Scotland Travel Destinations Archives - True Wind Healing Travel

Scotland Travel Destinations

Scotland travel destinations include Edinburgh Royal Mile attractions take you to the epicenter of this ancient city’s history and charm. Its exquisite architecture and dramatic castle loom in surroundings, such as, 7 hills, the Firth of Forth (estuary) and Scottish verdant countryside. From this dramatic setting, the cityscape elegantly extends from the stunning landscapes and water. Plus, on the edge of Edinburgh is the gorgeous park and extinct volcano with Arthur’s Seat. From this vantage point, the ancient Edinburgh skyline and water horizon is the stunning view for hiking and leisure. Therefore, this capital city is balanced with its culture and lush green spaces, estuary and lochs nearby.

Edinburgh’s Dramatic Setting

Edinburgh lies on the Firth of Forth, an estuary of several Scottish rivers that meet the North Sea.
It’s said that Edinburgh was built on Seven Hills, an analogy to Rome. While there’s debate on which ones are the 7, no one can deny the hilly terrain. East of the city is the gorgeous Holyrood Park for hiking and stunning views of the cityscape. Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano is the highest point here at 250.5 m (822 ft), offering panoramic views of Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth and 7 hills.

The Edinburgh castle looms over the city on Castle Rock, another extinct volcano. Overall, the cityscape has a medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings.

Scott Monument – Scotland travel destinations

I arrived in Edinburgh from Waverly Train Station. Leaving the station, I immediately felt drawn to the castle by its looming presence. However, first I walk by the intriguing Scotts Tower. This Victorian Gothic monument is for Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. As the second largest monument for a writer in the world, it stands 200 feet tall. Also, standing elegantly in Princess Street Gardens, it offers viewing platforms for panoramic views.

What is the Royal Mile?

This steep street goes from the Palace of Holyroodhouse (Queen’s residence) to the Edinburgh Castle, perched on an extinct volcano. It’s lined with eclectic shops, such as, museums, restaurants and traditional pubs. Its distance is almost exactly a mile (1.6 km).

The dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands take you back in time to a medieval realm of castles and gardens. And in the heart of the Highlands is the myth of the famous Loch Ness and Nessie, the monster. I took and incredible Loch Ness Highlands Tour visiting Cawdor Castle and Gardens. Then, I explored the ruins from the historic Urquhart Castle on the dramatic shores of Loch Ness. So, read on to learn more about these stops and why it’s such an incredible day tour for a taste of quintessential Scotland.

The Scottish Highlands are the northwest and most mountainous part of Scotland, including Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles. Its landscapes are known for natural beauty and the inspiration for mythology and art. Inverness is the Capital of the Highlands and Loch Ness is in the centre. Loch Ness is the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles.

Check out my YouTube Video!

Loch Ness Highlands Tour
with Castles & Gardens

52212062575_182ac13af5_o — **Cawdor Castle**

The romantic, medieval Cawdor Castle & Gardens is home of the Thanes of Cawdor and the setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth. It makes for a wonderful tour throughout the vast and elegant gardens and maze. Also, the tour inside includes an audio guide in 8 languages for details on the interior and history of this castle. There is also a café, putting green and gift shop.

For me, the gardens are the highlight of this setting with displays, such as, flower gardens, a maze or walled garden and a wild garden. The elegance here showcases the incredible range of colorful flowers in this climate. The maze is fun to wander and get lost in the labyrinth of greenery and captivating flower arrangements.

Urquhart Castle Ruins on Loch Ness

The visitor centre for Urquhart Castle ruins dramatically sits along the shores of Loch Ness. Loch Ness is Britain’s largest freshwater lake and home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster or as the locals call her ‘the wee beastie.”

Urquhart is the largest medieval castle in Highland Scotland from the 14^th century. At the visitor centre there is a short movie telling the long history behind the castle. Walking down a hill you cross the old rock moat to the castle grounds. Overall, there are many areas to wander and explore, such as, the Gatehouse, Citadel and Grand Tower with stunning views over Loch Ness.

Also, there is a path taking you down the stairs to the shores of Loch Ness for a refreshing perspective. Additionally, in the visitor centre is a collection of impressive objects from the ruins.

The Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland. It dramatically sits on an island where 3 lochs converge. I did not visit this castle but heard from others how incredible it is.

Overall, Loch Ness Highlands Tour

My day in the highlands was purely magical. From the elegant gardens along with the dramatic landscapes and castles, it’s understandable why this area is such a muse for lore and legends. I spent another day on the beautiful Isle of Skye, also part of the Highlands, described below.

Scotland Travel Destinations