Travel Diaries: A Scottish Sojourn I Travelogue By Satyavrat

Day 1: London to Edinburgh

Friday, May 1, 2026

I rushed into King’s Cross station this cold, rainy morning, first making a beeline for Platform 9¾. As a Harry Potter fan, I couldn’t leave London without seeing it. I bought a tiny Ravenclaw hourglass keychain from the souvenir shop and took the obligatory picture pushing the luggage trolley through the wall.

At 6:42 am sharp, I boarded the LNER Azuma to Edinburgh. The train looked very sleek and modern on Platform 5. We finally pulled out of King’s Cross about fifteen minutes later, and I settled in by the window. Since Edinburgh was the last stop, I had the whole journey to just watch the world go by.

The English countryside rolled past: endless green fields under a soft grey sky with the occasional drizzle. Our first stop was York. From the train it looked wonderfully historic, with the Minster towering over the old city. A couple of hours later we reached Berwick-upon-Tweed. 

New thing I learnt: Berwick-upon-Tweed is actually the northernmost town in England. It sits right on the River Tweed, which flows into the North Sea. The moment we crossed into Scotland, I felt a little jolt of excitement.

Saw: Endless pastures dotted with sheep and cows, dramatic coastline near Berwick. And the first glimpse of Edinburgh Castle through the rain as we pulled into Waverley Station was like stepping into a fairy tale!

Heard: Mostly the quiet hum of the train and my own thoughts. The peace and space here felt like a world away from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai.

Tasted: The LNER service was lovely – I had a warm chocolate mousse, scones with clotted cream and chamomile tea. Proper train luxury.

Felt: A bit tired but happy. I took a black cab through the misty afternoon to Norton House Hotel, dumped my bags, and called it a day. 

Tomorrow: Exploring Edinburgh properly. But for now, the sound of Scottish rain outside is the perfect end to Day 1.

Day 3: Edinburgh

Sunday, May 3, 2026

My hotel, Norton House, sits on the outskirts of Edinburgh near the airport. It’s an old country retreat from 1840 set in 55 acres of grounds, a proper escape from the city buzz. I started the day with a full Scottish breakfast: yes, I tried the signature haggis with my fried eggs!

Today was all about Edinburgh’s Old Town. First stop was the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Scotland. Then I walked up the Royal Mile to the majestic Edinburgh Castle. The Royal Mile really is the heart of the old city – cobblestones, bagpipe buskers, colourful shopfronts, and so much history crammed into one street. I ducked into St Giles’ Cathedral and wandered through Lawnmarket, trying not to buy every wool scarf I saw.

Even though my feet were aching, I couldn’t resist Calton Hill. The climb was worth it for that view: the whole city spread out below, with Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, looming in the distance. Absolutely exquisite.

I ended the day with a Harry Potter walking tour. We saw The Elephant House, the café where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the early books. The best surprise? At the end of the tour, there was a real snowy owl. I got to hold her on my wrist- my own Hedwig moment! Others on the tour couldn’t help commenting on my uncanny resemblance to Harry himself!

Back at the hotel, I was dog tired. Slept like a log.

New thing I learnt: Arthur’s Seat is actually an extinct volcano right in the middle of Edinburgh.  

Highlight of the day: Holding a snowy owl after the Harry Potter tour. Magical.

Day 5: Scottish Highlands

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Back to the bus stop this morning for my Highlands tour.

The plan: cross Scotland from west to east in one epic loop.

First stop was the Trossachs Woollen Mill, and I immediately made three new friends: Hamish Dubh, Honey, and Baxter — three Highland “coos” I got to feed apples and carrots to. Their little beady eyes were not even visible beneath their shaggy fringed dossans!

Starting the day with coos is so very Scottish!

Once we left the city, we passed The Kelpies on the way to Glencoe. Our guide said they’re mythical shape-shifting water spirits that usually appear as horses. The giant steel sculptures were unreal against the sky.

Then, Glencoe. It’s every bit as dramatic as people say. Steep, brooding mountains and total silence except for the wind. I took a photo of the Three Sisters, three ridges standing shoulder to shoulder, and just stood there enthralled for a minute.

It was a clear, sunny day so I was lucky enough to see Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest peak on the horizon.

Next up: Fort Augustus and Loch Ness. I took a cruise out on the loch, which really is 755 feet deep and murky green-black. I scanned the water the whole time. No Nessie, unfortunately, but being out there was still the high point of my day.

As we drove through the Cairngorms National Park towards Pitlochry, I can’t get over the herds of red deer that captured my heart.

Tasted: Pitlochry was our final stop, famous for “the best ice cream in Scotland.” I can confirm: chocolate cone with caramel and peppermint swirls, eaten while a man in full kilt played bagpipes outside the shop. Peak Scotland.

Saw: Highland coos, The Kelpies, Three Sisters in Glencoe, Loch Ness, Pitlochry 

Heard: Bagpipes in Pitlochry, our guide’s stories about the Kelpies, wind whistling through Glencoe.

Felt: Like I squeezed all of Scotland into one day- tired, but grinning!

New thing I learnt: The Kelpies are water spirits from Scottish folklore that lure people into lochs. These statues near Falkirk are 30 meters tall!

Scenes of the Bond film, Skyfall were shot in the Scottish Highlands!

We got back to the hotel late. It was a long but perfect day, and I fell asleep the second my head hit the pillow.

Note: Pitlochry is not to be missed and is highly recommended.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Day 7: Fife & Fishing Villages

Last day in Scotland- I was determined to make it count. 

I started at a castle in Fife, perched near the Firth of Forth. It was grand and imposing, with thick stone walls that have stood for centuries. It even featured in the historical fantasy TV series Outlander, set in 18^th century Scotland. 

The surprise? A Lego minifigure treasure hunt on the castle premises. I joined in and won stickers for finishing.

From there, I headed to the fishing villages.

First stop: St Andrews. I strolled on the boardwalk by the beach, blue cookie dough ice cream in hand, watching the North Sea crash against the old pier. The town has that mix of ancient university and seaside charm.

Then to Anstruther for the main event: fish and chips at the famous ‘Wee Chippy’. Flaky, piping hot, perfect. I sat by the harbour and watched the small fishing boats bobbing next to piles of nets. It was straight out of a picture postcard!

Saw: A Lego treasure hunt in a castle, St Andrews beach, fishing boats and tackle in Anstruther.

Tasted: Blue cookie dough ice cream in St Andrews, legendary fish and chips from the ‘Wee Chippy’.

Heard: Gulls over the Firth of Forth, waves on the St Andrews boardwalk.

Felt: That bittersweet last-day feeling- grateful and already nostalgic.

New thing I learnt: Anstruther’s ‘Wee Chippy’ is award-winning!

Back at the hotel, I packed my bags slowly for my return to Mumbai next morning.

Zipping my bags shut felt final. 

I’m sorry to leave Scotland.

Even now, writing this, I can feel its magnetic pull.

I know I’ll come back to this land of bagpipes, kilts, lochs, and coos someday.

“Slàinte mhath”(Good health), Scotland!  

Until next time.

Satyavrat Singh

FAQs Travel Diaries: A Scottish Sojourn I Travelogue By Satyavrat

What are the must-visit places in Scotland?

Some of the top attractions include Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Calton Hill, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Pitlochry, St Andrews, and the charming fishing village of Anstruther.

How many days should I spend exploring Scotland?

A 5–7 day itinerary is ideal for experiencing Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, Fife, St Andrews, and the picturesque coastal villages at a relaxed pace.

Is Edinburgh worth visiting?

Absolutely! Edinburgh offers medieval streets, historic castles, beautiful viewpoints like Calton Hill, Harry Potter landmarks, museums, and vibrant Scottish culture all in one city.

Can I visit the Scottish Highlands on a day trip from Edinburgh?

Yes. Several guided bus tours depart from Edinburgh and cover highlights such as Glencoe, Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, The Kelpies, Cairngorms National Park, and Pitlochry in a single day.

Is Loch Ness worth visiting even if I don’t see Nessie?

Definitely! The stunning scenery, boat cruises, and the mystery surrounding Loch Ness make it one of Scotland’s most memorable destinations.

What local Scottish food should I try?

Don’t miss traditional haggis, a full Scottish breakfast, fresh fish and chips, Scottish ice cream, scones with clotted cream, and local shortbread.

Is Scotland a good destination for Harry Potter fans?

Yes! Harry Potter enthusiasts can visit Edinburgh’s famous walking tours, The Elephant House area, Victoria Street (believed to have inspired Diagon Alley), and Platform 9¾ before travelling from London.

Which places are best for nature lovers in Scotland?

Glencoe, Cairngorms National Park, Ben Nevis, Loch Ness, Calton Hill, Arthur’s Seat, and the scenic coastline near St Andrews offer breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.

Which Scottish town is famous for fish and chips?

Anstruther is renowned for its award-winning fish and chips, making it a favourite stop along Scotland’s beautiful east coast.

What is the best time to visit Scotland?

Late spring (May), summer (June to August), and early autumn (September) are excellent times to visit, offering pleasant weather, long daylight hours, and spectacular scenery.

Where can you buy books?

You can buy books at Bookosmia.com and Amazon.

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