Highland Fling: A Week in Scotland
by Dan Cohen Β· Updated Sep 17, 2026
A week-long September trip through Edinburgh and the Highlands with a friend, staying at The Balmoral, Cuillin Hills Hotel in Portree, and Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness. Highlights included Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, dramatic Glencoe and the Old Man of Storr on Skye, plus fantastic seafood and a self-drive adventure on single-track roads.
π¬ How this trip was created (the chat)
- π§ A week in Scotland in September, two friends, Edinburgh and the Highlands.
- π€ Sounds like a great pairingβcity buzz then wild Highlands! Where did you two stay in Edinburgh and in the Highlands?
- π§ Edinburgh: The Balmoral, 9. Isle of Skye: Cuillin Hills Hotel in Portree, 9. Inverness: Kingsmills Hotel, 8.
- π€ Lovely trio of hotelsβThe Balmoral's iconic clock tower, Cuillin Hills with those mountain views, and Kingsmills too! What sights did you love in Edinburgh? π Found: The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte hotel, 1 Princes St., Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, UK β 4.7. Is this the one? π Found: Cuillin Hills Hotel, Scorrybreac Rd, Portree IV51 9QU, UK β 4.7. Is this the one? π Found: Kingsmills Hotel - Top Inverness Hotel with Swimming Pool, Culcabock Rd, Inverness IV2 3LP, UK β 4.5. Is this the one?
- π§ Edinburgh Castle 8, Arthur's Seat hike 9, the Royal Mile 8, Glencoe 10, the Old Man of Storr 10, Fairy Pools 9, Loch Ness cruise 7, Eilean Donan Castle 9.
- π€ Wow, Glencoe and the Old Man of Storr at 10/10βsounds breathtaking! Now, any restaurants or food spots you'd recommend in Edinburgh?
- π§ Food: The Witchery in Edinburgh 9, haggis at Makars Gourmet Mash 8, Cafe Arriba in Portree 8, seafood at the Oyster Shed on Skye 10.
- π€ The Oyster Shed sounds like a dream for seafood lovers! Did you find any good food spots in Inverness too?
- π§ Rental car from Arnold Clark in Edinburgh, 9, single-track roads on Skye. Tip: book Skye hotels months ahead and bring a rain jacket every day.
- π€ Rain jacket is definitely Skye survival gear! Just one more thingβany restaurants or food you enjoyed in Inverness?
- π§ That's all
- π€ What a tripβcastles, mountains and fresh oysters! Don't forget to add your photos with the Share photos button below the chat. π Found: The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte hotel, 1 Princes St., Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, UK β 4.7. Is this the one?
Day 1 Β· Edinburgh
1 Princes St., Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, UK, Edinburgh
Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK, Edinburgh
Historic fortress dominating the city skyline, seat of Scottish monarchs and home to the Crown Jewels.
Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh EH15 3PY, UK, Edinburgh
An extinct volcano offering panoramic hiking views over Edinburgh.
Edinburgh EH1 1QS, UK, Edinburgh
Historic street linking Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse, lined with shops and closes.
Witchery by the Castle, 352 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF, UK, Edinburgh
Atmospheric candlelit restaurant near the castle, known for Scottish fine dining.
9-12 Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LN, UK, Edinburgh
π¬ Great haggis
Edinburgh
π¬ Rented here; roads on Skye are single-track
1 Princes St., Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, UK, Edinburgh
Day 2 Β· Isle of Skye - Portree
Glencoe, Ballachulish, UK, Glencoe
Dramatic glen in the Scottish Highlands famed for rugged mountains and history.
Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8DX, UK, Dornie
Iconic island castle at the meeting of three sea lochs, near Skye.
The Storr, Portree IV51 9HX, UK, Portree
Striking rock pinnacle on Skye's Trotternish Ridge, popular hiking spot.
Isle of Skye IV47 8TA, UK, Isle of Skye
Crystal-clear waterfalls and pools beneath the Cuillin mountains on Skye.
Gladstone Buildings, Portree IV51 9DB, UK, Portree
Carbost Beag, Isle of Skye IV47 8SE, UK, Isle of Skye
π¬ Amazing fresh seafood
Day 3 Β· Inverness
Culcabock Rd, Inverness IV2 3LP, UK, Inverness
Caledonian Canal, Fort Augustus PH32 4BD, UK, Fort Augustus
Boat cruise on the famous loch known for its monster legend and scenic views.
Verified trip Β· Photo
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