After years of unstoppable love to England, I have decided to give chance to its neighbours - Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, which together form the United Kingdom. Now I would say, kingdom of natural and cultural richness. The plans started out of the blue, and so as the next country decision - Scotland. Soon after the schedules were done, our journey started.
London
London, England. February 16, 2025.
The first day was spent within the megapolis, due to flights. Sandwich with mayo, sweet corn and tuna always is welcome, especially in morning on the shore of Thames River. I can say that London, as we all know has its own problems, but for a short stay it is a great city to spend few hours or days. Call me a crazy, but I had an achievement to unlock - a day in the biggest city of Europe only using boots! I did it and trust me I felt great!
Later on, after a walk, we had my beloved one - the English tea for an afternoon break.
I really dreamt of visiting the Westminster Abbey, but sadly I didn't have the luck, it was closed. That's why my friends and I spent the evening at St. Margaret's Church for a Sunday Service. It wasn't my first time to attend one in England but it was for my mates and I hope they enjoyed it. Just after, we took a double decker and we went for the bus station.
The Evergray City
When you travel whole night with bus in the morning is hardly to feel your feet, but that next city had the charm to recover rapidly. Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is located in the Central Belt (stretch, in Central Scotland, where the major population of Scotland leaves), next to an ancient, extinct volcano - Arthur's Seat, the Pentland Hills and Firth of Forth - an inlet of the North Sea. The city is home to gigantic stone buildings and brings the idea to be one of the most gray places, I have ever seen. That, combined with the clouds and snowy time we had was absolutely fantastic experience. From the Royal Botanic Garden through the Castle and the city centre, Edinburgh did not disappoint us at all!
Don't understand me wrong, I really like the urban areas, but the I truly love and prefer the wild, unspoiled and untamed nature. On the next they we headed to the North, where the Highlands of Scotland were ready to offer us exactly that - the wilderness and some of the most remote places of the country. Every mile we were passing a new gem was discovered. Loch Lubnaig and the ducks, the panoramic views on the road, Loch na h-Achlaise and finally - Glen Coe! That was the first main and really important destination especially for me to visit. The valley itself... the rivers, the grass and the marshlands! The mountains which surround the valley, the cottages and the wild stags! It was a fairytale about winter wonderland!
