Today was a long travel day—the longest I’ve ever spent on a Globus bus—but what a day it turned out to be. After leaving Glasgow, we made our way north toward the Highlands and Inverness, with plenty of memorable stops along the way.
Our first stop was at the famous Green Welly, a traveler’s haven full of all kinds of treasures. I found some cozy wool socks and what might just be the best shortbread ever—orange-flavored and dipped in milk chocolate. Absolutely delicious! Shopping there was such fun, and I could have easily filled a bag or two with more goodies.
After a bit more driving, we stopped at a rest area for lunch, where I had some surprisingly good fish and chips. Sometimes the simplest meals end up being the most satisfying.
As we continued, we passed by the aqueduct and train tracks featured in the Harry Potter films. Unfortunately, the lot was full, and since we had a timed ferry to catch, we couldn’t stop. Still, it was a thrill to glimpse such an iconic spot.
Then it was time for the ferry ride to the Isle of Skye. The journey itself was unforgettable—we were treated to a pod of dolphins swimming alongside us, leaping gracefully out of the water as if putting on a show just for us. Once on Skye, we had a short café break where I picked up a fun souvenir: an Isle of Skye flag (which was actually designed by a child), along with a magnet and a refreshing Coca-Cola.
Skye itself was magical, with its dramatic mountains, rugged cliffs, and a landscape that feels straight out of legend. No wonder it’s called “the Misty Isle.” From tales of fairies at the Fairy Pools to the legacy of Clan MacLeod at Dunvegan Castle, nearly every corner holds a story. Wildlife thrives here too—you might see golden eagles, red deer, and seals along the coast.
After our time on Skye, we made a quick stop at Loch Ness to take photos and, of course, search for Nessie. No sightings this time, but it was a treat to stand at the edge of such a famous loch.
By the time we reached Inverness, we had just enough time to drop our things in the hotel before heading out to Hootananny, a lively pub where we enjoyed dinner and live Scottish music. Naturally, I couldn’t resist ordering fish and chips again—it seemed the perfect way to end the day.
Did you know? The Isle of Skye is connected to the mainland by the Skye Bridge, which opened in 1995. Before that, visitors could only reach the island by ferry!
It’s bedtime now, with another full day of adventure waiting tomorrow. Scotland continues to surprise me at every turn.
Cleared For Take-Off! 