Category: Scotland

Edinburgh Travel Guide: What to See, Do & Know Before You Go

Posted on by Travelling Wilbys
Edinburgh Castle sitting on the rocks high above Princes Park.

Planning a trip to Edinburgh? Scotland’s capital is compact, walkable, and packed with history, making it one of the best city breaks in the UK. A top must-visit destination.

From iconic landmarks to quiet hidden corners, here’s a practical guide to help you plan your visit.

Top Things to See in Edinburgh

1. Edinburgh Castle

Perched high on Castle Rock, this is Edinburgh’s most famous landmark — and for good reason. Silently, watching over the city, it presents a formidable and protective silhouette. Providing breathtaking, panoramic views of the city below.

Why visit:

  • Scotland’s Crown Jewels (The Honours of Scotland)
  • The Stone of Destiny
  • Panoramic city views
  • Military history exhibitions
  • The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival (takes place on the Castle grounds in August). A must if you love to hear the pipers.

Tip: Book tickets in advance, especially during summer and festival season. Visit early in the day for fewer crowds. It can get a little tight inside some of the viewing areas, with long-winding lines.

2. Royal Mile

Stretching from the castle to Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile is the historic backbone of the Old Town.

St. Giles' Cathedral is located on the Royal Mile
St. Giles Cathedral

What to do here:

  • Explore hidden closes (alleyways). You never know what you’ll find down them. If you’re interested in what lies beneath the Royal Mile, the Real Mary King’s Close is a must. They take you on a tour beneath the city and tell the tales of the people that lived there. Edinburgh’s dark past comes alive.
  • Visit St Giles’ Cathedral – a beautiful cathedral, open to all for worship, quiet reflection, or to simply experience the history within its walls.
  • Browse independent shops – who doesn’t love to shop. Note, a mass of tourist shops have popped up on the Royal Mile, do your research and support local, independent shops.
  • Stop in traditional pubs. There is no shortage of them to choose from.
  • Immerse yourselves in Scottish history by strolling the entire Royal Mile. From the commanding heights of Edinburgh Castle to the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse, this iconic route is a treasure trove of stories, narrow closes, and stunning architecture

Tip: It’s busiest mid-day. Early morning or evening offers a quieter experience.

3. Arthur’s Seat

An extinct volcano located in Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat offers one of the best views in Scotland.

Arthur's Seat is a 251-meter (823-foot) high dormant volcano located in Edinburgh's Holyrood Park, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the Edinburgh and surrounding areas.
Arthur’s Seat

Good to know:

  • Allow 1–2 hours for the walk depending on your fitness level. It is considered of moderate difficulty with steep, rocky and muddy areas.
  • There are two routes. The most straightforward, and popular path, starts near Holyrood Palace (east end of the Royal Mile). Another less steep option, starts from the south at Dunsapie Loch.
  • Wear sturdy footwear
  • Wind can be strong at the summit
  • Bring water. No facilities at the top.

This is a must if you enjoy a bit of outdoor adventure alongside city sightseeing. Great for working off that pub lunch.

4. Victoria Street

A curved, colourful street in the Old Town known for its character and independent shops. It’s one of the most photographed streets in Edinburgh. And the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.

Victoria Street, Edinburgh. Famous, curved, and steeply sloped street in Edinburgh's Old Town. Renowned for its colorful 17th-century buildings, boutique shops, and cafes.
Victoria Street, Edinburgh’s Old Town

Great for:

  • Unique souvenirs
  • Coffee stops
  • Atmosphere and photos

5. Dean Village

A peaceful, residential neighborhood in Edinburgh that began as a milling hamlet in the 12th century. It lies along the Water of Leith, just a short walk from the city centre. A fairy-tale like, picturesque village that provides a quieter break from the Royal Mile crowds.

6. Explore Edinburgh’s New Town

Edinburgh isn’t just medieval Old Town. The Georgian architecture of New Town offers wide streets, elegant squares, and shopping along Princes Street. The area is packed with cafes, cocktail bars, and restaurants. If you’ve had enough of pub food, and want something a little higher end or trendy, you’ll find it in this area.

It’s a completely different feel — and worth exploring to understand the city’s full character. Edinburgh is an amazing adventure of exploration.

Best Time to Visit Edinburgh

  • Spring (April–June): Mild weather, fewer crowds
  • Summer (July–August): Festival season, very busy but electric atmosphere
  • Autumn (September–October): Quieter and atmospheric
  • Winter: Festive markets and dramatic skies

If you prefer a slower pace, avoid August when the Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes over the city.

Our favourite time to explore is early May before the summer crowds, or mid-September when things have quieted down a bit. That being said, Edinburgh thrives all year round and there is always something to enjoy.

We’ve also enjoyed visiting at the end of November, when the Christmas festivities begin (markets, outdoor skating, Christmas light shows, and more). It’s less busy at this time than closer to Christmas.

How Many Days Do You Need?

2 days: Main highlights (Castle, Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Arthur’s Seat).

If you need a break from the walking, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus is a great way to see all the sights in a shorter time. You can hop-on and off wherever you like, or stay on board for a full circuit to see the sights and decide what you’d like to explore further.

3 days: Add museums, Dean Village, and relaxed exploring

4+ days: Day trips (e.g., Highlands, St Andrews, or the Borders).

If you’re exploring beyond the city, consider visiting Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven – one of Scotland’s most dramatic cliffside castles. The train from Edinburgh Waverley to Stonehaven takes just under three hours. The walk from Stonehaven to Dunnottar castle is approximately 45 minutes.

Many visitors combine Edinburgh with a trip to the Isle of Skye for dramatic landscapes and Highland scenery.

For ancient history lovers, the Orkney Islands offer some of the best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe.

Why not join a tour from Edinburgh and leave the driving to them. One of our favourite small group tour operators is Rabbies. We’ve had some amazing adventures with them. Perfect for when you want to make the most of your time.

Where to Stay

  • Old Town: Close to major attractions, historic atmosphere
  • New Town: Elegant, central, and slightly quieter
  • Leith: Trendy waterfront area with excellent restaurants

Choose accommodation within walking distance of the Royal Mile if it’s your first visit. Edinburgh is very walkable. We like to stay close to the Waverley Train Station, as it’s central and easy when traveling around Scotland by train. .

Getting Around

  • The city centre is highly walkable
  • Buses are reliable and affordable
  • The Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off bus is a great way to see the sights, and save the feet.
  • Edinburgh Airport has a direct tram connection to the city centre

You likely won’t need a car unless planning day trips outside the city.

Practical Travel Tips for Edinburgh

  • Book castle tickets in advance
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes (cobbles + hills!)
  • Bring layers — weather changes quickly
  • Plan early starts for popular sites
  • Leave space in your itinerary for wandering
  • Choose the sights that are most important to you. Don’t try to do everything at once.
  • And Most Important – Enjoy!

Edinburgh is best experienced slowly.

Planning a wider trip? Don’t miss our complete Scotland travel tips guide to help you prepare.

Is Edinburgh Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. No matter how many times we’ve visited, Edinburgh is still a favourite stop. The starting point for many of our Scotland adventures.

Few cities combine dramatic landscapes, medieval architecture, royal history, and walkability as seamlessly as Edinburgh. Whether it’s your first time in Scotland or a return visit, it’s a destination that rewards curiosity.

Isle of Skye – Beauty, Belonging & a Harbour Full of History

Posted on by Travelling Wilbys
Portree Harbour on the Isle of Skye where Selkirk settlers sailed out of in 1803

There are places that are beautiful… and then there are places that feel personal.

The Isle of Skye is both.

From the moment we crossed the bridge onto the island, the landscape felt almost cinematic. Rugged peaks rising dramatically from the earth, moody skies rolling over open moorland, and that unmistakable Highland light that shifts by the minute. But this wasn’t just another scenic stop on our Scotland travels. It held something deeper for me. My Isle of Skye family history called me to it.

The Beauty of Skye

The Isle of Skye is wild in the way only Scotland can be.

The jagged outline of the Old Man of Storr rising above the Trotternish Ridge.

The sweeping, otherworldly landscapes of the Quiraing.

The Quiriang on the Isle of Skye

The waterfalls tumbling into the sea at Kilt Rock.

And quiet moments along the shores near Portree, where pastel-coloured buildings curve gently around the harbour.

Dramatic and windswept. Romantic and raw. A place that feels untamed yet deeply rooted in history.

But for me, the most powerful moment wasn’t on a cliff edge or mountain trail.

It was standing still in the harbour at Portree.

Isle of Skye Family History – A Harbour Full of Emotion

I stood there looking out over the water, trying to imagine the summer of 1803.

In July of that year, a ship called the Polly sailed from Portree Harbour. On board were Highland families, displaced by the Clearances. They were bound for a new life in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Part of what became known as the Selkirk Settlers.

My ancestors were among them.

They left behind the dramatic beauty of Skye — the hills, the language, and community — and sailed across the Atlantic toward uncertainty. Toward a land unknown, and what would eventually become part of my own story.

Standing there, I found myself wondering:
  • What did they feel as the shoreline grew smaller?
  • Was it hope? Fear? Grief? Determination?
  • Did they look back at these hills the way I was looking at them now?

The water in the harbour was calm the day we visited. It’s hard to reconcile that stillness with the reality of an 1803 Atlantic crossing.

A Full-Circle Moment

Living on Vancouver Island, exploring British Columbia, and tracing our love for Scotland through TravellingWilbys, I often feel the threads between the UK and Canada. And have wondered why I feel such a pull towards Scotland.

But Skye made it tangible.

The journey my ancestors began in Portree shaped generations to come — eventually leading to Prince Edward Island, then further across Canada, and finally to me standing back on Skye more than two centuries later.

Travel sometimes feels like sightseeing.

Other times, it feels like remembering.

Skye was remembering.

Why Skye Will Always Be Special to Me

Yes, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

Yes, the landscapes are unforgettable.

Yes, it deserves every bit of the hype.

But for me, it’s more than a destination.
  • It’s a departure point.
  • It’s a beginning.
  • It’s a place where past and present quietly meet along a harbour wall.

And as we left Portree, I didn’t just feel like a visitor.

A place I had only read about had become real. I felt connected ❤

Why We Fell in Love with the Orkney Islands

Posted on by Travelling Wilbys

There are some places that impress you, and then there are places that stay with you long after you leave. For us, the Orkney Islands are firmly in the second category.

Sitting off Scotland’s northern coast, Orkney feels both remote and welcoming — a place where dramatic landscapes meet thousands of years of human history. We came for the famous ancient sites, but we left completely captivated by the islands themselves.

Orkney isn’t just somewhere you visit. It’s somewhere you feel. And it definitely provided all of that, and more.

Walking Through 5,000 Years of History

As self-confessed history lovers, Orkney had been high on our travel wish list for a long time. The islands hold some of Europe’s most important Neolithic sites, and seeing them in person was even more powerful than we imagined.

Standing in Skara Brae, a stone village built over 5,000 years ago, felt surreal. Walking through preserved homes, seeing ancient beds, storage spaces, and passageways, you suddenly realize how connected we are to people who lived thousands of years before us.

Skara Brae

Nearby, the Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness rise quietly from the landscape, surrounded by lochs and open skies. These sites feel both mysterious and peaceful, and simply standing among them gives you time to reflect on how long humans have called these islands home.

Ring of Brodgar

And then there’s Maeshowe, a chambered tomb older than the pyramids, where Viking runes carved into stone tell stories of later visitors who also stood in awe of this ancient place. We found it truly fascinating.

Few destinations make history feel so alive.

Maeshowe

Scenery That Feels Wild and Peaceful

Beyond the ancient sites, Orkney’s natural beauty surprised us just as much.

The islands are shaped by wind and sea, creating rugged coastlines, dramatic cliffs, and quiet beaches where you often find yourself completely alone. We loved nothing better than standing on a secluded beach, and taking it all in. Feeling all the feels. Changing light over the water, seabirds calling out, and wide open skies creating a feeling of calm that’s hard to describe. It’s the kind of place where you slow down without even trying.

To make it even better – we will share a secret. We like to completely immerse ourselves in those elements, sit on the beach, and play a favourite tune – “Still” by Beluga Lagoon. Close our eyes, turn up the volume, and just BE! Letting the stress and worries of life float away. You can’t help but truly feel alive – surrounded by the ocean and the lyrical sound of the music. Silliness or what, it sends shivers down our spines and is a great way to let go. This group was introduced to us by one of our Scottish tour guides. The group was founded by Scottish wildlife film-maker, Andrew O’Donnell.

A Different Kind of Scottish Experience

Orkney feels different from mainland Scotland. There’s a quieter rhythm here, and life seems deeply connected to the sea and the land.

The blend of Scottish and Viking history, friendly locals, and small harbour towns gives the islands a unique character. It never felt crowded or rushed — just welcoming and genuine.

We loved that exploring Orkney felt like discovery rather than tourism.

Would We Return?

Without hesitation — yes.

There are still coastal walks to explore, smaller islands to visit, and more history to uncover. Orkney feels like a place you could return to again and again and always find something new.

Tips for Visiting the Orkney Islands

If you’re considering a trip, here are a few things we found helpful:

  • Stay at least 3–4 days There’s more to see than you might expect, and the pace of the islands deserves time.
  • Rent a car Public transport is limited, and many of the best sites are spread out.
  • Book a tour See the sites with a local. Sit back, enjoy the scenery, and listen to their stories. Share in their love for their island.
  • Book accommodations early Options are limited and fill quickly, especially in summer.
  • Be ready for changing weather Sun, wind, and rain can all appear in the same day.

Why Orkney Stayed With Us

Some destinations impress you with beauty. Others amaze you with history. Orkney does both — and adds a quiet atmosphere that makes you feel connected to the past and present at the same time.

Long after leaving, we still find ourselves thinking about those windswept cliffs, ancient stone circles, and peaceful coastal roads.

And we know we’ll be back.

  • Ring of Brodgar
  • Beach at Skara Brae
  • Farm Fields around Maeshowe
  • Maeshowe
  • The Italian Chapel
  • St. Magnus Cathedral
  • Standing Stones Stenness
  • Stromness, Orkney

Culloden Moor: Walking Through Scotland’s Last Battlefield

Posted on by Travelling Wilbys

A Place Where History Changed Forever

In the windswept Highlands, just outside Inverness, lies Culloden Moor – Scotland’s last battlefield.  A quiet field that witnessed one of the most decisive and tragic moments in Scottish history.

On April 16, 1746, the Jacobite army, loyal to Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie), met the government forces led by the Duke of Cumberland.

The battle was short, lasting less than an hour, but it claimed the lives of around 1,500 men — most of them Highlanders.

The defeat crushed the Jacobite cause and led to sweeping changes in the Highlands, forever altering Scottish culture and way of life.

The Battle in Brief

  • The Jacobite Cause: After marching deep into England in hopes of reclaiming the British throne, the Jacobites retreated to the Highlands in the harsh winter of 1745–46.
  • The Battlefield: Exhausted and underfed, the Highland forces faced well-rested, heavily armed government troops on the open moor — terrain that gave them no advantage.
  • The Outcome: In less than an hour, the Jacobite lines broke. Many survivors were hunted down in the days that followed.
  • The Aftermath: Traditional Highland dress and culture were suppressed, clan chiefs lost power, and the Highlands entered a period of harsh repression.

What to See at Culloden Today

1. The Memorial Cairn
Built in 1881, the large stone cairn stands at the centre of the battlefield as a solemn tribute to the fallen Highlanders.

2. The Clan Graves
Simple headstones mark the mass graves where members of clans such as Fraser, MacGillivray, MacLean, and others were buried. These stones are among the most moving sights on the moor.

3. Leanach Cottage
A thatched croft that survived the battle, Leanach Cottage offers a glimpse into 18th-century Highland life.

4. The Visitor Centre
Interactive displays, immersive battle simulations, and original artefacts bring the history to life. From weapons to personal stories, it’s a must-visit before stepping onto the moor itself.

The Atmosphere of the Moor

Culloden is not just a historic site — it’s an experience. The wind sweeps across the open land, carrying with it a deep stillness. The heather sways, the clouds roll in quickly, and you can almost hear echoes of the past. Many visitors describe feeling an unshakable sense of loss and respect as they walk among the stones.

Tips for Visiting Culloden

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn offer mild weather and beautiful light for photography. Early morning or late afternoon is perfect for quiet reflection.
  • Allow Time: Set aside at least two hours — one for the visitor centre and one for walking the battlefield.
  • Dress for the Weather: The moor is exposed, so bring layers and waterproofs.
  • Nearby Sights: The prehistoric Clava Cairns are just a short drive away and well worth a visit.

Why Culloden Still Matters

Culloden marks the end of the Jacobite dream, but it also stands as a powerful reminder of resilience, culture, and the cost of war. Visiting this moor is not just about looking back — it’s about carrying those stories forward.

The Museum does an amazing job of taking you on a journey through the Jacobite Rising of 1745. We would highly recommend not rushing through this part. It gives you a better understanding of the battle from both the Jacobite and Government sides. Archaeological finds from the battlefield are also on display and have helped interpret important details from the battle.

Stepping outside and onto the the battlefield, you now have a better understanding of what happened that fateful day. You can see in your mind’s eye the battle as it unfolded. Do you hear the sounds of the battle carried on the wind?

Final Thought:
Culloden Moor is a place where history is etched into the land itself. Standing here, you don’t just read about the past — you feel it. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of Scotland’s wild beauty, or someone tracing their clan roots, Culloden is a site that will stay with you long after you’ve left.

  • Leanach Cottage
  • Culloden Memorial Cairn
  • Clan Gravestone
  • Clan Gravestones
    Clan Gravestone

Fingal’s Cave – Scotland’s Symphony in Stone

Posted on by Travelling Wilbys

Approaching a Legend

As the boat cut across the shimmering waters of the Inner Hebrides, a dark shape emerged from the horizon. At first, the Isle of Staffa seemed unassuming — a rugged slice of rock surrounded by restless sea. But as we drew closer, the island revealed its secret. A towering mouth of shadow, framed by perfect hexagonal basalt columns rising like the pipes of an ancient organ.

This was Fingal’s Cave, one of Scotland’s most mysterious natural wonders. From first glimpse, we knew this wasn’t just a cave, it was a cathedral carved by the sea.

Where Myths Meet Geology

Fingal’s Cave owes its striking geometry to volcanic activity millions of years ago, when cooling lava formed columns almost identical to those of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Legend, of course, offers a more romantic explanation: the cave was part of a bridge built by the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) to cross the sea and challenge a Scottish rival.

Its Gaelic name, An Uamh Bhin, means “The Melodious Cave,” a nod to the haunting echoes created as waves crash within its vaulted chamber.

Walking into the Echo

Stepping inside feels like entering another realm – other worldly. The air is cool and damp, and the sound of the waves becomes a rhythmic heartbeat, bouncing off the stone in a strange, almost musical harmony. Light shifts and dances along the walls, painting the rock in shades of grey, green, and gold.

Every few steps, you can’t help but stop — to listen, to breathe, to absorb the feeling of standing in a place shaped entirely by nature’s hand.

An Inspiration for Centuries

Fingal’s Cave has captivated artists, poets, and musicians for over 200 years. Composer Felix Mendelssohn was so moved by its natural acoustics that he wrote his Hebrides Overture after visiting in 1829. Wordsworth, Turner, and countless others have found themselves inspired here.

It’s easy to see why. The cave doesn’t just impress — it lingers in the mind, long after you’ve left.

How to Visit Fingal’s Cave

  • Location: Isle of Staffa, Inner Hebrides, Scotland.
  • Getting There: Boat tours run from the Isle of Mull (often via Iona) and from Oban. Most tours include time to land and explore the cave if weather permits.
  • Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn offers the most reliable conditions, and summer is prime puffin season.
  • What to Bring: Sturdy footwear (the rocks can be slippery), waterproof layers, and a good camera for capturing the changing light.

Why It’s Worth the Journey

Fingal’s Cave is not the easiest place to reach — it requires planning, good sea conditions, and a willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of the Hebridean weather. But perhaps that’s what makes it so special. It’s a destination that still feels wild and untamed, a reminder that the greatest cathedrals are sometimes built not by human hands, but by time, fire, and water.

We left Staffa with salt in our hair, the sound of the waves still in our ears, and the feeling that we’d just visited one of the Earth’s great masterpieces.

Would you step inside Fingal’s Cave? Tell us in the comments below, or share your own Scottish adventures with us on Instagram @travellingwilbys.

Beautiful Puffins on the Isle of Staffa

Posted on by Travelling Wilbys
Puffin – Isle of Staffa

Puffins have long intrigued me. Their clown like antics and charismatic allure, hard to resist. Little birds with such big personality.

For years, I’ve enjoyed watching and admiring them from my television. Hopeful to one day see them up close, but never quite thinking it possible. Travel changes that, making the impossible possible, Creating magical experiences, and opening your eyes in new ways.

During a trip to Scotland, this finally became a reality. We were staying on the Isle of Mull and took a day trip to Iona. From Iona, it is possible to take a boat to Staffa. An opportunity too good to pass up.

The Isle of Staffa, off Scotland’s west coast, is home to Fingal’s Cave and a large Puffin colony. Its hexagonal columns were formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions. Staffa and Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway are linked in myths. Tales of two Giants, Finn MacCool (Irish) and Fingal (Scottish), who built a bridge between them. Later destroying it during a dispute. Believer of the myths or not, both locations are worth visiting. Having seen the Giant’s Causeway, this trip allowed us to explore the other side of the myth.

A tour boat picked us up from Iona. The trip to Staffa takes about 45 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the scenery. A short pier has been built for docking. Once docked, you can independently explore the island but remember the return time. It’s easy to get lost in the sites and lose track of time. We first visited Fingal’s Cave before heading to the clifftop to see the puffins.

The climb involves ascending a steep stairway, which requires a reasonable level of mobility. If you need more time, it is advisable to wait for the crowds to pass before making a slower ascent. Once at the top of the stairs, you can proceed at a leisurely pace to the area where puffins may be visible.

As we hiked towards the clifftop, I could feel the excitement building. Would this be the day I finally got to see my favourite little bird? I held my breath in anticipation as we reached the top, slowly peering over. And then, there they were, those magical little birds full of character. Emerging from their dens and parading around like the comical little characters they are.

Visitors are instructed to sit quietly at a distance outside the roped area and observe without making loud noises. Do not disturb the birds. It is important to respect these guidelines to ensure that everyone can enjoy the experience. It is a privilege to be this close to them, don’t ruin it for others.

I sat down quietly to take it all in. The once in a lifetime experience. To my delight, they put on quite the show. Not bothered by the visitors. They engaged in their mating rituals such as rubbing beaks and wing flapping. Flittering about, being very social with each other, and occasionally returning from the sea with a beak full of fish. A true delight. I could have spent an entire day sitting there watching my beloved little bird. We were privileged to see so many as sometimes they are mostly out at sea. Puffins are loved by all that see them. You only had to look around at the smiles on the faces of the people around me. Each person lost in their own experience.

Puffins, often called “clowns of the sea” or “sea parrots,” are black and white birds with bright coloured beaks. You can see why they are referred to as a parrot. They breed in cliff-top burrows and spend winters at sea. Flapping their small wings frantically allows them to fly but underwater these wings become powerful flippers. They can catch small fish one by one until their beak is full.

Their bills turn vibrant orange in the breeding season but fade to duller shades after, as the outer layer sheds in winter. Puffins are most visible from late spring to early August when they return to the clifftops.

Fun Facts:

  1. Puffins lay just one egg a year.
  2. They mate for life.
  3. They can dive up to depths of sixty metres.
  4. Puffins are excellent flyers. They flap their wings up to four hundred times a minute and speed through the air at up to 88km an hour.
  5. A baby Puffin is called a Puffling. Now how cute is that!