Ceilings are just as susceptible to movement as other areas of your home, so you might notice the occasional crack start to appear. Again, this is likely nothing to worry about but if you notice damp patches or sagging, call a professional to inspect the damage.
Filling a hole in your wall is simple and can save you time and money. By following the steps outlined in this post, you'll be able to repair unsightly wall damage and restore the pristine appearance of your home's interior and exterior. Remember to choose the appropriate filler and method based on the size and surface of the hole and take your time to ensure a smooth and even finish.
When I look back on my travels in 2023 (of which there were kind of a lot), my favorite memories are from the week-long road trip I took with my husband in Scotland. He met me in Glasgow in between two trip leading assignments I had in Ireland & Scotland, and we set out for an adventure on the road!
A quintessentially American characteristic of ours, Sam and I love taking road trips together. Scotland is the perfect destination for a road trip, thanks to stunning vistas, well-maintained roads, and a seemingly endless number of route options. For this particular trip, we wanted to maximize our time together, along with amazing late spring weather, so we set an ambitious itinerary with many stops along the way.
In this blog post, I am sharing all the lessons we learned on the road, as well as a detailed breakdown of our daily itinerary. This is the ultimate 1 week Scotland road trip itinerary, visiting all the highlights you want to see as a first-time visitor.
To start off with, Scotland is deceptively big. 1 week in Scotland is only going to give you a taste of the wonderful things this region has to offer. If you're a first time visitor to Scotland, you're going to have to make some tough choices about what specifically you are interested in seeing, because 1 week simply isn't enough time to see it all.
Designed as a road trip, I think driving is the easiest and most efficient way to experience the majestic beauty of Scotland. This itinerary could work very well for camper vans, but also for folks who prefer to stay in hotels (such as myself). For each day of the itinerary, I include the approximate driving time. In total, this itinerary includes around 18 hours of driving spread across 7 days.
I understand that 18 hours is a lot of driving for some people. You can easily slow down this itinerary, spending one or two extra days in each place, turning this into a 10 day or 14 day itinerary.
Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, is a dynamic and culturally rich metropolis, serving as a perfect place to begin your 1 week trip around Scotland. While Glasgow can be rough around the edges, it is 100% worth a visit. I love a city with some grit and character, and Glasgow definitely has that. Locals are very proud of their city and it just has a cool vibe about it.
At its core, Glasgow is a cultural powerhouse. It's a city that has produced world-renowned architects like Charles Rennie Mackintosh, whose Art Nouveau designs have left an indelible mark on the cityscape. Art lovers will revel in Glasgow's numerous museums and incredible street art, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. To avoid this post getting too long, I have gone more in depth into planning a visit to Glasgow in a separate post.
Another option, if you want to start your road trip a day early, is Mar Hall. Located just 20 minutes outside of Glasgow to the west, this luxury hotel inside an Edwardian Mansion that has welcomed members of the royal family in the past. This 240-acre golf estate overlooks the River Clyde and even has a spa. I absolutely loved our stay here. Most comfortable sleep of the whole trip!
With its traditional slate stone cottages, beautiful lakeside beach, and a serene atmosphere, Luss is the embodiment of a tranquil Scottish hamlet. Cottage-core comes to life! There are just 120 residents who live here full time, but more than 70,000 visitors come to this village each year. Go behind the scenes of Luss with my Instagram Reel about it. Wander through the village until you reach the historic church, where you can hunt for a gravestone that dates back to the Vikings!
For something in Oban, I can highly recommend No.17 on the Promenade. This gorgeously designed boutique hotel sits directly on the water just a few minutes walk from town. Each room has a unique design and the staff is super friendly.
Set within the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe is a region of awe-inspiring natural beauty. No really. In a country full of gorgeous places, Glencoe's rugged terrain is nothing short of legendary. Towering, craggy peaks, including the famous Three Sisters, encircle a lush glen (or valley) carved by glaciers millennia ago. The glen's breathtaking beauty is accentuated by cascading waterfalls, serene lochs, and winding trails. With its remarkable geology and dramatic vistas, it's no wonder that Glencoe has been featured in films and inspired countless artists and writers.
Inverness is a gateway destination in northern Scotland. This relatively small city is a pleasant stopover for anyone on a road trip through Scotland. There are several options for food and accommodation, as well as a few nice attractions. Inverness is the cultural and historical heart of the Scottish Highlands, and I have highlighted all of my favorite things to do in Inverness in a separate blog post.
Characterized by rolling hills, lush green valleys, and a unique microclimate, Speyside is the region surrounding River Spey in the northeast corner of Scotland. It is SO pastoral, and just pretty. My Midwestern soul loved it here. Go behind-the-scenes of my time in Speyside on my Instagram Reel to discover the hidden gems we loved.
The headwaters of River Spey originate in Cairngorms National Park, a sprawling 4,500 square kilometers expanse of raw, untamed beauty. It is the UK's largest national park and offers a breathtaking tapestry of mountains, forests, rivers, and wildlife. In my opinion, it embodies the very essence of Scotland's rugged charm. Driving through the park is spectacular.
The park's centerpiece is the Cairngorms mountain range, which includes five of the six highest peaks in Scotland. These majestic mountains, adorned with granite cliffs and craggy peaks, provide a playground for climbers and hikers. Cairngorms National Park is also home to some of Scotland's most iconic wildlife, including red deer, golden eagles, ospreys, and the elusive Scottish wildcat. Nature enthusiasts can sign up for guided tours for glimpses of these remarkable animals in their natural habitats.
Finally, Cairngorms National Park is a designated Dark Sky Park, meaning it offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the UK. On clear nights, the park's remote location and minimal light pollution provide an unrivaled view of the cosmos. If you want to take advantage of this status, stay in the Speyside area for close proximity.
Designed in quintessential Highlands design, Delnashaugh is a historic inn nestled within the wooded glens of Ballindalloch Estate overlooking the River Avon. The massive estate has private hiking trails and fishing spots onsite.
Just on the edge of Cairngorms National Park is Atholl Palace Hotel. This historic Victorian gem sits atop a large hill and is even visible from the highway. It has stunning panoramic views of the area! It offers luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and leisure facilities, including a spa and pool.
Stirling is a captivating city where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. Perched proudly atop an ancient volcanic hill overlooking the entire valley, Stirling Castle is the crown jewel of the city. Stirling Castle played a central role in the nation's history. The castle dates back over a thousand years, and it has been a royal residence, military stronghold, and symbol of Scottish power. It was here that the young Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned, and the Battle of Stirling Bridge, led by William Wallace, unfolded on the surrounding fields.
The castle itself is a masterpiece of Scottish Renaissance architecture. Its stunning facade, with its ornate gates, towers, and battlements, is a testament to the wealth and ambition of the Stuart monarchs. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored Great Hall, the Royal Palace, and the Renaissance Palace. From the castle's elevated position, you will get incredible sweeping panoramic views of Stirling and the surrounding countryside, including the Ochil Hills and the Wallace Monument in the distance.
Stirling's charm extends beyond the castle's walls. The historic old town features cobbled streets, centuries-old buildings, and a vibrant atmosphere. The Church of the Holy Rude, a medieval church where James VI was crowned, is a must-visit, as is the atmospheric Stirling Old Bridge, which spans the River Forth.
Ending on a high note, you are going to be blown away by the incredible history and culture of Edinburgh. From the enchanting charm of Old Town to the elegance of the New Town's Georgian avenues, I just love this city! Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, an art aficionado, or simply seeking to immerse yourself in the city's enchanting ambiance, Edinburgh is a city that can appeal to every type of traveler.
I think you could easily spend 3 or 4 days exploring Edinburgh, because there is simply so much to see! But with only one last day in Scotland, I would recommend hitting the major highlights such as the imposing Edinburgh Castle and the hidden close alleyways along the Royal Mile. If you've got more time, I unveil all my favorite spots in Edinburgh in a separate blog post. I break down the must-visit attractions, the culinary delights, and the hidden gems that make Edinburgh such an incredible destination in Scotland.
7fc3f7cf58