A revisit to Scotland (my one & only prior trip was in 1998) had been on my travel list for ages and I finally got to spend a week exploring this stunning country. While a week is nowhere near enough to experience everything, I wanted to share some of my favourite places that we visited.
From charming cafés and castles to picturesque hikes and hidden gems, here’s a little taste of our journey through Scotland.

Glen Nevis & Steall Falls

Our hike to Steall Falls in Glen Nevis was one of the most breathtaking walks we did. The scenery is nothing short of spectacular, with towering mountains and a stunning waterfall at the end of an easy hike. If you’re looking for a beautiful, relatively easy hike near Fort William, this is it. It’s perfect for a peaceful morning surrounded by nature. Some Harry Potter scenes were filmed there. More details: here.

Balmoral Castle and the Highland Cows

We couldn’t visit the area without stopping by Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family. The grounds are expansive, and while the castle itself is impressive, I was absolutely thrilled to see the Highland cows grazing nearby! Those fluffy beasts are such a joy to see up close. If you’re planning a visit, make sure to keep an eye out for the cows—definitely a highlight! Learn more about Balmoral here.

The Highland Soap Company Visitor Centre & Larder Café

I have a soft spot for a great gift shop, and the Highland Soap Company Visitor Centre did not disappoint. While a lot of the gift shops in Scotland are pretty standard, this one stood out with its unique selection of products, including their own handcrafted soaps and lotions. We couldn’t resist bringing home a few goodies! Mr M particularly enjoyed the whiskey corner, which is a nice touch for whisky lovers. Highly recommend! You can find more details here.

We also stopped in for lunch at the Larder Café which is part of the complex—yummy food and the coffee didn’t disappoint either.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh Tour, Glasgow

If you’re a fan of architecture, design or just Glasgow in general, this Charles Rennie Mackintosh Tour is an absolute must. It’s a deep dive into the life and work of Mackintosh, a Scottish architect and designer whose work has been a long-time favourite of mine. I’ve written all about my experience here.

Ballater and the Train Station

Ballater is a quaint old town that we really enjoyed exploring. The town has a royal connection and the train station was famously used by Queen Victoria and the royal family when travelling to Balmoral Castle. It’s now a tourist information centre with a lovely café and some great exhibits. If you ever find yourself in Ballater, take a moment to soak up the history and charm! You can find more info here.

Stirling Castle

I’ll be honest—by the time we got to Stirling Castle, I was a bit “castled out.” Having grown up in Germany, I’ve seen more than my fair share of castles plus we visited a few on our Scotland trip. But Mr M convinced me to go (He had me at ‘You wouldn’t travel to the North and not visit Winterfell’ 😅), and I’m so glad I did! The castle is steeped in history, and the tapestries and gardens are simply stunning. If you’re in Scotland, don’t skip it. You can read more about the castle here.

Staying at Cambus O’May

Our stay at Cambus O’May Hotel was like stepping back in time. Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, this charming hotel was full of character and history, making it one of my favourite parts of the trip. You can read more about our experience here.

Distilleries

While I’m not much of a whisky drinker, Mr M is a huge fan, so a few distillery visits were a must. We had a fantastic time at Royal Lochnagar, a small, intimate distillery close to Balmoral Castle. I enjoyed the guided tour, and loved learning about the whisky-making process. Read more about the distillery here.

We also visited The Glenlivet Distillery, which was a beautiful experience on a rainy day. The bar and tasting room are stunning and it felt like stepping into a Scottish movie set! A perfect spot to warm up with a dram. More about The Glenlivet here.

The Duke’s Umbrella, Glasgow

I stumbled upon The Duke’s Umbrella while walking around town and its charming exterior caught my eye. We returned for dinner and it was a fantastic experience! The food and drinks were excellent and I loved the fabulous interiors. Highly recommend if you’re ever in Glasgow.
Check it out here.

Hettie’s Tea Room, Pitlochry

We had a lovely break at Hettie’s Tea Room in Pitlochry and I have to say, it was a true highlight. The scones with jam and Scottish cream were the best I’ve had, and I couldn’t resist a peek at the gorgeous cake displays. The selection of teas was also impressive, making this a must-visit for any tea lover. If you’re in Pitlochry, do stop by! More information here.

Black Isle Bar, Fort William

If you’re looking for a laid-back spot with great craft beers and pizzas, the Black Isle Bar in Fort William is the place to go. The building itself is gorgeous, and the vibe is relaxed and fun. A great place to unwind after a day of exploring. More details can be found here.

Overall, our week in Scotland was a whirlwind of history, breathtaking landscapes, delicious food and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re exploring charming towns, hiking through stunning scenery or diving into the world of whisky, Scotland has something for everyone. While we only scratched the surface of what this incredible place has to offer, these spots truly left a mark on me. I can’t wait to return and discover even more of its magic!

If you’ve been to Scotland, I’d love to hear about your favourite places—feel free to share in the comments! And if you’re planning a trip, I hope these recommendations inspire you to explore some of the gems we found along the way. Happy travels!

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