There’s something about Scotland that just stays with you. When I sat down to write about this trip, I wondered if it technically fit my “solo‑ish journeys” theme – but then I remembered: it’s my blog, and this trip was absolutely solo‑ish. I wasn’t alone, but I was the planner, the navigator, the guide, and the one who had already fallen in love with Scotland once before. That counts.
My very first solo‑ish journey was to Scotland in 2024, and it hasn’t left my mind since then. Seriously, my phone lock screen is still one of my favorite photos from that trip. I’ve told my parents for years that they would love Scotland, and finally – finally – they said, “If you go with us, we’ll go.” Say no more. I didn’t need anyone to twist my arm to return to the land of castles, cobblestones, and Highland cows.
We picked dates, booked flights and hotels, and before we knew it, our Scotland adventure had arrived. Except… not quite the way we expected.
A Chaotic Start: The Philadelphia Detour
I had booked layovers in the Northeast to shorten the long-haul portion of the trip. In theory, great. In practice? Never again. Our four‑hour layover in Philadelphia turned into a full‑blown travel saga.
We boarded the plane on time, got comfy in our seats, taxied to the runway and… just sat there. For hours. Because of weather. Eventually, the pilots timed out and we had to return to the gate after midnight.
Still stuck on the plane, my mom opened her Hilton app, I opened my Marriott app, and we started hotel hunting. Everything near the airport was booked – hundreds of stranded passengers will do that – but I managed to snag a room downtown. Not ideal, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Since our rebooked flight wasn’t until the next evening, we suddenly had an unexpected 24 hours in Philadelphia. The next morning we walked around the city, grabbed breakfast, saw the Liberty Bell, spotted filming locations from Trading Places, and bought emergency clothes because Philly was hot and we were dressed for Scotland.
This was also the first time I ever used the showers in an airport lounge. After walking around in the heat all day, that shower felt like a luxury spa.
Was I sad we lost a full day in Scotland? Absolutely. But at least we made the most of Philly.
Finally Scotland – And This Time, Edinburgh Was Home Base
We landed in Edinburgh on Monday morning, exhausted but thrilled. Unlike my first trip, where I hopped around the country, this time we stayed in one place: Edinburgh. I didn’t want the stress of coordinating multiple hotels while guiding my parents, and honestly, Edinburgh has more than enough to fill a week.
Mom and Dad took a nap, but I was starving and the weather was gorgeous. I wandered down to Victoria Street, one of the most photographed streets in Edinburgh thanks to its colorful curve and historic shopfronts.
I grabbed brunch at a restaurant overlooking the street, then met back up with my parents for a walk down the Royal Mile – the historic spine of Old Town – all the way to Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of King Charles III. We explored the palace grounds and ended the evening with fish and chips at a local pub.
Highlands Day Trip: Castles, Heather & Highland Games
Tuesday was our big Highlands day. I booked a private tour through Viator – not the same guide I had last time (Tony wasn’t available), but still a good experience.
We drove from Edinburgh to Glasgow, then up to Cairndow, and finally to Inveraray Castle – the ancestral home of the Dukes of Argyll. It’s a stunning 18th‑century castle with turreted towers and sweeping gardens… but it’s closed on Tuesdays. I knew this before we left, but still – go figure.
But Scotland always has surprises. On the castle grounds that day, the local Highland Games were happening. Bagpipes, dancing, running, caber tossing (yes, the telephone pole thing), and even an eagle encounter. We got to hold an eagle, which was a wild and unexpected highlight.
From there we continued to Glencoe to see the Three Sisters, a trio of dramatic ridges rising from the valley floor. Glencoe is one of the most photographed landscapes in Scotland – moody, cinematic, and steeped in history.
And this time, I finally saw heather in bloom. Last trip, it had already faded, so seeing the hills dotted with purple felt magical.
Next stop: Highland cows. Not just any cows – the same cows I met last time: Hamish and Honey. This time there was a third one too, though I couldn’t remember his name. The shop selling cow snacks was open, so we fed them, got adorable photos, and enjoyed how much more interactive they were this time.
We made a quick stop at Doune Castle, famous for Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander, and Game of Thrones. Then we attempted to visit The Kelpies, the massive 100‑foot horse‑head sculptures in Falkirk, but freak flooding had closed the site. Since we were nearby, we swung by the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift, for a quick look – even though we didn’t get to see it in action.
Edinburgh Days: Tweed, Sunshine & Slow Mornings
Wednesday was an Edinburgh day. I started with a solo walk to a café on Cockburn Street, a winding, atmospheric lane lined with historic buildings. The cinnamon roll wasn’t great, but the morning atmosphere made up for it.
Mom and I had an appointment at The Islander to make our own Harris Tweed purses. Harris Tweed is hand‑woven in the Outer Hebrides and protected by law – every piece is stamped with an official orb mark. Choosing colors, sizes, and designs was so fun. I went bold with a red purse, partly because it reminded me of the Fraser tartan (Jamie would approve). Dad wandered around Edinburgh doing… well, we’re not sure what. Classic dad behavior.
We popped into the National Museum of Scotland afterward, but the weather was too beautiful to stay indoors. When there’s so much living history in the streets of Edinburgh and the sun is shining, it’s hard to want to stay inside.
Fish and chips on Victoria Street rounded out the afternoon.
Royal Mile Tour, Edinburgh Castle & A Sunny Evening on the Bus
Thursday morning was another peaceful solo walk. I had originally booked our Royal Mile + Edinburgh Castle walking tour for Monday, but thanks to our Philly delay, I moved it to Thursday.
The Royal Mile is packed with history – St Giles’ Cathedral, closes and wynds, hidden courtyards, and centuries of stories. The tour ended inside Edinburgh Castle, giving us time to explore at our own pace. We saw the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, Mons Meg, and the panoramic views over the city.
Pro tip: castle tickets are timed entry and often sell out – but some tours include entry, which is what I booked.
After exploring, I headed back early to visit the Writers’ Museum, dedicated to Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. It’s tucked into Lady Stair’s Close and feels like stepping into a literary time capsule.
That evening, we used our hop‑on/hop‑off bus passes to head toward the Royal Yacht Britannia, but we didn’t make it before last entry. Instead, we hopped off at Newhaven Harbour and had dinner by the water. Fish and chips again – because Scotland does it best.
We rode the bus afterward, soaking up the sun from the top deck. Yes, sun. In Scotland. All week.
Stirling Castle, Old Town Jail & A Perfect Last Day
Friday was our Stirling day. We took the train, then walked uphill (steeply uphill!) to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most important historic fortresses. It’s where Mary, Queen of Scots was crowned, and its Renaissance palace is beautifully restored.
Every corner felt like a new discovery – the Great Hall, the Royal Palace, the tapestry rooms, the sweeping views over the valley.
On the way back, we stopped at the Old Town Jail, a theatrical, immersive experience that mixes history with performance. It was quirky and fun, even if we didn’t see much of the actual jail.
Saturday – our last full day – started with a solo sunrise walk to Dean Village, a peaceful riverside neighborhood along the Water of Leith. It looks like a storybook village tucked inside the city.
Then I headed to the Grassmarket Saturday Market, hoping to find the jewelry maker I loved last time. She was there! And yes, I bought plenty.
Before lunch, I walked to Makars Gourmet Mash Bar – a place where reservations book months in advance, but walk‑ins can line up early. I was first in line. Kindle in hand, jewelry in my bag, sun shining – perfect morning. The food was incredible. Mashed potatoes heaven.
We spent the rest of the day exploring, shopping, and soaking up Edinburgh’s charm. Dad and I even squeezed in a graveyard and underground tour. It didn’t get dark until after 10pm, which made the “spooky” tour… not spooky at all.
Dinner at an Italian restaurant across from the hotel wrapped up our final night.
Departure Day & Closing Thoughts
Sunday morning, as we headed to the airport, it finally rained. I guess Scotland was sad to see me go.
Our connection through JFK was chaotic – luggage delays, sprinting through the airport – but we made it home.
And here’s my final takeaway: staying on the Royal Mile is incredibly convenient, but it can be noisy. If you’re sensitive to sound, keep that in mind.
Scotland continues to be one of my favorite places on earth. Sharing it with my parents made it even more special. And yes – I’m already thinking about trip number three.
Before I wrap up, I want to give a shoutout to my mom, who took most of the photos in this post. It’s been so fun seeing Scotland through the eyes of a first‑time visitor – she captured details and moments I might have missed. You can see more of her photography and our trip HERE.
FAQ
What are the best day trips from Edinburgh? Stirling Castle, Glencoe, Inveraray Castle, Doune Castle, and the Highland cow farms near Callander are all fantastic options.
Is Edinburgh walkable? Extremely. The Royal Mile, Grassmarket, Dean Village, and most major attractions are accessible on foot.
What’s the best way to see Edinburgh Castle? Book a walking tour that includes castle entry – it guarantees your ticket and avoids sell‑outs.
Are Highland cows easy to find? Yes! Many farms near Glencoe, Callander, and the Trossachs offer feeding experiences.
Is Scotland really rainy? Usually yes – but I somehow visited twice with full sunshine. Your results may vary!
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