Exploring Scotland: A Journey Beyond Expectations
We love traveling like locals, renting a car, and always seeking off-the-beaten-path places.
Our trip to Scotland was everything we imagined and more. We love traveling like locals, renting a car, and always seeking out off-the-beaten-path places. Strolling around the streets of Edinburgh felt like walking onto a Harry Potter set. The city was absolutely beautiful, with its rich history, vibrant culture, fascinating museums, majestic castles, elegant palaces, efficient trams, and delicious food.
Edinburgh’s Old Town, with its winding cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings, inspired much of the architecture in the Harry Potter series. The Elephant House café, where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the early books, is a must-visit for fans. We also explored the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. This historic fortress has witnessed many significant events in Scottish history and offers stunning views of the city. Another highlight was the National Museum of Scotland, where we marveled at exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to modern innovations.
A day trip to St. Andrews was equally wonderful. Always take the scenic route! Maneuvering through small towns and roundabouts, stopping along the way, added to the charm. For golf enthusiasts, it doesn’t get much better than St. Andrews, home to the oldest golf course in the world. The Old Course at St. Andrews, often referred to as the “Home of Golf,” has a history dating back to the 15th century.
Next, we headed to Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, with a lovely stop in the town of Pitlochry. Pitlochry’s charming streets and delightful lunch spots made for a perfect break. Inverness itself is steeped in history and culture, known for its beautiful landscapes and as a gateway to the Highlands. The town, situated at the best crossing place of the River Ness, has been a significant center since the time of the Picts. We visited Inverness Castle, a striking red sandstone structure overlooking the River Ness. The current castle, built in the 19th century, stands on the site of a succession of fortresses dating back to the 11th century. The castle’s history is rich with tales of battles and sieges.
Although we didn’t find Nessie, the legendary Loch Ness monster, we did encounter breathtaking scenery and several magnificent castles. Eilean Donan Castle, perched at the meeting point of three sea lochs, looks like something out of a fairytale and was amazing to explore.
Our next destination was the magical Isle of Skye, which was absolutely stunning. We spent a day hiking the Fairy Pools, a series of crystal-clear blue pools on the River Brittle, surrounded by the dramatic Cuillin mountains. The drive itself was an adventure, with narrow, winding roads offering spectacular views.
On our way to Loch Lomond, we stopped to hike the aqueduct, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Hogwarts Express. We then drove along the A82 in Glen Etive, famously featured in the James Bond movie “Skyfall,” where M is taken3 Loch Lomond, with its serene waters and lush surroundings, was the perfect destination to end our journey. The area offers a variety of activities, from boat trips to hiking trails, making it a haven for nature lovers.
Scotland’s beauty, history, and culture left an indelible mark on us. Each destination offered its own unique charm, making this trip truly unforgettable.
