It was a 50:50 draw between going to Ireland and Scotland after Wales and at the end, the weather decided for me. Scotland it was. So my plan was to go from Loch Lomond, over the Highlands to Stirling and Edinburgh. But are these Scotland‘s best spots to see?
Stirling
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
It was time to put on some hiking gear again, and Scotland is well known for amazing hikes and walks. So, after plenty of research my first walk started at the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, just north of Glasgow.
From short walks to longer hikes, this National Park has something for every fitness level. I opted for a shorter walk as I was aiming for the Highlands and therefore a variety of walks over the next few days. Let‘s not overdo it. So I parked my car in small town Balmaha and walked up to Conic Hill.
The day was stunning and the 2km walk up to the peak was easy. Once you walk up through the forrest, it opens up to a plateau with a breathtaking view offer the Lochs. Make sure to make a stop here and if you have time, it is worth spending some days exploring this area.
Stirling
Scotland has plenty of history to learn about and Stirling city is perfect for it. Within the city sits a medieval castle on top of a volcanic hill and outside the town sits the National Wallace Monument. It is a 19th-century tower, overlooking the site of the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge, where William Wallace and the Scots defeated the English. So many battles back then!
Although the old city was cute enough to walk through, I find the most interesting part in Stirling is definitely the history. So it might be worth a stop for you. Is it Scotland‘s best spot to visit?
Stirling Bridge 
National Wallace Museum 
Edinburgh
Edinburgh. Where I felt the most Scottish since arriving in Scotland. Originally I was planning to stay here for a few days and I must say I am glad I didn’t. Expecting something grand, for me it wasn’t as amazing as I have been told.
The Edinburgh castle and the old town on top of the hill certainly look amazing when arriving, otherwise however, it has been transferred into a tourist gathering spot. What could have been an amazing city part, has, for me, lost it’s characteristics of an idylic and amazing historical town. How can there be so many of the same tourist shops I wonder? Who needs all those„I love Scotland“ tees, cashmeres and other souvenirs?
That said, I would have liked to walk up the hill to find Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park. But it is not the highlands of Scotland and not Loch Lomond, so I gave it a miss. For this time anyway.
And so…
From Scottish pies to butterscotch cookies and Whisky, I tried a few of the famous traditions and I liked it. I also noticed the friendliness of the locals, they are all happy to chat. On the way back south I had to make a stop at two distilleries (there are plenty to chose from) to stock up on real Scottish whisky. Delicious!
Dalwhinnie Distillery 
And so.. after my overall trip I think the cities might not be Scotland‘s best spots to see. It is the nature and the wilderness that you will definitely enjoy the most here. So if you are planning a trip to Scotland, take your hiking gear. Especially on a sunny day! …. And as you can see from the photos, the weather can change the view big times …
Due to a road closure and being stuck in traffic for hours, I missed on hiking around Fort Williams and Glenfinnan as planned. But I saw the Viaduct (rail way bridge) that has been used for Harry Potter’s movies. Amazing find!
So there was only Loch Ness left to hike. But more about it in my next blog!
Harry Potter‘s Railway. Glenfinnan 
