Hogwarts Express - Glenfinnan Viaduct
The first of many Harry Potter locations Bec has planned for us to visit 🚂🛤️
📍Hogwarts Express (aka The Jacobite Steam Train), crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct
Tips for visiting the viaduct:
✨Parking costs £3.50 for a car.
✨It’s a short walk to the viaduct, with a small steep section to the lookout.
✨The train crosses 30-40 minutes after departing Fort William. It returns approx 4-4.5 hours later. We went to the morning crossing which came at 10:50am on this day.
✨Check the West Coast Railway Timetable if you don’t want to miss the train. In peak season the train runs twice a day. It doesn’t run over winter.
✨This is a popular destination, especially on weekends and holidays. It’s best to arrive 1.5 hours early to avoid missing a parking spot or a nice place to sit at the lookout.
✨Don’t forget to pack a picnic to enjoy while you wait!
#scotland #uk #travel #roadtrip #glenfinnanviaduct #harrypotter #hogwartsexpress #jacobitesteamtrain #visitscotland #simplyscotland
Isle of Skye
3 days on the Isle of Skye 🌿🌅
We’d heard this place was beautiful but it truly exceeded our expectations.
DAY 1
✨Welcomed by Highland Cows
✨Walked alongside the Fairy Pools
✨Visited the very picturesque Neist Point
DAY 2
✨Hiked Quiraing and snuck in a cheeky burger from the food truck at the end of the trail
✨Found the dinosaur footprint at An Corran Beach
✨Admired Lealt Waterfall from the lookout
✨Walked Rubha Hunish and spent the afternoon by the bothy on the cliffside
✨Enjoyed a spectacular sunset from our Airbnb
DAY 3
✨Got to feed the cutest little lamb named Bobby
✨Hiked Old Man of Storr trail and stared in awe at the striking rock formation
✨Explored the very cute town of Portree
#scotland #bobby #uk #isleofskye #roadtrip #travel #wanderlust #highlandcow #hiking #dronevideos #scenicdrive #nature #simplyscotland #hiddenscotland @isle.of.skye.scotland @visitscotland
NC500 Road Trip - Day 5
NC500 Road Trip - Day 5
On the final day we packed in windy scenic roads, cute towns, lunch in a colourful garden and highland coos. We started in Badachro and ended in Lockcarron.
✨First was a quick stop at Victoria Falls.
✨Then we visited the cute town of Shieldaig. We looked out for white-tailed eagles, strolled along the waterfront and looked through the home-made goodies in the honesty-box cupboard.
✨We drove around the coastline, then stopped for lunch at the beautiful Applecross Walled Garden. The restaurant is so popular, we were very lucky to get a table. They also had Highland Coos!
✨After lunch, we continued into the town of Applecross and explored the buzzing waterfront.
✨Next we drove the scenic Applecross Pass and across the very narrow and windy Bealach na Ba.
✨We ended our trip at a lovely guesthouse in the town of Lochcarron.
To complete the full route we would need 1 more day to get from Lockcarron back to Inverness. We decided not to do this as the NC500 was just the start of a bigger UK road trip! Next stop … Isle of Skye.
#scotland #uk #nc500 #roadtrip #travel #scenicdrive #coastaldrive #highlandcow #dronevideos #animalvideos #scottishhighlands
NC500 Road Trip - Day 4
NC500 Road Trip - Day 4
We spent most of the second last day on a hike, followed by a very itchy night. The day started in Ullapool and ended in Badachro.
✨First stop was a short stroll to the Falls Of Measach while we waited for the morning fog to lift.
✨Then we parked in Dundonnell and started the An Teallach trail. This hike takes 7-8 hours and includes 2 munros. The climb and rock scrambling is a challenge along the ridge lines but the view is simply spectacular.
✨For dinner post-hike we stopped by a local Chinese take away in Gairloch on the way to our Airbnb. We ofcourse ordered way too much.
✨Then we spent the night in a Shepherd’s Hut. which looked cute but was infested with midges and left us itchy for a long time.
#scotland #uk #nc500 #roadtrip #travel #hiking #hikingscotland #anteallach #waterfall #scottishhighlands #dronevideo @northcoast500 #alltrails @alltrails
NC500 Road Trip - Day 3
NC500 Road Trip - Day 3
On the third day we begun driving down the west coast of the Scottish Highlands. We started in Durness and ended in Ullapool.
✨The first destination of the day was a drive along the scenic road B869. This road is narrow, windy and littered with potholes, but it also has very beautiful views and is much more exciting than a straight highway.
✨At the end of the scenic road we stopped in the town of Lochinver to try one of the famous pies from Lochinver Larder. Their pies are certainly deserving of the praise.
✨Back on the NC500 route, we made a quick stop to explore the Ardvreck Castle and Calda House ruins. They also have the beautiful backdrop of Loch Assynt.
✨Then we spent the afternoon hiking Stac Pollaidh. The rocky ridge is quite striking as it looms over the surrounding green fields and the view from the ridge is definitely worth the climb.
✨After the hike we drove the final stretch into Ullapool.
#scotland #uk #nc500 #travel #roadtrip #hiking #scenicdrive #lochinverlarder #stacpollaidh #discoverscotland #scottishhighlands #visitscotland #dronevideo #scotlandexplore
NC500 Road Trip - Day 2
NC500 Road Trip - Day 2
On the second day we travelled east to west along the northern coastline. We started in Wick and ended in Durness.
✨The first stop was the Duncansby Stacks. Only a short walk from the car park you are greeted by the stunningly scenic cliffside.
✨Here we were also introduced to Orca Watch. Sadly we didn’t have any spare time in our itinerary to stay for the sightings, but if you can, plan to come during this annual event.
✨Then we made a quick pit stop in John O’Groats by the famous sign post.
✨Next was the highlight of the day - Annie’s Bakery. Here you can get coffee/tea, lunch, snacks, fresh bread and the most beautiful tarts we’ve ever seen.
✨Then we travelled up to Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of mainland UK, and stopped by the Dunnet Bay Distillery to grab a little gin to try later.
✨After another hour of driving we stopped to walk to Strathy Point Lighthouse. There is a life-size lighthouse here too, but the miniature version is pretty fun.
✨The final stop was Smoo Cave. The boat tours into the cave stop by 5pm, but if you arrive late you can still walk into the cave entrance.
✨We spent the night in a lovely Airbnb at the Balnakeil Craft Village.
#scotland #uk #nc500 #roadtrip #travel #coastaldrive #scenicdrive #bakery #highlandcow #visitscotland @northcoast500 #scotlandexplore #scotlandtravel
NC500 Road Trip - Day 1
NC500 road trip | Day 1️⃣
The start of our adventures on the 500 mile scenic drive in the Scottish Highlands. We started in Inverness and ended just north of Wick.
✨For the first 1.5 hours of the drive, we enjoyed the scenery and set the mood with some classic road trip playlists.
✨The first stop was at The River Bothy. This very cute cafe was a great coffee stop with a little sweet treat on the side.
✨Next we worked off that treat at the Whaligoe Steps. Who knew a simple flight of stairs could be so scenic.
✨Then we arrived at the town of Wick. We wandered the bridge, the river and Ebenezer Place, the shortest street in the world.
✨The final stop was to explore Castle Sinclair Girnigoe. This was a highlight of the day for us. We had the whole place to ourselves and really enjoyed exploring the castle ruins in the refreshing sea breeze.
✨We spent the night in a cosy glamping pod, with a view of the ocean and surrounded by peaceful farmland.
#scotland #uk #nc500 #nc500adventures #roadtrip #travel #visitscotland #castle #travelitinerary #wanderlust @northcoast500
NC500 Road Trip - Follow Our 5 Day Journey
We’ve decided this road trip deserves a spot in our top 5 🚙🏴
Over 5 days, we drove our new bronze rental car along the incredibly scenic NC500 in Scotland.
We visited castles, explored small towns, spotted our first highland coos, bagged some munros and stopped constantly to admire the dramatic coastline.
❤️Follow @becandclark to see what made this road trip one of our all time favourites.
P.s. can you see Bec waving in the video?
#scotland #uk #nc500 #scottishhighlands #roadtrip #travel #scenicdrive #visitscotland #dronevideo #hertzuk @NorthCoast500
How are Highland Cows (Coos) so photogenic? 🐮🍂
📍Country # 10, Scotland
#scotland #uk #travel #visitscotland #scottishhighlands #highlandcow #animals #traveldestinations #simplyscotland #roadtrip @visitscotland @unlimitedscotland @simply.scotland
Ireland Road Trip - Day 8
Ireland road trip - Day 8
On the final day of the road trip we ended the WAW and crossed the border to explore Northern Ireland. We started in Malin Head and ended in Belfast.
✨After crossing the border, we passed through the very busy city of Derry and started driving the scenic Causeway Coastal Route.
✨First stop was the Manannán Mac Lir Statue in the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It was a very quick stop but an interesting one with an amazing view.
✨Then we visited Dunluce Castle. This historical site is located right in the cliffside with the ocean as a stunning backdrop. You can buy a ticket to explore inside or admire the ruins from the viewing area and the path under the bridge for free.
✨Next stop was one of the most iconic Northern Ireland destinations - Giant’s Causeway. It was crowded but we managed to find a section on the edge to ourselves where we could sit and watch the waves crashing over the columns.
✨The scenic drive ended in Belfast, where we spent our last night in Ireland.
The next day we drove from Belfast to Dublin, dropped off the car and jumped on a plane to the next road trip destination!
#ireland #northernireland #roadtrip #travel #scenicdrive #causewaycoastalroute #thisiscauseway #giantscauseway #castles #mygiantadventure
Ireland Road Trip - Day 7 of 8
Ireland Road Trip | Day 7 of 8
On the seventh day, we drove the final stretch of the coastline to the northernmost point of Ireland. We started in Westport and ended in Malin Head.
✨First we drove to Donegal and took a little, peaceful stroll along the river (aka the Fairy Walk).
✨Next was a slightly longer walk to the stunning Slieve League. We’d heard this place was as impressive as the Cliffs of Moher but less touristy, and we have to agree. We also had a really great coffee from the stand at the lookout point.
✨Then we drove all the way to the most northerly spot in Ireland - Malin Head. There is a lovely walk along the cliffside, incredible views and a historical watch tower to explore.
✨We stayed at a tavern in this area for the night. We had dinner and drinks downstairs at the pub and met the most friendly and welcoming locals.
#ireland #roadtrip #travel #slieveleague #malinhead #scenicdrive #oceanview #driveireland #exploreireland
Ireland Road Trip - Day 6 of 8
Ireland Road Trip | Day 6 of 8
On day six we hiked, drove through scenic valleys and hit the shops to find our Ireland souvenir. We started in Galway and ended in Westport.
✨First stop driving along the WAW was Doo Lough Valley. This stretch of the road is very scenic, running alongside the lake, up through the valley with the mountains in the background.
✨After 2 hours of scenic driving we decided it was time to stretch our legs by hiking Croagh Patrick, the holiest mountain in Ireland. It’s quite a steep climb and takes around 3.5 hours but the view from the top is so worth it.
✨Then we drove into Westport, freshened up at our accommodation and went into town. Here you can stroll the canal, explore the main streets, pop into some shops and find a cafe or pub to relax after the hike.
#ireland #roadtrip #travel #doolough #croaghpatrick #hiking #westport #exploreireland
