We all have a Happy Place. A place that gives us that special feeling. A place that evokes emotion and puts a smile on our face when we think of it. It is no secret that for me that place is Scotland. Scotland is the place where I feel most alive yet somehow still at peace. You may be asking why? Why does a place that sees so much rain, which tends to depress people, produce such feeling of euphoria and happiness in me?
Maybe it is the smell of fresh mountain air, clean and pure, that fills my lungs with life. Or the view of a peaceful loch that reflects its surroundings and calms my thoughts like a magic mirror. Or maybe it is the rugged coastline with its jagged edges, or the ocean waves that like my spirit are a bit wild. Perhaps its the rain itself which seems to cleanse my soul and wash my tears away. I can’t say exactly what it is, but Scotland brings a smile to my face and fills my heart with joy. Scotland is my Happy Place and if you give it a chance it could be your Happy Place to.
But don’t just take my word for it. Here are 13 Happy Places to visit in Scotland shared with love by those who know it best. (Listed in alphabetical order by contributors last name)
1. Luskintyre Beach, Isle of Harris by Kristy Ashton
I grew up in rural Western Australia. Some would say it was Paradise, but as a kid I was unaware of this. My life was filled with outdoor adventures on the family farm and my days spent on the white sandy beaches of Albany were largely taken for granted. Instead, I dreamt of travel… I’d look up into the blue sky and fantasize about what it would be like to live a life described in an Enid Blyton book. The romantic countryside of Great Britain was my oyster. I just had to go one day.
I chose Scotland. Well, Scotland chose me … a man. Two kids later (and a divorce) it is now my home. At first, I pined for what I had taken for granted. I missed the blue cloudless skies. I dreamt of the hot sun beating down, the sound of the waves crashing while I lay on the beach and the noisy birdsong. I still miss this now. But something happened along the way…. I picked up a camera. Photography showed me the beauty of Scotland and reignited my childhood appreciation of the natural beauty around me. It has shown me just how lucky I am that Scotland chose me. The magnificent seasons, rain clouds that produce spectacular moody images, mountains that help you breathe and an atmosphere that makes you think that you have always been here.
My photography has led me on a journey and I discovered through social media, pictures of the Outer Hebrides and the white sandy beaches that lay there. I was completely taken with them as they looked so much like the beaches of my home town. A new dream was born and I embraced my first trip to the Isle of Harris with excitement and anticipation. The stars aligned and I was to be accompanied on the trip by my soul mate. We discovered Luskintyre beach together. It was my birthday and the previous year had been an emotional roller coaster, so this was a much needed holiday. As we stood on that beach I couldn’t help but weep. It was more than I had hoped, it was just like I had come home. The white sand, the crystal blue water and the place to ourselves. I was overwhelmed with a sense that I had finally found my place, that I had found what I had been searching for. A rainbow appeared and I ran to capture it in the glow of golden light. Luskintyre Beach is a truly beautiful place. The mountains that surround it make it a photographers dream, but for me, it is a place that means so much more.
2. Dundee by Alayne Costello
So the lovely Jo, who I have had the pleasure of connecting with on Instagram asked me if I would write about my happy place. I thought for a long time about where I would choose.. would it be Melrose (a lovely quaint little borders town where my son was born) or the north of Scotland where I tend to venture most on my camping trips, the cosmopolitan city of Edinburgh where I now live or the beautiful coastline of East Lothian where I tend to take a lot of my photographs…. and then I realised that actually my happy place is my home town of Dundee.
Dundee is a vibrant city on the East Coast of Scotland where I lived for most of my childhood and teenage years. A city that I have seen grow and flourish over the years on my return visits. With an eclectic array of shops, bars and restaurants in the city centre, a huge amount of history and interesting architecture, an extinct volcano that you can walk up to give you a panoramic view of the city, the River Tay running past, a castle down on Broughty Ferry beach and the impressive new Victoria Albert Museum (plus the friendliest of people) what’s not to love!
3. Kilchurn Castle by Giorgia De Paoli
It’s 4 am on a frosty Scottish winter morning. My friend and photo-buddy, Shahbaz, comes to pick me up with Andy and Phil. I sit in the back with Phil. I ask them where we are going and Shahbaz says: “Kilchurn Castle, West Coast, we will be there for sunrise”. I think “Cool” and I can’t wait to be there, I have never been to that part of Scotland before.
I can’t get back to sleep so I start talking to the guys and showing them my penguin-shape hat that I decided to bring with me for the trip! The curves are never ending and the road to reach the Castle is not the smoothest one. I drink my warm “orzo,” an Italian drink, roasted barley caffeine free: I get car sick and coffee makes me sick, so I decide to stay safe with my Italian potion! We arrive there around 6:30am. The sun is still not up. I don’t feel too good. Car sickness, and this trip is a challenge. Anyway, I think that it is great that I am there and hopefully some fresh air will make me feel better. I’ve got so many layers on I look like an onion: underneath the thickest winter jacket to survive to the crispy weather, penguin hat, waterproof warm boots, and gloves. I am on it baby, I am prepared!
We start walking to the Castle. It’s still dark and Nature is still sleeping. The field in front of the castle resembles a swamp. There is very high grass but at each step I feel my feet going down in the water. “It’s ok, I am fine, I can handle this” I still think. We arrive in front of the Castle. I start preparing my gear and find a decent spot. I have never been there before and it is dark. What should I do?. I follow Phil, who has been there before and always has amazing advice to give me. I open up my tripod, set up the camera, filter and I stand there, waiting for sunrise. That magic, amazing moment, when, despite not being a morning person, I always feel lucky to be in such places and assist in Mother Nature’s shows.
All of a sudden, I can feel my wet feet. Crap the water was able to penetrate my not so waterproof boots. Ok fine. I will change my socks once we go back to the car. Of course, I did not bring some spare socks. Brilliant. In five minutes my feet are going to be two blocks of ice. It is not warm outside. We are in the middle of winter in Scotland. Not done. My hands are starting to freeze too. Have you ever tried to press the shutter speed with frozen fingers?! You can’t. You think you are pressing but you just don’t have the tactile sense anymore. Am I done? Not yet. For some very obscure reason the orzo that I wisely drank instead of coffee to avoid car sickness is giving me a not pleasant nauseous feeling. I can still take it.
Overall, I’m too excited to be in that place. I will deal with all of this after sunrise. Sunrise time. I get nervous. I think: “Boom, the sun is gonna come out, the sky is going to be the colour of a million rainbows altogether, unicorns will jump out of the Castles and I AM HERE!”. 3, 2, 1….: Failure. What? Yes. Failure. While waiting for the sunrise, clouds have covered the sky and the sunrise just doesn’t happen. No rainbows, no unicorns, no fireworks. I am crying inside. I feel miserable and I start silently wondering “what the … am I doing in the middle of nowhere in Scotland at 7:30 in the morning on a miserable winter day with wet feet, frozen and sick?!!” I barely find the energy to look at Phil for a bit of commiseration and without saying a word I move my hands in the act of saying “shall we pack up and go back to the car?”.
Phil is smoking a cigarette, has his camera ready, he is wearing a thin jacket and he looks like the highlander. He is a true Scott. Cold is not bothering him, water is afraid of him. He stares at me, knows exactly what I am thinking in that moment. After all I am Italian, you can read on my forehead what I am thinking. Like in a movie scene, he finishes his cigarette and tells me one thing: “Patience Giorgia.” I also think, “Phil, I have lost every bit of it this morning”. He points at the clouds behind us and says again, “Patience, be patient”. I call Phil “my photo-Guru”. Do you want to know why? Well, five minutes after he broke his silence to pronounce those prophetic words, a cloud decided to move and let a ray of light get through. One single ray of light, coming from behind us and striking Kilchurn Castle. Only the Castle!!!
I can hear bells in my ears, see unicorns flying and, as usual, in this incredible moment, Phil starts cursing with his fav Scottish coloured words of enthusiasm for what is happening in front of our eyes! I am there, I am there too, and despite my miserable condition I find the way of pressing the shutter speed. I just keep pressing it, not feeling the button but hoping that one picture will be taken. I can’t talk, I am in a sort of nirvana, contemplating the scenery, so excited, completely forgetting all the rest. What a moment! All of a sudden, I feel like I’m the luckiest, happy woman in my happy place in Scotland with my happy photo buddies and my penguin hat! Lesson learnt for the day and for all of you who wish to visit this gorgeous place: bring some serious warm water proof boots, the thickest gloves, some anti-nausea tablets but most of all patience! A ray of light will find the way to get through! Enjoy!
4. Isle of Eigg by Jamie Howden
The emerald of the Inner Hebrides. Sitting 10 miles off the West Coast of Scotland the island of Eigg in my opinion is the biggest gem in Scotland. Solitude, wilderness and tranquility come as standard with a visit to Eigg. You really do get a special feeling when you are on this island.
Only five miles long by three miles wide and boasting a list of fascinating history, stunning white beaches, Britains largest pitchstone ridge and superb wildlife which includes Golden Eagles, Seals, Otters and Minke Whales.
The highlight of this island are the views over the neighboring island of Rum. Which if you were to draw what an Island should look like, then this is what you would draw. In my opinion this is the best view you can get in not only the whole of Scotland but the UK. The Isle of Eigg is a place that should be on everyones bucket list.
5. Slaggan, Wester Ross by Lilly Hurd
The remote Slaggan Bay encapsulates all the things that bring me peace and happiness about Scotland. For starters, its off the beaten path, which is where I am always happiest. I found myself in this part of the country because a wonderful gentleman who follows my blog invited me up to stay at his Air B&B in Laide, and look after his bulldog for a few days. He didn’t have to ask me twice! Inspection of the map told me that this would be a remote area, and the map didn’t lie! My host drove all the way to Inverness to pick me up, and left me with an open invitation to use anything in the house, So I looked at the plethora of OS maps and was drawn to a nearby bay marked with ruins. I grabbed the bike in the shed and took off on the farm road trek.
My search for village ruins was fruitful. You can’t miss the 2 gable ends of a large house that was destroyed by fire in the 1940’s – the last inhabitants of Slaggan. (I would later find out that they were MacKenzies, which is one of the clans I descend from.) Less prominent but equally haunting is a group of croft ruins peaking out of the brush. Mosses of varying hues of green and gray speckled the stones. Some of the structures had been reduced to rubble, while others still proudly held their walls high. I sat for awhile surrounded by the village, thinking about what these people were like, and understanding why they chose such a place to build a life. Further past the ruin and down a steep path was a beach, completely enclosed by the high hills. The resulting bay is very isolated, and both tranquil and fearsome at the same time. The waves gently rolled in and out, with no rocks to dash themselves upon. But looking out at the open ocean towards the Hebrides reminded me of the might of the sea, and how insignificant and fragile I really was in the midst of this landscape.
On the return trek, one of these cows didn’t want to leave the road (fair enough, he was there first!) and as I pushed the bike through the heather, a rainbow appeared above him. I stood for awhile taking it all in, staring into his gentle eyes, thinking about the day’s adventure. There was rain, there were midges, there was mud, and as usual it was all worth it. I had such a happy day, wandering down a road I didn’t know with this place all to myself. I was surrounded by blooming heather, the purple hues on the surrounding hills enveloping me in a calming isolated embrace. Slaggan Bay will always be special in my soul as a reflection of the life I have embraced – an unknown road, helpful strangers who become friends, and the voices of the past and love of Scotland as my guide.
6. The Cliffs of Ardmeanach, as Viewed From Bunessan, Isle of Mull by Oliver Lewis
The Island of Mull off the west coast of Scotland is my happy place. It is where I come when I need to escape from obligations and just relax into a landscape that feels like home. I’ve visited pretty much every year of my life, and some of my earliest memories are of adventures to be had walking along the Ardmeanach peninsular shown in the background of the picture shown above.
A tiny path winds its way for miles along the top of the cliff, weaving amongst rock outcrops and dodging families of wild mountain goats. The path ends at a cliff edge; those who are brave can peer over to find a ladder fixed to the cliff face, and at the base of the cliff beyond a waterfall lies MacCulloch’s Fossil Tree, a fossilised tree some 50 million years old now preserved in the cliff face. A truly magical place.
7. Forth Bridge by John Murray
I have many happy places around me, and to me, a “happy place” in this context is one where I can get positive headspace from the normality of life. My favourite place to be is in the presence of the Forth Bridge. It’s such an incredible piece of engineering which still, after 150 plus years, does the job it was built to (unlike my washing machine)!! It’s iconic to Scotland and, although not massive, I find it such a powerful structure. Especially if you are standing close.
It reminds me of standing on Liberty Island, New York. The Statue of Liberty isn’t that big, but you can feel it’s symbolism. This is how I feel around the Forth Bridge.
It means a lot to me and it means a lot to my country. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we have even more reason to celebrate it.
I am conscious of all the above when I’m there meaning I give the bridge the utmost respect, but also, being there just takes me away and I think about nothing else except being in that moment with my bridge and my camera.
8. Portobello, Edinburgh by Lisa J Paris
Scotland may be best known for majestic misty mountains and lochs, but with over ten thousand miles of coastline, it has no end of breath-taking, and often deserted, beaches. When I think of my happy place in Scotland, the smell of sea salt and the sound of crashing waves immediately come to mind.
Living in Edinburgh, I’m really lucky to have dozens of wonderful beaches within half an hour’s drive – one of which is right on the doorstep of Edinburgh. Portobello is just three miles from the city centre, and yet, wandering along the wide sandy beach, you can feel miles from anywhere. The slightly faded beach town is home to a vibrant arts community and on sunny days city dwellers flock to enjoy the cool waters and wide promenade.
For me, the most special aspect of this local gem are the wooden groynes which lead into the sea. There to reduce sand erosion, they are the most wonderful texture and colour – and somehow look like they’ve done and seen it all. Especially on grey and cloudy days, I find great solace and inspiration from the lure of the sea, and the groynes that keep me anchored.
For more on what to see and do in Edinburgh you can check out this Edinburgh City Guide
9. The Trossachs by Victoria Redpath
The Trossachs is my favourite go to place, regardless of the weather. The lochs are beautiful throughout all seasons even more so when the winds are calm and they appear glasslike. The hills and mountains are incredible especially so in winter. The narrow roads are adventurous and the scenery just spectacular!
If ever I’m stuck for ideas or a photo location a drive through this wonderful place will always result in me stopping somewhere within for a picture. And if the photos don’t turn out, I always leave happy that I took the beautiful drive anyway. Less than an hours drive away I’m pretty lucky to have this place on my doorstep.
10. The Secluded Cove Below the ruins of Caisteal Maol, Isle of Skye by Matt Safford
I fell in love with this spot on my first visit to Skye in 2013. At that time, my wife and I climbed up to the ruins of the 15-century MacKinnon stronghold of Castle Moil, and I took a panorama with my phone that now hangs as a 50-inch print on my wall. There’s just so much to take in here that keeps me coming back every chance I get.
The cove itself, usually home to a ship called Johan, is cut off from the nearby village of Kyleakin by an expanse of almost prehistoric plant growth, lending the area a strong sense of isolation and timelessness. And yet, the views across the water connect you to local life and activity. There’s the village of Kyle Lochalsh on the Scottish mainland to the right; Skye Bridge in the distance on the left, with the tiny island of Eilean Bàn and the Kyleakin Lighthouse below it; and any number of ships big and small sliding across the sea inlet of Loch Alsh that encapsulates the vast expanse of it all.
Then, of course, there’s the remains of the castle above where, tradition has it, the 4th MacKinnon chief and his Norse princess “Saucy Mary,” ran a chain across the water to the mainland, blocking shipping vessels unless they paid a toll. Centuries later, King Haakon of Norway is said to have assembled his fleet here before the Battle of Largs in 1263. This is how Kyleakin—or Haakon’s kyle—gets its name. (Kyle, or caol is a Gaelic word for a narrow sound or strait).
For more on how to spend a perfect day in Skye click here
In essence, this spot to me is a condensed collection of rich history and wonder that encapsulates what I love about Scotland as a whole. I also feel a connection to this spot thanks to our shared injuries. I slipped and fell on seaweed here in 2016 and bruised my rib while taking the above photo. A couple years later in early 2018, the ruin of Caisteal Maol was struck by lightning, and a large section of the remaining wall came crashing to the ground–not more than a few hundred feet from where I fell two years before.
Nothing is permanent, no matter how much it might appear so—in the moment or across the centuries. That’s why I keep coming back to Scotland: to experience and appreciate as much as I can, while the land and my body allow it.
11. Binnen an Fhidhleir & The Mountains of Scotland by Jason Turner
I love Scotland, so I would struggle to choose one specific place in my beautiful country that makes me happiest. My real happy place is spending time in Scotland’s mountains with my wife Kirsty and our mini Schnauzer Flora.
You really can’t beat it. Being amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, taking in views you have earned using just your own two feet, usually taking taking many hours and maybe having to wild camp. Views that can literally take your breath away. And then when you get the days where you have this all to yourselves, without another soul to be seen all day, just you, the blue sky above and the mountains all around, it can feel like paradise on earth.
Blaven, Suilven, An Teallach, Sgur na Stri, Buachaille Etive Mor, just thinking about them gives me goosebumps. And that’s when you know you’ve found your happy place.
12. Steall Falls by Stephen Wardlaw
For me my happy place is Steall Falls. As I begin the walk through Glen Nevis, I am greeted by a waterfall on my left hand side getting a taste of what’s to come. Then as I continue the walk through the woods, over burns, and along rocks, I start hearing the rushing white waters of the river. They roar like the warriors of the past echoing through the glen. And as I continue the journey alongside the river, steep cliffs surround me on each side and I get a glimpse of the mighty Steall Falls in all her glory. The glen opens, and my excitement builds as I get closer and closer.
But there’s still a few more hurdles before I can stand under her raw power. I have to cross over a wire bridge, and for someone like me who nearly drowned 3 times, it’s a nervous moment. Many stop at this point, watching the brave taking on the wire and perhaps hoping to see a fall and get a chuckle. I don’t stop, but cross the bridge with its dark black-brown water below. And then step over to the other side through bogs and carefully planing my steps to avoid sinking to me knees. Refusing to watch my feet disappear before me into the soft boggy water.
As I approach Steall Falls I can hear the amazing sound of the thundering water crashing down the mountain side. I can also feel the fine fresh Scottish mist embrace me and softly kiss my face. And I stand in awe, taking in the shear power of nature and the beauty of Scotland.
If you need more convincing to visit Scotland then here is my list of Top 10 Reasons to Visit Scotland
13. Dunnottar Castle by Joella Doobrow
The list of Happy Places in Scotland would not be complete without a castle or two and Dunnottar castle is where I find my happy place in Scotland.
The first time I laid my eyes on Dunnottar castle I fell in love. Dunnottar is perched high on a cliff and overlooks the North Sea. I have never witnessed a more dramatic yet romantic setting. But Dunnottar is more than just a pretty view. To me its ruins symbolize survival and endurance. Through its turbulent history it has been seized, burned, rebuilt and burned again. Yet here it stands, showing to the world it has survived. And that despite the hardships it has endured, and the scars it bares, it is still majestic.
It is easy to get lost in it all. I can close my eyes and feel the wind caress my face and whisper to me the history that once was. I can walk the grounds where once Kings and Queens roamed. The place where the Honors of Scotland were sent for safekeeping after Charles II was crowned at Scone, and Edinburgh Castle was seized. The history lives and breathes in the walls and it is a history that fascinates me as much as the views enthrall me.
I cant help but feel joy as I listen to the sound of waves crashing on shore. Watch the birds sore above and be carried by the wind. All my senses come alive here and despite a history of war I feel at peace.
If you are a castle lover like me then don’t miss these Magical Castles you should visit in Scotland.
Scotland makes me happy and each of these locations is special and brings memories and joy to those who have been there. I am hoping that showing you this will also bring you joy and hopefully bring you to visit Scotland and discover your own happy place there.
Scotland awaits the only thing missing is you!
And if you have a happy place (wherever it may be) I would love to hear all about it so please share and leave a comment below. Or lets get social on Instagram or facebook.
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2 comments
Wow! all these places are very beautiful I would love to check these out.
Head full of dreams and serious wanderlust after this great post, wow wow wow for the photos😍