October 22, 2006
Travel to Scotland
If you enjoy attractive national dress, the entertainment of a lone piper and his bagpipes, and an immensely beautiful landscape, then travelling to Scotland is for you.
Title: Travel to Scotland
Author: TJ Tierney
Article:
Are you planning to travel to Scotland?
Scotland is a country in North Europe and forms the northern part of Great Britain. Scotland has a dramatic coastline with hundreds of islands. A playground for any outdoor goer, Scotland has a landscape of immense beauty.
Scotland is famous for many things - castles and whiskey to name a few, but is best known the world over for its national dress.We've all seen a lone piper playing the bagpipes and wearing the kilt - the bagpipes have been the traditional sound of the highlands for centuries.
Scotland is rich in history - resulting in a landscape full of amazing castles and forts. Standing upon the summit of anextinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle overlooks the entire city.This large fortified building has long served as a protector to the Scots and English rulers. Stirling Castle has dominated Scottish History for years. Three miles south of Stirling Castle, Robert the Bruce defeated the English in the famousbattle of Bannockburn in 1314.
Scotland has a rich tradition in both food and drink. Haggis is the best-known Scottish dish - made out of the insides of sheep with oatmeal and normally served with turnips and potato. This dish will not be to everyone's fancy - but don't fret they also produce some great drinks. For any true whiskey drinker, the Scottish have truly mastered the art of creating excellent malt whiskey.
The capital of Scotland is Edinburgh. The centre of Edinburgh is a great example of Georgian urban architecture, dating back hundreds of years. The main shopping area in Edinburgh lies along Princes Street.Princes street has a large amount of art galleries and museums. Most shops in Scotland open on a Sunday but are closed on public holidays. The currency of Scotland is the pound sterling (£).
Travelling around Scotland is a pleasure - there are direct flights from most parts of the world into Scotland's main airports. Scotland also has a large rail network with is very reliable. If you are planning to use the Scottish rail system frequently - it is a good idea to buy a rail pass.
For any outdoor achiever Scotland hosts a large amount of outdoor activities. Rock climbing and mountaineering are very popular in the west of Scotland and on some of the islands. Walking is extremely popular in the Highlands of Scotland. The vast open unspoiled landscape is an ideal spot - most parts are
open to the public. Pony trekking is also very popular along the Highlands and in the open countryside.
Scotland also hosts great centres for water sports. Most of these centres are suitable for the beginner. Sailing in Scotland is very popular along the coast while inland canoeing is extremely popular.
Golf attracts thousands of visitors every year, especially to some of the more famous courses in Central Scotland. Othersports include skiing in the winter, football and rugby.
Scotland's national parks are full of amazing wildlife and rare plants. Rare arctic plants flourish on the highlands with manybirds of prey , such as eagles and kestrels found in the highlands.
f you do decide to travel to Scotland and would like to avoid wet damp conditions, the months from May to August are best.
About the author:
TJ Tierney is an award winning Irish Landscape photographer and
a freelance writer. He frequently writes for the travel site
http://www.trovoo.com - the shopping site
http://www.shop-4us.com - and the arts and photography site
http://www.goldprints.com
So off you go to meet your favorite piper and his bagpipes.
Comments
November 7, 2006
Lesley said:
I live in Northern England and used to head up to Scotland quite frequently when I was younger. It is a very nice place. I highly recommend a longer stay - and if you can make it at the right time of year, check out the Edinburgh Fringe Festival - there are some great shows and comedies performing each year. Also, bring a guidebook and a camera - there some great history to be found that will fascinate everyone - at least it fascinates me, and I'm not even a history buff.
Lesley said:
I live in Northern England and used to travel up to Scotland quite a bit. I highly recommend a longer stay - its well worth it. Scotland has a lot of history, and I recommend taking a walk round some of the more famous sights - with a guidebook and a camera - in my experience it will fascinate even the most non-history buff kind of person. I'd also recommend trying a visit when the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is on - there are some amazing new talents to be found.
November 8, 2006
Lesley said:
I live in northern england and I used to travel up to scotland quite a lot - it is a beautiful country with a lot of history, and I highly recommend that people explore it - even if you aren't normally interested in that kind of thing the sights will take your breath away. If you can, I would recommend visiting during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival - there is a lot of fresh new talent to be discovered and things going on all over the city when that is on. You'd never be short of something to do!
Lesley said:
I live in Northern England and I have to agree, Scotland is a wonderful place. I used to head up to it quite a bit, and it is so beautiful - the views will take your breath away and there is a lot of history. Even if you aren't normally interested in that kind of thing I recommend you take a guidebook, a camera, and spend at least a day exploring. Also, if you ever get a chance to go to the Edinburgh fringe festival, take it! There is a lot of talent to be found, and so much going on you will never be bored!
November 12, 2006
45ish said:
I especially love the history of the great architecture in Scotland. The castles are wondrous and beautiful. There are several beautiful bridges in Scotland and some lovely bed and breakfast locations. One of my favorite places in Scotland include Carrbridge, where you can find something for every budget. I enjoy the occasional bagpipe tunes as well.