We recently planned an unforgettable family trip to Scotland. After leaving Edinburgh, we embarked on a road trip that took us through Stirling and Loch Lomond, before reaching Fort William, where we enjoyed some stunning walks. That was just the first part of our journey, Scotland still had so much more to reveal!

Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON invites you to discover the beautiful spots we uncovered while exploring this amazing country…

Fort William – Glenfinnan Viaduct (17 miles, 30 mn)

All Harry Potter fans flock to this magical spot several times a day: the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Just a few miles from Fort William, it’s the perfect vantage point to witness the iconic Hogwarts Express (the Jacobite Steam Train) as it winds its way across the stunning Scottish landscape.

The sight of the train puffing along the viaduct, framed by lush hills and shimmering lochs, is truly unforgettable for both fans and travelers alike.

Watching this authentic steam train glide through such iconic scenery feels truly magical. For those who want the full Harry Potter experience, you can even ride aboard the train from Fort William to Mallaig. Just be sure to book well in advance with The West Coast Company.

Another fun way to pass the time while waiting for the Jacobite Steam Train is to dine in the Glenfinnan Station Museum’s dining car. Though the coach doesn’t move, it’s beautifully restored and furnished to evoke a sense of history.

You can easily imagine yourself gliding through Scotland by train while enjoying a delicious meal along the way!

We arrived without a reservation and were pleasantly surprised to get a table right away.

Our lunch was fantastic: fresh, flavourful, and simply but thoughtfully prepared. Don’t expect Michelin-starred cuisine, but everything was well-cooked and nicely presented. You can choose from a variety of delicious sandwiches, generous salads, and tempting desserts.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and as a bonus, dining here grants you a free tour of the museum exhibition!

Glenfinnan viaduct – Mallaig (26 miles, 40mn)

Next, our journey took us from Glenfinnan Viaduct to Mallaig, a scenic 26-mile (about 40-minute) drive filled with stunning views…

Mallaig is a charming port on Scotland’s west coast, famous for its beautiful beaches. Interestingly, its name comes from the Old Norse ‘Mel Vik,’ meaning ‘sand dune bay’, a description that fits perfectly!

We truly fell in love with this place! Turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, wild nature all around, and only a handful of people in sight. It felt like paradise!

This hidden gem was ours to enjoy for a few precious hours, and we couldn’t help but marvel at how peaceful life seemed in this corner of the UK. It was the perfect spot to unwind, especially with the weather still on our side…

Mallaig – Isle of Skye (40 miles, 2h)

From Mallaig, you can either take the ferry or stay on land (crossing the bridge further north) to reach the Isle of Skye. We had to choose the land route since the ferry was out of service, but either way, the drive takes roughly the same amount of time.

Once we arrived on the Isle of Skye, it felt like we had stepped into a completely different world. The weather turned grim, rain, strong winds, low-hanging clouds, and gloomy skies, but it only added to the island’s dramatic charm.

The landscapes were strikingly different from the Highlands we had just left: rugged, arid terrain dotted with grazing flocks, quaint villages tucked between small hills, and the sea stretching alongside winding roads.

Skye is known for its raw natural beauty, from jagged cliffs and serene lochs to mystical rock formations like the Old Man of Storr, offering a sense of isolation and wonder that’s unlike anywhere else in Scotland.

We had just a day and a night on the Isle of Skye, and despite the challenging weather, we made the most of our time exploring as much of the island as we could.

Our first stop was the iconic Old Man of Storr, a striking rocky hill on the northeastern part of the Isle of Skye.

At the base of the cliffs lies an area known as ‘The Sanctuary,’ home to a collection of oddly shaped rock pinnacles, remnants of ancient landslips that give the landscape an almost otherworldly appearance.

The dramatic cliffs rise sharply above the surrounding terrain, offering breathtaking views over rolling hills and distant lochs, making it one of the most unforgettable sights on the island.

We hiked there despite the rain, darkness, and swirling fog. In fact, the weather only seemed to heighten the place’s mystical, almost otherworldly atmosphere…

Legend has it that the Old Man of Storr gets its name from the way the rock formations and towering pinnacle resemble the profile of an old man, especially when viewed from a distance.

After our walk, we drove across the Isle, soaking in the ever-changing scenery and the serene quiet of the area, even the cows strolled leisurely along the roads as if they owned the place.

We were actually impressed by the quality of the roads. It was far less daunting than we had expected.

The Isle of Skye is full of highlights, including the enchanting Fairy Pools, though we unfortunately missed them this time due to the bad weather. One day, we hope to return and explore this magical spot. As well as Neist Point Lighthouse on the island’s west coast in the Durinish area, one of Scotland’s most iconic lighthouses.

Whisky enthusiasts will also want to plan a visit to the famous Talisker Distillery, beautifully situated on the shores of Loch Harport.

Isle of Skye – Inverness (106 miles, 2h30)

After exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Isle of Skye, it was time to continue our journey across Scotland. Next, we headed east toward Inverness, offering yet more stunning views along the way. In fact, we decided to conclude our journey in this area, drawn by the allure of its famous lake: Loch Ness.

Inverness turned out to be a delightful and charming town. We were captivated by its mix of historic and modern architecture, from quaint streets lined with stone buildings to elegant Victorian facades.

The town is beautifully set along the River Ness, offering scenic viewpoints where you can watch the gentle flow of the water and enjoy the surrounding hills.

Inverness combines the charm of a small town with the vibrancy of a cultural hub, making it a perfect stop on any Scottish journey.

Inverness – Urquhart Castle (18 miles, 36 mn)

After enjoying the charms of Inverness, we drove a short distance to the historic Urquhart Castle, perched on the shores of the legendary Loch Ness. Stretching over 20 miles and surrounded by rolling hills and forests, the loch provides breathtaking views that perfectly frame the castle’s dramatic ruins.

We explored the western side of Loch Ness, beginning with Urquhart Castle, just 17 miles south of Inverness. An unmissable stop thanks to its stunning location and fascinating history.

Some of the most dramatic chapters in Scotland’s history unfolded at Urquhart Castle, and we couldn’t help but be captivated as our guide spoke passionately about its storied past.

Urquhart Castle is one of Scotland’s largest and most storied fortresses. Over its 500-year history, it witnessed countless conflicts, with control of the castle passing back and forth between the Scots and the English until the 1500s.

Eventually, the last of the government troops blew it up as they retreated. Today, the castle’s iconic ruins still stand, offering fascinating glimpses into medieval life and the world of its noble inhabitants.

If you’re in the area, a visit to Urquhart is truly not to be missed.

Urquhart Castle is sure to captivate both adults and children, leaving memories that will last long after your visit. Scottish history is so rich and intricate that I’m still uncovering its stories even weeks after returning home!

Urquhart Castle – The Dores Inn (22 miles, 37mn)

After exploring the fascinating ruins of Urquhart Castle, we continued our journey along the shores of Loch Ness, making our way to The Dores Inn, a scenic and cosy spot to relax while taking in more stunning views.

We had heard about this charming inn and decided to stop by for lunch. Nestled on the shores of South Loch Ness, it’s just a short distance from Inverness town.

Unlike me, who stuck to a classic dish, my husband seized the chance to try a traditional ‘Stuart Grant Haggis.’ This Scottish specialty is a savoury pudding made from sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs) mixed with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt.

Not exactly my cup of tea, but he assured me it was delicious!

Being in Scotland, a proper whisky tasting was inevitable, and the one from the nearby Tomatin Distillery was reportedly exceptional. Nestled in the scenic Highlands just south of Inverness, Tomatin is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, known for its smooth single malts and traditional craftsmanship.

The tasting was enough to keep a big smile on my husband’s face for quite a while!

Blair Athol Distillery, in Pitlochry, Perthshire

After enjoying the whisky at Tomatin, our journey continued further south to explore another iconic Scottish distillery: Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry, Perthshire. A must-visit for whisky enthusiasts and a perfect stop to discover more of Scotland’s rich spirits heritage!

After making a few inquiries to arrange a tour, we finally arrived at Blair Athol Distillery, which, fortunately, welcomed children. Traveling as a family can sometimes make visits tricky (many Scottish distilleries don’t allow kids, which is understandable), but we thoroughly enjoyed our visit there.

The tour was both enjoyable and well-organized: the staff were cheerful, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about whisky, and we hung on every word during the two-hour visit.

I absolutely loved their bar, ingeniously crafted from a repurposed distillery machine. So creative and stylish!

Moulin Hotel, Pitlochry

After our fascinating visit to Blair Athol Distillery, we made our way to Pitlochry to check in at the charming Moulin Hotel, a cosy spot that promised a relaxing evening after a day of whisky and exploration!

We had already enjoyed a truly wonderful lunch at the Moulin Hotel before visiting the distillery. Nestled in the heart of Perthshire, Pitlochry is known for its picturesque streets, historic Victorian architecture, and stunning surrounding landscapes of rolling hills and nearby rivers. Its friendly local vibe made our meal even more enjoyable.

The restaurant at the Moulin Hotel was wonderfully cosy, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The soft lighting, crackling fireplace, eclectic décor, including charming statues of Laurel and Hardy, and comfortable furniture all combined to make us feel completely at home.

The food was exquisite, and we savoured every last bite. Each dish was delicious and served in generous portions, just what we needed after our long journey through Scotland. If you appreciate good cuisine, this is certainly a top-notch spot.

With that, our trip and its unforgettable discoveries came to an end. We returned home the following day, hearts full of wonderful memories and certain that we would one day come back to complete our journey and fully explore this beautiful corner of the UK.

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I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here. If you are planning to explore Scotland soon, please share your experience and opinion on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON’s blog!

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To go further:
The West Coast Company website
The Glenfinnan Station Museum Dining Car (PH37 4LT)  website
The Fairy Pools: Glenbrittle, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA
Talisker Distillery: Carbost, Isle of Skye IV47 8SR, website
Neist Point Lighthouse: Isle of Skye IV55 8WU
Urquhart Castle: Drumnadrochit, Inverness IV63 6XJ, website
The Dores Inn, Inverness IV2 6TR, website
The Tomatin distillery: Inverness IV13 7YT, website
Blair Athol: Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH16 5LY, website
Moulin Hotel: Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH16 5EW, website

Check out my other travel recommendations for Scotland, Wales, England.

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