Scotland: Its captivating landscapes and Gaelic identity make it as endearing as it is unforgettable.
Countless films have etched this image of a wild and mysterious land, full of ruins and romantic moors, into our minds. Scotland lives up to its reputation. Its gateway can be Glasgow or Edinburgh, two cities with very different temperaments. The former, an industrial city, has reinvented itself thanks to architects, designers, and artists.
The second, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved historic center, takes you back in time along the Royal Mile to the castle overlooking the city. Built on an ancient volcano, it offers a stunning panorama from the summit crater of Arthur's Seat. Legend has it that the king of the Knights of the Round Table erected his castle of Camelot here… Scotland loves myths and never tires of telling stories. Throughout the summer, since 1947, the Edinburgh International Festival has showcased theatre, film, music, and dance.
Seeking tranquility, some will take to the 864 kilometers of paths of the Scottish National Trail, heading towards the Highlands. Moors of purple heather, lakes nestled in emerald hills, their waters shifting from blue to black under a changing sky—the hypnotic landscape is punctuated by castles that blend seamlessly into their surroundings, like Eilean Donan Castle. Time seems to stand still here, as it does in the small fishing port of Plockton.
While the road ends at the cliffs of Duncansby Head, where you'll feel like you're at the edge of the world, you can choose to continue along the coast and be surprised to discover beaches worthy of the Maldives – water temperature excepted – or take a boat trip to the islands. Just cross a bridge to reach the island of Skye, where the jagged Cuillin Hills, reaching 1,000 meters in altitude, inspired one of Scotland's most famous authors, Walter Scott.
Scotland
