The Fairy Pools are a natural waterfall at the base of the tallest peak on Skye—fittingly named Sgùrr Alasdair. They have a parking lot (£6 flat rate) from which you can walk the easy to moderate 2.5 mile return trip to the falls.

Talisker is one of Alasdair's favorite whiskies and their distillery is less than an hour from our venue. Visit their website starting in April to book a 30-minute whisky tasting (£15) or a 1-hour tour and tasting (£22). If you would like to visit with us on Friday, 12 July, we will try to coordinate a group booking for midday and carpool.

If you want a look into the history of our wedding venue, we encourage you to take a tour. Whether it's before the wedding or after, Eilean Donan is open to visitors (£12 for adults) daily from 9am to 6pm, with last entry at 5pm, during July. In fact, we'll be walking across the bridge to the ceremony just after the last visitors clear out!

Portree is the largest town on Skye, known for its colorful harbourfront houses. This is a good place to stop for lunch if you're headed up towards Old Man Storr.

If you're looking for a scenic hike with moderate difficulty, this 3.4-mile hike to The Storr might be for you. It can get a bit steep in many places during the ascent, so be prepared!

All aboard muggles! Whether you're booking a ticket to board the Jacobite Train aka the Hogwarts Express (£65 return trip) or the West Highland Train (£35 return trip), or you're watching it pass by from the viewing area (£3.50 parking at Visitor's Center), this spot is must for Harry Potter fans. There is also a lovely series of hikes in the area. If you're wondering, Alasdair is a Slytherin & Allison is a Hufflepuff.

Glencoe is both haunting and beautiful as it combines the tragic history of the Glencoe Massacre with a stunning natural landscape. For more on the history, visit nearby Fort William or the Jacobite Monument on the Glenfinnan viaduct trails. Learn more about hikes at the site below.

Inverness is the largest city near our venue, but is perhaps best known for the mystical sea beast which roams its lochs. Whether you want a bit of culture in town or to chase down Nessie—the Loch Ness Monster—on a boat tour, there is plenty to do in Inverness.

One of Alasdair's top recommendations for the area is Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite Rising. This has been popularized through media like Outlander, and the Visitor's Center has created a quite moving experience for those looking to immerse themselves in how it might have felt that April morning.

Arthur's Seat is an ancient volcano which now stands watch over the city of Edinburgh as a popular hike and viewpoint. There are two paths to choose from—a more direct, steeper walk or a gentle, winding way. This grassy mound is perfect for a summertime picnic.

This towering castle stands above the city and has been around in some form since the 11th century. Inside, you can see The Stone of Destiny—a very ancient stone which has always been used to crown the Kings of Scotland. Historically, it was the Keith clan who were responsible for protecting this stone and the other Scottish Honours (crown jewels) from the English.

Dean Village is only a 5-minute walk from Princes St and offers a nice, scenic riverside spot for photos.

This is one of Allison's favorite bars, just off the Royal Mile. Make your way down the narrow steps through Advocate's Close and you'll find this bar hidden on your left. She has made a point to go during each visit to Edinburgh, enjoying food and drink alike.

If you're looking for a shorter walk than Arthur's Seat with comparable views, Calton Hill is a great alternative. There's Greek-style architecture at the top, an attempt to make Edinburgh the "Athens of the North." There is also a cafe, observatory, and art gallery at the top.

Situated a few blocks from the castle, you'll find Camera Obscura, which boasts several stories of optical illusions, mazes, activities, and sheer silliness. Perhaps it's because we were so young and in love, but it was some of the most fun we had early on in our relationship. Tickets are £22.95 for adults. It's also a great rainy day activity.

There are many other places to explore. But for now, we leave you with one glorious bonus location in Alasdair's hometown: The Dandy Lion. Would you believe this abomination of an art piece is part of what brought us together? Unlike other sculptures, we can't claim this one will bring you luck, but we can promise that it will bring uproarious laughter, a bit of disgust, and maybe even an unexpected chance at love. Or just disgust, who's to say...