Scotland: Paradise of Scotch and Landscapes

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My first trip to Scotland had only 2 goals: experience what the land of Scotch has to offer in the way of whiskey and explore the landscape.  I feel like these are always my travel goals: discover the landscape and discover local booze.  Both highly worth endeavors, I assure you.

And there's nothing like hitting the ground running: after arriving at the airport, I got my rental car and headed to one of the smallest distillery in Scotland: Edradour. It was certainly small, and the tour was very personal and full of character. It reminded me tours at smaller breweries. I wish I had more time to explore here, but I got here just in time for the last tour.  Interestingly, I never really considered myself much of a Scotch girl...I was a Jack Daniel's girl through and through; however, with this first taste of a Highland Scotch, I was instantly enamored. But alas, it was time to make it to my home base near Inverness.  

The next day I was off to Isle of Skye to Talisker and to play around in the Fairy Pools. Though Skye was beautiful and the Fairy Pools fun to play around in, my truly favorite hike was in Cairngorms National Park. At first I was concerned that beginning my hike at a ski resort would result in a lackluster experience. And it definitely started that way, but I took matters into my hands and took a random stone staircase to some amazing views!  I think somehow I got lost from the hike I was supposed to do, but I'm kind of glad that I did. The views reminded me so much of Alaska!

For me, the most interesting parts of the hike were seeing the size of the boulders...they were huge!  Massive. But, the sizes varied.  It was easy to get lost among them, between them, on top of them.  It was pretty amazing.

Also, in the thick of summer, there was snow!  A very small cow-lick of snow, but snow none-the-less.  

It was a very eventful hike.  Quite possibly one of the most difficult I have attempted.  I got lost (well, not lost..on an adventure!). I pretty much scaled a mountain side to get down into the valley.  But, it was so worth it!

And to reward myself, on the way back to the airport I stopped off at Dalwhinnie.  It was a last minute decision. I called them to see if I can get into a tour, and I was in luck: they could fit me in on the last tour I could take in order to make it back for my flight.  I honestly didn't know what to expect.  Dalwhinnie is significantly larger than Edradour, so I wasn't really thinking that it would be a memorable experience.  However, I was pleasantly surprised!  For such a large distillery, they were able to establish a small distillery feel and a tour that felt rather personal. AND! They pair their Scotch with chocolate.  CHOCOLATE. Yes. You read correctly.  I was in heaven.  Quite frankly, Dalwhinnie became my favorite Scotch.  I'm not really sure whether it's the Scotch I really like or if it's the chocolate pairs, but meh. Whatever.  I'm a fan.