Scotland wasn’t on my original travel plan this year, but it ended up being exactly what I needed. This trip moved at a realistic pace. There were naps, missed scenery, spontaneous choices, and moments where the cold made the final decision.
What you’ll find here is an itinerary that reflects how the trip actually unfolded as I moved through Glasgow, Inverness and the Scottish Highlands, and Edinburgh.
Glasgow: Familiar, Honest, and Not Trying to Impress You
Glasgow was my first stop, and honestly? It felt familiar. Almost immediately, I noticed all the fast food. Burger King. McDonald’s. Subway. KFC. Starbucks. Tim Hortons. I had a brief “did I accidentally fly back to the U.S.?” moment.
What stood out more was the homelessness. It made me pause and compare it to Philly. Different accents, same reality. That familiarity landed heavier than I expected.
That said, Glasgow has beautiful architecture and real character. I noticed Black Scots, which stood out to me after seeing that viral TikTok. I was paying attention. The youths were sneaker heads, which confirmed what we already know. Culture travels.
I checked in, took a nap, walked around briefly, and the cold immediately humbled me. Sometimes that’s the travel day. No shame.
Inverness and the Scottish Highlands: Scotland Finally Decides to Show Off
From Glasgow, I took the train to Inverness. It was supposed to be scenic. I slept the entire ride. Deeply. Peacefully. No regrets.
Inverness is the gateway to the Scottish Highlands and the starting point for most Loch Ness tours. It also gets about five to six hours of daylight in winter, which explains why many of my photos are night photos.
The next day was the Loch Ness tour, knowing full well it was cheesy and committing anyway. The sun tried to show up at the start of the loch, but the clouds shut that down quickly.
Urquhart Castle was a highlight, although I repeatedly and confidently called it “Ubiquitous Castle.” Words and I have an understanding. Still, it was fun to explore. Just me, my selfie stick, and my confidence.
Then, during the tour, there was an explanation about the difference between Highland cows and regular cows. I lost interest.
Invermoriston looked like a postcard. Waterfalls, stone bridges, and a stop at the “summer house,” which felt ironic because it was very much not summer.
Fort Augustus was where I was supposed to take the Loch Ness cruise. Emphasis on supposed. I found a pub instead and ate fish and chips with an adult beverage while waiting for the boat to come back. No pictures. No regrets.
By the final waterfall stop, the temperature dropped, my feet were cold, and I stayed on the bus. One of the tour mates did send me a picture. Here it is!
Boundaries were set. Overall, a very good day.
Edinburgh: Hills, History, and City Girl Recovery
After the Highlands, I went back to Edinburgh and immediately returned to my natural habitat. Checked in. Never left. Wine, warmth, and a view.
Edinburgh is a must on any Scotland itinerary, and let me be clear. Edinburgh is not flat. At all. Every walk is uphill. Every uphill walk is cardio. Especially the walk to Edinburgh Castle, which ensured my Scottish breakfast was fully worked off.
Edinburgh also delivered one of my most questionable travel decisions. I took a picture with an owl. Yes, an owl. No, I have never seen a Harry Potter movie. Couldn’t tell you a single plot point. Still wanted the picture. Travel logic does not require explanation.
Whisky vs Gin: Important Personal Discoveries
I did the Whisky Experience, and I actually paid attention. Here are a few fun facts: Whisky is made from water, barley, and yeast. If it hasn’t aged for at least three years, it’s not considered a single malt. Growth.
The Whisky Experience was great. The whisky itself is not for me.
The Gin Experience, however, made much more sense. The experience wasn’t as strong, but I like gin. After four tastings, we were lit, festive, and in excellent spirits. A solid way to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
Know Your Role When You Travel
This trip reinforced something I already know. On group or friends’ trips, everyone has a role. The planner. The directions person. The food person. The photographer. The vibes keeper.
We all know I am the planner. The navigator and photographer! (and maybe the vibe) Lol
However, foodie is not my thing. I plan the trip from A to Z, but where we eat is not in my job description. That’s why you need a travel buddy who handles the food. My girl does that. I am the passenger princess when it comes to dining out. She orders. She pays. We split later. This system has worked for years.
Here’s a peek at what we ate and drank, and let me tell you, it was delicious.
Final Thoughts on This Scotland Itinerary
Scotland gave me contrast. Cities that felt familiar. Landscapes that felt ancient. Cold that demanded respect. It reminded me that not every travel day needs to be packed to be meaningful.
Some days, you explore castles.
Some days, you nap.
Some days, you miss the scenery entirely.
All of it counts.
Would I go back? Absolutely.
Would I do it the same way? Probably.
Because travel, like life, works best when you stop apologizing for how you enjoy it.
Want to Do This Scotland Trip Yourself?
If this Scotland itinerary sounds like your kind of travel, you can absolutely do it the same way.
I’ve mapped out this exact route covering Glasgow, Inverness and the Scottish Highlands, and Edinburgh, with realistic pacing, smart transport flow, and time to rest when your body says so.
You have two options:
- Follow my exact Scotland itinerary and travel it at your own pace
- Or reach out and let us book and customize your next adventure based on how you actually like to travel
Either way, the goal is the same.
Travel that fits you, not the other way around.