When they’re not busy studying, our Chevening Scholars can often be found exploring the UK! Social Media Ambassador (SMA) Esty Nadya recently unlocked the wonders of Scotland on a wintry weekend to Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye.
As winter casts its spell on Scotland, I’m about to spill the beans on my very first winter experience in the UK… a dreamy winter road trip with my awesome Chevener crew. So, grab your scarves and join me in unraveling the magic of Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye.
Edinburgh’s festive embrace
Edinburgh in winter is like stepping into a Dickensian tale. The city dons a festive greeting and the streets come alive with twinkling lights.
The Christmas market in Princes Street Gardens adds a special touch to this enchanting tapestry, but nothing tops seeing Edinburgh from Calton Hill; the picturesque skyline feels like a journey through centuries.
But it was in the heart of Edinburgh’s city center that my Harry Potter-themed journey took flight.
Exploring Greyfriars Kirkyard, the cemetery that sparked J.K. Rowling’s imagination, felt like wandering the very pages of the wizarding world.
The enchantment continued at the Harry Potter store on Victoria Street (Museum Context – Diagon House)—a magical haven where wands and wizarding gear bring the beloved tales to life. And did you know that this place inspired J.K. Rowling to create the famous Diagon Alley?
Highland dreams on the Isle of Skye
Leaving the enchanting cityscape of Edinburgh behind, we continued to the mystical Isle of Skye. The very name felt like an invitation—an aisle to the sky, where the highlands are framed by vibrant hues and the sky is painted with rainbows.
One of the perks of road tripping is the power to pause at every picturesque turn, and we made full use of this during our lunch break in Portree. It turned into an enchanting display of ships dancing in the waters, plus the occasional sheep posing for a roadside photo.
Later on, the Strathdon and Corgarff area greeted us with towering snowbanks, inviting an impromptu stop to revel in the pristine natural beauty.
Nightfall found us in a snug Inverness hotel. Amidst laughter, board games, comforting Chinese cuisine, and chit-chat, it was the perfect contrast to the cold outdoors.
Nature’s surprise show: The Old Man of Storr
We concluded our Highlands trip with a hike to the Old Man of Storr.
As we climbed higher, the wind danced around us, adding an extra element of thrill to the adventure.
The view along the journey was nothing short of breathtaking. Just when we thought nature had shown us all its tricks, a mix of rain and ice (or maybe even tiny snowflakes) surprised us, turning the whole scene into a magical winter wonderland. It felt like nature was putting on a show just for us, turning our hike into a whimsical journey.
It was no surprise to learn that this dramatic landscape has been used as a filming location for a number of TV shows and films, like The Wicker Man, The Lord of The Rings and Snow White and the Huntsman.
I left Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye with a heart full of memories. These Scottish winter tales reminded me that the beauty of travel lies not just in the destinations but in the company you share it with. I was so grateful to have had this amazing adventure with my Chevener crew.
So that’s my story… until the next adventure!
From trying new foods to embracing new traditions, current Chevening Scholar and Social Media Ambassador (SMA) María José Ruiz Rodríguez shares what it was like to celebrate the festive season in the UK.
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Hesam Abbasi from Iran started his Chevening journey in September 2023 to study Film, Animation and Digital Arts at the University of Surrey. He shares his experience so far of settling into life in the UK.