The peaks in Pitlochry

Pitlochry the home of Autumn in Scotland is breathtaking and a world of inspiration.

There are some of the most beautiful scenic trails and when autumn comes all the vibrant shades of red, yellow and orange fill the space with life.

A short distance outside of Pitlochry is the home of this beautiful picture, Queen's View over Loch Tummel. This particular point is very popular with photographers and as I looked over the edge soaking up the sun, the reflection off the water, the view of Glencoe and the fresh air hitting my face, I understood why it was the most photographed place in Scotland.

When you peer over Queen's View you can almost hear the score from a majestic orchestra sweeping in.

Not a care in the world, but the end of day.

Miles in Millport

If there is anywhere in the world to spend the day on a bike, it should be in Millport, Isle of Cumbrae Scotland. Millport has immense charm, and views worth cycling for. It's perfectly located near Glasgow and easily accessible from Largs via Ferry.

A brisk 8 minute ferry ride brings your feet straight into the center of Millport and your breath is taken away with its small sea front village essence. The essence is palpitating and intoxicating. Now I don't consider myself a good 'biker' in fact I am a little spastic. But I love and actually look forward to a cycle around Isle of Cumbrae. I love the feeling of complete relaxation as you buzz around the island over looking the naturally spectacular views.

Veer off the perfectly paved road around the island, to beautiful farms, the Millport golf course for lunch or for a picture as beautiful as the one here.

Don't worry about finding a bicycle, Millport has the reputation of carrying 1000 cycles and effortlessly lives up to that name. And an indulgent 10 mile bike around Millport is not complete without a local ice cream cone.

Not a care in the world, but the end of day.

Doing Dunrobin Castle

If there was ever a fairytale, it happened here in the lofty Northern highlands of Golspie Scotland. There are many estate houses and castles in Scotland yet none of them are in the league of Dunrobin Castle. This Chateaú resembling piece of architecture is surely the original inspiration behind all of Disney's legendary fairy-tales. Its exciting to see such a piece of architecture so far from its home which was surely borne in the southern region of France. But this treasure is instead nestled in the Northern utmost point of Scotland surrounded by grand moors, beaches and royally inspired grounds.

All this talk about castles has actually missed the real point here which is that this castle is actually a house, one of the longest lived in grandeur houses of Scotland inhabited first by Earls and then by Dukes since the 1300's. Now that is a house filled with magical history.

Once I could pull myself away from the prominent structure, the miraculous and extensive grounds gives Dunrobin balance with beautiful softness. Hedges trimmed and shaped to perfection puts the Alice in Wonderland.

Wandering through the beautiful and intrinsic gardens is only made better by following the green lush hedges to the edge where perfect grounds meet the gateway to a Northern Sea beach.

Many a princess bride has been wed to her prince charming as this space was made for happily ever after.

Not a care in the world, but the end of day.

Tourist in Toronto

June in Toronto, Canada. I had no idea or expectations when visiting Toronto except that my friend lived there and wanted me to spend some time over the summer with her. As any typical American I had never crossed the border into our friendly neighbor’s fine country. But Toronto surprised me. Its not like I was expecting something bad but I didn’t expect a place to be so fine. The city was clean, calm and just big enough to be exciting. I felt safe and revitalised.  The city’s vibe is soothing and intoxicating. I could have lived on the hot dog stand diet while sitting on a picnic table over looking the water, with just a few chilling goose bumps as the sun sets taking with it the heat of the day. My highlight was renting a city bike and taking the ferry across to the island. We cycled aimlessly and explored nature for hours. From the picture you can see its the best place to get a shot of the city as well. A fun filled evening is definitely found in Church and Wellesley, sit outside for dinner and watch the city nightlife unfold around you.

Not a care in the world, but the end of day.

Onto Oban Scotland

A trip to Oban on a beautiful sunny day is exquisite with all of that classic Scottish charm. The town hosts that Northern Scottish landscape mixed with small coastal village vintage. There is a very popular seafood restaurant owned by a local fisherman who serves his fresh catch on the menu everyday. It can be difficult to get in as you have to take a boat to the island and once you get there, be prepared to wait for a table.

If your not a seafood fan, don't worry Oban hosts a wide selection of simply delicious ice cream parlours and quality Scottish cuisine. Or if your simple like me grab a yummy fish and chips while strolling down the cobbled streets window shopping. Oban has a lot offshore as well. Book with the little boats along the harbour for a trip to see the seals, salmon farms or a whale exploration journey. There are little seal communes a short boat ride away and are well worth the breezy ride. They are sun bathing on the rocks and swimming like happy squirrels with piles of nuts. As you sail past the salmon farm, don't be surprised if the facts about salmon farming blows your mind. It's all very fascinating.

Besides the beautiful sea life, there are two things that I loved the most. The view of Dunollie Castle ruins along the rocky coastal road, picture perfect with the lush green vines bringing life to the 600 year old ruins. And secondly the climb to the semi-Roman resembling McCraig's Tower set high on the hill. The tower is not old ruins but is beautiful and the view of the harbour is stunning.

Not a care in the world, but the end of day.