The Scottish Highlands are a breathtaking tapestry of rugged mountains, serene lochs, and rich history. It was a day filled with stunning landscapes through an enchanting region with stops at Loch Ness and Glencoe.
Early Morning: Setting Off for Adventure
I began my day early by meeting the tour group in Edinburgh around 7:45 am. I made sure to grab breakfast, coffee and a snack for the bus ride.
Once we left Edinburgh, it was a wonderful drive up and through Inverness. The tour guide and the bus drive provider interesting information on our drive. We did have a couple comfort stops to ensure we used the washrooms and pick up snacks if we needed some.
Loch Ness Awaits
Our first stop was the legendary Loch Ness, just a short drive from Inverness. Famous for its elusive monster, Nessie, this picturesque loch is surrounded by stunning scenery. We had three options available to us for our stop in Loch Ness. Option 1 was a boat ride on the loch that had a drop off point at Urqhuart Castle with a return back to the drop off point. Option 2 was to a one way ride to Urqhuart Castle with a ticket to explore the castle. Lastly, we could choose to do neither.
Enjoy the Views
I chose to stay on land admire the beauty of the area and catch up on some reading. The views are breathtaking, especially with the surrounding hills reflecting on the water. I also enjoyed a Highland Hot Chocolate.
Exploring Glencoe
After soaking in the mysteries of Loch Ness, we headed south towards Glencoe. The drive itself was an experience, with winding roads and breathtaking landscapes at every turn. We had a few comfort and photo stops along the drive.
As we approached Glencoe, the dramatic scenery took our breath away. With all the stunning valleys and towering peaks, Glencoe, we were told, had excellent trails for hikers and nature lovers who are looking for a chance to experience the natural beauty of the area up close, with views of the loch and surrounding mountains.
Returning to Your Starting Point
As our day came to an end, there were a few moments and locations pointed out to us referencing Harry Potter and Outlander inspirations. The drive back through the Highlands allowed for reflection on the day’s adventures.
Conclusion
A day trip through the Scottish Highlands, with stops at Loch Ness and Glencoe, was the perfectblend of natural beauty, history, and adventure. From the enchanting stories the tour guide and bus driver provided throughout the region to the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, each moment was a wonderful chance to connect with nature and history.
