Discoveries During My Car Journey from Edinburgh to Loch Ness
In the summer of 2019, a teen embarked on a memorable journey to Edinburgh, Scotland, marking the beginning of an unforgettable road trip through the picturesque Highlands.
The adventure commenced with a rental car, a small hatchback costing approximately GBP 40 per day, navigating the winding roads towards the Cairngorms National Park. This expansive park, the largest in the UK, offered breathtaking landscapes, hiking opportunities, and wildlife encounters, such as around Loch Morlich within the park.
Continuing into the Highlands, the group visited Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, before making their way along the western shores of Loch Ness. Known for its stunning beauty and the legendary Loch Ness Monster, Loch Ness remains a captivating destination, even more so during the summer months when some boat tours offer augmented reality guides.
A highlight of the trip was the visit to Dalwhinnie, home to one of Scotland's highest operational distilleries. The Dalwhinnie Distillery offers whisky tastings and scenic mountain views, nestled within the Cairngorm National Park area.
On the return leg, a stop at the Rothiemurchus Estate was recommended. Known for outdoor activities and woodland walks, this leisurely route provided a gentle contrast to the earlier parts of the journey, leading back towards Edinburgh.
Indian nationals can travel to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) via London, Amsterdam, or Istanbul. It's important to note that Indian licenses are accepted for driving in Scotland for up to 12 months. However, Indians need a visitor visa to travel to Scotland, which can be applied for through the British government at the VFS Global website.
Electric cars are now more common for road trips in Scotland, with EV charging stations being widely available. Car rentals in Scotland now range between GBP 35-60 per day, and accommodation is slightly more expensive.
Throughout the road trip, the group experienced a feeling of freedom, taking in the towering mountains, waterfalls, and fog of Glencoe, and spotting a group of ponies and little Highland horses grazing in a field near Pitlochry. The first impression of Edinburgh was its gothic charm, with cobblestone streets, dramatic stone buildings, and a castle.
The writer's mother was described as courageous, confident, caring, and curious during the road trip, making the journey all the more special. This recommended itinerary combines nature, history, and Scotland’s iconic whisky culture along a roughly 128-mile route that delivers diverse Scottish Highlands highlights. Allow about 3 hours driving between Dalwhinnie and Edinburgh if going direct, but additional time is recommended for the various stops and explorations.
Experiencing the Scottish Highlands' distinctive lifestyle and breathtaking travel scenes, the group indulged in picturesque views of towering mountains, waterfalls, and farmlands, including the grazing of ponies and little Highland horses near Pitlochry. Electric cars, now increasingly common for road trips in Scotland, can be rented for a daily cost between GBP 35-60, and accommodation tends to be slightly more expensive.
