Exploring Scotland in November: A Photographer’s Travel Guide to the Highlands, Cities, and Hidden Corners | My 10-Day Journey Across the Highlands and Cities

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As a destination wedding and elopement photographer based on the Central Coast of California, I’m always chasing beautiful light, rich history, and landscapes that feel like they belong in a storybook.

Scotland had been on my list for years, and this fall, I finally made the trip.

We spent 10 nights in early November, traveling from Edinburgh to Inverness to Oban to Glasgow and back to Edinburgh. If you’re someone who loves exploring, road-tripping, and soaking in as much as possible during a trip, Scotland is an absolute dream.

Whether you’re planning your own Scotland adventure, scouting for your elopement location, or simply love travel inspiration, here’s everything I learned, loved, and would do differently — from the perspective of a photographer obsessed with beautiful scenery, thoughtful people, and good food.

What Surprised Me About Scotland in November

Visiting Scotland in November ended up being such a pleasant surprise:

• It wasn’t busy — at all
• We caught the tail end of fall color, with pockets of yellow and orange everywhere
• It wasn’t freezing; we had mild weather until the last two days
• The light was soft, moody, cinematic, and dreamy for photos

If you’re considering a Scotland elopement or couples session in fall, early November is incredible for avoiding crowds and capturing that atmospheric charm.

What I Would Do Differently Next Time

As photographers tend to learn the hard way, timing can make or break the entire experience. From chasing the right light to showing up at sites that have just closed for the season, the smallest shift in timing can dramatically impact your itinerary, your photos, and even the overall magic of a trip.

In a place like Scotland, being a little too early or a little too late can mean the difference between golden hour magic and a missed opportunity.

If I could redo anything, I would:

• Go one to two weeks earlier, since many castles and farms close at the end of October
• Leave more time for Highlands hiking and slow mornings
• Add buffer time to the driving schedule (Google Maps is optimistic in Scotland)
• Remember that short daylight hours mean your daily itinerary gets tight

What I Loved Most About Scotland

There’s something about this country that lingers long after you’ve left.

Maybe it’s the way every corner feels like a scene from a fairytale, or how the landscape constantly shifts between moody and magical. What stood out most to me, though, wasn’t just the beauty.

It was the feeling. The warmth of the people. The sense of stillness and history woven into every stone street. The quiet magic that makes you want to stay just a little longer, even when the rain rolls in.

• The kindness of the people
• How locals jump in to help without hesitation
• The fairytale architecture in every city
• Vast, unreal Highlands landscapes
• Crisp, delicious tap water
• Free museums
• A slower lifestyle — no honking, rushing, or chaos
• A surprisingly great live music scene

10-Day Exploring Scotland Itinerary and Highlights

Edinburgh — 4 Days

Edinburgh feels like stepping into a storybook.

Gothic spires stretch into overcast skies, the cobblestone streets seem to echo with history, and every corner holds a new layer of charm. From misty mornings at Calton Hill to golden hour light bouncing off the castle walls, it’s a dream for photographers who love texture, depth, and that classic moody aesthetic.

The entire city feels like it was designed for wandering—camera in hand, curiosity wide open.

Must-See Highlights

• Edinburgh Castle
• Dean Village
• Calton Hill
• The National Museum of Scotland
• The Scotch Whisky Experience
• The Islander Workshop (I made my own tweed handbag!)
• Edinburgh Zoo (highly recommend the sloths Fiona and Nico)

Food and Drinks

• Lannan Bakery
• The Milkman
• Ghillie Dhu
• Dusit
• Fisher’s in the City
• Vittoria on the Bridge
• Panda and Sons (ranked best bar in the world this year)

Inverness — 2 Days

A smaller, slower city that still has so much charm.

Favorites

• St. Andrews Golf Course (on the way up)
• Urquhart Castle overlooking Loch Ness
• Drumbuie Farm B&B and Coo Experience (meet the famous Highland cows)
• Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery

Food

• XOKO Bakehouse and Cantina
• Hootananny (lively music)
• The Mustard Seed
• Black Isle Bar and Rooms
• La Le Turkish Mediterranean (my favorite meal in Inverness)

Places I couldn’t get into but wanted to

• River House
• Hou Hou Mei

Drive to Oban — 1 Day

This stretch felt like a road-trip highlight reel.

Stops Along the Way

• Fort Augustus
• Fort William
• Glencoe (my favorite landscape of the trip)

Oban — 1 Day

A small coastal town with personal meaning.
My husband’s grandmother’s family roots are here.

Highlights

• Stayed in a tiny home
• Night hike to McCaig’s Tower and Battery Hill
• Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel
• Breakfast at Poppies
• A cozy drink at The Oban Inn

Glasgow — 3 Days

Glasgow surprised me in the best way.
It’s grittier, artsy, urban, and full of heart. And the people were the nicest of the entire trip.

Top Experiences

• Walking through the University of Glasgow
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
• The Stand Comedy Club
• Mini golf
• Exploring the West End

Best Food and Drinks

• The Lansdowne Indian
• Amber Regent (best meal and service of the trip)
• Hillhead Bookclub
• The Absent Ear (incredible speakeasy)
• The Howlin’ Wolf

New Favorite Drinks from Scotland

• Passionfruit martini
• Thistly Cross cider
• Squashies gummies (not a drink, but lifechanging)

Thinking of a Scotland Elopement or Destination Session?

Scotland is one of the most magical places I’ve ever traveled. Between dramatic cliff lines, foggy mountains, historic castles, and warm people, it’s a dream backdrop for:

• Elopements
• Vow renewals
• Engagement sessions
• Honeymoon sessions
• Destination weddings

If you’re planning on exploring Scotland and want photographs that capture more than just beautiful landscapes — images that are full of story, texture, emotion, and a sense of place. I’d be honored to document your adventure. Whether it’s an elopement, a honeymoon session, or simply a journey worth remembering, I specialize in turning meaningful travel moments into timeless visual stories.

Let’s make something unforgettable together.
Reach out to connect.