With our flight looming the next day, Day 5 had one clear mission: make it from Sligachan on the Isle of Skye all the way to somewhere closer to Edinburgh. We had our eyes set on Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park as the day’s ultimate goal, but in true road trip fashion, there was no way we’d just speed straight there without a few scenic and unexpected stops.

Leaving Skye meant saying goodbye to winding coastal views and jagged mountains, but the roads still had plenty of beauty to offer. The morning mist lingered as we crossed Skye Bridge, the sun breaking through just enough to make the water shimmer.

Jubilee Bridge & Castle Stalker

Somewhere between the rhythmic hum of tires and the rolling green fields, we saw a sign for the Jubilee Bridge viewpoint. Curiosity got the better of us, so we pulled over.

The bridge itself was charming, but the real gem was the view — Castle Stalker, perched dramatically on its own little tidal island, surrounded by water and backed by the hills. It looked straight out of a medieval storybook, the kind of place where you half expect to see knights clanking about in armor. The stop only took a few minutes, but it set the tone for the day: Scotland wasn’t done impressing us yet.

Lunch at The Lorach

By midday, our stomachs reminded us we hadn’t eaten since breakfast. We found The Lorach, a cozy spot where the service was as warm as the food was hearty.

We didn’t expect much—it was one of those “it’s on the way” picks—but the food floored us. Perfectly seared sea bass with crisp skin and tender flesh, and a rich, hearty beef stew that tasted like it had been simmering for hours. We both agreed it was one of the best meals of the trip, the kind that makes you slow down and savor every bite.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Stretching from rolling Lowland meadows to the rugged peaks of the Highlands, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is Scotland’s first national park and one of its most beloved. At its heart lies the shimmering expanse of Loch Lomond — the largest freshwater lake in Great Britain by surface area — dotted with over 30 islands. Surrounding it are a patchwork of forests, glens, and mountains, offering countless opportunities for hiking, boating, cycling, and wildlife spotting.

The park is divided into four distinct areas: Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, Breadalbane, and Argyll Forest, each with its own character. You’ll find tranquil lochside villages, ancient woodlands alive with birdsong, and peaks like Ben Lomond that challenge even seasoned hikers.

Balmaha & Conic Hill

We reached Balmaha Visitor Center in the late afternoon, the sun already starting its slow descent. Conic Hill was calling, and even though we were tired from the drive, we laced up and hit the trail.

The hike itself is short but rewarding — around 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip, with a mix of gravel paths, wooden steps, and grassy slopes. The climb is steady, with a few steeper sections, but nothing too taxing.

The real magic comes at the top: an epic view of Loch Lomond dotted with its islands, stretching out like a glistening puzzle beneath you. The line of the Highland Boundary Fault cuts dramatically across the landscape, marking where the Highlands meet the Lowlands. The wind was strong, whipping through our jackets, but the scene was so beautiful we lingered longer than planned.

Stirling

From Balmaha, we drove into Stirling just as the sky turned pink. The town has a quietly regal feel, with cobbled streets winding toward the imposing Stirling Castle. You can feel its history in the air — this was once the “Gateway to the Highlands,” a place where Scotland’s fate was often decided.

Stirling Castle
Perched high on Castle Hill, Stirling Castle commands sweeping views of the River Forth and the surrounding countryside. Once a favored residence of Scottish royalty, it played a central role in the nation’s history, from the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots to key battles for independence. The castle’s mix of Renaissance architecture, grand halls, and defensive fortifications make it one of Scotland’s most impressive historic sites.

Brea Scottish Restaurant

The Brea menu read like a love letter to Scottish cuisine, with tempting seafood dishes, hearty steaks, and creative twists on classics. Unfortunately, the reality didn’t match the anticipation. It took over an hour for our meals to arrive, and while the ribeye was flavorful, the burger was cooked well beyond what we ordered. After a long day of travel and hiking, the wait and uneven execution were a letdown.

King Robert Hotel

Dooked only an hour before check-in. King Robert Hotel felt like stepping into the 1970s — dated décor, creaky hallways, and a faint air of nostalgia. That said, it served its purpose. We needed somewhere to clean up the camper van, repack our bags, and get ready for our flight to Slovakia, and for that, it was just right.

Sky to Stirling - Scotland (Day 5)