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Must-Do Adventures in Scotland for Travel Enthusiasts

Must-Do Adventures in Scotland for Travel Enthusiasts

Scotland’s landscape is a tapestry of history, mystery, and breathtaking beauty. From the bustling streets of Edinburgh to the serene highlands, every corner of this country beckons the adventurer in you. Join me on a magical tour as I recount the must-do adventures in Scotland I experienced with my daughter and five friends.

adventures-in-scotland

Discover the Majesty of Edinburgh Castle

Situated atop the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle is a fortress that has stood the test of time since the 11th century. This historic structure served both as a royal residence and a defensive stronghold.

Walking through its halls, you can almost hear the whispers of Queen Margaret and King Malcolm echoing through the stone walls. And, of course, the Scottish Crown Jewels are a sight to behold, gleaming with centuries-old grandeur.

Block off a few hours of your day to explore this great masterpiece and the fun pubs lining the streets. 

edinburgh-castle-scotland

Fun Fact: You can see a lot of Europe by cruising. Here is one of my favorites on the Danube with Viking River Cruises.

Conquer the Highlands and Ben Nevis

No trip to Scotland is complete without venturing into the Highlands, where mountains and lochs stretch as far as the eye can see. The crown jewel here is Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles at 4,410 feet.

Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply a lover of stunning vistas, this region promises landscapes that will leave you breathless. And if you’re a Harry Potter fan, don’t miss the Jacobite steam train in Fort William—it’s the real-life Hogwarts Express! We did it years before it was a trendy tourist offering.

the-jacobite-express-train

Relive Movie Magic at Glenfinnan Viaduct

Another Harry Potter fan favorite, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, is a marvel of engineering and a cinematic icon. Used in the second and third Harry Potter films, this stunning railway bridge offers views that are nothing short of magical.

Stand below and watch as the steamtrain chugs along, evoking memories of wizards and wanderers. Please arrive early, as the site gets packed, and it’s a single-hiker route. 

glenfinnian-viaduct

Step Back in Time at Doune Castle

Doune Castle is a 14th-century marvel that has captured the imagination of filmmakers and historians alike. Featured in “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” this castle’s ruins tell tales of the past while offering picturesque views. It’s not just a ruin; it’s a doorway into Scotland’s medieval history, and some of it is quite scary-looking. 

doune-castle

Marvel at the William Wallace Monument

Our visit to the William Wallace Monument, near Stirling, was special for me as my mother-in-law was a Wallace. This towering structure honors the legendary Scotsman who fought for independence. The views from the top are as inspiring as Wallace’s story, offering a panoramic sweep of the Scottish landscape.

william-wallace-monument

Wander the Quaint Streets of Portree, Isle of Skye

Adventures in Scotland continue in the Inner Hebrides.

Our stay in Portree on the Isle of Skye was nothing short of enchanting. The harbor, dotted with pastel-colored houses and moored boats, is a photographer’s dream. Shades of mint green, baby blue, and pink add to the delightful scene.

Try a seafood dinner here; it’s the freshest! Or, you can be like me and eat a curry dish for dinner every night of the trip. I was told there are ten curry restaurants to every one Scottish pub. 

colored-buildings-in-portree-scotland

Explore the Outer Hebrides

The Isles of Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides are havens of natural beauty. The Butt of Lewis, the northwesternmost point in the UK, offers jagged cliffs and blue waters that create stunning photo opportunities. Lighthouse lovers will be in sheer heaven.

butt-of-lewis-lighthouse

With its rugged rocks and sleek mountainside cliffs, Harris boasts some of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches despite the brisk 45°F weather. I nearly fainted at the sight of its magnificent beauty. The waves crashing against the jagged rocks looked like something I’ve imagined from every romance novel I’ve read. 

butt-of-lewis-rock-formations

Walk Through History at Gearrannan Blackhouse Village

In Carloway, we visited the fascinating Blackhouse Village at Gearrannan. These long, narrow buildings share common walls and offer a glimpse into traditional Scottish life. The Historic Arnol Blackhouses are particularly notable, preserving the essence of Scotland’s heritage.

I brought home a lovely souvenir poster for my travel wall.

black-houses-village

Immerse Yourself in Nature at Glen Nevis

Glen Nevis is a setting straight out of a movie. Both “Rob Roy” and “Braveheart” were filmed here. The glen’s lush fields and tranquil streams make it a hiker’s paradise.

At every turn, Glen Nevis unveils another postcard-worthy scene, each one a masterpiece of nature’s splendor, perfect for anyone seeking inspiration in the great outdoors.

Pro Tip: Extend your European vacation with fun days in incredible cities like London, England, or Valencia, Spain.

Be Awed by the Standing Stones of Callanish

One of the most mystical experiences of our trip was visiting the Standing Stones of Callanish on the Isle of Lewis. Like Stonehenge, these prehistoric megaliths, made of Lewissean gneiss, have formed a beautiful stone circle for over 3,000 years. Whew, that’s a mouthful.

Walking among these stones, you feel a deep sense of connection to the ancient past. It’s almost eerily quiet.

standing-stones-of-callanish

Fun Fact: I’ve tried to go to Stonehenge twice, but the traffic was too busy, so this was a special attraction for me and much easier to get to. 

Relish the Grandeur of Blair Castle & Gardens

Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes & Earls of Atholl, is a grand spectacle in the Scottish countryside near Atholl. With its mint-green dining room, china room, and Hercules garden, the castle is a feast for the eyes and Scotland’s most visited house. 

This was my favorite castle of all the ones we toured. Rest assured, you’ll see bagpipers there. A fun fact is that the Highland Games are opened here. 

Other points of interest are the magnificent nine-acre walled garden, filled with fruit trees and other plants, a deer park, and a wooded grove. Hercules Walk and the garden were the prettiest spots, but Diana’s Grove isn’t too shabby either. 

blair-castle-in-atholl

My friends and I enjoyed a delightful lunch at a nearby pub, surrounded by amazing classic Bentleys—an unexpected Bentley Drivers Club meeting was held here. I ate the best curry lunch here and had the tastiest shortbread of the whole trip. 

convertible-bentley
tea-and-scone

Uncover the Mysteries of Inverness and Loch Ness

Inverness, home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster, is a playful and picturesque town. With its tourist shops and walkable downtown, Inverness offers a charming blend of myth and modernity.

nessie-loch-ness-monster

Urquhart Castle, situated on the shores of Loch Ness (the biggest lake in the UK), provides a perfect vantage point for “Nessie” sightings—real or imagined. My friends and I had a really great time here; we would have loved an extra day.

urquhart-castle

Travel Through Time at Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle, with its statue of Robert the Bruce, sits atop Castle Hill, surrounded by steep cliffs. The castle’s strategic location and historical significance make it a fascinating stop, though my castles were starting to run together at this point on the tour.

stirling-castle-cannons

Conclusion

Scotland is a land of epic adventures and timeless beauty. Every castle, mountain, and loch tells a fantastic story waiting to be discovered. If you want a truly unforgettable experience, consider booking a tour with Mini-Tours and Craig McCall Flynn—he’ll show you the Scotland that dreams are made of.

tour-guide-and-group-in-scotland

My husband, his father, and two friends toured Scotland with Craig two weeks after my visit and did a guy’s golfing trip, hitting all the best courses in the country. They ranked it a 10/10, too.

mini-tours-in-scotland-craig-flynn

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