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Top 5 Most Romantic Places in Highland Scotland
Think of Scotland's most romantic locations, and it won't take long before your mind turns to the likes of Gretna Green, where scores of loved-up young couples once ran away to be married, or to the iconic Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, offering as it does such breathtaking views across the entire village.
Yet as enchanting as those places maybe, it's only once you cross over into the remote Scottish Highlands that the country really reveals the side of itself that is guaranteed to steal your heart away.
Whether you're planning to pop the big question, arranging an unforgettable Highland wedding, or simply hoping to spoil your loved one with a romantic break in Scotland, you're never too far away from some truly inspiring locations.
Can't decide which one to visit first? Help is at hand.
From sweeping vistas to historic castles, here’s your guide to the top five most romantic places in Highland Scotland.
Eilean Donan Castle
Dornie, by Kyle of Lochalsh, IV40 8DX
A popular places for both wedding proposals and the big day itself, this stunning 13th century castle is the perfect example of Scotland's rich, fascinating history and truly awe-inspiring views coming together to create a location that is truly like nowhere else on earth.
Renowned as one of Scotland's most iconic places, the castle itself has stood the test of time for centuries, despite weathering some seriously challenging circumstances. If that's not the perfect symbolism for a solid relationship, who knows what is?
That aside, it's really the views that make the castle such a must-visit for any romantic break in the Scottish Highlands.
The place where Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh all converge, Eilean Donan's dramatic scenery is guaranteed to steal your heart in much the same that your beloved does.
Loch Rannoch
Kinloch Rannoch, PH16
It isn’t just the calm, tranquil waters of Loch Rannoch, nor the captivating, picturesque scenery, that makes this ancient location such a haven for couples of all ages.
Nor is the air of serenity which drifts throughout the surrounding village of Kinloch Rannoch the only reason why so many choose it as the perfect place to really get away from it all for a few days.
The village itself is home to some of the most romantic hotels in Scotland such as the Dunalastair Hotel Suites, a Victorian era lodge recently given a multi-million pound makeover to transform it into a contemporary, boutique hotel.
Step beyond your room there, and as you drift along one of the many walking routes surrounding Loch Rannoch, you’ll find yourself swept up in the peace and harmony of this wonderfully alluring little village.
Falls of Bruar
Blair Atholl, PH18 5TW
A short drive from Loch Rannoch, in the nearby historic town of Blair Atholl, you'll find the Falls of Bruar, widely regarded as one of Highland Scotland's most remarkable beauty spots.
Follow the pathway up from carpark and lookout over majestic views encapsulating magical woodlands, rushing waters and vast, rolling hillsides.
The area is also well known as the site mentioned in 'The Humble Petition of Bruar Water,' Robert Burns' famous request to the 4th Duke of Atholl to plant trees around the waterfalls.
Today, the granting of Burns' wish lives on in this utterly spellbinding location.
The Northern Lights
Caithness, KW14
Did you know that you don't have to travel all the way to mainland Europe to see the Northern Lights?
One of the most beautiful, natural phenomena in the world, the lights, better known as the Aurora Borealis, has long been on the bucket list for couples looking for a romantic experience like nothing else on Earth.
After all, what better way to sure a unique moment together than by holding your loved one in your arms as the universe puts on its own magical performance just for you, illuminating the night sky in a dazzling display of colour?
Yet for many, doing just that often seems like a dream too far out of reach since the places most usually associated with the Aurora Borealis are over in Norway and Alaska.
What they don't know (but you now do), is that northern Scotland shares the same latitude as those places, making it possible to see the Northern Lights just by heading north to places like Caithness or the Shetlands.
Hushinish Beach
Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, HS2 / HS3
For most, the idea of a romantic break in Scotland is to truly get away from it all, which makes the last entry on our list today absolutely ideal.
After all, where else could possibly provide as perfect a place to escape to than a little remote beach far off on the west coast of the Isle of Harris?
Along with its own fair share of romantic Scottish hotels nearby, Hushinish Beach offers the chance to share in some once-in-a-lifetime memories with your loved one as you catch a glimpse of native wildlife, including dolphins and seals, making their home on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
And that's before we get to the scenery.
Whilst the beach itself, full of white sand and surrounded by gentle hillsides, is beautiful in its own right when you look out into the horizon, you and yours will see the kind of awe-inspiring scenery you're both guaranteed to fall in love with.
© 2017 Angela Siuta