Day One : 3-days Isle of Skye & Scotland Highlands Tour

Isle of Skye and Scotland Highland quickly captured my eyes and heart the first time I saw it in Google. It has such a dramatic landscape, and spectacular mountain range. Did you know? James bond movie Skyfall was shot in Scotland, in Glen Coe to be exact and it’s the fourth Bond film to be shot in Scotland. Part of Glencoe that became background is Buachaille Etive Mor and Buachaille Etive Beag (both are mountain peaks). It can be seen on the movie screen where James Bond transports M away from Raoul Silva. The other movies that were shot in Scotland are Highlander and Braveheart. That alone should be more than enough to justify a visit to Scotland, right (Side note: Glen is a Scottish term for a deep valley in the Highlands” that is “narrower than a strath.”)

That day was the first out of three day tour exploring Isle of Skye and Scotland Highlands. The itinerary was moving from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye on Day 1 and make stoppages along the way on famous attractions, then on Day 2 spend the whole day exploring Isle of Skye. On the Day-3 the bus went back to Edinburgh passing Scotland highland, but on a different route with the first day. Following is the general map provided by our Tour, Heart of Scotland Tour and also Day 1 stoppages.

We stopped by the South Queensferry overlooking the forth bridge. This bridge is an iconic symbol of Scotland and UNESCO’s world heritage site. The bridge is 2500 meters long and 100 meters high and opened in 1890. This beauty is located between north and south Queensferry village.

This cathedral is said to be the most romantic cathedral in Scotland, you’d be the judge. To me, it is. What makes it romantic not only the architecture but also the surrounding. The Cathedral was built near the River Tay, and the garden is full with tall trees that give the serene and peaceful nuance. The building itself dating from 1400s.

​Queen’s view is the vantage point overlooking River Tummel and Glencoe. We stopped for about 10 minutes to take pictures and enjoying the view.

This dam located on the River Spean, south west of Loch Laggan. The length is 700 feet, and the height above the foundation is 170 feet. The construction was finished at 1934.

We stopped here for lunch. The food was okay. They also sells Scotland souvenir.

This memorial is located on spectacular view. I got lost track of time wandering around the complex and enjoy the scenery that overlooking Ben Nevis. A bit about the memorial, it is dedicated to original British Commando Forces during World War II. The making of this bronze sculpture was finished on 1951.

Another highlights of the tour was Eilean Donan Castle (Island of Donan). This is one of the prettiest castle in Scotland. It’s very unique with the bridge way to the tower is quite long and passing a loch, where three lochs met (Loch Duich, Loch Long, and Loch Alsh). The bridge was a later part of restoration and was not originally available. The castle is dated back to 13th century.

We spent a pretty significant time here since it was our last stop before going to Portree to stay overnight.