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Bonnie Scotland

Mar 1, 2015 | 8:04 AM

Have you ever considered travelling to Scotland and walking along the famous banks of Loch Lomond in the Scottish Highlands or exploring the historic Edinburgh Castle?

This is a great destination to put on your bucket list of countries to visit.

Fly into Edinburgh, which is the capital of Scotland. In order to avoid the crowds, it is a good idea to start your sightseeing at the Edinburgh Castle. View the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, which is seen as a holy relic and fought over by the Scottish and English for the last 700 years! Afterwards, walk the famous Royal Mile and visit some really quirky shops, pubs, restaurants and narrow streets steeped in history. Enjoy a dinner of haggis, with a small wee dram of whiskey and finish off your day with a walking ghost tour!

Edinburgh offers many attractions. A good way to see more is by riding the open-top tour buses and listening to fantastic onboard guides. The bus tours typically allow you to jump on and off at your convenience so you are able to capture the sites at your own pace. From Princes Street in the city centre, take the bus to see The Royal Yacht Britannia which is permanently docked in the Port of Leith.

Take an opportunity to visit the famous St Andrew’s Golf Course and University. Drive to Pitlochry, known as the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Inverness is the capital city of the Highlands and sits on the River Ness. It is a small, thriving city and easy to get around. Perched picturesquely above the river, Inverness Castle dominates the city landscape. It is currently being used as a courthouse .There is an excellent Museum and Art Gallery, giving you an overview of the development of the Highlands. Try your hand at fishing for Atlantic salmon in the Ness Islands or just sit in one the many cafes and enjoy the atmosphere of the city centre.

Continue driving along the bonnie banks of Loch Ness – home of the fabled monster. For as many as fifteen thousand years this legend has been told by many local historians. Its various fabled sightings have kept this legend alive.  

The Highlands consist of famous lochs, breathtaking beaches, magnificent glens and ancient monuments. Try the many outdoor activities from hiking, biking and walking the trails while marvelling at the remarkable range of wildlife. Walk the scenic trails of Glen Coe and capture the colourful fields of purple and white flowering highland heather. This hardy plant is at its best in mid-September. Overlooking Fort William, is the stunning sight of the famous, magnificent Ben Nevis Mountain. Take a gondola, two thousand feet to the top and experience the alpine panoramic views.  The town of Fort William is known as the “Outdoor Capital of the UK”. Great for black diamond skiing, snowboarding in the winter and bike riding, hiking trails in the summer months.

Continue on your journey along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond to Glasgow. Glasgow is Scotland’s second largest city and is renowned for its culture, style and friendliness of the people. Take a trip out to Stirling and visit the famous Stirling Castle. It is a symbol of national pride and was once a place of great power.

Cairnryan, Scotland is the port for all the ferries to Belfast, Northern Ireland. The ride is only one hour on the famous Irish Sea!

Put Scotland on your bucket list of destinations to visit. It is a place of incredible scenery, history and very friendly people. From stylish cities, mystic lochs and glens to the grandeur of Highland Scenery, Scotland is one of the most beautiful places to explore.  Return home with new found friends and wonderful memories.

Lynda Spriggs,

Lobstick Travel and Tours / Prince Albert