Now, I’m not going to go through every Outlander filming location and I can’t guarantee any time travel through the stones, but I’ve included the main sites that any Outlander-fans must visit. And don’t worry, the main Outlander castles (i.e. Lallybroch, Castle Leoch) and all of the classic Outlander locations are on this list!

And because the (Outlander) Fraser family motto is Je Suis Prest (“I am ready”), I’ve tried to tailor this post to give you the most helpful information to prepare you for your visit!

• I’ve included ticket prices, seasonal openings, and public transportation directions. If it was easy for me to find the transport costs, I’ve included that as well, but they’re not included for each location.
  • For most buses in Scotland, you don’t need to buy a ticket in advance, and can tap a contactless card when boarding to pay for your journey.
• There are also some guided tour options, for some of the locations harder to reach by public transportation, or if you want to just take it easy on the logistical plans for your trip.
• If you’re planning to visit multiple locations, there could be some cost savings if you join National Trust of Scotland or the Historic Environment of Scotland. There’s a section at the end detailing out the admission costs if you’re planning to visit more than one.
• Be sure to check out the map of Outlander filming locations at the bottom of the post. Save the map and pin the post to help you plan!

Please note that some products or referrals in this post are affiliate links (in green) and if you go through them to make a purchase or booking, I will earn a commission. I share these product and booking links because they are related to the post and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours whether to click through and make a purchase through these links.

1. Lallybroch – Midhope Castle

Take me home to Lallybroch.

🎬 Lallybroch, Broch Tuarach
📍 Midhope Castle, Abercorn, Scotland
 – 45 min drive west of Edinburgh
Seasonal openings
🎟️ Free entry, but you must book a ticket
🚌 Accessible by public transportation?  No.

🎥 Did they actually film here?  Yes! This is Lallybroch, both in the 18th century and the 21st century, as Bri and Roger’s new home. Interior scenes not shot here, due to structural issues with the building. Lallybroch (or Midhope Castle) is arguably one of the most iconic Outlander locations in Scotland! Along with Castle Leoch (or Doune Castle), its one of the two main Outlander castles.
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Included in Outlander tours of Scotland? mostly. But read the fine print – often times during winter (low) season, Midhope Castle is substituted with another location (likely Linlithgow Palace).

• 4-day Outlander Tour from Edinburgh from 325 GBP per adult: Clava Cairns, Doune Castle, Loch Ness, Glen Affric, Culloden, Culross, Falkland, Midhope Castle, Glencoe
• 1-day Outlander Tour from Glasgow from 56 GBP per adult: Doune Castle, Culross, Falkland, Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle
• 1-day Outlander adventure from Edinburgh from 61 GBP per adult: Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Culross, Doune Castle
• The Outlander 1-Day Experience from Edinburgh from 65 GBP per adult: Midhope Castle, Blackness castle, Linlithgow Palace, Culross and Falkland

2. Craig Na Dunh – Callandish Standing Stones

🎬 Craig Na Dunh
📍 Callanish Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis, Scotland
– Ferry from Ullapool or Uig (Skye), or
– Flight to Stornaway from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness
🎟️ Entry free
🚌 Accessible by public transportation?  No.

🎥 Did they actually film here?  No, the Callanish Standing Stones are technically not one of the official Outlander filming locations in Scotland.  For various reasons, the stones were made from styrofoam and filmed near Loch Rannoch (in Perth).  But the stones are said to be inspired by the Callanish Standing Stones.
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Included in Outlander group tours? Not in an Outlander themed tour, but there are 3 day tours of Lewis and Harris where the Callanish Standing Stones are! The tours depart from Inverness.

3. Castle Leoch – Doune Castle

🎬 Castle Leoch, home of Clan MacKenzie
📍 Doune Castle, Doune, Scotland 
– 1 hour+ drive west of Edinburgh
🎟️ Entry: 10 GBP adult. Depending on how many Historic Environment Scotland locations you visit on your trip, you should consider their Explorer Pass, for 35 GBP. I’ll include a list of their Outlander sites below so you can properly evaluate with your full Scotland itinerary!
🚌 Accessible by public transportation?  Yes. 
– ScotRail Edinburgh to Stirling, bus 59 to Callander, exit Bank Street.

🎥 Did they actually film here?  Yes. Many of the Castle Leoch scenes in Season 1 were filmed here!
⭐️ Not to ruin the surprise but Sam Heughan narrates the audio tour, so you’ll definitely get a behind-the-scenes look into the Outlander filming at Doune Castle!
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Included in Outlander group tours? mostly.

• 4-day Outlander Tour from Edinburgh from 325 GBP per adult: Clava Cairns, Doune Castle, Loch Ness, Glen Affric, Culloden, Culross, Falkland, Midhope Castle, Glencoe
• 1-day Outlander Tour from Glasgow from 56 GBP per adult: Doune Castle, Culross, Falkland, Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle
• 1-day Outlander adventure from Edinburgh from 61 GBP per adult: Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Culross, Doune Castle
• Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Experience from Edinburgh from 56 GBP per adult: Blackness Castle, Culross, Doune Castle

4. Cranesmuir – Culross

🎬 Cranesmuir
📍 Culross, Fife, Scotland (pronounced COO-riss)
 – 1 drive north west of Edinburgh
🎟️ Entry is free to Culross village; however to visit Culross Palace, entry is 10.50 GBP. Seasonal openings for the Palace. Consider joining the National Trust of Scotland for additional cost savings, including family memberships! Especially if you’re headed to Culloden, or other sites as well. Individual memberships start at 65 GBP.
🚌 Accessible by public transportation?  Yes.
– ScotRail Edinburgh to Falkirk, bus 28 to the Palace.

🎥 Did they actually film here?  Yes.  Inside Culross Palace, they filmed Geiliss Duncan’s parlor. Culross Palace gardens also doubled as the Castle Leoch herb gardens.  If you opt to tour Culross Palace, you’ll get more behind-the-scenes info inside! Be sure to roam around the village too. Nearby is the Culross Mercat Cross where that poor boy got his ear nailed to the cross!  
⭐️ Strolling around in Culross transports you back to 1745 Crainsmuir. If there was ever a village that embodies Outlander more, it has to be Culross!
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Included in Outlander group tours? mostly – see list below!

• 4-day Outlander Tour from Edinburgh: locations included Clava Cairns, Doune Castle, Loch Ness, Glen Affric, Culloden, Culross, Falkland, Midhope Castle, Glencoe
• 1-day Outlander Tour from Glasgow: locations included Doune Castle, Culross, Falkland, Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle
• 1-day Outlander Tour from Edinburgh: locations included Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Culross, Doune Castle
• The Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Experience – Winter from Edinburgh: locations included Blackness Castle, Culross, Doune Castle
• The Outlander 1 Day Experience from Edinburgh: locations included Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Culross and Falkland

5. Culloden Battlegrounds

🎬 Culloden Battlegrounds
📍 Culloden Moor, Inverness, Scotland
 – 3+ hours drive from Edinburgh or Glasgow
🎟️ Entry is free to the battlefield, which is open 24-7; however I would highly recommend including the visitor center in your Culloden plans, entry is 14 GBP. Culross Palace and Pollock House are all part of the National Trust of Scotland, so consider joining the National Trust of Scotland for additional cost savings, including family memberships!
🚌 Accessible by public transportation?  Yes.
– ScotRail to Inverness, Bus 27 from Inverness to the Culloden Battlegrounds.

🎥 Did they actually film here?  Technically, the actual Culloden battle scenes in the series was not filmed at Culloden, but part of the 1960s flashbacks when Claire the Clan Fraser memorial stone to talk to the ghost of Jamie. Fans will note the Clan Fraser memorial stone has been blocked off due to heavy foot traffic. Please be respectful, as this is an actual battlefield site with clan memorials and shallow graves of the fallen.

The visitor center at the museum is great and helps to explain the Bonnie Prince Charlie’s story which brought the Jacobites directly to this battleground.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Included in Outlander group tours? Most day tours only stay around Glasgow and Edinburgh, so head to Inverness on your own to visit Culloden Battlefield. Read about my visit to Culloden.

6. Pollok House and Pollok Country Park

🎬 grounds of Castle Leoch / French countryside where Jamie & Back Jack Randall dueled
📍 Pollok Country Park, Glasgow, Scotland
 – 20 minute drive from Glasgow Central
🎟️ Entry is free to the Pollok Country Park; however to visit Pollok House, entry is 8.50 GBP. Consider joining the National Trust of Scotland for additional cost savings, including family memberships!
🚌 Accessible by public transportation?  Yes.
– ScotRail from Glasgow to Shawlands (20 minutes, less than 3 GBP one way)

🎥 Did they actually film here?  Yes. 
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Included in Outlander group tours? No, but easy to access yourself.
⭐️ The Pollok Country Park is a lovely green space located just outside of Glasgow central. There are highland cows grazing the grounds, and an incredible art museum at the Burrell Collection. The area is a must visit for when you’re in Glasgow!

7. “Fort William” – Blackness Castle

🎬 used as “Fort William” in Outlander, where Jamie was infamously flogged 😥
📍 Blackness, Scotland
 – less than 1 hour drive from Edinburgh
🎟️ Entry: 7.50 GBP per adult
🚌 Accessible by public transportation?  Yes.
– ScotRail train from Edinburgh to Linlithgow (25 minutes, less than 3 GBP one way), Bus F49 from Linlithgow to Blackness Square

🎥 Did they actually film here?  Yes. The scenes were not filmed in the town of Fort William.
⭐️ One of my favorite Outlander locations in Scotland to visit! Blackness Castle is a mighty castle at the edge of the sea. A uniquely shaped castle closely resembling a ship (“the ship that never sailed”), Blackness Castle was built onto the rocky outcroppings on the shore. This rockiness is seen even in the courtyard of the castle, where a young Jamie Fraser was flogged. You can walk along the wall, and imagine Jamie and Claire diving into the sea as they escape Fort William.

🦞 If you’re a fan of seafood, and you’re visiting Blackness Castle, pop by a lobster hidden gem on my Best Seafood of Scotland list.
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Included in Outlander group tours? mostly.

• 1-day Outlander Tour from Glasgow: locations included Doune Castle, Culross, Falkland, Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle
• 1-day Outlander Tour from Edinburgh: locations included Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Culross, Doune Castle
• Queensferry sightseeing boat cruise, with cream tea: see Blackness Castle from the sea
• The Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Experience – Winter from Edinburgh: locations included Blackness Castle, Culross, Doune Castle
• The Outlander 1 Day Experience from Edinburgh: locations included Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Culross and Falkland

– Other Outlander locations in Scotland to visit:

• Falkland Palace and Falkland village – One of the rooms in the palace served as the apothecary where Claire buys medical supplies. Falkland village doubles as Inverness during Frank and Claire’s honeymoon. The exterior of the Fayre Earth Gift Shop in Falkland is used as a furniture shop window, as Frank and Claire window-shop during their honeymoon.
  • 🎟️ entry to Falkland Palace: 13 GBP per adult
  • Seasonal openings
  • Public transportation: challenging but doable. Bus X59 Edinburgh Princes Street to Gateside Cottage, Bus 64A from Gateside Cottage to Palace (1h 46 min)
  • included in 1-day Outlander Tour from Glasgow and 4-day Outlander Tour from Edinburgh

Above: a window at Culross Palace

• Preston Mill – at Lallybroch where Jamie hides underwater beneath the mill, while Claire and Jenny hide him from the redcoats
  • 🎟️ entry: 7.50 GBP per adult
  • Seasonal openings
  • 🚌 from Edinburgh Bus X7 to Phantassie Farm, then 12 min walk (1h 6 min)
• Hopetoun House – Duke of Sandringham’s home
  • 🎟️ entry: 13.50 GBP per adult
  • Make it easy and book tickets to Hopetoun House and Midhope Castle together
  • Seasonal openings
  • Public transportation not advised.
• Drummond Castle Gardens – Gardens of Versailles
  • 🎟️ entry: 10 GBP per adult
  • Seasonal openings
  • Public transportation: challenging but doable. Scotrail from Edinburgh to Stirling, Bus 15A to Templemill Road End, then 12 min walk (2h 10 min).
• Linlithgow Palace – Wentworth Prison, where Jamie suffers torture from Black Jack Randall 😥.
  • Also, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots
  • 🎟️ entry: 8 GBP per adult
  • 🚂: Scotrail from Edinburgh Waverly to Linlithgow (9.60 GBP return fare, 26 min)

• Craigmillar Castle – Ardsmuir Prison
  • 🎟️ entry: 7.50 GBP per adult
  • 🚌 Buses 33, 30, 14, 8, 49 from Edinburgh Princes Street / Leith Street to Craigmillar Castle Road (25 min), then 15 min walk
• Aberdour Castle and Garden – Benedictine monastery, Abbey Ste Anne de Beaupre where Jamie recovers from his injuries by Black Jack Randall.
  • 🎟️ entry: 7.50 GBP per adult
  • 🚂: Scotrail from Edinburgh Waverly to Aberdour (8.40 GBP return fare, 32 min)
• Newhailes House – Governor Tryon’s House
  • 🎟️ entry: 14 GBP per adult
  • 🚌 Buses 44, 113, 124 from Edinburgh St. Andrews House to Brunstane Mill Road (23 min), then 15 min walk
• Highland Folk Museum – This open air museum doubles as a MacKenzie village, visited in Season 1 with the Clan MacKenzie rent-collecting party. In this village, Claire found a group of women and joined them in singing and waulking wool. Step back in time and experience Highland life from the 1700-1900s. (I really really really want to visit this!)
  • 🎟️ entry is free but donations are welcome
  • Seasonal openings
  • 🚂: Scotrail from Edinburgh Waverly to Newtonmore (2h 35 min, 54 GBP any time return fare), then a 1.3 mile walk.
  • or connect through Inverness and take the train from Inverness to Newtonmore (2h hour, 8.70 GBP one way), then a 1.3 mile walk.
• Duncarron Medieval Village – This open air museum doubles in Outlander as Fort Ticonderoga (in New York) in Season 7’s Battle of Ticonderoga. Fun fact, it was also used in the filming of Robin Hood (2010) and Outlaw King (2018). Various period-related film props and sets that were built for filming these movies (+ Outlander) were donated to Duncarron Medieval Village. From Outlander, there is now a Bastion, some outbuildings, and a tower in the village.
  • 🎟️ entry: 18 GBP per adult
  • Public transportation not advised. You can take a combination of trains/buses from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Stoneywood, Denny. However, there is still 6 miles from there to Duncarron Medieval Village.
• There are also several filming locations around Glasgow that you shouldn’t miss: Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow University, among others! My friend, Hailey (also known as the Sassenach Historian) offers private Outlander tours including a walking tour of Glasgow!

Planning your Outlander trip to Scotland

Now that you have an idea of the various Outlander filming locations in Scotland, it’s time to figure out whether you want a tour or travel there on your own, either by public transportation or car. Everyone is different, and everyone’s schedules are different, so choose what works best for you!

Options for your Outlander Tour of Scotland

Here are some Outlander Tour options that are highly rated. Do note that some tours and locations may have a separate entry admission fee, so read the fine print!

• 4-day Outlander Tour from Edinburgh: locations included Clava Cairns, Doune Castle, Loch Ness, Glen Affric, Culloden, Culross, Falkland, Midhope Castle, Glencoe
• 1-day Outlander Tour from Glasgow: locations included Doune Castle, Culross, Falkland, Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle
• 1-day Outlander Tour from Edinburgh: locations included Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Culross, Doune Castle
• Queensferry sightseeing boat cruise, with cream tea (departs from Hawes pier, Queensferry): see Blackness Castle from the sea
• The Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Experience – Winter from Edinburgh: locations included Blackness Castle, Culross, Doune Castle
• The Outlander 1 Day Experience from Edinburgh: locations included Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Culross and Falkland
• Edinburgh: Outlander Series and Jacobites Walking Tour: including Bakehouse Close, where Jamie’s print shop is located

Saving on tickets to Outlander locations in Scotland

Map of Outlander Filming Locations in Scotland

Other helpful links and tips:

• Coming from London? Take the sleeper train from London to Scotland and arrive well-rested and refreshed to travel through the stones to find your Jamie! Read my review of the comfortable sleeper train.
• Arriving by plane? Skip the fuss and take a tram directly from Edinburgh Airport to the city center (St. Andrew Square, a block away from Princes Street) for only 6 GBP one-way!
• Looking for a temporary luggage storage option while in Edinburgh? Leave your bag for up 5 GBP per bag, per day! Several convenient locations available.
• The best casual shoes for Scotland weather are AllBirds Rain Repellent series (UK), and honestly, I wear my AllBirds Mizzles everywhere in Scotland.
  • For those AllBirds fans in the US, get a free pair of socks when you use my link – just add the socks to your cart, and it will be subtracted at checkout!
• The best waterproof wellies (wellington boots) for your Scottish adventure is definitely the Hunter Wellies. Made from natural rubber (and made from a Scottish company, so they know how to waterproof your feet), these wellies are the iconic waterproof boots you didn’t know you needed!
  • Insulated Hunter Wellies for those who need a bit extra warmth!

Hope that helped give you an idea of all the exciting Outlander filming locations you can visit in Scotland! This post was thoughtfully prepared by an Outlander fan, in the hopes of giving you all the information you need so you can stand proud with the (Outlander) Fraser motto, Je Suis Prest (“I am ready”). If you found this information helpful in your trip plans, please consider supporting this website with a coffee. Until the next Outlander episode drops, I wish you all happy planning and safe travels through the stones!

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Lannie

Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone.  She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night!  She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.

Click on the blue icons below to follow her on social media!

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I’m no stranger to sleeper trains or overnight travel, having often slingshot my way across Europe using a complex and random combination of overnight trains and buses. Of course there were also the (slightly miserable) ones in Southeast Asia, slowly bouncing along at night from Bangkok to Laos, where you felt the tug and pull of the train every time it thought it could. But that was then, this is now. So sit back, relax, and let’s chug along together on this overnight train adventure!

Welcome to the Caledonian Sleeper, your sleeper train to the Highlands.

1. Introducing the Caledonian Sleeper

The Caledonian Sleeper is the only sleeper train to Scotland and is a true gem of British travel. Whether you’re heading up to Scotland for business or pleasure, the Caledonian Sleeper is both luxurious and convenient – two factors that often make the best journey. It has cozy private cabins and individual seats (something for everyone!), delicious dining options (both room service and in the club car / lounge car), and stunning views of the English and Scottish countryside.

From London Euston at night, the Caledonian Sleeper connects you to one of these great places in Scotland:

• Edinburgh Waverley
• Glasgow Central
• Inverness: includes stops in Stirling, Gleneagles, Aviemore
• Fort William
• and Aberdeen.

(accessible room shown above)

For the purposes of this post, I am writing with London as the starting point. This trip can also be done in reverse – from any of those 5 locations in Scotland, down to London in the morning.

There are a few different options for seats / accommodations on board the Caledonian Sleeper. Both seats and cabins have accessible options for those who may need it. Train tickets for accessible rooms and seats can now be booked online!

Prices for the Caledonian Sleeper depend on the actual route you’re taking (some are longer than others) and how early you book your tickets, so with all things, planning ahead is always better!

• Comfort Seats start from 50 GBP,
• Classic Rooms from 175 GBP for Solo or 205 GBP for Shared,
• Club Rooms from 235 GBP for Solo and 290 GBP for Shared, and
• Caledonian Doubles from 345 GBP for Solo and 410 GBP for Shared.

(Hooray for pricing that doesn’t include a single supplement!)

These prices are for a one-way journey. If you want a round trip, simply book two one-ways. There are no cost savings with booking a return journey.

– Complimentary Sleep Kit and Amenities Bag (Double Only)

The complimentary Sleep Kit, which comes with all reservations, includes an eye mask and ear plugs. The additional pouch with Arran Sense of Scotland amenities (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, lip balm, anti-bacterial gel and hand cream) are included in Caledonian Double.

– Is the Caledonian Sleeper worth it?

The short answer: if you’re 2 people – definitely yes! If you’re 1 person, I still say yes – even if you want to get a cabin.

Normally, I travel between London and Glasgow on the Avanti West Coast train. On average, it costs 100 GBP one-way and takes 4.5 hours. When you take into consideration a hotel room either in Glasgow (100 GBP) or London (200+ GBP), the cost justification becomes a little easier.

• To compare, on average, the Classic Room on this route costs 210 GBP and will take between 8-10 hours. But, you’ve moved from A to B in your sleep and you can start your day in a new city!

Additionally, according to a 2021 Rail & Transit Study, taking the overnight train to Scotland instead of flying reduces the carbon footprint by almost 90%!

• the study was based on a domestic UK flight between London and Inverness, and one hotel stay;
• Total kgCO2/ep for Flight & Hotel: 288.9
• Total kgCO2/ep for Caledonian Sleeper: 33

So, taking the sleeper train is an environmentally friendly way to travel between London and Scotland!

2. The new Caledonian Sleeper Lounge at London Euston

Prior to my near-midnight departure from London Euston, guests in Caledonian Club Room and Caledonian Double Rooms are invited to relax in the new Caledonian Sleeper Lounge at London Euston. If you’re heading to Glasgow or Edinburgh, you can access the lounge starting from 20:45, basically after the passengers for the Aberdeen, Fort William and Inverness train are fully boarded onto their train.

The new lounge, just opened in 2024 is located on Platform 1, right next to where you’ll board the train. With comfortable seats, free drinks and snacks available (hot foods and alcohol available for a fee), and clean, shower facilities, what’s not to enjoy about the lounge?

For me, it had been a long day, so a shower was a must. Yes, I have a shower inside my Caledonian Double Suite, but a stationary shower is better than one where you’re balancing with the motion of the railway tracks! And boy, after a long day, there is nothing better than a shower!

Just ask the lounge attendant for a towel. The showers are equipped with Arran Sense of Scotland shampoo and body wash.

💡Expert tips on showering in the Euston Guest Lounge:

• I always travel with a pair of flip-flops, and I’m glad I had them with me! There was no bath mat available yet.
• There are also no hair dryers yet, so either ask for an extra towel in the beginning or use your bath towel to towel dry your hair.
• There is a heated towel rack in the cubicle.
• While there is room in the shower cubicle for my small luggage and backpack, I continuously had to maneuver around to grab things out of my luggage that I needed. Smartly pack your bag in advance to accommodate this!

The Euston Guest Lounge is brand new in 2024, and it was already a relaxing way to start my journey. I didn’t opt for a pre-boarding meal, but I spotted a few folks enjoying the haggis, neeps and tatties. It looked great!

For more details on lounge access:

• Euston Guest Lounge
• Other stations

3. Boarding the Caledonian Sleeper

If you’re in the lounge, an announcement will be made when its time to board. But if you’re not in the lounge, the sign boards in London Euston station will let you know when boarding begins. The Caledonian Sleeper departs from Platform 1, which is on the very right end of the station.

The carriages are in order depending on where /when you depart the train. There are train attendants along the way to show you the way, and to check you in once you arrive at the right carriage. They’ll tell you that your room (if you had one) is unlocked and the key is found inside it.

And while it’s not mandatory by any means, might I suggest plopping down on your bed for an obligatory comfy selfie as you settle in and relax for your overnight train journey ahead!

4. Food and Drink options on the luxury sleeper train to Scotland

Honestly, who would I be if I didn’t devote a mini section to the food and drink?

The food and drinks available on the Caledonian Sleeper differ depending on which route you’re taking – Edinburgh and Glasgow routes enjoy the Lowlander menu, whereas Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William guests will have the Highlander menu. I took a quick peak at both of them, and don’t worry – no matter if you’re traveling the Lowlander or Highlander route, whisky, haggis, and Irn Bru are on both menus, so rest assured – you can try all 3 and become an Honorary Scot!

Traveling on the Caledonian Sleeper during the summer time means that sunrise is earlier, and you’ll get incredible views while you enjoy your breakfast.

If you’re in the Caledonian Double (first class) or the Club Room, breakfast is included in your ticket, which can be eaten in the Club Car or served in your room. Note the final breakfast service times at the bottom. For most destinations, you’ll need to be served before 7 am (except Fort William and Inverness), so if you’re not an early bird, set an alarm so you won’t miss breakfast! Hang your breakfast order on the door within 30 minutes after departure.

There is also an in-seat / room service dining menu available for Classic Room and Seated Coach travelers.

– Limited Edition Caledonian Sleeper Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Annandale Distillery

2023 marks the 150th Anniversary of the Caledonian Sleeper train, and boy are they celebrating in style! In collaboration with Annandale Distillery, a Lowland scotch whisky distillery in Dumfries and Galloway, Caledonian Sleeper has just released an exclusive Caledonian Sleeper Whisky on a limited run of 200 bottles. Matured for 8 years in an American oak ex-bourbon cask, this single cask whisky is bottled at 50% ABV.

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According to the press release, the Caledonian Sleeper whisky,

“offers hints of creamy sweet toffee combined with the crisp flavours of ripe granny smith apples and conference pears.”

-Annandale Distillery

Commemorate your trip by purchasing a 5cl bottle (with exclusive Caledonian Sleeper labeling) to enjoy as a nightcap or a future souvenir.

Sales of the Caledonian Sleeper limited release single cask whisky will benefit Railway Children, an international charity working with street children, and a bottle will be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting Give a Dog a Bone, a Scottish loneliness and animal charity.

To find out more about the Caledonian Sleeper whisky and to book your journey,

5. Caledonian Sleeper First Class Review – my true life experience

I am writing this section at 05:30 from an empty Club Car, as the train sits at Edinburgh Waverley station waiting for our Edinburgh passengers to alight. It’s my first trip on the Caledonian Sleeper

The train normally departs London Euston past 23:00 but there were some planned engineering works on the tracks, so our departure time was earlier than normal. By the time I fell asleep around 22:30, we hadn’t really left the greater London area yet. We chugged along for a bit and then stopped for quite some time. I don’t know why, but I was waiting for the excitement of a moving train before going to bed. Sometimes we can be a bit silly, I guess.

I read online that the Club Car can get rowdy and busy at night, and due to limited seating, you should hurry up and rush there to grab a table. Passengers staying in a room have access to the Club Car, with those in Caledonian Doubles having priority access. And as soon as I got settled in my cabin, I went down to the Club Car. Over the next hour, only a handful of people used the Club Car – a lady was dining, two gentlemen were having a drink, and another gentleman was sitting reading on his iPad. Maybe I just boarded a train full of introverts, which is fine by me.

So now that I’ve done the Club Car, it’s time for me to shower and head to bed. Towels are provided in a big pouch hanging on the door.

Although it’s small, I’m grateful for the en-suite bathroom and shower. I didn’t expect the shower pressure to be anything to write home about, and it definitely isn’t. For people thinking about washing their hair, think twice. The water pressure on my train was definitely not strong enough to rinse shampoo out of your hair.

The toilet basin has a big wooden cover with a handle, so you really only lift up the cover when using the toilet. There is a little nook inside that stores the toilet paper, so nothing gets wet when you shower.

Be careful, the lock on the door latch juts out, and maybe I bumped into it while showering.

Regardless of if you have a toilet and shower in your cabin, all cabins include a sink and basin for brushing your teeth and washing your face.

In the cabin itself, the bed made up the majority of the room. My luggage went under the bed, which left me with a small standing area / walkway between the door and the sink. For me, a somewhat clumsy but petite person, I bumped and knocked myself along the walls as I changed into my pajamas.

I dimmed the lights and began to settle in bed, but I quickly got up to grab the eye mask from the complimentary sleep kit and put it on. Various emergency buttons emit light in the cabin, and this gal enjoys complete darkness in sleep.

When my alarm woke me at 04:00 (don’t ask), I had slept better than any overnight journey in memory. Although I remember feeling the train moving in my sleep, it didn’t feel disruptive but rather a gentle lulling. And that brings me to now, 05:30 am, in the Club Car enjoying my bacon roll breakfast by myself.

Don’t let my simple bacon roll with its tongue sticking out dissuade you from choosing a simpler breakfast versus the full Scottish. Sometimes a bacon roll with a smidge of brown sauce is all I need to start my day in Scotland right!

After my breakfast roll, there was plenty of time to hang out in my cabin as we made the final leg of the journey between Edinburgh and Glasgow. The majority of the journey was completed under the cover of night. As dawn was about to break, I opened the window blinds for some light and some views. By then, the countryside was already in the distance, and I was left with urban views to finish off the evening’s journey.

6. Parting Thoughts on my overnight train to Scotland

All in all, I was happier with this train ride than I thought I would be! I’ll be honest that I had been eyeing this overnight train for a long time, but each time I’d see the 2-300+ GBP price tag per room, it would stop me in my tracks. But in reality, I never spent the time to think about how much money I would save with one less hotel night in Glasgow/London. So in the end, for a solo traveler, it isn’t too bad!

The double bed was very luxurious for the train, when you’d normally only have a bunk bed. I don’t think I need the first class Caledonian Double every time, but for my first time, it was a nice splurge.

However, I do think you need to set your expectations for what a “luxury overnight train” should be. In a different time and place, luxury train travel would include caviar, afternoon tea services, and glamour that oozes affluence and class like James Bond. While the Caledonian Sleeper isn’t all that, it’s still very nice and a wonderfully comfortable journey!

Since my first time on the Caledonian Sleeper, I’ve have used this overnight train service a number of times, in both the Club Room (bunk beds) and the Double Room. While the Double Room is definitely more luxurious with the big bed and no second bunk hanging over you, the Club Room is still a very comfortable overnight train experience.

While I’ve heard people complain about the top bunk being hard to access with a moving train, I just have to remind folks that this is indeed a moving train. People with mobility issues should not attempt to mess around with the top bunk, as the train’s motions on the train tracks aren’t guaranteed to be seemless. Think of it as turbulence on the rails, and something you need to be careful of.

Similarly, that also means the train rocks and sways as you sleep as well. Light sleepers may be bothered by this, and while this is still a comfortable journey, it’s definitely not the same as sleeping in your own bed. I just want to manage expectations, because the Caledonian Sleeper is a truly fantastic overnight train.

Also, for those wanting to take advantage of the stunning views of the countryside, be aware that outside of summer months, the nights are dark and long. If you’re only traveling between London and Glasgow / Edinburgh (the Lowlands), expect to arrive in Scotland still under the cover of night. If you’re headed all the way up to the Highlands, you may catch a glimpse of a gorgeous sunrise before you disembark.

Taking the train in the summer with the increased daylight hours really only make the journey more stunning, especially those traveling on the Highland lines up north. You’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful highland landscape with your morning coffee and breakfast.

Whether you opt for a simple seat, a Classic Room (bunk beds, no toilet/shower), a Club Room (bunk beds, with en-suite), or a Double Room (big bed, with en-suite facilities), there is something for everyone’s budget and sensibilities.

And with that, my Caledonian Sleeper review comes to a close. And I bid you adieu!

I hope you found my review of Caledonian Sleeper to be helpful. It truly is the best (and only) sleeper train to the Highlands from London. I’ve included some itinerary suggestions and a detailed frequently asked questions below in case my write up didn’t touch upon some of your questions.

To book the amazing Caledonian Sleeper, visit www.sleeper.scot.

7. Ideas for your Scottish adventure?

Now that you’ve decided on taking the sleeper train to Scotland, let’s plan your Scottish adventure!

• First things first – if you’re traveling to Scotland as an Outlander fan, look no further. I’ve written all about the Outlander filming locations you can visit, with public transpo directions or tours you can take. Step through the stones to Lallybroch or Castle Leoch during your trip!
• In Edinburgh, don’t miss:
  • visiting Holyrood Palace, the Scottish home of the British monarch,
  • get introduced to Scottish food on a delicious food tour;
  • enjoy the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland.
  • take a tour of the Water of Leith and Dean Village (shown above).
• In Glasgow, be sure to check out Glasgow Cathedral, the necropolis, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
  • Be sure to immerse yourself in some whisky, with a visit to Glengoyne Distillery! You’ll be surprised how quickly you got out of the city and into highland heaven!
  • Take a day trip to Oban (seafood capital of Scotland) and Glencoe on a Highland lochs and castles tour!
• In the Highlands and Islands,
  • Need a hotel recommendation for Inverness? How about staying at Ness Walk, a 5 ⭐️ luxury hotel that recently won the Most Romantic Hotel in the UK❣️ I’ll be designing a foodie itinerary for Inverness in collaboration with Ness Walk, so stay tuned for that!
  • Balmoral (and the Cairngorms National Park) is one of my favorite places to go and unwind;
  • set out on the North Coast 500 for some spectacular scenery!
  • go further afield with a day trip to Orkney!
  • Use the Scottish Islands Passport for ideas and to help plan your adventure!
• Last but not least recommendation: here is a carefully curated list of the best seafood in Scotland.

8. FAQ for the Caledonian Sleeper

• Is this the only overnight train in the UK? No, aside from the Caledonian Sleeper, the Night Riviera Sleeper runs overnight train services between London and Cornwall.
• How much luggage can I bring with me? Each guest can bring 3 items of personal luggage on board for free – two suitcases (no bigger than 30cm x 70cm x 90cm / 11.8 in x 27.6 in x 35.4 in) plus one item of hand luggage.
  • If you have larger items, let the on-board teams know and they can store it separately.
  • There is space under the bed for your suitcases. If you are staying in the Club Room or Caledonian Double, do not put your luggage in the en-suite bathroom, because if it falls it can block the door from opening.
• How much is the Caledonian Sleeper family ticket? Family ticket prices depend on how many rooms are required per family, but there will always be a guaranteed bed for all travelers, including children. A quick check showed 2 adults, 2 children in 2 classic rooms, booked as a family ticket cost 450 GBP. But as noted above, prices vary depending on a number of factors. There are a handful of inter-connected rooms available for families.
• Is there a first class on the Caledonian Sleeper? Caledonian Double ticket-holders are considered in first class, which is why they have a big bed, receive the extra amenity kit and have priority seating in the Club Car.
• Is there lounge access before boarding? The guest lounge, similar to an airline’s first class lounge, is a good way to relax before your journey. Different stations have different lounge specs (some include showers, others share lounge space with other train lines, access to some depend on your ticket type). Get more information on the lounge and your access.
• Can I bring furry friends on board? Up to 2 pets can join you on board if you’ve reserved a room. Sorry, for those who booked seats only, your furry friend can’t join you. There is no ticket cost for your furry friend, but there will be an additional 30 GBP cleaning fee per room.
• Can I bring my bicycle on board? Yes you can! Bicycles don’t cost extra, but you will need to reserve a space for it during your booking. (whoops, forgot to? Don’t worry – just contact Guest Services and they will add the bicycle reservation to your booking).
• Technical stuff: Yes, there is Wi-Fi on board, but there are some sections of limited service. In each room and at the comfort seats, there are power outlets (and USB-A ports) for charging small devices.
• Shower, if I don’t have the en-suite: For those traveling in seated coach or class rooms (and do not have an en-suite shower), you can purchase Shower Tokens on board to access showers in Fort William, London Euston, and Inverness after you arrive. Towels come included!
• Left Luggage facilities: If you need to dump your luggage before or after your trip, there are left luggage facilities at London Euston, Glasgow Central, Glasgow Queen Street, Edinburgh Waverley, Inverness and Fort William for a fee.
• Railcard discounts? Certain National Railcard holders may receive discounts on their fare, depending on a few factors. Read up on the Railcard Discounts offered on Caledonian Sleeper.

Lannie

Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone.  She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night!  She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.

Click on the blue icons below to follow her on social media!

lanniesfoodandtravel.com/index.php/about-me/

1. History of the Battle

The battle was fought between British soldiers (under the Duke of Cumberland, and loyal to King George II), and the Jacobite (Scottish) army. Leading up to the battle, Bonnie Prince Charlie (exiled Prince Charles Stuart, and claimant to the British Throne) raised an army of Scottish Jacobites to win back the British throne from King George II.

16 April 1746.

On that fateful day, in less than one hour, 1,600 men were killed. Of the slain, 1,500 were Jacobite soldiers. (Although sources differ on the exact number of soldiers killed during the battle, it ranges from 1,500 – 2,000 with the vast majority being Jacobite soldiers.)

Learn about Highlander culture

In the days that followed, not only was the battle devastating and brutal, the Jacobite defeat resulted in a loss of the highlander way of life. There have been many studies about this, and I won’t pretend that I’m an expert. But I do know this – much of the highlander culture was suppressed. As a simple example, their clothes (the highland dress, i.e. kilt) were declared illegal by Parliament, tartans were banned (but allowed in certain military situations).

The Bonnie Prince Charlie – Charles Stuart

2. Culloden Battlefield Museum

There is a visitor centre and museum built near the site of the battle. The museum is extremely informative and well curated. I’d definitely rank it as one of the best museums I’ve ever been to. With interactive and interesting exhibits, the museum did an amazing job sharing the history leading up to the battle. There is also a large section at the end full of artifacts collected from the battlefield – including rifles, bullets, as well as other things left behind from those who perished.

The photo shows the 20-foot memorial cairn at Culloden, built in 1881. The plaque reads:

The Battle of Culloden was fought on this moor 16th April, 1746. The graves of the Gallant Highlanders who fought for Scotland and Prince Charlie are marked by the names of their clans.

3. The Battlefield Grounds of Culloden Moor

After the museum, you are able to walk along a path in the grass to go through the area of the Culloden Battlefield. Walking along the battlefield itself, you can follow the battle lines on foot, denoted by red and blue flags. Red flags signify Loyalist English battle lines, and blue flags signify Jacobite battle lines.

The above photo is of the Leanach Cottage, which is located on the Culloden Battlefield. Although the date of construction is unknown, it’s believed to have been built in the early 18th century. That means it was actually standing during the battle. Maps from the mid-18th century show several other buildings and structures in this once-densely populated area. Inhabited until 1912, Leanach Cottage is one of the last remaining single-story thatched buildings. In 2019, Leanach Cottage was reopened to visitors.

Throughout the grounds, you’ll find clan markers to commemorate the clans that fought in the battle. Due to the popularity from Outlander fans, the National Trust has had to cordon off the patch of grass near the Clan Fraser marker. Let’s all be respectful of the memorials, is all I ask.

4. Parting Thoughts on my visit to Culloden Battlefield

The Culloden Battlefield is a must-visit, for anyone with interests in history or Highlander culture. It is a somber place but worth the visit to pay your respect to brave clansmen who fought for their country and their prince. The museum is extremely well curated with original artifacts and creative in their use of interactive media.

For history buffs and Outlander fans alike, you simply must visit Culloden Battlefield to learn more about the battle so important to Highlander culture, as well as Jamie and Claire’s story. And if your only connection to Culloden Moor is learning about it on Outlander, then, learn about the real history in person. No guarantees, but it will move you.

5. Information & FAQ to Visit Culloden Battlefield

An easy stop on any road trip in the Scottish Highlands, along the NC500, or on your way up to Orkney Islands! I would highly recommend you to set aside some time to visit Culloden Battlefield. Plus, its convenient location makes it easy to visit Culloden from Inverness. Experience Culloden, and travel back in time to defend the highland way of life.

How do I get to Inverness?

• 3 hours drive / 4 hours ScotRail train from Edinburgh;
• Fly to Inverness with or direct flights from London (Heathrow, Luton or Gatwick), Manchester, Birmingham, Dublin or Amsterdam;
• Or, if you’re coming from London, consider taking the Caledonian Sleeper. Depart in the evening from London Euston, wake up to Highland views over breakfast and arrive fresh in the morning in Inverness! Take a look at my review if you’re curious about the journey!

How do I get from Inverness to Culloden Battlefield?

• 30-45 minute Bus 27 from Inverness City
• Located only 30 minutes (by car) from Loch Ness

What are Culloden Battlefield hours of operation?

• The Battlefield is open 24 hours
• Visitor Center hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 to 16:00
  (Closed Monday-Tuesday)
• Adult ticket price: 11 GBP ($13 USD)
• National Trust members visit free!

Do you need to book in advance to visit Culloden Battlefield?

• No, pre-booking is no longer required at Culloden Battlefield.

Can you visit Culloden Battlefield for free?

• If you would like to walk around Culloden Battlefield, without visiting the Visitor Center, you may do so for free. Entrance tickets are for the visitor center and exhibits only.

How long to visit Culloden Battlefield?

• I would recommend allocating around 2 hours for your Culloden Battlefield visit. That will give you plenty of time to go through the exhibits and walk the battlefield lines.

Can you take photos at the Culloden Battlefield?

• Yes, you can take photos inside the museum and around the site. However, at historical sites like this where many people have perished, I am always remiss to take more photos. It’s a personal choice.

Are there any recommended small-group tours to Culloden?

• Glen Affric, Culloden & Clava Cairns – 1 day tour from Inverness, from 33 GBP / $40 USD;
• Loch Ness cruise, Culloden and a Whisky Distillery – 1 day tour from Inverness, from 67 GBP / $85 USD;
• Experience Culloden as part of the Outlander Trail – a 4-day small group tour from Edinburgh, from 294 GBP / $352 USD.

Should I consider a membership to NTS?

If visiting Scottish historical sites are your thing, consider becoming a member or gifting a membership to the National Trust of Scotland. Individual adult annual rates at 63 GBP ($89 USD).

• Seniors (60+): 55.80 GBP / $79 USD
• Youth (16 – 24): 36 GBP / $52 USD

Members enjoy wonderful benefits including unlimited and free entry to castles, gardens and historical sites. Free or concessionary entry to National Trust sites in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are also included!

6. Ideas during your time in Inverness

Inverness is known as the capital of the Highlands and is a wonderful base for just exploring the surrounding areas or venturing deeper into the northern highlands. Here are some ideas to consider for your Inverness break:

• Stay in the lap of luxury at the 4-star Kingsmills Hotel for a golf and spa break or the 5-star Ness Walk, which is known as a luxury hotel that doesn’t break the bank;
• Eat at the delicious Mustard Seed, centered on highlighting local produce, and housed in a former church. Be sure to book a table in advance, especially during the high season!
• Grab some incredible street food at Redshank – at the Inverness Marina during the summer, and otherwise at the Victorian Market. Your belly will thank you!
• Don’t miss some incredible day trips from Inverness, including:
  • Jacobite Steam Train and Highlands Tour – explore the highlands and hop on the Hogwarts Express (the famous Jacobite steam train), starting from 139 GBP per person
  • Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip – visit one of the most famous castles in Scotland (Eilean Donan) and then off to the magical Isle of Skye, starting from 65 GBP;
  • Loch Ness Cruise and Urquhart Castle – combine a trip to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle with a boat trip on the legendary Loch Ness itself, starting from 44 GBP per person.
• And, on the off chance that you need to break away and do some work on your holiday, the Inverness Impact Hub is a co-working space with meeting rooms, desk space, and strong wifi. I don’t suggest working on your holiday, but if need be, you might as well do it with a view of Inverness Castle!

Please note that some products or referrals in this post are affiliate links (in green) and if you go through them to make a purchase or booking, I will earn a commission. I share these product and booking links because they are related to the post and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours whether to click through and make a purchase through these links.

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Lannie

Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone.  She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night!  She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.

Click on the blue icons below to follow her on social media!

lanniesfoodandtravel.com/index.php/about-me/

In June 2019, I returned to Scotland after a year and a half away. Previously, the Beast from the East greeted me with a fever and frigidly cold weather. This return to Scotland was much better, but filled with rain. I mean, well, Scotland. To be expected, I suppose. While the purpose of my trip wasn’t to go up to the North, I had a few extra days after my friend left, and I do enjoy random, remote destinations, so the North it was!

1. Road trip along North Coast 500 (NC500)

It was a spur of the moment decision, and I didn’t do much research before hand. I had never heard of the North Coast 500 (or NC500, for short) until I arrived. For those who don’t know, the North Coast 500 is a 516 mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland. The Tourism Project Board of the North Highland Initiative launched NC500 in 2015. Parts of the route go alongside the North Highland Way (a 150 mile hiking trail).

Your NC500 road trip begins and ends in Inverness (near the bottom, around the number 69 above), which divides into six regions: Black Isle, Caithness, Easter Ross, Inverness-shire, Sutherland, and Wester Ross. This trip, I spent most of my time in the Caithness region (up north, at number 24 above). But I did drive that full length of the right side from Inverness and back, and it’s a beautiful drive. Of course, you can do your own North Coast itinerary – but we all have to start somewhere. And Caithness was the section for me!

Also, I wish I had discovered the North Coast 500 website prior to going, but alas. There seems to be a lot of information on the area, with nice recommendations. But, no one ever said I was that smart. 🙂

2. How to start your North Coast 500 Itinerary

I rented a car, which is advisable for Scotland. Especially if you want to go anywhere outside the city. And also considering how remote it is outside the cities, it really is a must. Also, the NC500 is a road trip, so perhaps you want a car for that. 🙂

Wick, one of the bigger villages up in the North, is about a 5-7 hour drive from Edinburgh, depending on roadwork, lunch stops, and general driving breaks. It’s a beautiful drive though, mostly traversing wide open Scottish Highlands. But beware – there are lots of windy, one lane roads. You’ll have to be comfortable being behind large lorries until you have time to pass, and passing is always a scary venture.

From Inverness, Wick is about a 2-3 hour drive.

3. My North Coast 500 Itinerary: Where I stayed

By the time I decided to head to the North, I pretty much had a mad dash to book a place to stay. Many places I contacted via email were unavailable. It was last minute and summer season.

I ended up at “The Naze”, which I found on Airbnb. It is a delightful bed and breakfast about 10 minutes drive from John o’Groats and 20 minutes drive from Wick. The Naze offers comfortable rooms and incredible hospitality!

Pasty and her husband, Tony, were the most wonderful hosts. They are a retired couple from the area, who rent out rooms in their house. They enjoy a bit of company and variety in their day. Given how remote this area is, it is really nice to have a chat and a cup of tea at the end of the day.

Let me just say that besides the immense hospitality, the breakfasts at the Naze were just UNREAL. Not shown in the below picture, is coffee, toast, and a croissant. The plate of charcuterie, with salamis and cheeses, was also really delicious.

4. Places and Things along your North Coast 500 Itinerary

The NC500 has gorgeous scenery everywhere you go. It’s picturesque, vast landscapes aren’t the only great things about the North Highlands. There are in fact many things to do and see along the NC500. The below is a list of the places I visited and the things I did.

4.1 John O’Groats

The village of John o’Groats is the most northerly village in Great Britain and the gateway to the Orkney Islands. There was a time between 2005 and 2012 where it was called a “seedy tourist trap” by Lonely Planet and “Scotland’s most dismal town” by Urban Realm. Since then, they village has undergone a transformation. Although it’s not bustling, I wouldn’t be so harsh on it as to call it seedy or dismal. It has its challenges, which I’ll note below. But this is probably the biggest village in the area. Wick (a bigger town) is about 20-30 minutes away.

First thing’s first. John O’Groats does not have a grocery store, but does have a post office (priorities, I guess?). The one day I tried to go to the post office, it was only operating for half a day that day. Low and behold, it was closed. Additionally, while there are places to eat, the only option after 5 pm is the Seaview Hotel.

I cannot emphasize this enough. Either you have food (that you brought with you) or you eat your evening meals at the Seaview Hotel. I went there once during my stay in the North, and while it was definitely hoppin and the place to be, I didn’t find the food too spectacular. But when you’re pressed for options, it’s a decent meal.

I ordered a salmon, as one does in Scotland. I wished the skin would be deliciously and delightfully crunchy, but … it wasn’t.

Besides the Seaview Hotel, a nice cafe is Stacks, which is located near the harbor. Every time I wanted to go, was past 5 pm, and they were already closed. I did manage to go the morning before I left the North. Their cheese scone and chocolate rice krispy treat were AMAZING road trip snacks!!

I didn’t take a photo of the inside of the Stacks itself, but when I went to the restroom, I found this inside, which I GREATLY appreciated. It was taped to the paper towel dispenser. Because let’s get totally real… #MeToo.

Besides the two places I managed to eat, John o’Groats also has a really nice harbor area for a stroll and some fresh air. The ferry to the Orkney Islands departs from the harbor. The above colorful buildings, aka the Inn at John O’groats, is located right at the harbor.

4.2 Duncansby Head

Just outside of John o’Groats, is Duncansby Head. Located at the most northeasterly point of the British mainland, there is a lighthouse and the Stacks. There is a place for you to park your car near the lighthouse, and then you just walk into an open field towards the Stacks. A word to the wise, it is wildly windy and brisk up there, so dress appropriately! Tie your hair up and grab a beanie.

There is a cliffside ravine on the way, where puffins normally are. If you are lucky enough to be there the same day they are! I had no such luck, but I did get to see a variety of other sea birds nesting there.

Finally, the Stacks come into view. It makes the cold, blustery day all worth it.

So, even though the Stacks are obviously rock protruding out from the sea, I’ve never come across sea stacks before. Sea stacks, vertical columns of rock found near the coast, are formed by wind and wave erosion. I thought that little nugget of information was pretty cool!

4.3 Castle of Mey

Further up the coast, you’ll come across the village of Mey, which is home to the Castle of Mey. The castle, which I only know of from Netflix’s The Crown, was purchased in 1952 by Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, after the death of King George VI. When the Queen Mother purchased the castle, it was derelict and falling apart. She spent 3 years renovating it before she moved in, and would stay there every year until her death in 2002.

Nowadays, the Castle of Mey is open to the public from May 1 to September 30. In July and August, King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, visit the North Highlands and stay at the Castle of Mey for up to 2 weeks. During that time, the castle is closed to visitors as they take up private residence there.

The King and Queen Consort have also opened up Granary Lodge, a luxury B&B, on the premises of the castle. My Airbnb host heard a rumor that when the King was remodeling the B&B, he spent about 2,000 GBP on a single bathtub. So if you’re looking for a bit of luxury in the north, there you go! Fit for a King!

A 11.95 GBP adult admission ticket will grant you access to the castle, grounds, and garden, with a tour of the castle included. (You also have the option of just visiting the grounds and garden for 6.50 GBP). There are no photos allowed inside, but it was a really great tour. The guide told us wonderful stories of the Queen Mother. She seemed to have a great sense of humor and truly loved living and staying at Mey.

Also, a helpful tip. Since I am always concerned about food, I had originally wanted to eat lunch somewhere before I arrived at the castle. I googled and settled on the Castle Arms Hotel in Mey. Ya, they’re not open until dinner time. The Castle of Mey does in fact have a nice visitor center with cafe, and I ended up eating this delicious cheese scone along with a coffee. So, either plan to eat there, or don’t visit on an empty stomach. You probably shouldn’t expect to find food in Mey afterwards, either. Are you beginning to get a sense of the remoteness of the North Highlands?

4.4 Dunnet Head

Keep heading north, and you’ll arrive at Dunnet Head, another landmark point. Dunnet Head is the most northern point in mainland Scotland and the island of Great Britain. Not to be confused with Duncansby Head, which is the most northeasterly point.

Similar to Duncansby Head, many people frequent Dunnet Head for a glimpse of puffins and other sea birds. I’m sure you can guess that luck was not on my side that day, and although I did see lots of birds along the below cliff, none of them were the adorable puffins I was after.

Want to read about when I finally did manage to see puffins? Check out my post, here!

There were some trails leading away from the lighthouse that I wandered onto, which brought me view of Long Loch and the Loch of Easter Head.

When I left Dunnet Bay, along the B855, I suddenly saw two stacks protruding from the water, and a trail that appeared to go down to them. See them down on the map below? Obviously, I had to stop an inspect.

Part of the reasons I love casual road trips is the ability to stop and explore when the mood strikes. I’m really happy I did. Besides the rain, one of the things I remember most vividly about this day, was the gorgeous light green moss that covered the pier.

4.5 Wick

The town of Wick is further south than all of the above locations. And it is probably the biggest town you will encounter in the remoteness of the North Highlands. On the Google Maps below, I pinned two things in Wick – the Lidl supermarket and Harrold Bros Butcher Shop.

I have to be completely honest – I did not do anything else besides drive through Wick. I’m sure there are things to do there, but I just didn’t have time. But Wick is the place to buy groceries and things. I can’t emphasize this enough – you need to stock up on supplies when you take a trip to the North Highlands. The Lidl has most everything you could need. And I mention the butcher shop because, local butcher shops are an institution in Scotland. I discovered the greatness of the local butcher on this trip to Scotland. When in Scotland, I will probably never buy meats at a grocery store again.

As you may know, for now, I am mostly on mission in Afghanistan. Some things, like great meats, can be challenging to get. I stopped by Harrold Bros before I left and bought a variety of sausages, steaks, burgers and bacon to bring back with me. The butcher kindly vacuum sealed everything with frozen packs, and I popped it into my insulated back from Lidl. I was able to come back to Kabul and mildly recreate a Scottish breakfast with my housemates.

5. Other places to see along this NC500 Itinerary

The below are a few places that I did not manage to go to, but could be of interest to you on your North Coast 500 road trip!

• Dunrobin Castle – you’ll pass by on your way to Wick, from Inverness – arguably one of the most gorgeous castles in Scotland!
• Castle Sinclair Girnigoe – if castles are your thing, the be sure to visit (the ruins) Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, the earliest seat of Clan Sinclaire.
• Old Pulteney Distillery – got a hankering for some whisky tastings? Stop by the Old Pulteney Distillery in Wick.

If you’re looking for camping or even wild camping spots, feel free to refer to this NC500 Camping Guide, from my friend and fellow writer, An Orcadian Abroad.

6. Parting Thoughts on my North Coast 500 Itinerary

Now you have a brief introduction to the North Coast 500, which is arguably one of the best Scottish road trips. In my next post, read about my day trip out to the Orkney Islands, from John o’Groats. The NC500 has different sections, and mine mostly covers Caithness. Whatever NC500 route you choose, a few things to remember:

1. Most sections of the NC500 is in fact quite remote, so in addition to large open landscapes and sheep, the next thing you’ll see in abundance are the same tourists everywhere.
2. Food may be hard to find. Some places close before 5 pm, other don’t open until 5 pm. It’d be best if you went grocery and snack shopping in Wick on your way into the north.
3. Remember that chances are, it’s cold and windy, so bundle up. Warmth is more critical than fashion.
4. Some areas do not have great cell / mobile signal, so consider preparing for your NC500 road trip with a physical Ordnance Survey map of Northern Scotland (includes Orkney and Shetland!).

And last but not least, I’ll leave you with the motto of the Order of the Thistle, which is Scotland’s highest chivalric order:

Wha daur meddle wi’ me.

No one provokes me with impunity. (or) No one can harm me unpunished.

This post nor blogger promotes violence, just merely sharing the national motto of Scotland.

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Starting in Inverness? How about a day trip or two before you head out.

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Lannie

Lannie is a perpetual wanderer and loves to share her travel adventures and the food she eats along the way with everyone.  She works during the day while bouncing around the world and dreams about new places and faces at night!  She has a home on the magical Isle of Islay in Scotland, where the whisky flows freely and happily.

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