking the Royal Mile, and then suddenly making a turn into the quietest little narrow street. Bursting with ambiance, academia and atmospheric gloom, the city is coated in an undeniable aura of mystery that has been an infinite source of inspiration for artists for centuries. 

Edinburgh is a city that demands to be seen, written and thought about. So take your time, meander aimlessly around the city and take in all its moodiness, its old medieval beauty and newer Georgian charm and its dramatic geology. 

To get a sense of urban life outside of Edinburgh head to Glasgow and St Andrews. Both historic academic hubs, being home to some of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world, these two couldn’t be more different. The former is audacious, edgy and vibrant and defined by its warm, funny and kind inhabitants. The latter is a quiet, restful seaside town and the legendary birthplace of the gentleman’s game, golf. Both can sometimes be overlooked by visitors but are an absolute must-see to get a holistic and diverse picture of what Scotland is like. 

During your visit, you’ll be met with an overwhelming amount of stunning architecture, cultural sights, delicious food and gorgeous scenery, a more woodlandsy one in Glasgow and a coastal one in St Andrews. In short, there’s nothing to dislike about these places and it would be such a shame to miss out on them while travelling around Scotland.

So you’ve come all the way to Scotland and you’re ready to come face to face with some of the most epic nature and landscapes you’ve ever seen, then make your way to the Isle of Skye. This dreamy and whimsical isle is sure to take anybody’s breath away with its striking geology, namely the Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Glen. 

The misty isle is undeniably a hiker’s dream and although it can get rather crowded, you’ll always come across some quiet spots where you can easily picture yourself being the only person on earth.

Of course, no trip to Scotland would be complete without a trip up to the Highlands. Full of sweeping mountains, mysterious moors and glistening lochs that will make you believe in monsters and fairytales, the Highlands are justifiably iconic. Instantly recognisable, you’ll find there’s an almost overwhelming amount of things to see. 

Inverness is the capital of the Highlands and a delightful little town to base yourself out of during your visit. From there, you can very easily rent a car and head out to explore the great outdoors to your heart’s content. 

Speaking of iconic, there’s no way you can miss out on seeing Loch Ness while you’re in the area, and perhaps partake in your very own legendary cryptid finding mission? If you’re not scared of monsters, there are some wonderful boat trips across the loch that visitors can enjoy before heading out to explore Urquhart Castle, which looms majestically over the loch’s shimmering and obscure waters. 

Make your way to the UK’s largest National Park, the Cairngorms. Abounding with tranquil rivers, rocky winding trails, breathtaking mountains and hills, fascinating wildlife and of course, some more peaceful lochs, the Cairngorms National Park is an obvious choice for any nature lover to discover. Pack up your hiking shoes, bring a camera and prepare to head out on an outdoorsy adventure like no other. 

To continue your exploration of the Highlands, you won’t want to miss Glen Coe. Epitomising so much of what the Highlands do best: dramatic scenery, astonishing geology and epic tales of Scottish clans, Glen Coe isn’t considered the “Outdoor Capital of the UK” for no reason. It is abundant in beauty and magnificent wildlife and offers so many fantastic opportunities for hikers and casual walkers alike to make the most of it.