Everything you need to know for you upcoming adventure to…Scotland!

Well, for those of you who don’t know where Scotland is located, it’s part of the United Kingdom in Europe. It’s perhaps most famously known for the legend of the Loch Ness Monster—Nessie—a creature that has sparked imaginations for centuries. But I’ll get back to that later. Scotland, or „Nessie Land“ as some might call it, offers so much more than just a mysterious lake in the Highlands. For many, Scotland also means Scotch whisky—and rightly so. They produce some truly exceptional whiskies.

To get to Scotland, we flew from Luxembourg with a stopover at London Heathrow, traveling with British Airways. It was my first time flying with them, and I really enjoyed the experience. Depending on where you’re coming from, you might find direct flights, but unfortunately, we didn’t have that option at the time.

Let me start by sharing how we spent our week in Scotland. Our first destination was Edinburgh—or as the locals pronounce it, “Edin-bra”—the capital city of Scotland and an absolute must-visit!

Best time to go?

This really depends on you. If you love summer, then visiting in the summer months is a great choice. But if you prefer another season, it’s entirely up to your own taste. Since Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, the chance of rain is generally quite high—although we were really lucky and didn’t have any rain during our entire stay, which was amazing!

We visited Scotland in May 2017, and I think it’s a wonderful time to go. It wasn’t too cold or too warm, just the perfect in-between.

How to get there?

As I already mentioned, we traveled there by plane. Since Scotland is located on an island, your options are basically limited to either flying or taking a boat, and for me, flying is definitely the faster and more convenient choice. Edinburgh Airport is easily reachable from London, but I’m sure many other airlines offer direct flights to Edinburgh as well, so getting there shouldn’t be a problem at all.

Renting car?

Absolutely yes! If there’s a chance to rent a car, I would always go for it. I’m sure public transport in Scotland is great too, but having a rental car just gives you so much more freedom and flexibility. We rented ours through Europcar and had a great experience—everything went smoothly, and we ended up with a comfortable Opel Astra. I’d definitely choose them again!

I should mention that we didn’t rent our car for the first two days we spent in Edinburgh, since everything in the city is easily accessible on foot. Edinburgh is super walkable and it’s actually more convenient without a car. We only picked up the rental when we were ready to head up to the Highlands—and that’s when having a car really paid off!

Driving conditions?

Driving on the left side of the road, now that was an adventure. For most people, it’s not exactly second nature, and it definitely wasn’t for me. I had to constantly remind myself to stay left, stay left. The trickiest part was definitely navigating roundabouts in the city.

I’ll admit, there was one moment where I accidentally started driving on the right side—just out of habit! But luckily, I realized pretty quickly that something felt off and corrected it. It’s surprisingly easy to slip up if you’re not paying close attention.

That being said, once you get the hang of it, driving in Scotland is actually really straightforward and enjoyable—especially when you’re out of the cities and cruising through the beautiful countryside.

Currency & Costs?

For me, coming from Luxembourg, the prices in Scotland felt quite normal. I’d say they reflect the average cost of living within the European Union. Whether it was food in restaurants, entrance tickets to attractions, or even accommodation, nothing seemed overly expensive. Of course, like everywhere, it depends on where you go—Edinburgh might be a bit pricier than the Highlands, for example—but overall, it was all pretty reasonable.

Edinburgh – Aviemore – Culloden Battlefield – Drumnadrochit – Glenmore – Edinburgh

Edinburgh – 3 nights

Edinburgh is the perfect starting point for a road trip through Scotland. As the capital since at least the 15th century, it holds a wealth of history and charm. Although it’s the second-largest city in Scotland, it feels far more intimate and atmospheric than many English cities. With its beautifully preserved old buildings, winding streets, and dramatic skyline, Edinburgh captivates you from the first moment and sets the tone for the rest of your journey.

Read next: 9 top things to do in Edinburgh Scotland

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is an absolute must-see when you’re in the city. Perched dramatically atop Castle Rock, it dominates the skyline and offers stunning views across Edinburgh. One highlight not to miss is the firing of the One O’Clock Gun — a tradition that takes place daily at 1 pm, except on Sundays and public holidays. So be sure to time your visit right! 

The castle itself is a beautifully preserved piece of Scottish heritage, steeped in centuries of fascinating history. From the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny to the medieval Great Hall, there’s so much to discover. If you’re planning to visit, make sure to set aside plenty of time — you’ll want to explore every hidden corner and take in all the incredible stories it holds.

Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is one of the most iconic landmarks in Edinburgh, an extinct volcano that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Rising 251 meters above sea level, it provides spectacular panoramic views of Edinburgh and beyond. The beauty of Arthur’s Seat is not only in its history but also in the natural scenery that surrounds it, making it the perfect way to experience Scottish nature.

There are several trails leading up to the summit, each offering its own unique experience. Some trails are gentler and easier, while others are steeper and more challenging, so you can choose the one that best fits your preferences and fitness level. Regardless of which route you take, the hike is well worth it — the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking, making the effort to reach the summit so rewarding

Read next: Arthur’s Seat – an extinct volcano in Edinburgh Scotland

The Whisky Experience

Whenever you’re in Scotland, you absolutely cannot miss the chance to try whisky, and The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh is the perfect place to dive into the world of Scotland’s most famous spirit. This immersive and interactive experience offers a fascinating journey through the history, production, and varieties of whisky.

The tour is not only informative but also engaging, with various sensory experiences that teach you about the different stages of whisky production, from the ingredients to the aging process. The best part is, of course, the tasting! You’ll get to sample a range of whiskies from Scotland’s five whisky regions, each with its own distinct flavors. Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur or a beginner, this experience is both educational and enjoyable, making it a must-visit for anyone in Edinburgh.

Read next: Taste of Scotland – The Scotch Whisky Experience Edinburgh

Hotel

Premier Inn Royal Mile

During our stay in Edinburgh, we chose the Premier Inn Royal Mile Hotel, and it was the perfect base for exploring the city. The location is ideal, just a stone’s throw away from the Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s most famous street, which made it easy to access all the key attractions.

We had two rooms during our stay, one with a bathtub and the other with a shower, and both were fully accessible for people with disabilities. I really appreciated this aspect of the hotel, as it’s not always easy to find accommodations that cater well to those with mobility challenges. The hotel offered both comfort and convenience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Edinburgh.

Driving time: Edinburgh to Culloden Battlefield: 3 hours 5 minutes

Culloden Battlefield

The Battle of Culloden, fought on April 16, 1746, was the final and decisive conflict of the Jacobite Rising of 1745, marking the end of the Stuart monarchy’s hopes to reclaim the British throne. Charles Edward Stuart, known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, led the Jacobite forces in an effort to restore his exiled father, James Francis Edward Stuart, to the throne. The battle took place on the moorlands of Culloden, near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, where the Jacobites faced off against the British government’s loyalist army, led by the Duke of Cumberland.

The Jacobite forces, largely composed of Scottish Highlanders, were decisively defeated, and the battle marked the end of the rebellion. In the aftermath, the British government imposed severe reprisals, leading to the suppression of Highland culture and the disbandment of many Scottish clans. The battle remains a poignant and tragic chapter in Scotland’s history.

Today, the Culloden Battlefield is a historic site where visitors can learn about the events that transpired and pay tribute to those who fought. The site is home to the Culloden Visitor Centre, which offers interactive exhibits and in-depth information about the battle, the people involved, and the wider historical context. Visitors can walk the battlefield itself, where memorial stones mark the spots where both Jacobite and loyalist troops fell, and experience a sense of the dramatic and tragic nature of this defining moment in Scottish history. It is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone wishing to understand the legacy of the Jacobite era.

Driving time: Culloden Battlefield to Drumnadrochit: 35 minutes

Drumnadrochit – 2 nights

Most people who visit Scotland do so because of Loch Ness. It is famous for Loch Ness and whisky. So, whenever you dream of visiting Loch Ness, you can stay in the charming village of Drumnadrochit. With around 1,000 inhabitants, it is not very large but is very popular with tourists. There are only three hotels, two inns, and a hostel, so it can get fully booked quickly.

Loch Ness

Who hasn’t heard of Loch Ness and its famous monster? There are many myths and legends about Nessie, the Monster of Loch Ness. Some even claim to have pictures showing something like an animal in the lake. However, all of these pictures have been proven to be fakes, and scientists are clearly convinced that Nessie doesn’t exist. Still, some people continue to believe in the legend of Nessie, and I’m sure that everyone visiting Loch Ness keeps an eye out, perhaps secretly hoping to discover something that proves it really lives there.

However, besides the Nessie saga, Loch Ness is a very beautiful and serene place, home to one of the deepest lochs in Europe, reaching depths of up to 230 meters. It is surrounded by stunning landscapes, with mountains and forests that provide a perfect backdrop for peaceful walks along the shore. Whether you’re hiking or simply sitting on a bench, the tranquil waters and breathtaking views make it an ideal spot to relax and take in the beauty of nature.

Read next: Loch Ness – a mysterious place in the Scottish Highlands

Urquart Castle

This is one of the most visited castles in Scotland, and I can totally understand why. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be left speechless. It’s easy to imagine what the castle looked like at its peak. Given the castle’s size, there are numerous areas to explore, each offering something unique to discover.

Upon entering the castle, you can either turn right, left, or walk straight ahead. To the left, you’ll ascend slightly to a higher section of the castle, where you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view of the rest of the castle and Loch Ness. Throughout the castle, you’ll find informative signs that describe the various parts you’re exploring. Additionally, within the castle, you can make your way down to the water’s edge of Loch Ness.

Hotel & Restaurant

Loch Ness Inn

During our stay in Drumnadrochit, we stayed at the Loch Ness Inn, a charming hotel built in 1838. Its location is perfect for exploring Loch Ness, as it’s just about 2.5 km by car from Urquhart Castle.

The hotel also has its own restaurant, which is incredibly convenient if you’d rather not venture out in the evening. The restaurant serves excellent food, and the staff are very friendly. They even gave us some helpful recommendations for other beautiful places to visit in Scotland, such as the Isle of Harris.

Fiddler’s

Fiddler’s is another great hotel with a restaurant, well-known for its impressive whisky selection. They offer whiskies from all over the world, which you can enjoy alongside their delicious food. Located in the heart of Drumnadrochit, it’s the perfect spot to have a lovely lunch or dinner. 

Driving time from Drumnadrochit to Cairngorms National Park: 1 hour 8 minutes

Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park is located in the northeast of Scotland, right in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The park is home to the Cairngorm mountain range and the surrounding hills. In 2009, National Geographic Traveller Magazine named the Cairngorms National Park one of the top 20 places to visit in the world.

There are many attractions within the largest national park in the United Kingdom. From museums and distilleries to breweries, as well as castles and historic sites, there’s something for everyone. If you’re driving through the Cairngorms National Park, make sure to set aside some time in your schedule for a few adventures.

Cairngorm Reindeer Herd

Did you know that reindeer live in Scotland? They are the only free-ranging herd in the Cairngorms National Park. You can visit them at their shop and paddock, which are open daily. They also offer Hill Tours, where you can meet the reindeer in their natural habitat. During the Hill Trip, you even have the chance to feed and pet the animals!

Read next: The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd in Scotland

Loch Morlich

Loch Morlich is a stunning freshwater loch nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. The loch is known for its crystal-clear waters and tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for outdoor activities. Near the loch, you’ll find a well-equipped sports center that offers a range of water activities, including kayak rentals, sailing, and windsurfing. For those who prefer land-based pursuits, there are also scenic walking and cycling trails around the loch, providing incredible views of the surrounding landscape.

The shorelines are dotted with beautiful sandy beaches, ideal for a peaceful day of relaxation, picnicking, or even a swim in the cool waters of the loch. During the summer months, the loch is a popular destination for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the water or simply take in the stunning surroundings, Loch Morlich offers a perfect blend of tranquility and outdoor adventure.

Loch an Eilein

Loch an Eilein, which translates to „Loch of the Island,“ is one of the most enchanting and picturesque spots in the Cairngorms National Park. What makes this loch truly unique is the small island at its center, where the ruins of a 15th-century castle stand. The castle ruins add a touch of mystery and history to the serene landscape, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking both natural beauty and a sense of ancient intrigue.

The loch is surrounded by a dense, verdant forest that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re into birdwatching, walking, or mountain biking, the forest offers plenty of opportunities to explore. The area is teeming with wildlife, so keep an eye out for a variety of bird species, as well as other animals that call this forest home.

Driving time: Culloden to Edinburgh: 2 hours 30 minutes

Edinburgh – 1 night