The wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands in the summer months, tourists from all over the world. But it’s worth a trip outside of the season, DW reporter Susan Bonney-Cox.
Inverness, the historic capital of the Highlands and is the northernmost town on the British mainland, is the starting point of my journey. The attractive centre of this booming city on the wide, fast flowing river Ness offers great shopping and has a great selection of Bars and Restaurants. From here I want to explore what this area has to offer outside of the tourist season, which begins at Easter.
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Inverness in the Scottish Highlands
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Inverness in the Scottish Highlands
To visit Nessie
In summer, guests come for the Hiking, kayaking, Climbing, golfing and Cycling in the wild nature of the Highlands. But also at lower temperatures, there are Outdoor a lot to discover.
The road on the shores of Loch Ness offers Parking bays with views of the lake
First, a 20-minute drive from Inverness leads me to punching. From here, the for be sea monsters famous Loch Ness, a huge water stretches along the road. You will continue on to Drumnadrochit at the Loch Ness Centre. Of course, it is also about the Monster in the lake, and the many messages, who wants to have it when and where sighted. In the exhibition, everyone can decide for himself whether he believes in the existence of ‘Nessie’, and what kind of animal it could be.
Castle Urquhart in front of Loch Ness
Bloody Scottish history lesson
Nearby Urquhart castle, the plant castle is from the year 1509, which was destroyed during the Jacobite uprising in 1745. At that time it was in the struggle between England and Scotland, to Faith, and Power. I walk through the romantic ruins of the former family castle, while at the same time the fantastic views of the clear waters of Loch Ness.
The stones on the Culloden Battlefield to remember fallen members of the clan
In the vicinity of Inverness, a further tourist site is a reminder of the Jacobite rebellion On the battlefield of Culloden occurred in April 1746 of the forces of a brutal, final battle between the Jacobites and British government. In less than an hour, about 1,500 men were killed, and this bog is still the burial place for the Fallen.
The rugged mountain scenery of the Highlands
Around Inverness you can not discover but not only a lot of Scottish history. Around 40 minutes before the city limits of Aviemore lies in the Cairngorms national Park, located in the heart of the Highlands. The Cairngorms offer year-round mountain fun, from Hiking and Climbing in the warmer months to skiing in the Winter.
Loch Morlich, a lake in the Cairngorm national Park
My journey through the woods along the river Luineag leads me to Loch Morlich, in the summer, water sports are popular. But it is also the starting point for hikers. On my way uphill a Couple of on a skateboard comes up to me first. Later, I meet the Amateur photographer Gary from Luton and Mark from Gateshead. Both are on the way up to the snow, to rare animals such as the snow chicken, snow bunnies, and to photograph even reindeer. As you continue your ascent, I am amazed and delighted, as a Scottish red grouse from the Heather peeking out from quite close to me.
A rare stroke of luck: a Scottish red grouse in the Cairngorms ski resort
On the trail of the whiskey
Another popular tourist attraction in the Highlands, the many Whisky distilleries – there’s even a Whisky Route, you can explore the different ‘Destilleries’. I have booked a Tour of about 20 km outside of Inverness in the small village of Tomatin at the eponymous distillery. Tour Director Barbara leads us through the distillery and explained the history of Tomatin, this means that Gaelic probably as much as “hill of the juniper bushes”.
Real Highland Single Malt whisky must be distilled
Together with tourists from the Netherlands, Germany, Scotland and Spain, I know how Highland Malt Whisky is made. Barbara delighted us with stories about illegal distilleries from over 500 years ago. After we are informed of malt, mashing, fermentation, distillation, pot distillates, alcohol, safes and maturation, we return to the visitor centre, where you can’t taste the motorists Whisky. For me as a driver, there’s a neatly packaged miniature bottle of Whisky for later Try.
Culinary delights in Scotland
Back in Inverness, I’m looking for a traditional Pub for dinner and will be in McGregor’s Pub find. The crowd-funding base for ongoing operation also offers an extensive selection of Craft Beers and local Gins and whiskies. And has established itself as a meeting place for local musicians of note!
The salmon is served in the Mustard Seed Restaurant in Inverness
My personal culinary Highlight, but I find the Mustard Seed, a Restaurant in a former Church on the banks of the Ness. A lively, cosy pub with a fireplace in the middle of the room and a menu with many local products. I can recommend the smoked salmon and the highland cattle Steaks, but the Restaurant also offers several vegan and vegetarian dishes.
A minimum of three years, the Scottish Whisky Matures in an oak barrel
And because in Scotland each meal with a SIP of Whisky, should come to an end, there’s the Mustard Seed a helpful map that lists the different varieties according to their taste characteristics: peaty, smoky, or soft. A piece of ‘tablet’ – the crumbly, grainy Scottish relatives of the caramel Confection ‘fudge is’ – gorgeous!
My trip outside of the season in the Scottish Highlands has pleased me very well, even if I’ve only seen a small corner of this stunningly beautiful area. I can recommend anyone to travel here, regardless of the Season.
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In the case of a sightseeing tour through Edinburgh, this futuristic building should not be missing. The Scottish Parliament meets since 2004. 28. March said the majority of the members for a referendum on Scottish independence.
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Mountains, moorlands, landscapes, seemingly endless heaths of the Highlands formed for centuries the backdrop for the freedom of the Scots fight against the English. Earlier, the Clan chief withdrew to the highlands, today’s hikers will find peace and untouched nature.
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Ten reasons for ScotlandThe Hogwarts Express
Who does not want to hike, take the train. About the Jacobite Steam Train, better known as the Hogwarts Express. The Harry Potter films have made the Traditionszug and the rugged beauty of the Highlands, known to the world.
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Ten reasons for ScotlandLoch Ness
In Scotland, the lakes, the “hole”, and in this here Nessi lives, a sea monster. Seen it no one has yet, still, it haunts every summer by the press. Much more real, the old stones of Urquhart Castle, one of the most beautiful castle ruins in Scotland appear to be there.
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He is called the “water of life” and is the Scottish national drink. Over one hundred whisky distilleries in Scotland, the number of varieties and fillings seems endless. Well: Slainte Mhath – here’s to a wonderful country and its friendly hosts!