Trip to Scottish highlands

In the Footsteps of the Hogwarts Express

After several magical days on the Isle of Skye, we were thrilled to be heading for the Scottish Highlands. Our journey from Mallaig to Fort William treated us to the sight of a truly dramatic railway line. This isn’t just any track; it’s a feat of engineering that starts at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, weaves past the westernmost station at Arisaig, skirts the depths of Loch Morar (the deepest freshwater lake in the UK), and finally concludes near the stunning Loch Nevis, a formidable seawater loch.

Spanning 135 kilometres (84 miles) of breathtaking scenery, the train that runs on this line is a global superstar. Fans will instantly recognise it as the very same Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films! It’s a wonderful connection, given that the author J.K. Rowling hails from Scotland. The railway criss-crosses the road multiple times, allowing us to pull over and watch, mesmerised, as the iconic steam train chugged majestically over soaring viaducts, through deep gorges and into dark tunnels.

Our Highland Hideaway: The Munro Inn

Our first proper stop in the Highlands was the charming village of Strathyre, home to our pre-booked accommodation, the Munro Inn (Main Street, Strathyre, FK18 8NA). This felt like the true gateway to the Highlands. Our initial online search showed it was nestled in a wonderfully remote spot, yet perfectly positioned as a base for daily adventures.

It was a wonderfully cosy, family-run hotel that exceeded all our expectations. A particular highlight was the restaurant, which boasted an incredibly rich selection of Scotch whiskies. You can imagine the convivial atmosphere we enjoyed each evening, sampling a ‘dram’ or two after our day’s explorations.

Every morning, the hospitable owners welcomed us with a magnificent full Scottish breakfast. While similar to its English cousin, this feast features heartier portions and includes local delicacies like haggis and black pudding – both of which were surprisingly delicious! I’m recounting this in the past tense as I understand the hotel was later abandoned for a time and has since reopened under new ownership and in 2025 shows as permanently closed on Google Maps.

Exploring the Wild Landscapes

From our Strathyre base, we embarked on a new journey each morning, exploring everything from the rugged Highlands to the gentle Lowlands and the historic midpoint of Stirling. One particularly fascinating day out was to a unique hydroelectric power plant. Here, they generate electricity by day by releasing water from a mountain lake, but then, cleverly using cheaper night-time electricity, they pump the water back up to the lake to start the process all over again!

After exploring modern engineering, we sought out a taste of traditional Scottish produce at a fascinating fish farm that not only rears and processes fish but also smokes exquisite Scottish salmon. The quality of Scotch salmon is so renowned, it even has its own dedicated museum! It became clear that the care put into Scotch salmon is a point of national pride, much like the reverence for Scotch whisky.

The Grand Castles of Scotland

Castles are the very essence of the Scottish landscape; we visited several and passed countless more. They truly seem to be on every corner! However, one of the most awe-inspiring is undoubtedly Stirling Castle, perched high on a volcanic crag in its namesake town. Its commanding presence is visible for miles around.

Built as a grand royal residence for a long line of Scottish monarchs, the castle’s interiors are filled with fascinating historical exhibitions. From its majestic battlements, the views across the surrounding countryside are simply spectacular; on a clear day, they say you can almost see Edinburgh!

At another castle, we were delightfully surprised by a free, open-air exhibition of magnificent birds of prey – eagles, hawks, and owls – showcased in the castle’s tranquil gardens.

A slight disappointment was our visit to Rosslyn Chapel, famed for its role in The Da Vinci Code. Unfortunately, our experience was hampered by pouring rain and the fact the chapel was largely under scaffolding for restoration. We visited again years later and I can confirm it is well worth a visit! On this particular trip, however, we serendipitously discovered other gems and, while driving through quaint towns and villages, even stumbled upon lively local festivals and parades.

The Birthplace of Golf

We dedicated a day to exploring Scotland’s east coast, visiting the towns of Kirkcaldy, Dundee, and the legendary St. Andrews. Our main goal was this historic town, which is not only home to Scotland’s ancient university (founded in 1413) but is also the hallowed birthplace of golf.

While we aren’t avid golfers, we decided that when in Scotland, a pilgrimage to St. Andrews is essential! We explored the famous Old Course at St. Andrews Links, feeling the palpable history and reverence for the game even as complete novices, and wandered the incredibly beautiful, cobbled streets. We also stopped in Dundee, Scotland’s fourth-largest city. While it is industrial at heart, we were captivated by the stunning Tay Road Bridge, which spans the wide, fjord-like estuary of the River Tay. Our journey back to Strathyre took us through wild, less-populated areas, where we stopped repeatedly to soak in the magnificent, untamed scenery.

Home of golf - St Andrews — Home of golf – St Andrews

History, Tradition, and a Grand Finale

A visit to New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was profoundly impressive. This is a restored 19th-century cotton mill village where the utopian idealist Robert Owen created a revolutionary model industrial community for his workers. All the buildings have been meticulously preserved, housing captivating historical exhibits. As if that wasn’t enough, we were also fortunate to witness a real Scottish wedding during our visit, which was every bit as thrilling as the heritage site itself!

Our unforgettable Scottish road trip concluded in the vibrant, authentic city of Glasgow. Little did we know that a few years later, this very city would become our home for a wonderful period. It was the perfect end to a journey filled with magic, history, and breathtaking beauty.