Best of European Union » MikaelJohansen http://www.best-of-european-union.eu Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Spring Walks in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK http://www.best-of-european-union.eu/2013/04/26/spring-walks-in-aberdeen-scotland-uk/ http://www.best-of-european-union.eu/2013/04/26/spring-walks-in-aberdeen-scotland-uk/#comments Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:58:00 +0000 MikaelJohansen http://www.best-of-european-union.eu/?p=14586 Walks in Aberdeenshire are nothing short of spectacular, thanks to miles of untarnished coastline, stretches of sandy beaches, lush farmland, charming fishing villages and the foothills of the majestic Cairngorms. As spring blossoms and the Granite City shines, there is no better time to dust off your walking shoes and take in some fresh northern […]

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]]> Walks in Aberdeenshire are nothing short of spectacular, thanks to miles of untarnished coastline, stretches of sandy beaches, lush farmland, charming fishing villages and the foothills of the majestic Cairngorms. As spring blossoms and the Granite City shines, there is no better time to dust off your walking shoes and take in some fresh northern air.

Aberdeen Beach, Scotland, UK
Aberdeen Beach, Scotland, UK by Bernt Rostad

Whether you’re a city slicker or a wilderness wanderer, Aberdeenshire offers something for everyone. Read on for some tips on where to get started in this diverse and dazzling county.

City

It goes without saying that the city of Aberdeen is a great place to start your exploration of the region. Staying in Aberdeen gives you plenty of options for walking in the city and further afield.

To get to grips with the area, the circuit of Aberdeen centre takes you through the highlights of the Granite City. Many of the town’s most impressive stone buildings can be seen on the short circuit, starting at Castlegate at the east end of Union Street, turning onto Broad Street and past the striking Marischal College. From there, cross the street and walk under the arch of St Nicholas House to Provost Skene’s house and onto Flourmill Lane and Schoolhill, eventually coming to Robert Gordon University, the Art Gallery, the War Memorial, His Majesty’s Theatre and the Central Library building.

Turning left along Union Terrace affords fantastic views over the city, before turning back towards Union Street and the elegant houses of Golden Square and Bon Accord Square.

The sea around Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
The sea around Aberdeen, Scotland, UK by Bruce McAdam

Sea

There are countless coastal walks to choose from in Aberdeenshire, all of varying length and difficulty. In the northernmost parts of the region, Banff and Buchan offers plenty of low impact ambles which are full of great shoreline vistas. For a small challenge offering big rewards, try the 3 – 4 hour walk from St Combs to Rattray Head, taking in the vast sand dunes and long beach which stretches all the way to Peterhead, with the Strathbeg Nature Reserve in close proximity.

Land

Inland, great walking country is in abundance, with rolling rivers and hills of heather perfectly complementing a number of interesting historical landmarks. A number of popular routes exist on the hill ridge of Bennachie in the district of Gordon, with its recognisable peak and hill-top iron-age fort. Slightly further afield, Glenlivet offers spectacular and wild scenery, not to mention many opportunities to sample a wee dram of the region’s famous whiskey.

Highland cattle
Highland cattle by backpackphotography

Mountain

Aberdeenshire and the Highlands are home to the biggest range of high mountains in the Britain, stretching across the largest National Park in the country. The Cairngorms stretch for miles, encompassing vast areas of wilderness, ancient forests, stunning landscapes and an array of native wildlife. The best known part of the national park is home to the Cairn Gorm Mountain itself, famous for being the snowiest part of Britain. For those who want to keep their feet closer to the ground, the lower slopes boast Caledonian pinewoods and clear lochs, including Loch an Eilein, home to a ruined island castle.

What are your favourite nature walks in Aberdeenshire?

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]]> http://www.best-of-european-union.eu/2013/04/26/spring-walks-in-aberdeen-scotland-uk/feed/ 0 Family Holidays in Somerset http://www.best-of-european-union.eu/2013/04/10/family-holidays-in-somerset/ http://www.best-of-european-union.eu/2013/04/10/family-holidays-in-somerset/#comments Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:01:07 +0000 MikaelJohansen http://www.best-of-european-union.eu/?p=14381 Summer holidays are always great fun. When the kids finish school you know it’s not long until you’ll all be making your way to a select destination that you have picked apart and found everything you want to do while there. In recent times many British families have rediscovered the pleasures of a countryside holiday […]

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]]> Summer holidays are always great fun. When the kids finish school you know it’s not long until you’ll all be making your way to a select destination that you have picked apart and found everything you want to do while there. In recent times many British families have rediscovered the pleasures of a countryside holiday in the UK.  I have always had a terrific time in Somerset as there is so much to do and a large variety too. In this post I’ll look at some of the fun and unusual activities to do with the family that will keep everyone entertained.

Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar has fascinating history – both ancient geology and more recent discoveries.  Set in a huge limestone gorge, this is where the remains of Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton were found.  Excavated in 1903 the remains are kept by the Natural History Museum in London. If you and the family are interested in seeing a replica of the skeleton though, a replica is exhibited in the “Cheddar Man and the Cannibals” museum in Cheddar village.

The Cheddar Gorge is Britain’s biggest canyon; a beautiful scenic place that will be interesting to the whole family. There are many caverns, caves and hidden features to explore and countless opportunities for great photos. The Cheddar Man is estimated to be around 9000 years old.

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, England, UK
Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, England, UK by Paul Lewin

Myths and Legends

Kids love myths and Glastonbury is filled with them. From UFO sightings to ghosts appearing in old churches, shops and pubs there is definitely something extraordinary going on in this charming little town. One of the most famous legends in English history is King Art