Scotland. A place of misty lochs, ancient castles and winding roads. Our latest trip sailed from busy port of Amsterdam to the heart of the Highlands & the cobbled streets of Edinburgh. From ferry rides to highland cows, here’s a peek into our memorable trip.
Getting There: Ferry from Amsterdam to Newcastle
Our journey began with an overnight ferry from Amsterdam to Newcastle, UK. This was not merely transportation — this was an experience. Think warm wood cabins, unobstructed ocean views, and a chance to recharge before getting back on the road. For those heading from mainland Europe to the UK the ferry felt like a baton change, both seamless and exciting, and was a great way to start the trip.
The Highlands: Nairn, Inverness, and Beyond
Loch Ness Boat Tour
No trip to Scotland is complete without a visit to Loch Ness. We cruised the legendary waters, scanning the horizon for a glimpse of Nessie. Spoiler: she didn’t show, but the views more than made up for it.
The Secret Beach
We would walk our dog on a beach just outside of Nairn locally called the ‘Secret Beach’. This long stretch of white sands was almost always empty. To get to the beach, you have to work for it a little bit; it’s not as easily accessed as some of the other beaches around Nairn, but that’s part of its appeal.
Highland Cows
Because, duh. Seeing them up close was like stepping into a Scottish postcard. The tour we found was very intimate with just 10 people. We were picked up by the farmer who raised the cows. We got to feed them and hang out with them for about an hour and we were in love!
Brodie Castle
A charming blend of history and beauty, Brodie Castle offered a glimpse into Scotland’s storied past. Wandering its gardens was a step back in time. The gardens were the perfect walk for us and Rex. We didn’t make it in the castle, but it is on our list for the next time we are in the Highlands.
Edinburgh: Grit, Glam, and a Great View
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh knows how to do shopping. We wandered the Royal Mile and picked up everything from tartan scarves to quirky souvenirs. There are also great pubs and restaurants. We really never left this area.
Edinburgh Dungeon
Equal parts cheesy and creepy, and honestly, we loved every second of it. It’s like a horror movie meets history class. We have been to the Amsterdam and London Dungeons and can’t wait to go to the Dublin Dungeon.
Evening Walk to the Castle
After dinner, we made our way up from Victoria Street, the cobbled path almost empty except for a few other late-night wanderers. The castle stood illuminated against the night sky, quiet and commanding. No crowds, no rush—just the perfect way to take it all in.
