Reasons you need to visit the Scottish Highlands with Miss LJ Beauty

Today I am hanging my blog over to the lovely Laura of Miss LJ Beauty, who is here to talk about the magical place that is the Scottish Highlands and just why you should visit and why she loves it! 

I have had the pleasure of living in the Scottish Highlands most of my life. It is a very unique place to live in. Life up here is not for everyone but I think it is pretty special.  There are so many reasons it should be on your bucket list to visit here.  This is a magical and rural place. The Scottish Highlands are very different from central Scotland. There are fewer people and infrastructures up here. What we lack in big cities and towns, we make up for in stunning villages, mountains and communities. Let me convince you why you need to book a trip up north.

Our scenery.

We have world-renowned mountains, lochs and even monsters. The image you get of the Scottish Highlands and its rolling mountains castles and villages is not far from the truth. It is the truth. We have the biggest mountain in the UK Ben Nevis along with more lochs and glens than you have had hot dinners.

Did I mention our islands? Every Scottish island is different. You have the islands in the north, Orkney and Shetland, these are battered by the elements and have a rugged charm to them. The ones here on the west coast are all so different. For example, Skye has a huge mountain range, the Cullins and Tiree is famous for its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.

No matter what you are looking for I promise the Highlands can provide and more.

Our history

Like all of Britain, we have a complex and interesting history. People tend to think of all the battles between the Scottish and English forces when they think of Scottish history. Which yes this is true. But did you know that one of the worlds oldest settlements is in the Scottish Highlands? located in Orkney.  Skara Brae was a working village 5000 years ago. This blowing Stonehenge or even the Egyptian pyramids out the water. Can you imagine walking through the ruins of one of the world oldest settlements? You will be astonished by what this village had long before computers and iPhones.

If like me you’re a bit of a history nerd, up here in the highlands, we have plenty for you. Most local people have Norse and Pictish DNA. The Picts lived here before the Vikings invaders and made the highland their home. There is a lot of Pictish and Norse history to explore up here. Did you know a lot of our village names are actually descendant from the names of Norse settlements?

If that doesn’t tempt you, what about some castles? We have some of the most beautiful castles in the world. This is Dunrobin in Sutherland. This is said to be the inspiration behind Walt Disney castle.  Every castle has its own history and story and not castle is the same. I could spend all day on castles but you get the idea.

The weather

I know what you are thinking. The weather? Everyone knows it rains in Scotland. Yes, this is true. But we do get some lovely weather too.  The highlands are beautiful in the sun and the rain. There is something so majestic about seeing the mountains and lochs in a storm. Watching the elements from your window as the rain and wind do its worst. It really is something to see. Of course from the window of a nice hotel with a dram in hand.

Whereas you could easily mistake our beaches on the west coast for the Caribbean. I will let you in on a secret. Did you know that some very well know holiday companies have shot commercials up here for the Carribean? This has happened twice since I have lived here. One was shot near me and one on the isle of Barra in the Hebrides. Nope, I am not joking. Plus did I mention there are a lot of beaches that you can almost guarantee you are the only person for miles? Come on now doesn’t that sound like heaven?

Things to do.

The Scottish Highlands is heaven for the outdoor adventurer. If you are a hill walker, climber, sea kayakers, mountain biker or skier we have you covered. If you are an outdoor enthusiast the highlands are the place to be. With hundreds of mountains at our disposable, we make good use of them. If you can see it it has been climbed walked or biked. Grab your map and walking boot and go for an adventure you will not forget.

I have already mentioned the numerous castles why not go an visit one and get your history fix.

It’s all a bit too active for you? Don’t worry we have lovely beaches and villages to explore. 

Wait I haven’t mentioned the food and drink yet have I? With the sea on our doorstep, we have world-famous seafood and salmon. I can’t forget the whiskey can I? With more famous distilleries than anywhere else in the world. You will not go short of a dram. But it’s not all about whiskey, is it? There is an award-winning gin too. You must try an isle of Harris gin. If like me you like the odd glass or two this one will not disappoint.

Back to food. We have something for everyone from Michelin star restaurants like Loch Bay on the Isle of Skye to hidden gem tea room like Cafe Tioram in Acharacle. I can promise you, you will not go hungry and your taste buds will enjoy a trip up here. 

Post by Laura from MissLJbeauty

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