Location: Inverness
Day 1 - 25 Sep 2020
Clava Cairns
Content: We left Aberdeen at 09:00, we drove for two hours to get to our first destination: the Clava Cairns or the Balnuaran of Clava. This prehistoric site with Bronze Age monuments, was used by the farmers of the Nairn valley to bury the most important members of their communities 4,000 years ago. Little curiosity for the Outlander fans out there: is it said that the stone circle, Craig Na Dun, was inspired by this place.
Location: Culloden Moor
Day 1 - 25 Sep 2020
Culloden Battlefield
Content: The second stop of our tour was the Culloden Battlefield. Here, in 1746, the uprising of the Jacobite Army, under the guide of Charles Edward Stuart, came to an end after their defeat against a British government force led by the Duke of Cumberland. The little and beautiful cottage that you see in the pictures is the only building still standing from that famous battle. It is believed it served as a field hospital for Cumberland’s forces.
Location: Highland
Day 1 - 25 Sep 2020
Loch Ness
Content: Out third stop was Inverness itself and the Urquhart castle, beside Loch Ness. We had already been to Inverness before so we did not visit lots of places this time but you should definitely go to the Loch Islands in the middle of the city, take a boat tour to the castle and spend some time in its grounds. It is lovely there. There is also an Exhibition Centre about the Loch Ness monster nearby if you are interested.
Location: Inverness
Day 1 - 25 Sep 2020
Pentahotel Inverness
Content: We decided to stay at the PentaHotel in Inverness for our first night.
La Tortilla
Content: We decided to try this Spanish restaurant for dinner and we were not disappointed at all.
Location: Strathcarron
Day 2 - 26 Sep 2020
Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle)
Content: On our second Day we took the legendary Bealach Na Ba’ Road in the Scottish Highlands. This steep road, also known as Pass of the Cattle, goes on as a single track for 1 and half hour circa, through the mountains of the Applecross Peninsula, in Wester Ross. I recommend driving through it with small vehicles and it is not made for nervous drivers. However, there are lots of passing places and when the weather is nice you can see other cars coming well in advance. The views were spectacular and I even got emotional because the beauty of the scenery was so overwhelming.
Location: Applecross
Day 2 - 26 Sep 2020
Applecross Inn
Content: We arrived in the beautiful Applecross Peninsula and decided to eat in this lovely place on Shore Street. The views were incredible.
Location: Dornie
Day 2 - 26 Sep 2020
Castello di Eilean Donan
Content: We then headed to the Eilean Donan Castle. I had waited over 5 years to visit this place and it was amazing to experience with my own eyes what I saw for years in other people’s pictures. It costs you only £10 to get over the bridge, go inside the Castle and on its grounds. If you wait, after 17:00 it is free, but you will only be able to visit the outside area.
Location: Kyleakin
Day 2 - 26 Sep 2020
Glenarroch B&B
Content: On our second night we stayed in Glenarroch. To get here we had to leave the mainland through the Skye Bridge, visible from our B&B.
Location: Sligachan
Day 3 - 27 Sep 2020
Sligachan Old Bridge
Content: On the third Day we went to the Sligachan Old bridge. It takes more or less 35 minutes from Glenarroch.
Location: Carbost
Day 3 - 27 Sep 2020
Donald John’s Cafe
Content: We had a quick stop at a very nice Cafeteria on the way to the Fairy Pools. The cake was delicious.
Location: Glenbrittle
Day 3 - 27 Sep 2020
Fairy Pools
Content: We then headed to the famous Fairy Pools. The trail is not very long and there are waterfalls and pools around every corner. This place it is worth visiting if you are in the Isle of Skye.
Location: Portree
Day 3 - 27 Sep 2020
Portree Youth Hostel
Content: For our third night we decided to stop in Portree which is the main village and the capital town of the isle of Skye. We checked in at the Portree Youth Hostel and then went out for a walk around town. I highly recommend this Hostel as it is very central and very clean.
The Lump
Content: Here, in Portree, I suggest to visit The Apothecary's Tower and The Lump where they usually hold Skye’s annual Highland Games. The views from here are beautiful as well.
Location: Portree
Day 4 - 28 Sep 2020
The Storr
Content: On the Fourth day we left quite early to go for a hike to the legendary Old Man of Storr The trail is 4.5 Km so in nice weather conditions it would take more or less 2 hours to complete. Unfortunately, the weather was terrible, and even though that did not stop us, we could not actually see much when we arrived at the top. It was still quite fun for us so I definitely suggest this hike :) you might get luckier with the weather.
Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls Viewpoint
Content: Before stopping for lunch we headed North to the Kilt Rock Viewpoint. It is only a 14 minute drive from the Old Man of Storr.
Location: Uig
Day 4 - 28 Sep 2020
Castle Ewen
Content: We then headed to the Fairy Glen and castle Ewen. It was such a magical place. I loved it!
Location: Onich
Day 4 - 28 Sep 2020
The Onich Hotel
Content: For our fourth night we stayed at the Onich Hotel and these were the views in front of our chalet.
Location: Ballachulish
Day 4 - 28 Sep 2020
The Laroch Restaurant and Bar
Content: For dinner we booked a table at the Laroch restaurant and Bar and everything was delicious.
Location: Ballachulish
Day 5 - 29 Sep 2020
Glencoe Lochan
Content: On our Last day we went to Glencoe Lochan which is only a 10 minute drive from Onich. The water was like a perfect mirror. The scenery was stunning.
Location: Oban
Day 5 - 29 Sep 2020
Oban
Content: We then headed to Oban. It took us less than one hour to get there. This is a lovely and lively town. I actually regretted not staying here overnight. It was so beautiful. I will certainly go back.
Location: Glasgow
Day 5 - 29 Sep 2020
Buchanan Street Bus Station
Content: We then headed to Glasgow (another 2 hours by car) where we took our Megabus back to Aberdeen.