Great Escapes is a series about how sometimes travel doesn't go as planned, and how those moments often lead to the best stories. From a daring rescue atop the highest mountain in the Alps, to the moment two American tourists realized they were trapped inside a centuries-old Scottish castle.

Read along with the first episode here.

You can find the series in written audio and video formats by visiting cnn.com/travel. We'd love to hear your feedback on this episode. Let us know what you think by contacting CNN Travel via the contact form embedded in our articles.

Writer & Narrator: Francesca Street

Producer: Dan Bloom

Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig

Editor: David Allan

Global Editor, CNN Travel: Barry Neild

VP, Digital Franchises: Robert Boyle