IWNA Issue 1, 2019

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Scottish tablet — similar to fudge — and a scoop of freshly made
ice cream.
What strikes me most when traveling around the Highlands is the
welcoming nature of the locals. They seem to have an innate appreci-
ation and knowledge of their land, which is apparent whenever I ask
for directions. They know the best hidden gems to visit. When I stop
by Callander for a coffee, cake, and gift shopping, the store owner
recommends a visit to nearby Balquhidder to see Rob Roy’s grave.
Taking her advice, I make an impromptu detour farther north of Loch
Lomond, and enjoy a hike around a different, equally scenic part of
the Trossachs before my stay nears its end.
THE CAIRNGORMS
Driving toward the Cairngorms region, Britain’s largest national park,
an expansive mountainscape blurs past my eyes. Keen to explore, I
head straight for CairnGorm Mountain, an outdoor adventure play-
ground that attracts skiers during winter and hikers come summer.
Visitors who want to travel up the mountain without the climb can take
a ride on the funicular railway (weather permitting). I ascend the aptly
named Windy Ridge Path, followed by the Summit Path. Reaching
the peak, a vista of mountains extends as far as the eye can see.
The Cairngorms’ cool climate is the perfect habitat for a herd of
150 free-roaming reindeer that live in the hills. Previously native to
Scotland, the reindeer were reintroduced to the mountains in 1952,
where they have since flourished due to the sub-Arctic conditions and
tundra vegetation that they perennially graze on. You can meet the
sweet-natured animals on a two-hour hill trip, or visit some of them at
the Glenmore paddock.
Afterward, I head to the town of Aviemore, where art galleries
showcase the works of local artists, many who have been influenced
by the dramatic scenery. In Boat of Garten, I pass by 1896 Gallery &
Coffee Shop to admire some of James Gordon’s landscape pho-
tography. He manages to capture the light and constantly changing
climate of the Cairngorms in its rawest form. It’s a cozy place to wrap
your hands around a cup of tea after a morning of adventure on the
Munros — mountains in Scotland that reach more than 3,000 feet —
and admire paintings by Scottish artists that line the walls upstairs.
All these adventures feel like a step back in time; a refreshing tonic
from the fast-paced world we live in. While the Victorian depictions of
the Scottish Highlands are surprisingly current (minus the horse and
carriage), the land of the Scots remains as it always was — mesmer-
izingly grand and wild. n
INTERVAL WORLD ■ Issue 1, 2019 63
Set in landscaped gardens and woodland on
the shore of Loch Ard, the resort is an ideal
base for exploring the Trossachs. Enjoy award-
winning dining in the Garden Restaurant or
Rafters Bistro, and indulge in afternoon tea on
the terrace with lake and mountain views.
Macdonald Spey Valley Golf & Country Club
borders the famous River Spey with views of
the Cairngorm mountains. The resort is close
to the lively village of Aviemore. Relax in the
swimming pool or whirlpool, exercise in the
gym, or pursue outdoor activities such as golf
and fishing.
AREA RESORTS
Still boasting its original
engine, the Sir Walter Scott
steamship has been converted
from coal to biofuel.