Roadtrip Itinerary

Those Damn Jacobites!

When Bethany and I stayed on the Scottish Borders, our hosts were from English aristocracy. The gentleman of the house kept referring to the Cameron clan as "those daaaaaamn jacobites" who were either "drinking or fighting". In honor of my mothers side of the family - here is a tour of "those damn jacobites" as we lead you into Cameron Country.



If you are thoroughly knackered after the wedding, you can make this a one day tour by booking tickets on the Jacobite Train.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1

Drive to Stirling & the Highlands (overnight in Inverness or Highlands)

Day 2

Tour Inverness, Loch Ness & Fort William (overnight in Cameron Country)

Day 3

The Jacobite Train aka the Hogwarts train (overnight in Cameron Country)

Day 4

Tour Glen Coe, Loch Lomond & Depart from Edinburgh

Drive to Stirling & the Highlands

Those Damn Jacobites!

When Bethany and I stayed on the Scottish Borders, our hosts were from English aristocracy. The gentleman of the house kept referring to the Cameron clan as "those daaaaaamn jacobites" who were either "drinking or fighting". In honor of my mothers side of the family - here is a tour of "those damn jacobites" as we lead you into Cameron Country.



If you are thoroughly knackered after the wedding, you can make this a one day tour by booking tickets on the Jacobite Train. Drive to Stirling & the Highlands


It is July 3rd and it is time to head north to reach Stirling, which lies at the intersection between the highlands and lowlands of Scotland. Once the capital of Scotland, Stirling is dominated by the majestic Stirling Castle. Another important historical site in the area is the ruins of Cambuskenneth Abbey, the resting place of King James III of Scotland. Close by is the National Wallace Monument commemorating Sir William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish hero, brought to the wider world's attention in the film "Braveheart." (You are welcome to scream “Freedom”)



Continue north, stopping in Perth on the banks of the River Tay. Perth is known as "The Fair City" due to the story "Fair Maid of Perth" by Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott, who also stayed at Borthwick Castle. Perth is also known for its Scone Abbey, home to the Stone of Scone (also known as the Stone of Destiny) where the King of Scots was crowned. After, pass through the pretty village of Pitlochry and stop for refreshment before reaching Blair Castle. Home to the Duke of Atholl for more than 700 years, this pristine white castle has a large armory that includes weapons used during the Battle of Culloden.



Just before reaching Inverness, embark on a tour of the Culloden Battlefield, where the final conflict of the Jacobean Uprising in 1746 changed the shape of the Highlands forever. The largest number of Camerons were lost at this battle, a devastating blow to the clan but it solidified our standing as dastardly Jabobites! Nearby, Clava Cairns takes you further back in time, with Bronze Age standing stones and cairns arranged in an ancient woodland. Just 15 minutes north lies Cawdor Castle, which holds a hallowed place in both history and literature as the home of Macbeth. Once you're done touring, have a nice dinner and relax in Inverness for the evening.

Tour Inverness, Loch Ness & Fort William (Cameron Country!)

Now you’ve glanced by the highlands it is time to pop into the Inverness Cathedral before heading to one of Scotland's most famous sights, Loch Ness. Known for the Loch Ness Monster, it's a beautiful location to enjoy walks along the lake. The largest castle in the Highlands, Urquhart Castle, sits proudly on the lochside and has seen over 500 years of conflict between the 13th and 17th centuries. To get the best views, board a boat and take a one-hour trip around the lake. Look out for Nessie!



In the afternoon, you are now heading into Clan Cameron country as you make your way west through the rugged mountain wilderness to Fort William, located below Ben Nevis. Take a short walk in the stunningly beautiful Glen Nevis to reach Steall Falls or take a gondola ride. Spend time exploring Fort William, an attractive small town often described as the "Outdoor Capital of the UK." You should stay here, in Oban or if you are feeling adventurous, venture to Oban and have a few wee drams from the island distilleries.

The Jacobite Train

BOOK THIS BABY NOW!!! Get ready for an adventure aboard the Jacobite Train for a 7.5-hour excursion. This steam locomotive-hauled tourist train operates over part of the West Highland Line. It has been running under various names and with different operators every summer since 1984. It has also played an important role in sustaining a scenic route. The Jacobite runs 41 miles (65 km) between Fort William and Mallaig, passing through an area of great scenic beauty. The route is also the same one featured in the "Harry Potter" films as the "Hogwarts Express."



Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, this 82-mile (132 km) round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Start near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, then visit Britain's most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig. Next, pass the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar, and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar. Finally, arrive next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis. Basically the most scenic way to see the beautiful landscapes of the Clan Cameron!



At the end of the line is Mallaig, a busy fishing port and ferry terminal with services to Skye and the Small Isles. Once in Mallaig, enjoy time to walk and explore the shops, bars, restaurants, and plenty of fish and chips for lunch. After the active train trip, either enjoy your final night in Fort William OR visit Bethany and my favorite lochside village in Scotland - Inveraray. (Make sure you taste Loch Fyne Whiskey at the Prince George)

Tour Glen Coe, Loch Lomond & Depart from Edinburgh

Today, head back into the Highlands from Fort William. The first stop is Glen Coe, one of the most photographed mountain scenes. It is complemented by the impressive Buachaille Etive Mor, which stands like a guard to this stunning glen. The views are breathtaking, with waterfalls tumbling down the rugged mountain slopes. Enjoy a hike to take in this scenery. Glen Coe is one of the most dramatic glens in Scotland, famous for The Glencoe Massacre in 1692, where the Campbells slaughtered the MacDonalds. [Camerons were also arch enemies of the Campbells]



It's also nicknamed "The Scottish Hollywood" thanks to the massive amount of movies filmed here including "The 39 Steps," "Braveheart," "Harry Potter," "Rob Roy," "Skyfall," and, naturally, "Outlander."



From Glen Coe, return west and reach the coast before heading south to stop for lunch in the coastal village and the busy port of Oban. Turn east and pass through the stunning Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, skirting the misty banks of the largest freshwater loch in the UK. There are also quaint villages with small houses and colorful flower beds to spot around Loch Lomond. Following your final leg, return your rental car to Edinburgh or Glasgow.