Scotland: A Return Written in the Stars (and Storms)
My love affair with Scotland began in 2019 with a short, three-night stay in Edinburgh. We stayed along the Royal Mile, soaking in the history, the stone streets, and that unmistakable Scottish charm. One day, we rented a car and drove straight into the Highlands—just as far as daylight would allow before turning back.
That single day changed everything.
The rolling hills, moody skies, and dramatic landscapes made one thing very clear: Scotland deserved a dedicated trip.
Fast-forward to 2025, and that long-awaited return finally happened.
After a quick 24-hour stop in London, we landed in Edinburgh and immediately headed west.
Stirling, Castles & First Sips of Whisky
Our first stop was Stirling, a town steeped in Scottish history. We visited Stirling Castle, perched high above the landscape, offering sweeping views and a powerful sense of Scotland’s royal past. Nearby, the Wallace Monument stands tall in honor of William Wallace—an emotional and inspiring tribute that really grounds you in the country’s story of independence.
From there, we enjoyed lunch and our first casual whisky experience of the trip—a relaxed, welcoming introduction that hinted at what would become a recurring theme throughout our journey.
Before continuing west, we made a stop at Doune Castle, instantly recognizable as a filming location from Outlander, Monty Python, and Game of Thrones. Standing inside those stone walls felt surreal—equal parts history and pop culture magic.
Oban & A Night Steeped in Storybook Charm
As we drove closer to Oban, the roads narrowed, twisted, and felt increasingly remote—in the very best way. That evening, we arrived at Glencruitten House, a stay that felt like stepping into another era.
The house was full of character: winding staircases, hidden hallways, unique rooms, and even a two-bedroom suite with a secret back entrance. Wandering the grounds at dusk added just the right touch of mystery and spookiness.
We ended the night in the whisky library, chatting with fellow travelers, sampling Scottish whiskies, and soaking in the warm, communal atmosphere. It was one of those evenings you wish you could bottle.
The next morning, we explored Oban—often called the seafood capital of Scotland. Fresh mussels, oysters, and crab from the famous pier shack (complete with a sign warning, “Beware, theft by seagulls!”) made for an unforgettable lunch.
We followed that with a visit to Oban Distillery, where I had my first true whisky tasting experience. Let’s just say—I discovered exactly what I like.
Afterward, we explored McCaig’s Tower, Dunollie Castle, and then set off for our next adventure.
Harry Potter Magic & Arrival on the Isle of Skye
A must-stop along the way was the Glenfinnan Viaduct, famously featured in the Harry Potter films as the route of the Hogwarts Express. Watching the viaduct curve gracefully through the landscape was pure movie magic—even without the steam train passing that day.
From there, we continued toward the Isle of Skye—a destination that had lived on my bucket list for years.
And Skye made quite the entrance.
Storms, Sun & Skye’s Wild Beauty
They warn you about the weather on Skye—and they are not kidding. A massive storm rolled in as we arrived, greeting us with rain, wind, and lightning. But nothing was going to stop us.
Bundled in rain gear, we explored Portree, grabbed lunch, and stopped at Skye’s Oldest Bakery for a cozy snack before heading to Neist Point Lighthouse—where winds clocked in at 85 mph. Standing there was exhilarating, humbling, and unforgettable.
That night brought another surprise: no electricity at our accommodation. Armed with extra blankets and an oil lamp, we turned in early—proof that Skye always has its own plans.
The following day? Sunshine.
Still windy, but absolutely stunning. We hiked the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing, both offering jaw-dropping views that made every step worth it. Two days barely scratched the surface—I already know I’ll be back.
Castles, Cows & Loch Ness Legends
Leaving Skye, we crossed back to the mainland, stopping at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle—one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. Before reaching it, we stumbled upon Manuela’s Wee Bakery Takeaway, an adorable, unexpected gem.
Next stop: Inverness—but not before seeing if we could spot Nessie.
Just outside Inverness, I had one of the most magical experiences of the trip: afternoon tea with Highland cows at Quila Cridhe at Drumbuie Farm. Tea sandwiches, warm drinks, and up-close time with these gentle, shaggy beauties—it was truly a bucket-list moment.
We followed that with a boat cruise on Loch Ness, scanning the deep waters for a glimpse of the legendary monster. Nessie may have stayed hidden, but the scenery alone was worth it.
As night fell, we enjoyed food, live music, and whisky in Inverness—ending the day exactly as it deserved.
Whisky Trail, Coastal Towns & A Perfect Farewell
Our next leg took us along Scotland’s famed whisky trail, touring Aberlour Distillery and Cardhu Distillery, with a stop at the atmospheric ruins of Elgin Cathedral in between.
One of my favorite stays was at The Mash Tun, where we stayed in the Glenlivet Suite. The highlight? A luxurious, freestanding tub—perfect for a long soak after days of exploring. Dinner on-site was so good we never felt the need to leave.
Before returning to Edinburgh, we stopped in St Andrews, hitting a few golf balls and enjoying lunch in the charming coastal town—historic, relaxed, and effortlessly beautiful.
Back in Edinburgh, the city buzzed with energy thanks to the Fringe Festival. We walked the Royal Mile, toured the castle, enjoyed the Johnnie Walker Princes Street, listened to live music, and—on a whim—all three of us got tattoos.
No regrets.
A Trip I’ll Carry Forever
This journey became one of my all-time favorite trips—made even more special by sharing it with my husband (who is 40% Scottish!) and our oldest son. Scotland welcomed us with storms, sunshine, history, and heart—and I already know it won’t be our last visit.