Blah, blah, blah I fell in love with the Highlands. Blah, blah, blah, wanderlust. Blah, blah, blah the most beautiful place I have ever been. I’ll save you the sentiment and get right to the juicy bits:
In all seriousness, it took one road trip to Inverness to spark a healthy obsession with all things tartan. I stayed in a baby blue 1970’s Volkswagen camper van in my AirBNB host’s back yard. The property was backed right up to Culloden Moor. I was all set to hunt down all of the filming locations from Outlander only to discover it was mostly shot in or around Glasgow and Edinburgh. Ugh. Well, there was always Eilean Donan and the Glencoe route from various incarnations of James Bond. I’d have to pretend that my KIA was an Aston Martin – a girl can fantasize right? Regardless, Inverness is the perfect jump off point to visit several major attractions in the Highlands. From the quiet city, you could plan several hundred combinations of road trips – I only had time for three. I regret not spending the entire week but, even so I would have barely scratched the surface. Each road trip deserves its own post so, as I gather my thoughts on each of the three days I spent in the Highlands here are some teasers:
Castles Upon Castles – In Various States
There are so many castles to visit! Most of the ruined ones are free. I prefer the ruined ones. There is usually a good walk involved and less people around. You can really feel the old vibes.
Drives That Will Give You A Work Out
There are hardly any straight shot highways. Be prepared for two lane roads that snake their way through the country side.
Hikes… That Will Give You A Work Out
This was hiker heaven. Keep watch for places to pull off as they are not immediately identified. They don’t call me K-Turn Kate for nuthin’.
Places Surrounded By Stories
Two Words: Fairy Pool.
Memories From Ancient Times
I’m endlessly fascinated by ancient structures. There are hundreds of places that showcase ancient architecture and a glimpse into the past.
Falcons – and an Owl
I’m going to talk endlessly about the Falcons at Dunrobin castle and how one day I will become a falconry expert myself. These amazing birds of prey were orphaned or injured but, taken in by the conservatory. They are trained to hunt pheasants, rabbits and other small game by the aviary expert Andy Hughes. It’s really cool to see someone who loves their animals. I have much respect for that.
The End of a Culture
The heaviest place, Culloden Battlefield.
Enjoy! There are more pictures and stories to come.
Your Cobweb Clearer, Kate
Kate, loved this post and the pics! Can’t get enough of those fairy pools in Scotland.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ive never considered Scotland as a place to visit asap until I started to reading travel blogs! I live in London now and I cant believe I haven’t make my way up not yet ! What a views! And walking on ruins of castles would be my favourite part !
LikeLike
With views like that it wouldn’t be enough for me either. Your photos are absolutely stunning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow wow wow!! I have fallen in love with the Highlands of Scotland after seeing the pictures in your post. Abandoned castles on green hills, clear water pools, historic sites, scenic hikes, meandering roads and lovely birds. I wonder if there is anything else I would ask for.
LikeLike
I don’t believe it gets any better, maybe some whisky and chocolate… oh wait they have that too 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wait, what? You had me at fairy pool. And falconry is such an prominent historical practice in northern arctic circle countries, it mkes me want to compare!
LikeLike
I don’t know much about it but, I NEED to find out more about falconry!!
LikeLike
Right? Now that I pay more attention to travel posts, there’s a lot of culture that use falconry!
LikeLike
Read your post earlier and I was stunned again now by your photos. Such wonderful landscapes! It sounds like you’ve had so much fun. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you! Scotland is so photogenic. Especially when the clouds get all moody. Lines up some dramatic shots! I love it here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing. The fairy pools will be great to see in person. Your photos are great. I can’t wait for the long post about the rest of the trip. I to like traveling through older castles with less crowds. It makes it better somehow.
LikeLike
Can anyone NOT fall in love with Highlands. Very true 3 days in just not enough! The castles are just instragram worthy and there are so many pre-historic sites too!
LikeLike
I absolutely loved the Highlands too! The hairy coos and flossies were my favorite : )
LikeLike
Freeedddooom!!! Scotland is among the last frontiers in this world. We would love to hike the trails and climb the mountains here. Just by looking at the photos, we can already feel the spirit of adventure and Mother Nature. We hope to visit there someday.
LikeLike
The Highlands look so mesmerizing that it is no wonder that you were enthralled and fell in love with the place. It is Nature at its best blended with a rich history of Scotland which makes the place irresistible. I hope to get there some day and I am sure I would never like to come back.
LikeLike