There is no shortage of wonderful places to visit in Scotland. The Fairy Pools are a great option…read morefor those who would like to do some moderate hiking while on the Isle of Skye. The Fairy Pools are on the far side of the valley from the parking area (which is also where you will find bathrooms) necessitating that visitors hike down into the valley and then up on the far side to get to the first waterfall that marks the beginning of the pools. The trail is 2.4 kilometers / 1.5 miles. The steepest portion of the hike is from the parking area to the "bottom" of the valley. This is not a difficult hike for most people, but can be taxing for those who don't get out as much as they might like, and may pose issues for folks with mobility concerns. The valley (Glen Brittle) is at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains making even the view from the parking area stunning. Things to know: * As you work your way up past the first of the pools, take a moment to look to the other side of the path now and again. If the faeries favor you, sunlight and mist coming off the falls and the mountains may create an ongoing rainbow for your enjoyment. * The toilet facilities have limited hours so plan accordingly. * There is little in the area of the pools, part of what makes them a spectacular visit but means you will want to bring along anything that you might think you need on your outing. * The Isle of Skye is extremely popular during the tourist season, and the Fairy Pools are a big part of that. Plan to spend a lot of time dealing with traffic if visiting during that time. Our visit was early November - cool, typical Scottish seasonal weather, and while a good number of people where there, it was not crowded.

We drove on a single-track road to get here. We came in the late afternoon and parked in the lot-…read more£8. It's 2.4km to get to the first main waterfall, which is the highest fall and deepest pool. You can walk further down where the crowd thins to see more pools. The water was nice and clear.

1 1/2 hrs on a ferry from Mallaig took me to the Isle of Rum. It is a magical approach with a wide…read morebay and Kinloch Castle standing looking out to sea. A new jetty has been built and a short walk takes you into the small village. It's like time has been forgotten and all you can hear is the whirl of generators as there was no electricty on the island. Scottish Natural Heritage own Kinloch Castle which was featured on the BBC programme 'Restoration'. There are tours of the castle which shows you the amazing wealth that was once in place. It is very sad to see the way the castle is currently being left to ruin. There are many walks which can be undertaken but if you are catching a ferry later that day keep an eye on your watch. There are Highland ponies on Rum, all with distinct characteristics which are only found in Rum ponies, who work on the hills carrying the deer. B&B can be booked to stay in the castle, I went for the day and I would love to come back for a few days. Remember to pack your midge lotion as the midges are ferocious! :-)

A quirky castle on the Isle of Rum, and efforts are underway to restore it. If you take a tour…read moreinside or even peek into the windows you'll see a lot of eclectic decorations and ornaments. Very interesting!

I've been here quite a few times throughout the years of visiting Oban. Honestly there's not much…read moreto it but a nice place to see. Something you should at least do once whenever you're in Oban. You could actually walk up, a little trek but nice. It's not far from the harbor. The walk takes you through the cute little neighborhood before reaching the top. Or, you could drive. Whatever is easiest. Once your you're reach it, there's a small parking lot with some home surrounding. It's a small amphitheater that has one of the best views of the harbor. I'm not quite sure if any events are held here like weddings and sort. But checking it out and seeing what's it's all about is quite nice. The large lookout is quite cool for pictures. There's a grassy knoll inside with a path and some benches. But if you walk through some of archway, you have the million dollar view of the town, harbor and island. We didn't spend much time as it was freezing and the wind sure didn't help....lol... They do have lights that shine out to enhance the tower which is quite nice. A nice stroll or a little break is always nice and to have a view like that, it's beautiful. Just taking the scenery in was spectacular. You don't need to spend a lot of time here but it's worth checking out. The views alone, totally worth it.

Worth the visit for the stunning views of Oban Bay! You can…read morewalk up from town or drive up the narrow roads where there is a parking lot just below McCaigs Tower with steps leading up. Built in 1897 by John Stuart McCaig, it immediately resembles the Roman Coliseum to most as it can also be seen when you look up from the town. It has a beautiful garden space in the center that is well maintained.

This castle tour takes about 2 hours and is filled with information about the long and colorful…read morehistory of it's life. It is privately owned and the owner has a tremendous knowledge of the history of the castle. It was a ruin that was rebuilt by his family.

The views in and around the monument are breathtaking, built on a beach on the shores of loch…read moreshiel, the monument leans ever so slightly. The monument commemorated those who died fighting the Jacobite cause and gave their lives to support Bonnie Prince Charlie in the Jacobite uprising in 1745 and it is around 18m high. I loved climbing the monument and standing beside the lone highlander and looking out across the loch as well as looking over to see the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct! The climb to the top of the monument is not that strenuous but it's narrow and the steps are steep and there's a heavy steel hatch door that you open (think it was supposed to be open already) and you climb up and enjoy the view which is definitely worth the effort and very rewarding! Think it was one of my favourite things to do in Glenfinnan!

The Glenfinnan Monument is located 3h from Edinburgh and 25 min from Fort William and marks a place…read moreof historical importance for the Scottish Highland Nation. I always planned to visit this monument, because of its historic meaning. Bonny Prince Charlie (Charles Stuart) raised his army around this monument at Loch Shiel. There he raised his banner. Originally he only arrived with about 8 comrades, but clans from all over the Highlands started joining his ambition to win back the throne of Scotland. Another Jacobite Rising was initiated from this place in time. It is a shame that it all ended with the battle of Culloden. It is a wonderful and peaceful place. You can oversee Loch Shiel, admire the nature surrounding the Loch and even enjoy watching the Harry Potter Train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The monument is part of the National Trust of Scotland. There is a visitor centre where you can enjoy some nibbles and drinks and browse the gift shop for souvenirs. It is a nice place to stop, admire and rest.

Cooler castle than I was expecting with lots of rooms to explore and a great view at the top. Only…read moreunexpected downside was how much worship of the MacLeans you had to wade through on the inside. The unexpected upsides outweighed that with a very nice tea room (the Victorian sponge cake was genuinely amazing) and a much-better-than-expected coastal walk around the castle with both impressive views of the castle itself and the surrounding area. We came here as a way to entertain the kids during a drive through the mountains parts of Mull for us to take in the amazing Scottish scenery. We had low expectations, but were really pleasantly surprised. The castle tour was both informative and had some really impressive rooms to enjoy. We wish we had more time to read everything, but small kids (4 and 7) give you limited time to stay put and read. My wife did wind up buying books about Mary Queen of Scots to learn more after we left though. The top of the castle had really impressive views, but the walls were high enough that I had tp lift both of the kids up to see. The views from one of the rooms in the castle looking out over the bay were really impressive though without needing to lift anyone up. After exploring the castle, we went to the tea room, where the kids got hot chocolate while we had espresso and Victorian sponge cake. The Victorian sponge cake is among the best desserts we've had on our trip in Scotland and we've been looking for more of it ever since we had it. The we took a long, nice walk down toward the water and around the castle with great views and some pretty cool stretches of walking through weird fern forests that were tall enough to even block my views at times.

Clan MacLean is part of my family tree, and visiting the ancestral castle was a magical experience…read more I was deeply moved by the castle's commitment to preserving and teaching about the clan history, but also by the clear efforts to provide outreach and a central meeting point to the wider MacLean family around the world. Displays throughout the castle and grounds were educational, interesting, and connected historical events to living generations. Meeting Sir Lachlan, the current chief of the castle, was a highlight; he was so generous with his time and so funny! His dedication to creating a meaningful connection to ancestry was evident and moving. We heard from another couple who had been on their way to the castle on foot, and a car had pulled over and offered them a ride, and it was Sir Lachlan on his way back from running an errand in town. If you're part Maclean, and visiting Duart to connect with this part of your heritage--yes, do it, highly encouraged; I also have to recommend staying at the lovely Pennygate Lodge in Craignure when you do. I met a distant relation who was also staying at Pennygate to finally see the family castle, we had a lovely chat, and I felt like part of a century-long goal to create a massive family-reunion had come true! You're also missing out if you don't get a pint at the Craignure Inn, and ask the locals if they have any stories to share about the castle or Sir Lachlan. Hilarious castle stories at the local pub was the perfect way to end a magnificent trip.

Did a bit of a sightseeing drive that day and decided to stop by this Church. We've been in the…read morearea a few times before, but never visited this place. It's beautifully located at the Loch, right beside the A85. It was a busy day, but we managed to get a parking spot right by the church. There's street parking as well, but with the traffic going on it's good to have a chance to park on the offical (small) lot. It was built in 1881-6; and substantially extended from 1906 to 1914. Designed by the architect Walter Douglas Campbell. There are three chapels inside. One for me was especially interesting: The Bruce Chapel contains a carved wood and alabaster effigy of Robert the Bruce. We did spend more time than we've actually planned. It was just a very stunning place to take in. The architecture with all its detail, the couryard, the park, the views. It's a really amazing and impressive church. Even though well visited, I was still baffled that it isn't even more famous. Not that I did mind...overflowing with visitors it might be less impressive. But I just mean it does deserve a bit more spotlight. Donations are welcome, since there's no entrance fee. Dogs on leash are welcome outside on the grounds. There's also a little Café right next to - with toilets. Surely a beautiful place to visit when in the area.

This beautiful church is open to the public for no charge. Toss them a donation on the way out if…read moreyou like.

More standing stones and stone circles than you can imagine await you in Kilmartin Glen! The…read moreNether Largie standing stones (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilmartin_Glen) are really simple, elegant and gorgeous. It's so nice to be able to walk right up to prehistoric stone monuments without feeling like there is a warden perched on one's shoulder -- you can touch the rocks with your bare fingertips! There are so many henges to be had in England & Scotland - this one happens to be in a very scenic rural location, in the middle of a pasture. And - it's free. Without giant busloads of tourists.

These impressive standing stones are located in a field on the west side of the Kilmartin Burn…read more There are six main stones altogether and most are cup-marked, with the large central stone showing 40 cupmarks and 3 cup-and-ring markings. There are many other iron age sites in this area but this stone circle was the only one we visited recently (owing to bad weather!) In actual fact, over 350 ancient monuments lie within a 10 km radius of Kilmartin village! There's a free car park by the roadside; all you need to do is cross the road (A618) into the field and the stones are quite close (about 250m). It's a good idea to wear boots/wellingtons as the ground can be boggy.

This ended up being one of my FAVE castle ruins I visited in all of Scotland! Dunstaffnage is one…read moreof the oldest castles still standing in Scotland and the ruins are in great shape and very well kept. These ruins are very imposing and dramatic, a giant structure rising up out of a huge black boulder- looming over the Loch Etive and Firth of Lorne (both gorgeous bodies of water)!! The views from the castle wall are incredible! You can pretty much walk all around the ruins, on top along most of the wall, and all through the old dungeons ("donjon") and through the whole 3-story gatehouse! But my fave part was the absolutely lovely chapel ruins deep in the forest surrounding the castle! The ruins are just beautiful and the ambiance is eerie and haunting and perfect for spooky season! The history of this site is extensive - the castle itself was built back in the early 1200s. It has seen much violence and has more than a few ghost stories - even a tragic love story surrounding the chapel involving a murder at a wedding! It's the ancient seat of the Clan MacDougall and was even conquered by Robert the Bruce in the 1300s. The dungeon held a famous prisoner during the Jacobite uprising of the 1700s as well - so much history here! There's a gift shop at the entrance, bathrooms, and even a lovely beach a short walk outside the castle walls through a lovely stone arch. Entrance is £7 but I had an Explorer Pass which ended up being a great investment! The staff were fantastic - welcoming and enthusiastic about their history as all the Scottish folk I encountered had been (just truly lovely people!!!) Getting inside of both castle ruins and the gatehouse does require climbing some fairly narrow stone stairs and there isn't any handicap access that I saw so be aware. So, PRO TIP: Get the Explorer Pass - it was £35 and gets you into every Historic Scotland property including this one (as well as Edinburgh Castle, Iona Abbey, and many many more) and is good for 7 days. Highly recommend if you're visiting numerous sites. And if you want to learn more about this castle's haunted history, I made a YouTube video: https://youtu.be/xd6zzzOCFdo

Just right outside of Oban on the route to Fort William is this castle which seems strangely out of…read moreplace. It's a bit back from water but who am I to judge what looks odd now compared to when they built it. It just rises out of the ground on a mound of rock and you can walk through it. The steps are a bit narrow (guess they had smaller feet back then) but it's worth it to go inside and wander around. I could just see myself pouring boiling oil over the top onto the invaders :) It's 6 pounds for adults to get in and there is a small gift shop with all sorts of fun things to buy like haggis flavored crisps! Also on the grounds is the ruins of a small chapel which is nice to visit too. There are signs throughout the chapel and castle which give you information and history about Dunstaffnage. Very cool!