Edinburgh is my favourite city in the world. Although it can be cold and often dreary, it has a unique character and rugged charm that captivates me every time I visit.

With friendly locals, stunning architecture, and a castle overlooking the city, it’s hard not to fall in love.

We spent four delightful days in Scotland in late November, a time when Edinburgh truly comes alive with its Christmas market.

In this blog, I’ll share our two days in Edinburgh and two days in the breathtaking Highlands.

Day 1: Arrival in Edinburgh

We began our journey by taking the train from London Kings Cross, arriving in Edinburgh in just under five hours. The train ride was smooth and relaxing, far better than the hassle of flying.

Once we arrived, we checked into the Apex Grassmarket Hotel in the Old Town, conveniently located near the Royal Mile.

After settling in, we headed straight to the Christmas market. The atmosphere was electric, filled with twinkling lights and festive stalls brimming with crafts and delicious food.

The highlight of our evening was dinner at Pakora Bar, where we indulged in a lovely curry before winding down with a pint at The Last Drop pub, a charming spot with a slightly melancholic history.

Day 2: Exploring Edinburgh

Our second day started with a hearty breakfast before we set off to explore the city.

We made our way to Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the skyline and offers stunning views of the city below.

Later, we visited St. Giles’ Cathedral, a historic landmark in the heart of Edinburgh.

By evening, we returned to the Christmas market, where we savoured local delicacies, including haggis, and soaked up the festive atmosphere that surrounded the stalls.

There’s something truly magical about the city during this time of year, and it was the perfect way to end our time in Edinburgh before heading into the Highlands.

Day 3: The Scottish Highlands

On our third day, we hired a car and set off for the Highlands, leaving Edinburgh around 10 AM.

We drove along the Old Military Road, which offered breathtaking views at every turn.

Remarkably, we experienced four seasons in just five minutes as we journeyed through the ever-changing Scottish landscape.

The weather was kind to us, with only a few light drizzles throughout the day.

We stopped for lunch and coffee at a quaint little spot in Braemar before continuing our drive past Balmoral Castle.

Our next destination was the Corgarff viewpoint, followed by the Cairngorm Mountain Upper Car Park.

However, as darkness began to creep in, we decided to make our way to Fort Augustus, which was another two-hour drive away.

We arrived in Fort Augustus, a small, charming town on the banks of Loch Ness.

We stayed at the Loch Ness Guest House, a lovely and cosy homestay with fantastic local hospitality.

That evening, we ventured out for dinner at a local pub, enjoying the warm atmosphere and traditional fare.

Day 4: More Highlands and the Journey Home

The next morning was cold and crisp, just like you’d expect in the Highlands.

We had a warm breakfast by a cosy fire in a small café and didn’t want to leave.

But the charm of Fort Augustus and its quiet canals drew us outside, and the cool air made the town feel even more magical.

We explored Loch Ness, taking in its stunning views and the enchanting atmosphere surrounding the famous lake.

Afterwards, we headed to the Commando Memorial for stunning views of Ben Nevis, then continued on to Fort William.

The drive through Glencoe was breathtaking, with dramatic landscapes and a noteworthy stop at the Meeting of Three Waters.

We continued our journey to the Buachaille Etive Mór viewpoint, followed by the famous James Bond road viewpoint.

As it grew darker, we made our way to our accommodation for the night, the Holiday Inn Express Strathclyde Park, just outside Glasgow.

After a long day of driving, we enjoyed a hearty dinner at Toby's Carvery, satisfying our hunger after a busy day.

The next day, we returned the hire car at 10 AM and boarded the train back to London.

This trip was filled with unforgettable experiences, but it also involved a lot of driving.

We are used to long drives, but navigating the narrow roads of the Highlands proved a bit challenging at times.

We even had a close encounter with a deer that halted us in our tracks at night!

Thankfully, it didn’t jump in front of the car.

We highly recommend this scenic drive, particularly in the summer when the nights are longer and the weather is more predictable.

During our visit, the sun set around 5 PM, making our return to our accommodation quite a race against the clock.

Despite the challenges, this Christmas holiday was an incredible experience, blending the magic of Edinburgh with the stunning beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Here’s a map of the round trip to the Highlands, along with the stops we made

Summary of 4 Day Trip to Edinburgh and the Highlands:

Day 1: Arrival in Edinburgh

• Travelled by train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh.

• Stayed at Apex Grassmarket Hotel, close to the Royal Mile.

• Visited the Christmas market, enjoyed dinner at Pakora Bar, and finished with a pint at The Last Drop pub.

  
  

Day 2: Exploring Edinburgh

• Visited Edinburgh Castle and St. Giles’ Cathedral.

• Evening at the Christmas market, tasting local food including haggis.

  
  

Day 3: Scottish Highlands Adventure

• Hired a car and drove along the scenic Old Military Road.

• Stopped in Braemar for lunch and passed by Balmoral Castle.

• Reached Fort Augustus, staying at the Loch Ness Guest House, and enjoyed a local pub dinner.

  
  

Day 4: Journey Back

• Explored Fort Augustus and visited the Commando Memorial with views of Ben Nevis.

• Drove through Glencoe, stopping at Buachaille Etive Mór and James Bond road viewpoints.

• Stayed near Glasgow, then returned the car in Edinburgh before taking the train back to London.