Why I Loved Scotland ?!?

I arrived in Edinburgh on a cold rainy January day with a seven day road trip across Scotland ahead of me, but a twist of fate meant my luggage, with all my photography gear, was stuck in Heathrow airport. So I found myself with some unexpected time in Edinburgh.

Walking around in this beautiful city turned out to be an amazing opportunity. From exploring Edinburgh castle, Saint Giles’ Cathedral, Holyrood Palace, to climbing Calton Hill and walking the Royal Mile. I ended my night with some whisky tasting, grabbing a juicy hog roast roll and finished all this off with a hot chocolate float.

After three days, I couldn’t wait any longer for my luggage, so I hit the road with only my phone’s camera, and I am sure I took the right decision.

Five days took me to the Isle of Sky, Lothian, Trossachs, Cowal and the Highlands. I was passing rivers, lakes, or lochs as the Scottish call them, valleys and mountains, forests and waterfalls.

Continuing to play my hand with fate, I didn’t book in advance where to sleep, I was just driving and going from one destination to another, enjoying the scenery and taking as many pictures as I could.

Whatever you do try not to miss these castles: Inveraray, Kilchen, Gylen, Eillean Donan, Dunbeath, Urquhart, Slains, Dunnottar … and definitely go and see the Fairy Glen in Uig, the Glencoe (especially for its hiking trails) and of course the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

During those five days, I encountered rain, snow, storms and clear blue skies. I tasted the best whiskies and was able to visit the four corners of this splendid place.

I enjoyed Scotland during off-season and avoided crowds of the tourists. Their cuisine is mostly made for cold weather, so this helps. I am not an early morning person, so I couldn’t complain about sunrises around eight O’clock, nor about it being a budget-friendly destination.

No matter which season we are in, Scotland will always be a great choice and destination. Just go prepared and enjoy it to the max. Cheers!

(BTW, 11 days later, I got my luggage back!)