The best way to experience Scotland may be by rail.

Theres something I love abouttrain travel: Even while sitting still, you dont miss a moment.

And when it comes toScotland, the best way to experience the country is by rail.

Cows grazing in Scotland

Holly-Marie Cato

This trip is about the journey, not just the destination.

Holly-Marie Cato

I began my tour of Scotland in Edinburgh.

The sound of bagpipes followed me around the city center, with men dressed in traditional Scottish kilts.

Sunset on Edinburgh, Scotland from Apex Waterloo Hotel

Holly-Marie Cato

My favorite meal in Edinburgh was atLuckenbooths.

(Don’t worry, I was sharing.)

Even better, I learned all the food is locally sourced.

Young bagpiper in tradition ceremonial kilt

Holly-Marie Cato

The best thing about Glen Coe is the landscape.

I woke up early to savor the crisp autumn air.

It’s worth hiring a local tour guide to show you the lay of the land.

Scottish bagpipers play in family clan kilts

Holly-Marie Cato

A 30-minute drive from Ballachulish Hotel is Ben Nevis Distillery, a must-visit during any visit.

This award-winning small-batch distillery has created some of the smoothest whisky from the waters of the Ben Nevis mountain.

It’s worth stopping here for lunch before catching a ferry over to theIsle of Skye.

Green Pantheon in Edinburgh, Scotland

Holly-Marie Cato

(I’m making it my mission to visit the island on my next Scottish venture.)

The Isle of Skye is clearly visible from the Mallaig train station.

I joined the famousJacobite cruiseand voyaged along the legendary waters of Loch Ness.

Scotland landmarks and architecture

Holly-Marie Cato

You’d be hard-pressed to make it to the Highlands without learning about the Jacobite uprising.

Scottish history is seared into the minds of every countryman.

I ended my Scotland trip in Inverness.

Royal Mile, Edinburgh castle in Scotland

Holly-Marie Cato

I stopped at Cup & Cone with a friend to enjoy one of the best oat cappuccinos and pastries.

Suddenly, nothing aboutvisiting Scotlandfeels daunting.

Knowing I’ll be back to Scotland soon.

Interior hotel and foot dishes in Scotland

Holly-Marie Cato

View of Scotland from train

Holly-Marie Cato

Glencoe, Scotland lake

Holly-Marie Cato

Barrels of scotch at Ben Nevis Distillery

Holly-Marie Cato

Boats on the water in Mallaig, Scotland

Holly-Marie Cato

Train station in Mallaig, Scotland

Holly-Marie Cato

Mallaig, Scotland boats

Holly-Marie Cato

Passengers board West Coast Rail steam train in Scotland

Holly-Marie Cato

Jacobite cruise on Loch Ness in Scotland

Holly-Marie Cato

A couple walks a stone bridge in the Scotish Highlands

Holly-Marie Cato

Landscapes of Scotland

Holly-Marie Cato

View of Eileen Donan Castle in Western Highlands, Scotland

Holly-Marie Cato

Clan MacKenzie fort in Scotland

Holly-Marie Cato

Historical site of Battle of Colloden in Scotland

Holly-Marie Cato

Interior of West Coast Rail steam train

Holly-Marie Cato