In the footsteps of "Outlander" and "Harry Potter"

I started my research on Scotland. It leaves me in awe for this beautiful country. Just looking at photos from fellow travelers and reading their posts, is bliss.

I plan to do a round trip from Glasgow clockwise back to Edinburgh, reaching out as far northeast as Duncansby Head. I found a good many castles that can not only be visited, but where we could lodge as well. Our route will take us past Loch Lomond to Ben Nevis and Fort Williams. We will definely take a ride on the train that crosses Glenfinnan Viaduct (yes, we are Harry Potter fans), then venture north to Isle of Skye, Luskentyre Beach, Eilean Donan Castle and further east to Duncansby Head. From there is back via Inverness and Loch Ness, Aberdeen, Carnoustie, St. Andrews, Loch Leven, Sterling to finally reach Edinburgh.

I am also looking at walking parts of the West Highland Way. Their website https://www.westhighlandway.org gives ample of choices depending on how many days you want to spend on foot. As I just recover from a hip surgery, I might not opt for the full way, but the section of the trail from Rowardennan to Inverarnan seems really nice. It is only 14 miles (22.5 km), and is feasible for me right now. The track is only challenging starting north of Inversnaid but the wildness and soaring mountains are amazing and definitely worth spending the day. I found out there are companies that help you with your luggage along the way as well (e.g. https://www.gingerroutes.com), so there is no need to carry everything with you. I'm thinking of staying overnight in the area and continue to drive towards Fort William the following day. We want to give ourselves ample of time to explore this breathtaking country within the planned two weeks.

If you plan to visit the islands up north, check out the ferry schedules at https://www.calmac.co.uk. To travel to Iona (the graveyard on Iona is the traditional burial ground for the ancient kings of Scotland) you have to take two ferries: the first crossing from the mainland to the Isle of Mull and then from Fionnphort to Iona (crossing is 4min).

Our current itinerary will follow this route:

Day 1: Glasgow

Day 2: Drive to Loch Lomond, arrive at Fort Williams (Inverlochy Castle Hotel). Next morning off to the West Highland Track.

Day 3: Drive to Iona (Isle of Mull), visit Fingal's Cave (on boat) and spend the night at Glengorm Castle Hotel.

Day 4: Drive back to Fort William, take train to Mallaig (Glenfinnan Viaduct)

Day 5: Ferry to Isle of Skye, visit Dunvegan Castle and Neist Point Lighthouse (Skeabost Hotel) perhaps head out to Isle of Harris (extra day trip)

Day 6: Continue drive to Eilean Donan Castle, and further to John O’Groats, visit Sinclair Girnigoe Castle (The Granary Lodge B&B, Ackergill Tower Castle)

Day 7/8: Drive to Inverness. Visit Inverness Castle, Urquhart Castle and Dunrobin Castle, Loch Ness

(Kincraig Castle Hotel, Dornoch Castle)

Day 9: Drive to Aberdeen, visit Balmoral Castle and Caringorms National Park

(Palm Court Hotel)

Day 10: Drive to Carnoustie, later to St. Andrews (Fairmont St. Andrews)

Day 11: Visit Fife, Loch Leven, Drummond Castle, Ashintully Castle. Drive to Sterling (Hotel)

Day 12: Visit Sterling Castle and Hopetoun House. Return to Edinburgh (Dalhousie Castle Hotel)

with google maps Scotland trip