5 Reasons Why You Have to Visit the Scottish Highlands
Written by Mackenzie - 04/07/2019
The Scottish Highlands are my favourite
place in the world. It’s not just the
outstandingly beautiful scenery or the warm, friendly people. There’s something
magical and ancient about the Highlands that you can feel when you are there.
Here are my top 5 reasons to visit the Scottish Highlands!
1. Beauty
Starting off with the obvious: The Highlands are stunning. The Highlands have it all – immense mountains, sparkling lochs, and the rugged beauty of the stretching fields and landscapes. Surprisingly, it’s not just green moss and grey skies. There are places in Scotland that look positively tropical! Being part of an Island, Scotland not only has inland waters but also coasts, where there are sandy beaches and blue waters. I could sit and enjoy looking at the natural terrain in Scotland, soaking in the sublime, all day long! One of my favourite places in The Highlands is the Isle of Skye – if you pay a visit, I promise you won’t regret it.
2. Outdoor Activities
There are many ways to take advantage of
the landscape in The Highlands. You can hike, mountain climb, ski, snowboard, surf,
and explore national parks and historic sites! From the mountain-scape of Ben
Nevis to the waves in Thurso, there are no shortage of ways to get your adrenaline
pumping in The Highlands.
3. History
Are you a fan of history? Castles? Museums?
The Highlands are stocked with not only castle ruins, but functioning castles
and heritage buildings that take you back in time. While you are studying in
the UK, consider a short trip to places like Eilean Donan Castle, Urquhart
Castle, or the charming Kisimul Castle in Castlebay (it’s literally a castle on
a small island in a bay). Many castles in The Highlands are the ancestral homes
of the Clans, and visiting these spots gives you the sense of the many people
who inhabited them over the centuries. For a history buff like me, there’s
nothing quite like it.
4. Culture
The Highlands have much to offer in the way
of unique culture. There is a warm sense of hospitality, which lends itself particularly
to the food and drink. You can’t go to The Highlands without having a wee dram
of whisky, or trying Scotland’s best known delicacy - haggis! Don’t worry,
there are vegetarian haggis options too. I personally recommend trying
vegetarian haggis!
5. Magic
As I said, there is something magical about The Highlands. The land is steeped in folklore and legend, including tales of Kelpies (a water horse), Selkies (creatures who could transform from humans into seals), and the Bean-Nighe (a fairy woman, considered to be an omen of death). You may have heard of a little-known legend that tells the tale of a mysterious being, said to inhabit the waters of Loch Ness. That’s right, Nessie! The Loch Ness Monster has brought tourists by the thousands to the shores of Loch Ness just south of Inverness. The Highlands definitely feel ancient and mysterious. In my opinion, on a misty and grey day, the lines between this world whatever else is out there become rather blurred.
As I said, there is something magical about The Highlands. The land is steeped in folklore and legend, including tales of Kelpies (a water horse), Selkies (creatures who could transform from humans into seals), and the Bean-Nighe (a fairy woman, considered to be an omen of death). You may have heard of a little-known legend that tells the tale of a mysterious being, said to inhabit the waters of Loch Ness. That’s right, Nessie! The Loch Ness Monster has brought tourists by the thousands to the shores of Loch Ness just south of Inverness. The Highlands definitely feel ancient and mysterious. In my opinion, on a misty and grey day, the lines between this world whatever else is out there become rather blurred.
Across the Pond works with several
Scottish universities, including:
If
you would like to find out more about studying in Scotland or the rest of the
UK, please contact one of our Advisors.
