Walking in Scotland’s Highlands
London may be one of the most popular places in the UK to learn English – and understandably so – but that doesn't mean that language students should get stuck there, never exploring outside zone 2, let alone outside the capital. And while many students might manage day trips to other southern cities, such as Brighton or Oxford, with a little bit of initiative, it's easy enough to get out into the real wilds of Britain.
River Esk © Content Lobby
The highlands of Scotland offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the country for those prepared to make the effort to get there. For those used to life at an inner-city English school London will seem very far away. Green hills, rocky crags and calm lochs combine to make the perfect 'back to nature' experience. One popular route is the West Highland Way, which runs between Glasgow and Fort William, home of Britain's highest mountain Ben Nevis, connecting the lowlands and the highlands. The whole route can be covered in around a week, making it perfect for a holiday, although you don't need to do the whole thing of course. Other fantastic walking locations abound throughout the country – try heading up to the far north for some real remote wilderness, or explore the many islands surrounded by crystal clear sea.
While the scenery is stunning, it does of course make sense to be cautious in what can be a harsh environment if the weather changes quickly. Make sure you have a decent pair of sturdy walking boots and break them in before you go – blisters aren't much fun. Also ensure that you have some decent wet-weather gear – even if the forecast is good – and some basic provisions, including water and high-energy snacks. If you're planning on climbing mountains or going in winter, make sure you have the right equipment and experience for what you're planning. For accommodation, you'll find plenty of bed and breakfasts and youth hostels along the way, but you could also consider wild camping – unzipping your tent to find yourself surrounded by nature can be a wonderful experience.
For students in the UK to learn English London is an exciting, fun and busy place to be. Once in a while though, everyone needs to escape – and there are few better places to do that than the Scottish highlands.