Christmas and new year may be over, but fresh celebrations are fast approaching in the form of Valentine’s Day. Personally, I always think it’s nice to do something a little bit different for Valentine’s Day – you know, something more exciting than just going out to dinner. Giving you the chance to spend some quality time together and escape your daily routine, a mini break ticks all the right boxes.
Location and accommodation
Of course, location is pretty important. In my opinion, it’s hard to do better than the Scottish Highlands, with its gorgeous, dramatic scenery and potential for romantic walks and great food. You need to pick your accommodation carefully, too, and I think you can’t go wrong by booking a romantic cottage.
Why a cottage rather than, say, a swish hotel? Well, it’s all about intimacy. Having your own space can really make all the difference when it comes to romance, and you’ll also have plenty of choice in terms of the style of place you go for, like rustic cottages with open log fires or ultra-luxurious options with things like four-poster beds.
What to do in the Highlands
Part of what makes the Scottish Highlands such a romantic destination is that it has a wealth of wonderful activities for two in an incredibly beautiful setting – you know, things that give you the chance to spend some real quality time together. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Walking
Walking should definitely be high on your list. Not only is it the perfect way to discover the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands, but it’s also ideal for enjoying each other’s company far away from distractions like the TV. For the ultimate escape, both agree to switch off your smartphones for the day – this really gives you an amazing sense of freedom.
There are walks in the Highlands for people of all abilities, and while it’s great just to amble aimlessly, it’s also well worth considering following one of the famous trails, like the Great Glen Way.
This 127 km route runs between Inverness and Fort William and, if you and your partner are really into walking, you could conquer the whole thing in five or six days. Chances are, though, that you’d rather just stroll along a bit of it – in that case, you’ll find the route is divided into one day-friendly sections. Or, you could just spend a morning exploring the part nearest your holiday cottage.
Cycling
If you and your partner prefer something a little faster paced, cycling is likely to appeal. There are some spectacular paths to follow, including routes through beautiful forests and alongside tranquil lochs. And, for those of you looking for something a bit more challenging, you might be interested to hear you can cycle (rather than walk) the Great Glen Way.
Other good options include exploring the Cairngorms National Park – with the Aviemore loop (53 km) being particularly fun – and cycling alongside the famous Loch Ness.
Follow the Malt Whisky Trail
Alternatively, if you and your partner are into your food and drink, you shouldn’t miss the Malt Whisky Trail. The only trail of its kind on the planet, it takes you to some of the most prestigious distilleries in the Speyside region and will teach you a huge amount about whisky production. And, of course, you can look forward to a tasting or two!
Distilleries on the trail include The Glenlivet Distillery in Banffshire, the Speyside Cooperage and the Cardhu Distillery.
