Dreamy castles, beautiful countryside, and of course, scotch whisky. Today I’m going to share with you a Scottish road trip full of Scotland’s fascinating castles.
A. Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is an architectural fortress, sitting atop castle hill, and surrounded on three sides by dangerously steep cliffs. The castle dates back to the 12th century, with newer buildings built in 1490 and 1600. Fun Fact: Many a Scottish Kings and Queens were crowned at Stirling Castle.
Nearby is the National Wallace Monument where you can climb the 246 step spiral stair case to the top and enjoy the view.
B. Inveraray Castle
Built in 1743, this castle is open for public tours even though the 13th Duke, and his family, still live upstairs. Not only can you tour the inside, but you are welcome to stroll around the perfectly manicured 16 acre garden as well. Fun Fact: This castle was used in a Christmas episode of Downtown Abbey.
C. Duart Castle
Original structure built in 1350, then updated in 1700. Unfortunately while we were there the outside walls were surrounded by scaffolding due to some minor repair work. Located on the Isle of Mull, where you can also get your whisky drinking on at Tobermory Whisky Distillery, and hang out in the brightly painted town of Tobermory.
D. Eilean Donan Castle
After leaving The Scottish Isles take a drive up the A82 for one of the most scenic drives in Scotland. The most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan castle is just as impressive on the inside as the outside. If you only make it to one castle in Scotland then make it this one.
E. Urquhart Castle
Continue on your spectacular route through the Highlands to Urquhart Castle. Built in the 12oos, this ruined stronghold overlooks the Loch Ness. You have free reign to explore the estate and try to catch a glimpse of Nessie, the Loch Ness monster.
F. Dunottar Castle
This site is believed to have been started in the early middle ages, however the structures of Dunottar Castle have been around since the 15th century. Fun Fact: The Scottish Crown Jewels were hidden here in the 17th century. This castle has it all – perfectly situated on a cliff, it includes the tower house, a chapel, and the main castle. If you are looking for true medieval history with some of Scotland’s most notorious stories, than this is the castle for you.
G. Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a monumental Castle, and one of Scotland’s best tourist attractions. Give yourself an entire day to explore this beauty and really dive back into history. There is so much to see; from the great hall, the stone of destiny, the torture rooms to the extraordinary crown jewels. Before leaving make a stop in the Queen Anne Tearoom for delectable bites and some lovely tea.
Scotland is fully of enticing history and magical places. Driving through this countryside is absolutely breathtaking. Enjoy the drive.
Have you been to Scotland? What is your favorite stop?
**All photos from this post were taken with the GoPro**
Lovely! How wonderful that you got to see all of those places. Thanks for sharing
-Brandi K
http://www.cutebrandik.com
Sooo lovely!! Absolutely stunning landscape, it looks like you had a great time! 🙂
What an awesome trip! We are taking our first trip to Europe this summer . There is so much we want to see, but i realize we cannot see everything all on one trip. My biggest fear is that we will cram too much in and feel rushed. Thank you for the travel tips.
What a great itinerary! When I went on my first Europe trip all I did was visit churches, and castles , so I promised myself I was not going to do that anymore. Now 6 years later, these Scottish castles are calling my name!
This is the type of schedule I like. I love, love castles and do not mind seeing as many as possible. Need to go to Scotland ASAP. Dunottar Castle is my favorite from your compilation.
I’ve been to Stirling and to Edinburgh! this is a such a great trip, I love castles too:) #citytripping
A whole week of castles and stunning Scottish scenery as well. We love exploring castles and this sounds like the perfect trip! #citytripping
Castles are my favorite places to visit when traveling! We’ve been talking about visiting Scotland, so I’ll have to keep this route in mind. I would love to see all of those! #citytripping
I absolutely loved Scotland was sadly only got to see Edinburgh and the Highlands on a day trip. I would love to go back and explore Glasgow, Aberdeen and the Shetland Isles one day – and of course, explore one or two castles along the way 🙂
What a great tour – I do love castles, and Stirling and Edinburgh are both wonderful, but I don’t know some of the others as well. Eilean Donan is just stunning, definitely one I need to add to my list. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
I’ve seen a couple of these and have hiked the West Highland Way from Glasgow to Ft. William, but I’m hoping to take my husband and daughter over in a couple years and go a bit further north. My husband loves Scotch, so I know he’ll enjoy the country as much as I do!
Thanks for this list! There’s something so fascinating about castles. I’ve only been to the one in Edinburgh out of the Scottish ones and I loved it! Just need to get through the others now! #citytripping
That’s a great travel plan / drive! You’ve covered some of the most awesome castles in Scotland and I love the photos. Thank you so much for sharing with us at Hearth and Soul. Featuring your post at this week’s party later today! Hope to ‘see’ you there!
The castles are one of the main reason why I love Scotland. The Urquhart Castle is my favourite, Shanon!
This is a keeper post! I love Scotland and am now inspired to go again =) P.s. Stopping by via April’s Hearth and Soul Party.
Dear Shannon,
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed perusing your blog and social media this week – I’m now a fan and a follower and I look forward to getting to know you through Friendship Friday and our other community-building parties at Create With Joy.
Congratulations – you are our Friend Of The Week at Friendship Friday – have an amazing week! 🙂