Exploring the UK: Golspie, Sutherland, The Highlands, Scotland

Last week I travelled up to The Highlands to visit an old school friend who's a teacher up there. It was the furthest North I'd ever ventured in the UK and what a sight for sore eyes the region is! We travelled around to quite a few little towns so I thought I'd concentrate on each one in a few posts.

The Highlands had been on my bucket list for a while so I was looking forward to doing plenty of exploring. We headed to Golspie as we had tickets to see the stunning Dunrobin Castle* at the bottom of the town. The fairytale castle perched above walled gardens dates back to over an incredible 700 years ago. It has been the home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland since the 13th century - making Dunrobin one of the oldest inhabited houses in Scotland. At 11am and 2pm there's an incredible falconry show put on in the grounds. To be honest, I wasn't really prepared to be impressed. Birds? Pah! I'd seen an owl one before and it was a little bit boring. But this one? This one was amazing. The gentleman was so knowledgable and made it fun. The falcon flew straight over my boyfriends head, just skimming his hair.

After refuelling on a jacket potato and plenty of cake, we headed to the Big Burn in search of waterfalls. The walk is only a 2.5km round trip through lush, green woodland. Pack sensible shoes - not *ahem* boots with a heel - and don't forget your camera. The scenery was absolutely stunning on every corner you turn. There's just something so relaxing and mesmerising about watching the loud waterfall echoing in your ears. After being rewarded by an impressive, gushing waterfall it was well worth the muddy boots!

We drove back as the sun was setting, leaving the sandy beach in the distance. There was more exploring to do in the morning!