We usually wake up late on Saturday morning. But today we woke up early as our adventure to Aberdeen is about to begin. We wanted to spend a day in Aberdeen and spend some time in the beautiful highlands too. Although we have taken different routes from Glasgow to Aberdeen and coming back, we highly recommend that you take the highland route at least once.
With a steaming cup of coffee and our playlist queued up, we hit the open road, ready for a few days of leisurely exploration. As we are going for a 2-day vacation, we already packed our luggage and necessary foods for the trip. There’s something incredibly freeing about setting out on a road trip with no rush, just the promise of new sights and experiences.
First Stop from Glasgow to Aberdeen: The Allure of Nature: Loch Leven
About an hour into the drive, we decided to take our first detour to Loch Leven. This tranquil loch is perfect for a peaceful walk or a picnic. We took a leisurely stroll along the loch’s edge, the serene waters reflecting the clear sky. We took a few photos by the beautiful lake and sat on a bench to enjoy some food and coffee we brought from home; this is the perfect fuel for the next leg of our trip from Glasgow to Aberdeen. From here, our next destination was directly to Aberdeen. We would like to enjoy the late afternoon and evening in the Aberdeen beach.
The route from Glasgow to Aberdeen via Loch Leven:
We loved the route provided by Google Maps as we directly reached the car park near Loch Leven. There were plenty of parking spots available and there were options available for boating as well.
Where to stay in Aberdeen:
Aberdeen is a clean city compared to others we visited recently. We can only compare the cleanliness with Singapore. We love Singapore for its safety and cleanliness. As we wanted to stay near the city centre and after doing some research, we have chosen Residence Inn by Marriott. There were some reasons why we selected this hotel. Firstly, we had a good experience of staying in a Marriott hotel, secondly, it is situated in the city centre and just opposite one of Aberdeen’s most beautiful attractions- Marischal College, and lastly, and lastly, it has parking facilities just underneath the hotel. Furthermore, our suite with rooms, kitchenette and a bathroom was very comfortable and perfect for us with two kids. Other than this, there are plenty of different options available to explore.
Useful info about parking: As the hotel has a limited number of car parks, you need to call early in the morning on your reservation date to secure your booking. In case, there is no parking space available, you will get a discounted car park at the nearby shopping centre.
What to do in Aberdeen on a road trip from Glasgow to Aberdeen:
Starting from Loch Leven, we initially intended to take the scenic route through Braemar. However, we opted to head to Aberdeen first and plan a visit to Braemar for the second day. Upon arrival at our hotel, we proceeded to the parking area, having been previously instructed on the route and given the code to access the gate. We then parked our car and checked into our room.
After having some pasta made from home and coffee provided in the hotel room, we wanted to roam around the city.
Union Street and Marischal College:
We just headed to Union Street, Aberdeen’s main thoroughfare. Marvel at the granite architecture and take a short walk to Marischal College, one of the city’s most impressive buildings. These places are just opposite the hotel, so it is very convenient to roam around.
Sunset at Aberdeen Beach:
We took our car from the hotel parking and headed towards the beach to unwind and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. It’s nearly 1 mile away. The golden sands and gentle waves make it an ideal spot for a relaxing walk. We spent some time walking on the beach, enjoyed fish and chips from a local shop, and then spent some time at Queen Links Leasure Park as well.
A drive to Old Aberdeen:
After that, we were eager to explore more of the city and decided to drive to Old Aberdeen. The Town House, which used to be the business centre of Old Aberdeen, is an 18th-century building now looked after by the University. They have restored it and turned it into a museum.
Finally, this is the end of our first day. We came to the hotel and it was time to relax and get ready for the next day’s adventures.
Road trip from Glasgow to Aberdeen: Day 2:
After having our breakfast in the hotel, we again went for a short walk at Marischal College, Provost Skene’s House and in front of the hotel.
Provost Skene’s House:
Provost Skene’s House is a historic building in Aberdeen, Scotland. Dating back to 1545, it is the oldest surviving townhouse in Aberdeen and a fascinating piece of local history. It is free to enter.
Aberdeen Art Gallery:
If time permits and you are an art enthusiast, you may plan a visit to the recently refurbished Aberdeen Art Gallery. It houses an extensive collection of fine art, including works by renowned Scottish artists. It’s a perfect spot for art enthusiasts.
The Scenic route from Aberdeen to Glasgow via Cairngorms National Park:
After checking out from the hotel at noon, instead of taking the direct route from Aberdeen to Glasgow, we opted for the scenic drive through Cairngorms National Park. The winding roads through the park offered stunning vistas at every turn. Moreover, towering mountains, sparkling streams, and vast moorlands stretched as far as the eye could see. We pulled over at a few viewpoints, simply to take in the natural beauty and snap a few photos. The Cairngorms truly felt like nature’s masterpiece.
First Stop on Day 2: A Glimpse of Royalty: Balmoral Castle
As we meandered through the rolling hills and lush forests of Aberdeenshire, I couldn’t resist stopping by Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family. The castle is open to the public and you may plan a visit inside the Castle. Other than that, the surrounding estate offered plenty of walking trails. we spent a delightful hour or so wandering through the grounds and the river Dee, the grandeur of the estate seeping into our soul. It’s easy to see why the Royals cherish this retreat.
Next Stop: Braemar:
As we are taking the A93 route, a stop in Braemar within the Cairngorms National Park is a must. Enjoy stunning mountain views and, if you’re lucky, spot some local wildlife too.
Next Stop: Perth:
Another wonderful place to take a break, Perth, known as the “Gateway to the Highlands,” offers beautiful riverside walks and charming cafes. Make sure to visit Scone Palace, the historic crowning place of Scottish kings. We rested at a local Starbucks and refuelled for our next journey.
Final Stop: The Kelpies:
Although we have visited Falkirk multiple times, we decided to take a detour to see The Kelpies in the evening. This is one of the advantages of Scottish summer, as the sunset is around 10 pm, allowing us to spend more time outside in the daylight. The 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures located in The Helix Park always attract us. The name “Kelpies” comes from the mythological creatures in Scottish folklore that are said to possess the strength and endurance of ten horses. This name is reflective of the transformational change and endurance of Scotland’s inland waterways and communities.
The children spent some time playing on the ground, enjoying hot chocolates and ice creams. We also relished an evening walk by the canal. Our home is just 30 minutes away from the Kelpies. Finally, we reached home at around 10.30 pm.
Reflections: More than Just a Drive from Glasgow to Aberdeen
This road trip was more than just a journey from Glasgow to Aberdeen; it was a reminder of the beauty of taking things slow and savouring every moment. From historic castles and tranquil lochs to majestic mountains and vibrant cities, Scotland’s landscapes are a tapestry of experiences waiting to be unravelled. If you ever find yourself with a free weekend and a thirst for adventure, I highly recommend this leisurely road trip. Remember, the joy is in the journey as much as the destination.
Until Next Time, Happy Travels!
Tips for Your Road Trip:
- Plan Ahead: Plan for your entire trip before so that you’ll have more to explore.
- Pack Snacks: While there are plenty of great places to eat along the way, having snacks on hand is always a good idea.
- Take Medicines: Although you will find pharmacy everywhere, but it is a good idea of having necessary medicines in case you need.
- Stay Flexible: Some of the best experiences come from spontaneous detours.
- Bring a Camera: The landscapes are incredibly picturesque, and you’ll want to capture those memories.
- Check Opening Hours: Make sure to check the opening hours of any attractions you want to visit, as they can vary seasonally.
- Take Extra Clothes: Take extra clothes for kids in case you need
- Take Warm Waterproof Clothes: You never know about the Scottish weather, so always carry some warm and rain proof clothes.