Farewell Scotland & Hadrian’s Wall: Heading Back to England (Days 16–17)

Introduction

After an incredible time in the Scottish Highlands, it was time to start heading south. Days 16 and 17 marked our farewell to Scotland and a return to England, with some powerful historic stops along the way. This stretch of the journey offers a perfect mix of scenic coastal views, world-class Roman ruins, and the charming seaside atmosphere of Whitby—ideal for anyone planning a Scotland-to-England road trip or exploring Hadrian’s Wall highlights.

Day 16: Leaving Scotland

This was a travel day as we drove south from Inverness. We didn’t have any major planned stops—no castles, abbeys or hikes—but we did pull over for a foggy photo at Sea View Point near Eyemouth. The mist over the water created a moody, atmospheric goodbye to Scotland. It felt bittersweet—we had seen so much, yet there was clearly still more to explore in the future.

Day 17: Hadrian’s Wall & Arrival in Whitby

Today we were on our way to Whitby, England. Along the way we stopped off at Chesters Roman Fort & Museum and Hadrian’s Wall, two amazingly beautiful sites chock full of ancient ruins, artifacts, and history. It’s hard to fathom life as it was nearly 2000 years ago. I personally have loved the architecture of the castles, churches, and abbeys—they make today’s buildings look like ugly, boring boxes in comparison.

Whitby is a cute little seaside town in North Yorkshire and is quite different from other places we’ve stayed. After arriving at our Airbnb we strolled downtown and along the docks to the Magpie Cafe, where we enjoyed a nice seafood dinner. We tried the crab bisque, fish pie topped with mashed potatoes and cheese, and a grilled fish medley—all delicious! We were so full and tired afterwards that we walked back to our apartment and were in bed before 10pm.

Helpful Tips for This Route

• The English Heritage Pass works well for Hadrian’s Wall sites including Chesters Roman Fort & Museum—membership or a multi-day pass can pay for itself quickly if you’re visiting several properties.

• Whitby is a popular town—book your accommodation in advance, especially in the warmer months or around peak events.

• The seafood at Magpie Cafe is excellent, but expect a wait if you go during peak hours. Booking ahead is wise for the restaurant (there’s also a takeaway option next door); portions are generous.

• Allow plenty of driving time from the Inverness area south—routes via the A1 or more scenic options can take 6–8+ hours depending on stops and traffic. Fuel up and check weather, as coastal fog and northern English weather can change quickly.

• At Chesters, don’t miss the bath house and the museum; wear sturdy shoes as paths can be uneven. Parking is available (often refundable with entry). Combine with a short walk along nearby stretches of Hadrian’s Wall for the best experience.

• Near Eyemouth / Sea View Point, keep an eye out for seals and consider a brief detour to the harbour or coastal path if time allows—it’s a quieter alternative to busier Borders spots.

• Practical note: English Heritage sites often offer online booking discounts, and checking opening times in advance is essential as hours vary by season.

Fun Facts

Around Eyemouth / Sea View Point: The Berwickshire coast has a dramatic history. In October 1881, the Eyemouth Fishing Disaster claimed 129 local lives in a sudden storm (out of 189 total deaths along the coast), leaving many widows and children. Today you’ll find moving “Widows and Bairns” memorial sculptures along the shoreline. The area is also known for seals, seabirds, and earlier smuggling lore.

Hadrian’s Wall & Chesters Roman Fort: Hadrian’s Wall stretches about 73 miles (80 Roman miles) across northern England and was begun in AD 122 on the orders of Emperor Hadrian. It took roughly six years to build and once stood around 15 feet (4.5 m) high in places. Chesters Roman Fort (Roman name Cilurnum) was a cavalry fort built around AD 124 to house about 500 soldiers and their horses. It later became home to the Second Asturians, a unit from northern Spain. One of the standout features is the exceptionally well-preserved bath house beside the River North Tyne—among the best Roman military baths in Britain. When excavated in the 1880s, workers discovered the remains of 33 human skeletons (plus two horses and a dog) in or near the baths; the exact story behind them remains a mystery. The on-site Clayton Museum holds one of the finest collections of inscriptions and sculptures from the Wall.

Whitby & Magpie Cafe: Whitby is a classic North Yorkshire seaside town with a strong fishing heritage and a lively harbour atmosphere. The Magpie Café occupies an 18th-century merchant’s house (built around 1750) with historic links to the Scoresby whaling family and later used as a pilotage office. It has been a café/restaurant since the late 1930s and is renowned for fresh local seafood and classic fish and chips (often fried in traditional beef dripping).

Final Thoughts

These two days felt like a gentle transition. Leaving Scotland was a little sad, but Hadrian’s Wall and the cozy charm of Whitby gave us plenty to look forward to in the final stretch of our trip. The mix of Roman history and seaside atmosphere was the perfect bridge between Scotland and our last days in England. Whether you’re chasing ancient ruins, coastal views, or simply great seafood, this route delivers memorable moments.