SCOTLAND
Scottish Highlands
in a day:
From hairy cows to the Glenfinnan Viaduct
here are some places you visit for the sights, and then there are places that make you want to stop talking altogether just to take them in. The Scottish Highlands were definitely the second kind for me.
In the Scottish Highlands there are places you absolutely want to see, but so much of the magic happens between them.
After spending time in Edinburgh, we headed north for a day among mountains, lochs, tiny villages and some of Scotland’s most recognisable landscapes. They had been on my bucket list for so long that, at some point, it almost started to feel like I’d never actually make it there.
Callander:
The Gateway to the Highlands
Our first stop was Callander, a small town often described as the gateway to the Highlands, and Trossachs Woollen Mill. It might sound silly but I’ve been dreaming of meeting the «hairy coos» for so long, I was way too excited for this.
These shaggy, ridiculously photogenic animals have become one of Scotland’s unofficial symbols, and seeing them in person was one of those simple travel moments that is much more fun than it sounds on paper. To be completely honest, the farm-like environment was great but I expected to see more of them. Still, I loved every second.
At Trossachs Woollen Mill you can find food for the cows, souvenirs, coffee etc.
Loch Tulla:
The Highlands begin to feel real
Then the scenery gradually changed. The roads became quieter, the landscape more dramatic and the mountains began to dominate the horizon.
Then came Loch Tulla. The loch sits surrounded by vast Highland scenery, with mountains stretching into the distance. It felt wild, open and incredibly peaceful. It was one of my first proper reminders that the Highlands aren’t just about individual landmarks. Sometimes the best part is simply standing beside the road and looking at what’s in front of you.
Glencoe:
The landscape I came for
The landscape here is almost unreal. Massive mountains rise on either side of the valley, creating a dramatic backdrop that feels almost cinematic. What surprised me was how difficult it was to take everything in through a camera. Photographs can capture the mountains, the road and the valley, but they don’t really capture the feeling of being surrounded by them.
One of the most recognisable sights in Glencoe is the Three Sisters: three dramatic ridges rising from the surrounding valley. Formed by ancient volcanic and geological activity, their rugged shapes are a perfect example of the raw beauty of the Highlands..
Glencoe also has that slightly mysterious quality I had always associated with the Scottish Highlands. The clouds, the mist, the rugged mountains and the muted colours all come together to create a landscape that feels both beautiful and a little wild.
Fort William:
The break
Our journey continued towards Fort William, one of the main towns in the Highlands and a popular destination for a break – full of people, restaurants and shops. We ended up having lunch at The Great Glen, a pub with tasty fish and chips and one of the most affordable places, all things considered.
And that brought us to Glenfinnan.
Glenfinnan Viaduct:
The big Bucket List moment
There are some places that feel familiar before you have ever visited them. Glenfinnan Viaduct was definitely one of those for me. The viaduct became internationally famous after appearing in the Harry Potter films, where the Hogwarts Express crosses its distinctive curved arches.
Built between 1897 and 1901, the Glenfinnan Viaduct was constructed as part of the West Highland Railway Extension, connecting Fort William with Mallaig on Scotland’s west coast. Its 21 arches span the Glenfinnan valley, making it one of the most distinctive railway structures in the Highlands.
We walked right under the arches and to the left, up the hill for the famous viewpoint. It was the evening journey, so the Jacobite Steam Train would be coming from our side. If you want to, it’s a very easy climb and we did it with mud and puddles, without any equipment. If you’re still unsure how to get there, after the signs stop, just follow the people – they will guide you either to the left or the right, either way it’s a great viewpoint.
When it finally appeared, crossing the viaduct against the Highland landscape, it was exactly the kind of travel moment you hope for when planning a trip. After so many cancellations and delays over the months, it was such a thrill to actually see it passing by, right in front of us.
Even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan, it is an incredible sight. But if you are, there is something particularly special about watching the Jacobite steam train cross the same viaduct that became part of the wizarding world.
Beyond the train and the viaduct though, the path from the visitors’ center to the viewpoint is stunning and will surely make you stop and admire.
I came across one of those quirky little details that you might easily miss: the coin tree. Visitors have been pressing coins into the trunk, turning the tree into a strange little collection. It’s not exactly a grand Highland landmark, but it without a doubt catch your attention.
Lastly, the Glenfinnan Monument is an 18-meter stone tower nearby. Built in 1815 at the head of Loch Shiel, it honors the clansmen who fought for Bonnie Prince Charlie during the 1745 Jacobite Rising. A lone Highlander statue caps the top of the tower, marking the historic spot where the rebellion began.
Pitlochry:
The delicious last stop
One of the more unexpected treats we tried during the trip was whisky ice cream in Pitlochry. It might sound like an unusual combination, but the creamy sweetness of the ice cream worked surprisingly well with the distinctive warmth and flavour of Scottish whisky.
Find it at Scotch Corner of Pitlochry, a corner shop with a (usually) long queue of people, but it moves quite fast, so don’t hesitate.
It was one of those simple travel discoveries that I probably wouldn’t have thought to try if our tour didn’t stop here.
What I took away from this day is that the Scottish Highlands aren’t really a destination you can experience through a checklist of attractions. Yes, there are places you absolutely want to see but so much of the magic happens between them.