What to see in Scotland: discovering the secrets of the Celtic lands

Whenever we hear about the Scottish Highlands, known as the Highlands, our minds are transported to endless valleys surrounded by mountains and impressive cliffs. Scotland is a land of legends and mysteries par excellence, the home of the famous Loch Ness monster. A territory of incalculable historical and cultural value, but also one of the great adventure destinations of Europe. In this entry we are going to delve into the sea of nature that these lands of Celtic influence hide to discover what to see in Scotland.

Do you dare to discover the Highlands with us?

Lake Ness

We begin our adventure by making a stop at Scotland's best-known lake, Loch Ness. Who has not heard of the legend of the most famous monster on the European continent?

Loch Ness is one of the main tourist attractions in the Highlands due to the well-known legend of the monster that lives there, Nessie. Although there are different theories and even photographs of this creature, it is said that it is difficult to see it, since this lake is the deepest in all of Scotland. In addition, it is full of underwater caves ideal for Nessie to hide from tourists.

Leaving aside the legend, it is a mandatory stop; since it is the second largest lake in Scotland, with an area of 37 kilometers and is surrounded by a landscape worth admiring, typical of Scottish lands. On the lake we can do various activities such as taking a short boat trip, seeing a place dedicated to the monster and, of course, we can't miss our photo with the statue of Nessie.

If these wonderful places are too far away for you, you can always change the boat tour on Loch Ness for a boat ride in the Tranco reservoir, within the largest protected space in Spain. We don't have a monster, but the views are equally incredible.

inverness

Our second stop is the capital of the Highlands and the largest city in the North of Scotland, Inverness. Famous for its flower displays in summer and for its particular landscape in which rivers walk between meadows full of grazing sheep. Much of the tourism it receives is due to its proximity to Loch Ness, as the River Ness runs through this city until it reaches the famous lake.

Isle of Skye

We continue our journey through Scottish lands and arrive at the Isle of Skye. If you are a lover of nature in its purest form, you are in the right place. Green landscapes, waterfalls, cliffs... are some of the wonders that you can see on this island. It is essential that you carry your camera charged, because you will want to have a memory of the wonderful places and animals that inhabit it.  

Walking along the west coast of the island until you reach the Neist Point lighthouse is a delight for the senses. You will admire spectacular views where the protagonists are enormous movie cliffs that will surely remind you of the incredible Cliffs of Moher, In Ireland. This is home to numerous species of seabirds such as kittiwakes, northern fulmars and shags. It is also a privileged place to observe various cetaceans such as whales, dolphins and the basking shark.

Other cliffs that will take your breath away are the well-known Kilt Rock, which is located in the north of the island, just 10 kilometers from Portree, on the Trotternish peninsula. These cliffs owe their name to their resemblance to the folds of the typical Scottish skirt (kilt). There you can see the Mealt Waterfall, an impressive 60-meter-high waterfall that runs through them and flows into the sea.  

Also on the Trotternish peninsula we find the Quiraing, probably one of the most famous points on the island. It is a magical place where we can observe an authentic volcanic landscape, the result of the massive release of lava towards the sea. If you want to enjoy and get to know in depth the charms What hides this part of Scotland, put on comfortable shoes and do the complete route. It will surely be 4 hours of your life that will leave a mark on you forever.

On our trip through the Trotternish peninsula, when we go in search of the well-known Quiraing, we cannot miss the opportunity to see the authentic Scottish cow. There is a herd of these magnificent cows on a small farm between Portree and Uig. It's time to take a selfie with one of them!

If you have enjoyed Scottish cows, don't miss this activity to photograph the largest mammal in Europe, the bison, a distant cousin of the bovine family.

In addition to imposing cliffs, the Isle of Skye features a mountainous landscape of basaltic origin in the Cuillins mountain range, where the well-known Old Man of Storr is located.

It is a 55-meter-high rock monolith that looks like a man sitting looking at the ocean. This place is ideal for doing some hiking through the mountains and thus enjoying the heart of it, where Lake Coruisk is located.

While climbers will be fascinated by Black Cuillin, which is the highest and steepest peak in the Cuillins, hikers will enjoy the more accessible terrain found among the pink granite mountains, Red Cuillin. On your ascent to these mountains you will see the famous Fairy Pools waterfalls, which form pools along the route of the Brittle River. If you are a brave adventurer you can even take a bath in them.  

Finally, you can go to Coral Beach which is located in Claigan, in the north of the island. Beach characterized by white sand, which is actually made up of remains from the red algae Maërl. In this coastal area you can observe seals fishing on the shore. You can also spot colonies of friendly seals in Elgol, south-west of Skye, from a beautiful cruise leaving from the port.

Glencoe Valley

The Glencoe Valley is our next destination, a place steeped in history and where we can contemplate some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Celtic lands.

This valley was the scene of the famous 1962 massacre in which 38 members of the MacDonald clan were murdered, in addition to another 40 women and children who died when they were left without any shelter. Without a doubt, a sad chapter in the history of Scotland that occurred in this place that Charles Dickens baptized as “the cemetery of a race of giants.”

But Glencoe, in addition to being known for that bloody event, offers us an enviable mountainous landscape. In fact, it owes its geography to the presence of ancient glaciers that dominated these lands. This valley is home to numerous alpine species such as woodland hyacinths, which cover the ground in ancient Scottish forests with colour.

As for wildlife, deer, martens, otters and wild cats are the most common inhabitants of this place. But are not the only ones; We can find golden eagles which, along with seagulls and ducks, are the most characteristic birdlife. Finally, it should be noted that there is an exhibition on the history and nature of Glencoe at its visitor center. If you are curious and have a little time, you can visit it and learn more about this valley.

Cairngorms National Park

In our quest to discover the most beautiful corners of Scotland, we arrive at Cairngorms National Park. And you will wonder what is so special about this place. Well, it is the largest National Park in the entire United Kingdom, one of the few wild spaces left in all of Europe. We are facing 4,500 kilometers in which ancient forests mix with valleys and majestic mountains, among which we find the highest peaks in the country.

This National Park is home to red deer, wild cats, golden eagles and red squirrels. If your passion is nature, you cannot miss this gift from the Scottish lands. If what you really like is the mountains and you move like a fish in water through the snow, do not hesitate to visit the ski resort that is beyond Glenshee. Wrap up warm and enjoy the winter scenery!

Wester Ross

Our journey culminates in the Wester Ross region, located in the northeast of the Highlands. Without a doubt, the wildest side of Scotland and one of the most beautiful regions of these lands.

Before us appear inhospitable landscapes bare of trees, places that give free rein to the imagination, enchanted places full of mystery; where Loch Maree rests between two mountains, waiting to be discovered by the most curious visitors. And the fourth largest lake in Scotland is home to several islands covered by vegetation, among which Maree Island stands out, which presents evidence that there were people living on it, Scottish druids.

But this is not all. Loch Maree is really known for the healing properties of its waters and because it is the home of a relative of Nessie. Indeed, Loch Ness is not the only one that has a monster living in its waters. Surprised?  

The Scottish Highlands hide many secrets and places to discover. They house nature in its purest form, landscapes that make you fall in love, infinite lakes, beautiful cliffs, life and more life in every corner to explore. They are a gift for the senses that you won't be able to get out of your mind.

What are you waiting for to go and record those wonderful landscapes on your retina?