Tag: Scotland Itinerary

A Relaxed Day Around Loch Ness: Urquhart Castle & Touchstone Maze (Day 14)

Michelle July 27, 2026July 27, 2026 Castle Ruins, Highlands Scotland, Inverness, Loch Ness, Loch Ness Day Trip, Loch Ness Monster, Scotland Itinerary, Scotland Road Trip, Scottish Highlands, Slow Travel Scotland, Touchstone Maze, UK Road Trip, Urquhart Castle Leave a Comment 104 Views

Introduction

After several big driving and sightseeing days, we decided to take a slower pace on Day 14. We were based in a cottage just south of Inverness, which gave us a peaceful base to explore the Loch Ness area without rushing.

Day 14: Loch Ness & A More Relaxed Pace

We slept in a bit and took our time getting started. Our first stop was Urquhart Castle, beautifully situated right on the shores of Loch Ness. The ruins are impressive, and the views across the loch are exactly what you picture when you think of Scotland. Unfortunately, we did not spot Nessie — much to our disappointment!

Later, we drove a bit farther north to visit the Touchstone Maze. This is a more modern stone circle built in 1995, featuring 81 large rocks sourced from different quarries across Scotland. It’s a bit off the beaten path but worth the short walk. The setting was peaceful and the stones had a nice presence.

We returned to our cottage in the afternoon and cooked a comforting dinner of “Marry Me Chicken” with salad. These home-cooked evenings were becoming one of the highlights of the trip — relaxing, affordable, and a nice break from eating out.

Tips for a Loch Ness Day

• Urquhart Castle is very popular and requires tickets — book online in advance for the best prices and to guarantee entry (around £14–16 for adults). Arrive early or later in the day to avoid the biggest crowds.

• The Touchstone Maze is completely free and rarely crowded, making it a nice contrast to more famous (and ticketed) sites.

• Bring binoculars if you’re hoping to spot Nessie (we had no luck!).

• Having a kitchen in your accommodation makes it easy to have relaxed dinners after long days.

Fun Facts

• Urquhart Castle dates back to the 13th century and was once one of Scotland’s largest castles. It changed hands repeatedly during the Wars of Scottish Independence, with control passing between Scots and English forces. In 1692, the last government troops deliberately blew up the gatehouse to prevent Jacobites from using it.

• The first recorded “monster” sighting associated with Loch Ness dates to around AD 565, when St. Columba reportedly encountered a water beast attacking a swimmer and commanded it to retreat.

• Loch Ness holds more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Its peat-stained waters stay around 5–6°C year-round, never freeze over, and create dark depths perfect for hiding mysteries.

• The Touchstone Maze’s design incorporates astronomical alignments, including connections to the midsummer sunrise and northerly moonrise, blending geology, art, and ancient understandings of the cosmos.

Final Thoughts from Day 14

This was exactly the kind of day we needed. It was nice to slow down, enjoy beautiful scenery without a packed schedule, and recharge a little. Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle lived up to the hype, even without a monster sighting!

Next Up:

Our biggest adventure yet — an early 5am start for a full day on the Isle of Skye, including the Old Man of Storr hike, Fairy Glen, and Eilean Donan Castle.

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Northeast Scotland Coast Drive: Arbroath Abbey, Dunnottar Castle & Stone Circles (Day 12)

Michelle July 14, 2026July 23, 2026 Aberdeenshire, Arbroath Abbey, Banff Scotland, Coastal Scotland Drive, Dunnottar Castle, Historic Scotland, Northeast Scotland, Scotland Itinerary, Scotland Road Trip, Scottish Castles, Stone Circles Scotland, UK Road Trip Leave a Comment 179 Views

Introduction

On Day 12 we left Edinburgh and began our drive north and west toward Inverness. This was one of our favorite road trip days in Scotland, filled with dramatic coastal views and historic sites.

Day 12: Coastal Scotland Adventure

We started the day heading up the eastern coast. Our first stop was Arbroath Abbey, a towering medieval ruin. The red sandstone walls standing against the sky were quite striking.

Next, we visited Dunnottar Castle — hands down one of the most dramatic locations of the entire trip. The castle sits 160 feet up on cliffs overlooking the North Sea with crystal-clear water below. The views were breathtaking, and it’s easy to see why it has been used in so many films and photos. We spent a long time walking around and soaking in the scenery.

After a full morning of exploring, we stopped for an early dinner at The Shepherds Rest, enjoying burgers and fish & chips. We then made our way to East Aquhorthies Stone Circle. We were the only people there, which made it feel extra magical. The peaceful setting in the open countryside was a lovely contrast to some of the busier sites.

Helpful Tips for the Northeast Coast Drive

• Dunnottar Castle is a must-visit — arrive with plenty of time to explore and take photos, as the steep path and cliffs require good footwear and caution, especially with wind or rain.

• Check the weather before heading out, as coastal winds can be strong and change quickly.

• The English Heritage Pass does not cover Scottish sites, so you’ll need the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass or pay individual entry fees (Dunnottar and Arbroath have reasonable separate tickets).

• Bring layers — it can be quite windy along the coast, even on sunny days.

• For stone circles like East Aquhorthies, wear sturdy shoes for uneven grassy terrain and consider a small donation if there’s an honesty box for road maintenance.

• Plan your fuel and snacks, as services can be sparse between sites; pack water and binoculars for wildlife spotting along the cliffs.

Fun Facts

Banff (our stop for the night): This historic royal burgh on the northern coast dates back to at least the 12th century and was a busy trading port exporting salmon to Europe. Its name likely ties to Gaelic roots linked to a “holy woman,” reflected in the town’s coat of arms featuring the Virgin Mary. The area has deep maritime history, including one of the UK’s largest surviving ice houses used for salmon storage.

Final Thoughts

This day reminded us why Scotland’s northeast coast is so special. The combination of dramatic clifftop castles and quiet, ancient stone circles created a perfect balance. We arrived at our little flat in Banff (on the northern coast) tired but very happy with the day. It was one of those perfect road-trip days where history, scenery, and solitude all came together beautifully.

Next Up:

Our final day on the northeast coast before arriving in Inverness, including Bow Fiddle Rock, Elgin Cathedral, Clava Cairns, and Culloden Battlefield. NEXT…

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First Full Day in Edinburgh: Royal Mile, Castle & Scottish Impressions (Day 10)

Michelle June 29, 2026August 20, 2026 Arthur's Seat, Calton Hill, Dog Cemetery Edinburgh, Dugald Stewart Monument, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Historic Scotland, Hop on Hop off Bus, Landmark, Nelson Monument, Queen Mary's Bath House, Royal Mile, Scotland Itinerary, Scotland Travel, Scott Monument, Scottish National Monument, Travel Diary, UK Road Trip, Wine Leave a Comment 195 Views

We woke up on Day 10 to a view of Arthur’s Seat from our apartment window. After days of driving and exploring remote ruins, it felt wonderfully refreshing to be based in a vibrant city again. Scotland was already winning us over.

We began the morning with a gentle uphill walk along the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle for our 9:30am tour. Along the way, we passed the charming little 16th-century Queen Mary’s Bathhouse, a picturesque turreted building just outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The castle itself felt more like a living museum than the ancient ruins we’d seen earlier in the trip, but its position high above the city delivered spectacular views. The cannon gunports offered perfect “framed” shots of the rooftops and spires below, and we were charmed by the historic Dog Cemetery—dating back to 1837—with its tiny headstones honoring soldiers’ and officers’ loyal dogs (and a few other pets).

After leaving the castle, we wandered down Cockburn Street and enjoyed a relaxed lunch of wine and charcuterie at a cozy spot. Feeling revived, we made one of the best decisions of the trip: hopping on a double-decker hop-on hop-off bus tour. It gave us an excellent overview of the city’s layout and helped us decide where to spend more time. After walking more than six miles already, the ride was a very welcome rest for our feet.

The bus route took us past several standout landmarks, including the towering Scott Monument and Calton Hill. We hopped off to explore the hill’s impressive monuments: the Nelson Monument, the Dugald Stewart Monument, and the unfinished Scottish National Monument.

We returned to our apartment in the late afternoon and cooked a simple but satisfying dinner—bunless burgers topped with cheddar, bacon, and eggs. Having a kitchen during this trip has been an absolute blessing after long days of sightseeing.

Practical Tips for Edinburgh

• Book Edinburgh Castle tickets in advance, especially for morning slots—they sell out quickly. (This destination is included with the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass.)

• Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour on your first day. It’s one of the smartest ways to get oriented.

• The Royal Mile has some steep sections—comfortable walking shoes are essential.

• Staying somewhere with a kitchen helps you balance restaurant meals, save money, and recharge after busy days.

Fun Facts

• Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano that last erupted around 350 million years ago. At 251 meters (823 feet) tall, it offers some of the best views over Edinburgh. In 1836, boys discovered 17 mysterious miniature coffins containing tiny wooden figures in a cave on its slopes—their purpose is still unknown.

• The Royal Mile is actually 1.07 miles long and follows the ridge of an ancient volcano, which explains its steep sections.

• Queen Mary’s Bath House (16th century) is more likely a garden pavilion or summer house than an actual bathhouse. The story of Mary, Queen of Scots bathing in wine or goat’s milk here is a charming legend with no historical proof.

• Edinburgh Castle has been besieged at least 26 times, making it one of the most attacked places in Britain. It sits atop an extinct volcano (Castle Rock). The cannon batteries and gunports in this area are part of the Argyle Battery and Half Moon Battery. This is also home to the famous One O’Clock Gun, which has been fired daily (except Sundays) at 1:00 pm since 1861 to help ships in the Firth of Forth set their clocks.

• The Dog Cemetery dates to the 1840s and holds about 20 small headstones for officers’ pets and regimental mascots. The first burial was Fido in 1847; the dogs often accompanied soldiers on global campaigns. It’s viewable only from above to protect the site.

• The Scott Monument is a 61-meter (200 ft) Gothic tower dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, the author of Ivanhoe and many other classics. It’s the second-largest monument to a writer in the world and features 68 statues of characters from his novels. Scott is depicted at the base with his beloved deerhound, Maida.

• Calton Hill is another volcanic outcrop and part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its collection of monuments gives it a dramatic, almost Athenian feel—earning the city its nickname “Athens of the North.”

• The Nelson Monument looks like an upturned telescope and honors Admiral Lord Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar (1805). It once had a time ball that dropped at 1 pm to help ships synchronize clocks.

• The Dugald Stewart Monument is an elegant circular temple honoring the Scottish Enlightenment philosopher. Its design by William Henry Playfair perfectly frames the city views and is one of the most photographed spots on the hill.

• The Scottish National Monument was meant to be a full replica of the Parthenon in Athens to honor Scottish soldiers who died in the Napoleonic Wars. Funds ran out, leaving the dramatic unfinished “ruin” you see today—often called “Scotland’s Disgrace” or “Edinburgh’s Folly.

Final Thoughts from Our First Day in Scotland

Edinburgh felt alive, historic, and full of character. The blend of medieval streets, grand architecture, and energetic city buzz made us fall in love with Scotland almost instantly. We couldn’t wait to explore more of the capital and beyond in the coming days.

Next Up:

Day trips from Edinburgh including The Kelpies (the giant horse sculptures), the Falkirk Wheel, and the Wallace Monument — plus more evening exploring in the city. NEXT…

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