TOP 7 THINGS TO DO IN SCOTLAND
I have always thought about travelling to Scotland, after watching so many movies that are set in the spectacular Scottish Highlands. I have always dreamed about visiting Loch Ness and exploring the Scottish Highlands. I started my trip in Edinburgh, where I explored the city for 4 days and then jumped on my Haggis Adventures Coast to Coast 7-day Tour around Scotland, which I booked through TourRadar.
Starting in Edinburgh and driving to Loch Ness with some stops along the way. Then heading north to explore the Orkney Islands for 2 days, where I saw some historic neolithic sites. After catching a ferry back to the mainland, we stopped at an amazing castle before heading back to Loch Ness. We had a free day at Loch Ness, so I decided to take a fast rib boat ride looking for Nessie. The last few days were spent exploring, Glencoe and taking a trip on the Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express).
If you want to see what I got up to in Scotland, then keep scrolling for more info & photos from my travels.
1. Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of my favourite cities in the world, I didn't realise how much I would love it. I spent 4 days exploring the city before my Haggis Adventures tour started. Walking the streets of Edinburgh is an experience on its own, with bagpipes echoing throughout the streets, cobblestones throughout the old town and the thought of my Harry Potter acceptance letter coming in the mail. There is definitely something about the city that leaves me wanting to go back soon.
I explored Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, The Royal Mile, Victoria Street, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Calton Hill and Camera Obscura & World of Optical Illusions. I recommend walking Arthur's Seat to see the spectacular view from the top, the trail takes over 2.5 hours to complete, but so worth it!!
Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile are a must see when in Edinburgh. The road leading up to the castle from the Palace of Holyroodhouse is called the Royal Mile. This is the main street in Edinburgh Old Town, with lots of restaurants, pubs, shops and plenty of old charm. You can find plenty of shops that sell cashmere and other material scarves, hats and beanies. Camera Obscura & World of Optical Illusions is located just near the castle on the Royal Mile. If you are looking for something a little different and fun to do I recommend going.
Edinburgh Castle can be seen from all around the city, it is located on top of Castle Rock. Like all places in Edinburgh, I got to the castle early in the morning to avoid the ques and it was the best decision. I really enjoyed walking around the castle with my audio guide and learning about the history of Edinburgh and the Castle. There is so much to see and do in the city and is a perfect addition to the bucket list.
Location: 55.9533° N, 3.1883° W
2. Orkney Islands
The Orkney Islands is a must-see location in Scotland, located off the north coast of mainland Scotland. To get to the islands you need to take a 1-hour ferry that arrives at St Margaret’s Hope. From there you can explore the islands and discover Neolithic artefacts that are located all across the different islands.
Explore Skara Brae, Tomb of the Eagle, Standing Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar, the Kitcheners Memorial, St Magnus Cathedral, Orkney Brewery, Kirkwall and many other destinations. I spent two days in Orkney and loved every second of it. Kirkwall is the main town of the Northern Isles and the capital of Orkney. Kirkwall is a quiet seaside town with a real Scottish feel to it. Would recommend staying in Kirkwall during your stay, as it has a few shops and local restaurants.
Location: 58.9809° N, 2.9605° W
3. Loch Ness
Loch Ness always comes to mind first when I think of Scotland! I have always wanted to go Loch Ness and spot Nessie!! I didn't realise how big the loch is! I went on an hour rib boat ride from Fort Augustus to Urquhart Castle and back, it was really fun and would recommend to do it, or you can rent canoes. Fort Augustus is located at the south-west end of Loch Ness with a population of around 646. It is the main tourist destination in Loch Ness, with Boat trips, restaurants, gift shops, other cute shops.
Loch Ness has a lot of nature all around you, a selection of walking tracks and plenty of green scenery. I fell in love with Scotland even more after exploring Loch Ness. But unfortunately, I didn't get to spot the Loch Ness monster!
Location: 57.3229° N, 4.4244° W
4. Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express)
One of my favourite things on the tour was taking a train ride on the Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express)!!!! The steam train is famous for being in the Harry Potter films. The train travels over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which is famous for being used in the Harry Potter films.
The steam train trip is a return journey from Fort William to Mallaig. The Haggis Adventures tour only does a one way trip from Fort William to Mallaig, as the bus meets us in Mallaig and then the tour continues on to the next destination. The scenery out the window is breathtaking, I suggest that you go on the steam train. I also suggest that you book a 1st class ticket as the cabins look like the cabins with sliding doors from Harry Potter. I was in standard seating which was good but I would have paid the extra for the experience.
Location: Fort William PH33 6GD, UK
5. Glencoe
Glencoe! What an amazing scene! Can’t get over how pretty Scotland is!! Glencoe is a steep-sided valley in the Scottish Highlands. It is known for its waterfalls and trails that climb peaks such as Buachaille Etive Mor and Bidean Nam Bian. We stopped here for an hour or so and walked down towards a river and chilled out for a bit. Can’t wait to go back to Scotland in the winter time and see it differently Glencoe covered in Snow!!
Location: 56.6826° N, 5.1023° W
6. Dunrobin Castle
Dunrobin Castle is a Scottish castle that resembles a French château with its towering conical spires. It is the most northerly castle in Scotland and the largest with 189 rooms!! Dunrobin Castle is on the east coast of the Northern Highlands overlooking the Moray Firth, just north of the villages of Golspie and Dornoch.
The castle looks like something out of a Disney movie! You can walk around the gardens and also walk through the castle and see the rooms, which are set up to look original. There is also a falconry show, which is the ancient art of hunting with birds of prey. T'sere is a daily bird's of prey flying demonstrations during the summer months. The spectacular bird carer showed us a golden eagle, peregrine falcons and an owl!
Location: Golspie KW10 6SF, UK
7. Kilchurn Castle
A little stop at a cute castle called Kilchurn Castle. Kilchurn Castle is a ruined castle on a rocky peninsula at the northeastern end of Loch Awe, in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It was first constructed in the mid-15th century. The land around the castle is full of bluebells and it looks so pretty!! There are Highland Cows in the land surrounding the castle! This was my first close encounter with the Highland Cows. I got some up close photos and touched one of the cows for a second before it swang its horns around and nearly got me!! haha 🙂 There was a ram/ goat hanging around and giving me the stink eye, I thought it was going to ram me and I had nothing to hide behind! haha! I slowly crept away and then ran haha
Location: Lochawe, Dalmally PA33 1AF, UK
IF YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE ALL THIS AND MORE, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND CHECKING OUT THE 7 DAY TOUR I DID IN SCOTLAND WITH TOURRADAR