From the land of Scotch and Castles

“There are two seasons in Scotland: June and Winter”- Billy Connolly

Swamped in lush green and bright yellow grass which stretch till horizon, it is often a common phrase in Scotland that even bales of hay have their own castles. I agree. Mountains blanketed in green, partially broken by the prepossessing wilderness and countryside life are all poignant.

Scotland is the cooler northern section of Great Britain where summer temperature average is around 19 degree celsius and during winter season it comes down to about 5 degree celsius (weather details in Scotland). An old saying in Scotland, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.” I visited Scotland during the month of June, which is the perfect time for travellers. Warning: always carry an umbrella, after all its British weather!

Stunning shot of the #Edinburgh skyline. How many of the landmarks on the horizon can YOU name? 📷 IG/shutterbug_kev pic.twitter.com/zrCFwTF7ob

— VisitScotland (@VisitScotland) September 29, 2016

Edinburgh

There is no “un-beautiful” spot in this city of Edinburgh. Often tagged as the ‘Castle town of Scotland’ Edinburgh is the optimal destination for city dwellers and nature enthusiasts with a pinch of royalty only to stir the desire to own a castle for oneself!

The heart of the city, Royal Mile runs downhill between two significant locations in Scotland, Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. The Royal Mile, busiest street in the old town has a blender of everything that defines Scotland. Also, the world’s largest whisky collection is spotted here (it is 3,384 bottles of whisky!). The street is a long stretched lane of shops, bars, restaurants, some ancient towers and the sound of someone playing a bagpiper in the background is overwhelming.

And, of course at the high end of the street is the magnificent Edinburgh Castle dominating the skyline of the city. Standing here one can see Edinburgh at its best. With many ancient tales to tell, the castle is built on an extinct volcano with a chapel inside. It is Scotland’s most visited spot. The parched walls, cold cannons, prison cells and splendid display of artillery will make one travel back to the primeval Scottish times.

The Royal Mile is a host to experience the aura of Clans of Scotland. The stripped clan skirts, knee socks, crafted hats with a bagpiper in hand and a Scottish tale to narrate is an indulgence on the streets of Edinburgh. For the adventurous ones; Cat Cafe on Royal Mile, Camera and Obscura World of Illusions, Holyrood Abbey ruins, Mary King’s Close and Burke and Hare Murder Dolls are few other places to not miss while in Edinburgh.

Photo from the other day along @RoyalMileEdin. Always bustling!!! pic.twitter.com/37rJpOGlEK

— Michael Barr (@mbprofoto) September 21, 2016

Inverness

Distance from Edinburgh: 3 hours 6 mins (154 miles)

The true comeliness of Scotland lies in the Highlands. The countryside drive, green unending fields on either sides of the road and not to forget the highland farm animals makes one want to stay here forever. The small town of Inverness is like God’s own timely creation which has a serene surrounding making one admire it more. The city developed on both sides of the river Ness and has no tall constructions. Inverness has multiple outdoor eateries and a small market to visit. The attraction lies around the outskirts of city where there is an array of castles to visit.

A6 The capital of the Highlands #Inverness #Scotlandhour pic.twitter.com/c4YIjPzKtr

— Inverness Outlanders (@InverOutlanders) September 28, 2016

At a distance of 127 miles (roughly 3 hours) from the town of Inverness is the Isle of Skye. Commonly phrased as ‘Stairway to Heaven’ the drive to the Isle of Skye is nothing short of phenomenal. Connected to Scotland’s northwest coast by a bridge, the Isle of Skye has picturesque castles and fishing villages visited by the city dwellers over weekends. There is a rich sundry garden around the Dunvegan Castle at the end of the route to add to the list.

Not to forget, the Urquhart Castle or the Loch Ness Castle located approximately at a distance of 23 miles from Inverness to visit the childhood Loch Ness monster tales is not to be missed.

Attraction for those who savour the taste of finely distilled whisky!

Along the route to Inverness from Edinburgh is a stretch of land where exists the producers of the finest whisky in the world. Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, Glenlevit, Glenord to name a few have their distilleries situated near Inverness. These distilleries offer tours for visitors followed by tasting sessions. (for more informations click here)

The @GlenfiddichSMW Distillery was founded in 1886 by William Grant in Scotland, in the glen of the River Fiddich pic.twitter.com/VzFNMJQHxT

— European Barschool (@ebsbarschools) May 19, 2016

Glasgow

Distance from Inverness: 3 hours 9 mins (168 miles)

The port city of Glasgow is situated in Scotland’s western lowlands is the commercialised part of the otherwise greenery overtaken country. The port hub is primarily dominated for its city life attractions such as Princes Street which is a shopper’s paradise, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and Glasgow Science Museum for science freaks, People’s Palace for history and culture fanatics and George Square and Glasgow Necropolis for touristy spots. The city of Glasgow has more than enough to quench the thirst of a traveller to see everything.

Photo taken in Glasgow’s Merchant City this evening. Pls ReTweet 🙂 #Glasgow #Scotland pic.twitter.com/kengBoNnIq

— Discovery Scotland (@DiscvrScotland) September 29, 2016

Though the city is largely developed, it has archaic structures in pockets to keep the Scottish spirit and essence alive. Buildings in most parts of the city were constructed when the clans existed. The city offers a vide range of options of restaurants and bars comprising of cuisines from all around the world and variant outlets for nightlife lovers.

Additional destination: While travelling in Scotland, one can also visit a small hill station called the Lake District around lake Windermere in England. It is a 4-hour-drive from Glasgow. The small town is a favourite destination to forget the thrum of city life. Windermere has water sports options along with activities like Segway, horse racing, mountain climbing, etc. for adventure seekers. Also stop over the Wray Castle.

Not to miss when in Scotland: