After a long time struggling with my mental health I decided to take a leap and booked a 5 days solo trip to Scotland, as to work on my fears and insecurities and prove to myself that my hard work is getting me somewhere. My journey started on the 4th of June and capped off on the 8th (tickets are cheaper for week days).
First of all, Edinburgh is truly a gem, I had wanted to visit for years and had high expectations, all of which were exceeded! The city is highly walkable - one can get from one attraction to the furthest one in the opposite direction in little over an hour on foot - with every little street, often seamlessly merging with parks and trees and walkways, looking orderly like something straight out of a fairytale.
There’s so much to see: a variety of museums (most of which are free to visit, such as the massive National museum and the Portrait museum), the iconic Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace - both of which lie on opposite ends of the Royal Mile - the Botanic Gardens, scenic vantage points like Arthur’s seat and Calton Hill, the Royal Britannia yacht, various cathedrals and graveyards - yes, graveyards - the Scott Monument and many cozy walkways (like the Water Of Leith).
I’d recommend comfort over looks when it comes to footwear as the city, resting as it is between hills, can get quite vertical and hard on your feet. Another thing to consider is the unpredictable weather with frequent - almost daily - rain and heavy wind between the clearings: a solid umbrella and/or rain jacket should always be on hand.
I also went on a little day trip to the Highlands; despite most of the hours being spent traveling by bus I’d still recommend choosing to go on one (there’s multiple options, I chose one that went up to the ‘Harry Potter’ steam train) as it gives a whole new perspective on the geography of the country with it’s many lakes, castles and hills.
I couldn’t have asked for a better destination for my first trip alone. It changed me a lot, as cliché as it is to say, with my confidence and my battle to better appreciate myself boosted. The city is bustling, loud and yet, moving just a few blocks away, to places that are just as beautiful as the most touristy spots, and there’s a quiet calmness to be found. I’ll never forget my long walks along the Water Of Leith walkway and my time sitting in silence in the St. Mary Cathedral.
This adventure will stay with me forever I and would highly recommend anyone to visit Edinburgh and not just for a quick 2 or 3 days trip, the city and surroundings (it being only an hour from Glasgow is also a bonus) deserve at least 5 days to fully appreciate.
English is not my first language by a long shot so please do notify me if I made any glaring or small mistakes, I’m here to learn ✨☺️