I started my morning in Inverness with a wee walk over to Starbucks, hoping to find a You Are Here mug for my collection. Sadly, no luck in Inverness! The walk itself was lovely though, and back at the hotel I was greeted by a proper breakfast buffet—fresh eggs (not powdered!), and a good spread to set the tone for a busy day ahead.
Our first major stop was Culloden Battlefield, the haunting site of the final Jacobite battle in 1746. It’s a place steeped in both sorrow and history. In just 35 minutes, nearly 2,000 men lost their lives—most of them Jacobite Highlanders following Bonnie Prince Charlie in his bid to restore the Stuart monarchy. Standing on the windswept moor, you can feel the weight of what happened here. The aftermath was devastating for the Highlands, with traditions, language, and clan life heavily suppressed. It’s a sobering stop, but one I’m glad we made.
But Culloden also gave me something I’d been waiting for all trip—a Highland cow sighting! 🐮 I loved seeing the cows!
Not long after we left Culloden, our driver, Kenny, spotted a pair grazing nearby, pulled over the bus, and let us pile out with our cameras. After everyone else climbed back aboard, I lingered just a bit longer and even managed to give one a scratch on the nose. Highland cows, or “hairy coos” as they’re affectionately called, are one of Scotland’s most iconic sights. With their shaggy coats and sweeping horns, they’re surprisingly gentle creatures. They’re also one of the oldest registered cattle breeds in the world, dating back to the 1800s, and they come in colors ranging from the familiar reddish-brown to black, white, and even silver. Meeting one up close was such a highlight of the day.
From there, we traveled deeper into the Highlands and stopped for lunch in Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands and known as the “Gateway to the Cairngorms.” I had a tuna mayonnaise sandwich that tasted extra special thanks to bread that seemed freshly baked that morning. After lunch, I strolled the village streets—small, simple, and full of charm. Sometimes these quiet, tucked-away stops are the ones that stay with you most.
Later in the afternoon, we arrived in Aberdeen. When I checked into the hotel, I did my usual ritual—look up the nearest Starbucks. To my delight, there was one directly across the street! And even better, I was able to add an Aberdeen You Are Here mug to my collection. The only tricky part? Remembering that crossing the street in the UK is always an adventure—the cars come from the “wrong” direction compared to back home!
Our next outing was to the ruins of Dunnottar Castle, perched dramatically on a rocky headland above the North Sea. This fortress has witnessed centuries of Scottish history, including its most famous moment: in the 1600s, the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish crown jewels) were hidden here to keep them out of Oliver Cromwell’s hands. Even in ruins, the castle is breathtaking, with waves crashing below and cliffs stretching into the horizon.
Not far away, in the coastal town of Stonehaven, we popped into a pub for a quick drink. I decided on a classic Pimm’s with lemonade—a refreshing British favorite made from a gin-based liqueur, fizzy lemonade, and garnished with fruit and herbs. Sipping it in this seaside town, just a stone’s throw from Dunnottar, felt perfectly fitting. Stonehaven itself is a gem, with its working harbor, cozy pubs, and a slower pace that balances beautifully with a day of sightseeing.
We wrapped up back at the hotel with an included group dinner. I completely forgot to take photos (a sure sign I was enjoying myself too much!), but my meal was wonderful from start to finish: spicy butternut squash soup, a hearty steak and ale pie, and a decadent chocolate brownie for dessert. It was the perfect end to a day filled with history, Highland cows, castles, coastlines, and little Scottish towns that each added their own magic.
Cleared For Take-Off! 