One of the most common ways for Belgians and Dutch people to travel to Scotland with a vehicle is the ferry connection between Ijmuiden and Newcastle. There used to be more options, but they've all disappeared.

In any case, embarkation and disembarkation usually go very smoothly, and if desired, you can join the evening and morning buffets. You certainly won't go hungry or thirsty during the journey. As is often the case on ferries, space in the sleeping cabins is very limited, unless you're willing to shell out a considerable amount of money. In the morning, the journey can truly begin in Newcastle. Be aware that for a trip to Scotland, part of the United Kingdom, you need a valid passport if you are Dutch or Belgian. Since April 2, 2025, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) has also been required for short stays. You must apply for this ETA online in advance via the official British website or app. This is not free, but it is valid for two years.

After police/customs checks, we'll leave Newcastle as quickly as possible, unless you're a fan of industrial areas. The fastest way north is via the A1 and M9. Since the travel distance is quite long, this is the preferred route.

After about 113 km, you'll reach the Scottish border, although it's long since ceased to be a proper border. However, it's still a nice photo album to stop for a selfie or group photo at the famous "Scotland" sign. Then you'll follow the coastline for a while to Burnmouth, which can yield some beautiful panoramic views in clear weather.

Then it heads further west towards Edinburgh. After 150 km/2 hours, you might already be feeling a slight caffeine hit. At Dunbar, this can be replenished in the shopping center, where there are plenty of options besides a gas station. Edinburgh itself is avoided due to time constraints. However, this city certainly has enough to keep you entertained for quite a while. By the way, if you ever get the chance to spend an evening there in August, the Military Tattoo, which takes place there almost the entire month of every year, is absolutely fantastic.

Also quite special is the Falkirk Wheel in the village of the same name. Since you're in the area anyway, you might as well visit this engineering marvel. There are plenty of parking spaces, but it's possible to drive right up to the entrance by motorbike and park there.
It's the world's only rotating boat lift, designed to lift boats 24 meters in a single pass between two canals. Previously, eleven locks were required, taking an entire day. Now, it takes just 5 minutes! This engineering marvel—which uses two gondolas filled with water—was completed in 2002. It's unbelievable, but the motor that drives it all requires only 1.5 kWh of energy per cycle. It's also an architectural gem. It's become a tourist attraction with guided tours and boat trips, but a short path starting from the parking lot offers a perfect view of its operation.

After this brief stop, the journey continues. By leaving the M9 to visit the Falkirk Wheel, you'll miss The Kelpies, the famous artwork featuring two horse heads. In Dunkeld, you'll reach "the Gateway to the Highlands." You've thus reached the geological boundary of the Scottish Highlands. To avoid any surprises, it's best to refuel in Ballinluig and top up your personal reserves at the adjacent Ballinluig Motor Grill.

A little further on, you'll take the A924, leaving the main roads behind. This is your first real introduction to the Scottish Highlands and a taste of all the beauty yet to come. The A93 follows, and the views become increasingly beautiful. The altitude also increases, and eventually you'll even pass a ski area: the Glenshee Ski Centre. If you have the time and inclination, the Tea & TheShee bar is a popular stop, from where you can begin the final stretch of the route.

A few kilometers past Braemar, the silhouette of a striking building appears between the trees. Braemar Castle originally dates back to the 17th century and was home to the influential Farquharson clan. The castle has been modified several times to meet the needs of the times, and a particularly striking feature is the star-shaped wall surrounding it. This was intended to prevent any attackers from entering. After being used by the army for a while, it was abandoned and fell into disrepair. Fortunately, it has been renovated and is once again open to the public.

Further along the route, on the left, you'll see another remarkable castle: Corgarff Castle. A striking resemblance to the previous one is the star-shaped defensive wall surrounding the building. It belonged to the Forbes family, but after 1746, it also served a military purpose. This castle has been restored and is open to visitors.

If you don't have time for a visit, you can stop a little further away at the parking lot near the artwork "The Watchers." You can literally sit inside the artwork and enjoy the magnificent panorama—including the castle—that stretches out from this vantage point.

But by now, time is probably running out, and you're longing for your final destination, Aviemore. This town offers several accommodation options, including the McDonald's Morlich Hotel and many others. For quite a few Harley enthusiasts, the name Aviemore evokes memories, thanks to the annual Thunder in the Glens event, organized by local chapters.

And so this challenging connecting ride comes to an end. A ride that will surely leave you wanting more...