Places We Go

Real People Real Travel

  • Destinations
    • Africa
    • Arctic
    • Asia
    • Australia
      • New South Wales
      • Queensland
      • Northern Territory
      • ACT
      • Tasmania
      • South Australia
      • Victoria
      • Western Australia
    • Europe
    • Latin America
    • North America
    • New Zealand
    • Middle East
    • Oceania
    • Antarctica
  • Travel Styles
    • Camping & Caravanning
    • Driving Adventures
    • Family Travel
    • Long Weekends
    • Touring & Cruising
    • Backpacking
    • Luxury
    • Food & Drink
    • Adventure
    • Outback
    • Historic sites and landmarks
    • Walks & Hikes
    • Events & Festivals
    • Wildlife & Nature
    • Island Hopping
    • Snow & Skiing
    • Photography
  • Planning
    • Travel with Kids
    • Packing
    • Travel Tips
    • Accommodation
    • Booking
    • Gear
    • Tech
    • Transport
    • Health
  • Bucket List
    • The Arctic
    • Tasmania’s Western Wilds
    • Scotland and the Highlands
    • Spirit of Tasmania
  • Deals
  • PWG TV
    • Travel Deals
    • Episodes & Video
    • PWG Behind the Scenes
    • Recipes
      • Camping & Caravanning
      • Australian Inspiration
      • Global Tastes
    • Travel quotes to live by
    • Interview series
    • People We Meet
  • Competitions
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Contact Us

Scotland – Highlights of the Highlands

Clint Bizzell | July 23, 2019 | 5:54 am | 13 Comments

Scotland was a country I had spent many a moment daydreaming about. With Jen’s father being from Edinburgh, I have been surrounded by stories of his homeland for many years, but had never quite got so far as visiting for myself.

But that moment arrived for me on a recent journey with Travelmarvel. I joined their 9-day Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands great rail journey in May – an adventure that took us from the capital of Edinburgh, through the Highlands in the west of the country via some of the most incredible rail experiences on the planet!

Of course, the train journeys were a highlight themselves. But Scotland has so much to offer and from culture to cuisine, castles to local characters, and we were treated to a completely immersive experience I will never forget.

You can catch the full experience on air on Network 10 and WIN (Australia) from August 24!

Without further ado, here are my absolute highlights of the Highlands…

1. Edinburgh

I loved Edinburgh. It is a town steeped in tradition, easy to get around and beautiful to the eye. We arrived a couple of days prior to the tour beginning and used our time to explore this amazing city. We were also lucky enough to be joined by a local guide Ken, who has been showing his city to visitors for over 25 years.

Edinburgh Castle

We began at Edinburgh Castle which looms over the city, perched strategically on a mighty rock called Castle Hill. It is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe and has served as a royal residence, a fortress, a prison and a military garrison. It’s little wonder that these days, it is one of the most famous attractions in the world.

highlights of the highlands
Exploring the castle with Ken
highlights of the highlands
The impressive castle

It was incredible to walk through and get a feel for it’s history; we were literally walking in the footsteps of kings and queens before us, and Ken brought all of the history alive with his stories and passion.

Feeling some Highland fever in a kilt!

I must say I didn’t think that I would love wearing a kilt prior to trying one on… But Howie Nicholsby from 21st Century Kilts was the perfect person to turn it into a priceless memory. Howie is bringing the kilt into the 21st century and having dressed some of the most famous men in the world, from Richard Branson to Lenny Kravitz, I felt I was in good hands. Somehow, wearing a kilt has a certain effect and I found myself doing my own version of the highland fling…

highlights of the highlands
The beautiful streets of Edinburgh

After a couple of days in Edinburgh, it was time to join our group for our adventure into the Highlands…

2. The West Highland Line

Our first rail journey began at Edinburgh Waverley rail station. Our group gathered on the platform, anticipating the experience ahead – we had been told this was one of the most beautiful journey’s in the country.

Ready to roll

Travelling by train is something I am a huge advocate of. Many rail lines are built through landscapes that cars simply cannot reach and all you have to do on board is sit back, and watch the view unfold out of your window (you can also stretch your legs whenever you like!).

The Highlands start to reveal themselves

From Glasgow, the train ventures into the ‘wild’ west of Scotland deep into the Highlands. Mountains, heathered moors, lochs and valleys all start to reveal themselves and you find yourself gaping at scenery you have only ever seen in pictures. There was no doubt as to where we were – the landscapes before us were undeniably ‘Scottish’.

Picturesque Loch Leven

Our journey took us to Fort William, where we were to stay for a few days in the nearby village of Ballachulish. Our accommodation at the Isles of Glencoe hotel couldn’t have been more picturesque – on the banks of Loch Leven. Our free time over the following days allowed us to explore a bit of the surrounding countryside – spectacular and dramatic to say the least.

3. Duart Castle

Our adventure would take us to several of Scotland’s most famous castles and first on the agenda was Duart Castle.

highlights of the highlands
Oban – our launching point for the Isle of Mull

Located on the Isle of Mull, it was a scenic ferry ride from the delightful fishing town of Oban (which has a great distillery by the way!) over to the island and as we approached, we spotted the castle and couldn’t help but notice the strategic location it occupied on the shore. Perfect for watching and spotting the enemy approaching back in the day!

highlights of the highlands
Duart Castle

The castle dates back to the 13th century and has been the seat of clan Maclean throughout. It had fallen into ruin but was refurbished from 1911 and today, is not only the home of Sir Lachlan Maclean, but also opens its doors to visitors.

A highlight was definitely meeting Sir Lachlan himself; it’s hard to get your head around living in your own castle and it was incredible to see such tradition still living on in Scotland.

4. The Jacobite Steam Train

highlights of the highlands
A scene that is world-famous!

Many people travel to Scotland for this one experience alone! The Jacobite steam train journey is one of the most famous around – and made even more renowned by its appearance in several Harry Potter films! Anyone remember the scene of the Hogwarts Express travelling over that spectacular viaduct, taking Harry, Ron, and Hermione to Hogwarts? That was the Jacobite train travelling over Glenfinnan Viaduct!

highlights of the highlands
We are in the trusted hands of our driver – who happened to be English!
highlights of the highlands
Ready for the Jacobite train
highlights of the highlands
On board the Jacobite
highlights of the highlands
Glenfinnan

We were not just treated to this same experience, we also got to travel separately to Glenfinnan that same day and explore the historical area. It was the site of the Jacobite uprising and a proud monument stands tall in memory. And watching the Jacobite cross the viaduct from the ground is just as thrilling as being on board.

5. Loch Ness

We have all heard of this famous body of water. Not just for its beauty, but for the legendary ‘creature’ that is said to lurk in it’s depths!

Highlights of the highlands
What Nessy is said to look like!

We were all on the lookout for ‘Nessy’ as we boarded our scenic cruise on the loch, the largest in volume in the British Isles thanks to its incredible depth. The skipper’s son actually said he had seen the famous monster, and we knew there were numerous other sightings, but Nessy stayed quiet the day we were there and we were left forever wondering…

highlights of the highlands
The mystery and beauty of Loch Ness

6. Urquhart Castle

On the shores of Loch Ness stands another mighty fortress. Urquhart Castle is another impressive and dramatic castle full of history and stories that are hard to get your head around. With over 1000 years of history, this castle has seen more drama than almost any other site in Scotland, when control of the castle passed back and forth between the Scottish and English.

highlights of the highlands
Urquhart Castle

One of Scotland’s largest castles, it was eventually blown up during the Jacobite uprisings and left in ruin until visitors like us started coming to discover it. I felt like I was stepping back in time as I passed through, imagining huge banquets in the Great Hall, or the dungeons which imprisoned famous legends of the day. What I would give to have been a fly on the wall back then!

7. The Kyle Line rail journey

I might have mentioned that the Highlands boasts some of the best scenic rail journeys of anywhere and the Kyle Line, from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, didn’t disappoint.

highlights of the highlands
Scenery from the Kyle Line

Travelling out to the coast, in the shadow of mountains, beside deep lochs and through quaint villages, our eyes barely left the windows.

8. Eilean Donan Castle

You simply don’t tire of the castles in Scotland – they almost seem to try and outdo each other and each had its own distinct features and feel.

highlights of the highlands
Eilean Donan castle

Eilean Donan is perhaps one of the most famous – you will have seen it in an iconic image of Scotland at some point in your life. Faced with the imposing fortress in real life feels like you have just stepped into a movie (and it has featured in many!). It is set against a background of the beautiful Highland mountains, perched on an island at the intersection of three great lochs.

highlights of the highlands
Eilean Donan – straight out of a postcard!

Imagining the scenes that have played out here over hundreds of years is quite simply mindboggling.

9. Return to Edinburgh – by rail of course!

highlights of the highlands
One last rail journey together

Over a few hours, our Travelmarvel group enjoyed one last journey together. By rail back to Edinburgh from Inverness, we watched Scotland unfold from north to south and reflected together on the memories of our whole experience.

highlights of the highlands
Our final dinner!
highlights of the highlands
Jim the piper!

But of course, this is Scotland, and it is only right that we ended the tour in a traditional Scottish way – with haggis and bagpipes of course! Master piper Jim joined us for dinner in Edinburgh on our last night, sharing many a story and singing Auld Lang Syne as a group. And with a standing ovation, we farewelled our time in Scotland and the priceless experience it had been.

Have you been to Scotland? If so, do you have any highlights of the Highlands? Tell us in the comments!

Clint Bizzell

About Clint Bizzell

From climbing mountains, to finding himself in bronco-branding competitions in the Outback, Clint is always up for a good time and willing to give anything a go. Clint enjoyed 12 years as an AFL footballer, but these days he shares his love for the world and it's people through Places We Go.

You’ve come this far

(you must have liked what you’ve seen?)

Subscribe to receive regular email updates with competitions and news.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. AvatarKevin says

    July 25, 2019 at 2:41 pm

    Your travels remind me of the time our family visited the Highlands for the first time in 2014. There is a majesty and mystery about them. The unpredictable weather only adds to their charm! I wish we had stayed a few days to really soak in the atmosphere. I can’t leave this post without mentioning the amazing seafood lunch we had at Loch Fyne. It was the best seafood meal we have ever had. The crabs, oysters, fish and langoustines were caught/harvested that same morning so they were incredibly fresh. To this day we still talk about that meal as a family. Thanks for sharing your journey and I look forward to reading (and watching) your future adventures.

    Reply
    • Clint BizzellClint Bizzell says

      July 30, 2019 at 9:25 am

      Hi Kevin, and yes, it’s such a wonderful country and the seafood is to die for. I am constantly sharing my experiences with family and friends and we are looking to venture back there as a family 🙂 Let me know what you think of the episodes when you see them.
      Cheers Clint

      Reply
  2. AvatarLynne Adams says

    July 25, 2019 at 3:21 pm

    I loved my journey of Scotland around 20 years ago now, did it by Camper Van over a few weeks, but next year we will be back and hope to do this train trip, it looks fabulous guys. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Clint BizzellClint Bizzell says

      July 30, 2019 at 9:42 am

      How exciting Lynne. I would love to hear where you travel to and what you do. Keep an eye out for the shows on TEN as they will be airing soon which will give some more colour of our time through Scotland. Cheers Clint

      Reply
  3. AvatarPamela French says

    July 25, 2019 at 11:07 pm

    Scotland is one of my favourite places. I went there in 1998 & my sister & I travelled by train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, then to Inverness. Then we went across the highlands & Rannoch Moor to Kyle. Rannoch Moor was the most remote place with just a small rail siding, but was hauntingly beautiful. There was still bits of snow around and it was just amazing. After Kyle, we went over to Skye for a few days, absolutely stunning. Then caught the ferry back to Mallaig, then down to Glasgow. We decided to get off halfway before Glasgow at a tiny place called Crianlarich, where we found the most wonderful B&B & stayed overnight. It had tartan curtains & bedspreads & the owners gave us an amazing ‘High tea’ with the works & stayed to chat with us. The people were all so friendly & helpful and of course the scenery was spectacular. We had the most wonderful time.

    Reply
    • Clint BizzellClint Bizzell says

      July 30, 2019 at 9:35 am

      Pamela, that trip sounds incredible. Dont the people make it such a wonderful experience. You certainly covered lots more of Scotland than we did and I’m jealous. Happy Travels Clint.

      Reply
  4. AvatarSylvia says

    July 26, 2019 at 3:11 pm

    Hi there,
    I watched your journey through Scotland “Highlights through the Highlands”. It must have been beautiful and I’m very impressed. One question, being a photographer at heart, is it possible to take good photos from the train during the tour?
    As I would also like to see the other countries if I do this trip with you, such as England and Ireland are there any other journeys you do to connect with this trip?

    Reply
    • Clint BizzellClint Bizzell says

      July 30, 2019 at 9:32 am

      Hi Sylvia, it’s definitely a country where you need to have lots of memory on your cards! You can take photos out of the train when there are landscapes available in between the trees and the weather of course 🙂 It’s easy to take shots for the train as the size of the windows allow you to do so. There are many other connecting countries you can join up at the end of this one. I travelled with Travel Marvel and I’m sure they could help you out with this request. Cheers Clint

      Reply
  5. AvatarHenk Sanders says

    August 6, 2019 at 10:01 pm

    Hallo Clint,
    Our firts meeting was in Glenfinnam where jou
    recording the Jacobite train and the watchtower.
    We met jou by change in the beautiful city of
    Edinburgh. Our question to you for what you are making recordings, jou answered that it is
    for Australian TV.
    You understand that we are very curious
    about these recordings.
    We are looking forward to.

    Greetz
    Henk & Astrid Sanders
    The Netherlands

    Reply
    • Clint BizzellClint Bizzell says

      August 9, 2019 at 1:15 pm

      Hello, my Scandinavian friends and good to hear from you. You found me 🙂 Hope you had a great time in Scotland and you can see the episodes on this website in a few weeks as its airing soon in Australia. Watch this space. Hope you’re both well. Cheers Clint

      Reply
  6. AvatarChristine says

    August 11, 2019 at 9:45 am

    My father was born in Edinburgh and immigrated to Australia with his family when he was 10. He took our family over to visit about 40 years ago when my brother and I were 11 and 12. Watching this has given me a spiritual connection and longing to visit.

    Reply
  7. AvatarCarmel Chamier says

    August 16, 2019 at 8:44 pm

    I have enjoyed watching your recent travelling adventures through Tasmania. I have also looked at your amazing Scotland journey ,with the highlands,amazing scenery changing all the time through each county,your journey on the Jacobite train with your group fellow travellers,visiting Edinborough,to experience Scotish tradition with bagpipes. Seeing your journey through Lakes district country,visiting amazing castles with all the history. Travel Marvel offers this amazing holiday experience with a great Tour Director who has a great fun time with all fellow travellers while sharing great insight into the history of Scotland. Reading this Email your team Travel Marvel with Places to go will inspire all who want a great travelling experience. Thankyou

    Reply
  8. AvatarSandra Aitken says

    August 20, 2019 at 4:08 am

    What amazing photographs. Looking forward to seeing the TV episodes. Haste Ye Back!

    Reply
Watch Us SERIES 12 ON AIR WEEKENDS

Join our tribe

Subscribe to receive regular email updates with competitions and news.

RECENT AND POPULAR POSTS

An Arctic Adventure Diary – Part 2

arctic adventure

An Arctic Adventure Diary – Part 1

scotland by rail

Why you should see Scotland by rail

sail to Tasmania

Why we choose to sail to Tasmania

sail to Tasmania

Our 7-day Tassie Road Trip Itinerary!

Quick Links

  • Video
  • Driving Adventures
  • Competitions
  • Travel With Kids
  • About Us
  • Australian Travel
  • Contact Us
  • Food and Drink
  •  
  • Luxury Travel
  •  
  • Caravanning & Camping
  •  
Instagram post 2188905399464292962_460970782 Landed smack bang in heaven
Instagram post 2167120426885704568_460970782 Published this book 5 years ago today, have since published a revised version.... but the first “anything” always feels the best doesn’t it? .
.

our initial 4 month filming trip around Australia kicked off 10 solid years of exploring, filming and helping the incredible people who dedicate their lives to bringing us all those amazing travel experiences that we excitedly share around dinner tables for years to come. .
.
It was one of the most incredible experiences of our lives that culminated in a 13 part tv series that year .
.
I want to personally thank my partner in life @clintbizzell our amazing cameraman Gary who was on this shoot @fidelia_films @kristimcdonough who was always up late in the caravan helping bring it to life, our mums Eileen and Carol, our friend (and driver Denise )... our brilliant editor Kevin and our talented producer Emma @babyinabackpack who not only worked on helping plan the shoot, but helped us bring this book to life.... and finally, our beautiful daughter Charli Grace who turned 2 under the rainbow serpent in Arnhem Land. .
Here’s to us all thanking those who have helped our journeys - we hope for those of you who have picked up our book sometime over the years that you’ve been inspired to explore somewhere perhaps you hadn’t thought of... or revisit an old favourite you have always loved .
.
Jen x
.
(Ps I hope we can take our son Harry, who is now 3 on a trip that even remotely comes close to this one day....... )
Instagram post 2165281587715979998_460970782 Don’t you just love shining the light on the wonderful stuff in the world? .

For anyone that believes in the good in the world, or has been to Africa on your travels - I wanted to share and celebrate the initiative our old friend Megan Castran @jewelchic 
is doing with @house.online.
.
She has come up with this FUN homewares range where she is donating ALL proceeds to DR Tererai Trent to help educate girls in Zimbabwe. (Tererai was Oprah’s all time favourite guest in her 25 years in TV because of her passion and determination to break the cycle of poverty and lack of education that had been passed down through the generations in her family and culture. .

I just bought some very cool rainbow water bottles for Xmas presents ... knowing they are good for the environment and good for the girls on the other side of the world. .
Thinking of you all right now as we raise a glass to you all tonight... and here’s to all doing what we can do to support each other.... wherever we may be.. near or far 
Xx
Instagram post 2145634830623403482_460970782 As we reflect on the adventures we have had and shared this year, we can't help but think about our time in Tasmania's Western Wilds... We thought we had uncovered most of Tassie's secrets on all of our previous trips around the state, but boy were we wrong - the west coast of Tassie just has so many gems, so much history, and so many EPIC and wild landscapes that we simply have to return to see more.
.
If YOU are looking for an experience through some of the most untouched, uncrowded and unspoiled regions in the country, check out our full guide to the Western Wilds. We have put all of our blogs and videos (including the TV episode) into one dedicated place on our site so you can find all the inspiration you need! LINK IN BIO 🔗
.
.
.
.
.
.
#westernwilds #tasmania #discovertasmania #wild #adventure #tassie #tassiestyle #behindthescenery #behindthescenes #drivingadventure #roadtrip #realpeoplerealtravel

Social

© 2019 · Places We Go. All rights reserved. | Privacy | Terms & Conditions

Copyright © 2019 · Places We Go on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in