Scotland: among castles and lochs

The atmosphere in Edinburgh during the festival is really spectacular and it requires to book your stay well in advance. Being on the esplanade of the Edinburgh Castle, listening to hundreds of bagpipers playing in unison is one of the most exciting experiences I have ever lived.

Traveling to Scotland in May, June and September is also ideal. I enjoyed excellent weather when I visited Scotland during those months, although you must not forget that in Scotland you can experience four seasons in a single day!

Scotland never fails to surprise me. Overflying Loch Lomond on a seaplane, on the west coast, with spectacular views of its 22 islands, stately homes, castles... Landing next to Cameron House for a delicious lunch by the lake. Sailing aboard a private yacht at sunset, sipping a glass of champagne, accompanied by a charismatic guide with an indecipherable accent who will try to make you laugh with his jokes... The Scottish people generally have a very fine sense of humor; they are a very nice and hospitable people.

It’s a land of emotions that envelops you as soon as you feel the breeze on St. Andrews Beach - the cradle of golf, where the famous race of Chariots of Fire was filmed - while enjoying the views of the oldest golf course in the world, Old Course, taking a pint at The Jigger Inn, a pub steeped in history... Or strolling through the Glens, the beautiful valleys scattered throughout the Highlands, where you will find castles and lakes that are featured in many films.

Travel through the Highlands from Aberdeen to Inverness, then crossing to Sky Island is an amazing experience. Take some time to sit on top of the mountain, quietly, with traditional Scottish background music if possible, and let yourself be carried away by the incredible beauty of the landscape. You will probably find yourself in the company of some huge Scottish cows that will watch you curiously.

The rich Scottish land also offers an excellent gastronomy. Among its products you will find scallops, which they prepare in varied ways, fish, meat, vegetables... Scotland is very self-sufficient in terms of local ingredients.

And of course we must not forget about whiskey, of supreme quality in most cases and a national pride. I would recommend a visit to the small distilleries lost in the Highlands, often next to a river for the water supply, where the elaboration is completely authentic and entirely home-made.

Thanks to its varied and diverse landscape, in Scotland you can go on a 4x4 excursion, participate in typical Highland games such as tossing the caber or blood sausages, and have a lot of fun!