[Ben] I don’t think there’s a better way to get a feel for a land than by driving its roads.
When you are traveling around in a car you have the unique opportunity to be able to stop just about anywhere you please and take a look around–giving you the chance to find and explore and adventure! I don’t think we really considered any other option too much when we decided where we wanted to go in the UK because we wanted to be together as much as possible while being able to choose exactly what we wanted to do.
[Lauren] I grew up in Scotland, but was young and never got to see this side of it. My only real experience with the highlands was a single day trip to Loch Ness and Inverness. I had and still do, long for the staggering wildness and natural beauty of the Highlands. Experiencing and exploring more of the Highlands with someone whom I love immensely, was more special and precious than I could have hoped for.
Stay:
[Ben] We chose a fairly-priced Airbnb in the area and used this as our base of operations for our 3-day stay in the Highlands. It was called “The Wolves’ Den” and is located in Bunchrew, right outside Inverness. Private and cozy w/ some nice views! The animals were friendly.
[Lauren] There are trails right in the backyard of this Airbnb location that would be great for anyone who loves exploring the outdoors or going biking. The hosts have added some signs to point you in the right direction!
Eat:
Buy groceries! If you’re staying at a fully-equipped Airbnb for a few days then there’s no reason you shouldn’t be exploring your nearby Lidl or Tesco! Exploring a local supermarket or grocery store has become one of my favorite things to do while traveling because there are so many awesome snacks, beverages, and other foods everywhere!
You can’t take groceries everywhere and sometimes you just want some straight up grub. Find a local chippy for quick and delicious eats (fish and chips, chips and curry/gravy, all kinds of meat pies, etc.).
My favorite, from the chippy, is just some chips with gravy, at least two pickled onions on the side and what some might say is an overbearing amount of malt vinegar, but is just the perfect amount for me.
If you’re feeling extra hungry and don’t want to do takeout then try out a place that does Carvery! It’s not a buffet as one might be used to in the United States, but you can fill up your plate as much as you want on one visit to the food area! So tasty.
See:
Just take it in, you’re in Scotland! You’re in the Highlands of…Scotland! You can basically go anywhere and you’ll experience wild, rolling hills and other rugged landscapes. There are lochs everywhere. Here is our route up to and through the Highlands:
(A) Johnstone (right outside of Glasgow)
Lauren’s Gran lives here. she’s the best.
He’s not kidding, she really is the best.
(B) Loch Lomond
My first big Loch!
If you don’t have time to delve headfirst into the Highlands, Loch Lomond is close enough to Glasgow that you can still get a feel for it and experience your first glimpse of what lies beyond.
This place is special enough to even have its own song!
(C) Fort Augustus
We took this route to Inverness because it goes right alongside Loch Ness. take a break from driving, buy a 99, and peruse all of the Loch Ness souvenirs.
I can’t go back to visit Scotland without having a 99, or 7…
(D) Bunchrew
Our base of operations.
(E) Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie
Iconic Highlands castle. very touristy, still worth it.
(F) Faerie Pools, Isle of Skye
Pools and streams of water in the middle of green fields and hills. very touristy, still worth it.
(G) Inverness
Take a stroll. eat some Sunday carvery. it’s the capital of the Highlands!
This trip covered so many of my bucket list items. Mainly visiting Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye. One of my niece’s middle names is Skye, and I hope that one day she will be able to see, with her own eyes, the beauty of the place she was named after.
If I could give but one word of advice, it would be to take your time. Take it all in. Stop often. And get lost in the moments.
