Road Trip Scotland – July 2019

As part of our trip to the UK, we rented a car for 8 days and did a loop into the highlands. Even though it was it a bit nerve-wracking at times (if you are not used to driving on the wrong side of the road) it was magnificent. Scotland is non-stop beauty with lots to see, friendly people and amazing food.

We set out from Edinburgh airport on July 10.

The map

July 10, 2019, Edinburgh to Linlithgow

Hopetoun House

Built in the 17th-century the interiors of this house reflect the Georgian era. There are also massive grounds and walking trails to enjoy.

1 HH 589

1 HH 524

The Seawalk Trail is a good walk that winds around by the shore with views of Blackness Castles and a deer park.

Midhope Castle

Midhope Castle is a 16th-century tower house that is part of the Hopetoun House estate. It was also the site used as Lallybroch in the Outlander series.

1 MH 615b

1 MH 628

Midhope Castle is about a 15-20 minute drive from Hopetoun House and you will need to buy a pass at the Farm Shop along the way.

Blackness Castle

This 15th-century castle is located on the south shore of the Firth of Forth. Built in the 1440’s it has been a royal castle, prison, and military garrison.

1 BN 547

1 BN 644

1 BN 659b

1 BN 668

Linlithgow

770c

763c

762c

July 11, 2019, Linlithgow to Kinnesswood

Linlithgow Palace

Birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and royal residence of the Stewarts.

743c

692c

727c

Callendar House

2 CH 778

Kitchen

2 CH 780

The Helix: Home of the Kelpies

2 K 795

2 K swans hdr

Falkirk Wheel

The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift connecting 2 canals.

2 FW 785

2 FW 788

Around Loch Leven

2 LL 851

July 12, 2019, Kinnesswood to Newtonmore

Lochleven Castle

3 LL 837

3 LL 865

Mary Queen of Scots was held captive in this historic castle located on a small island in Loch Leven.

3 LL 912

3 LL 916

Huntingtower Castle

Mary Queen of Scots and her husband Lord Darnley stayed here in 1565 while on their honeymoon.

DSC_0953 -1c

These painted ceilings date from about 1540.

DSC_0961c

July 13, 2019, Newtonmore to Inverness

Loch Imrich

A morning hike before heading out.

4 NM 028  4 NM 18

4 NM 040

Highland Folk Museum

This is a great place to learn more about Highland History during different time periods. We spent about half a day here. There is a lot to see.

5 HF 112

5 HF 082

5 HF 070

5 HF 064

Ardclach Bell Tower

We were ahead of schedule for the day and saw a sign for a historic site as we were driving.  We turned off and followed a narrow road the got even more narrow as we went.  Eventually, we came to a trail, parked the car, and took the path up the hill.  It was a nice break and a chance to stretch our legs.

5 BT 851

5 BT 181  5 BT 186

The Road to Culloden

Such a gorgeous drive.

5 HD159

5 HD 171

5 HD 164b

5 HD 163

Culloden Battlefield

5 C 520

Clan markers5 C 204

5 C 225

5 C 192

Inverness

We weren’t in Inverness long. Basically had dinner, slept, and left the next morning.  We were able to take a walk downtown and enjoy the river.

5 IN 740

5 IN 844

5 IN 945

July 14, 2019, Inverness to Fort William

Loch Ness

6 LN 230

6 LN 229

6 LN 341

Urquhart Castle

These ruins on the banks of Loch Ness were once one of Scotlands largest castles.

6 UC 242

6 UC 277

Glenfinnan

6 GF 356

6 GF 900

Near Spean Bridge

This was our view from Garadh Buidhe B&B.

6 SB 380

6 SB 383

Ben Nevis

We didn’t actually climb Ben Nevis.  We went part way up the trail after gorging ourselves on Haggis at Ben Nevis Inn.

6 sB 418

6 SB 530

July 15, 2019, Around Fort William

Steall Falls

This hike was a highlight of the week.

7 SF 522

The trail is not a particularly strenuous climb but it can be harry in places. Good footwear is recommended.

7 SF 426

7 SF 452

7 SF 436

Nevis Range Gondola

Take a ride up the mountain for more stunning views.

7 M 556

7 M 544

July 16, 2019, Fort William to Callender

Glen Coe

8 GC 577

8 GC 598

Callander

8 C 533

8 C 612

July 17, 2019, Callender to Edinburgh

Doune Castle

Winterfell (Game of Thrones), Monty Python and the Holy Grail,  Outlander

9 DC 648

9 DC 669

Sterling Castle

9 SC 719

9 SC 720b

With Sterling Castle, we wrapped up our road trip and returned to Edinburgh.

Lodging:

Linlithgow – https://www.courtresidence.com/  Studio apartments and suites located in an old court building on High Street. It is just a few blocks from the Palace.  The rooms were clean and cozy.

Kinnesswood-  Arisaig B&B  https://www.kinnesswoodbandb.co.uk/en-US
Brough Terrace, Perth & Kinross, Kinnesswood, United Kingdom, KY13 9HP

Kinnesswood is a sleepy little village on the east side of Loch Leven. Jean makes a great breakfast.  Balgedie Toll Taven has eats and drinks as well.

Newtonmore– Larick House B&B  clean rooms, good location, hot breakfast

Balavil Hotel has a nice dining room with good food.

Inverness-  The Coo’s Guesthouse    http://thecoosguesthouse.com/

The rooms were clean and the staff was friendly.  Parking is a bit sparse but they found us a spot.  It was a 20 minute or so walk to downtown but not too far.  There are lots of restaurants along the river.

North of Fort William– Garadh Buidhe,  http://www.garadh-buidhe.co.uk/   Near Camisky, Spean Bridge PH34 4EX, United Kingdom.  This was definitely one of our favorite stops. We were here for 2 nights and could have stayed a week.  This property is out of the way and a bit difficult to find but absolutely worth the trouble.

Ben Nevis Inn (Restaurant)- May require reservations, great food. Located at the entrance to the hiking trail.

Callander– Greenbank Guesthouse, 143 Main St, Callander FK17 8BH, United Kingdom   Great location, cozy rooms, run by a sweet young family. 

The Potting Shed Bistro (at Roman Camp) had great food and atmosphere. Walking distance from B & B.

Leave a comment