Scotland Part 2: Loch Lomond & Glencoe
Lochs, Legends, and Steam Trains The stunning beauty of Loch Lomond was our next destination, where we stopped at Luss Campsite and strolled along Firkin Point, taking in the serene landscapes and listening to the babbling brook. We then drove through the picturesque Glencoe valley, a location steeped in history and drama.
Skyfall Road, also known as the A82, is one of Scotland’s most dramatic and scenic routes, winding through the iconic Glencoe Valley. The road became internationally famous after being featured in the James Bond movie Skyfall, where its rugged, cinematic landscapes were the perfect backdrop for one of the film’s most memorable scenes. It’s a journey through some of Scotland’s most ancient and beautiful terrain, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into a movie set or a dream. The road is basically a large bike path with passing places for oncoming traffic. Exhilarating and scary at times, my knuckles were white while gripping the steering wheel with all my might. Completely worth it. Ricci played Skyfall by Adele and it was EVERYTHING! Made me feel super badass because the guys were not interested in driving and I got to have the thrilling experience.
The Jacobite Steam Train, often referred to as the “Hogwarts Express” from the Harry Potter films, runs between Fort William and Mallaig on Scotland’s West Coast. The train takes passengers through scenic landscapes, with views of lochs, mountains, and the dramatic coastline. One of the most iconic sections of the journey is when the train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a curved railway bridge that has become a symbol of the wizarding world in the Harry Potter movies.
While the train was a fun experience, there were a few things that could have made it better. The stop in Mallaig was shy of two hours and we wanted to grab food. To our surprise, most restaurants were closed or closing when the train arrived and there were lots of hungry tourists hoping to snag a table at the one restaurant we could find. Lunch was good (cullen skink was delicious) but I recommend eating ahead of time or being prepared to wait.
That evening, we stayed at the historic Drovers Inn, and indulged in a delicious meal while soaking up the eerie atmosphere of this centuries-old establishment. Everyone tried the haggis, but I (Candace) was the only one that enjoyed it. Had a peppercorn sauce that elevated it from haggis that i’ve tried before.
The hotel has a haunted room that can be reserved and obviously I booked it. Nothing scary happened, but Caylin’s phone battery drained instantly before bed and I woke up to the door handle jiggling in the middle of the night. A mix of laziness and fear kept me from investigating. Nonetheless, those experiences seemed minor after reading about other guest experiences.
