Immerse Yourself into the Mystical Beauty of the Scottish Highlands to Experience True Wonder!
Immersing yourself in the mystical beauty of the Scottish Highlands, where rugged landscapes meet serene lochs, is an unforgettable experience. In this blog post, my daughter and I journey through the enchanting regions of the Scottish Highlands, Loch Lomond, Oban, Loch Awe and Glencoe, each offering its own unique charm and allure. There are so many legends, songs, and the scenery looks as though it is a painting. Our combined Scottish Ancestry touched our souls.
Exploring the the Beauty of the Scottish Highlands:
The Scottish Highlands beckon with their untamed wilderness and dramatic scenery. Towering mountains, shimmering lochs, and vast moors create a landscape that is both awe-inspiring and humbling. From the majestic Ben Nevis to the mysterious Loch Ness, the Highlands are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. We took a tour out of Glasgow with Rabbies.
We were fortunate enough to see Roe Deer and Red Deer, sheep, and the famous Highland Cows! In Scots they are pronounced Heelan Coos. They are so adorable with their long bangs. Funny, they are actually related to the Longhorns we have here in Texas. Ally and I were there during Lambing (the birthing of the lambs) so we saw many mamas and babies. We did not go into the fields because we didn’t want to disturb the mothers, but that didn’t stop other tourists from doing it. I’m always shocked when tourists do stupid things like trying to pet the sheep and lambs or even the cows. Idiots! They aren’t pets, and they aren’t domestic animals who want attention. People are just unbelievable sometimes.
Discovering Loch Lomond and Glencoe:
As the largest freshwater lake in Scotland, Loch Lomond captivates visitors with its tranquil waters and picturesque surroundings. The Trossachs National Park, which encompasses Loch Lomond, offers a haven for hikers, cyclists, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature. Explore the charming villages along the loch’s shores and soak in the beauty of this natural gem. Our Tour Guide, Jeffrey, from Rabbie’s Tours, played us Scottish band Runrig’s Loch Lomond, and told us the legend of the song. One version is that two MacDonald brothers were captured by a warring clan and given a choice: one may go free, one must die. Scots believe that when they die, their soul returns to Scotland. The brothers decided that the older brother would sacrifice himself for the younger and the phrase in the song goes, “You’ll take the high road and I’ll take the low road, and I’ll be in Scotland before you, where me and my true love will never meet again, on the bonny bonny banks of Loch Lomond.” The banks are bonny indeed!
On the road from Loch Lomond to Campbellstown is an incredible mountain pass view called Rest and Be Thankful. It gets its name as it was once a place where people travelling the country would stop, rest and be thankful that they have reached the top of their climb. A road was built in 1750 as a result of the Jacobite uprisings, which had to do with the Bonnie Prince Charlie, a pretender to the throne of Scotland, and by blood, the rightful heir. Bonnie Prince Charlie was a Stewart (Stuart), of the royal line of Scotland. I didn’t climb it, but the area is beyond beauty.
Unveiling the Beauty of Glencoe:
Glencoe’s haunting beauty and turbulent history make it a must-visit destination in the Scottish Highlands. When William of Orange (Dutch) and Mary II (King James’s daughter!) took the throne from King James II of England (James VI of Scotland), the Clan MacDonald of Glencoe maintained their loyalty to James, who was a Scottish Stewart (Stuart). The Stewart Dynasty (or Stuart) was Scottish, and most Scots were loyal to them, giving rise to the Jacobite Movement, a movement that wanted to restore the Stewart Line to England and Scotland. The Massacre of Glencoe took place on 13 February 1692. 30 members and associates of Clan MacDonald were killed by Clan Campbell for not pledging allegiance to the new monarchs, William III and Mary. The events are still conflicting, and I doubt they will ever be clear. Some of the surviving MacDonalds joined the MacDonalds of Skye, from whom this author is descended. I loved discovering my Scottish ancestry!
More of the Highlands:
Our tour also included beautiful Inveraray, an 18th century town and castle in Argyll and Bute located on Loch Fyne. We elected to walk the town and dock instead of going to the castle, but I did get a photo of the turrets through the trees. The town is absolutely adorable, even if it is in the lands of the Campbell’s. Remember, the Campbell Clan slaughtered my MacDonalds.
We then went to Oban, a picturesque town on the Firth of Lorn. It is the largest town in Argyll and is known as the Gateway to the Isles. They are known for their seafood. A “firth” is an inlet or estuary in Scots, so the inlet in Oban leads to the ocean and the Isles. You’ll always remember the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Practical Tips for Your Journey:
When planning your visit to the Scottish Highlands, consider practical aspects such as transportation, accommodation, and weather conditions. Opt for guided tours to make the most of your explorations, or venture off the beaten path to discover hidden gems. I recommend Rabbies, small group tours you can take from Glasgow or Edinburgh. Through them I discovered the music of Runrig, a Scottish band, and I remembered all of the Scottish songs I loved as a child, like Over the Sea to Skye and My Bonnie lies over the Ocean, both songs about Bonnie Prince Charlie. Remember to respect the natural environment, animals and local communities as you delve into the heart of this captivating region. Maintain the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
As you embark on your Scottish Highlands adventure, prepare to be enchanted by the wild beauty of Loch Lomond, the rugged grandeur of Glencoe, and the timeless allure of this ancient land. You can almost hear the bagpipes. Let the spirit of the Highlands guide you on a journey of discovery and wonder.
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