01/10/2024
Go Girl Travel UK Escape - Day 7
We were sad to leave our homey little 3 story hotel this morning. The Portree Hotel is right in the city center facing Somerled Square where many community events are held. It is within walking distance to shops, restaurants and a great location where you can find things to do in every direction. Built in 1875 it is full of charm and has a quaint little restaurant and bar on the bottom floor. We had a long travel day ahead to Edinburgh and they were so kind to pack lunches for us to eat along the way. You can always ask your hotel if they provide this service. Note: There are very few restaurants, gas stations, etc. outside the big cities in the UK.
On the way out of town we stopped to take a picture of the sun starting to come up over the Cuillin Hills. In my mind I imagined God blessing us with a painting of the beautiful landscape we were leaving behind. It was truly magical and a moment Iâll never forget.
If you choose to rent a car and tour on on your own like we did, make sure you have a confident, somewhat experienced driver among you. I finally got up the confidence to drive some of the more rural roads in Skye and it is difficult to gage how close you are to the center line when driving to n the opposite side of the road and car. When a big tour bus passes you might tend to veer too close to the curb. đł Iâm not saying I did but the tire is fine.
The drive from Isle of Skye to Edinburgh is stunning and offers several scenic routes but the most beautiful is via the A87, A82, and A85. Here is a breakdown of this picturesque journey that we experienced:
We travelled east from Skye, crossing the Skye bridge. We drove through the breathtaking Glen Shiel and saw the five sisters of Kintail mountains. The legend of the Five Sisters of Kintail tells the story of seven sisters, daughters of a local farmer, two of whom married visiting brothers, who said they would send their five other brothers for the remaining five sisters to wed. However, no one returned and the five remaining sisters agreed for a local wizard to transform them into peaks in order to preserve their beauty while they waited. We stopped to take a quick picture at a very crowded car park area. I believe our picture may only have three of the sisters because we were too close to capture them all. đ
Although we didn't have time to stop, we were able to see Eilean Donan Castle from the road. I snapped a photo from the car and wished we had more time to explore. Perched on a small island where three lochs meet, this romantic fortress boasts a breathtaking setting and is one of Scotlandâs most iconic landmarks. People from around the world visit to admire its famous view and learn about its rich history.
As we headed toward Fort William, we drove pasts the stunning Loch Cluanie and Loch Lochy. We continued on towards Glencoe, one of Scotlandâs most famous and dramatic landscapes. The Glencoe Valley offers some of the most stunning mountain and moorland views. The area offers numerous hiking opportunities and the drive through the Glen is breathtaking with towering mountains on both sides.
We proceeded to Fort William from there which is often referred to as the âOutdoor Capital of the UK.â It is a small town located at the foot of Ben Nevis. It is a hub for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing and skiing (in the winter.) It also serves as the terminus to the WEST HIGHLAND WAY, a long distance hiking trail from Glasgow.
One thing that many like to do here is ride the Jacobite Steam Train, often called the âHarry Potter Train,â which travels over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. You can also visit the Nevis Range and ride the gondola up the mountain.
Ben Nevis, standing at 1,345 meters, is the tallest mountain in the British Isles. Dee Anna and I were eager to say weâd been there and snap a quick picture. The mountain was about 10 kilometers off the main road, with the last 3 kilometers being a single-track road full of deep potholes. Despite being on a tight schedule, we were determined to at least catch a glimpse of it from below.
When we finally reached the car park, we asked which of the visible peaks was Ben Nevis, only to be told that it wasnât visible from there. To see it, you had to hike from the car park along a path leading through a gorge. After scrambling up the rocky trail, the view would open up, leading into a serene upper glen. A wire bridge crosses the gorge to the base of a waterfall, offering a clear view of the mountain.
Unfortunately, pressed for time, we couldnât make the hike. Disappointed, we headed back to the main road and continued on to Edinburgh, missing the chance to see Ben Nevis up close.
At this point, we were out of time to make any more stops if we wanted to make our 3:00 reservation to a place I'll share with you later. I really wish we could have spent at least a day at each location, but it gives me a reason to return in the future. I'll mention some of the things we didn't get a chance to see for your reference, but I definitely encourage you to explore them further on your own.
We passed through Callander which is a charming town located in the Stirling council area of Scotland, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Highlands." It lies on the eastern edge of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, making it a popular stop for visitors exploring the natural beauty of the region.
The town itself is picturesque, with traditional stone buildings, cozy cafes, and local shops, making it a lovely stop for both nature lovers and those seeking a quaint Scottish village experience.
The next town I would have liked to have seen is Doune. Doune is a small village in the Stirling council area of Scotland, located near the River Teith, about 8 miles northwest of Stirling. It is best known for **Doune Castle**, a well-preserved medieval fortress that has become famous for its appearances in film and television.
Key Highlights of Doune:
- **Doune Castle**:
- **History**: Built in the late 14th century by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, the castle has a fascinating history and was an important strategic stronghold in medieval Scotland.
- **Pop Culture**: Doune Castle is widely recognized for its role in **Monty Python and the Holy Grail**. More recently, it has been used as a filming location for **Outlander** (as Castle Leoch) and **Game of Thrones** (as Winterfell in the pilot episode).
Doune makes for a great stop if you're interested in Scottish history, beautiful countryside, or pop culture landmarks, and it's easily accessible from Stirling and other nearby areas.
And now the much awaited highlight of our day. For those of you who love the Outlander books or series you will understand. A visit to Midhope Castle!!!!!
Midhope Castle, located near South Queensferry, around 30 minutes from Edinburgh, is a 16th-century tower house and part of the Hopetoun Estate. It is best known as the fictional âLallybroch Houseâ the family home of Jamie Fraser in *Outlander*. For fans of the series, the exterior of the castle will feel instantly familiar, though the interior is not accessible due to its ruinous state.
While the castle itself is not open to the public, visitors can walk around its exterior and take in the surrounding countryside.
Visitor Information:
- You need to purchase a permit to visit the castle, which can be arranged through the Hopetoun Estateâs website or upon arrival. Keep in mind that access is sometimes restricted due to filming or estate activities.
- If you're planning an Outlander-themed trip, Midhope Castle is a great addition, along with other nearby filming locations like Blackness Castle and Linlithgow Palace.
Although it limited us on time to stop more along the way we both agree it was worth it. It made me want to go back and rewatch from the beginning to be able to relive the moment all over again.
After we left Midhope Castle we had about a thirty minute drive to our hotel.
The Roseate Edinburgh is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of Edinburgh. Set in a pair of charming Victorian townhouses, it offers a blend of classic elegance and modern comfort, making it a top choice for travelers seeking a refined stay in the city.
The rooms and suites are beautifully designed, with period features, plush furnishings, and luxurious amenities. Each room is individually styled, offering comfort, sophistication, and modern comfort. I loved all of the different places we stayed on our trip but as far as comfort and decor this was my favorite.
From here we dropped off our luggage, returned our car and went straight to our dinner reservation at The Queens Arms. Here we enjoyed a traditional Sunday Roast that was magnificent. We were so excited to have a friend all the way from my hometown who was visiting Edinburgh for missions join us. We laughed and caught up as we enjoyed a wonderful meal. I especially laughed as we tried to get a âgoodâpicture. It had been a very long day and it showed . Thank you Melanie Dempsey for taking the time to join us â€ïž
After our dinner we couldnât wait to get to our rooms and get to bed. We were exhausted. It had been a glorious but very long day.
