A very wise saying states that travelling is all about the journey, and not the destination. I certainly agree with this, especially after exploring the geography of Scotland's Highlands on a road trip which I can only describe as beyond epic.

One glance at Eilean Donan Castle is enough to immortalise in your memory the haunting beauty of the Western Highlands. A small tidal island where three sea lochs meet; Eilean Donan is all about dramatic scenery. A stronghold of the Mackenzie and Macrae clans, the castle was probably named after Irish bishop Donan, who attempted to introduce Christianity to the Picts of northwestern Scotland during the Middle Ages. In order to protect the land from Viking raids, a first fortified structure was built. The castle was also the site of battles during the Jacobite risings of the 17th and 18th century, was heavily bombarded and left in ruins. During the early years of the 20th century Lt. Colonel John Macrae dedicated his life to its restoration.

Skye is one of those mythical places that you believe only exist in dreams. The largest and  northernmost of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides is a great destination for wildlife watching, and for hiking and climbing. The beauty of its snowy peaks and quiet towns as well as its vast and remote areas make Skye a paradise for those seeking to disconnect from our overstimulating hectic world. We briefly visited the village of Kyleakin and stopped to take in the breathtaking views. Observing stormy clouds rolling over mountaintops in Skye was probably one of the most beautiful moments of the trip.

During my time in the Highlands I understood just how important geography has been in maintaining the historical character of this region and its people. Quite frankly it is impressive to observe the strong heritage of Highlanders, even in spite of horrible events such as the Highland Clearances, which consisted in the eviction of tenants from their farms and lands in the 18th and 19th century. This measure was envisioned to destroy Gaelic culture.

Scotland's rugged and serene landscape, its lochs and glens, and its rich palette of moody greens have brought immense joy to me. Yet it is also the spirituality of the locals, their kindness and simplicity, as well as their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity and harsh climatic conditions what I keep closer to my heart. I've promised myself I'll visit Scotland sometime in the near future. To return to this beautiful corner of the world is to go back to where my soul has experienced the purest of all joys, and that is to see the world with the burning passion of a true explorer.