Scotland’s allure lies in its captivating landscapes, rich history, vibrant cities, and welcoming people. Scotland’s landscape ranges from rugged mountains to serene lochs. The Scottish Highlands, a vast and wild region, boast some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe.

Places I visited during my 11 day tour of Scotland

While Scotland is a small country, there is so much to see and do. Here are the places I visited during my 11 days in Scotland.

DAY 1 and 2

Glasgow

I started my tour in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. Glasgow is located in the western Lowlands.

After a 7 hour overnight flight my first day in Scotland was all about eating and catching up on sleep.

I spent my first full day (day 2) exploring Glasgow’s Victorian and art nouveau architecture.

My tip for you when exploring any city is to look up. Many architectural features are on the top of buildings. One interesting structure in Glasgow that is easily missed is the clock tower over the Central Station Hotel. Constructed in the 1800’s, it has an impressive lead-clad summit unlike clock towers in other major cities.

The Grand Central railway station is one of the most interesting buildings in Glasgow. It boasts a glass roof in the main concourse and an Edwardian-era booking office and information building. It is also home to bespoke gift shops, flower shops, and cafes.

Walking along Mitchell Street I came across the Tower of Glasgow Herald Building. Designed to look like a lighthouse, inside the building the spiral staircase leads to an observation deck that overlooks the city.

In the afternoon I took a ride on a hop-on-hop-off bus around the city. Where possible I always take a city tour. Hop on hop off buses highlight places of interest and provide commentary on the history of the city and the buildings. My advice would be to do the complete route first time around without getting off. This allows you to take note of the places you want to explore. The bus ticket normally allows you to hop on and off over a 24 hour period which means you can go back to the places that interest you.

DAY 3

Alloway, Ayrshire

Using Glasgow as a base, you can easily take day tours to interesting places just outside the city. On my third day in Glasgow I took a bus to Alloway in Ayrshire, birth place of Scotland’s national poet, Robbie Burns.

Alloway is a small village. It is easy to access all it has to offer on foot. While in Alloway I visited the Burns Cottage, The Burns Museum, The Auld Kirk, the Brig o’ Doon, and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. Fortunately the weather was beautiful on the day I visited, which made for a very relaxing stroll. I, of course, had my umbrella with me, just in case. Like Ireland, Scotland gets a lot of rain so don’t forget to pack your raincoat and umbrella.

Alloway is the setting for Robbie Burn’s poem “Tam o’ Shanter”. Dotted around the grounds of the Burn’s Cottage are pieces of art depicting some of Burn’s most famous poems.

If, like me, you enjoy visiting old cemeteries the Auld Kirk in Alloway is worth a visit. The cemetery, now a ruin, dates back to the 16th century and is where Robbie Burn’s father is buried.

Day 4

Loch Lomond and Fort William

After saying goodbye to Glasgow, we headed north to the Scottish Highlands. Today’s destination was Inverness with stops at Loch Lomond and Fort William. On this day the rain was so heavy I had to stop at a gift shop and buy a second rain coat (the one I had on got completely soaked through). Unfortunately the rain made it impossible to see the beauty of Loch Lomond. It is important to remember that while travelling sometimes the best laid plans will change at a moments notice due to circumstances beyond your control. Going with the flow and not stressing about change is important.

Leaving Loch Lomond we made our way to Fort William, a town in Lochaber. Fort William is the second largest settlement in the Scottish Highlands. It is steeped in history which includes several battles and the suppression of the Jacobite Rising. Our time here was short but I would encourage you to spend a day exploring the town and surrounding areas if you have time. Walking and hiking trails, snow sports, and cruises around Loch Linnhe makes Fort William an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts.

Day 5 and 6

Inverness

Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and the Isle of Skye Bridge

When visiting Scotland a cruise around Loch Ness is a must. Apart from the possibility of seeing Nessie, the scenery is amazing. We took our cruise in the morning, just as the mist was rising. This made for a very eerie and beautiful landscape. As you can see from the image above, the reflection of the low lying clouds in the water added to the beauty of the scene.

We disembarked at Urquhart Castle.

This 13th century castle is strategically perched on a rocky promontory. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of Loch Ness. The architecture reflects its storied past, with remnants of towers, walls, and a gatehouse hinting of its former grandeur. It isn’t hard to imagine its medieval heyday. Urquahart Castle stands as both a testament to Scotland’s turbulent history and a beacon for those seeking to connect with the country’s rich heritage.

The visitor center allows you to explore the castle’s history. On display are numerous artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations. Of course, the visitor center also has a gift shop providing you with an opportunity to pick up a unique piece of jewellery or a quirky souvenir.

Before heading to our hotel in Inverness we took a quick trip across the Skye Bridge. The bridge connects the Isle of Skye to the Scottish mainland. Since it’s completion in 1995 it provides easier access, eliminating the need to use a ferry. As you can see the short trip provided a perfect photo opportunity. The landscape is stunning.

Day 7 and 8

Pitlochry, Culloden Battlefields and Balmoral Castle

Pitlochry

After spending the night in Inverness we headed to Pitlochry in Perthshire for a two night stay. Pitlochry is nestled in the heart of Scotland. It is a charming town renowned for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. Pitlochry is situated along the River Tummel. This town is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers. Having said that, many of the towns in Scotland offer fantastic walking and hiking trails. If this is something you are interested in pack a good pair of walking shoes in your backpack. The trails can get a bit rough in spots but that only adds to the experience. If you are not into nature trails, Pitlochry is a charming town with lots of interesting shops and restaurants. Strolling the main street and stopping for a coffee at one of the many cafes is a great way to spend the day. There is also a small public park that is the perfect spot for having lunch.

Culloden Battlefields

The Battle of Culloden, fought on April 16, 1746, marked the culmination of the Jacobite uprising in Scotland. It was a clash between the British government forces, led by the Duke of Cumberland, and the Jacobite rebels, mainly composed of Scottish Highland clans supporting the Stuart claim to the throne. The battle lasted less than an hour. 1300 men were killed, 1250 of those slain were Jacobites. The Highlanders were buried in mass graves and it is said their souls haunt the moor. Dotted around the battle field are markers engraved with the names of the clans that fought that day.

Walking through Culloden Battlefield demands respect for the men who fought and died on that day in 1746. When I was there I noticed that most of the visitors to the site observed silence while they contemplated what had happened. I encourage everyone who is interested in the history of Scotland to visit this site. Culloden stands as a poignant symbol of a bygone era, marking the end of the traditional Highland way of life.

Balmoral Castle

Located in Aberdeenshire, Balmoral Castle sits within a 50,000 acre estate. Well known as a private retreat for the British royal family, Balmoral Castle was acquired by Queen Victoria in 1852.

Built in the 14th century in the neo-Gothic style with Germanic elements, the building was updated by Prince Albert in the 1850’s. The buildings and estate are very impressive. I was surprised that, as a tourist, I was able to walk freely around the grounds, gardens, and trails. Parts of the castle are open to the public, including the stables. On display inside one of the buildings was some of Queen Elizabeth II’s clothes, some of the princes’ toys, and other artifacts showing everyday life of the Royals while on holiday at Balmoral. If you are a royalist a visit to Balmoral Castle should be on your bucket list.

Day 9

Strathmore Highland Games and St. Andrews

Today we made our way towards Edinburgh for the final three nights of our tour. Along the way we made two stops, one in Angus for the Strathmore Highland Games and the other at St. Andrew’s, home of the famous Old (Golf) Course.

Glamis Castle and Strathmore Highland Games

Strathmore Highland Games is an annual event, held on the grounds of Glamis Castle in Angus. I started the day touring the castle and grounds before heading to the games. My ticket into the games included access to the castle.

Glamis Castle dates back to the 14th century. It is renowned for its medieval architecture, showcasing intricate stone carvings, turrets and towers. The castle served as the childhood home of the Queen Mother. A tour of the well-preserved rooms provides visitors a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of its former inhabitants.

The Strathmore Highland Games date back to 1838. The games initially served as a platform for clans to showcase strength, agility, and musical prowess. The games attract participants and spectators from far and wide and stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of Scottish identity. The event continues to honor and showcase the country’s rich traditions, making it a cherished annual gathering that bridges the past and present. Heavy events such as caber tossing and shot putt, traditional Highland dancing, solo piping, track events, and tug-of-war are all featured throughout the day. Of course there is also an opportunity to enjoy some Scottish food and purchase traditional wares at the many booths set up around the perimeter.

St. Andrews

St. Andrews is a seaside town northeast of Edinburgh. Avid golfers will know St. Andrews as the home of golf. The landmark Swilcan Bridge at the 18th hole of the links course is iconic but there is more to St. Andrews than golf. The beach at St. Andrews is spectacular.

I’m not a golfer so after a brief walk through the golf links and across the bridge for a photo op (the bridge is very underwhelming) my husband and I headed to the beach for a walk along the coastline. The day we visited St. Andrews happened to be our 41st wedding anniversary so my husband marked the occasion in the sand.

The downtown is a short walk from the beach where you can pick up all sorts of golf merchandise. You can also visit the British Golf Museum or take a walk to the ruins of St. Andrews Castle, with its medieval bottle dungeon.

Day 10 and 11

Edinburgh

My last two days in Scotland were spent exploring Edinburgh, with a half day trip to Stirling Castle.

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is my favourite Scottish city. I spent most of my time exploring Old Town which dates back to the 7th century. Walking the Royal Mile, a historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, I often veered off to explore the many alleyways along the route. I found some hidden gems beyond the alleyways, such as the Witchery and the Writers’ Museum.

Edinburgh Tunnels and Graveyard Tour

Before visiting Edinburgh I didn’t know the city had underground tunnels and houses. The tunnels date back to the 17th century and are shrouded in mystery and intrigue. It is said some tunnels were created for defensive purposes during sieges. It is also alleged the tunnels were used by smugglers and illicit traders. Additionally, the South Bridge Vaults, constructed in the late 18th century, served as storage and housing for business. When presented with an opportunity to visit the tunnels I couldn’t resist. We met our guide outside a nondescript door on one of the side streets. She unlocked the door and led us down a set of concrete steps. Before we knew it we were under the city. We meandered through the maze of tunnels and exited at the bottom of the Royal Mile. We then walked to Greyfriar’s Kirkyard for tales of ghosts and witches. While the tour was very touristy the whole experience was a lot of fun.

Stirling Castle

I visited Stirling Castle, approximately one hour outside Edinburgh, on the morning of my 11th day. Dating back to the 12th century, Stirling Castle is a formidable fortress and played a pivotal role in Scotland’s past. Once the home of Mary Queen of Scots, the castle is perched atop Castle Hill, giving visitors a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Many television shows and movies were shot in and around Stirling Castle, such as Braveheart, Outlander, Downtown Abbey, and Game of Thrones. It is a very impressive compound, with it’s tunnelled walkways, gargoyles, and intact buildings.

Pubs and Music

Scotland is full of great restaurants and pubs. I enjoy the pub atmosphere and pub grub in general. In Scotland it’s not uncommon for local musicians to get together in the local pub for a jam session. One night, while in Edinburgh, we were having a meal in a pub across from our hotel and two musicians, one with a guitar and one with a fiddle, started playing at the table across from us. By the time we finished our meal there were about 10 musicians playing a variety of celtic tunes. People just kept sitting down and joining in. It was a lot of fun. Now, if that isn’t your thing then there are plenty of quiet restaurants serving great food too.

Hotels I stayed in

Glasgow – The Grand Central – https://www.ihg.com/voco/hotels/gb/en/glasgow/glags/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-VX-_-GB-_-GLAGS

Inverness – The Royal Highland – https://www.royalhighlandhotel.co.uk/

Pitlochry – Dundarach Manor – https://www.dundarach.co.uk/

Edinburgh – Radisson Blu Hotel on the Royal Mile – https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-edinburgh?cid=a%3Ase+b%3Agmb+c%3Aemea+i%3Alocal+e%3Ardb+d%3Aukirwe+h%3AGBEDICTR

In Conclusion

My trip to Scotland was great. I found the people to be very friendly, the history to be fascinating, and the scenery to be breathtaking. I highly recommend you put Scotland on your list of places to visit. You will not be disappointed.

Check out the gallery for more photos of Scotland