The Best Things to Do in Scotland, Week Two of Our 52 Country World Tour

Brant, July 2024

Arriving in Edinburgh

Week two of our 52 countries in 52 weeks journey began with a scenic train ride from London to Edinburgh. The ride itself was a perfect transition, watching the English countryside slowly give way to the rugged landscapes of Scotland. Once we arrived, our first adventure was climbing Arthur’s Seat, the ancient volcanic peak that towers over Edinburgh. The view from the top was breathtaking and gave us a full look at the city stretched out below. From there we explored the Royal Palace, steeped in centuries of history, and then switched gears with a lighter stop at a cat café, which was a charming and cozy break.

Driving Adventures and St. Andrews

After a few days in Edinburgh, we rented a car and faced the challenge of driving on the opposite side of the road with a manual transmission. It was nerve-wracking at first, but somehow we survived the experience and even managed to enjoy the journey. We headed to St. Andrews where we stayed with my amazing aunt Louise and uncle Dave. Their hospitality made this part of the trip especially meaningful. The highlight here was getting to golf at the Old Course, known as the birthplace of golf. The experience of standing on such a historic course was unforgettable, and the fact that I managed to birdie the very first hole is a memory I will carry forever. Beyond the course, we hopped on a double-decker bus to see more of the area, wandered through an idyllic seaside village, dipped our toes in the chilly waters of the North Sea, and explored the ruins of St. Andrews Castle.

Glasgow and Scottish Traditions

From St. Andrews we drove on to Glasgow, a city full of energy and culture. There we attended an authentic Scottish symphony, which gave us the chance to experience classical music in a uniquely Scottish setting. We also paused for a proper Scottish tea and later discovered what might have been the best burger I have ever tasted. Glasgow also connected us with Scotland’s heroic history. Since Braveheart remains one of the greatest films ever made, we spent a full day devoted to William Wallace. We visited the William Wallace Memorial, traveled to Stirling, and climbed to the top of the Wallace Monument. Standing there, imagining the battles that shaped Scotland’s history, was a powerful and emotional moment.

A Hidden Gem in Nature

One of the most unexpected highlights of Scotland came from a post I had seen on Instagram by Aaron’s Outdoor Adventures. It showed a secret waterfall swimming hole hidden away in the countryside. We decided on the spot to track it down, and after some wandering we found it. The place was magical, the water cold and refreshing, and the day ended up being one of the best of the entire trip so far. It was a reminder of the joy of spontaneity, the kind of adventure that only happens when you are open to exploring off the beaten path.

Wrapping Up Week Two

Scotland was everything we could have hoped for, a perfect balance of history, nature, adventure, and family. From the towering peaks of Edinburgh to the birthplace of golf in St. Andrews, from the cultural pulse of Glasgow to a hidden waterfall deep in the countryside, every part of this week brought something memorable. With week two complete, we packed up once again, said goodbye to Scotland, and headed for week three in Ireland, ready for the next chapter of the journey.