Road trip
August 2022
Ah Scotland... after hearing about this famous country for so long, it was time for me to set off on another adventure.
A land of legends and mystery, Scotland not only offers breathtaking landscapes but also a chance to flirt with history, imagination and legends.
It is not for nothing that the country's totem animal is the unicorn.
Dear Muggles, if you're about to read this article, then prepare yourself for one possibility: magic and ghosts really do exist, at least in Scotland... welcome to my memories of an unforgettable trip.
The challenge: 11 days to discover as much as possible of Scotland!
We were lucky enough to have a car with us, which allowed us to do a good tour of the country in a loop.
In total we covered more than 900 kilometers, a great achievement, right?
Day 1 & 2: Edinburgh
Day 3: Inverness
Day 4: Fort William
Day 6 & 7: Isle of Skye
Day 8 & 9: Glasgow
Day 10: Dunblane / Stirling
We occasionally used the train, which is also quite convenient for traveling between major cities.
Edinburgh
Scottish chic
Dominated by its impregnable castle, the city that saw the birth of the famous Harry Potter story is a very good starting point for exploring the country.
Arthur's Seat
Literally nicknamed Arthur's Seat, this hill steeped in history is located in the heart of the city and offers a great view of the surrounding landscapes. Whether you wear sneakers or hiking boots, the walk is well worth the detour. (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes)
Mary King's Close
The ''closes'' are small alleys typical of Edinburgh. Perpendicular to the main artery of the old town, the Royal Mile, they are narrow, cramped and dark. For good reason, they served during the Middle Ages to connect the homes of the poorest, who lived below the wealthiest. Edinburgh is the first city to have experimented with the concept of multi-story dwellings, the origins of tenements and skyscrapers. The closes were often witnesses to many tragedies such as the plague epidemic, numerous murders, etc.
They are still accessible today, you can simply go for a walk to imagine the stories of the past and enjoy beautiful views, or participate in tourist activities, which also allows you to learn more about history thanks to the guide.
This is what Mary King's Close offers. Named after a bourgeois merchant, this close is reputed to be particularly haunted... It's up to you to form your own opinion by embarking on a journey into the city's underground!
Greyfriar's Cemetery
Yes, yes, it's indeed a cemetery that I suggest you take a walk in... but not just any cemetery. Here you can discover the story of Greyfriars Bobby, a famous Scottish dog. As you wander the paths, you can also find the names of some very famous magicians...
Victoria's Street
For Harry Potter fans, this street is Diagon Alley, but in augmented reality. It's here that J.K. Rowling found her inspiration, just a stone's throw from Greyfriar's Cemetery. Today, you'll naturally find Harry Potter shops there.
Even if you're not a fan of the best saga in the world, this street is very nice to visit with its colorful shops, and its specialty: a two-story street!
Festivals
August traditionally hosts the Edinburgh Festival. It's actually several festivals centered around art (theater, music, dance, comedy, etc.). For 31 days, you can enjoy street entertainment and numerous shows. The atmosphere in the streets is even more fantastic!
Cairngorms National Park
On the road to Loch Ness from Edinburgh, you'll find the Cairngorms National Park. There are several hikes of varying lengths available. The park offers a chance to gain some altitude amidst the forest, surrounded by vegetation and waterfalls. The site is popular for activities like canyoning, or simply for a stroll with a picnic, as we did.
Loch Ness
Nessie are you there?
The famous place doesn't fit the standard image of a lake, much larger, with dark water. It surely holds secrets between its waves...
Urquhart Castle is located on the riverbank and can be visited, but if you are there in high season, make sure you book in advance (unlike us).
Glenfinnan
Don't be late for Hogwarts...
To continue the wizarding pilgrimage a little further, your next stop will be at Glenfinnan, between Fort William and Mallaig.
And then the magic happens... I SAW THE HOGWARTS EXPRESS!!
Yes, yes, it's the same one, I swear, just like in the movies. Thrills guaranteed...
This movie set is located in a beautiful and mystical landscape, between hills and misty clouds.
The viaduct is still used daily by trains, both the so-called "normal" ones and the historic steam train called "Jacobite". The latter normally runs four times a day during the summer season, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. You can check the timetables online, but plan to be a little early because of the crowds, to give yourself time to park and find the best spot (about a 15-20 minute walk up the hill).
🧙♀️ 🧙
On the other side of the viaduct the scenery is just as impressive with the Jacobite Memorial and Loch Eilit, which is once again linked to Harry Potter as it is the main lake filmed to embody the Hogwarts lake.
In short, the energy of the place grabs you and transports you. (Legend has it that some people had tears in their eyes...).
Eilean Donan
Eilean Donan is a small island, close to the Isle of Skye, but it is much smaller than the latter because its castle covers almost the entire available space. It is possible to visit the interior of the castle, or just the exterior for only £3, which already allows you to really immerse yourself in the place.
Isle of Skye
Scotland in its purest form...
The Isle of Skye allows you to take your change of scenery even further.
Accessible by ferry or car, the island immerses you in an even more natural, isolated and wild environment.
Compared to the Spanish or even the French, the Scots eat early in the evening, and even more so on the Isle of Skye. After 8 p.m., it's very difficult to find somewhere to eat, so try to plan your meals ahead of time.
Old Mann of Storr
This hike is one of the most famous on the Isle of Skye. It's fairly quick and easy, although you still have to climb to the top of the mountain (about 2 hours in total). The route forms a loop and allows you to enjoy the surrounding landscape, if the weather is good, of course!
Quiraing
Quiraing is a volcanic plateau, formed by a landslide. The lush green surroundings, contrasted by the shapes of the mountains and the sea, give the impression of being alone in another world (one of my favorite places on Skye).
Quite early in the morning the place is quiet, almost without tourists even in the middle of summer, it is the perfect time to enjoy the place.
Fairy Glen
Fairy Glen, in French the valley of the fairies, is a place that lives up to its name. The setting and atmosphere are simply magical, with small hills and verdant crater-like formations. By climbing a little, you can once again gain height over the site and its spiraling stones, feeling as if you've entered the lair of the fairies.
Glasgow
We started our trip in Edinburgh, now we've arrived in the other major Scottish city: welcome to Glasgow! The atmosphere is completely different here. Both cities have their own distinct characters.
In Glasgow, a large student city, the atmosphere is more "quiet," more urban. While maintaining the typical feel that can be felt in the architecture in particular, the traditional blends with the modernity of the new buildings.
Here you will find many places to go out and enjoy the nightlife (Buchanan Street).
Glasgow Green
The city has several public parks, and the Green is the oldest. It's very pleasant on a summer day!
Ashton Lane
This street is located in Glasgow's West End, a rather boho-chic neighborhood with its small garlands and floral facades. Between restaurants, bars, and shops, the stroll is well worth the detour.
Necropolis
This city of the dead is located on a hill east of Glasgow. It is impressive in its size and architecture and also offers a bird's eye view of the city of the living.
The Root of Magic
The last spot for wizards, this bar is dedicated to the world of Harry Potter. The varied menu offers sweet and savory (and magical) food, but also, and above all, surprising cocktails! They all refer to a character or a significant event in the story, and their presentation is a spectacle in itself (smoking, sparkling, colorful cocktails, etc.).
Glencoe
The Glencoe Valley in the Highlands is crossed by a single road, which allows you to travel through the impressive landscapes.
The place is all the more special because it was the site of a massacre , that of members of the Donald clan in the 17th century. The least we can say is that the landscape does not leave us unmoved.
FOOD
FOOD
FISH & CHIPS
For once, it's time to play Top Chef and analyze (after tasting of course) the culinary specialties of our dear Scottish friends.
By the way, did you know that the Scotland/France alliance is the oldest historically written alliance?
A cliché of British cuisine, we absolutely had to try the real Scottish Fish & Chips!
Shops are on almost every street corner and the delicious smell in the air means you won't be able to resist for long...
Fish & chips to go, very local... and very good: Sammy's Fish & Chips Shop
HAGGIS
Haggis is the traditional Scottish dish, meaning sheep's stomach stuffed with minced meat (sheep offal and oats). So yes, maybe it doesn't sound like a dream, but it's almost a shame, being a Frenchman who is used to eating frogs! 😉 Most often served with mashed potatoes, it's even better with whisky sauce. We approve!!
The Ubiquitous Chip restaurant in Glasgow is the perfect place to enjoy your first Haggis. As well as satisfying your taste buds, the decor will delight you.
GIN & WHISHY
If you're a fan of alcohol, Scotland is the perfect place to try a variety of gin and whiskey. Forget the classic London gin and opt for more local spirits. You'll make some great discoveries! (Edinburgh Gin, Misty Isle Gin, Hendricks, etc.).
If you are a fan of these sweet drinks, don't hesitate to stop off and visit a distillery during your trip; you will find several along the way (e.g. Talisker distillery on the Isle of Skye).
FRIED FOOD, YOU WANT IT, HERE IT IS
Just as typical, in Scotland you will come across a kind of fast food restaurant called "Blue Lagoon". There everything is fried, absolutely everything. So if you want to indulge your curiosity you can try fried pizza, fried sausages, fried Mars, yes you read that right... It's the ideal meal for partygoers at 2am but I recommend you have a strong stomach if you try the (fat) adventure.
STEP-BY-STEP POINTS TO SOFTEN THE JOURNEY
It can take several hours to reach your next destination on a road trip, so don't hesitate to make stops. Inverness and Fort William are particularly well-suited cities for overnight stops.
I'm taking this opportunity to give you a little recap of the accommodations we stayed in.
Edinburgh:
The + : bar and terrace upstairs very lively, it’s a perfect place for young people traveling in Scotland
Inverness:
The + : the cozy setting and the location close to the city center
Isle of Skye :
The + : the delicious breakfast!
Glasgow:
The + : good geographical location with a view of the city
Haggis
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
WHEN TO LEAVE?
LOCAL CURRENCY
MY ADVICE
The local currency is the pound sterling.
£1 = €1.18
Remember to have a valid passport, shoes as motivated as you are, as well as windproof clothing.
Summer is definitely the best time to go to Scotland in my opinion: reasonable temperatures and a better chance of sunshine. Especially since some places or activities may be closed in winter.
Maniway