Some mornings on the road feel like a blur. Others feel like a warm hug. This one was the latter. We woke up in our charming bed & breakfast on the Isle of Skye, greeted by the smell of pancakes and the soft shuffle of sleepy travelers. The breakfast was simple but perfect – warm, comforting, and just what we needed to fuel up for the day ahead.
But the real star of the morning? The local dog. He’d been hanging around the property like he owned the place, greeting guests with tail wags and soulful eyes.
Eilean Donan Castle: A Postcard Come to Life
Our journey from Skye to Inverness began with a stop at one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks: Eilean Donan Castle. Nestled on a small tidal island where three lochs meet, it looked like something straight out of a fantasy novel. (or a James Bond movie)
We hopped off the bus and took our time snapping photos. The castle’s stone walls, dramatic backdrop, and reflections in the water made it hard to take a bad shot. I tried a few selfies (still not my strong suit), but mostly I just soaked it all in. There’s something about standing in front of centuries-old architecture that makes you feel both small and wildly alive.
Pancake-Induced Drowsiness & Loch Ness Lore
After our castle detour, we settled in for a longer stretch on the road. The coach bus hummed along as we wound through the Highlands, and I’ll admit – the pancakes were starting to lull me to sleep. But I didn’t want to miss a thing. Every turn revealed a new view: rolling hills, glassy lochs, and the occasional sheep doing its best to block traffic.
We drove along Loch Ness for what felt like ages. It’s not a particularly wide body of water, but it’s deep -deep enough, we were told, to fit the Eiffel Tower inside. That little fact stuck with me. Maybe that’s how Nessie hides so well. I didn’t spot her, but I did see plenty of monster-themed souvenirs when we stopped at a roadside shop.
Highland Cows & Souvenir Stops
The rest stop was part café, part gift shop, part photo op. Inside, there were shelves of Loch Ness monster plushies, mugs, magnets, and postcards. Outside? Highland cows. My favorite. By this point in the trip, my group had fully embraced my highland cow obsession. Anytime one appeared, someone would shout, “Amanda! Cow!” like it was breaking news.
I snapped a few photos, tried not to buy too many souvenirs, and grabbed a snack before we loaded back onto the bus. The weather was still holding up beautifully – cool, crisp, and not a cloud in the sky.
Welcome to Inverness: Room Upgrade of Dreams
Eventually, we arrived in Inverness. The city had a quiet charm, nestled along the River Ness with a mix of old stone buildings and modern shops. We checked into our hotel, and when I opened the door to my room, I gasped. It was huge. Like, family-sized with a separate area for bunk beds. The bathroom alone felt like something out of a spa brochure.
I don’t know how I ended up with the upgrade, but I wasn’t asking questions. After days of cozy rooms and shared spaces, this felt like a luxurious surprise.
Side note: It was only when we arrived in Inverness that I learned a fun (and slightly disappointing) fact: those famous opening scenes from Outlander, the ones set in Inverness, weren’t actually filmed in Inverness. Womp womp. Still, walking through the city with that knowledge added a quirky twist to the day. Fictional magic meets real-world charm.
A Museum Walk & Free Time to Wander
Tony, our guide, offered to walk us down to the city center and show us around the local museum. It was a short walk, and the museum itself was small but packed with interesting exhibits about Inverness’s history, culture, and role in the Highlands.
After the museum, we were free to explore on our own. I love this part of group travel – the balance between guided experiences and solo wandering. I set off with my camera (phone), determined to soak in as much of Inverness as I could.
Sunshine, Donuts & a Duffle Bag
The weather was glorious. Clear skies, sunshine cast a golden glow on the river and the buildings. I wandered through shops, snapped photos of the bridges and old churches, and eventually stumbled upon a donut shop. I’m not usually a mid afternoon donut person, but something about the smell and the cozy vibe pulled me in. Plus, I really needed a break. I grabbed a donut and a coffee and sat by the window, watching people pass by.
It was one of those small moments that felt big. Quiet joy. Simple pleasure. A reminder of why I travel.
As I continued exploring, I realized my carry-on suitcase was officially out of room. I’d been proud of myself for packing light with just a carry-on and a backpack, but the souvenirs were starting to pile up. I found a shop selling rolling duffle bags and made the executive decision to upgrade my luggage situation. It was practical, yes – but also a little symbolic. I was collecting memories, and they needed space.
Dinner on the Go & a Cozy Night In
By the time I finished shopping and wandering, I was exhausted. I considered calling an Uber but decided to walk back instead. I didn’t want to spend the money, and the weather was still nice enough to enjoy the stroll.
On the way, I stopped at a local shop and grabbed something for dinner. I’m definitely more of a grab-and-go kind of person when I travel – especially after a long day. Sitting down for a formal meal just didn’t appeal. I wanted comfort food, a quiet room, and a chance to unwind.
Back at the hotel, I unpacked my new duffle, laid out my souvenirs, and settled in with dinner. My oversized room felt like a reward for the day’s adventures. I curled up with my phone, reflected on the journey so far, and let myself feel proud. Proud that I’d taken the leap. Proud that I was doing this – solo-ish, yes, but fully present.
Reflections from the Road
This day reminded me of the beauty in balance. The thrill of castles and legends, the peace of quiet walks, the joy of unexpected upgrades. Solo-ish travel isn’t just about going – it’s about being. Being open to surprises. Being flexible when plans shift. Being present in the small moments that make a trip unforgettable.
From pancakes and bagpipes to donuts and duffle bags, this day was a patchwork of everything I love about travel. And the best part? There’s still so much more to come.
FAQ: From Skye to Inverness – Pancakes, Castles & Nessie
How long does it take to travel from the Isle of Skye to Inverness? By coach or car, it’s about 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on stops. With scenic detours (like Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness), it easily becomes a full day of exploring.
Is Eilean Donan Castle worth visiting? Yes! It’s one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, perched where three lochs meet. Even if you don’t go inside, the exterior views and reflections in the water are breathtaking.
Can you really see Nessie at Loch Ness? I didn’t spot her (sadly), but the loch is so deep it could hide the Eiffel Tower – so who knows? Even without a monster sighting, the drive along Loch Ness is gorgeous, and the roadside shops are full of fun Nessie souvenirs.
Did you see Highland cows on this route? Yes! Highland cows often graze near roadside stops. They’re as fluffy and photogenic as you imagine, and spotting them became a running joke in my group.
What’s Inverness like? It’s a charming city along the River Ness, with a mix of historic stone buildings, bridges, and modern shops. It’s also a great base for exploring the Highlands further.
Any surprises in Inverness? Two! First, I got a surprise hotel room upgrade – huge, spa‑like, and totally unexpected. Second, I learned that Outlander’s “Inverness” scenes weren’t actually filmed there. Still, the real city has its own quiet magic.
What should I pack for this leg of the trip?
- Layers for shifting Highland weather
- Comfortable shoes for castle grounds and city wandering
- Extra space in your luggage (souvenirs add up fast!)
- Snacks for the road – though pancakes and donuts may find you anyway
What’s the best part of this route? The balance: iconic sights (Eilean Donan, Loch Ness), cozy surprises (pancakes, donuts, a friendly B&B dog), and the joy of arriving in Inverness with time to wander.
A few more glimpses from the road—click to step into each scene.
Solo-ish Journeys 
Leave a comment