My magical trip to the Scottish Highlands - Part 2

If you read my previous post, you'll know that I have recently returned from a week away in the beautiful Scottish Highlands with my family. The first part of our trip was spent recovering from the awful ten and a half hour journey (we should've flown), so we didn't really get up to much for the first couple of days. 

On the Tuesday (when my sister eventually woke up) we decided to go for a walk in the Skelbo forest, situated just North of the seaside town of Dornoch. If I'm honest, I think we all needed this walk after the amount of shortbread we had consumed over the last 2 days - I was surprised that my jeans still fit! They didn't even feel tight! Maybe shortbread is the new superfood? No? Ok I'll keep dreaming. 

Is it a bird?! Is it a plane?! No its just me being vain and taking a photo of my shadow 

The trail was about an hour's walk, and I was hoping that I would channel my inner Sir David Attenborough, finding rare wildlife hidden deep within the forest. I can just picture the headlines now, "21-year old student Heleayner Davies spots the first Scottish wildcat to be seen in the Northern Highland forest of Skelbow in over 20 years" - the boys would never have left me alone! But as you have probably guessed, this headline did not become a reality, as I didn't spot A THING! NOTHING! Not even a red squirrel or Capercaillie bird, which are apparently said to be a popular sighting In The Highlands 🤔. 

Not to say that the forest wasn't beautiful, of course it was, the views we saw were spectacular. BUT I would have liked to have seen some wildlife. Put it this way, I've seen more wildlife in Southampton Common than I did in Skelbo forest (the amount of times blogger has corrected me to elbow instead of Skelbo is countless 🙄).

Stunning views from the top of the forest

Now, obviously the views at Southampton Common aren't comparable with what Skelbo forest has to offer (Sorry Southampton, Ocean village is a beauty though). So, its ok Skelbo, I forgive you. We just caught you on a grumpy day 😒.

Here I am pictured staring at my new home, praying that my sister doesn't push me in the pond

The day wasn't over just yet! Next stop? The Magnificent Dunrobin Castle, which by the way, is supposedly haunted. Legend has it that Lady Margaret, who was the daughter of the 14th Earl of Sutherland, haunts the bottom of the castle. The story goes that Margaret fell in love with someone who her father did not think was suitable. So, to prevent her from marrying him, he locked her in THE ATTIC! What a grumpy git! I won't tell you the rest of the story, but she fell to her death in the end. How tragic. It's like Romeo and Juliette without the guns and violence.

The castle was built in the style of a French Chateau in the 13th century, and is surrounded by alluring gardens, with colourful bedding displays, pools, and water features. Sadly, on this particular day, the castle itself was not open to members of the public, so we were not able to step inside and have a cuppa with Lady Margaret. I wonder how she took her tea, probably without sugar (she was watching her waistline). 

Not a bad view eh, Charles?

The gardens were inspired by The Palace of Versailles, and were laid out in 1850 by architect Sir Charles Barry. As I walked along the pathway, I felt as if I were in the gardens of Wonderland - Alice in Wonderland! I half expected to see my Scottish Prince Charming pop out from behind the fencing, and rescue me from the mountain of Uni work that I had to complete, but he didn't. Instead, I am sat here, about to write another 200 words of my dissertation proposal once I have finished this blog post. Priorities eh? 😜

The following morning (also our final day of exploring) my parents asked us where we would like to go. Any guesses? It's very big, involves A LOT of freshwater, and is home to a rather "friendly?" aquatic being who goes by the name Nessie. Yep, you guessed right, we went to Loch Ness! Of course, there was NO WAY that I was leaving Scotland without being given the chance of spotting the mysterious beast. So, I grabbed my camera, and off we went...you already know what's coming, don't you?

Loch Ness

Did I see him/her?! (I don't think they have done the gender reveal yet) NOPE!! I was so disappointed. My hope of making it into "The Inverness Courier" was demolished (yeah, I know, give up your dream of becoming the new David Attenborough Heleayner...you're studying beauty for a start babes). There have apparently been many "sightings" of the beast, however I'm not sure if I believe it, myself. Surely it can't still be alive? Unless its immortal, (the lucky sod). 

Anyway, that's enough of me waffling. Seeing as I didn't really do anything exciting enough to write about on the last couple of nights, well, other than play Monopoly and eat chocolate. (I promise we are a healthy family; if you can't eat a tonne of crap when you're on holiday, then when can you?!). 

I hope that I have inspired you to visit The Highlands sometime soon! I would definitely add it to your bucket list of places to go. It is the most beautiful and peaceful place that I have been to in a long time, and It was a much-needed break away from stressful Uni deadlines. I can't wait to go back someday! The people are lovely, the views are stunning, and the food is delicious. 

I think my parents are already planning their next visit! Finger crossed they fly next time...

Love, Heleayner

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