Posted by Maris on 1st Apr 2024
12 Magical Places in the Scottish Highlands
I just went on a road trip with a very challenging mission: to locate the most enchanted locations in the Scottish Highlands. I kid you not—it was the simplest thing imaginable.
It doesn't matter where you look—the soaring mountains, the shimmering streams, the wide plains—this region of the world is teeming with the supernatural, or at the very least, the supernaturally beautiful.
I would ooh and aah and think I was a cast member of "Game of Thrones" during my entire road journey. This is ironic considering Scotland lost out on approximately £160 million in revenue when the show's creators were unable to film it there due to inadequate studio space. Meow.
Though none of us genuinely think Jon Snow is dead, you won't be seeing him prance around the Scottish Highlands anytime soon, right? The location exudes charm and beauty. These are my top twelve enchanted locations in the Scottish Highlands.
Oban
Starting my list with Oban only seems appropriate, given it was my favorite place to visit throughout our entire road journey through the Scottish Highlands. It would be a mistake to leave this bustling harbor, even though it is the ideal starting point for exploring the nearby isles.
The town is replete with eccentric stores, charming lodging options, and a replica of the Colosseum perched atop a hill, giving it a unique perspective. In addition, Oban is home to Scotland's premier seafood restaurant, the Oban Distillery. What a treasure!
Lost Valley, Glencoe
The Lost Valley, often referred to as the Hidden Valley, is situated in Glencoe, which was just named Scotland's most romantic glen. Warning: There is a lot of romance among them, so that's a strong recommendation.
The path is steep and rocky, so you'll need decent shoes. If it's winter, you'll probably need crampons and an ice axe! Depending on your degree of fitness and the number of selfies you want to take, you can finish the 2.5 mile trip in two to three hours. Bring a camera; the vistas are breathtaking!
Portree, Isle of Skye
On the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides, Portree is the biggest town. In a dollhouse kind of way, it's also breathtakingly gorgeous; the harbor's candy-colored cottages create a truly enchanted scene.
Fun fact: The town was the home of the "Pride of Portree," a professional Quidditch team, in the Harry Potter books. If there was a magical colony someplace on the island, I wouldn't be shocked.
Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry
Autumn woodland provides a magnificent backdrop for the stunning lighting show at the Enchanted Forest near Pitlochry. Aerial artists will be performing, expect storytellers in yurts, enchanting fairies soaring between the treetops, and steaming hot chocolate.
Remember to check out Killiecrankie, a stunning wildlife route through the woods, while you're in the vicinity of Pitlochry. It is the location of Soldier's Leap, where a soldier genuinely leaped 18 feet (5.5 meters) across the swift River Garry to escape a gang of Jacobites. The first parkour expert!
Blair Castle
Blair Castle has three storeys of breathtaking chambers and expansive gardens that make it seem like a fairy tale come to reality. Its history dates back to 1269, and it has seen several transformations from its chilly medieval origins to an extravagant Georgian palace and finally to the Disney-esque Victorian castle it is today.
The Fairy Pools
The Isle of Skye is much more than just Portree. The Fairy Pools are the ideal spot for wild swimming, provided you can withstand the chill. However, the people are really fond of the fairies, so don't upset them!
You see, it was inhabited by both Celts and Vikings for many hundreds of years, during which time it was cut off from the rest of Scotland. Life in Skye carried on as usual during the Industrial Revolution, even though the rest of Britain was going through it.
All of that contributed to Skye's ability to retain many of its legends, magic, and customs, making it one of the Scottish Highlands' most singularly mystical locations. Oh, and visit the Talisker distillery if you're not like magic; their smoky whisky might change your mind.
The Loch Ness
How on earth could I leave Loch Ness off this list? Is there anyone who hasn't heard of the lake monster Nessie and wishes she was real? Although her existence has never been established, there is still every incentive to go see her and perhaps—just possibly—be the one to find her.
Visit Urquhart Castle while you're there. Built as a Pictish fort in 580 AD, it was operational until 1692. It declined steadily until 1913, when the state took custody of it. Since then, it has grown to be one of Scotland's most popular castles
Corryvreckan Whirlpool
With enormous nine-meter waves slamming all around it, Corryvreckan is the third largest whirlpool in the world. It is said that one can hear the ensuing whirlwind from as far away as ten miles.
A local princess fell in love with a Scandinavian prince, and her father approved of their marriage—as long as Breakan anchored his boat in the vortex for three days and three nights, according to folklore.
Regretfully, his rope broke on the third night, allowing the tide to drag the boat down. Choose a reliable supplier; I'm not sure what the moral of the story is, but Breakan's dog pulled his body ashore.
A good day may witness big golden eagles soaring overhead, as well as seals, porpoises, dolphins, or minke whales in the water. How could I not include this on my list of the Scottish Highlands' most magical locations?
Finnich Glen
It is thought that the Druids used this enigmatic canyon for their rites, which may or may not have included human sacrifice. It sounds far too real because of the red sandstone's occasional crimson color to the water, and the glen's moniker, "Devil's Pulpit," doesn't help either.
Callanish Stones
You will adore the Callanish Stones if you enjoy Stonehenge! Built between 2900 and 2600 BCE, the location was used for rituals during the Bronze Age. If you think Lewis in the Outer Hebrides isn't amazing enough, you may hike Orkney, which is located even further north. The Ring of Brodgar, the third-largest stone circle in the United Kingdom, is located there
Glenfinnan Viaduct
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of the most enchanting locations in the Scottish Highlands, which is why I saved it for last. Even though you might not be familiar with its name, I'm pretty sure you've seen it before. Why? It was used for numerous Hogwarts Express scenes and appeared in four of the Harry Potter movies.
It's always great to see up close, but to get that classic photo, look up as the heritage Jacobite steam train passes by. I'm still kicking myself for not doing so. Not too much, though, since I now have the ideal justification for returning.