To get back on the mainland, we took a ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool. It took 2 hours and 40 minutes. The ferry was really comfortable and the views from almost any seat were great. They had a cafeteria with a variety of hot and cold foods and decently priced.

We then drove 1 hr and 40 minutes to Sutherland to see Dunrobin Castle. It was a highlight to tour the ornate rooms and the insanely beautiful gardens. The front the castle looks like a normal castle, but from the back its straight out of a fairytale and GORGEOUS! You walk through a garden maze to end up at a field set for falconry with the glistening calm sea behind it. The falconry display is held twice daily and definitely worth checking out.

That night, we stayed at Tulloch Castle, a 12th century castle set in the highlands. We were greeted with a warm fire and tartan furniture as we checked in for the night.

Our room and bathroom were really large and comfortable. I was excited to stay there because it’s known to be haunted and has a cool history. Said to have been built by Norseman, known as the birthplace of Clan Davidson (Harley Davidson line), survived multiple fires, and a ghost known as the Green Lady is said to haunt it. It’s now a hotel and bar that includes a late-night ghost and history tour. 

Everyone in our group had a cold except for me, so they stayed in their rooms while I enjoyed the evening ghost tour with 10 other guests. The highlight was holding a sword bigger than me and listening to the passionate tour guide share the history of this special place and the tales of ghost sightings. The castle is located in Dingwall, a really cute town about 20 minutes drive from Inverness.

We had a very relaxing stay, with one of the most comfortable beds we slept in on this trip. Our room and bathroom were large and decorated nicely, with a 4 poster bed. The breakfast was included and had a decent selection. 

The next day we drove 40 minutes to the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle, overlooking the mysterious Loch Ness. Once one of the largest castles in Scotland, Urquhart saw many conflicts during its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Control of the castle passed back and forth between the Scots and English during the Wars of Independence. 

I highly recommend watching the short video before you walk through the ruins. The surprise at the end of the video made us all say “wow” as the curtains drew back and unveiled the iconic castle through floor length windows. What a beautiful treat. And no, we didnt see spot Nessie out in the water. But I was looking for her. Ha ha ha.

Inverness was our next stop for the night. We arrived in a downpour (Inverness was the only place we used rain jackets) and after finding a parking garage, made our way to The Victorian Food Market. Located in a 19th-century shopping arcade, it is filled with small stores for gifts & souvenirs, cafes, and eateries in a large food hall. So many restaurants to choose from, I had to walk around twice to decide. I got langoustine bisque and Caylin picked sushi. Both were delicious, however mine was served with a flat spoon. Anyone try eating soup with a flat spoon? It makes you really savor the soup, a few drops at a time. 

That evening we spent a few hours at The Highlander pub, listening to great live music by Pigs in Blankets and enjoyed some pints and chips. They played traditional and classic cover songs. We enjoyed the lively atmosphere and energy of the band. The perfect way to end the day.

Our final night in this area was spent at Dalmunzie Castle Hotel, at the Spittal of the Glenshee, about 40 minutes off the A9 road, in the Cairngorm National Park. This hotel was in the middle of nowhere and incredibly peaceful, which was a welcome break from some of the busier places we visited. We enjoyed drinks in the study and slept really well in the 4 poster bed. Each room displayed a plaque containing a short story about a notable person with ties to that room or the castle.

The view of the grounds and hill from our room was really beautiful. Unfortunately, we had to miss breakfast due to our early departure, so we can’t say if it was good or not. We left the beautiful countryside and headed to Scotland’s capital for the last 2 nights our our adventure.