For those of you newly tuning in, part one of this two part Scotland epic 7 day travel itinerary can be found HERE. For everyone else up, please continue reading and enjoy as we continue exploring Scotland!
Scotland Epic 7 Day Travel Itinerary
Day 4 - Fort Augustus/Isle of Skye
We hit the roads fairly early to begin our several hour drive out to the Isle of Skye, with a few stops along the way. Right along our path was Eilean Donan Castle. A beautiful outdoor area with some shops and a small cafe. The castle grounds, along with the interior, were really interesting to walk through, dating back to the 13th century. A quick bite to eat with an Americano at Manuela’s Wee Bakery helped break up the drive. Several pastries, biscuits, coffee, and tea are available. We continued onward to the Isle of Skye while stopping at the Fairy Pools Trail for a great hike with amazing views. We returned back to our Highland Club Castle Air BnB where we walked to The Boathouse Restaurant for a nice dinner with views of Loch Ness from our table.
- One of the most iconic castles in all of Scotland, with images used worldwide
- Located on a small island, the meeting point of three great sea lochs
- Amazing views, both inside and out, of beautiful scenery and historic architecture
- Dates back to the 13th century when the first fortified castle was built. There have been several variations and rebuilds since
- Adjacent parking lot (for a small fee) which does fill up fast!
- £12 per person (roughly $15.50). Tickets purchased onsite, not available online
- Short drive (~5 minutes) from Eilean Donan Castle, right on the way to Isle of Skye
- Part of the Fairytale Distillery, which was unfortunately closed when we visited
- Very small parking lot in front with space for a few cars
- Dozens of sweet and savory pastries, coffee, and teas
Isle of Skye/Fairy Pools Trail
- Unfortunately, we didn’t have much time to explore the Isle of Skye given it was only a day trip from our basecamp in Fort Augustus. Feel free to read Isle of Skye specifics from Ryan’s post HERE!
- Fairy Pools Trail was a moderate hike with incredible views.
- We chose the 4.6 mile loop trail which I highly recommend to avoid the crowds.
- Instead of following the concrete path straight from the parking lot, veer off to the left where you’ll pass your first waterfall and start hiking on the dirt trail. I think this has even better views, and you’ll avoid the congestion until the end of your hike back to parking.
- There is a small fee for the parking lot. Restrooms are available. Ticket is good for the entire day
- As we were approaching the trail and parking, a passing vehicle handed us their ticket out of the window! Such a kind gesture and really made our day. Of course, as we were leaving, we passed this forward and did the same to an older couple heading towards the trail.
- Walking distance from our stay at The Highland Club and nearby Fort Augustus
- Our window seating had incredible views of Loch Ness, right in our backyard
- The menu was a unique blend of Scottish and Turkish cuisine, using local fresh seafood
- Would absolutely return and I recommend any of the specials, along with any of the seafood dishes
Scotland Epic 7 Day Travel Itinerary
Day 5 - Fort Augustus
Today was another early morning start as we headed into the middle of the forest for horseback riding! Our instructor and guide, Ian, was phenomenal. His family has owned the land for generations. He was a great instructor for a couple of us beginners, and his dry sense of humor was on point lol. The views were spectacular and like nothing I’ve ever experienced while hiking or walking trails. After returning home in the afternoon, we were able to explore the nearby Fort Augustus area. Several small shops and eateries are all within walking distance. A few beers (or maybe several!) were had at The Lock Inn, with outdoor seating right on the canal. The weather was simply perfect with the sun cooperating all day long!
Highland Trekking & Trail Riding
- We had booked horseback riding ahead of time. This was around a 45 minute drive on paved roads, followed by another 45 minute drive on back narrow dirt roads. Would definitely recommend more of a SUV or rental car with higher ground clearance
- Ian, the owner and guide, was incredible. Very knowledgeable with dry humor mixed in
- As a beginner rider (I rode once many, many years ago) he was very informative and helped along the way. You will feel very comfortable with him nearby
- Views were simply priceless. While up on a horse, you notice things you’ll never see while hiking and looking down at your feet or eye level
- Aussie, my Clydesdale horse, definitely gave me a run for my money! He showed me he was the boss early on, and then we developed a great bond the rest of the ride. He was incredible
- Around $100 per person, depending on the ride duration you choose
- An awesome little restaurant with outdoor seating right on the canal. Almost like a little beer garden with several picnic tables and benches
- A few draft beers and ciders available along with other non-alcoholic beverages
- Their burger topped with homemade bacon jam was unreal! Highly recommend along with their soup of the day with bread
Scotland Epic 7 Day Travel Itinerary
Day 6 - Fort Augustus → Cellardyke
We were definitely sad to leave our one of a kind castle. Regardless, we arose and headed Southeast towards our next lodging, a coastal home in Cellardyke. The drive was a nice mix of backroads with beautiful scenery and more modern paved highways. We stopped a few times along the way to stretch our legs. Some nice trails and restrooms were available at the Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve. We continued to the Black Spout Wood, where a nice waterfall was enjoyed after a short hike. After arriving at our house right on the water, we began exploring the nearby coastal town and fishing village of Cellardyke. We had probably one of our BEST meals at the newer Ox & Anchor. It has such a unique and fresh menu with such friendly staff. I’d return without question!
Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve
- Right off our route and main road. Free parking lot adjacent to the trails
- Appeared to have a main trail with a couple other trails branching off
- A few nice viewpoints higher up from the main trail
- Small public restroom available
- Short drive off the main road with a smaller parking lot
- We hiked up a short trail to view the waterfall. A nice, newer viewpoint with some benches
- We hiked quickly, to stretch the legs, but it appears the trail continues up to the Edradour Distillery.
- Around ~3 miles total if you complete the entire trail, going past the waterfall
- WOW! That is all I can say. But really, this food was incredible. I’m craving it as I write this post
- Definitely get one of their loaded fries to share and you will not be disappointed. All of their burgers and the fried chicken sandwich were amazing. I’ve included their specials below which we shared
- Shin Dig
- Braised beef shin with sourdough bread, charred shallots, bone marrow and confit garlic mayo, wild garlic salsa verde, foraged flowers, fries
- Captain Mac Sparrow
- Mac n cheese loaded fries, red onion chutney, blue cheese, crispy shallots with chives
- Shin Dig
- Located right in the heart of Cellardyke, within walking distance from our coastal house
- The staff were so nice and informative regarding the menu. I really hope this place sticks around and business booms. I would definitely return and enjoyed it so much!
Scotland Epic 7 Day Travel Itinerary
Day 7 - Cellardyke → Edinburgh → Dublin → Malahide
Unfortunately, some good things must come to an end, especially incredible trips and adventures. Our final morning in Scotland had us walking around Cellardyke and exploring the coast some before grabbing coffee to hit the roads. We drove back to Edinburgh to catch our flight back to Dublin, Ireland. We arrived at our final destination, Malahide, after a short drive from the Dublin airport. We were again able to explore and walk around this coastal settlement before grabbing another tasty dinner. We had an early morning flight the next day back to Toronto, before our drive back to Buffalo. I know, without question, I will be back to Scotland (and Ireland!) for more exploring in the near future. Thanks for tuning in for another adventure! Until next time…
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