Finding Magic in the Scottish Highlands: A Vanlife Journey

Scott kept telling me, "Just wait, Hanna, the further north you go, the more beautiful it gets," – and wow, was he right! After leaving the Lowlands behind, driving deeper north into the Highlands really felt like entering another world. The mountains started rising higher, the trees seemed taller... an incredible shift in landscape unfolded before us. This part of our Scottish vanlife journey was filled with challenges and pure magic, but like any real adventure, it wasn't all smooth sailing...

The Thrilling Dance of the Single Track Roads

Let's talk about the roads! Driving in the Highlands often means navigating single-track roads, which was... quite the experience! You need serious focus, constantly scanning for passing places, maybe taking a few deep breaths on the really steep bits or tight corners! I was definitely glad Scott was driving – it wouldn't have been pretty with me behind the wheel, although, I'm not sure I was the calmest passenger either! I just get a little bit nervous on uncertain roads (okay, maybe totally anxious is more like it!).

It's scary. Bumping around in Wally makes me feel like I'm out of control, like being on a ship at a stormy sea. However, in hindsight - it was worth it, because around every bend, another breathtaking view unfolded – sweeping glens, moody lochs, mountains that seemed to scrape the sky, and of course, the ancient castles. It felt like a necessary challenge to reach the wilder heart of this incredible place, and such an authentic part of the UK vanlife experience.

Whispers of Folklore at the Enchanting Fairy Bridge

You know the Highlands are just steeped in stories, right? So I really couldn't resist seeking out one of its most enchanting spots – the Fairy Bridge of Glen Creran. There’s a certain feeling you get in places like this, a sense of history and myth all woven together, and honestly, it felt like stepping through a door into another dimension for a moment. The atmosphere was so captivating and charming, it immediately sparked an idea for a new watercolour painting – my way of trying to capture that blend of nature and folklore.

When Nature Becomes the Muse: Awakening Creativity

Speaking of painting, something truly wonderful happened for me in the Highlands. I'd been feeling a bit creatively blocked before the trip, but being immersed in this raw, powerful nature – the colours, the dramatic shapes of the mountains, the whispers of ancient magic, even just the feeling of the wind – it felt like it unlocked something inside me. My artistic spirit felt properly reignited in a way I hadn't felt for a long time. It was such a clear reminder of how vital that connection to the natural world is for my own well-being and creativity. Nature really is the greatest muse!

The Highland Heartbeat: Why We Fell in Love

Looking back, it’s easy to see why the Highlands captured our hearts so completely. It was a combination of everything – the awe-inspiring scale of the landscapes, the thrill of the journey, the deep peace found in nature, the old tales and that powerful resurgence of creative energy. It felt vast, wild, and incredibly alive. It was more than just beautiful scenery; it felt like connecting with something ancient and profound, finding that touch of enchantment in the very fabric of the land.

Watch the Full Highland Adventure Unfold!

I've tried to capture the feeling in words and pictures here, but to truly experience the journey –the driving, exploring enchanting locations, and seeing the Fairy Bridge, my new artwork, I'd recommend watching the video. I've shared it all in the second video of my Scotland series, which you can find here:

Over to You!

I'd love to know – have the Scottish Highlands ever called to you? Or is there a place in nature that deeply inspires your creativity? Share your thoughts in the comments below or over on the YouTube video!

If you'd like to follow along with more vanlife, art, and magic from this trip and beyond, you can find my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@Hanna-Nygren  where the rest of the Scotland series will unfold.

Stay enchanted, Hanna ✨🦋