The Skye Is The Limit

If you have heard about Scotland and chances are that you have, you may think it is a country where men wear skirts and play the bagpipes on top of the hills. The truth is pal that Scotland is indeed a unique country and even though it’s small you are spoilt for choice with things to do when visiting the highlands.

Did you know that there is a reason why Scotland does not look like anywhere else in Britain? Well, the reason for this, is that 200 million years ago it was a part of the continent of North America. The join is just about where Hadrian’s Wall is.

Due to the area’s amazing geology it has won the Unesco Geo-park status. The Geo-park stretches roughly from Ullapool to Durness and the landscape has been the inspiration of many that have travelled its 480 sq. miles of mountains, forest, coast and peatland. Of course, the many beaches offer plenty of sand.

Scotland wouldn’t be Scotland without a story or two. So here’s a little story for you. This one particular story, is one that the locals are proud of and involves a community landmark that was immortalized by Hollywood. One executive enjoyed his holiday so much and was inspired by Ben Stack’s shapely peak to such extremes, that it inspired the logo of his company. Paramount Pictures’ now has an iconic, snow capped, pointed mountain that is encircled with stars.

Scotland’s furthest northern point, is the secluded Sango Bay. It is beautiful by night and by day. The best beach by far is Sandwood Bay which takes four miles to reach. It is considered by a lot of people to be the most stunning beach and has many hidden treasures. Sandwood Bay reveals itself at the crest of the hill. It’s golden sand reaches a mile long, with tall dunes. It is quite amazing that the beach looks as though it has been transplanted from the Caribbean. At the rear of the dunes are the ruins of a 19th century farmhouse named Sandwood Lodge. Unfortunately, nature attacked this building and ripped off its roof, left its windows open to the fiercest winds blowing from the sea and carpeted its floors with grass.

Over a decade it was nearly impossible to find superior, self catering places to stay in Scotland. There were abundant castles, if you fancied living like a laird and plenty of quaint stone cottages to rent, which provided a warm welcoming environment – although they were slightly old-fashioned and spartan.

Now across the islands and Highlands are stylish, new houses, plenty have eco credentials that are impeccable, to rent, with modern luxuries you could expect from a boutique hotel, yet without the ever-present staff. Currently opened is the Natural Retreats, John O’Groats. So don your coats, cause the highlands are known to be cold and windy. This comfortable, relaxed resort offers everything you could want at the most northern point of the British mainland.

There is literally so much to do and see wherever you may be, in the Scottish highlands. You may if you wish experience the bliss as you walk the cliffs to Dunnet Head and the sea stacks of Duncansby. Why not hire some bikes and explore the north coast? Enjoy a toast as you head back to your hotel. Drive to the Castle of Mey and enjoy your day as you tour the Old Pulteney and drive by the sea.

Visit Whitefalls Spa Lodges, Breasclete, Lewis and enjoy a treat or two. The pair of wooden, self built houses provide the utmost in luxury. Beautiful self catering lodges on the island of Lewis and furthermore, the only ones with spas. So don’t stop at home and moan, head to the Scottish highlands.