With a bit of time up our sleeves, Ryan and I decided to hire a car and head north through England and into Scotland. With Scottish heritage on both sides, visiting the country felt particularly meaningful, offering a deeper connection to places and stories I had grown up hearing about.
Our first stop out of London was York. With the car sorted and upgraded, a black Audi A8 with leather seats, and the music situation organised, we drove north along the main highway. Arriving by evening, we wandered the city at night, taking in its atmosphere. York has an undeniable charm, with narrow alleyways, historic buildings and local pubs that give the city a distinctly medieval feel.
The following morning, breakfast set us up for a long day on the road as we headed northeast toward Newcastle, stopping along the way both on the coast and inland. Scarborough offered a change of pace by the sea, while High Force revealed the power of the landscape further inland. Durham followed, where the scale and presence of the cathedral stood out as one of the most impressive sights of the day.
By evening, we reached Newcastle and spent a short time exploring the city before continuing north toward Edinburgh, catching some sleep along the way. The drive into Scotland was broken up by several unforgettable stops. Hadrian’s Wall, built by the Romans to mark the northern edge of their empire, cuts across the countryside and offers a striking reminder of how long this land has been contested. Lindisfarne came next, an island accessible only at low tide, with clear warning signs reminding visitors that once the road floods, there is no leaving. Walking to the lighthouse and through the ruins of the old priory felt quietly surreal. Departing before the tide returned, we continued on and reached Edinburgh by the afternoon.
Edinburgh is a stunning city, full of character and warmth. During our time there, I tried haggis for the first time and, somewhat unexpectedly, a deep-fried Mars Bar, an experience as memorable as it was questionable.
Stirling followed, a place deeply tied to Scottish history. The city is closely associated with William Wallace and his victory over the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The William Wallace Monument towers above the city and was an absolute must-visit. Seeing Wallace’s sword displayed in a glass case was unexpectedly moving, and given my heritage, I couldn’t help but feel a quiet sense of connection. Stirling Castle came next, where what I expected to be a short visit turned into nearly three hours of exploration. The castle served as a major seat of the Stuart dynasty, who later ruled both Scotland and England. Learning that “Stuart” is the French spelling of “Stewart,” adopted by Mary, Queen of Scots during her time in France, added another layer of fascination. Whether or not there is any distant royal link in my own lineage remains questionable, but the history itself was captivating.
From Stirling, the journey continued north over the following days, taking in Loch Ness, Inverness, the Isle of Skye and eventually Glasgow. The landscape shifted dramatically with each mile, rolling hills giving way to rugged highlands, waterfalls and long stretches of road that felt completely untouched. The Isle of Skye, in particular, stood out with its raw beauty and changing light, a place that feels both harsh and peaceful at the same time.
From Glasgow, we drove eight hours south to London to return the car. Back in the city, the journey continued west, with plans to visit Stonehenge, Bath, Bristol and Salisbury.
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