Shannon Mains Discovers Royal Secrets and Castle Magic Across Scotland and Ireland

When Shannon Mains set out for 16 days across Scotland and Ireland with her husband and two friends, she expected castles and countryside. What she didn't anticipate was dining in a royal hunting lodge's shelter or discovering that every corner of Edinburgh would feel like stepping into a storybook.

The journey began in Dublin, where three days of exploration took the group through temple bars and local highlights before moving north to Edinburgh. But it was the five-day Backroads hiking tour through the Scottish Highlands that would provide the trip's most memorable moment.

A Royal Encounter in the Highlands

Deep in the Scottish Highlands, Mains found herself walking on grounds owned by the Balmoral estate, home to the Royal Family's hunting cabin. Thanks to Scotland's unique freedom-to-roam laws, the hiking group could traverse even royal property. "We were able to walk around the lake with this beautiful stunning view of the hunting lodge and then go get to the lodge, go into the back side of it, where we got to spend time eating a picnic lunch," Mains recalls.

The experience took place in a bothy, a traditional Scottish shelter attached to the hunting cabin. These small huts, complete with fireplaces, are maintained throughout Scotland as refuges for hikers facing harsh weather. Sitting by the fire with the royal lodge reflected in the pristine lake, Mains felt completely immersed in Scottish culture. The moment crystallized everything she had hoped to find: authenticity, natural beauty, and a connection to centuries of tradition.

Edinburgh's Fairy-Tale Surprise

While Mains expected to find some beautiful architecture in Edinburgh, the reality exceeded her imagination. "I thought there was one street that was going to be pretty and one Castle to see, but it just blew me away that every single direction that you turned felt like you were dropped off in like a Fairytale Land," she explains. The city revealed layer upon layer of stunning medieval and Georgian architecture, with castle spires and ancient stonework creating a magical atmosphere at every turn.

The group stayed at the Virgin Hotel, which offered iconic city views, before continuing their multi-city adventure through Glasgow, Manchester, York, and Chester. Each destination brought its own character, from Glasgow's local neighborhoods to York's Harry Potter-esque streets and Chester's historic haunted corners.

Lessons from the Road

As a travel professional, Mains discovered practical insights that will shape how she plans future Scottish adventures for clients. Dinner culture proved particularly surprising. "In order to get dinner anytime a tour later, if you want to eat dinner or have even snacks at eight or nine or ten, it was very hard to find," she notes. Unlike many European destinations where late dining is common, Scotland operates on an earlier schedule, with most restaurants serving dinner between 5 and 7 PM.

The terrain also demands consideration. Edinburgh's cobblestone streets and constant hills require comfortable walking shoes and reasonable fitness levels. Transportation between cities needs careful planning, as options can be limited and distances significant.

Who Should Go

Mains believes Scotland and Ireland offer something special for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. "If you enjoy that you're just going to feel like you're absolutely immersed in it," she says of travelers who love period dramas and historical settings. The destinations reward those willing to walk and explore, though mobility challenges could limit some experiences.

For Mains, the trip reinforced the importance of multi-city logistics and local cultural knowledge. The experience has her already planning recommendations for future clients, including must-see spots like Inverness and Ireland's Cliffs of Moher that she didn't have time to visit.

With upcoming adventures planned for Vietnam, India, and an Alaska cruise, Mains continues building the firsthand knowledge that sets experienced travel advisors apart. "There's more that I would like to see an Explorer," she reflects, already envisioning her next return to the magical landscapes of Scotland and Ireland.