UK – WAC Travel

Sligachan River, United Kingdom: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on January 12, 2022. Posted in Adventure, Inspiration, UK.

On Scotland’s Isle of Skye, a land of myths and legends, it’s no surprise that even an unassuming body of water such as the Sligachan River has a tale of its own. Most often identified by its stone bridge that from a picture looks like it could be from almost anywhere in this mountainous stretch of the United Kingdom, the waters that run beneath it are said to have magical properties.

The legend begins with Scotland’s greatest fighter, the warrior woman Scáthach. When the Irish warrior Cú Chulainn heard of her might, he set out to challenge her in battle. Scáthach accepted the challenge, even knowing she would be facing some who was half god. This battle raged on for weeks, shifting and changing the landscape in its wake, until Scáthach’s daughter couldn’t take it anymore. Uathach ran to the river and wept in distress.

© Bob Raymakers | Unsplash

Faeries heard her cries and appeared, advising her to wash her face in river to be bestowed the knowledge of how to stop the battle. Uathach did as they said and what she needed to do immediately dawned on her. She rushed back to her home and prepared a delicious meal, making sure the scent of it could reach Scáthach and Cú Chulainn. Once the warriors could smell the meal, they realized how hungry they were and agreed to take a break to eat. It wasn’t until after they devoured the meal that they realized that by eating in her home, Cú Chulainn had become Scáthach’s guest. And both their rules of hospitality forbade them from fighting with a guest.

Even though Uathach gained knowledge from the Sligachan River, it’s now said to grant eternal beauty, which opens up a variety of interpretations of “beauty”. Whatever the interpretation, one is granted this gift by submerging their face in river for seven seconds. You must put your face in the river itself, not bring the water up to you. And you can’t wipe up the water after, you have to let it dry naturally. Though the waters of the Scottish Highlands are far from warm at any time of year, it seems like a small price to pay for eternal beauty.

Featured image: © Inigocia | Dreamstime

Young couple holding hands walking with the Palace of Westminster in London in the background

3 United Kingdom Honeymoon Destinations

Written by Iulian Milcomete on March 3, 2021. Posted in Inspiration, UK.

Not well known for a sunny climate and luxurious beaches, the United Kingdom often goes overlooked as a honeymoon destination, but history buffs and charming countryside enthusiasts would be hard-pressed to find somewhere better-suited for celebrating their new marriage. These United Kingdom honeymoon destinations provide everything from landmark buildings and unforgettable entertainment to rollings hills and jagged mountains.

© Richie Chan | Dreamstime.com

1) London and Edinburgh

The capital of both England and the United Kingdom as a whole, London has been a powerhouse since the early days of the British Empire, a history that is thoroughly demonstrated throughout the countless museums across the city. In addition to countless artifacts on display in those museums, there are a number of crucial historical buildings like Buckingham Palace, as well as modern marvels like the London Eye. At night, London continues to impress. Catch a show at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, cheer on a soccer game at one of the many stadiums, or simply hop from pub to pub and toast your relationship with a pint or a few.

When you want to slow your trip down little, head to Edinburgh. Despite being the capital city of Scotland, it has a lot less hustle and bustle than London. Instead of bouncing from place to place to try and cover as much ground as possible, you can meander down the Royal Mile together and have a romantic picnic overlooking the city on Calton Hill. All the while, you’ll still be spoiled with a variety of intricate historical monuments and lively pubs to discover.

© Pljvv | Dreamstime.com

2) The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds embody the allure of the English countryside with precious stone houses and lush greenery. It’s been established by the government as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and with good reason. After watching the sun set over the jaw-dropping landscapes, enjoy romantic dinners of some of the country’s finest cuisine before curling up in your secluded cottage for the night. The quiet tranquility of the area makes it one of the most relaxing United Kingdom honeymoon destinations. It’s less about checking off sights to see and more about drinking in the views around you over a cup of tea or a delicately crafted cocktail.

That being said, the Cotswolds also act as a fantastic base to see some popular nearby attractions like Bath or Stonehenge. Day trips to Bristol and Oxford are also possible for adding a little more historical flair to your honeymoon.

© Phillip Maguire | Dreamstime.com

3) Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands should be on the bucket list of any adventurous couple, making it one of the best United Kingdom honeymoon destinations for the outdoors-inclined. Hikers in particular will be delighted as they make their way around lochs with stone castles perched on the shores or along craggy ridge lines with sprawling valleys down below.

Other outdoor pursuits include kayaking, rock climbing, cycling, golfing, canyoning, and the list goes on. No matter which activity you choose, you’re sure to be spoiled with breathtaking scenery along the way. End a long day of activity with a stiff drink at one of the region’s numerous whiskey distilleries to celebrate, then retreat to your reformed-castle hotel for a couples’ massage. Before settling in for a good night’s rest be sure to take a romantic stargazing outing, which could be as simple as stepping away from your hotel and lying out under the Milky Way for a bit.

Sezincote Estate, England: Off The Beaten Path

Written by Iulian Milcomete on August 27, 2020. Posted in Adventure, Inspiration, UK.

If you’re looking for an oddly exotic oasis in the middle of the United Kingdom, head over to Sezincote Estate in Gloucestershire for an eclectic afternoon in the gardens. Nestled in the middle of the Cotswold countryside, this majestic gem is intriguing with its Neo-Mughalai design, onion-domed rooftop, elephant statues, and meticulously manicured property.

In 1805, Charles Cockerell inherited the Jacobean manor from his brother, renovating it with the help of his other brother, architect Samuel Pepys Cockerell. Having made his fortune by trading in India, Charles wanted his estate to mimic the Rajasthani palaces that he so adored; from the sandstone exterior decorated with peacock feathers to the patinated dome crowning the manor in glory, Charles’s vision came to life.

With 4,500 acres to explore, this extravagant property of the Sezincote Estate is certainly one to behold. Travel the pebbled pathways to the serpent fountain, then the crescent bridge featuring Brahmin bulls, and finally the elephant structures nearer to the mansion. With Indian symbolism scattered throughout the property, don’t be surprised if you see a lotus flower sitting amidst the English horticulture. Some call it the English Taj Mahal; its mix of various architectural and stylistic designs is extraordinary.