Searching for the Harry Potter-style steam train in the Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands 🏴 are the essence of Britain's natural beauty. Located north of the northern border, the Highlands boast dreamy lakes, lush greenery, and stunningly serene gorges, giving this land a romantic, rugged, and solitary beauty reminiscent of medieval epics.
🚗 Transportation:
Public transportation in the Scottish Highlands is not very convenient. Many routes are infrequent and do not directly reach the attractions. The winding mountain roads also make self-driving somewhat challenging. Therefore, the most comfortable way to explore the Highlands is to rent a car with friends or family.
🛍️ Essentials to bring:
👔 Sweatshirts, long pants, thermal underwear, windbreaker, sneakers
💳 Identification documents (may be randomly checked in public places)
📷 Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, power bank, camera
🥃 Traditional dishes:
Haggis (a savory pudding made of sheep's offal), Scotch broth (a hearty lamb soup), and Scotch whisky
💰 Currency:
British pounds. You can pay with international credit cards, debit cards, or cash.
☎️ Emergency contacts:
Police: 999
Medical emergency: 999
Fire department: 999
🛎️ 3-day itinerary highlights:
🚗 Day 1:
Edinburgh (approx. 127 km, about 1 hour 30 minutes)
Loch Lomond (including Luss village) (approx. 98 km, about 1 hour 20 minutes)
Scottish Highlands (including A82 road, Glencoe Gorge, Three Sisters Mountains, Loch Linnhe, Ben Nevis) (approx. 30 km, about 30 minutes)
Glenfinnan (featuring the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express viaduct) (approx. 101 km, about 1 hour 35 minutes)
Loch Ness
🚗 Day 2:
Full-day exploration of the Isle of Skye:
Eilean Donan Castle (castle on the water)
Isle of Skye (Portree village, Old Man of Storr, Lealt Falls, Kilt Rock and waterfall)
🚗 Day 3:
Isle of Skye - Pitlochry - St Andrews - Forth Bridge - Edinburgh