Preamble to the road trip
I have a sentimental connection to Scotland, with my mum being Scottish. Barring a visit to Glasgow with my family when I was five, for which I can only vaguely recall the epic journey up from Exeter, as well as my older brother stealing my sweets, I hadn’t seen Scotland.
Scotland
My first trip as an adult wasn’t a road trip as such. Instead, I stayed for five days with my aunt and uncle in Perth. They both made me feel very welcome, with a lot of food and great conversation, and we enjoyed days out to see the sights nearby. Although many of my journeys are based on exploring as much as possible, I can’t describe how valuable a trip with good company is.
I spent a day in Edinburgh, with a jaunt up to Arthur’s seat, a wander past the gothic architecture lining the old town, and a visit to the castle in the centre of the city. On another day, my uncle took me on a tour around the parts of Glasgow the family grew up in (though I understand it has changed much since the 1950s and 60s). As well as a quick trip to the seaside at Prestwick. The latter was cut short by the howling wind and torrential rain, which is supposed to be fairly common in those parts.
Getting a taste
I also managed a day hike in the Cairngorms, taking the scenic train journey up to Aviemore – a great way to travel into the Highlands. Although the skies weren’t clear during my hike, it still offered views of the lake. And, through forest, I had just my second sighting of the rare red squirrel along the way. This introduction to Scotland only made me want to return and explore it more. I had a taste of nature there, the mountains, the forests, and the wildlife.
Returning to Scotland
My first road trip around Scotland came just two weeks before I was heading to Canada on a year visa. It felt poignant to spend some time in nature in the UK – and appreciate what we have at home, before leaving.
It was quicker to take the four hour or so train to Glasgow from London, rather than drive, which is stated to take around seven hours. Driving for long periods can be tiring, and we had enough planned for the trip itself. So, we arranged to pick up a hire car in Glasgow. In theory, it would be much more relaxing on the train, too. Except we didn’t have seats for the first two hours of the train ride, because the train’s reservation system went down. For the second half, we did have seats, and we could enjoy the scenery as we passed the North of England across the Borders to Bonnie Scotland.
We arranged an evening out in Glasgow on arrival, walking alongside the River Clyde, before wandering the city around the Kelvingrove Museum and Park. We later frequented a few bars in the West End and Finnieston. I had, of course, an obligatory plate of haggis, neeps, and tatties. Which I enjoyed so much I had twice more on the trip. But, please be aware, the taste of haggis isn’t for everyone.