For those of you interested in the first leg of this 14 day European adventure click HERE for the first part of our Ultimate 7 Day Ireland Travel Itinerary! Without further ado, let’s move on to part 1 of this epic Scotland 7 day travel itinerary!
Scotland 7 Day Travel Itinerary
Day 1 - Dublin → Edinburgh → Earlston/Scottish Borders
An early morning flight from Dublin brought us over to Scotland. We spent the day exploring the fascinating architecture of Edinburgh before staying at our tranquil Air Bnb in the Scottish Borders. We explored Edinburgh Castle, along with the city itself. The architecture was like nothing I’ve ever seen! It was also filled with numerous Harry Potter stores and unique shops. Of course we stopped for a pint at BrewDog! I fell in love with this place after visiting a location in Barcelona, Spain last summer. We then stumbled upon Dean Village, which was a nice area to walk around and further appreciate the buildings. Our Air Bnb was so peaceful, an old cottage off the beaten path, adjacent to a larger mansion and equestrian facility.
- Highly suggest booking tickets ahead of time. They do sell out and you must choose a specific entry time
- We parked nearby in a city car park. A fairly decent walk uphill to the castle entrance was required
- There were multiple attractions outside as well as numerous buildings to explore and adventure within the castle grounds
- One of the oldest fortified places in all of Europe. Dates back to the 11th century
- £19.50 per person ($25)
- Multiple styles of beer ranging from IPAs to Lagers to Stouts to Non-Alcohol choices. There will be something for everyone!
- Food also available for purchase with varying bites based on location
- Always friendly staff! I’ve never had a bad experience at the few locations I’ve visited
- A short drive from downtown Edinburgh. Had a much smaller city feel. Many paths and outdoor areas to walk around.
- Numerous historic buildings and again, incredible architecture!
- Well Court, situated in the village center, is one of the most historic buildings from the 1880s. It was home to local workers employed at the nearby water mills.
Scotland 7 Day Travel Itinerary
Day 2 - Scottish Borders
We drove Northeast, just under 1 hour, to explore St. Abb’s Head Nature Reserve and trails. Our journey started with coffee at the small shop adjacent to the parking lot. Once again, the locals were so kind, warm, and welcoming. After a quick chat and liquid fuel, we began hiking along the coastal cliffs. These views were breathtaking. *Pro-tip…do NOT stop at the lighthouse, but continue further along the trail for even BETTER views and a peaceful spot to sit down, taking it all in.* We subsequently stopped at Ebbcarrs Cafe, within a small local fishing village, for some fresh seafood. The fresh crab roll was made with crab caught earlier that morning! Of course it was delicious, as was the Cullen Skink, a local seafood soup with fresh bread. We completed our day of travel after seeing one of the famous statues of William Wallace and then walking on a nice bridge over the River Tweed.
St. Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve
- There is an easily accessible car park adjacent to the cafe. Fairly quick walk up to the trailhead and viewpoint
- £4 per vehicle (~$5)
- Cafe is part of Borders Pottery/Number 4 Art Gallery. Grab a quick coffee and scone, while also browsing some incredible local art for sale
- Our loop trail was just under 3 miles. Some incredible views with places to sit right on the water. Do NOT stop at the lighthouse and turn around, but rather continue along the road for an amazing viewpoint off to the side. I promise, this will be worth it!
- Amazing food in a small fishing village. Indoor/outdoor seating available
- Our crab roll was one of the best I’ve ever had. Their seafood is caught fresh each morning!
- Recommend the fresh crab roll along with the Cullen Skink (their local seafood soup, similar to a clam chowder but MUCH better) with homemade bread
- Quick walk around town with a visitor/welcome center providing history of the area
- Famous statue overlooking the River Tweed, just outside of Melrose in the Scottish Borders
- Made of red sandstone dating back to 1814. Stands tall at 9.4 meters (just under 31 feet)
- William Wallace was a Scottish Knight known as one of the main leaders during the Scottish rebellion against English rule in the 13th century
The Union Chain Bridge/Union Bridge
- Bridge over the River Tweed
- Constructed back in 1820. At that time, it was the longest wrought iron suspension bridge in the world
- Spans around 137 meters (just under 450 feet)
- We parked on the side of the road and walked across the bridge for some nice views to end our day
Scotland 7 Day Travel Itinerary
Day 3 - Scottish Borders → Fort Augustus
This began another longer day of driving, as we headed from the Scottish Borders up North to our Castle/Church Air Bnb in Fort Augustus. A stop at Linlithgow Palace and St. Michael’s Parish Church broke up the drive early on. The Kelpies Sculpture were simply unreal and something I cannot even put into words. You’ll have to see them for yourself! We walked around Stirling, including Stirling Castle, Snowdon Cemetary, and stopped for food at Portcullis Beer Garden (thanks for the recommendation Ryan!). After a muddy hike down into the depths below, we stumbled upon Devil’s Pulpit (Craighat). Wow, that is all I can say. Well worth the muddy hike. Unfortunately, we were unable to stop at the Glencoe Visitor Center as it had already closed. Our night ended at our absolute FAVORITE air bnb. The Abbey Church, within The Highland Club, on the shores of Loch Ness. Our place was part of the completely renovated church, within the old Castle and grounds. Vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and marble archways were some of the unique details left completely untouched and brought life to this place.
- Small parking lot just outside the main entrance. We had no problem parking; however, this likely fills up quickly in busier months.
- There was quite a bit of construction taking place, including at the adjacent St. Michael’s Church. We elected to walk the outside grounds and bypass the indoor tour to save time.
- £10 per person ($12.75)
- Adjacent to the Linlithgow Palace above.
- Unfortunately, there was quite a bit of construction taking place. Inside the church was closed for viewing.
- Spectacular architecture still visible while walking the grounds
- Designed by sculptor Andy Scott and completed in October 2013
- Standing tall at 30 meters (just under 100 feet)
- A gift shop and bathrooms within the grounds along with a small coffee shop and a few small boutiques
- Multiple free nearby car parks if you’re willing/able to walk. The Kelpies car park at the entrance was £3 ($3.75)
- Dating back to the 15th century when some of the earliest buildings were constructed
- Large car park outside the main entrance
- Unfortunately, we decided to bypass touring inside the castle grounds given time constraints and a rather long drive to our very own Castle Air Bnb
- We parked in the nearby city of Stirling and walked up to the castle
- £17.50 per person ($22.25)
- Immediately adjacent to the Stirling Castle above
- Indoor/outdoor seating available; however, weather permitting for use of the beer garden
- Good eats and several local brews to fuel up before our drive continued up North
- Thanks for the recommendation, Ryan!
- Located in Craighat, Scotland
- A strange rock formation with crimson water flowing through Finnich Glen/Gorge
- VERY slippery and muddy steps down to the blood-red water itself
- Highly recommend hiking boots or at least stiff soled shoes
- Definitely a sight to behold with such a sinister lurking feeling
- Free to explore; however, parking can be an issue. We were fortunate enough to find a spot on the side of the road, which was not too far of a walk from the trail
- This was by far one of the coolest, and nicest, places I’ve ever stayed
- Right in Fort Augustus, on the shores of Loch Ness
- Located at The Highland Club. Our rental was within the Abbey Church Building on the castle grounds
- Modern amenities and updates along with original stained glass windows with arches throughout
- On site gym, pool, billiards room, community lounge
- Small walkable village nearby along with the Boathouse Restaurant right on the water
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