Our Highlands Escape: Castles, Coos, Cocktails & Nessie in 3 Days

We kicked off our Highlands adventure by picking up our rental car and heading west into postcard territory—misty mountains, mirror-like lochs, and winding roads that made for a scenic (and slightly nerve-wracking) drive. Adjusting to the “wrong” side of the road definitely kept us on our toes, but the views made every white-knuckled moment worth it.

• Eilean Donan Castle: Our main stop for the morning was the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Perched at the junction of three lochs and surrounded by dramatic landscapes, it felt like we had stepped into a movie. Whether you tour the inside or just admire it from the shore, it’s a must-stop photo op.

• Lunch in Plockton at The Plockton Hotel: We continued on to the charming seaside village of Plockton for lunch. With sailboats bobbing in the harbor and palm trees (!) lining the waterfront, it was the most unexpected little gem. We grabbed a table by the window and soaked it all in—amazing fish ‘n chips with million-dollar views.

• Dinner in Inverness—Rocpool Restaurant: Back at our Airbnb (on an alpaca farm, naturally), we freshened up and took a taxi into Inverness so everyone could enjoy drinks at dinner—and oh, what a dinner it was.

Rocpool Restaurant blew us away. The service was next-level, with every staff member joking around with us and making us feel like regulars. The cocktails were crafted perfectly, and we still talk about the scallops, which are an absolute must-order—cooked to buttery perfection. The steak was phenomenal, and honestly, everything we ordered was flawless. It was one of the best meals we had not just in the Highlands, but anywhere in Scotland. Make a reservation—you won’t regret it.

Morning at Loch Ness: We kicked off the day with a visit to the Loch Ness Centre, where we dove into the lore of Nessie and did our best to spot her mysterious silhouette across the loch. No confirmed sightings, but the adventure was half the fun.

Highland Coo Meet & Greet at Quila Cridhe: Next, we made our way to Quila Cridhe, and this stop stole our hearts. We had a Highland coo meet-and-greet where we got to feed, pet, and fall completely in love with these gentle, fuzzy giants. The setting was peaceful and personal—just us, the breeze, and the coos. Afterward, we sat down for afternoon tea overlooking the pasture. Homemade scones, mini sandwiches, cupcakes, and proper tea, all while coos grazed in the distance? Unreal. It was one of those pinch-me moments that photos just can’t capture fully.

Dalwhinnie Distillery: On the way home, we stopped at Dalwhinnie Distillery, a beautiful spot nestled in the hills—and the highest working distillery in Scotland. We didn’t do the full tour but loved poking around the gift shop and trying a flight of whiskies at the tasting bar. Pro tip: if you’re new to Scotch, tell them what flavors you usually enjoy (sweet, smoky, smooth), and they’ll guide you toward something you'll genuinely like. This stop was cozy, informative, and a great way to warm up after a long day outdoors.

After two unforgettable days, it was time to make our way back to Edinburgh—but not without turning the drive into an experience all its own.

We took the long way back, choosing to meander through the Highlands rather than rush. We stopped wherever our hearts (and stomachs) led us—Blair Atholl and Pitlochry were full of charm, old stone buildings, and cozy cafés. We didn’t plan every stop, which made it feel like a proper adventure.

One of the day’s highlights? A sweet detour in Perth, where we tracked down a shop selling Clootie Dumpling, a traditional Scottish spiced fruit pudding. It was the kind of old-fashioned comfort food that tastes like it was made with love—and yes, we ate it in the car like giddy kids. Effie’s of Perth was adorable. Also set up for afternoon teas, which I will certainly be doing next time I am in Scotland!

And of course, we’d be remiss not to mention the victorious moment of returning the rental car. After navigating narrow roads, left-side driving, and the occasional rogue sheep, we handed over those keys with pride. Worth it? Absolutely. But we definitely earned our evening glass of wine.