Journey to Scotland: A Long-Awaited Adventure — Chapter 4

Exploring Scotland: A Journey from Edinburgh to Inverness

Historic Sites, Scenic Countryside, and Highland Traditions

On day four, we traveled through Edinburgh and proceeded northeast. The countryside featured fields of hay and farms with sheep, cows, and pigs grazing in areas bordered by stone walls built centuries ago, or by thick hedges due to the moist climate, which keeps the fields green.

We arrived in St. Andrews around mid-morning and parked near the beach, close to the well-known St. Andrews golf course. The group walked through the village, recognized both for its golf heritage and as the site of St. Andrews University, where Prince William and Princess Kate met while attending school. The area also includes St. Andrew’s Cathedral and graveyard, significant in Scotland’s history.

After leaving St. Andrews, we continued to Atoll Palace and Gardens for High Tea, which included scones, finger sandwiches, scotch bread cookies, fudge, and tea. Blair Castle, home to the Murray Clan, remains the only castle permitted to maintain a private army, the Atoll Highlanders, who now serve mainly ceremonial roles and assist with estate management. During the visit, we saw jack rabbits, red deer, and Highland cows.

Our journey then took us toward north-central Scotland, with a stop at Loch Ness. “Loch” is the Scottish term for lake. The site is notable for its scenic body of water with dark water and smooth rocks along the shore. This was on my bucket list! I have been fascinated by tells of the Loch Ness Monster since I was a small child.

The day ended in Inverness, where we stayed at The Kingsmills Hotel, a four-star hotel and spa, and had a formal meal in the dining room. The following day, the itinerary included visits to Culloden Battlefield, Wick, and Thurso.