A romantic, escorted date in Bonnie Scotland

There are perks to city living. Amazing restaurants and bars nearby, and a constant cascade of cultural must-sees. It’s impossible to be bored or poorly fed. Then, of course, there’s abundant, luxurious accommodation for indulgent nights away or mini-breaks.

Manchester is my main frolicking ground. And although I love the energy and opportunity of the metropolis, I’m an adventurous soul who regularly enjoys life’s pleasures beyond the city limits.

A perfectly timed invite

I’d just been thinking about how much I’d love a romantic break away, when an email arrived in my inbox. Someone whose company I very much enjoyed was inviting me to swap my daily commute for the rolling countryside and Manchester’s high rises for the Highland hills. The universe had picked up my signals and smiled. It was giving this city girl a chance to satisfy her countryside-loving Hart.

I was already going to say yes. Autumn is the perfect time to visit beautiful Bonnie Scotland. The red, gold, and amber leaves lend the landscape a romantic hue. And breathing in crisp, fresh Highland air while marvelling at the endless views is truly a tonic for the soul.

Oh, I’m so dramatic aren’t I?

After several moments of daydreaming, when I returned to reading the email, I found I’d been invited to stay in my favourite North of the Border hotel. (Cue excited little gasp escaping my lips.)

Naturally, I accepted and the planning began. Because while I enjoy moments of spontaneity, it’s rarely wise to leave an entire romantic weekend away with me to chance.

The pleasures of planning

Organising a wonderful weekend itinerary is one of my favourite things. So imagine my delight when my date asked if I’d help plan some adventures to make our trip even more memorable.

Having been to this area of Scotland before, I was familiar with the pleasures on offer. So I paired my local knowledge with

• what I already knew about my date’s character and his preferences (remember, we’d met before)
• the suggestions he’d kindly sent to inspire me
• my own interests and desires for the weekend. (It’s important we both enjoy ourselves, because mutual pleasure ensures a natural flow.)

Once we’d agreed on how we’d fill our 48 hours in Bonnie Scotland, I locked in the date and plans he preferred. Cue a mutually excited little gasp as each of us anticipated what was in store.

The weekend arrives

We’d agreed to make the (roughly) 4-hour drive from Manchester separately.

I didn’t mind. As I left the bright lights of Manchester behind me, and the M6 scenery morphed from urban sprawl into the rolling hills of the Lake District, I smiled. My mind wandered to the weekend’s upcoming events and the special moments I knew we’d share. During the quiet of the drive, I felt a sense of peace as I pictured our destination.

Our stunningly beautiful hotel was once dubbed a “Riviera in the Highlands.” I felt thankful to be visiting it again. And with the promise of wonderful company, I knew we’d make the most of the amenities on offer.

We had chosen the perfect setting to relax and unwind together over the coming days.

Playing up amongst the heather

After the long drive, we took a refreshing moment to settle in before heading out to start our beyond-the-room adventures. After all, 48 hours really isn’t that long. And we were intent on making the most of the beautiful landscape surrounding us.

Load and release. A morning of clay pigeon shooting

For our first full morning, I’d arranged a session at the shooting school. I hadn’t handled a shotgun in a while. But I was confident that with a quick refresher lesson, my natural ability to load, work and release would kick in.

Stepping onto the shooting range awakened my senses. I breathed in the crisp morning air, noting the scent of damp earth and gunpowder. After completing the safety brief, I was ready for the challenge.

We both had to warm up and refine our aim. But, ultimately, I triumphed with the Beretta shotgun. And I soon remembered why shooting clays is a favourite country pastime of mine—the weight of the gun, the warmth of the wooden stock contrasted against the cool metal of the barrel, how perfect timing is essential when it comes to pulling the trigger.

Dinner – Satisfying our appetite for fine Scottish fare

After a day spent shooting, hiking and enjoying the scenery, we were famished and more than ready to settle in for a fine-dining experience.. We weren’t disappointed.

We dined at the world-renowned Andrew Fairlie restaurant, and it was exquisite. Wherever I am in the world, I love to sample local produce, and the two-star dégustation menu showcased Scotland’s larder perfectly.

We relished

• Scotch beef tartare
• King scallops
• home-smoked Scottish lobster
• roe deer from the borders.

It was a menu worthy of Aphrodite.

I know my limits where alcohol is concerned, so I chose not to sample the dégustation wine pairings. (Although I couldn’t help admiring the wine list, which included my favourite New World white and some delicious Rhône Valley reds.)

Dressing for the occasion

Packing for a weekend of adventure, relaxation and fine dining calls for a mix of creativity, comfort and class.

Outfit 1: A twist on traditional Scottish attire

To enter into the spirit of our Scottish adventure, I treated myself to a sexy little Harris Tweed kilt, which I paired with a wax coat and my Dubarry boots. (A staple in every country girl’s wardrobe.)

Feeling cheeky, I journeyed north in my new mini kilt having first adopted the appropriate tradition when it comes to kilt-wearing.

Outfit 2: Ralph Lauren on the range

While this outfit was intended to somewhat distract my date, it was also sublimely comfortable for shooting.

I chose purple jodhpurs, which hug my long legs. The inside leather patches brush softly together with each stride. It’s impossible not to know the cause of the sound.

I paired these with my fitted Ralph Lauren gilet, which is a beauty for accentuating my slim waist.

Outfit 3: A classic LBD for dinner

I take great pleasure in dressing for dinner. In fact, I adore it. I’m happy to fulfil special requests and work those requests in with my personal style.

On this occasion, I was asked to wear “a killer dress to dinner.” Challenge accepted.

I chose a dress to blend my favourite look: 1950s Hollywood screen siren with a sophisticated modern twist.

A figure-hugging satin LBD that clung to my curves, complemented by a pair of exquisite high heels and a Chanel pearl necklace. (And I just love a pearl necklace.)

Back to reality

Checkout time arrived too quickly. I was sad to say goodbye to my wonderful date, the beautiful hotel and the stunning Scottish scenery. The weekend reminded me how much I need regular outdoor explorations and adventures, and how grateful I am to have people who want to share those moments with me.

But I was also feeling sated. I was ready to ease back into the creature comforts that make Manchester my home, knowing full well I’d allow the city to consume me until it was time for Diana, the country companion, to come out to play again.

Will you be my next highland fling?

If, like me, you yearn for romantic getaways to enjoy closeness without distraction, why don’t we escape together?

Let’s start planning.

PLEASE NOTE: Permission was granted by the gentleman mentioned in this blog to reveal details of our Highland adventure. I will never post any details of the times that we share on this blog without prior consent.