Scotland Travel Diary: Part Two
Day Four
I was really starting to feel at home in Scotland. Everything seemed to be flowing very well. I was at ease and really enjoying all that my gorgeous surroundings had to offer. After my first few days in Edinburgh and a day trip to Glasgow (which you can read about here in Part One of my Scotland Travel Diary), it was time to explore more of Edinburgh.
I checked out of my beautiful apartment at Eden Locke, leaving my luggage there until I could check into my new hotel in Old Town. I wasn’t far from the Royal Crescent (not to be confused with the Royal Crescent in Bath, though, very similar) so I decided to head over there that morning to explore and capture some photos.
It was the first sunny day in Scotland and, wow, did the city look beautiful under the bright, blue sky. The journey to my new hotel took me along the stunning King’s Stables Road (swoon at the name!), which is a road tucked directly below Edinburgh castle with it towering above. You pass by lush gardens and trees as you walk over from New Town to Old Town.
I dropped off my bag as it was still too early to check-in, and then took the bus to Leith where I met my friend Jessie to explore Leith Market. I had heard so many wonderful things about this bustling farmers market next to the Shore. We grabbed a coffee and then Jessie showed me around Leith. I loved how many cute local shops there were everywhere.
We popped into a local restaurant right on the water called Teuchters Landing where I had a veggie haggis toastie. (Toasties are similar to a grilled cheese.) Jessie showed me her flat where we had tea and chatted for a couple hours until we started to get hungry again. We talked over pizza until it was time for me to return back to Old Town for a very early morning that I had ahead of me.
Day Five
The next morning, I was up before the sun to prepare for my Highlands day trip with Rabbies! I had learned about Rabbies, a well-respected tour company based in the UK and Ireland, a couple years ago and knew I wanted to try one of their legendary small group tours when I visited the UK. Since I didn’t have a rental car, their guided tour on a 16-seat mini coach was perfect. I decided to book their ‘Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands‘ tour which you can find the details about here.
As an avid Outlander fan, I quickly fell in love with so many of the picturesque views featured in the series. As we drove further north, deeper and deeper into the Highlands, I couldn’t believe the dramatic views my eyes were taking in. We stopped in little villages and pulled over to walk around and appreciate the scenery we were being graced with.
It was better than anything out of a show or film. You could hear the quiet hush in the mountain air, see the herd of sheep running along the stream, and appreciate the contrast of the milky white houses against the dramatic landscape.
We made quite a few stops during our 12-hour day trip. Loch Ness was one of those surreal moments; a place I never in a million years would have guessed I would actually visit one day but there I was, staring out at the serene water where Nessie is said to live.
After enjoying lunch by the water, we were onward to Glencoe, the part of the tour which I had been looking forward to most. As we approached Glencoe, our tour guide told us the heartbreaking story of the Massacre of Glencoe which took place in 1692 following the Jacobite uprising of 1689-92.
Leaving the coach, there I was, faced with the most utterly dramatic landscape I have ever been surrounded by. Whereas the scenery of places such as Sedona, Arizona left me feeling deeply inspired and at ease, Glencoe moved me emotionally. There is something so raw about Glencoe. Something so vulnerable, yet steadfast.
I was sad to leave the Highlands as the sun began to set. That misty Scottish drizzle produced the most beautiful rainbow as I watched the towering mountains begin to fade further into the distance. Luckily, we had some extra time left since it was Sunday and we didn’t hit any traffic. So, we stopped for a walk around Doune Castle, which any Outlander or Game of Thrones fan will recognize. Oh, this was an incredible surprise for me as I had really been wanting to see this castle!
After driving past Sterling Castle which towered high in the sky and the beautiful Shelties, we returned to Edinburgh.
Day Six
The next day, I was in awe of the beautiful sunny Edinburgh day that awaited me. With the bright blue morning sky above, I started my day on a tour of Edinburgh Castle. There is a lot to see once you’re inside the castle grounds, with dozens of different buildings making up the complex. I even ended up being there during the “One O’Clock Gun,” when they fire the sun every day at 1:00pm. The firing of the gun dates back to 1861 when it was used to signal the time for the ships in the Firth of Forth.
Since it was my final day in Scotland and therefore my final day in the UK, I still had a lot I wanted to see. After spending a couple hours exploring Edinburgh Castle and enjoying the spectacular views of the city from above, I headed to the West End where I stopped for coffee and cake at Cairngorm Coffee before walking to Dean Village.
Dean Village was such a treat in the sunshine. It’s on the other side of town, away from the crowds and (most) tourists, so it’s a lovely, quaint village to walk through when you’re looking for some peace and quiet.
I ended my time in Edinburgh with a sunset walk through the legendary Greyfriars Kirkyard. In 1562, Mary Queen of Scots granted the land for use as a burial ground. Some of the famous names people come here to see are William McGonagall and Tom Riddle. But what captivated me the most was how truly beautiful yet eerie this burial ground was due to how old it is. I’ve never experienced any other place like it.
From there, I walked just down the street to take a peek inside the gorgeous National Museum of Scotland. I wish I had more time to explore more of the exhibits as there is so much to see!
I had an early morning flight back to Berlin but I was so sad to say goodbye to Edinburgh and to the UK. I can’t wait to return to Scotland. Its beauty and history have captivated me.
You can catch up on my England Travel Diaries here.
And my Scotland Travel Diary: Part One here.
To follow my current travels around Europe and the UK, come follow along on Instagram @ChelseaDinen
