On Sunday we walked to Waverly Station in Edinburgh for a 3.5 hour train ride north. We paid for the first class seats but didn't realize they oversold first class so we ended up on a regular car, which kind of sucked.
But the ride was gorgeous, with lots of countryside to see whizzing by.
Inverness Day 1
We got to Inverness and had lunch before we could check into our Airbnb there. After we dropped off our bags my friends wanted to go to some Outlander field but I wanted to see the downtown area so we split up.
I walked around Inverness in the bright autumn sun and was certain I might get sunburnt farther North than I had ever been. But after walking across the river and through some neighborhoods, I ended up going to Aldi for some snacks.
Then I stopped at this little bar on Innes Street, where we were staying. I had a pint and listened to a Scottish singer playing music, and just watched everyone interact. It was clear this was a true neighborhood pub, and I wished we had something like this in my neighborhood. It was just purely joyful and restful to sit there and watch, listen, and do nothing else. I tried to read my book but kept looking up and around.
This is where we stayed on Innes Street. It was very conveniently located to everything and was so comfy and nice. If you want to see the Airbnb listing and stay there too, I highly recommend it.
From there we just got takeout Indian food for dinner and relaxed watching HGTV that night after the day of traveling.
Inverness Day 2
We ended up taking another Rabbie's Tour around the Loch Ness, all 44 miles. I was initially a little resistant but once again, Kara and Val were right on about this. We saw places in Inverness we would NEVER have even heard about much less been able to get to without going on this tour.
It was very nature-heavy which I loved. Our tour guide Kevin was fantastic as well and took us to some bonus spots including to see hairy coos.
This is THE Loch Ness! And some crazy girls were swimming in the approximately 12 C/53 F degree water! They were not just dipping, they hung out for a while. BRR.
Then it was onto the Falls at Foyer, which was a long hike down a muddy path, but so worth it.
Then to Fort Augustus, where we ate at the Loch Inn in the background. It was a cute little town that reminded me of the little Appalachian towns in North Carolina.
Then we stopped at a place with an optional boat tour, which we did. It was very cold up top so after a while and a little rain, I went down to the interior part for the remainder of the trip. We did get rewarded after the rain with a lovely rainbow!
Here's the bonus coos. They were a little standoffish, which I would be too.
One more waterfall and we were on our way back into Inverness.
That night the other two wanted to stay in again but I wanted to see more of Inverness since we were leaving the next day by train.
I tried to go to the Mustard Seed alone but they were very snooty about not having any seats open til 9 p.m., so I wandered around some more and also tried to go here but they ALSO seemingly didn't have a spot for a single wayward traveler, but the name way funny so I had to try:
I ended up at a little Mediterranean place, which was delicious and I ate imam biyaldi, a tasty eggplant and tomato dish. I needed some vegetables anyways!
Inverness to Edinburgh Day 3
We really only woke up and ate breakfast before splitting at the train station. Kara flew back to England before coming back to SC, and Val and I were headed to Edinburgh for a night at a very fancy hotel before flying out the next day.
In Inverness we had breakfast at the Blackfriars Inn, of course I had the full vegetarian Scottish breakfast. I mean, I'm never going to make this at home or find it anywhere here, so why not? They were all slightly different too.
Once back in Edinburgh, Val and I went to Circus Street, the prettiest street in the city, which I agree! It reminded me of Jones Street in Savannah, in a Scottish way. We wandered around the area we were in, which was northwest of where we stayed previously.
We stayed at the Nira Caledonia, and it was niiiice. This is the wee double. We each had a room at the very top floor, which did not have elevators. We had very strong glutes after this trip.
And that was the trip! We flew out the next morning and made it home to a life without full Scottish breakfasts or gorgeous water scenes everywhere we looked.
If you missed it, read about part one of the trip to Edinburgh!