Planning a trip to see Scotland's castles
Because the first step for turning dreams into reality is solid preparation
One day, I will make it to Scotland, the home of family ancestors on my dad's side.
While I'm not a huge whiskey aficionado (or whisky, as the Scots spell it), nor someone with their heart set on trying haggis, I do love moody weather and epic landscapes. And castles—I really, really want to see some castles.
A few iconic Scottish sights to set the mood
After all, how could you not look at those rich greens, steep cliffs, or awesome architecture and not want to experience them in person? You can't. Or, at least, I can't.
Most people sharing tips about visiting Scotland describe two types of trips: one to see the highlands, and another to hop amongst the picturesque isles. The highlands, in the northern end of the country, are known for their sweeping landscapes and breathtaking views. Learning more about Gaelic culture and the history of the clans that resisted crown rule seems like an important prerequisite for heading to the highlands.
In terms of the isles, Scotland boasts over 700 islands. They're generally divided into four groups: Inner Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland. Keeping vacation days and budget in mind, though, exploring the islands will probably have to wait for a different trip. I guess I'll need a second dream itinerary just for that one...
Scottish island scenes, including the Calanais Standing Stones in the Outer Hebrides.
There's a lot more background reading I'll need to do on regional history and local culture, but I have plenty of time to dig into that as I save my pennies for an eventual trip. In the meantime, on to the biggest draw for me—the castles!
The route
The ideal plan looks like it'll involve renting a car and making a loop out of the whole thing (just remember to keep to the left!). The longest drives only take a few hours in the car, and many of them significantly less, so doubling up on few days is doable. Plus, this will make for a great tour of Scottish countryside.
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OK, now that the high-level overview is established, time to focus on the details of each stop on the hypothetical itinerary.
All in all, it looks like this could be a trip of a lifetime—now I just need to make it happen.