Loch Ness: A Journey through Scotland's Majestic Highlands

I was nineteen years old when I first set foot in my beloved Scotland. Together with my middle sister and a mutual friend, we set out on a teenage adventure.

I was nineteen years old when I first set foot in my beloved Scotland. Together with my middle sister and a mutual friend, we set out on a teenage adventure. We had that youthfully cockiness, the feeling we were invincible. After three hours of hiking, we did not feel so invincible anymore and we realised we had read the map wrong. I was still recovering from my brain aneurysm and we had run out of water. My sister and I were too shy to ask for help, but our friend started knocking on doors. Not that there were many doors on this part of the trail, just an occasional farmer shouting at us to get the fuck off of his land.

After a little while we stumbled upon a generous woman who took us in, mistaking us for Irish tourists, and welcoming us with glasses of lemonade. Our jubilant chatter, conducted in our native tongues, revealed our deceit, but she did not seem to mind. As we rested, she warned us that the lake was still a distant three hours away, but we were undeterred. Refilling our water bottles, we set out once more, determined to reach the fabled waters of Loch Ness.

The journey from Inverness to Loch Ness is a journey of memories and legends, of the past and the present. The road winds through rolling hills, dotted with sheep and Highland cattle, the air crisp and fresh with the scent of pine. The clouds above seem to move with every step you take, their shadows chasing after you, as though they are trying to keep up with your pace.

Along the way, we came across small villages, the occasional pub and a sign pointing towards a trail that leads to an ancient castle. The castle ruins towered above the surrounding landscape, their walls rugged and rough, like a reminder of the battles that were fought there long ago. Scotland is a part of the world where my imagination still runs free. Its heritage is rich with tales of mythical creatures, such as the monsters in its lochs, fairies, and otherworldly beings that inhabit its forests. While these fanciful legends may prompt scepticism, they evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue when one stands overlooking the still waters of the lochs. The darkness of the water and the unknown depths create a feeling of mystery and a shiver that runs down the spine.

But, for all the legends and myths, there is also a sense of peace here, of something timeless and unchanging. The road stretches out before us, beckoning us to follow it, to see where it will take us next. And so, we walked on, step by step, towards the loch, towards whatever may be waiting for us there, and eventually, we made it to the shores of Loch Ness.

The rain was persistent that day, gradually drenching me as I gazed upon the desolate Loch. Our expedition to this remote region was a challenge, hampered by my lack of map-reading skills and my delicate state following a recent brain aneurysm. Despite my laboured breathing in the thin mountain air, my spirit was stronger than it had ever been. I had the feeling I was on my way. Like I belonged on the road. Like I could actually live a life more satisfying if I put my mind to it. A little bit of that 'American Dream' slowly crept back into my veins.

I felt free and alive, invigorated by nature's raw power. The steady beat of the rain against the ground, the sound of the water as it flowed into the Loch, and the mist rising from the surface all combined to create a sense of peace and tranquility that I had never experienced before.

At that moment, I realized that my journey was not just about reaching a physical destination, but about finding myself and my purpose. I was on a quest to discover what made me truly happy and fulfilled and to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. I felt like I was on my way to becoming the person I was meant to be, and that was a feeling worth more than any material wealth or success.

I stood there for what seemed like hours, lost in thought and contemplation. The rain continued to fall, but I was no longer aware of it. I was too busy revelling in the beauty of the moment and the power of the Loch. When I finally tore my gaze away, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated, like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

As we stood at the shoreline of Loch Ness, we didn't worry about the journey back or the persistent rain. We simply focused on the present moment, playing cards and enjoying each other's company. It was during this carefree moment that we met a local resident who offered to drive us back to Inverness. We gratefully accepted his offer and settled into his car. The drive was memorable, with the windscreen shattered from a recent collision with a deer.

Despite the challenges we faced during our hike and the unexpected detours, the memories of that trip will always hold a special place in my heart. The experience taught me the value of perseverance, the power of kindness, and the importance of living in the present moment. It also kindled my love for Scotland and its people, a love that endures to this day.