Callander, Scotland

 Callander is a bustling tourist town situated on the River Teith, near Stirling, and is often described as the 'Gateway to the Highlands'. The pretty town of Callander lies South of the Highland Boundary Fault which is historically a meeting point between the Highlands and the Lowlands. The town is a popular holiday destination for tourists exploring the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park or stopping off en route to the Highlands. 

The beautiful town is packed with tearooms and souvenir shops, the ideal holiday destination for the whole family. There are also a number of walks in the area which are popular with tourists and locals alike. Some examples of these are the Bracklinn Falls and the River Keltie which have mesmerised people for generations, as well as the cycle tracks which follow the old Callander to Oban railway.

Orkney Islands & Balfour Castle, Scotland

"Scotland really is a spectacular country with so much history"

Susan Eisenhower

 So far, my blog posts have been about places I have visited personally, however today's post is taking a slightly different angle by exploring the beauty of the Orkney Islands. I am yet to experience this island but hope to this summer. 

One of the prime attractions of Orkney is the rich archaeological heritage. The beautiful beaches, greenery, cliffs and wildlife are equally important too. The Orkney Islands lie just north of Mainland Scotland and is made up of around 70 islands, 18 of which are inhabited by about 21,000 people.

For visitors coming to the Orkney Islands, there are a wealth of visitor attractions ranging from archaeological sites, local museums, the Highland Park Distillery and St Magnus Cathedral.  

Travelling to Orkney is easier than you'd think, from Central Scotland there are flights, ferries, and coaches available weekly.