Both in the city and country, Scotland a walker’s paradise
Scotland is one of the most enchanting places on Earth.
When my husband and I landed in Edinburgh, we took a taxi straight to the Indigo Hotel. From the cozy couch of the hotel lounge’s window we enjoyed the enchanting panorama of the old city.
Edinburgh is a walking town with plenty of pubs for frequent breaks. So we started our trek.
The city has two parts — the Old Town, built before the 1700s, and the New City, built in the 1700s and beyond. The Princes Street Gardens divides the two.
My favorite side was the Old Town. The National Museum of Scotland fascinated me. The bottom floor begins with the history of Scotland from the prehistoric era, and as I explored up each floor I learned the chronological history of Scotland. From the roof I saw the spectacular view of Edinburgh and its environs from north, south, east and west.
We also visited the John Knox House, where the feverish church reformer died. It now holds a small museum, café and an arts venue where we listened to traditional ballads. Just a few steps from there I found Dovecot Studios, an internationally known tapestry studio where visitors can watch artists create tapestries on giant looms. The next day, we enjoyed the art at the National Galleries of Scotland as well as a gourmet meal and delicious coffee at the Scottish Café and Restaurant overlooking Princes Street Gardens.
After a few days in Edinburgh, we took a scenic train ride to Pitlochry in the Scottish Highlands, about an hour and a half from Edinburgh. We hiked up Ben Vrackie mountain through verdant forests and heather hills. We took refuge at the Moulin Hotel and Brewery, where I ate my favorite bangers and mash.
That evening, exhausted, we decided to enjoy our charming bed-and-breakfast, Craigroyston House. The friendly couple who run it make guests feel very at home. I loved the old stone house with its blue front door, blooming gardens and rooms decorated in 18th century style.
We started our journey home by getting coffee at Donaghy & Sanderson. They serve delicious coffee in uniquely designed pottery. It’s easy to spend time there chatting with the locals. An owner asked me what I thought of Scotland. I responded: “I have found my true home.”
The writer lives in Scottsdale.
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