A short adventure trip to the Highlands is not only popular among international students. While students like to rent a car and explore the beautiful Scottish Highlands during the semester break, many professionals do this during the summer months, which is why there is a lot more going on in the Highlands during this time, not only in the two largest Scottish cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow, but also in the Highlands, as is the case during the winter months.

Before the lectures started again at the beginning of January, Natalie and I also took the chance to go to the Highlands for a few days. Day after day we enjoyed the unique landscape and saw some cultural highlights. One of these was Dunnottar Castle on the east coast. On the outskirts of the small village of Stonehaven, about 20 kilometres south of Aberdeen, sits one of the most beautiful castles in Great Britain. Perched high on a large rock, the castle, which is partly destroyed, towers over the surrounding area. Most of the buildings, which are all accessible to visitors, date from the 15th and 16th centuries. There are numerous information boards in the castle that give a brief description of where you are or what was here several hundred years ago.

The most beautiful thing about the popular castle, apart from the view of the castle, is the view down from the castle. Of course we did not miss the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the castle. We did this with a trail run along the coast and a subsequent visit to Dunnottar Castle.

More tips on what not to miss in the Scottish Highlands will follow.