For some VERY odd reason, Scotland was never on my travel list radar. Due to COVID-19 – travel was basically non-existent this year. We did plan a socially distanced getaway to Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands though, and it was an absolutely incredible time. And not just because I’ve been sitting in my bedroom for the last 5 months. It was truly a breath of fresh air in so many ways. Returning to London was difficult! Here are some of my vegan, GF, low FODMAP Scotland finds and adventures in the Scottish Highlands!

Cairngorms & Inverness

We set forth from Edinburgh through the Cairngorms and up to Inverness. Key memories of our drive through included seeing a Scottish Wildcat (a MUST-DO of my Scotland trip!) at the Highland Wildlife Park. As well as four-wheeling adventures to see hairy coos at Rothiemurchus. The gift shop at Rothiemurchus also had a fine selection of GF items!

We stayed just outside of the city center of Inverness. It allowed us a quiet respite though still being close enough to most things to see in the main part of town. Inverness had some hidden gems of places to eat!

Tiger on the Wall
Beautiful, spicy vegan & GF curry options.

The Alleycat
Entirely vegan cafe with GF options. Vegan haggis!

About an hour drive outside of Inverness is the Fyrish Monument. A relatively quick hike up a hill to a historical landmark and amazing views. On the way back we discovered the Highland Farm Cafe. GF options plenty, they were so accommodating to make me a vegan lunch as well. The gift shop was very adorable and filled with local products & snacks.

One special thing I loved about our hikes in Scotland was discovering all the mushies. The mushrooms in Scotland are adorable & beautiful!

Loch Ness & Invermoriston

On our way from Inverness to the Isle of Skye, we went through both Loch Ness (sadly no Nessie sightings) and Invermoriston. We did find that Loch Ness boasted some lovely views, should you be passing through the area stop and take a look. We didn’t book in advance for any stops, but Urquhart Castle is a popular attraction along the way.

Glen Rowan Cafe
We did come across this adorable cafe in Invermoriston which is a perfect pit stop along the way. We were able to sit outside, have a lovely tea and GF sandwich/salad.

Isle of Skye

Onward to the Isle of Skye! This amazing part of our trip included so many stunning hikes and scenery. We did find some GF options out and about – but I also planned ahead and made many of our meals at our Airbnb. It was so much less stressful than trying to find a place to eat or deliver. Especially since we wanted to have a calm, relaxing trip away from city centers. We stayed near Portree and were able to do lots of day trips around the Isle.

Fairy Glen

We drove out to the Fairy Glen – and I must say, it was a surprisingly wonderful time. The green grassy hills and windy (and windy!) paths made you feel like you certainly stepped foot into a storybook.

Portree & Scorrybreac Trail

A hike starting in the town center of Portree takes you out past Loch Portree and some rolling hills/open areas. A good place to see hairy coos. I would strongly suggest not approaching them, as tempting as that may seem!

The Granary Cafe – Portree
Escaping the rain, we found this delightful little cafe for a coffee and a piece of GF carrot cake. By the time we were finished, we saw a break in the weather so we then quickly drove to….

Old Man of Storr
This was an impromptu hike powered by carrot cake! The rock formations and fog at the top just made the entire place seem like another planet.

Trip Favorite: The Quiraing.

A definite must-see on the Isle of Skye. We lucked out and had fine weather this morning (minus a few little showers on our way down). This hike is quite full of adventure and the views are absolutely epic. Parts of the hike would be considered strenuous, but every part of it was worth the climb! We went around the Quiraing circuit trail counter-clockwise.

Neist Point & Dunvegan

We took a drive over to the far western side of the Isle of Skye, stopping in Dunvegan along the way. We stopped at the cafe inside The Dunvegan (also rooms to stay). Nearby there is also Dunvegan Castle, we didn’t stop here – but had a glimpse of it on our drive out to Coral Beach. I can’t say Coral Beach was worth it – perhaps in better weather!

The Dunvegan Cafe
Yummy chips and cutest GF bun around! My husband enjoyed a huge sausage.

Neist Point
SO WINDY! I’d recommend taking the path to the left of the parking lot, up the hill to the viewpoint. There are cows up there too! We didn’t walk out to the lighthouse itself.

Homemade Meal Ideas

One huge difference in travel for us these days is meal planning. With COVID and food allergens, it was far easier to bring along some easy dinners after our days of exploring.

Vegan Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup.
I made these toasties with leftover kale and tomatoes. Sheese vegan cheese melts perfectly! I found it in the health food shop in Portree.

Amisa Organic Veggie Burger Mix
I purchased this mix and brought it with on our trip! Just add water, some kale and hummus and we had a delish dinner.

Glencoe

On our way out from the Isle of Skye, we stopped at a fantastic cafe for GLUTEN FREE PANCAKES. GF Pancakes are just a holiday must. I’m glad we found them!

Cafe Sia & Siaway

A must-stop, these guys know their allergens.

Bideam Nam Bian

“Just a little further” – seemingly our motto of the day. We were completely spoiled by a totally clear-sky sunny Friday in Scotland. The weather couldn’t have been more beautiful. Powered by this, we decided to try the first part of a hike in the Glencoe area called The Lost Valley.

Reaching the valley, we looked ahead and laughed at our insanity for thinking we were going to do the entire hike. We decided to walk a little further, then started up a portion of the mountain. Before we knew it we were basically halfway up and there was no stopping us now. Parts of the hike were quite a scramble. The summit was cold but stunning, and we really felt an amazing sense of accomplishment! I don’t think I physically pushed myself in this way for many moons.

We hobbled our aching legs back into the town of Glencoe and found the Glencoe cafe for a lovely tea & GF flapjack.

Glencoe Cafe
GF/Vegan options – breads for toasties and a small selection of baked goods. Unique selection of local gifts.

Glencoe Lochan Trail
Since it was such an amazing afternoon, we took advantage and also walked this super easy, super beautiful circuit path in town.

Loch Lomand

Heading back south (sadly) back home…we had one more stop in the Loch Lomand area.

Well worth a swing by on the way into the Loch Lomand area is the nearby Kilchurn Castle. You can drive out to a viewpoint across the pond – or head to the castle and walk right up to it.

Further on into Loch Lomand, I had it recommended to me to stop at The Real Food Cafe (looks like they have amazing GF Fish & Chips). But when we arrived it was much too busy a scene for our preference. So we continued on the road and fortunately came across Country Mumkins At The Artisan Cafe. This ADORABLE cafe was just good, old fashion home cooking. They were more than happy to help craft me a GF/Veg lunch.

We stayed for the night in the Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha. On site was a pub featuring GF options on their dinner menu. I had a salad with a very generous portion of potatoes. Best of all, there is a cafe next door called St. Mocha – EVERYTHING in their bakery display case was gluten free! I was certainly spoiled for choice. Definitely took some inspirations back for my recipes.

Oak Tree Inn Pub

St Mocha Coffee Shop & Ice Cream Parlour

The Scottish Highlands was probably one of my favorite trips ever. The balance of much-needed relaxation mixed with the outdoor adventure was exactly what the soul needed. I look forward to any opportunity to visit this friend to the north again someday.

Cheers :)
Sara