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rachelteodoro
If you're road-tripping through Scotland {which I highly recommend!}, there's a good chance your route will take you from Edinburgh toward the Isle of Skye. It's one of the most scenic drives in the country filled with lochs, glens, and highland peaks that look like they've been plucked from a storybook! Along the way, there's one stop you absolutely shouldn't miss and that's Steall Waterfall near Fort William.
Tucked deep in Glen Nevis, Steall Waterfall {sometimes called An Steall Ban, meaning "The White Spout" in Gaelic} is one of the most beautiful and accessible hikes in the Scottish Highlands. It combines everything travelers love about Scotland-the dramatic mountains, lush greenery, and a sense of untouched wilderness with a trail that's short enough for most visitors to enjoy.
Whether you're spending a few nights in Fort William or simply looking for the perfect stop between Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye, here's everything you need to know about hiking Steall Waterfall.
rachelteodoro
If you've spent any time scrolling through photos of Scotland, chances are you've seen them. Those shaggy, long-haired, golden brown beauties grazing against a backdrop of rolling green hills or misty lochs. Highland cows {or Heilan Coos as the locals lovingly call them} are one of Scotland's most iconic sights.
With their sweet personalities, long locks, and undeniable charm, spotting one in person is a highlight for many travelers. I'm not going to lie, I thought they'd be as plentiful as sheep are in Ireland, but alas, that's not the case. You really do have to do a little "hunting" for them, but if it's a priority for you to see them, this guide will help you get the chance to have an encounter with a coo!
Whether you're road tripping through the Highlands, exploring Edinburgh, or visiting a small farm cafe, there are plenty of places where you can see a Highland cow up close. You just have to work for it a bit. Below, I've rounded up some of the best spots to see Highland cows in Scotland, from farms and hotel grounds to organized tours, plus a few tips for making your visit unforgettable.
rachelteodoro
The Cotswolds have been on my travel bucket list for as long as I can remember. I'm not sure how they ended up there, but anytime I'd see a photo of the area, I'd immediately clock it and would be like "of course that's the Cotswolds!" making a mental note to get there sooner rather than later. Rolling hills, honey-colored stone cottages, and charming villages, it all just felt like something out of a storybook. When we finally planned a trip, I knew I wanted more than just a day trip from London. We decided to spend three nights exploring the Cotswolds by renting a car, and I'm so glad that we did. It gave us the opportunity to explore and take it all in on our own timeline.
If you've been dreaming of an English countryside getaway, here's everything you need to know about visiting the Cotswolds, from renting a car to which villages are worth adding to your itinerary {and which ones you can probably skip!}.
rachelteodoro
Last year, my husband and I rented a car for 15 days and drove around Ireland. We learned quickly how different driving on the "wrong" side of the car on the "wrong" side of the road felt! In case you missed it, you can read my post Renting a Car in Ireland: What You Need to Know. And by "we" I mean, my husband did the driving and I did the navigating! Driving can be both challenging and rewarding and honestly, having the flexibility to see and explore is well worth the challenges!
I'll share a bit more on things we learned while navigating those narrow lanes and twisting roads in the Scottish Highlands and some tips on how you can get the confidence you need to drive in the UK as well. I promise, it's worth it!
rachelteodoro
I grew up landlocked in Indiana. I have lived on the west coast for more than 25 years, and I still can't get over how much I learn about the beaches and water that surrounds us. I started enjoying picking up sea glass, but a new hobby was unlocked on a trip to the UK when I was walking on a beach and found a piece of sea pottery! There was something magical about turning that piece over in my hand and revealing a small hand-painted design. While many people know about sea glass, those frosted shards of discarded bottles softened by time and tide, less people know about its cousin: sea pottery! On a recent trip to the UK, I spent time on the beaches in Scotland and discovered the rich history, and countless seaside towns make it one of the best places in the world to discover these small fragments of the past!
Hunting for sea pottery became a fun little way to slow down and notice those little details and it became one of my favorite parts of my trip to Scotland. If you've never heard of it, let's explore what sea pottery is, how it finds its way to the shore, how to identify different types, and the best places and tips for searching!