Trip to Edinburgh

A Spring Trip to Edinburgh – and the Charming St. Mary’s Cathedral

Scotland in April surprised me – not with cold or fog, but with exceptionally warm and sunny weather. Spring was in full bloom: flowers were blooming, the wind was gentle, and the landscapes looked like they were straight out of a painting.

My journey began in Portree, Isle of Skye, from where I continued by bus through the highlands towards Inverness – and that route was an experience in itself. The road ran right next to Loch Ness, and although the mystical monster did not appear, the atmosphere was magical. The lake lay quiet and peaceful, the surrounding hills and occasional stone houses created an almost timeless landscape.

From Inverness I continued my journey by train towards Edinburgh. The train journey through Scotland was one of the highlights of the trip – the scenery from the train window changed from moors to green valleys, old villages and stone bridges. It was easy to just lean back, let the scenery flow by and let your thoughts wander. The train was peaceful, and the journey seemed to go by far too quickly.

I arrived in Edinburgh in the afternoon, and as soon as I stepped out of the station, I was immediately captivated by the city’s unique atmosphere. The old architecture, narrow alleys, and stone walls bathed in the spring sun made an immediate impression.

However, one place stood out in my mind: St. Mary’s Cathedral.

The cathedral, slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of the city center, was peaceful and impressive. Its Gothic features, tall towers, and beautifully curved arches created a sense of quiet awe. Inside, there was an almost sacred atmosphere – the silence, the light filtering through the colored stained glass windows, and the echo of the stone walls created a momentary detachment from time and place.

After a five-day stay, it was time to head back to Skye – this time by bus, all the way from Edinburgh via Inverness back to the island. Although the route was familiar, the leisurely pace of the bus journey gave me another chance to immerse myself in the scenery and quiet thoughts.

If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, I highly recommend combining nature, history and the peace of a train journey – just like I did. And when you arrive in Edinburgh, take a moment to stop at St. Mary’s Cathedral. It may not be the most well-known sight, but that’s exactly why it sticks in your mind – quiet, beautiful and genuinely moving.