10 day trip in scotland

10 Days in Scotland: The Ultimate Itinerary + My Best Tips

The best itinerary for 10 days in scotland.

You’re planning to spend 10 days in Scotland and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this 9, 10 or 11 days itinerary in Scotland .

During your trip, you will discover some of the country’s best places to visit such as Edinburgh , The Highlands , The Isle of Skye and Glasgow .

In addition to the must-see attractions for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, how to spend 10 days in Scotland?

Let’s find out!

Where to stay in Edinburgh

Where to stay in fort william, 3) glenfinnan and fort william (1 day), 4) glencoe valley (1 day), 5) loch ness (1 day), where to stay on the isle of skye, 7) loch lomond and the trossachs national park (1 day), where to stay in glasgow, scotland tours: 10 days.

• You’re traveling to Scotland? These articles will help you!

1) Edinburgh (2 days)

For your 10 days trip to Scotland , you have the choice between landing in Glasgow or Edinburgh.

In my opinion the best is to arrive in Edinburgh and take your return flight from Glasgow . This will allow  allow you to visit the 2 main cities of the country, at the beginning and at the end of your trip.

If it’s more convenient for you (for the flights prices/schedules or the car rental for example), you can arrive and leave from the same city. Edinburgh and Glasgow are located within an hour of each other.

Once you arrive in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, pick up your rental car. Renting a car is clearly the best way to discover the country !

In order to pay the best price for your booking, you should use Rentalcars.com . I always use this website for 3 reasons:

• You can compare rates from all car hire companies very easily and get the best price for a 10 day car hire in Scotland.
• Opt for the “full protection ” insurance to be fully refunded in case of an accident or theft. Tested and approved – they refunded me more than 1300€ in total! 😎
• Cancelling or modifying your booking is free.

You want to rent a car? If you already know your travel dates, you should compare rates and rent it now to get the best price (car rental prices only go up with time):

If you’re returning your car at a different airport than the one you’re arriving at, make sure to choose a rental company that doesn’t charge extra fees.

Now that you’ve got your car, let’s head to the center of Edinburgh for the first part of your 10-day trip to Scotland .

The city of Edinburgh is divided into two parts: you should start by discovering the medieval city (Old Town) on your first day, then devote your second day to visiting New Town , the contemporary part of the city.

Old Town district extends around the Royal Mile , the main street that runs from Edinburgh castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

You will first visit the famous Edinburgh Castle . Perched at the top of an ancient volcano, it offers great views over Edinburgh and the sea.

It will take you around 2 hours to visit the castle and discover the different rooms, objects and very interesting exhibitions. As it’s the most touristic monument in Scotland, you should really book your tickets online in advance here . You will save a lot of time!

After visiting the castle, walk down the Royal Mile , a beautiful cobbled street lined with medieval buildings. On either side of the avenue, don’t hesitate to explore the small alleyways and courtyards , they are really typical of this part of Edinburgh.

Throughout your walk along the Royal Mile you will discover several interesting monuments, including:

• Saint Gile’s Cathedral
• Canongate Kirk
• The Real Mary King’s Close (this guided tour is amazing!)
• Milne’s Court
• Dunbar’s Close Garden
• White Horse Close
• Scottish Parliament House

There are also several free museums:

• Museum of Edinburgh, about the history of the city
• Writer’s Museum, dedicated to Scottish literature
• The Museum of Childhood and its many old toys
• The People’s Story, to learn more about the working-class people of Edinburgh from the 18th century to the present day.

At the very end of the Royal Mile , you will come across the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the second residence of The Queen and former home of Mary Stuart. The interior, gardens, abbey ruins and art galleries are worth a visit!

Just like for the castle, you should really book your ticket in advance here.

After your visit, you should really go to Arthur’s Seat hill. This corner of countryside in the heart of the city is located just behind the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

If you’re motivated, you can hike to the top of this ancient volcano (1h30-2h round trip) and enjoy a magnificent view over the city of Edinburgh.

For dinner, if you want to try something different, you can go to David Bann, a vegetarian restaurant on St Mary’s Street (remember to book in advance). I am not vegetarian and I loved it, the food was delicious!

After dinner, enjoy a digestive stroll through the lively Grassmarket district and along Candlemaker Row . This street will take you to the picturesque Greyfriars Cemetery , famous for being one of the most haunted in the world 👻.

To enjoy the visit and hear ghost stories, the best is to opt for a guided tour. They are organized every evening and need to be booked here.

Here a a few more ideas of things to do in Old Town:

• Camera Obscura and World of Illusions : a very interesting museum about optical illusions. Located at the beginning of the Royal Mile, close to the castle. An great activity to do if you’re traveling to Scotland with you family! Tickets can be bought here.
• Drink tea or have an English breakfast in a “so British” atmosphere at Clarinda’s Tearoom , located at the end of the Royal Mile at 69 Canongate Street (Good to know: it closes at 4.30pm).
• Join a Ghost Tour: a guided tour focusing on the dark history of Edinburgh. The double-decker black bus will take you to some of the most haunted places in the city! Make sure you have a seat by booking it here now.

The best way to make the most of your visit to Edinburgh’s Old Town is to opt for a guided tour.

You will have the chance to learn more about the best historical sites of the city such as Edinburgh castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Parliament.

This guided tour of Edinburgh can be booked directly here:

For the second day of your 10-day tour in Scotland , you will visit New Town , the modern side of Edinburgh .

Built at the end of the 18th century, New Town is developed around 3 main streets: Princes Street, Queen Street and Georges Street . There, you will discover typical Georgian architecture, large and elegant squares, vast green spaces and pretty streets.

Here are the best places to see in New Town:

• Princes Street Gardens: these beautiful gardens mark the border with Old Town. You can admire a superb panorama of the medieval city and relax on the large and well-tended lawns.
• Charlotte Square, one of the prettiest areas of New Town. There, you can see the official residence of the Prime Minister (Bute House – No. 6) and visit a typical Georgian house (No. 7). You should also take the time to stroll through the charming streets of the neighborhood.
• Calton Hill: located in the Regents Garden. Climb this small hill to enjoy a beautiful view over Old Town and the coast.
• Visit one of the free national museums for a cultural break: the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and/or the Scottish National Gallery.
• Dean Village: This former millers village is located 15-20 minute walk from the city center. Walking along the river in this quiet district is very pleasant!
• The Royal Botanic Garden: here you can admire the largest collection of rhododendrons in the world. The 28 hectares of gardens feature several greenhouses, an arboretum, a Chinese garden, lots of flowers and even lovely squirrels.

Spend your last night in Edinburgh and get a good rest before hitting thee road the next morning.

To learn more about Edinburgh, you should read my detailed article: Top 20 things to do in Edinburgh.

To save money, you can purchase the Royal Edinburgh Ticket. It grants you access to the Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and a guided bus tour. Get it right here!

A quick note about parking: It’s important to know that most parkings in the city center are limited to 4 hours . There are also a few long term car parks, but they are quite expensive.

• Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel: Youth hostel located only 800 meters from the train station and Princes Street. Bed in a dormitory from 30€ per night, breakfast at 6€. Strong points: cleanliness, great location, friendly staff.
• Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket: Located in the city centre, 10 minutes walk from the castle. Contemporary and elegant double room from 90€, breakfast included. Strong points: the very helpful staff, the spacious rooms, the very comfortable bed. It is my favorite for its amazing value for money!
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh: Located on the historic Royal Mile Street, 10 minutes from the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Chic and refined double room from 200€ per night, breakfast at 14€. Strong points: central location, spa, heated indoor swimming pool, gym, and the excellent breakfast!
• Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh: 5 star hotel located on the Royal Mile, 600 meters away from the castle. This luxury hotel offers comfortable and elegant double rooms starting at 300€ per night, breakfast at 18€. Strong points: located in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic centre, the interior design, very helpful staff, absolute comfort. This is the best hotel for a luxury stay in Edinburgh!

2) Scone Palace and going to the Highlands (1 day)

It’s time to start the 2nd part of your 10-day itinerary in Scotland !

Today, you will go to Perth and spend half a day at Scone Palace, a beautiful Georgian Gothic palace built in 1808 on a large estate by the Mansfield family. It’s located about an hour’s drive from Edinburgh .

Take your time to visit the interior of the castle and its rich collections: you will discover very beautiful objects and paintings. And if you have questions, a guide is present in each room to give you all the details about the history of this palace and its owners.

The visit takes around 1 hour .

Afterwards, walk through the superb gardens and discover the small chapel where many kings were crowned, a very beautiful collection of trees including huge Douglas pines, several vegetable gardens and greenhouses, a maze, a cemetery, a former prison… In spring, the rhododendron beds in the park are also very nice.

After your visit, let’s continue your 10 days road trip in Scotland and head towards the Highlands , one of the most beautiful and wildest regions of Scotland. You will spend the next 3 days there!

By car, it will take you about 3 hours to reach Fort William.

Once there, take advantage of the rest of the day to explore the surroundings and spend your 1st night in Fort William .

• Fort William Backpackers: Located in the center of Fort William. Bed in a dormitory from 22€. Strong points: the atmosphere, the welcome, the location. The best choice for backpackers!
• Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club: Located 1.5 km from Fort William. Scottish style double room starting at 100€/night with breakfast included. Strong points: indoor heated swimming pool, the free parking, the breakfast.
• Nevis Bank Inn: Located on the banks of Nevis river, 10 minutes away from Fort William’s town center. Large double room from 190€, breakfast included. Strong points: pleasant staff, very clean and a good restaurant.
• Inverlochy Castle Hotel: 5-star hotel located 6 km away from Fort William. The place is actually a small castle that offers double rooms with a view on the gardens and the peak of Glen Nevis. Prices start at 550€ breakfast included. Strong points: the extraordinary setting, the amazing breakfast and the wonderful staff. The best choice for a luxury trip to the Highlands!

This morning, you will leave Fort William and head to Steall Falls , located 20 minutes drive away.

Park your car and go for a short hike to get a good grasp of the Highlands countryside: hills, waterfalls, sheep, cows and moors as far as the eye can see! And if it’s foggy and rainy, no problem: it just makes this walk is even more authentic.

After the hike, drive to Glenfinnan , about 30 minutes from Fort William. Glenfinnan is especially famous among Harry Potter’s fan, as a few scenes of the movies were shot here.

In Glenfinann, you can see:

• The famous 21-arch viaduct that everyone comes to admire. This bridge is featured in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” movie, on a scene with the Hogwarts Express. From Glenfinann Visitor Centre, you can access a viewpoint offering a great view of the viaduct. Twice a day (in the morning around 10.30am and in the afternoon around 3pm), the Jacobite Express (Hogwarts Express real life counterpart, a steam train traveling from Fort William to Mallaig) passes by the viaduct, with many fans of the J.K. Rowling saga watching in amazement. It feels a bit like being in the movie!
• The Glenfinnan Monument: a statue erected at the top of a tower located on the edge of Loch Shiel, in memory of an ancient battle against the English. You can climb to the top of the tower (with a guide) to admire a beautiful view over the loch and the hills.
• The Glenfinnan Church: a charming small Gothic church overlooking Loch Shiel. Very photogenic.
• Glenfinnan Station Museum: this tiny museum is located in the restored ancient train station.There, you will learn more about the viaduct and the history of Scottish railways.
• Glenfinnan Visitor Centre Walks: 45 minutes to 1 hour long, nice loops through the hills, perfect to enjoy the beautiful landscapes.

Spend a second night in Fort William .

To learn everything about the best places to visit in the Highlands, you should read my detailed article: Top 20 things to do in the Highlands .

For the 5th day of your 9-10 day trip to Scotland, you will discover Glencoe Valley, characterized by high mountains and many small waterfalls . It’s one of the most beautiful place to visit in the Highlands!

In the morning, head to Glencoe, a pretty village in the heart of the valley located less than 30 minutes drive from Fort William .

From Glencoe , you can do short hikes on the Lochan Trails . These 1-hour easy forest walks are a great way to get a glimpse of the region! They start from the end of the main street , close to the war memorial.

If you’re motivated, you can also do the Pap of Glencoe hike . This superb 4-hour round trip hike will take you through breathtaking scenery up to the top of the Pap of Glencoe mountain.

The ascent is not very difficult (anyone in decent physical shape can do it), but you should still bring good shoes as it’s quite a climb. At the top, you will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over the valley and loch Leven . It’s really worth the effort, it’s in my opinion one of the most beautiful hikes in Scotland!

A few other hikes to do in Glencoe:

• The Signal Rock hike . It starts close to Glencoe Visitor Centre. This beautiful 45 minutes round trip walk takes you to the top of Signal Rock hill.
• The Lost Valley Trek starts about 9 km from Glencoe. This hike takes around 3 hours round trip.

If you have some time left at the end of the day, you can go to Castle Stalker , located on the way to Port Appin. This small medieval castle built on an island in the middle of Loch Linnhe seems to come straight out of a fairy tale!

To visit the castle, you will need to book in advance as it can only be reached by boat. But to be honest, it’s just as pleasant to look at it from the shore and take a few nice pictures.

Spend another night in Fort William.

You can’t visit Scotland in 10 days without going to the Loch Ness !

Famous all over the world thanks to the legend of Nessie , it’s the second largest loch in the country with its 30 kilometers in length. The Loch Ness is located between Inverness (the capital of the Highlands, in the north) and Fort Augustus (in the south).

In the morning, you will head to Fort Augustus (about 50 minutes drive from Fort William). This pretty village built on the edge of Loch Ness will be the first stop of your day!

You can start with a Loch Ness cruise: go to the Loch Ness Cruise desk on the canal (opposite the locks) and book yours for around £20 per person.

Depending on your preferences, you can choose between a cruise on a big boat or a speedboat.

Have lunch at Fort Augustus and then go to Drumnadrochit . The road going there goes along the loch and offers a great scenery! It will take you about 40 minutes to reach the village.

Once you arrive, you can visit the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre to learn more about the legend of the Loch Ness Monster , enjoy the pretty terraces in the center and go for a pleasant walk.

While you’re in Drumnadrochit, you should really visit Urquhart Castle , located just outside the village.

This ruined medieval castle built on the edge of the loch offers magnificent viewpoints . The visit is very interesting, and if you’re lucky enough to be there on a (relatively) sunny day, it’s simply magical!

If you want to save money , the best is clearly to opt for a combined ticket: Loch Ness cruise + visit to Urquhart Castle . It costs only €25 per person and includes a one hour boat trip plus a visit to the castle. You need to book it using the button below:

At the end of the afternoon, if you still have time and don’t mind the extra driving time, you should continue your journey around Loch Ness and go towards Inverness. You can make a stop there if you want, but it’s “just a medium sized city”.

Then, take the road back to Fort William.

This time, you will drive on the east bank of Loch Ness . You will pass by the village of Dores and its small pebble beach offering a beautiful view over the entire length of the loch .

In Dores, you might meet Steve Feltham, a monster hunter who has been living in this village since 1991. He tirelessly pursues his quest to find Nessie and sells small clay figurines to finance his researches!

Spend a last night in Fort William, as it’s quite convenient to go to the port of Mallaig from there on the next morning.

6) the Isle of Skye (2 days)

Let’s continue your 10-day itinerary in Scotland, and head to the magnificent Isle of Skye .

There are a lot of amazing places to visit, and 2 days will give you a good grasp of this beautiful island.

You can reach the Isle of Skye by ferry boat from Mallaig harbour or by car via the Skye bridge (close to Kyle of Lochalsh town).

Personally, I preferred to go there by boat from Mallaig (about 40 minutes). The round trip costs £6 per pedestrian and £20 per car. There are 9 crossings per day. You should take one of the first ones in the morning to spend as much time as possible on the island!

Once arrived on Skye, you should start by discovering the south-west of the island.

Drive to Sligachan and enjoy the wild and beautiful scenery along the way. Make a short stop at Sligachan’s beautiful stone bridge crossing river: It’s really worth a picture, with the magnificent Cuillin Hills mountain range in the background.

About 20 minutes drive away, don’t miss the Fairy Pools , an exceptional site located in the heart of the Cuillin Hills. From the Fairy Pools car park, you will need to walk about 30 minutes to reach this succession of small waterfalls flowing into a translucent pool.

Under the sunshine, the Fairy Pools look like tropical waters! This is really the perfect place for a picnic.

After lunch, if you wish to, you can keep exploring the Cuillin Hills for a bit: their landscapes are among the most beautiful on the island.

Then you can head to Dunvegan, where you can visit Dunvegan Castle and its garden (£14 ) and/or go on a boat trip to meet the seals (£7).

And if you have the time, you should really go to Neist Point: it’s the best place to admire the sunset on the Isle of Skye.

At the end of the day, drive back to Portree (30 minutes) and spend the night there .

On the next morning, after a good night of sleep, it’s time to go discover the north-eastern coast of the Isle of Skye.

Leave Portree early in the morning and take the A 855 road along the coast.

Your first stop will be the Old Man of Storr , a 50 meter tall rock located on the Trotternish ridge, 10 km from Portree.

You can admire it from the road or Park your car at the car park (well indicated) and do a 2 hours roundtrip hike to reach the foot of the rock. During the walk, you will enjoy great views over the Trotternish peninsula.

After this hike, get back to your car and drive for about 15 kilometers to reach Kilt Rock waterfall.  This 60-metre tall waterfall flows straight into the sea! (I must however warn you that the place is extremely touristic: you will for sure not be alone there.)

You will now drive north to Quiraing and its mountain range covered with moorland and peat bogs. There you can take a beautiful walk and discover superb panoramas over Staffin Bay .

Continue on the road until you reach the ruins of Duntulm Castle . In this mystical setting, take the time to soak up the beauty of the place and take a few nice pictures!

Then stop at the Skye Museum of Island Life , where you can visit several 19th- and 20th-century Scottish cottages. The visit will allow you to learn more about the modest daily life of the island’s inhabitants in the past (admission is only £2.5 per person).

After this second amazing day on the Isle of Skye, go back to Portree where you will spend your last night before leaving the island the next morning.

If you want more information about the Isle of Skye, you can read my detailed article: The 20 best things to do on the Isle of Skye .

The Isle of Skye being very touristic, I strongly advise you to book your accommodation as early as possible. Here are those offering the best value for money!

• Portree Youth Hostel: Youth hostel located in the center of Portree. Dormitory bed from 23€. Strong points: ideal location, cleanliness, staff. The best Youth Hostel of the island!
• Sky Lodges: Located at 2.9 km from Portree. You will stay in small, well-equipped and tastefully decorated wooden chalets starting at 130€ per night. Strong points: the ecological concept, the modern facilities, the cleanliness.
• Cuillin Hills Hotel: Located in a 6 hectare estate facing the bay of Portree. Double room with traditional decoration from 210€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the magnificent view, the succulent meals, the charming staff. My favorite hotel for its excellent location on the Isle of Skye!
• Skeabost House Hotel: Located on Loch Snizort, in Portree. Very cosy double room with view on the park or Loch from 270€, breakfast included. Strong points: the superb view, the comfort of the rooms, the very warm atmosphere, the golf course. This is my recommendation for a romantic stay on the Isle of Skye!

For the seventh stage of your 9-10 day itinerary in Scotland , you will discover Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Large lochs, moorlands as far as the eye can see, mountains and forest parks , nature lovers will for sure be delighted! As the Trossachs National park is quite big and you just have one day, you will have to focus on a small part of the park.

To make the most of this day, you should:

• Go to the village of Killin (2h30 drive from Mallaig) and spend a bit of time there. Killin is very pretty and you will be able to have lunch in front of the beautiful Dochart waterfalls, located in the village.
• Head to Tarbet . In this village located on the edge of Loch Lomond you will have the opportunity to take a cruise on the loch.
• Then, you can go to the town of Balmaha (about 40 minutes drive from Tarbet). It’s the starting point of an amazing 2h30 round trip hike that takes you to the top of Conic Hill. The view from up there is the best in the region!
• If you still have time after the hike, you can visit Stirling Castle ( tickets need to be bought here ) or simply admire it from the outside. And while you’re there, Doune Castle isn’t too far and is also worth a look.

In the evening, head back to Glasgow (less than an hour’s drive from Balmaha) and spend the night there. You will find my selection of the best hotels in Glasgow depending on your budget at the end of stage 8.

8) Glasgow (1 day)

This is already the eighth and last leg of your 10-day trip to Scotland! For this last day, you should stay in Glasgow and discover the city at your own pace before taking your return flight in the evening or the next morning.

Less touristic than Edinburgh, Glasgow , also known as the “city of architecture and design” , is very pleasant to visit and one day is enough to discover its must see attractions.

Let’s start from the beautiful Princes Square Shopping Centre, located on Buchanan Street in the city center. Next to it, you can find the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), a free museum that will delight modern art lovers!

Continue along Queen Street to arrive on Georges Square, the city’s main square .

Here you can admire several statues of historical figures, as well as the Glasgow City Chambers (City Hall) with its remarkable renaissance architecture. It’s one of the most touristic places in Glasgow.

Then you can head to Merchant City , where you’ll find the tiny Glasgow Police Museum , about Scottish police history. Admission to the museum is free and the tour just takes around one hour.

After the visit, continue your walk and go to Tolbooth Steeple , located at the crossroads of London Road, Gallowgate, Saltmarket, High Street and Trongat . Also named Glasgow Cross , this junction is the historic center of the medieval city.

Take a stroll around the area then head south on Saltmarket street to reach Glasgow Green, the city’s largest park. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a sunny day, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a picnic!

After lunch, head to St Mungo’s Cathedral , featuring magnificent Gothic architecture. It’s one of Glasgow’s must-see monuments.

Don’t miss the Necropolis , the cathedral’s Victorian cemetery located on the nearby hill. This monumental cemetery is the perfect place to enjoy a nice view over the cathedral and the city.

Head to Buchanan Street for a bit of shopping or a simple stroll down this large pedestrian avenue, amidst the many shops and street performers.

Then take the subway at Buchanan Street station and get off at Hillhead Street , from where you can walk to Glasgow University , one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

The university is an architectural masterpiece: its neogothic architecture will take you centuries back in time. Harry Potter fans among you will love it: during your visit, you might even think you’re at Hogwarts!

You can take a guided tour or explore some of the buildings, courtyards and very interesting museums free of charge .

After visiting the university, you can to Kelvingrove Park   located nearby. There, you can visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum . This free museum will allow you to discover one of the richest collections of civic art in Europe .

If you still have time, you can visit the Hunterian Art Gallery , located right next to the university. And if you prefer to take walk or enjoy a drink, you can go to Ashton Lane , a lovely and picturesque cobbled street featuring a few cafes and restaurants.

If your flight takes of the next morning, make the most of your last evening in Scotland and immerse yourself in Glasgow’s vibrant nightlife . This is the perfect way to end your 9-10-day trip in Scotland in a festive atmosphere!

To learn more about the best things to do in Glasgow, you should read my article: The 20 best things to do in Glasgow.

• The Z Hotel Glasgow: Located next to George Square, in the city center. Comfortable double room from €55 per night, breakfast at €9. Strong points: the location in the centre, aperitif offered every evening between 17:00 and 20:00 with wine, cheese and cold meats + the very welcoming staff. The best choice for a budget stay in Glasgow!
• Motel One Glasgow: Located 10 minutes walk from George Square and 200 meters from Buchanan Street. Beautiful double room starting from €95, breakfast from €11. Strong points: the setting, the location, the decoration, the competent staff. My favourite hotel for its exceptional value for money!
• citizenM Glasgow: Located 10 minutes walk from George Square. Elegant, modern and bright double room with large bay windows from 105€, breakfast 14€. Strong points: the design and style of the hotel, the kindness of the staff, the good breakfast.
• Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow: Located 5 minutes from the Museum of Modern Art and 700 from George Square. Spacious and quiet double room with comfortable bedding from €160, breakfast at €19. Strong points: very good breakfast, helpful staff, location.
• Blythswood Square: 5 star hotel located in Glasgow city centre. Very spacious and comfortable double room from 250€ per night, breakfast at 14€. Strong points: free access to the Spa at certain times, comfort, discretion of the staff. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Glasgow!

And you, what do you plan to visit during your 10-day tour of Scotland?

If you need help to plan your trip to Scotland, don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section below. I will be glad to help you!

On Voyagetips.com , I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Scotland by yourself. (All my Scotland travel guides are here)

However, if you prefer to book a 10-day Scotland tour with a travel agency , I recommend you to check the 10 best Scotland tours by clicking the button below:

Scotland travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Scotland guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Scotland guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling to Scotland ? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Scotland : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Scotland are listed there.

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Discussion 4 comments.

Hi Vincent,

We’d like a bit of advice. We’re planning our honeymoon in Scotland. So far we’ve booked flights into and out of Edinburgh from 2-16 July. We’re quite interested in the Highlands but are trying to decide between a guided multi-day tour or renting a car and doing it alone. What do you think?

I like the idea of a tour where I just relax instead of having to drive, but many tours only cover 5-8 days leaving us with about a week to kill in Edinburgh. And we’re trying to keep costs reasonably low since already the Ryanair flights from our home country Malta cost €1350 for the two of us (and are currently available for €1050 on the same dates – goes to show that early booking might work against you these days!)

Hello Luke,

First of all, congratulations!

For your itinerary in Scotland, if you want to be careful with the prices since you already paid quite expensive plane tickets, you should compare the costs between the car rental and the tour with guide/driver you are interested in. I have just looked and on Rentalcars.com ., and for the 2nd of July to the 16th, the cheapest car for rent is already at 1400€… And I can assure you that it will only go up, as most cars are probably already booked.

Of course, you also have to add the price of accommodation before comparing to the organized tour, and it probably won’t be cheap either.

About Edinburgh, there are many places to visit, so I think you can spend 4 or 5 days there on your own and not get bored. You can read this article for more info about the city: The 20 best things to do in Edinburgh .

For the rest of your stay, you can then maybe opt for a tour to visit the Highlands and the Isle of Skye over 8 days (or do it by yourself, if it ends up being a lot cheaper)

In any case, enjoy your trip to Scotland!

Thanks for that. For some reason I didn’t get an email notification of your reply. I got the same thing from rental cars.com but I managed to find cars for £550 from some remote locations of Arnold Clark near Glasgow. Of course getting to them will be a bit more of a challenge than booking it from the airport, but being 1/3rd the price is worth it.

I read that there are ticks and biting insects in the Highlands – is that a big concern? Should we wear insect repellent?

Regards, Luke

You’re welcome! Yes, it looks like a good deal on the rental car.

Yes, there’s a special kind of mosquito in Scotland called “midges”. There are a lot of them in some places (especially in the Highlands) and their bites are very itchy (some people can be allergic too).

The Scots advise buying a repellent called “Smidge”. You can find it everywhere in Scotland. And some people also opt for a net to wear over their head and protect the rest of their body with long, light-coloured clothes.

There is even a website where you can see where they are most common. Here is the link: Midge Forecast .

Have a nice day,

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The Ultimate 10-Day Scotland Itinerary

From cities and mountains, to beautiful beaches, experience the best of scotland in this amazing 10-day scotland itinerary ..

Ah, Bonnie Scotland! This ancient land is packed full of treasures, from romantic hilltop castles to mysterious fairy glens. Steeped in ancient history, and home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the UK, Scotland is the ideal place to get away from it all. You’ll find cultural and natural attractions in abundance, meaning there’s something here to suit all tastes.

First time visitors to Scotland are often surprised by just how wild this country is! With some of the largest and finest wilderness areas in Western Europe, this is prime territory for wildlife watching. You may catch a glimpse of golden eagles, otters, seals, and even whales during your 10 days in Scotland. What’s more, dotted around this beautiful landscape are quaint towns, imposing castles, and some of the best restaurants in the UK. What’s not to love?!

The only problem with planning a Scotland road trip is figuring out how to pack it all in! To help you make the most of your adventure north of the border, we’ve put together an awesome 10-day Scotland itinerary. This route takes in some of our favourite spots in the country, whilst still leaving enough time for you to sit back and enjoy the ride. Before you plan your trip, be sure to read our guide to the best time to visit Scotland , as well as our 32 reasons to visit Scotland . It was hard to narrow it down to just 32!

1 day in Glasgow

As Scotland’s cultural capital, Glasgow is the ideal place to start your journey. Having shaken off its rough-and-ready reputation, Glasgow is now a cultural and artistic hotspot, known for its fabulous art scene and its beautiful architecture. Don’t miss the stunning Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, take a wander around the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, or marvel at the fabulous Gothic cathedral.

In the evenings, you’ll be spoilt for choice – Glasgow’s West End has a variety of live music and theatre venues so there’s no shortage of evening entertainment. It’s also a foodie heaven, with delicious produce straight from the highlands and lochs, and craft ales from the local breweries. There’s also a great food market in Glasgow , so squeeze that in too if you have time! This is the ideal city to start your Scottish adventure!

2 days in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

You might find it difficult to prize yourself away from Glasgow after just one day, but Scotland’s wild lands are calling! The next stop on your 10-day Scotland itinerary is Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Drive an hour or two north of Glasgow and you’ll find yourself in some of Scotland’s finest scenery, littered with serene lakes, dark, craggy mountains and lush forests.

The mountains here aren’t quite as tall as their neighbours further north but what they lack in stature they make up for in drama and beauty. This is a paradise for walkers and climbers, with routes and peaks to suit all ages and abilities. For breathtaking scenery, we’d recommend the ascent of Ben Venue from Loch Achray, where (on a good day) you’ll have a spectacular view over the lochs and forests of the Trossachs.

Loch Lomond is also a wonderful place for adventures out on the water, with options for paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing and sailing. However, if you’re feeling lazy we wouldn’t blame you if you simply put your feet up and enjoyed the classic Scottish scenery from the water’s edge! There are plenty of quaint cafes and pubs around the lake where you can get a tasty bite to eat too.

The Trossachs are also well connected by public transport, so if you don’t have your own set of wheels, don’t worry. The local buses call at all the major villages and there are many walking routes that link up with public transport.

1 day in Fort William

After a few days in the beautiful Trossachs, it’s time to head north on the next leg of your Scotland road trip. The dramatic fortress of Fort William stands proudly overlooking the water at Loch Linnhe, an eerie reminder of English attempts to subdue their neighbours to the north. The castle was constructed as a garrison to put down Scottish uprisings, and is a fascinating piece of Scottish history.

Fort William today is a pleasant town with bags of character, and is a major jumping off point for expeditions into the Highlands. It’s also the place to start if you plan to scale Ben Nevis , the UK’s highest mountain. If you have room to build in some extra time to your 10-day Scotland itinerary (and a big dose of stamina!) then this is an awesome challenge. The hike to the top is steep, but you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world once you reach the summit!

There are some other great day trips from Fort William, which are easy to integrate into your Scotland road trip itinerary too. For example, the iconic steep sides of the Glencoe Valley are a must on any trip to Scotland, and have been used as filming locations for movies such as Harry Potter and James Bond!

2 days on the Isle of Skye

Scotland’s north west coast is known for its staggering beauty. In fact, we’d recommend making a whole separate trip just to experience the epic road trip that takes you up the west coast of the country! However, if you’ve only got 10 days in Scotland, it’s worth concentrating a few days of your time on the Isle of Skye. This is a quintessential Scottish island with plenty to see and do. It’s also one of our top 21 places to add to your Great British Bucket List !

Skye offers cultural treasures in abundance, from formidable monuments such as Dunvegan Castle and Eilean Donan Castle (just across the water from Skye), to the Neist Point Lighthouse. These stunning monuments, towering over the crashing seas and waves, make for fantastic photo opportunities.

However, Skye also has a more mysterious side. Don’t miss the ethereal Fairy Pools, where glittering water tumbles into a set of natural pools – a magical sight. Linger long enough and you might catch a glimpse of a fairy dipping her toes into the cool water! You might also wish to visit the Fairy Glen, a green glade covered in strange rocks. The Scottish highlands and islands certainly hold plenty of secrets within their beautiful landscapes.

If you’ve got the energy, you could hike to the Old Man of Storr too. This is an iconic Skye landmark, with its distinctive rocky pinnacle rising high above the craggy rocks and hills that surround it.  Wherever you go, don’t miss a visit to the Talisker distillery. It’s the oldest distillery on Skye, and a dram of this fine Scotch whiskey is guaranteed to warm you through!

3 days in Inverness and the Cairngorms

As you head north and east, this 10-day Scotland itinerary will take you to some of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of the country. To get a real sense of Highland culture, we’d suggest basing yourself in Inverness for three days. It makes a great jumping off point for expeditions into the Cairngorms and some of the wilder parts of the Highlands.

Loch Ness is a must for any 10-day Scotland itinerary. The monster in the water may be an urban legend, but this beautiful loch is breathtakingly beautiful, especially early in the morning, when the mist rises from the water. We’d recommend visiting early in the morning or towards the end of the day in order to miss the crowds. You could also pass by the intriguing ruin of Urquhart castle on your road trip around Scotland.

The Cairngorms is just a short distance from Inverness, and this vast wilderness is one of the best places to appreciate the grandeur of the Scottish mountains. Lined with walking, climbing, cycling and horse riding trails, the Cairngorms is the ideal spot for lovers of the great outdoors. You’ll find a range of camping (and glamping!) options if you want to immerse yourself in the wild and enjoy a night out under the stars.

However, this region is also an excellent way to get to know the fascinating Highland culture a little better. Take a tour of a distillery (there are plenty to choose from!) or marvel at a majestic castle – this area has been a favourite among the royal family for generations.

The innovative Highland Folk Museum has recreated a historic Highland village, which will make you feel like you’ve actually gone back in time! Alternatively, get to know a little Jacobite history and visit Culloden, the doomed battle site that finished off the Jacobites and forced Bonnie Prince Charlie to abandon his claims to the English crown. Wherever you go, you’ll be able to curl up with a nice whiskey next to a roaring open fire at the end of the day – an essential part of any Scotland road trip!

There’s so much to see and do here that three days may feel too short. The Highlands are the essence of Scotland, and are an absolute must for your 10-day Scotland itinerary.

1 day in Edinburgh

It’s time to round off your 10 days in Scotland in the nation’s capital. Attention all Harry Potter fans – Edinburgh is the place where J.K. Rowling wrote the majority of her books, and it’s easy to see a little inspiration in the dramatic architecture of the city.

Edinburgh definitely oozes Scottish charm, with boutique shops, friendly pubs, incredible live music and some stellar restaurants. The castle stands proudly at the top of the Royal Mile, overlooking the city, and is the starting point for most city tours, but there are all kinds of other attractions here too. The Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery boast amazing permanent collections, and if you visit during the Edinburgh Festival, you can expect a whole range of fantastic comedy and theatre.

If you fancy a day trip from Edinburgh, Stirling Castle is a short distance away, and is also worth seeing if you can cram it into your 10-day Scotland itinerary. Alternatively, take a walk up to Arthur’s Seat, for an iconic view over the city and coast. Edinburgh is a treasure trove of delights – we’re sure you won’t want to leave!

If you’ve got the time, we’d suggest staying an extra couple of days in Edinburgh so that you can relax after your whirlwind Scotland road trip. One thing’s for sure, 10 days isn’t quite enough to experience all the delights of Scotland – you’ll probably want to start planning a return trip!

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The Ultimate 10-Day Scotland Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

Last Updated on December 4, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

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Mapping out the ideal Scotland itinerary can be a bit overwhelming at first glance, especially if you only have 10 days in Scotland to play around with. A destination that draws countless tourists each year. Scotland’s beautiful landscapes, fascinating history, and incredibly friendly people attract people from all around the globe to explore this beautiful country.

Despite its relatively small land area and sparse population, there are a myriad of places to visit in this gorgeous country. Because of this, it’s impossible to fit everything that you may want to see within the span of 10 days.

However, there are countless incredible areas to visit depending on the route you choose. Below, we’ve outlined three different options that can suit whatever kind of trip you’re looking for!

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Scotland

Known to be wet, grey, and chilly, Scotland isn’t famous for its nice weather, however, there are still some months that are better to visit than others.

It will come as no surprise that the best time to visit Scotland — that is if you want the best weather — is in the summer months of July and August. However, because the weather is at its warmest and the days are at their longest, these are also the most popular months for tourists, as well.

Especially during the month of August in Edinburgh (due to the famed Fringe Festival), expect there to be a LOT of tourist crowds in more popular areas – and expect prices to increase respectively.

However, there is a lot of Scotland that remains off of the typical tourist trail and these places are very much worth visiting. So, if you plan to visit in the summer, it is probably in your best interest to get a bit off the beaten path.

While July and August are the warmest months of the year, don’t expect very high temperatures. Further south, highs will be around 20°C (68°F) and, in the highlands and islands, expect highs to be closer to about 16-18° (60-64°F).

Spring and autumn can be attractive times to visit Scotland, as well, as the temperatures aren’t too low and the tourist crowds are unlikely to have arrived in hordes yet.

Late spring and early autumn are going to be the warmest months and the closer you get to winter on either end is going to be colder. Make sure that you bring a good waterproof jacket whatever the season, but especially in the chillier months.

Winters are cold and dark, the days can be short because of Scotland’s northern location and you may find some accommodation options and restaurants in more tourist-reliant towns and villages to be closed for the offseason.

This is, however, the most affordable time of year to visit. If you plan to head to Scotland in the months of December, you can also expect to have your pick of charming Christmas markets to explore and lots of decorations to look at, most notably in Edinburgh.

No matter when you plan your road trip in Scotland, you can also expect there to be a lot of rain. Along with good outerwear, you will also not regret finding a good pair of waterproof shoes for your Scotland trip.

Getting Around Scotland

Unless you’re taking an organised tour through Scotland, you are going to need to figure out how to get around the country independently and by far the easiest way to do this is by your own car.

Public transport does exist in Scotland and it can be a good option for those who are only interested in visiting major cities and towns, however, if you want to venture into the countryside or visit some far-flung areas, having your own vehicle is going to be necessary.

They drive on the left-hand side of the road in Scotland and the road conditions on the major motorways are good, however, they do tend to decline the more rural you go.

Some roads in the far north or on the islands, for instance, only have room for one car to get through and include small passing places for oncoming traffic every hundred metres or so.

This can seem overwhelming at first, however, these rural country roads aren’t ever too congested with traffic and people do tend to be apologetic to confused or stressed-out tourists. If you need to rent a car in Scotland, you can browse options here.

It can also be a good option to take out a third-party policy with iCarHireInsurance to be affordably covered for any excess. Don’t forget to buy a prepaid SIM card for the UK to ensure you can access your GPS at all times!

Finally, have you considered taking out travel insurance for your Scotland trip?  World Nomads   offers flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.

10-Day Scotland Highlights Itinerary

One of the most classic Scotland itineraries, this route begins in the capital city of Edinburgh and ends in the “Gateway to the Highlands,” Inverness.

Day 1 – Edinburgh

Begin your trip to Scotland in the incredible capital city of Edinburgh, an absolutely lovely and historic city that is sure to instantly charm you. Though small, there are countless things to do in the Scottish capital that will ensure that you’re never bored while spending a couple of days in Edinburgh .

Take the time to explore Edinburgh’s main sites, stroll down the Royal Mile, enjoy the convivial atmosphere in a local pub and search for familiar names of Harry Potter characters in Greyfriars Cemetery.

On your first day in the city, it’s a great idea to head to the iconic Edinburgh Castle ( book a skip-the-line tour here ) that towers over the city or, if you want to put some context to the sites you’re seeing, consider taking a walking tour of the city centre.

Edinburgh is an incredibly beautiful city that is compact enough to explore entirely on foot but filled with interesting things that you’re sure never to be bored.

Where to Say in Edinburgh

Cityroomz Edinburgh – A centrally-located hotel situated within easy walking distance of all Edinburgh has to offer, they have several clean and comfortable rooms available and there is even an option to include breakfast.

Castle Rock Hostel   – A great, small hostel centrally located near all of Edinburgh’s top sites, this is a fantastic choice for budget or solo travellers. They have several dorm and private rooms available and good common areas for meeting other travellers.  

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Edinburgh!

Day 2 – Edinburgh

Plan to spend 2 full days in Edinburgh as the city has a lot to offer beyond the main sites you visited on the first day. For instance, begin your second day with an exhilarating hike up Arthur’s Seat. This hill in Holyrood Park is a bit of a trek to the top, but it provides excellent views of the city spanned out below.

You can also take the time to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament. Take the time to wander through Edinburgh’s cosmopolitan New Town or maybe pop into one of the city’s many museums.

The Writer’s Museum is a great option, as is the National Museum of Scotland – what’s great is that most museums are free to enter!

End your day taking in some live music or, perhaps, a comedy show. There is a lot on offer in Edinburgh and it can be a great opportunity to experience the arts and culture of this city – even if you’re not visiting during the Fringe!

Day 3 – Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

From Edinburgh, it’s time to leave the big city (though Edinburgh does retain a lovely, pastoral charm) and head out into some of the incredible nature that Scotland is famed for. And one of the best places to do this is by paying a visit to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

While en route, however, consider making a pit stop in the city of Stirling to take in the gorgeous Stirling Castle. This is one of the most popular day trips from Edinburgh and it makes a lot of sense to include it while heading west.

Along with the castle, you can also see the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge where, in the 13th Century, William Wallace defeated the English (as depicted in Braveheart ). There is also a monument to William Wallace in the town.

There is a lot of history to experience in Stirling and it’s worth spending the better part of a day exploring the town. It’s located about an hour outside of Edinburgh and it’s roughly a further 1.5 hours to Loch Lomond – depending on where along the lake you choose to make as your base.

Where to Stay in Loch Lomond

Global B&B – Located in the village of Luss, this is the perfect bed and breakfast to rest your head in when visiting Loch Lomond. They have a handful of clean and comfortable rooms available and a great breakfast cooked fresh each morning.

The Loch Lomond Arms Hotel – A wonderful hotel located on the banks of Loch Lomond, this is a great option for those looking for a bit of luxury on your trip to Scotland. They have a number of great rooms available, and a great restaurant and bar on site.

Private Rental – Having a private place to stay is a great way to enjoy the serenity of Loch Lomond. There are a number of great options such as this delightful barn cottage.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Loch Lomond!

Day 4 – Loch Lomond & the Trossachs

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is one of Scotland’s most beautiful natural areas and it’s worth taking the time to enjoy the gorgeous scenery that lies within it.

The shores of Loch Lomond (Scotland’s largest loch) are absolutely gorgeous and the ample hiking opportunities are sure to keep you busy. There are also countless charming villages worth paying a visit to.

Spend your full day in the area by taking a boat cruise on the Loch – here you can get a beautiful panoramic view of the lake and of the surrounding Munros – including Ben Lomond. Of course, it’s also essential to visit the charming town of Luss that lies on the shores of the lake – there are plenty of charming stone cottages to take in.

You also could simply spend your day walking – there are several well-marked walking routes to take advantage of. You could do a bit of the Three Lochs Way or simply stroll from Tarbet to Arrochar – the world is really your oyster!

Day 5 – Oban

From Loch Lomond, it’s time to head further west until you meet the sea – with your final destination being the seafood capital of Scotland – Oban!

Oban is located about 1.5 hours from Loch Lomond (depending on where you’re staying) and, if you’d like, you could consider stopping the the charming town of Inverary along the way.

Once in Oban itself, there are a number of things to do. Though the town is known primarily for being a jumping-off point to the inner Hebridean islands (more on that later!), it’s worth exploring the town itself.

There’s a lovely little high street where you can browse some shops, a delightful waterfront and harbour to stroll along and, of course, the Oban Distillery is in the centre of town. You can pop into the visitor’s centre for a tasting or you can opt to go on a tour of the distillery if that suits.

It’s also worth walking up to McCaig’s Tower, a colosseum-like structure that looms over the town and provides excellent views of Oban and the surrounding islands.

Where to Stay in Oban

Adelphi Villa – This cosy guesthouse is a great option for mid-range visitors in Oban. They have a great location on a quiet, central street, free on-site parking, friendly owners and comfortable rooms.

The Manor House Hotel – A great luxury option in the town of Oban, this hotel is set in an old manor house. There are plenty of opulent rooms on offer along with countless plush amenities for guests.

Oban Backpackers – This backpacker’s hostel is perfect for budget travellers. They have a great location in the centre of Oban, good self-catering facilities and plenty of room types to choose from.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Oban hotels!

Day 6 – Isles of Mull & Iona

On you’re sixth day, it’s time to leave the Scottish mainland and go for a day trip to some of the country’s loveliest Hebridean islands – Mull and Iona! Though you could spend a number of days on Mull taking in all it has to offer, it is accessible as a day trip from Oban – provided you get an early start!

Car ferries from Oban to the town of Craignure on Mull take about 1 hour – make sure to get there at least half an hour in advance to sailing, though! Once you arrive on Mull, hit the road (they’re pretty small and narrow here!) and head south.

You’ll pass some of the island’s most incredible scenery by following this route along the Rodd of Mull before you reach the town of Fionnphort. Here, hop on another (passenger) ferry to the Isle of Iona. Tourists cannot bring a car to Iona so you must rely on your own two feet (or a bicycle) to get around.

Iona is absolutely charming, but it’s most notable for the Iona Abbey – which dates back to the 6th Century CE and is said to be the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland.

After exploring Iona, head back to Mull to take in more of this incredible island. There are plenty of natural sites to take in (the views along Loch Na Keal may be some of the most stunning in Scotland) as you drive up the west coast en route to Tobermory – the largest town on the island.

Of course, make sure to take the time to explore Tobermory (it’s home to its own whisky and gin distillery!) before hopping on the ferry back to Oban.

Day 7 – Glencoe & Fort William

From Oban, head a bit north to some of the most iconic places in the Scottish Highlands, the gorgeous and historic Glencoe and the lovely town of Fort William.

Like the destinations before this, Fort William and Glencoe boast some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Scotland and it is an area that is best seen by hitting the trails and doing some walking.

Glencoe lies about an hour’s drive north of Oban and a spectacular drive it is – it winds all along the west coast and you can even take in view of the old Castel Stalker while on your way. Do try to get an early start as Glencoe can get incredibly busyand the carparks at viewpoints and trailheads fill up quickly.

Make sure to stop at the Glencoe Viewpoint and at the Meeting of Three Waters. There are views just off the road here, but you can also embark on some longer hikes if that’s what you’d like to do.

In Glencoe Village, you can also learn about the infamous 17th Century Massacre of Glencoe and also stop for a bite to eat. You also could opt to walk a bit along lovely Loch Lochan for more views.

You can end your day in the nearby city of Fort William, which sits in the foothills of Ben Nevis – Scotland’s highest peak. Otherwise, there are also a handful of places to stay near Glencoe if you fancy something a bit more rural.

Where to Stay in Fort William & Glencoe

Gowan Brae Bed & Breakfast – A cosy bed and breakfast located in the centre of Fort William, this place makes for a perfect base for exploring the region. They have a number of great rooms available and a wonderful breakfast included in the nightly rate.

Loch Leven Hotel & Distillery – A lovely family-run hotel on the banks of Loch Levan, this place makes for the perfect place to stay in Glencoe. They have a number of great rooms available, a restaurant on site, and a bar serving locally distilled spirits including whisky and gin.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Fort William or Glencoe!

Day 8 – Fort William to Inverness

Day 8 of your Scotland road trip is a bit of a driving day – though it is less than 2 hours to your final destination (Inverness) so you can spend the morning exploring a bit of Fort William if you’d like.

Here, you can head to the West Highland Museum to learn about the history of the area or even take a detour to the Genfinnian Viaduct – known for being a shooting location for the Harry Potter movies.

Take the longer route from Fort William to Inverness and drive through Cairngorms National Park rather than along Loch Ness – you will be spending the whole next day there, so don’t fret about not getting views of Scotland’s most iconic lake!

Cairngorms is a gorgeous natural area and it’s also home to the Speyside whisky region, so there are plenty of different distilleries to top at if you’re interested. Just keep note that Scotland has a zero-tolerance drink driving limit so all samples and tastings should be reserved for those who are only passengers in the car.

End your day in the city of Inverness – which will be your final destination for this 10-day Scotland itinerary.

Where to Stay in Inverness

Torridon Guest House — This quaint guesthouse is one of the best places to stay in Inverness if your budget allows for a little bit more than a hostel. It is located within a short walking distance of the city centre, has great ratings, comfortable rooms, breakfast included, and free parking. 

Black Isle Hostel – This hostel is in a great location and is one of the best-rated hostels in Inverness. Aside from having multiple dorms of different sizes, they also have private rooms, a welcoming and friendly staff, and a bar serving local craft beers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Inverness!

Day 9 – Loch Ness

Inverness dons the nickname “The Gateway to the Highlands” for a reason – many of the Scottish Highland’s most iconic places to visit are within easy reach of this small city. And the most famous of which is Loch Ness .

Located only about 20 minutes from the centre of Inverness, you can easily get an early start and beat the crowds to this majestic and mysterious lake. Though you’re unlikely to glimpse Nessie in the depths of the loch, it’s still worth taking a cruise on the waters.

Of course, you should visit the ruined remains of Urquhart Castle and take in the gorgeous Falls of Foyers. The latter is located just a stone’s throw from the shore of the loch.

End your time in Loch Ness in the southernmost town on the lake, Fort Augustus. Here, there are lots of shops and amenities along with ample tranquil walks along the Caledonian Canal.

Day 10 – Inverness

Spend your final day in Scotland exploring the city of Inverness itself. Though small in size, this city packs a considerable amount of charm and is well worth spending the time to visit some of the sites here.

It is easy to get around the city on foot and take in the laid-back atmosphere. Stop by the Inverness Castle museum, enjoy some peace and quiet on the Ness Islands, and kick back with a pint at one of the many convivial pubs.

Inverness also has a great restaurant and craft beer scene, so there is something for everyone’s taste in this compact Scottish city.

If you’d like to head out on another day trip, then consider visiting the nearby Culloden Battlefield. This is a heartbreaking but excellent open-air museum where you can learn all about the Jacobite uprising in the 18th Century. Outlander fans will love it, but it’s just as interesting for those who’ve never read/seen the series.

Have More Time?

If you have more than ten days to devote to this Scotland itinerary, there are a number of different options you can make to extend your time.

If you would like to experience another big, Scottish city other than Edinburgh, you also to head over to Glasgow before venturing onto Loch Lomond. Though it has a gritty reputation, there are lots of things to do in Glasgow and it is very much worth visiting.

You could also opt to extend your time on the Isle of Mull – there is enough to do for several days. Especially if you’re visiting in the summer months, it can be worth taking a wildlife tour to the incredible isles of Staffa and Lunga – the latter is known for its massive puffin colony where you can view hundreds of these sea birds up close.

Alternatively, after visiting Glencoe, you could head north to the Isle of Skye and spend a few days there before driving all the way back to Inverness. As you can see, the possibilities are really endless.

10-Day Scottish Highlands & Islands Itinerary

If you’re more interested in exploring the highlights of Scotland’s incredible highlands and islands during your 10 days here, then this is the itinerary for you to follow!

Day 1 – Inverness

Start your Scotland road trip in the “Gateway to the Highlands,” Inverness. Well-poised to explore a lot of what this region has to offer, spend one day exploring the city itself and another two going on a number of day trips that are available.

Day 2 – Loch Ness

Spend your second day with Inverness as your base as an opportunity to visit the inimitable Loch Ness. Located only about 20 minutes from Inverness, we recommend getting an early start this day to avoid the inevitable large crowds that will descend upon the lake by midday.

Day 3 – Culloden Battlefield & Cawdor Castle

Still using Inverness as your base, spend your third day on a day trip to the Culloden Battlefield and to nearby Cawdor Castle.

The latter is one of Scotland’s lesser-known castles, but it’s within easy reach of Inverness and visitors can easily spend a few hours touring the castle and its extensive grounds. Still home to the Dowager Countess of Cawdor, this castle has been in the Campbell family since the 16th Century.

Day 4 – Cairngorms National Park

From Inverness, it’s time to head a bit south to the Cairngorms National Park. This sub-arctic plateau offers ample outdoor activities to delight even the most adrenaline-seeking of travellers. There are numerous hiking routes that range in difficulty, and also opportunities to go horseback riding, kayaking, and any other number of outdoor activities. 

The Cairngorms are really great for those who want to spend time hiking outside and taking in the wilderness. However, there are also a few charming little towns to visit and plenty of fun sites that aren’t necessarily all about being active outside.

Those who came to Scotland to see impressive royal castles, for instance, will swoon over the grand Balmoral Castle located in Cairngorms. And if you’re travelling with children, make sure to visit the Highland Wildlife Park. There are lots of things to do that’s it’s very much worth taking a day to explore this area, even if you don’t want to summit a Munro!

Plan to spend 2 nights in the area. If you want to get the most out of all of the beautiful nature in the Cairngorms, then camping is a great option. There are a number of lovely campsites scattered around the national park such as The Lazy Duck .

If you don’t plan on camping, I would suggest staying in the town of Aviemore, which has the most amenities and accommodation options for tourists.

Where to Stay in the Cairngorms

The Cairngorm Hotel – If you’re looking for a nice and romantic place to stay on Aviemore’s main street, then the Cairngorm Hotel is for you. This hotel has a range of rooms, great ratings, and has breakfast included in the rate.

Aviemore Youth Hostel – If you are on a budget and would prefer to stay closer to civilization, then Aviemore Youth Hostel is the place for you. They offer affordable dorm beds and come very highly rated.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the Cairngorms!

Day 5 – Speyside Whisky Region

The Cairngorms also happens to be situated in the Speyside region – the largest Scotch whisky-producing region in the country.

There are over fifty distilleries that you could tour and learn a little more about how Scotch is made and how to taste it. If you’re interested, you could opt to drive some of the malt Whisky Trail, a heritage trail that takes you by some of the region’s most notable distilleries. Keep in mind that this is best with a hired driver or a designated sober driver!

Otherwise, the village of Dufftown is home to six working distilleries all of its own – this can be a great place to walk between different places and sample some single malts!

Some of the distilleries in this region include Macallan, Glenfiddich, Arberlour, Glen Moray, Glenlivit and countless more.

Whisky tasting is also possible as a day trip from Inverness and there are plenty of tours that also include parts of the Cairngorms that you can do if you want to avoid driving after all of that whisky!

Day 6 – Isle of Skye

From Cairngorms, it’s time to head to one of Scotland’s most well-known (and gorgeous!) islands — the Isle of Skye ! Known for its dramatic scenery and bucolic charm, Skye is really an essential stop on this Highlands route.

The drive from Cairngorms National Park will take around 3 hours, so make sure to et an early start to ensure that you don’t miss a thing. En route to Skye, you also can make a stop at the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle which is situated just before you reach the bridge to the island.

On your first day, visit some of the sites that make up the Trotternish Loop, beginning with the Old Man of Storr. Continue onto Lealt Falls, Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock and, of course, drive the iconic Quirang for absolutely stunning views.

End your day in Portree, the main town on the island. There are lots of shops to browse and pubs to relax in here.

Where to Stay on Skye

An-Airidh Bed & Breakfast Portree  – Located just south of central Portree on the eponymous loch, this cosy B&B is a great base on the island. There are several comfortable rooms and a great breakfast each morning.

Skyewalker Hostel – A great, family-run hostel perfect for budget and solo travellers. They have a range of both dorm and private rooms, good facilities and occasionally organise social events in the evening.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Skye!

Day 7 – Isle of Skye

On your second day on Skye, take even more time to explore the island. On this day, you can head to the lovely Talisker Beach before visiting the Talisker Distillery – yet another whisky distillery! Note that Talisker Beach is accessible via a footpath about a mile from the car park, so you will need to walk a bit to take in this gorgeous stretch of sand.

Continue on to visit another one of Skye’s most famous attractions – the Fairy Pools. Again, these are only accessible via a short walk, but it’s 100% worth it. These pools are majestic and worth spending some time enjoying – you can even swim here if you’re brave enough to enter the freezing cold water!

You can end your day exploring some of the island’s castles. You can visit Armadale Castle, which was only built in the 19th Century or venture on to the ruined Dunscaith Castle, which has a far older history. Both are interesting and worth a stop.

Day 8 – Isle of Skye

Your final day on Skye should be dedicated to exploring even more of the island’s most beautiful natural sites. Begin your day at the incredible Fairy Glen – you need to hike for about 30 minutes to reach here but it’s definitely worth it. The scenery is just breathtaking and it can be incredibly peaceful.

From here, take in the white sand and turquoise waters of Claigan Coral Beach before visiting the historic Dunvegan Castle. Originally built in the 13th Century, this is one of Skye’s most impressive castles – and it’s one of many!

And for more seaside views, venture over the Neist Point Lighthouse. Another point that is only accessible via a decent walk, you can get incredible sea views and take in some dramatic cliffside scenery here. You also may have the opportunity to see sea life like whales and basking sharks here!

Day 9 – Skye to Fort William

On your penultimate day in Scotland, it’s time to leave Skye and drive south to Fort William. Expect the drive to take about 2.5 hours without stopping and you will be treated to some truly gorgeous, bucolic scenery in rural highland Scotland.

If you’re up to it, this is a great opportunity to stop by some of the attractions outside of Fort William, such as the Glenfinnian Viaduct, before making your way to the town itself. This will be your final destination for this 10-day Scotland itinerary.

Day 10 – Glencoe

End this Scottish Highlands route in the incredible Glencoe, taking in all of the jaw-dropping scenery, going for a hike or two and learning a bit about the history of this beautiful area. No visit to the Scottish highlands is complete without spending time in Glencoe, and this itinerary is no different!

If you have more time to devote to this Scotland road trip itinerary, then there are a few options available to you. If you’re keen to explore more of island life, then consider hopping on a ferry to the Outer Hebridean island of Lewis and Harris.

Alternatively, if you want to explore just one more quaint town before you head back, then consider making a stop in Ullapool, a lovely fishing village with a lot to offer visitors.

10-Day North Coast & Orkney Itinerary

If you’d like to see some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland and a bit off the beaten path compared to the other itineraries listed here, then this is the route for you.

Roughly following the North Coast 500 route , this itinerary takes you to some of the most beautiful, sparsely populated and historic places in all of the country.

Days 1-3 – Inverness

Start your itinerary in Inverness and make sure to take the time to explore this lovely, compact city.

With three days in the highland capital, you will have ample time to explore the handful of sites in the city itself as well as embark on a number of day trips — including Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, the Speyside whisky region and even Cairngorms National Park.

Day 4 – Ullapool

From Inverness, hit the road and head northwest to the absolutely lovely town of Ullapool.

The town of Ullapool itself is absolutely charming, with many shops along the high street worth browsing, inviting pubs that are a great place to escape the rain in, and chippies that will serve some of the best fish and chips to be found on the Scottish seaside.

Visiting Ullapool is also a great way to get out on the water and take a little tour of the small islands that lie off the coast, and even see some marine life. It is not uncommon to see pods of dolphins and lazy sea lions just off of Ullapool harbour.

Ullapool is very small, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. While you don’t need to devote a tonne of time here, one full day is more than enough to so the town justice.

Where to Stay in Ullapool

Ladysmith Guesthouse – Located in the centre of town, this guesthouse is a wonderful place to rest your head in Ullapool. They have many cosy rooms available and a great, hearty breakfast on offer each morning.

Clachan Farmhouse B&B – Located just a bit outside of the central Ullapool, this bed and breakfast is perfect for those looking for a lovely, pastoral escape. They have a range of plush rooms available and a wonderful breakfast included.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the Ullapool!

Day 5 – Scotland’s North Coast

This part of the journey will provide you with possibly the most scenic drive of this whole road trip. Make your way along the windy, one-lane roads of the Northwest Highlands to the small, sleepy town of Durness and make sure to pull over and take a lot of pictures — the scenery is truly spectacular.

Make sure to check out the Smoo Cave in Durness but, besides that, there isn’t much in this tiny town. However, it is a great place to spend the night and enjoy the beautiful, pristine coast.

Where to Stay on the North Coast

Bettyhill Hotel – This charming hotel located in the fishing village of Bettyhill is the perfect place to stop for the night on Scotland’s north coast. They have several clean and comfortable rooms available and a great restaurant to grab a bite to eat.

Durness Smoo Youth Hostel – This small hostel is a great place to rest your head in Durness. It is located close to the Smoo Cave and also some fantastic hiking routes. It has a couple of dorm rooms and comes very highly rated.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options on the North Coast!

Days 6 to 8 – Orkney

Your sixth day sees you leaving mainland Britain and heading to the wonderful, peaceful Orkney Islands. There is a comfortable car ferry that leaves from the town of Scrabster a few times per day and the journey takes about ninety minutes.

While very small, there are so many things to do in Orkney and one could easily spend more than the three nights I recommend for this itinerary.

These beautiful islands are packed to the gills with fascinating Neolithic sites, there is a very interesting Viking history here as well as breathtaking bucolic scenery and some very friendly locals. 

Spend your first day exploring the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney. These sites include the Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn and the Neolithic village of Skara Brae.

On your second day, take the time to explore the lovely town of Kirkwall, the capital of the islands. there’s a lot to do here and it’s a charming little town with plenty of cute shops and inviting pubs. You can also opt to visit the Highland Park Distillery.

And on your third day, you can spend it exploring the island of South Ronaldsay. Here, there are sites like the Italian Chapel and some more Neolithic wonders to take in.

Where to Stay on Orkney

Heatherlea – Also located in the biggest town on Orkney, Kirkwall, Heatherlea is a lovely bed and breakfast to stay at. They have a range of rooms available and also include a full Scottish breakfast available each morning.

Kirkwall Youth Hostel – Located in the biggest town on the Mainland island of Orkney, Kirkwall Youth Hostel is a great budget option on the islands.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the Orkney!

Days 9 to 10 – Tain & Scotland’s Northeast Coast

After three nights in Orkney, it’s time to head back to the mainland and begin working your way south. Your stop for the evening will be the lovely town of Tain, the oldest of the royal burghs in Scotland and home to the Glenmorangie whisky distillery.

Tain is a lovely town to explore and doesn’t really see much tourism at all, so it’s very much worth exploring. The beautiful streets and landmarks are really something to enjoy and you’re sure to love the vibes of the city, especially as it’s a relatively “off the beaten path” destination to visit.

Where to Stay in Tain

Shandwick House – A lovely guesthouse in the heart of Tain, this is a perfect place to rest your head in the city. They have many clean and comfortable rooms available and a great full Scottish breakfast available each morning.

Carnegie Lodge Hotel – A fantastic hotel if you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket in Tain, this place has some lovely rooms available, room service on offer, and a full breakfast included in the morning.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the Tain!

If you have more time to spare, then consider heading even further north from the incredible Orkney Islands all the way to Shetland! These islands have a fascinating history (lots of Viking invasions!) and a unique landscape that are sure to have you awe-struck.

As you can see planning the ideal itinerary through Scotland can be a bit complicated, with so many different routes available to you. However, no matter which route you decide to take, there is no denying that you will come back with countless amazing memories.

Are you planning to visit Scotland? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Where to Stay in Inverness & Loch Ness: Best Hotels & Hostels

The Best Shoes for Scotland & Ireland

Planning a Loch Lomond Day Trip from Glasgow & Edinburgh

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Thanks for the ideas. I’m working out my itenary for 10 days now I. late September – early October 2023. I really enjoyed your suggestions. I am more excited now.

Hope you have a great trip!

Can’t wait! Going to England, Ireland, Scotland and France in a few months Super excited Thanks for the information

Hope you have a lovely trip, Beth!

Thank you very much, very informative/

Went to Orkney & Highlands ‘75 in October when I was 23. Zero other tourists until Ben Nevis, there were dozens there, mostly from Europe. No one else at Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae. 45 years later, going back in 2020. I know will be vastly different. Ireland: no other tourists at Blarney Castle, no one but lighthouse keeper at Old Head of Kinsale. Only met Australians in both Scotland & Ireland. Loved quiet stay at Aviemore Youth Hostel. Advise go as Winter descends or very early Spring. Hitchhiked, trains, buses. Meet locals that way. Forget the car.

Thanks for your comment, Neil! I think that you’ll find just a few more tourists in Orkney and the Highlands in 2020 than you did in 1975 — probably a few more Aussies as well! Sounds like you’re gonna have a great time walking down memory lane, hope it’s as good as the first 🙂

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Ultimate 10 day Scotland Itinerary

You’ve booked your time off, your flights and you’re now scratching your head wondering exactly where to go during your 10 days in Scotland. Well, we’re here to help! Despite its size, there really is so much to do in this big wee country. It’s actually quite difficult to suggest a one-size-fits-all itinerary as visitors have differing interests – some people have a hit list of places they’d like to tick off, others are looking for more off-the-beaten path places, others want to explore nature, others cities, some want to blow away the cobwebs – so we’ve tailored this itinerary with first time visitors in mind and have chosen a fairly classic itinerary. 

Planning a trip to the Scottish Highlands?

Join our FREE Facebook Group and ask all your travel planning questions! We’re based in the Scottish Highlands and would be delighted to help you.

You’ll be scratching the surface of what Scotland has to offer but we’ll make sure you cover the essentials: history, whisky, culture, castles, nature, lochs, stunning landscapes and an island! We’re pretty confident that after visiting once, you’ll no doubt want to come back again (and again) and explore different areas.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the 10 day Scotland itinerary:

Day 1 – 2: Edinburgh 🏰

Day 3-4: Inverness 🦕

Day 5-8: Isle of Skye 🏝️

Day 9: Glen Coe ⛰️

Day 10 : Glasgow or Edinburgh

Why you can trust us

Scotland is our home, we live and breathe Scotland! We go out exploring, discovering and researching any opportunity we get. We get to call the Scottish Highlands our home and we love it! We’re based just under half an hour from Inverness, on the banks of Loch Ness and about an hour and a half from the Isle of Skye. Jonathan’s family moved from Orkney to the northern Highlands over 20 years ago so we’re no strangers to this part of Scotland. We also lived in Edinburgh for 11 years and most of Gillian’s family is from Glasgow so have pretty strong knowledge of this part of Scotland too.

Day 1 – 2: Explore Edinburgh

We’ll start our 10 Scotland itinerary in the Scottish capital, a must on your Scottish Bucket List ! If you’re arriving by plane, there’s no need to hire a car whilst in Edinburgh as public transport options are fantastic in the capital. We recommend picking up a car on your departure day – you can pick it up in town, out of town near the zoo (west of the city) or at the airport. The advantage of picking up the rental car at the airport is that you’ll avoid the headache of driving in Edinburgh’s busy crazy one-way system city centre and you’ll already be on the right side of town for heading north!

Two days in Edinburgh will give you a taster of the city but chances are you’re probably going to want to come back another time to delve deeper into the Scottish capital as there’s quite frankly so much to see and discover! We have written a detailed 3 day Edinburgh itinerary and suggest you look over it. However, here is a list of the places we think you should feature on your hit list:

• Edinburgh Castle in the Old Town
• The Royal Mile
• The Scotch Whisky Experience
• Holyrood Palace
• The Grassmarket
• The National Museum of Scotland
• Arthur’s Seat (weather dependent)
• Princes Street Gardens
• Calton Hill
• New Town: George Street

This is quite a lot to pack into two days so make sure you pick and choose your activities carefully so that you don’t burn out after the first two days!

Day 3 – Drive up to Inverness (3 to 5 hours) + possible stops & Culloden Battlefield

Getting from Edinburgh to Inverness

On day 3, you’ll want to pick up your hire car or alternatively take public transport up to Inverness (bus or train from the city centre) or perhaps you even have your own transport. As mentioned previously, it might be easiest to catch the bus or tram out to the airport (or taxi) and pick up your rental car there. 

Check out our detailed guide on how to get from Edinburgh to Inverness. We cover all travel options (bus, train, your own transport) and include suggestions of places you might want to stop off on your journey up to Inverness.

The drive up north on the A9 (this is the name of the road) is beautiful. It’s approximately 160 miles (256 kms) and takes about 3 hours – without stopping – although the temptation to make many stops will be high! The scenery really comes into its own once you’re about 1h15 into the drive north as you hit the heart of Perthshire. Here are a few ideas of places to stretch your legs and explore on the drive up north:

• The Hermitage (a great spot to have wander through nature, beautiful scenery)
• Pitlochry (gorgeous Perthshire village)
• House of Bruar (great place to eat and indulge in some retail therapy)
• Dalwhinnie Distillery (when in Rome right? Fear not, they offer drivers’ takeaway samples)
• Ruthven Barracks (for history enthusiasts)
• Aviemore (alpine style resort)

Depending on how many stops you make along the way, you should have some time in the afternoon to do some exploring. In fact, the first stop is actually just outside of Inverness and can be reached on your drive north. We suggest that you head to the atmospheric and chilling Culloden Battlefield, You can either veer off the A9 at Daviot onto the B851 (south of Inverness) or drive up to Inverness but turn right onto the A96. 

Culloden Battlefield

This historic site marks the location where the last battle was fought between the Jacobites (those faithful to the Stuart monarchy) and the government troops back in April 1746. Fifteen hundred Jacobites were slain within an hour and the battle marked the end of the Jacobite Rising. Visitors can walk on the ‘battlefield’, see some of the clan headstones and immerse themselves in the visitor centre. 

Clava Cairns

If you have some spare time, you could easily combine Culloden battlefield with a visit to nearby Clava Cairns just 5 minutes away (even more so if you’re Outlander fans!) This 4000-year-old bronze age cemetery has been firmly placed on the map following the incredible success of the Outlander series. It’s been said that Clava Cairns served as the inspiration for the fictitious Craigh na Dun stone circle in the series although there is much debate as to whether this is true or not. Located just 5 minutes’ drive from the battlefield, this well-preserved complex comprises stone circles, passage graves, and standing stones, offering a glimpse into the Neolithic period. 

You’ve likely had a fairly action-packed day making your way to the capital of the Highlands and might just feel like resting for the evening… Inverness is a very small city and places can easily be reached on foot regardless of where your accommodation is located. We particularly like the “Crown” area which is a hop, skip and jump into town or the area close to the River and Ness Islands (both south and north of the river). There are lots of B&Bs in the Crown area if you’re looking for true Scottish hospitality.

There are lots of great restaurants and we strongly recommend booking ahead especially during peak season as places get booked up. Some of our favourites include the Mustard Seed down by the river, Rocpool , Houhou Mei (Asian fusion). There are a surprising amount of live music venues in Inverness and we highly recommend rounding off your evening with some fantastic live folk music at the Highlander .

DAY 4 – Explore Inverness & Go Nessie Hunting

As mentioned earlier, Inverness is a very small city and so it won’t take you long to explore. If you’re looking for somewhere to have breakfast, we highly recommend Xoco (pronounced ‘Shaw-ko’) run by Mexican-Scottish couple Fernando and Tristan. The passionfruit and white chocolate croissants are to die for!

Wander around Ness Islands

Our favourite area to explore is down by the river and Ness islands. Have a wander around the city centre and then head down towards the river. There is a lovely walk along its banks that includes crossing the river on a number of suspension bridges which link little islands. The nature walk is well signposted from the city centre. Cross one of the bridges to the north side of the river and admire the Cathedral. There’s a lovely café next to the cathedral or depending on your timing, there’s a fantastic Food and Drink Trail that consists of several food trucks serving great quality locally sourced food.

Go Nessie hunting

Once you’ve explored the centre of Inverness, we recommend heading slightly further afield and embarking on a hunt for the elusive Loch Ness monster aboard a Jacobite cruise. There are several tour options (click on the links below to check prices and availability):

• OPTION 1 (3 hours): You can catch a combo of bus from Inverness bus station to Loch Ness followed by a cruise on the Loch AND a visit to the Urquhart Castle, and return bus to Inverness. Click here for availability + prices
• OPTION 2: A 50 minute Urquhart Castle round-trip cruise on Loch Ness (leaves from the Clansman Harbour, a 20 minute drive south of Inverness)
• OPTION 3: A 2 hour Jacobite cruise that departs from Dochgarroch Lock , a short 15 minute drive south of Inverness – click here to book . There is plenty of space to park at Dochgarroch and there’s also the lovely An Talla shop and restaurant onsite.

Check out our guide to places to eat and drink in Inverness for some inspiration! If you didn’t make it to an evening of live music at the Highlander on day 3, then make sure you experience it tonight. Other great music venues include MacGregors , Gellions and Hootananny’s ! If you haven’t managed to fit in a visit to a distillery yet then don’t miss out on a tipple in the Malt Room . The name might give away what it specialises in…!

DAY 5 – Drive to Skye (including stops along the way), Sligachan & Portree

Getting from Inverness to Skye

The drive from Inverness to the isle of Skye takes around 2hrs30 mins (depending on which part of the island you go to) and covers about 115 miles. We suggest leaving Inverness fairly early in the morning in order to make the most of the lovely drive to Skye. You will journey along the scenic A82 which is located next to Loch Ness. We have written a detailed guide of places to visit around Loch Ness , you might want to have a read for more inspiration. And finally, check opening hours of the sites mentioned below as they will vary depending on the time of year and you may need to adjust your travel plans accordingly.

Drumnadrochit

You may wish to stop off in Drumnadrochit which is half an hour south of Inverness along the A82. It’s home to the Loch Ness Visitor Centre if you want to learn everything there is to know about the legend of Nessie.

There are some lovely walks as well as some great foodie options on the village green. It’s also a stone’s throw from Urquhart Castle if you didn’t make it on day 4. Check out our guide to Drumnadrochit for lots more ideas of things to do.

Invermoriston

Invermoriston is a very small village and is the point where you will veer off the A82 and onto the A87, the road that will take you to Skye. It’s just 20 minutes south of Drumnadrochit or 50 minutes from Inverness. There’s a lovely walk to the summer house and we also recommend a coffee and delicious homebakes at Glen Rowan cafe as you leave the village and head out on the Skye road.

Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Another possible place to stop is the recently opened Dundreggan Rewilding Centre where you’ll find some very interesting interactive display boards explaining the rewilding concept, which are great for both adults and kids alike. There is an excellent children’s play park that uses natural materials to create a fun area for active little ones. A pond has been built for aquatic life to thrive in and there is wooden viewing platform complete with a sturdy bench to relax on. If you feel like a little exercise, there are 4 clearly marked walking routes that range from 1km to 4kms, the latter one being quite rocky and steep, but with an incredible view of Binnilidh Bheag.

Eilean Donan Castle

The rest of the drive along the A87 cuts through stunning countryside and follows the vast expanse of Loch Cluanie and Loch Ducih until you eventually reach one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, Eilean Donan.

Situated on an island where the three sea lochs meet, Eilean Donan is a must on your journey to Skye. You’ll get to visit the castle (seasonal opening), the visitor centre and have a tasty coffee in the restaurant whilst admiring the breathtaking surroundings.

The Skye Bridge

From Eilean Donan, you’re now just a short drive over to Skye. There are several ways to get across to the island but the simplest is travel across the Skye Bridge.

The Skye Bridge is a significant engineering marvel that spans the Kyle of Lochalsh to connect the mainland of Scotland with the Isle of Skye. Completed in 1995, the bridge replaced the aging ferry service, providing a more efficient and reliable transportation link to the picturesque Isle of Skye. The bridge has been free to cross since 2004. We’ll travel up the east of the Isle of Skye and loop round over to the west of the island during the course of the next 2 days.

PLEASE NOTE : It’s worth bearing in mind that Skye is an incredibly popular destination and gets very very busy during peak season and even during the shoulder season. We highly recommend booking your accommodation as far in advance as possible and even consider booking restaurants to avoid disappointment.

Depending on how many stops you’ve made, it is likely that it’s mid-afternoon by the time you’ve reached the Isle of Skye. We suggest spending a night in Portree which is located on the east of the island.

To get there, carry on driving on the A87 and stop off at Sligachan which is about half an hour’s drive from the Skye bridge. This is the perfect spot to stretch your legs and admire the majestic Black Cuillin mountains in the distance. There is a fantastic viewpoint just after the Old Sligachan Bridge (built by Thomas Telford). You’ll also find a statue of two mountaineers – Mackenzie and Collie – who famously mapped the Cuillin mountain range. There’s the nearby Sligachan hotel if you fancy a drink or something to eat.

After you leave Sligachan, you can stop off at the Isle of Skye Candle Company visitor centre which is located just south of Portree. Here you’ll not only find their flagship store but a fantastic restaurant, Gasta, a wellness centre and a cinema. The views from the eatery are stunning.

Next head to Portree and spend some time exploring this quaint seaside town. Located along the shores of Loch Portree, the town serves as the capital and cultural hub of the island. Its name, derived from the Gaelic word “Port-an-Righ,” meaning “King’s Port,” reflects its historical significance as a royal haven. The town’s colourful harborside houses, with their distinctive architecture and vibrant facades, create a postcard-worthy scene against the backdrop of the rugged Cuillin Mountains. Visitors to Portree can explore its quaint streets, lined with shops, cafes, and galleries showcasing local art and crafts. We recommend spending the night in Portree – check here for accommodation .

Day 6 – The Trotternish Peninsula: Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Staffin Dinosaur Footprints & The Quiraing

Today, we’ll head north to the breathtaking Trotternish Peninsula for an action-packed day. Make sure you have decent walking shoes and gear.

Hike up Old Man of Storr

Drive just 15 minutes north of Portree to the other-worldy Old Man of Storr. This iconic rock formation is a must-visit destination on Skye and is therefore very popular. It’s a good idea to get there early to beat the crowds!

This natural wonder rises dramatically from the landscape, its towering pinnacle reaching a height of 165 feet. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including lush greenery and panoramic views of the sea, the site attracts hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world. There is a large car park at the foot of the area and the hike takes around an hour.

Admire Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

Just 15 minutes north of the Old Man of Storr and you’ll reach a large viewpoint carpark where you’ll be able to admire these impressive falls. Kilt Rock is so-called because of its shape – the cliffside resembles a gigantic pleated skirt. Mealt Falls tumble from the pleats, cascading into the sea beneath. Kilt Rock is around 90 metres tall, and the falls are over 50 metres high. 

Search for Dinosaur Footprints in Staffin

One of the more unique things to do on Skye is to head to Staffin in search of dinosaur footprints. An Corran Beach, just two minutes from Kilt Rock, is the place to head to, and you should hunt around for the fossilised prints on the flat rocks behind the large boulders.

Explore The Quiraing

Quiraing – or The Quiraing – is also the result of ancient times. In this case it’s a landslide located on the Trotternish Ridge, specifically on the Meall na Suiramach’s eastern face. The escarpments here are particularly singular, and also very photogenic. 

Active types will enjoy hiking here, and there’s a popular four mile route that allows you to explore this unique landscape. You can join this from Staffin, and it’s a challenging route that takes around two hours to complete. 

We suggest spending the night in Uig as it’s located very near to the Quiraing. Confusingly, there are TWO Uigs so make sure you put the one close to the Quiraing into your Satnav! We are particularly fond of the pods at the Skye Cowshed in Uig.

DAY 7 – Fairy Glen, Coral Beach, Dunvegan Castle and Neist Point

Today, we’ll explore the north-west of the island and will cover quite a few miles.

Explore The Fairy Glen

As you’ll be located in Uig, you’re just a short 5 minute drive from Fairy Glen. Like The Quiraing, the Fairy Glen was created by an old landslip. The landscape here has an ethereal, otherworldly air, which is perhaps why legends about fairies continue to circulate. To find it, take the right turn just before the Uig Hotel.

Blow away the Cobwebs at Coral Beach

You’ll now need to drive an hour to reach Coral beach. Head along a single track road from Dunvegan, drive for around 15 minutes and you’ll get to Coral Beach. It’s an incredibly colourful stretch of coastline, and instead of sand it comprises crushed white coral. Hence the name.

The walk from the car park to the beach and back again takes around three quarters of an hour. As you’re passing through farmland, you might see cows and sheep along the way. 

A taste of History at Dunvegan Castle [seasonal opening]

After blowing away the cobwebs, go back on your tracks and you’ll find yourself at Dunvegan Castle, just 15 minute drive from Coral beach. You can also swap round visiting the castle first and then the beach if you prefer. The castle has a great café so could be an handy option for lunch.

Dunvegan castle is one dramatically sited fortress, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the waters of Loch Dunvegan. In addition to discovering the castle and gardens here, you can learn about the history of the MacLeod clan, visit the café and gift shops, stay at a cottage or even book a seal-spotting boat trip.

Neist Point Lighthouse

After you’ve finished exploring Dunvegan castle and have fuelled up on some tasty food from the café, it’s time to head to the edge of the world! Drive about 30 minutes west along the B884 and discover Isle of Skye’s most westerly headland, Neist Point. The lighthouse was first used in 1909, and was designed by David Alan Stevenson, a Scottish engineer who specialised in lighthouses. As you might expect, the dramatic views from Neist Point Lighthouse are among the reasons to pay it a visit. Head back to Portree (about an hour’s drive) and enjoy a relaxing evening.

DAY 8 – Fairy Pools, Talisker Distillery and Back to Mainland

It’s your final day on Skye and we’ll fit in some whisky tasting, stunning natural wonders before heading back to the mainland.

Hunting for Fairies at the Fairy Pools

From Portree, it’s a 40 minute drive to the Fairy Pools. Here it’s all about nature’s bounty, with local wildlife and wild swimming among the reasons to visit. The unique colour of the water – a bright aqua blue – is also a draw. Expect picturesque rock pools that are fed by waterfalls, and filled with mountain spring water. 

The walk from the car park via a gravel path is around a mile-and-a-half. It’s a very popular spot for wild swimming so if you want to take a dip then it’s best to bring a wetsuit, as conditions can be rather bracing at the Fairy Pools!

Whisky Tasting at Talisker Distillery

It’s a short 15 minute drive to Carbost where you’ll find the Talisker Distillery . As the island’s oldest working whisky distillery, it produces fine single malts, including Taliskers’ 10 year old whisky. As well as taking a tour and sampling the spirits, you can enjoy panoramic views over the Cuillins from here. 

Taking a tour comes highly recommended, and we recommend allowing around 1 hour 30 mins for your visit in total. 

You’ll be ready for a late lunch by now and we strongly recommend heading to the Oyster Shed in Carbost if you’re a fan of seafood. Although they do far more than just oysters, you’ll also find scallops, king prawns, lobster, crab, fish and chips, mussels and more. This place is a real gem! It’s up a fairly steep single track road but it’s well worth the climb. Alternatively, you also have the fantastic Talisker Made by the Sea restaurant just next to the distillery (it’s part of the distillery group).

Return to the mainland

There are several ways that you can get back to the mainland including the Skye Bridge, a unique turntable ferry to Glenelg or a Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to Mallaig. We feel that an experience on a ferry is a must and so will opt for a ferry to the stunning area around Mallaig. However, if you don’t fancy catching a ferry, you can simply drive to the Skye Bridge and rejoin the mainland that way, perhaps with an overnight stay in Dornie before your onward journey to Glencoe on Day 9.

Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig

Leave Carbost and drive an hour to the southern village of Armadale. If you have some spare time, you can always visit Armadale Castle. The journey on the ferry takes half an hour and it’s worth noting that crossings are much reduced during the winter months so ensure you check the official website for up-to-date timetable information . We recommend booking tickets ahead and bear in mind that you need to check-in 20 minutes before departure.

The ferry will take you to Mallaig and we suggest you drive the short 10 minutes for an overnight stay in the cute seaside town of Arisaig. We’ve enjoyed staying at the Arisaig hotel over the years although there are plenty of options in the area. Check Arisaig accommodation options here. We also really enjoy eating at the Shellfish Shack located in the grounds of the Arisaig hotel or Soundbytes in the main street. You will get a very small taste of the area but we’re confident you’ll want to come back and explore further!

Day 9 – Beaches, Glenfinnan Viaduct and Glencoe

Explore tropical looking beaches

The drive from Arisaig to Glencoe takes about 1hr 15 mins so you can enjoy a more leisurely day of travel. Depending on the weather, you might want to visit some of the stunning beaches that can be found in this area. Our favourites are the Silver Sands of Morar (just south of Mallaig), nearby Camusdarach beach and Traigh.

History or Harry Potter at Glenfinnan

Carry on the A830 for about half an hour and you’ll reach the very popular Glenfinnan Monument. There’s a large visitor centre where you can find out about this historically important landmark. It’s also here that you’ll find the Glenfinnan viaduct where the Harry Potter steam train famously rode. It’s become an incredibly BUSY place due to the JK Rowling connection and can feel a little overwhelming depending on the time of year and day that you head there. There are two large carparks so parking shouldn’t be a problem. There’s also a café so you can have a bite here if you’re hungry.

Explore Glencoe

You’ll now carry on towards Glencoe and simply soak up the incredibly beauty of the area. This picturesque glen, or valley, is surrounded by majestic mountains, including the iconic Buachaille Etive Mor and the Three Sisters, creating a dramatic backdrop that attracts nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. Glencoe is not only a haven for outdoor enthusiasts but also holds a significant place in Scottish history, particularly due to the infamous Glencoe Massacre of 1692. The glen’s charming villages, such as Ballachulish and Glencoe Village, offer a warm welcome to visitors.

We recommend visiting the Glencoe Visitor Centre which is managed by the National Trust for Scotland. Here, you’ll get to step back in time and tour round a replica turf and creel house as it would have stood at the time of the Glencoe massacres.

Day 10 – Glasgow or Edinburgh

You’ll spend today driving to either Glasgow or Edinburgh. The 2.5 hrs drive to Glasgow crosses through gorgeous landscape and takes in the stunning Loch Lomond and Trossachs area. The drive from Glencoe to Edinburgh is almost 3 hours long and journeys across equally breathtaking scenery.

A Day in Glasgow

Glasgow is often overlooked in favour of Edinburgh, however it’s well worth the detour. If you leave Glencoe at a reasonable time, you should get to Glasgow around lunchtime. Given the time constraints, we recommend going on the Glasgow Sightseeing Bus Tour as it will allow you to see the main sites in a short space of time. The Merchant City, the Cathedral and the West End are some of our top places to visit.

We have lots of detailed posts on Glasgow which we suggest you have a look at if you’re looking to create a more customised visit:

• Must-visit Places in Glasgow
• 20 Free Things to do in Glasgow
• Fun things to do in Glasgow’s West End

A Day in Edinburgh

The drive from Glencoe to Edinburgh is about half an hour longer and you should therefore get there early afternoon. It would be worth dropping off you hire car at this point and catching public transport into the city centre. As above, you might want to simply book onto the Hop-on Hop-off bus to get an overview of the city and we have lots of detailed posts of things to do in Edinburgh if you’re looking for inspiration:

• 3 Day Edinburgh Itinerary
• Free things to do in Edinburgh
• Edinburgh Off the Beaten Track
• Top things to do in Edinburgh with kids
• Tips for visiting Edinburgh Castle

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The Best 10 Day Scotland Itinerary in 2024

Categories Scotland , Scotland Guides , Scotland Itineraries

The best 10 day Scotland itinerary for 2024- created by a local.

Table of Contents

Are you planning a 10 day trip to Scotland? Or perhaps you’ve already arrived and you’re looking for ideas of what you can do here. Bonnie Scotland may be on the small side, but there is plenty to see and do.

It was always my dream to move to Scotland and I am proud to call West Lothian home. I’ve managed to explore almost every corner of this incredible country since moving here; I have travelled around Scotland by car, train, bus, ferry and on foot. In 2018, I hiked the length of Scotland on the Scottish National Trail  where I discovered many hidden gems.

I’ve designed what I believe to be the best 10 day Scotland itinerary. This itinerary contains a little bit of everything; you will visit many different cities, towns, and villages. If you enjoy slow travel, I recommend completing this itinerary over two weeks, adding in nights in the spots that intrigue you the most.

I don’t expect you to get through everything in this 10 day Scotland itinerary, however, I thought it best to include as much information as possible so you can decide what is best for you.

In this itinerary, you will find the top attractions for each area, with bonus recommendations to visit if you have the time (or want to swap something out from the main attractions). I’ve also included my personal off-the-beaten-track recommendations if you want to see something a little different. There are plenty of budget and family-friendly activities too.

While you can complete this itinerary using public transport and taxis, I also recommend hiring a car to complete this itinerary; you will see a lot more of Scotland this way. It will be cheaper too.

I’ve also made recommendations and tips on booking accommodation, restaurant and pub recommendations, hiring a car, and driving in Scotland.

SCOTLAND RESOURCES ✨ On a budget? Grab my Scotland Bucket List Planner ✨ Organising a big trip? Grab my Ultimate Scotland Planner ✨ Want to tick off all the must-sees? Grab my Must-See Scotland Essential Travel Planners ✨ Have a question about travelling around Scotland? Join my Facebook groups Scotland Travel Tips and Scotland Travel Tips for Locals ✨ Love podcasts? Listen to my Scotland podcast Life in Scotland ✨ Discover Scotland’s hidden gems: Visit my Scotland website Secrets of Scotland for inspiration

What can you see with 10 days in Scotland?

If you’re planning your Scotland itinerary, 10 days should be enough time to see all the main attractions. Scotland is a relatively small country (it has a population of 5.4 million) and it takes just under 7 hours to drive from the bottom to the very top!

In my ultimate 10 day Scotland itinerary you will see ancient castles, cathedral and abbey ruins, highland coos, and medieval buildings. You will wander down cobblestone streets to the sound of bagpipers busking on the streets, and polish off a day of exploring with a hearty traditional meal washed down with a dram of whisky. You’ll see the Scottish coast, visit a Scottish island, and lose yourself in the Scottish Highlands.  

Basically, you will experience everything you should experience when visiting Scotland in 10 days- plus some wonderful off-beat options!

What you need to know before you go:

• The ultimate guide to planning a trip to Scotland
• What to pack for a trip to Scotland
• How to save money on your Scotland trip

Car hire for a 10 day Scotland road trip

In order to see and experience Scotland off the beaten track , you will need to hire a car. Scotland does have a great public transport system, however, to experience the very best of Scotland [and to complete this itinerary] I highly recommend hiring a car.

Renting a car isn’t as cheap as it is in the United States, but it ultimately will save you time and money if you’re planning on spending some time here.

So what is the best option for car rental in Scotland?

Auto Europe is a car rental agency I recommend for many reasons. Firstly, they compare prices from different rental agencies so you can find the vehicle you are looking for for the best price [they operate similarly to Skyscanner, but for car hire]. They also have great deals on car insurance. For Scotland, you will need to search under ‘ Great Britain ‘, and then you can choose the Scottish city you’d like to pick up from.

For navigation, I rely on Google Maps which I use on my phone. My husband [who is Scottish] also swears by Waze. This app also reports traffic incidents and updates to the quickest route possible live. You can also hire navigation for extra through Auto Europe too.

Another popular way of travelling Scotland is by hiring a campervan. For campervan hire in Edinburgh I recommend Goboony, where you can hire a camper from a local, which will save you money.

If you like your luxury, I recommend hiring a motorhome to tour Scotland . For motorhome hire in Scotland, I recommend Just go in Edinburgh (full disclosure- I work for Just go, but our motorhomes really are great!).

Before you visit Scotland I recommend purchasing these Scotland maps: Northern Scotland , Western Scotland + Southern Scotland . You can use them to plot your road trip around Scotland!

You’ll drive on average for 3 hours per day on this 10 day Scotland road trip itinerary.

5 tips for driving in Scotland

A comment I hear often from my readers is that they are worried about driving in Scotland. It’s true that the roads are narrower here, but you do get used to it. Here are some handy tips for driving in Scotland:

1. In Scotland, we drive on the left-hand side of the road.

2. The roads can be narrow in places, and in places such as the Isle of Skye it is not uncommon to see many single-lane roads. Always drive keeping in mind there may be someone in your path around each blind turn.

3. The speed limit isn’t always obvious in Scotland, but on motorways and dual carriageways it’s 70 mph (112 km/h), single carriageways are 60 mph (96 km/h) and generally 30 mph (48 km/h) in areas with street lighting, unless otherwise specified. For motorhomes, cars towing caravans or trailers and lorries on motorways or dual carriageways, the speed limit is 60 mph (96 km/h).

4. Scotland has a LOT of roundabouts. Always give way to vehicles from your right, and turn left on entering the roundabout.

5. Fill your vehicle up with fuel at ASDA when you can- they usually have the best fuel prices. You can compare fuel prices here .

For more information about driving in Scotland, Visit Scotland has a good guide.

Read More: 50 Travel Tips for Scotland

Booking accommodation in Scotland: A Quick guide

Working as a travel blogger and being an ex-travel agent, I know the best way to book reliable accommodation at the best rates. I’m going to share with you the exact process I use when I book accommodation in Scotland.

Types of accommodation in Scotland

Bed and Breakfast: Scotland has a fantastic array of bed and breakfasts. I highly recommend spending at least one night in a bed and breakfast to enjoy real Scottish hospitality!

Hotels:  There are plenty of hotel options in the Scottish cities. B&B’s tend to be more common in the smaller towns and villages.

Hostels:  Scotland has a fabulous network of hostels throughout- with many being located in very remote areas! These are my favourite hostels in Scotland .

Glamping and camping:  Recently Scotland has upped her game when it comes to glamping and eco-friendly accommodation. There are also many campsites, and for the outdoor lovers spending a night in a bothy is a great experience.

Finding the best deals on accommodation in Scotland

For hotels, I compare prices on Booking.com and Expedia . Beware using other booking engines- sometimes they may have cheaper prices, but that doesn’t mean they have great customer service if something goes wrong! Always book with a reputable third-party accommodation provider.

For hostels I book using  Hostelworld , and I only book hostels with a rating of 8 or higher, if possible.

I also recommend checking prices directly with your chosen hotel, hostel or bed and breakfast. Sometimes booking directly may save you money.

>> Read more: Common questions about visiting Scotland answered

The best of Scotland itinerary 10 days map + Summary

Day 1: Edinburgh

Day 2: scottish borders, day 3: glasgow.

Day 4: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs & Glencoe

Day 5: Isle of Skye

Day 6: isle of skye, day 7: inverness.

Day 8: Pitlochry & Cairngorms National Park

Day 9: St Andrews

Day 10: Stirling, Falkirk & Linlithgow

You’ll need a full day to experience the thriving capital of Scotland. You’ll want to rise early to make the most of your time here- there is plenty to see and do!

Things to do in Edinburgh

Explore the royal mile.

Begin your day in the historic heart of Edinburgh. The Royal Mile is located in Edinburgh’s Old Town – the oldest part of the city which dates back to the 12th century. The Royal Mile connects Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace.

Take in the medieval architecture, explore the hidden passageways (closes) and listen to the bagpipers play along this iconic street.

Fun fact: A Scots mile is actually longer than a traditional mile! The Royal Mile measures 1.81 kilometres, but this measurement system hasn’t been used since the eighteenth century.

Suggested time: 2-3 hours

Edinburgh Castle

A visit to Edinburgh isn’t complete without exploring Scotland’s most famous castle! Located at the top of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny (on which Scotland’s first kings were crowned). It was also where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to the future James VI of Scotland and I of England . Make sure you buy your tickets online in advance to skip the queue.

Want a quieter castle option? Craigmillar Castle has an incredible history and is a very romantic castle ruin. If you’re spending longer in Edinburgh, I highly recommend visiting.

If you plan on spending more time here, check out my comprehensive list of things to do in Edinburgh .

Read more: 10 Must-Sees in Scotland You Can’t Miss

Grassmarket and Victoria Street

The Grassmarket was where the city’s marketplaces were held. Cattle and horses were sold in this area (which is quite hard to believe today!). It was also the site of a bombing during WWI in 1916, and where over 100 public executions were held.

Despite its dark history, the Grassmarket is a great place to grab some lunch or have a drink.

Be sure to wander up the iconic Victoria Street , which is rumoured to be the inspiration behind Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. Harry Potter fan or no’, the street still makes for an Instagram worthy snap! Be sure to take a photo from the lower end of the street, looking up, and also from the balcony, looking down the street.

Local tip: For a great view of Edinburgh Castle, walk to the top of the Vennel Steps , located at the southern end of the Grassmarket.

Suggested time: 1 – 1.5 hours

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Another famous Harry Potter spot is Greyfriars Kirkyard – a graveyard where J.K. Rowling sought inspiration for her character’s names. Visit the real Tom Riddle’s grave, or just enjoy the fascinating architecture of a Scottish graveyard. Just don’t visit at night- it’s reportedly haunted! Plus it’s usually locked.

Located a short walk from the Kirkyard on George IV Street is The Eleph ant House, a restaurant where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the Harry Potter series. Sadly, a fire damaged the building in 2021.

Suggested time: 45 minutes

New Town for drinks

During the evening head into New Town for cocktails or a dram of whisky. Rose Street has a great selection of bars and nightclubs. I recommend The Black Cat for whisky lovers and Panda and Sons for cocktails . The Picture House (a Wetherspoons brand) has excellently priced pub food and drinks if you’re travelling on a budget.

I’ve included all my pub and restaurant recommendations further along in this article.

Suggested time: 2+ hours

Bonus activities

The palace of holyroodhouse.

At the lower end of the Royal Mile sits the Palace of Holyroodhouse . This palace is often overlooked in favour of Edinburgh Castle, but it is honestly worth a visit.

The palace was the primary residence of Mary Queen of Scots, and the site where her private secretary was murdered by her husband, Lord Darnley (you can read more about this crazy tale here ). The palace is still very much in use- the Queen stays here for one week in June every year. Her niece, Zara Tindall (nee Phillips) was married here! Don’t forget to purchase your skip-the-line ticket in advance online.

Dean Village

This leafy and tranquil canal-side village is quite the contrast to the bustling city centre which is located a short 20 minute walk away. The pleasant mixture of colourful flats and 19th-century brick buildings on either side of the Water of Leith canal make for a fantastic opportunity for an Instagram pic- or just simply enjoy the serenity.

Suggested time: 2 hours

Cramond Island

Fancy walking to an island? Cramond Island in Edinburgh is a tidal island you can walk to at low tide.

Suggested time: Half a day

Haunted Tour

Mercat has an awesome underground vaults tour . I did this tour at night on Halloween, and while I didn’t see any ghosts, the tour was definitely spooky! The history of the underground vaults is haunting, but interesting too. The only way you can visit the underground vaults is through this tour- so I highly recommend you book it.

You can even do this tour with whisky (which helps!)

Suggested time: 1 hour

Recommended accommodation in Edinburgh

• Balmoral Castle – If you’re wanting an amazing experience while staying in Edinburgh, look no further than the Balmoral Hotel. This luxury hotel is where J.K. Rowling wrote the final Harry Potter novel in the series.
• Apex Grassmarket – This hotel is located in the centre of Old Town and has won many awards.
• The Dunstane Houses – If you’re looking for traditional Scottish accommodation with a side of luxury, I recommend staying here.
• Ibis Edinburgh Royal Mile – If you want to stay at a hotel but you’re on a budget, I recommend the Ibis Edinburgh on the Royal Mile. It’s affordable and central to all the main attractions.
• JustB City Retreat – Located on the edge of Edinburgh, JustB is hands-down the best bed and breakfast I’ve stayed in! There is a bus stop outside to take you to the city centre, and the Pentland Hills are located a short distance away if you want to go hiking.
• Castle Rock Hostel – This hostel is one of the highest rated hostels in Scotland. I lived at Castle Rock when I first moved to Edinburgh, and it’s really great! It’s perfectly located across from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.

Pubs and Restaurants in Edinburgh

• Mimi’s Bakehouse in Leith and Corstorphine – Mimi’s is a wonderful bakery selling cakes and plenty of other sweet treats. Their award-winning afternoon tea is served every day at 11am. Mimi’s also won Scottish Bakery Cafe of the Year in 2019.
• The Witchery by the Castle – This award-winning restaurant is like stepping back into Scotland in the 18th century. They have a wonderful afternoon tea, however, you need to also try lunch or dinner as their food is exquisite. It’s worth the hefty price tag.
• Hula on Victoria Street – A healthy and delicious juice bar with plenty of vegan and vegetarian lunch options. Their rainbow bowls are heaven!
• Harmonium in New Town – Harmonium is one of the most popular vegan restaurants in Edinburgh for lunch or dinner. They serve delicious stone baked pizza, burgers, sweet treats, and more. They also have a bar with vegan tipples.
• The Bow Bar on Victoria Street – This traditional Scottish pub is tiny, yet boasts one of the largest whisky collections in Edinburgh. It’s a bucket list destination in Edinburgh to have a dram.
• The Hanging Bat in Newtown- This pub has a dark, romantic vibe. In fact, I once went on a date here! I actually enjoyed this pub more than that date…
• The Black Cat on Rose Street – The Black Cat is one of my favourite whisky bars in New Town. They occasionally have live traditional music.
• Stramash in the Cowgate – Stramash is a large pub/nightclub and live music venue that is popular with tourists and locals. During the day you’ll find a venue to watch sport on the big screen, and at night it turns into party central! They occasionally hold a ceilidh to a live band, which is a lot of fun.
• Bourbon in New Town – Bourbon is a fun nightclub that plays R&B, pop, and rap hits. It’s a great club to head to if you’re in your twenties and you want to go dancing into the wee hours of the morning.

EDINBURGH BUDGET TIP If you’re saving your pennies, the Cowgate area in Old Town has a selection of cheap pubs and nightclubs . I recommend  The Globe Bar, Sneaky Pete’s  and  Stramash  to grab some cheap drinks.  The Three Sisters  is a lively sports bar that is usually thriving that also plays your classic dance tunes.

Rise early to explore the area that has some of the richest history in Scotland: the Scottish Borders. You will explore the four abbeys in the area and spend the night in either Melrose or the charming village of Peebles .

Things to do in the Scottish Borders

Kelso abbey.

You will first drive to Kelso Abbey , which was founded in the 12th century by a community of Tironensian monks. Prince Henry of Scotland (1114–1152) is buried here, as well as several of the Dukes of Roxburghe.

Kelso is also a very pretty town, being the subject for many artists since the late 17th century!

Suggested time: 45 mins

Jedburgh Abbey

Jedburgh Abbey is a ruined Augustinian abbey. It took over 70 years to build during the 12 century! It is known for its unusual mix of Romanesque and early Gothic architecture.

The town of Jedburgh was home to the Earl of Bothwell, Mary Queen of Scots’ third husband, who was accused of raping Queen Mary, therefore, forcing her hand.

Located in Jedburgh is also the Mary Queen of Scots House , which is now a museum. It is believed she stayed here when she fell gravely ill after riding 30 miles to Hermitage and back in one day to visit the Earl after he was seriously wounded.

Suggested time: 1-1.5 hours

Dryburgh Abbey

Dryburgh Abbey is one of the most romantic places in Scotland . It has some of the best Gothic church architecture in Scotland. It is most famously known for being the burial place for Sir Walter Scott. There is a large tomb within the ruin of the abbey where this famous Scottish writer is buried alongside his family. The pretty River Tweed is located near the site of the abbey and wraps around the Scottish Borders like a bow.

Suggested time: 1-2 hours

Melrose Abbey

Founded in 1136, Melrose Abbey is the most spectacular of the four abbeys and is the burial place for several notable Scottish figures. Alexander II of Scotland is buried here, and so is King Robert the Bruce’s heart! His body is buried at Dunfermline Abbey, however, he requested his heart be buried at Melrose Abbey.

I recommend having lunch here at either the Ship Inn for cheap pub food or the George & Abbotsford Restaurant if you want to eat somewhere a bit nicer.

Bonus Attractions

Peebles kirk.

The Peebles Kirk is quite magnificent- and a highly underrated attraction! It is thought to be the burial place of St Nicholas after a stone urn was discovered with his supposed remains. The site was associated with miracles, and Alexander III built the church on the site in the 1200s.

Peebles Kirk is beautiful in late April, early May when the large cherry blossom trees that tower over it are in flower.

Suggested time: 30 mins

Recommended accommodation in the Scottish Borders

• The Cross Keys Wetherspoon  in Peebles – The Cross Keys is a comfortable, affordable hotel with a bar, restaurant and a garden.
• Macdonald Cardrona Hotel . in Peebles – The Cardrona is a luxury hotel located next to a golf course. It also has a spa, so it’s a wonderful hotel for golf enthusiasts!
• Tweed View in Peebles – Tweed View is a great wee bed and breakfast.
• Burt’s Hotel in Melrose – This hotel is a traditional three-star located in the heart of Melrose.
• The Barn at the Coach House – The Barn is a highly rated bed and breakfast (9.8 stars on Booking) located a short distance from Melrose, in the countryside. The tariff also includes a home cooked breakfast!

Pubs and Restaurants in The Scottish Borders

• The Hoot n’ Cat in Kelso. This cafe is located next to the car park by Kelso Abbey; they have excellent coffee and a great selection of baking and sweet treats.
• Burts Hotel Restaurant in Melrose. Burts Hotel also has a popular restaurant with a bar that serves traditional Scottish food.
• The Townhouse in Melrose. Another highly-rated, traditional Scottish restaurant. Located in the centre of the town. They have gluten-free options and options for vegans and vegetarians.
• The Crowne Hotel Restaurant in Peebles. This restaurant and bar is rated #1 on TripAdvisor and it’s because the food is amazing! A great place to stop for lunch or dinner with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
• Osso in Peebles. A Michelin guide restaurant, Osso is a contemporary cafe where you can get anything from an expresso to a six-course meal. They do breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner and have vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options.

While Edinburgh may be known for its pretty gothic architecture, Glasgow is known for its slogan ‘People Make Glasgow’.

If you’re going to spend a night out anywhere in Scotland- it’s in Glasgow! This lively city has an abundance of bars and pubs, cheap places to eat, and vibrant nightlife.

Today you can have a wee lie in before you make your way to Glasgow. I recommend getting your shopping fix in the city centre and then donning your finest outfit and heading out for cocktails [or whisky- it’s up to you!]

Or if shopping isn’t your thing, there are a range of other interesting things to do.

Things to do in Glasgow

Visit glasgow university.

Glasgow University is assumed by many to be the inspiration for Hogwarts from Harry Potter. It is a truly spectacular building- make sure you visit the cloisters located inside the main building. Glasgow University also offers some spectacular views across the city.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

Located next to Glasgow University is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – which is free to enter! Explore the 22 galleries which feature everything from art to Ancient Egypt. They also have changing exhibitions and displays- so there is bound to be something new to see every visit.

Admire the Glasgow City Centre Mural Trail

Glasgow is home to an array of beautiful street art, sprinkled across the city. I recommend walking the Glasgow Mural Trail to collect some great snaps for Instagram. Be sure to check out the Billy Connolly murals, which were created to mark the 75th birthday of the much-loved Glaswegian comedian.

Suggested time: You can spend a couple of hours on the Mural Trail up to a couple of days; don’t expect to see it all in one day, just pick out a few murals that appeal to you and visit those. One of the most famurs murals is the one of St Mungo, near Glasgow Cathedal.

Glasgow Cathedral & the Necropolis

Glasgow Cathedral (also known as the High Kirk of Glasgow) was built in the 1100s on the site of where St Mungo was supposedly buried in AD 612. It’s the oldest cathedral in Scotland and the only cathedral on the Scottish mainland to survive the Reformation of 1560!

Explore the crypt which was built to house tomb of St Mungo, and admire the Blackadder Aisle , a ceiling which is studded with brightly painted carved stone bosses.

The Necropolis is a stunning Victorian graveyard located behind Glasgow Cathedral. Over 50,000 people are buried here, and the highest point of the cemetery offers fantastic views of Glasgow!

Recommended accommodation in Glasgow

• Ibis Styles . I’ve stayed here before and this hotel ticks all the boxes- central, clean, comfortable- the perfect place to base yourself in the city!
• Native Glasgow . A lovely apartment hotel that is close to the train station and George Square.
• Argyll Guest House . A great wee bed and breakfast in an excellent, central location.

Pubs and Restaurants in Glasgow

• Revolution on Mitchell Street. This is the go-to bar for cocktails! This is one of my favourite classy bars in Scotland.
• Ubiquitous Chip in Ashton Lane. Go to this restaurant if you want to treat yourself- it’s a Michelin-starred and the perfect restaurant for a romantic meal with your partner.
• Six by Nico on Argyle Street.
• Paesano Pizza on Miller Street. One of the most loved pizza restaurants in Glasgow, Paesano is a Glasweigian staple.
• Cranberrys on Wilson Street. A great wee coffee shop that also do sandwiches, and delicious cakes and slices!

Day 4: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park & Glen Coe

On day four of my 10 day Scotland itinerary, you will begin your adventure into the Scottish Highlands !

You will depart Glasgow in the morning and drive through Scotland’s first national park: the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, which shows off some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery. Today will be a leisurely drive- there are many lay-bys and car parks you can pull into on your way to Glencoe to take photos and admire the rugged mountains and vast lochs!

The road through to the village of Glencoe takes you through the heart of an ancient volcano.

Glen Coe has been used as a filming location for many films, including James Bond’s Skyfall and the Harry Potter movies.

You can easily fit in all the recommendation stops on this itinerary in one day.

Things to do in The Trossachs National Park + Glencoe

Loch lomond.

You will drive alongside Loch Lomond for 25 miles- and there will be lots to see out the window! If you want to stop and stretch your legs, I recommend stopping in at the village of Luss . The cottages in this village are super cute and picturesque, and there are some fun gift shops selling products made by Scottish creators.

Suggested time: I recommend spending an hour exploring the village of Luss

Stop at The Drovers Inn [for lunch]

The Drover’s Inn is one of the best pubs in Scotland and also serves hearty Scottish meals. Walking through the door of the stone building is like walking into another century; the inn was opened in 1705 as a cattle drovers lodging and the interior is basically unchanged. It’s got everything you’d picture a traditional Scottish inn should have: tartan carpeting, antique furnishings, traditional live music- even an impressive taxidermy collection of animals from Scotland’s past and present.

Legend has it that Rob Roy MacGregor used to drink here!

Admire the Falls of Falloch

Located just 2.2 miles from The Drover’s Inn are the Falls of Falloch , a spectacular 30 ft waterfall well worth the short walk.

Snap a photo of the ‘Wee White Hoose’ [aka the Glencoe house]

One of the most iconic images of Glencoe is the ‘ Wee White House ‘ that is nestled right in front of one of Scotland’s most impressive mountains: Buachaille Etive Mor . There is a car park on the A82 you can park your car in [search for ‘ parking for Buachaille Etive Mor ‘ on Google maps], to wander down to take a snap. Just be cautious of oncoming traffic as this is a popular spot for tourists to stop!

Suggested time: 30 minutes

Admire the Three Sisters

Not far from the Wee White House the road bends and The Three Sisters will appear. You won’t miss these three dramatic mountains- one of the most beautiful sights in Scotland. There is a car park you can pull into to stop and admire them. Be warned, this is a very popular location and the car park does get busy.

Other activities you can do in Glencoe

Glen Coe is located in the Lochaber area of the Scottish Highlands, which is known as the Outdoors Capital of Scotland! There are plenty of outdoor activities to satisfy the adventurer, and here are a few of my favourites:

• Hike the Pap of Glencoe or to the Lost Valley
• Ski, snowboard or go mountain biking at the Glencoe Mountain resort
• Hire a sea kayak on Loch Leven
• Via Ferrata in Kinlochleven

Off the beaten track option: Killin

If you wanted to go somewhere a little quieter than Glencoe [it can get very busy with tourists] I recommend staying in Killin . There are plenty of hiking opportunities in the area, including Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve where you can hike one of Scotland’s highest Munros, Ben Lawers.

For accommodation, I recommend staying at the Killin Woodland Lodges . They do have a 2-night minimum stay, so you will have to alter this itinerary slightly if you plan on staying here. I spent a few nights here and it was the perfect nature escape.

Recommended accommodation in Glen Coe

• The Ballachulish Hotel . The Haggis and I stayed here for my 30th birthday- it’s one of the more affordable options for accommodation in Glencoe and I loved the traditional decor. There is a restaurant with a pub onsite. I recommend upgrading to a room with a view of the loch.
• Isles of Glencoe Hotel . This hotel is located next to Loch Leven, and is a short drive from the village of Glencoe. They also have swimming pools and a spa.
• RiverBeds Lodges (with hot tubs) Perfect for couples, there is nothing quite like relaxing in a hot tub surrounded by nature after a busy day exploring! Definitely a luxury experience.
• The Boathouse . An amazing holiday home- perfect for a family or a group of friends.
• Ardno House B&B . A lovely, traditional bed and breakfast surrounded by nature.
• Glencoe Youth Hostel . If you’re on a budget, this hostel is a great choice. It’s perfect for friends, solo travellers or families. Don’t worry- it’s not a party hostel!

Pubs and Restaurants in Glencoe

• Clachan Inn
• The Ballachulish Hotel
• Kingshouse Hotel Restaurant
• Glencoe Cafe
• The Laroch Restaurant and Bar
• Lochleven Seafood Cafe

Today you will depart Glencoe and drive to the magical Isle of Skye – one of Scotland’s most magnificent islands known for its otherworldly rugged landscapes, delicious seafood and cute fishing villages.

The drive itself takes you through Lochalsh, home of the Five Sisters of Kintail , before you drive over the bridge to the Isle of Skye (that’s right- there’s a bridge so there’s no need to catch a boat across!). You’ll spend two nights in the main town of Portree , a great base for exploring the island, features harbourside pubs and boutique shops.

On your journey to Scotland’s largest island, you’ll discover two ancient castles. When you arrive on the island, you’ll make your way around the east coast of the island to discover its natural beauty.

You will spend two days on the Isle of Skye (the absolute minimal amount of time I recommend) but you are welcome to spend longer here if you want to see everything. I’ve written a comprehensive 2-day Isle of Skye itinerary that I recommend you check out.

Things to do on the way to the Isle of Skye

Spot some heilan’ coos.

Highland cows or ‘heilan coos’ are a Scottish cattle breed known for their long horns and shaggy ginger coats. I’ve been to Invergarry during the summer, autumn and winter and I always spot this herd in the paddock next to the bridge on the A82 as you drive into Invergarry . It’s well worth a quick photo stop! There is a car park at a hotel which is close to the paddock as you enter the village.

Invergarry Castle

You’ll take a slight detour to visit Invergarry Castle next, my favourite castle ruin which was once the seat of the Chiefs of the Clan MacDonnell of Glengarry.

Bonnie Prince Charlie visited the castle and is said to have rested there after his defeat at Culloden in 1746. The castle was burned shortly after Culloden by English troops, however, the walls of the castle refused to yield and have survived to this very day!

Invergarry Castle cannot be entered (it’s fenced off) but you can get close enough to look inside the ruin. It is especially beautiful in the spring when the flower bushes are in bloom.

Eilean Donan Castle

Just before you cross the bridge into Skye, make sure you visit Scotland’s most photographed castle. Seat to the MacRae clan, Eilean Donan Castle is often referred to as the most romantic castle in Scotland- with good reason. It is situated on an island at the point where three sea lochs meet and surrounded by a backdrop of mountains. It has appeared in many films, including  Highlander and the James Bond film The World is Not Enough.

Eilean Donan Castle was first inhabited around the 6th century, and the first fortified castle was built in the mid-1200s. The castle was rebuilt many times over the course of Scotland’s bloody history. King Robert the Bruce is also rumoured to have sought refuge here while being hunted by the English.

There is a visitors centre and ample parking available next to the castle.

Suggested time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours if you pay to go inside the castle, or you can admire it from the car park.

Things to do on the Isle of Skye

You won’t have time to complete both of the hikes I recommend below, however, you can see both of these locations from your car, so you could easily visit them both in the evening. If you’d like to complete one or both of the hikes, you can do them on your second day on Skye.

Old Man of Storr

This iconic landmark is closely located north of Portree. You can view the Old Man of Storr from the roadside, or there is a popular hike to the landmark you can do if you have time. For the adventurous looking for a challenge, there is a hike to the summit of the Old Man of Storr . Be mindful of loose rocks and rockfalls- you will need good quality hiking boots to attempt these hikes. Allow 1.5 – 5 hours for each of these hikes. The Old Man of Storr can also be seen from The Lump in Portree if you look carefully.

Suggested time: 2-5 hours if you plan on hiking, but you can also see it from the roadside.

The Quiraing

The Quiraing is my favourite location on the Isle of Skye. There is a small car park where you can park your car. Be sure to arrive early, as it fills up quickly.

You can hike the hill circuit to get the best views; you don’t have to do the whole thing, but make sure you walk to The Prison and The Needle , two impressive rock formations. This location is also the perfect place to watch the sunrise, so you may want to delay visiting until the following day.

Just like the Old Man of Storr, be mindful of rockfalls and loose rocks in this area.

Suggested time: 3-4 hours if hiking the hill circuit; 2 hours if you plan on walking to The Needle.

SCOTLAND TRAVEL TIP One thing to be aware of is that many of the roads in the Isle of Skye are single track. During the summer months, Skye can get very busy, so it is worth rising early to avoid peak traffic times or travel in the shoulder-season. When I visited in November, I barely saw one tourist on the road!

Recommended accommodation in the Isle of Skye

• Breton House
• The Cosy Cabin
• Portree Youth Hostel
• Skyewalker Hostel
• An-Airidh Bed and Breakfast

On your second day on the Isle of Skye, you can go on one [or both] of the hikes I recommended in the earlier section, or drive around the stunning Sleat Peninsula .

The Sleat Peninsula isn’t as touristy as the north-east part of the island, and it definitely feels like you’ve gone off the beaten track. It surprises me that the Sleat Peninsula is a less visited area on Skye, seeing as it is one of the nicest drives I’ve done in Scotland.

Just picture violet, heather-clad mountains contrasted with glittering blue sea and rocky shorelines and this will give you an indication on just why this drive is one for the Scotland bucket list !

If you’d decide to relax in Portree instead…

Go for a walk around The Lump  and climb the  Apothecary’s Tower for views of the town all the way to the Old Man of Storr . Follow the path back into the town and marvel at the famous colourful houses along Portree harbour , and go for a spot of shopping in the town centre.

Driving the Sleat Peninsula

The Sleat Peninsula is known as the ”garden of Skye” and is home to clan MacDonald of Sleat.

This is the route I recommend taking:

This route will take you through the Cuillin mountains to Dunscaith Castle , a ruin that sits on the coast. It once belonged to the Clan MacDonald of Sleat, but some time in the 14th century it was taken from them by the Clan MacLeod. It was held briefly by the MacAskills (allies of the MacLeods) but it was recaptured by the MacDonalds sometime in the 15th century.

There isn’t much left of Dunscaith Castle, but the views surrounding the ruin are simply spectacular! This is certainly an off the beaten track experience you can brag about.

When you return to your car you can go back the way you came, or continue on in the same direction, as the road eventually loops back to the A851 that will take you to Portree via the A87.

Suggested time: Allow at least 5 hours to drive around the Sleat Peninsula and stop off at attractions along the way.

Spending more time in the Isle of Skye?

Make sure you visit these locations:

• Neist Point Lighthouse
• Dunvegan Castle
• Talisker Whisky Distillery
• Fairy Pools

On day seven of my 10 day Scotland itinerary you will visit the capital of the Scottish Highlands: Inverness .

Inverness is located at the north-eastern end of the Great Glen, a line of five lochs extending from Fort William in the south-west and which has historically been an important area of trade and movement through the highlands. It’s also known as the gateway to the north-west highlands and is the starting point for the popular North Coast 500 .

The drive from Portree to Inverness takes just over 3 hours- but the scenery of the highlands makes up for the long drive. There are many scenic stops along the way to enjoy.

Want to stay a bit longer? Check out my 2 day Inverness itinerary .

Recommended accommodation in Inverness

Hotels: Culloden House if you’re after luxury (the location of the Jacobite camp the night before the Battle of Culloden in 1476- it’s now been transformed into luxury accommodation); The Wee Lodge is great if you can find availability (so popular it’s almost always booked out) or Kilcumin Guest House is a good medium-budget option.

Bed and Breakfast: Balcroydon B&B or Culliss B&B .

Hostels: I stayed at Inverness Youth Hostel and recommend it for a comfortable hostel stay; Bazpackers is a great modern hostel.

Things to do on the drive to Inverness

Urquhart castle and loch ness.

It’s easy to combine Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness because the castle sits beside the legendary loch!

The ruin of Urquhart Castle was once a royal castle and was later gifted to Clan Grant. The present ruin dates back to the 13th century, although it is speculated that it used to be the fortress of Bridei, King of the Northern Picts ! It is said that St Columba visited Bridei in the 6th century. It’s also said Columba converted a Pictish nobleman who was on his deathbed to Christianity!

Loch Ness is ‘home’ to the legendary Loch Ness Monster- or Nessie, as the locals like to call her! While it’s unlikely you’ll spot Nessie, the views from atop the castle ruin make for a fantastic photo opportunity.

Things to do in Inverness

Inverness castle.

Inverness Castle is a more modern Scottish castle, and by modern I mean it was built in 1836! The red sandstone structure sits on a cliff overlooking River Ness. This is a castle you can just marvel at from the outside- which is definitely its most aesthetically pleasing point.

Clava Cairns

Clava Cairns is a well-preserved cemetery from the Bronze Age, dating back around 4,000 years! It consists of a complex of passage graves; ring cairns, kerb cairns and standing stones.

It’s free to visit and well worth it.

Culloden Battlefield

The Battlefield of Culloden is the site of the fateful final Jacobite Uprising in 1746, where supporters of Bonnie Prince Charlie clashed with the Duke of Cumberland’s government troops.

If you’re an Outlander fan, you’ll recall this was the battle that Claire and Jamie were trying to prevent from happening in season one.

The battle of Culloden took place on Drumossie Moor ; the battle was over within an hour and with 1500-2000 men were massacred. The conclusion of the battle led to the Highland Clearances , where the Scots were stripped of their lands, their tartan, and their culture.

The battle site is free to visit, but the interactive Culloden Visitor Centre is worth paying to see.

Day 8: Cairngorms National Park & Pitlochry

Day eight of my 10 day Scotland itinerary is more relaxed; you can either tick off some more activities in Inverness in the morning or drive straight to Pitlochry , a charming burgh located at the foot of the Cairngorms National Park .

A good stopping point between Inverness and Pitlochry is Blair Atholl . This does require a slight detour from the A9, but the drive is much more appealing.

Option: If you’d prefer to spend more time in another area, you can cut this day out of the itinerary and spend the extra day somewhere else!

Recommended accommodation in the Cairngorms National Park

Hotels: McKays Hotel is fabulously located in the centre of the town and has a bar and restaurant downstairs.

Hostels: Pitlochry Youth Hostel .

Bed and Breakfast: Ellangowan House Bed and Breakfast .

Things to do in the Cairngorms National Park & Pitlochry

Blair castle.

Blair Castle , the ancestral home of the Clan Murray, is a vast white castle set amongst a nine-acre walled garden. There is a lot to see here: a ruined kirk, peacocks, a red deer park, Highland cattle and native red squirrels can often be spotted in the garden.

Suggested time: 3 hours

Stroll through the town

Pitlochry is a picturesque wee burgh, sitting cosily below Beinn Bhracaigh (Ben Vrackie) , the speckled mountain and beside the River Tummel , in some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland. There is a nice viewpoint of the town from the Pitlochry Youth Hostel .

You’ll want to spend your time in Pitlochry by browsing the shops on the main street , admire the locks on the Iron Suspension Bridge , or going for a walk on one of the many walking trails .

You’ll spend the evening relaxing in one of the cosy pubs for a warm meal.

Alternative option: Aberfeldy

If you’d prefer to visit an area that isn’t as touristy as Pitlochry I recommend going to Aberfeldy instead. It’s located just 25 minutes south-west of Pitlochry.

Castle Menzies

Castle Menzies is a beautiful 16th-century castle and is actually located a short drive from Aberfeldy, in Weem . It is the seat of Clan Menzies and the Menzies Baronets, and a good example of the transition in Scottish castles from earlier rugged Highland fortresses to mansion houses. Bonnie Prince Charlie rested here for two nights on his way to the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Visit their website  for opening times.

Suggested time: 1 – 2 hours.

The Birks of Aberfeldy

The Birks of Aberfeldy is known for being the namesake of one of Robert Burns’ most famous poems. Walk the path through the birch trees to the Falls of Moness – a spectacular waterfall- which inspired the poem during Burns’ tour of the Scottish Highlands.

Suggested time: 1-2 hours.

Watermill Bookshop & Cafe

Aberfeldy is also home to one of Scotland’s best bookshops , the Watermill Bookshop & Cafe.  The downstairs cafe even has a reading area- so if you’re a book lover and want to purchase some beautiful books about Scotland , take a break here!

From Aberfeldy, you can drive the longer, more scenic route via Amulree to Crieff [the A826/A822] before turning left onto the A85 to head towards St Andrews .

Day 9: St. Andrews

St Andrews is known as the ‘home of golf’ because the sport was first played on the Links at The Old Course in St Andrews!

There is plenty to see and do in St Andrews and it has an interesting history. It’s the location where Prince William met his future wife, Kate Middleton , while they were attending St Andrews University together- one of the oldest universities in the world!

The town is easily navigated on foot, and it’s possible to see mostly everything in St Andrews in one day .

PLACES TO EAT Popular with students, The Vic serves great food at an affordable price. Jannettas Gelateria – known as the ‘home of gelato’ is a must-visit. Greyfriars Inn  and  The Keys Bar  are popular pubs.

Recommended accommodation in St. Andrews

Hotels: The Old Course Hotel is situated in the middle of the oldest golf course in the world, and is a good luxury option. The Albany is a fantastic budget option.

Bed and Breakfast: Shangri-la bed and breakfast .

Hostels: There are no hostels in St Andrews.

Things to do in St Andrews

St. andrews cathedral.

Once Scotland’s largest church, St. Andrews Cathedral is the most famous attraction in the town, and perhaps the most famous ruin in Scotland. It is free to explore the ruin and accompanying graveyard. For a small fee, you can climb to the top of St. Rule’s Tower for spectacular views across St. Andrews!

St. Mary’s Chapel on the Rock is also located nearby; this chapel was built in the late 1300s on the site believed to be the original location of St Andrew’s relics. It was ruined after the Scottish Reformation, but the foundations are still visible.

Suggested time: 2 hours.

St. Andrews Castle

St. Andrews Castle has been by turns a stronghold, palace and a prison. Explore the infamous ‘bottle dungeon’ and the underground mine and countermine.

It costs to go inside St. Andrews Castle- or if you’re trying to save money, there is a good view of the castle from the small beach next to the castle!

The Old Course

The oldest golf course in the world, The Old Course attracts many famous golfers and celebrities. Each year in fall, amateur celebrities will play against the pros at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship . Celebrities that have played in the past include Michael Douglas, Samuel L Jackson, Morgan Freeman, Hugh Grant and Jamie Dornan.

I recommend going for a walk down to the course to see the Swilcan Bridge , a famous spot to get a photo. Just look out for flying ball and ask if it’s okay to walk on the course.

On your final day, you’ll drive back to Edinburgh but stop off at some important historical attractions on the way. You’ll pass through Stirling first, followed by Falkirk and then Linlithgow – the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots !

I suggest choosing one of these locations and spend some time there, as you’ll be hard-pressed to visit all three.

Things to do in Stirling, Falkirk & Linlithgow

Stirling castle [stirling].

Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, both historically and architecturally. It sits atop a steep crag, which gives it an excellent defensive position. Here are some fascinating facts about Stirling Castle:

• After the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, Robert the Bruce destroyed Stirling Castle to stop it falling into English hands.
• There is a hole in the wall of the castle that is reputed to have been made so a young Mary Queen of Scots could look at the view of Stirling.
• Several Kings and Queens were crowned at Stirling, including Mary Queen of Scots.
• The oldest football in the world was found in the Palace at Stirling Castle.
• William, the 8th Earl of Douglas, was murdered at Stirling Castle. In 1452, James II had the Earl assassinated and his body was flung from a castle window down into the gardens.

The Kelpies [Falkirk]

The Kelpies are 30 metre-high horse sculptures and they are the largest equine sculptures in the world. There is a visitors centre on-site. There is a huge car park where you can park up and walk down to see the huge equine statues.

Suggested time: 1 hour.

Linlithgow Palace [Linlithgow]

Linlithgow Palace is the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and James V . It is also the location for several films and tv shows, including Outlaw King and Outlander .

It was a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens from James I onward. There is a fantastic view of Linlithgow Palace from across the Linlithgow Loch. There is a paved path that goes around the loch, which is a lovely walk.

Suggested time: 2 hours [longer if walking around the loch]

Off the beaten track option: Callendar House [Falkirk]

If you’ve had your fill of palaces and castles, I recommend visiting Callendar House , a mansion that was once home Scotland’s most famous noble families. Callendar House has hosted some very famous Scottish guests, such as Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Queen Victoria . The house lies along the line of the Antonine Wall , a Roman fortification which was built in AD 142 (20 years after Hadrian’s Wall). If you follow the path that leads from the front of the building out to the road, you will see the ditch which ran along the northern side of the wall. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Interesting facts: 

• The tree that sits on a mound of earth to the west of the entrance has some 60 bodies buried beneath it!
• The marriage agreement between Mary, Queen of Scots and Francis II was signed here.
• Lady Anne Livingston (a Jacobite) hosted and distracted the general of the English army while Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army approached and took the English army by surprise, which led to the victory of the Battle of Falkirk Muir.

Suggested time: 2-3 hours.

If you’ve made it this far- well done! I put absolutely everything into this 10 day Scotland itinerary. Just remember, it’s not expected you get through every activity in this itinerary. The whole point is to pick and choose the things you want to do. You can always add anything you’ve missed into a future trip to Scotland.

If you have any questions about planning a trip to Scotland, why not join my Scotland Travel Tips group on Facebook? I’m very active in this group, helping as many people as I can with their Scotland travel questions.

I’ve written a bunch of Scotland itineraries to help you plan your trip to Scotland. Check them out below, or click here to read all my Scotland guides.

• How to spend 4 days in Scotland
• How to spend 2 days in Edinburgh
• How to spend 2 days in Inverness
• Isle of Skye 2 day itinerary
• St Andrews 1 day itinerary
• Things to do on the North Coast 500

If you need help with planning your trip, be sure to grab my Scotland Travel Planning Bundle , which features a 30 page eBook, a 60+ page printable travel planner, and my must-see Scotland travel planners!

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Friday 26th of January 2024

Hi!! Your blog is amazing, there are many useful recommendations!! We are a 4 adult group that we are planning to do a 10 day train trip (we cannot afford to rent a car), do you recommend to try to follow this route or change something? Thanks!

Wednesday 20th of November 2019

Hi, following this itinerary, would you recommend that I pick up my car on day 4?

Yvette Morrissey

Sunday 24th of November 2019

I'd recommend you pick up your car when you head to the Scottish Borders on day 2. I don't recommend driving in Edinburgh as the first day is walkable

Sunday 6th of October 2019

My husband and I followed this almost to a tee and it was absolutely spot on! We printed it and consulted it while planning and again while on our trip. We loved your recommendations and felt it was a really great itinerary in order to see and do all the main stops in Scotland. The only thing we didn’t do were the Abbeys (Edinburgh is my favourite city in the world and I couldn’t part with it early). Thank you so much for having taken the time to assemble this and share it online. It shaped our entire trip!

Marcelo Pisati

Thursday 12th of September 2019

Hi Yvette I am actually planning my trip to scotland for next year and found your information fantastic We are six adult on our 65´s and plan to drive all the way your road map we are planning to have a 6 seats Alhambra for the trip as most of the trip is on good roads Perhaps such a vehicule in Isle of skye may be to big But anyhow we will give a try Thank you very much for sharing invaluable information for the traveler Best worm regards Marcelo

Friday 13th of September 2019

Hi Marcelo, I'm so glad this article helped you! I hope you have a fantastic time on your travels around Scotland :-)

Tuesday 25th of June 2019

Hi Yvette, do you recommend this for Xmas break? This is a terrific itinerary.

Monday 29th of July 2019

Hi Chloe, one thing to bear in mind is there is very little daylight during winter in Scotland- it's usually dark by 3-4pm! So you could do this itinerary but you'd have to cut quite a lot out due to this. Another thing to consider is if it snows. Usually it will snow in Scotland from Jan, but it can be earlier.

The Ultimate 10 Days In Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

Last Updated on March 16, 2024

Out of all my trips around the world, planning out a memorable Scotland itinerary was one of the most riveting, exciting, and cherished 10 days that I’ve had. Scotland is a place where Harry Potter fans, history lovers, nature lovers, and city lovers all come together in this melting pot of a country. A Scotland road trip through alluring Edinburgh, the lush green tones of the Scottish Highlands, and destinations with rich history like Mary King’s Close, Eilean Donan Castle, and Loch Ness will leave you in awe of just off under-the-radar this place is compared to other road trip destinations.

This 10-day itinerary covers all the main highlights of central and northern Scotland, as well as all the best areas of the west coast. There will be no stone unturned and you can mold this itinerary to best suit your needs and interests. You’ll quickly find that you can explore a myriad of interests all across the country. One day I cannot wait to return to this magical place with my own rental car and the open road. There are few things better than that!

I have poured so much love into curating all the best stops on this Scotland road trip itinerary, morphed into the perfect 10 days for you to get your exploration on! Let’s get started, shall we?

This post may contain affiliate links for the products I mentioned, but as always, all opinions are my own. I make a small commission, at no extra cost to you, when you make a purchase or booking through these links. This helps to support this space and keep me blogging, which I am so extremely thankful for.

10 Days in Scotland Itinerary Road Trip FAQ’s

How many days is enough for scotland.

At a minimum, I would say that 10-12 days in Scotland is enough for a satisfying tour around the country. If you can manage two weeks or longer, that is more ideal since you have the option to travel slower, explore some other interesting places in the country like the Outer Hebrides, Shetland, Outer Isles, stops along the North Coast 500, or spend more time in locations that you fall in love with.

I was working with around 10 days on my own Scotland itinerary, so I have curated this road trip to maximize your time here so that you can see more and have a fulfilling trip.

What should I not miss on a Scotland Itinerary?

The TOP DOG road trip stops that are included in this itinerary are Glencoe Valley, Eilean Donan Castle, the Isle of Skye, Bidean Nam Bian, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Old Man of Storr, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh, The Cuillin, Faerie Pools, Faerie Glen, and the Quraing.

What is the best month to visit Scotland?

This road trip itinerary is best followed in late Spring, Summer, or Fall in Scotland (late April – September). During these seasons, the snow is melted off the hills and mountains in the highlands, making all the outdoor locations easily accessible, which primarily make up this guide. The vibrancy of the country will be in full bloom with the iconic green hues of the valleys among the lochs, and these months have the most sunshine so you can maximize your days out.

If you want to avoid lots of crowds and those pestering midges, then late Spring has a track record of being very ideal, mostly midge-free, and a lot quieter than the hustle of the summer months. In short, shoot for sometime in May.

Need more information? I wrote a helpful guide for choosing the best month to visit Scotland !

There isn’t a wet or dry season in Scotland, it’s just wet all the time, so prepare for rainfall no matter what month you choose to visit.

Day One | Edinburgh

– Explore the main attractions of Edinburgh and get settled into your hotel in the Old or New Town. Don’t forget that hearty, full Scottish breakfast!

– DRIVETIME | 30-40 Minutes

Your first day in Scotland is your chance to see a chunk of the main highlights of this enchanting city. You’ll be flying into the Edinburgh International Airport (EDI), but you do not need to pick up your rental car just yet. Edinburgh is a highly walkable city, so you will not need your rental car til day four when you drive to the Isle of Skye. This will save you some money if you’re traveling on a budget. You’ll want to schedule your car pick-up at the Waverly Rail Station. It’s located right on Princes Street, so it’s centrally located and an early morning pick-up will be seamless. The roads in the Isle of Skye and the Highlands used to be quite rough years ago, but now they are paved, so you don’t need any car with 4×4 capabilities! I was shocked at how nice the roads were there because it is pothole central here in Texas. Driving on the roads in Scotland is like driving on butter, for the most part!

Today is the day you’ll be settling into where you’re staying for the night, so feeling sluggish or tired is highly likely. Whenever you land, head to where you’re staying, get a quick nap in, and you’ll have a boost to go and get familiar with the city. The first thing you’ll want to do is eat, and to that, I say you should definitely try and indulge in a full Scottish breakfast at  Southern Cross Cafe . Both of these spots serve breakfast in the afternoon, so it’s ideal if your flight is landing in the early or late morning. What is a Full Scottish Breakfast? By full, the Scots mean “ complete “, but trust me when I say you’ll be full when you finish up this hearty dish! This plate of delicacies features tomatoes, one egg, sausage links, sauteed mushrooms, baked beans, black pudding (quite the opposite of the sweet dessert, but ask what it is after you try it), thinly sliced ham, and a potato or tattie. 

Both of these places offer veggie options, but if you’re looking for the best vegan/veggie version of this traditional Scottish dish, you must go to Breakfast, Brunch, and Lunch .

After filling up on that plate of goodies, you’ll set out to the Royal Mile to get some light exploring in for the day. 

There are many notable things to see here: The Real Mary King’s Close , St. Giles Cathedral , Edinburgh Castle , The National Museum of Scotland , The Heart of the Midlothian, and the Scotch Whiskey Experience . Every time you walk the Royal Mile, you’re going to see something new because there are hundreds of shops lining this singular street. The mile runs between two historic monuments in Scotland’s history: Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyrood. The cobblestone streets, bagpipes, and history are going to sweep you off your feet.

Edinburgh Castle is so massive that touring the entire thing will easily take up a few hours of your day. I highly recommend grabbing the audio tour to get the full history and magic of this Scottish gem.

Another area that is well worth exploring is Grassmarket Street . This is the more “hip” little sister of the Royal Mile, meaning it’s a whole lot smaller and packs a punch. One of the most beautiful bookstores, Armchair Books , is down the road from the square. Other notable spots are The Elephant House , Maison De Moggy , Armstrong’s Vintage , Greyfriar’s Kirkyard , the Edinburgh Farmer’s Market , and the picturesque Victoria’s Street .

You have the option to end the day at one of my favorite places, the Cameo Picturehouse . This is the oldest entertainment complex in Edinburgh, built in the 1910s, and it has almost all of its original decor. They play a variety of new and old movies, so if there is a movie you have been anticipating seeing, this is definitely a spot you want to experience it in.

WHERE TO STAY IN EDINBURGH

Since you’ll be exploring most of central Edinburgh, I recommend basing yourself in the New or Old Town. The easyHotel is an excellent option because it’s right down the road from Edinburgh Castle, close to all the attractions you’ll be exploring, and for an extra 10-20 pounds, you can book a room with a castle view! Highly recommend! If you’re running on a tighter budget, I enjoyed the High Street Hostel also for its location and price point! I also have a guide to the best hostels in Edinburgh if you’re looking for more great budget options for your few days here. Alternatively, browse all places to stay in Edinburgh below!

Booking.com

DAY ONE SUMMARY

– ARRIVE IN EDINBURGH

– ENJOY A FULL SCOTTISH BREAKFAST

– WALK THE ROYAL MILE

– GRASSMARKET STREET

– EDINBURGH CASTLE

– THE CAMEO PICTUREHOUSE

Day Two | Edinburgh

– See Edinburgh’s iconic monuments, the Scottish National Gallery, tour where Her Majesty the Queen stays while she’s in Edinburgh, and step into a fairytale in Dean’s Village.

– DRIVETIME | 0 minutes

Your second day in Edinburgh is a full day, so there is a lot you can tack onto this day. One of my favorite places for coffee in the city is at the Milkman . They just opened a second location here that is aesthetically to DIE FOR. It’s right on the corner going up Cockburn Street so you’ll get one of the best cups of coffee in the city with one of the best VIEWS in the city.

After fueling up on some breakfast, Loudons is a local favorite, you’ll head over to the massive Victorian-esque tower that overlooks Princes Street, the Scott Monument. This was dedicated to the Scottish author, Sir Walter Scott . You can go inside the monument and climb four different viewing platforms to the very top to see one of the top views overlooking Princes Street, the Princes Street Gardens, Old Town, New Town, Edinburgh Castle, and the Firth of Forth . If you can manage it, around the time of sunrise would be most ideal, but the view is incredible either way.

Next, you’ll head over to Calton Hill which boasts a variety of notable things to see and learn about: National Monument of Scotland, Nelson Monument , Dugald Stewart Monument , and the City Observatory. 

One of the coolest places in the city is at the very end of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyrood and Holyrood Abbey . When I visited Scotland in 2018, the queen was actually in Scotland staying here, so tours of the inside were closed, but Holyrood Abbey was open and those ruins are one of my favorite places to go in Edinburgh. The audio tour of the palace will give you more information about Bonnie Prince Charlie, Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Victoria, other royal residences, and the history of Holyrood.

After wrapping up your tours, head over to the Scottish National Gallery to indulge in works by Van Gogh, Monet, Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Leonardo da Vinci, and Salvador Dali, my personal favorite. There’s actually an app you can download where you can scan the piece of art and it’ll give you a brief story about it. This is perfect if you’re not well versed in the art scene, but love history and want to connect with the artwork.

To wrap up the day for sunset, you’ll be exploring Saint Anthony’s Chapel Ruins and Arthur’s Seat . These are located right next to each other and offer the best hiking trails in the city. Climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat to watch the sun go down over the entirety of Edinburgh. After Holyrood Abbey, this was my next favorite place in the city. You feel like you’re hiking through the Highlands when really you’re just on one of the seven different hills that Edinburgh was built on. Head back to your hotel, then prepare to leave for the Highlands bright and early tomorrow morning!

DAY TWO SUMMARY

– SCOTT MONUMENT

– CALTON HILL

– EXPLORE DEAN’S VILLAGE

– TOUR THE PALACE OF HOLYROOD

– HOLYROOD ABBEY

– SCOTTISH NATIONAL GALLERY

– SAINT ANTHONYS CHAPEL RUINS

– HIKE ARTHURS SEAT

DAY THREE | Drive To The Isle of Skye

– pick up your rental car in Edinburgh and drive to the Isle of Skye, with optional pit stops along the way to castles, lochs, and small villages.

– DRIVETIME | 6.5-7 hours

There are two routes to get to the Isle of Skye and for this Scotland road trip itinerary, you’ll be using both. Today, you’ll be taking the northern route through Inverness, and on the way back, you’ll be taking the southern route through Fort William and Glencoe Valley. Using both of these routes will allow you to see all of the highlights and take your time seeing everything you want to see. This is a big day for driving, so plan to pick up your rental car and leave Edinburgh no later than 8-9:00 am.

The first stop of the day will be to the small village of Pitlochry. This is an ideal place to stock up on groceries since there are a variety of stores offering fresh produce and road trip-friendly meal options. I went to the Pitlochry Food Co-op and they had really great options and cheap prices. Using the ingredients I found here, I made one of the most memorable bowls of spaghetti that I’ve had in my life. True story! While in town, you can also explore some of the stores nearby in case you need to pick up any other essentials before you get into the Isle of Skye: gloves, a hat, windbreaker, day backpack, etc.. Pitlochry is also home to Scotland’s smallest whiskey distillery, the Edradour Distillery , so you may consider stopping in for a drink before you head back out! This is the perfect spot to use the restroom and stock up on goods!

After you’re all squared away, you’re going to get back on the road for 1.5 hours to Inverness . It’s a small city of around 50,000 people and exploration around this area is optional. A few fascinating attractions here are the Clava Cairns , Culloden Battlefield , Ruthven Barracks , Munlochy Clootie Well , as well as other art museums and castles within the city.

On this route, you have the option to omit a detour to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle from Inverness. The lake and castle are a 35-mile addition to your route (already configured into today’s drivetime), so it is up to you if you’d like to stop. This location offers thousands of years of Scottish history and an amazing opportunity to see the castle overlooking Scotland’s largest lake. Whether you’re a firm believer in the Loch Ness Monster or see it as another conspiracy, this location offers magic and beauty to anyone that pays a visit and I highly recommend it.

Up next, you’ll be driving to one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle . This castle looks like it was taken right out of a fairytale and even if you’re only stopping to get a photo, it’s still worth stopping for. They offer tours inside the castle for ten pounds a ticket. I didn’t go on the tour myself because I didn’t have time, but if you do I recommend it for the history. One thing I learned while spending 10 days in Scotland was that knowing the history of landmarks, castles, and battlefields makes you appreciate them a whole lot more since you’ll have a better understanding of what you’re looking at. A simple visit to a castle turns into stories of the Jacobite Rising, kings, bishops, battles, and royalty.

Where To Stay In Portree

Portree is a very common base camp for exploring the Isle of Skye, so there are many really nice places to stay here, just make sure you book these months in advance. I recommended the Portree Hotel and the Portree Independent Hostel above, but the Cuillin Hills Hotel , Skeabost View Pods Skye , and the Coolin View are other amazing options.

Once settled in Portree , you can stop in at one of the pubs for a drink, capture the view over Portree Harbour , and take in the views of Loch Portree .

DAY THREE SUMMARY

– PITLOCHRY

– INVERNESS

– LOCH NESS

– URQUHART CASTLE

– EILEAN DONAN CASTLE

Day FOUR | Driving the Trotternish Circuit

– Today you’ll be exploring one of the most photographed parts of the Isle of Skye, the Trotternish Circuit, through various hikes, museums, and atmospheric views. Wear comfortable hiking shoes today!

– DRIVETIME | 1.5 hours

Your first day of exploration on the Isle of Skye is going to be via the Trotternish Loop. It highlights some of the best scenery on this isle. Ideally, travel this loop going clockwise because you’ll be going against traffic and avoiding a lot of the large travel tours.

The first stop of the day is going to be at The Faerie Glen. The Sidhe Faeries were believed to exist here all the way back into prehistoric times! The small, grassy knolls bring out the magic of this area, just make sure you’re on your best behavior! Originally, faeries were believed to be evil to bad-mannered travelers, but payback acts of kindness with good luck! Although there isn’t any definitive folklore linking to this area, this whimsical landscape will make you believe you’ll run into “the little people” during your walk here. When visiting, the only permanent rock formation here is the spiral of stones. Small stacks of stones and designs are created by tourists are considered vandalism and the Scottish spend the winters undoing them, so please refrain from building anything with rocks during your visit.

When you drive here, there won’t be any signs guiding you. Since you’ll be traveling North from Portree, turn down the road on the right just before the Uig Hotel. Drive five minutes down the road and you’ll be able to spot the Faerie Glen.

The next stop on this Scotland road trip itinerary is at the Skye Museum of Island Life . The thatched cottages, croft houses, and barns take you back in time to what life was like on Skye in the 18th and 19th centuries. To go into the cottages and barns, it’s £4.00 per person. Crofters that worked up in the Isle of Skye stayed here and you’ll see few worldly posessions, sacred artifacts for this era, and old photographs of the island. In 1773, two scientists, James Boswell and Dr. Johnson described their stay in one of these cottages like this: “We had no rooms that we could command, for the good people here had no notion that a man could have any occasion but for a mere sleeping-place”.  It’s an amazing stop to learn more about the people of the island and the brutal conditions that they lived and farmed in!

Next, you’ll be driving to the lesser-known Duntulm Castle. You won’t find this castle in many guidebooks, but the view is well worth stopping for. You’ll be able to spot the castle balancing on three different basalt cliffsides over the Isle of Lewis and Tulm Bay. Most of the castle remains are from the 15th century, with the entirety of the castle being built from the local basalt. Portions of the castle have collapsed into the sea in the past, so you definitely want to proceed with caution while exploring these ruins! On your way up to the castle, you’ll spot a massive cairn tribute to the MacArthur family. Duntulm Castle delivers views from all angles and there are some sheep that graze in the area as well. It’s very quiet up around the castle, which makes the whole experience “ atmospheric as fuck “, as my tour guide liked to say.

Finish up at the Duntulm Castle and drive a little way to one of the coolest spots in the Isle of Skye, the Quiraing. If you’re visiting in the spring and summer months this area boasts the most vibrant greens in this area. If you want to walk the entirety of this mountain range, which I highly recommend, it’s around five miles total and offers some of the most well-known and photographed views in the Isle of Skye. Before you head out for the entire circuit, make sure you check the weather forecast to make sure it’s clear because this trail can become quite dangerous in bad conditions.

Kilted Rock and Mealt Falls are the next stop on the list. These seaside cliffs remind me a lot of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, and it’s a beautiful spot to bring out a drone if you have one or to just take some nice photos of the area. On my tour, I actually ended up going to an alternative location to see the falls called The Brother’s Point, also called Rubha Nam Brathairean. This was really cool and there are a TON of sheep near the cliffs. Plus, you’ll likely be the only ones there for the best views of Mealt Falls! Go to the regular viewing point for the falls first, then drive the short ways to the Brother’s Viewpoint. Both are worth exploring!

The last thing you’ll want to explore this day is the infamous Old Man of Storr . This 2.5 round trip hike leads to a mythical rock formation that looks like it’s from another planet. This was one of my favorites hikes that I did on my Scotland itinerary and this is one of the number one spots that you SHOULD NOT MISS. Seriously, this place is otherworldly! Hiking to The Storr can get very crowded, very fast, especially if you’re visiting in the summer months, so ideally you want to arrive before or during sunrise or sunset so you can avoid all the people and get the most optimal lighting for photos. For this itinerary, you’ll be arriving for sunset which allows you to have most of the Storr crowd-free since a lot of the day tours won’t be here anymore. Once you get to the top, you can walk around near the rock formations and spend a bit of time exploring, so eat a nice lunch before you head out or pack a snack along. I enjoyed an IMMACULATE peanut butter and jelly sandwich at the top of this thing and it was the cherry on top of an already mindblowing view.

Finish up your day by heading back to your stay in Portree to enjoy a nice pint and a hearty dinner.

DAY FOUR SUMMARY

– THE FAIRY (FAERIE) GLEN

– SKYE MUSEUM OF ISLAND LIFE

– DUNTULM CASTLE

– THE QUIRAING

– KILTED ROCK + MEALT FALLS

– HIKE THE OLD MAN OF STORR

Day FIVE | Exploring the Isle of Skye

– This day you’ll be thoroughly exploring more of the Isle of Skye and ending your day in Sligachan to prepare for an adventurous sixth day.

– DRIVETIME | 5-6 hours

The first stop of the day is going to take you to Dunvegan Castle . This one of the most stereotypical castles that you’ll come across on the Isle of Skye: surrounded by forest, overlooking a massive loch, and a massive bridge to the entrance. You can purchase tickets for only the castle or buy tickets to tour the castle and gardens for £9-14.00. Alternatively, you can opt-out of the tour altogether and only view the castle from the outside if you want to save some time for this day since there is a bit of driving. Regardless, it’s a stunning castle and it’s the only Hebridean Castle to be occupied by the same family for over 800 years. The castle was built from the 1200’s all the way into the 1800’s so after going through many different building periods, you can experience a variety of architecture and history within the castle walls.

Up next is one of my personal favorite spots on Skye, the Neist Point Lighthouse. This location is most popular with photographers, especially around sunrise or sunset, but can be enjoyed any time of day. There is a one-way path you can take all the way down to the sea cliffs and near the lighthouse if you choose. It should take around 45 minutes total, or you can snap a photo, take in the view, and be on your way to the next stop. If you want to skip Dunvegan Castle, you should be able to make it here for sunrise, which I highly recommend!

Hop back in the car and drive to another renowned spot in the Highlands, The Fairy Pools. To see all of the pools and the waterfall, you’ll take an out-and-back trail that takes around 40 minutes to complete. Some people with a ton of grit will choose to swim in these pools, but beware because they are fed by the Cuillin Mountain streams so the water will be frigid! They have become incredibly popular after being named a top spot to visit by a massive travel agency, so try to get here before the late morning when all the tours show up! There are also some other trails in the Cuillins listed on tomorrow’s itinerary, so explore some of the shorter hikes if you’re working with some extra time this day.

End the day in Portree and prepare for an adventurous day of hiking in the Cuillins tomorrow.

DAY FIVE SUMMARY

– DUNVEGAN CASTLE

– NEIST POINT LIGHTHOUSE

– THE FAIRY (FAERIE) POOLS

– THE CUILLINS

Day Six | Hike The Cuillin Hills

– Hike in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland that many people only drive past. 

DRIVETIME | 2-3 hours

TOO MANY other Scotland road trip itineraries fail to mention or include the Cuillin Hills in their trip plans. That is downright INSANE because this is arguably the most beautiful place in Scotland. If I were asking a Scotsman, they would say Glencoe Valley, which is still off the chain, but the Cuillin Hills are for the true go-getters, hikers, outdoor lovers, and adventurers. Plus, since this area remains relatively unexplored by tourists, you’ll get to avoid a crazy amount of crowds! SCORE. There are two main bases for exploring the Cuillins, Sligachan in the North and Glenbrittle in the South. Sligachan is on the Portree bus route whereas there is no public transport to the south.

This mountain range is the most impressive in ALL of the United Kingdom. The name ‘Cuillin’ comes from the old Norse, kjöllen , meaning keel-shaped .  There are two main ranges in the Cuillins, with the main ridges named the Black Cuillins to distinguish it from the Red Cuillins that are to the East of Glen Sligachan. Both come together to form alpine-like peaks and knife-edged ridges. Still, the highest summit, Sgurr Alasdair, is only around 3000 feet tall. A lot of the peaks in this area are only accessible through climbing and/or mountaineering, but there are plenty of low-level trails for eager hikers to get out and explore this remote area.

Before you leave to tackle any of these hikes listed below, make sure you have the proper day hiking essentials and check the weather forecast more than once. The weather can change by the hour in Scotland, so make sure there isn’t any nasty weather coming to the area so you stay safe. I used YR when I was in Iceland and it has proved to be one of the best weather websites/apps that I have come across. The stock weather app on your phone isn’t going to be accurate, and with your safety involved, you really want to make sure you’re getting the best information. I deleted the main weather app off my iPhone because this one was so good! You’ll use it even when you get back home.

Once you’re finished hiking, return to your stay in Kyleakin and prepare to wave Skye goodbye tomorrow as you explore the rest of the Scottish Highlands.

Talisker Bay | Easy

For a nice stroll to a beautiful bay , the Talisker Bay Trail is ideal for those that don’t want to do any serious hiking but still see some beautiful scenery. This would a sweet sunrise mission and best paired with one of the other hikes on this list. The beach is best visited during low tide, so make sure you check sea levels before you head out so you can have the best experience. Other than that, the trail is very straightforward and you can enjoy a picnic on the beach, take a dip in the waters, and take in the view before heading back to your car.

BEST HIKED | SUNRISE / SUNSET

TRAIL LENGTH | 2.2 MILES

TYPE OF TRAIL | OUT & BACK

ELEVATION GAIN | 160 FEET

TRAILHEAD COORDINATES | 57.28747, -6.43887

HIKING TIME | 1 HOUR

Glen Sligachan | Intermediate

A solid trail that is a little less daunting than the rest of this list is the Glen Sligachan trail. It begins in Sligachan and ends all the way in Elgol. If you want to do the entirety of the trail, it’s going to be around 16 miles total and take you all day starting in Sligachan, going to Elgol, then back. If you only want to hike from start to end, planning for this can get a little hairy because you need to have transport back to your car after you arrive in Elgol and the trail pictured below ends about three miles before you make it to town, so your total mileage will be closer to eleven miles. The trail is more of a walk than, say, a rigorous hike, so it’s definitely doable as long as you start early in the morning and plan properly so you can take a bus back. If you don’t want to do all of that, you can easily start in Sligachan, hike in as far as you’d like, then hike back out.

Elgol features one of the most AMAZING viewpoints in Scotland. Yes, SCOTLAND! If you choose to hike all the way to the village you can spot this view while completing this trail. You can find detailed directions to this panoramic viewpoint here .

This trail is known as one of the top hill walks in the United Kingdom and is part of the infamous 80-mile Skye Trail . The glen divides the Black and Red Cuillins, so you’ll experience dramatic scenery for the entirety of the trail and end at Camasunary , a remarkable coastal view before reaching Elgol. The majority of the trail is well-maintained, however, after some rainfall, the glen floor can get boggy, but the tarns and lochans make up for it all. You’ll want to pack plenty of water, food, and snacks for this trail since you’ll be exploring the majority of the day. As always, make sure you check the weather conditions before you attempt this trail. Skye is notorious for its changing weather and if a gnarly fog and rain combo come in you could easily get lost.

BEST HIKED | EARLY MORNING

TRAIL LENGTH | 8.1 MILES

TYPE OF TRAIL | ONE WAY

ELEVATION GAIN | 883 FEET

TRAILHEAD COORDINATES | 57.29035, -6.17252

HIKING TIME | 6-9 HOURS

Coire Lagan | Intermediate/Strenuous

Serving up more remarkable views on Skye is the Coire Lagan Loop. The beginning of this trail begins at the Glenbrittle Campsite , behind the white toilet house. This trail is on the more popular side as of recent years, and Glenbrittle the ideal access point for the Cuillins in the South, so make sure you get here early to grab a parking spot before it fills up. The road here also has some pretty gnarly potholes, so be careful on the drive down. You should only attempt this trail when the weather is nice, like the rest of these hikes in the Cuillins. In ideal conditions, you won’t be the only person headed up to the lake, so you can ask or follow fellow hikers if you’re confused, but always lookout for the cairns along the route. They will take you in the right direction.

The last 1/4 of this trail involves a little bit of rock scrambling to get to the top, but it doesn’t require any technical skills, just be careful. On the way down, you’ll be able to spot the Eas More Waterfall, the highest waterfall in the Isle of Skye! I recommend following the loop version of this trail, even though it is slightly longer, because it is more scenic, less crowded, and you’ll be able to pass the waterfall!

TRAIL LENGTH | 5.6 MILES

TYPE OF TRAIL | LOOP OR OUT & BACK

ELEVATION GAIN | 1,925 FEET

TRAILHEAD COORDINATES | 57.20325, -6.29178

HIKING TIME | 4-5 HOURS

Loch Coruisk  | Intermediate/Strenuous

If you can only choose one hike on this list, make it Loch Coruisk. This remote lake is surrounded by all of the highest peaks in the Cuillins: Sgùrr Alasdair, Sgùrr Dearg, Sgùrr na Banachdaich, Bruach na Frìthe, and Sgùrr nan Gillean. This place was made popular by the Scottish author, Sir Walter Scott in his poem, ‘Lord of the Isles’, written in 1815. It’s also said to be home of the water horse/kelpie , a mythical Scottish creature that is said to lures people into the murky depths of the loch for them to live forever. The base of the lake is almost 100 feet below sea level, so if you dare to take a dip, be careful!

There are two ways you can arrive at Loch Coruisk. One being on foot leaving from Sligachan and the other via a boat/hiking trip from Elgol. No matter what you choose, you’ll be making a day out of this experience and you’ll leave being completely fulfilled by your experience. If heading out from Elgol, there are two companies that go out to the Loch: Misty Isle Boat Trips and the Bella Jane . Email either of the companies to book a spot and they will keep you updated on the sea conditions. The boat trip will take you to the Loch Coruisk Memorial Hut and from there, it’s around six miles total to the lake and back. This is a viable option if you’re shorter on time, don’t want to spend an entire day hiking, or are interested in seeing some wildlife in Scotland (seals, dolphins, and whales). Taking the boat tour also allows you to avoid “The Bad Step”, an ominous section of the trail, which is perfect if you’re not an experienced hiker.

TRAIL LENGTH | 14 MILES (4.3 via Elgol)

ELEVATION GAIN | 2,752 FEET

TRAILHEAD COORDINATES | 52.2896, -6.17443

HIKING TIME | ALL DAY (3-4 hours via Elgol)

CAMAS DARAICH (OPTIONAL STOP)

If you have enough time for a detour before heading back to Kyleakin, you should definitely go to Camas Daraich . It’s a powdery white sand beach that could easily be mistaken for a Caribbean paradise, but it’s right in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. From Glenbrittle, it’s around an hour and a half to the beginning of the walk, then another hour to get to the beach, and then a 50-minute drive to Kyleakin. So this is QUITE out of the way and time-consuming, especially if you’re attempting some of the more rigorous trails in the Cuillins, but this is a jaw-dropping detour worth the journey out to see it. Plus, you’ll likely have it all to yourself!

WHERE TO STAY IN KYLEAKIN

After finishing up at the castle, it’s time to head to one of my favorite places I stayed on the Isle of Skye, Kyleakin.  The village sits under the Skye Bridge that connects the island to the mainland, which means you won’t have to backtrack to anything and you can be more thorough with your itinerary. Saucy Mary’s Hostel and Skye Backpackers Hostels are ideal places to stay with a great view right in town and close to all the main eateries and shops. If you’re looking for something more private, the Hillside is beautiful, quiet, and a small walks away from the village center.

Once settled in Kyleakin , you can stop in at one of the pubs for a drink, admire the view over Kyle Akin and Inner Sound , and even walk to the top of the Skye Bridge for some awesome photos of the entire village.

DAY SIX SUMMARY

– HIKE THE CUILLIN HILLS

– CAMAS DARAICH (OPTIONAL)

Day Seven | Scottish Highlands

– Go off the beaten path to a gorgeous turquoise beach, see the Harry Potter train, and explore the most beautiful location in Scotland, Glencoe Valley.

DRIVETIME | 4.5 – 5 HOURS

Today’s drive is a little heavier than the previous days, but it will help you give your legs some rest after all that hiking in the Cuillins. Thank me later! The stops on this day of the Scotland road trip itinerary will knock your socks off. Glencoe Valley is one of the most impressive parts of the Highlands, and if you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll get to see the real train that the students rode to Hogwarts! Even if you’re not a die-hard Harry Potter fan, it’s still so beautiful and a great photo opportunity.

The first stop of the day is a place that you likely have never heard of before, the Silver Sands of Morar . This has been voted one of the best beaches in Scotland! Even in the summer months, the water will still be pretty chilly, but that won’t stop the endless views and peaceful vibe. The sand is powdery white, which the name alludes to, and the water is a vibrant turquoise green. Catching the sunrise here will call for a very, very early morning, but it’s worth it if you can manage fewer hours of sleep and a down massive cup of coffee! The ride from Kyleakin takes around two hours, so you can caffeinate up on the way there and enjoy a nice breakfast on the beach!

Once you’re done at the beach, it’s time to catch the Harry Potter train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct Bridge. From this viewpoint, you can actually walk all the way up to the bridge and get some really sweet photos while you wait for the train to pass! During the summer, the train passes over the bridge twice a day, which means you have four different opportunities to catch the train.

The morning train from Fort William departs at 10:15 pm and crosses the bridge at around 10:30-11:00 am.

The afternoon train from Fort William departs at 2:40 pm and crosses the bridge at around 3:10-:25 pm.

The morning return train from Mallaig departs at 12:10 pm and crosses the bridge at 3:15-:30 pm.

The afternoon return train from Mallaig departs at 6:40 pm and crosses the bridge at 7:45 – 8:00 pm. 

You’ll likely be catching either the first or second train, but if you arrive for the three o’clock passings, then you’ll be able to see two trains cross the bridge! The afternoon train to Fort William and the morning train returning from Mallaig. Ideally, you should get here around 30 minutes before the train is due to pass so that you can get a good spot for viewing and photos. The best place to see the train is at the Glenfinnan Visitor’s Center. Behind the center, it’s a 5-10 minute walk to the various viewpoints, with the best view being at the top of the hill.

If you’re not interested in seeing the Silver Sands, but you DO want to ride the Jacobite Steam Train, AKA the Hogwarts Express, then you can drive from Kyleakin straight to Fort William, and then take the first train to Mallaig. The entire 80-mile journey will take around six hours to complete, putting you back in Fort William by around 4:00 pm. From there you’ll be able to go directly to Glencoe Valley. The train only runs from late April to late October and it sells out FAST, so make sure that you book your tickets FAR in advance . For more information on riding the train, you can visit West Coast Railways . Keep in mind that this train gets around 4,000+ visitors in the summer months and there VERY limited parking, so make sure you get here early so you can snag a spot.

The next stop is one of the most exciting on this Scotland itinerary, Glencoe Valley. What on the surface seems like a simple viewpoint, deeper, is actually the opportunity for hours and hours of exploration. You could easily spend an entire day hiking around Glencoe Valley and I highly recommend giving yourself the maximum amount of time for this day just to explore the valley. It’s incredible. When a Scotsman tells you that this is his favorite place in all of SCOTLAND, you know this place is the real deal!

There are many hiking options out here depending on your experience level. First things first, pick up a map from the visitor’s center, then head out on your adventure. I recommend the Hidden (Lost) Valley Trail if you have a bit of hiking experience. It cuts through the valley and takes you up 1000 feet between the Three Sisters for panoramic views across the Highlands. This can easily take up the rest of your afternoon, depending on your morning plans. See other hikes in Glencoe below!

AN TORR CIRCUIT  | EASY

The An Torr Circuit is more of a nice walk than a hike, so this is a great option if you’re not looking to do any rigorous hiking but want to enjoy some views and try and see some wildlife. There are deer, foxes, and eagles that frequent this area, so if you really take your time and take in your surroundings, you may see these cuties! The loop trail features a small river crossing and a nice view of An Torr and the surrounding region! It’s very straightforward and great if you want to complete many hikes this day!

BEST HIKED | EARLY MORNING / SUNSET

TRAIL LENGTH | 1.2 MILES

TYPE OF TRAIL | LOOP

ELEVATION GAIN | 196 FEET

TRAILHEAD COORDINATES | 56.66206, -5.05726

HIKING TIME | 0.5-1 HOUR

GLENCOE LOCHAN | MODERATE

A picturesque hike that caters to all hiking levels is the Glencoe Lochan Circuit Trail . The lochan, or small lake, has a variety of different trail lengths and difficulties which make it ideal if you don’t know what you’re feeling this day. The lake has many small walk-out points where you can take in the surrounding scenery and capture some beautiful photos.

The trail is very much flat and well-marked, but there are more moderate trails that you can add to this one for a longer trail with slightly more elevation gain. It feels like you’re walking through a small slice of the Pacific Northwest right in the heart of Scotland. This walk is very peaceful and another viable choice if you want something more casual or want to complete multiple hikes this day.

TRAIL LENGTH | 1.5 MILES

ELEVATION GAIN | 528 FEET

TRAILHEAD COORDINATES | 56.68794, -5.09653

HIKING TIME | 1-2 HOURS

LOST VALLEY | MODERATE/STRENUOUS

The best bang for your buck in Glencoe Valley is the Lost Valley Trail . If you decided to book tickets to the Harry Potter Train, this is an ideal hike because you’ll be arriving in the latter half of the day. This trail will have you coming back down the valley satisfied with your hike and hungry for dinner. If you get to Glencoe earlier in the day, I recommend starting here and then exploring other trails.

The terrain on this hike is very rocky and uneven, so you want to make sure you have proper hiking boots. Along the way you’ll also have to do a bit of scrambling up some rock that can be very dangerous in wet conditions, so, as I have said many times, check the weather before you head out. Once you arrive at the top, and if you’re feeling fit, you can push on to the ridge above and onto the saddle if you want to attempt to summit Bidean nam Bian .

BEST HIKED | MORNING / GOOD WEATHER

TRAIL LENGTH | 2.5 MILES

ELEVATION GAIN | 859 FEET

TRAILHEAD COORDINATES | 56.66782, -4.98647

HIKING TIME | 3-4 HOURS

Where To Stay In Glencoe

Glencoe offers many historical and unique places to stay for you to unwind after exploring the valley. The Ballachulish Hotel is baronial style at the foot of the mountains. You’ll feel like royalty staying here and it’s perfect for those that love boutique hotels and history. If you’re looking for a quiet stay on Loch Leven, The Boathouse is the best option if you want to stay somewhere unique and if you’re traveling as a couple. For something more budget-friendly, the Glencoe Youth Hostel and Glencoe Independent Hotel are a perfect stay in an ideal location near the Glencoe Visitor’s Center.

DAY SEVEN SUMMARY

– SILVER SANDS OF MORAR (OPTIONAL)

– GLENFINNAN VIADUCT

– GLENCOE VALLEY

– HIKING IN GLENCOE

Day Eight | Glencoe Valley

– Spend another day hiking around Glencoe Valley.

– DRIVETIME | VARIES

Since yesterday you arrived in Glencoe in the late afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to spend additional time in the valley to tackle more serious hikes with the best views. If the weather is poor, please don’t attempt these trails because they become very dangerous. Instead, opt to go to Glasgow a day earlier, or spend some time in the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park . You can get more hiking recommendations from the Glencoe Visitor’s Center as well if these are too challenging.

THE DEVIL’S STAIRCASE | STRENUOUS

The West Highland Way is one of the main hikes on my travel bucket list and this trail is a mini portion of this stunning 95-mile journey. On the way up this trail you’re going to gain a lot of elevation in only three miles so it is rated as difficult, but the views at the top feature a 360-degree view of the Three Sisters and a perfect view down the floor of Glencoe Valley. A lot of other trails in this area are so popular that this one is WAY overlooked. A lot of people even say that this is their favorite trail that they hiked in Scotland.  The Devil’s Stairs are a series of gravel switchbacks that take you all the way up the mountain, Stob Mhic Mhartuin! This is a great trail for those that are up for a serious sweat for the rewarding view. Plus, this trail is short enough that you can add other hikes before or after this.

BEST HIKED | EARLY MORNING / AFTERNOON

TRAIL LENGTH | 6 MILES

ELEVATION GAIN | 1,226 FEET

TRAILHEAD COORDINATES | 56.66455, -4.90467

Bidean nam Bian | STRENUOUS

If you want to spend the day exploring a wicked spot in the Scottish Highlands, this one is a winner for those that want to work for jaw-dropping views. The trail to Bidean nam Bian includes part of the Lost Valley Trail , so if you take this loop route, you’ll be able to knock out two hikes in one go. Bidean nam Bian is a strenuous trail that requires a little bit of scrambling for the summit that is highly doable in good weather. From this trail, you’ll have the opportunity to summit each of the three sisters, so this will easily become a full-day adventure. This is the perfect alternative if you’re not ready for Aonach Ridge, the last hike on this list.

The route up and back down is pretty brutal, so trekking poles will be very handy here to help you gain some stability and help protect your knees.

BEST HIKED | EARLY MORNING / GOOD WEATHER

TRAIL LENGTH | 7 MILES

ELEVATION GAIN | 4,051 FEET

TRAILHEAD COORDINATES | 56.66776, -4.98616

AONACH EAGACH | VERY STRENUOUS

The creme de la creme of hiking in Glencoe Valley is this very intense ridge hike, Aonach Eagach . This trail should only be attempted in good weather and can become extremely dangerous in poor or wet conditions. This isn’t recommended for beginner hikers, so you’ll want a lot of hiking experience before you do this. The coordinates for the trailhead have you starting in the West, but it’s more ideal to start the trail from the East. The east trailhead is across the street from the Glencoe War Memorial and the Glencoe Massacre Memorial. It shares a trail a trailhead with the Pap of Glencoe , which is another great hike in Glencoe if this one is a bit more than you can chew.

Let me reiterate that this hike is going to be very dangerous. For a better visual of what you’re getting yourself into, watch this video . For those with the proper experience under their belts, this will be the adventure of a LIFETIME. All eleven miles of this trail are going to be SERVING views and views for miles. Helpful tips, based on my research are to do your best to go over all the pinnacles because the side trails can be really sketchy, especially when wet, never attempt this alone, and take plenty of water since this will take you the majority of the day.

TRAIL LENGTH | 11.2 MILES

ELEVATION GAIN | 7,060 FEET

TRAILHEAD COORDINATES | 56.66664, -4.98218

HIKING TIME | 7-9 HOURS

DAY EIGHT SUMMARY

– HIKING GLENCOE VALLEY

Day Nine | Glasgow

– Spend your last full day for this Scotland road trip itinerary exploring the stunning city of Glasgow, or spend more time in Edinburgh. 

– DRIVETIME | 2-3 HOURS

Scotland’s second-largest city, Glasgow, is the perfect last stop on this 10-day Scotland road trip itinerary. It’s an amazing city for foodies, pubs, art, and other attractions that will put the cherry on top of your trip to Scotland.

Caffeinate your day at Dear Green Coffee Roasters with a specialty coffee made with ethically sourced beans. This cafe is close to many of the attractions in the city center, so you can walk here and watch the city come alive, then head over to Rose & Grant’s Cafe . Their menu has a PRIME vegan/veggie selection in addition to their regular menu items. The atmosphere of this restaurant reminds me of small diners that you’ll find scattered around the United States, so it’s very quaint and has large windows looking out into the city. It has a variety of menu items, including some that are veggie-friendly!

After you’ve finished up breakfast, it’s time to head over to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum . This museum is one of the most visited attractions in Scotland with its 22 galleries featuring natural history, Renaissance art, artifacts from ancient Egypt, and artists like Vincent van Gogh , Claude Monet , Salvador Dali , Vecellio , arms and armor, and so much more. It holds one of the largest art collections in Europe! The most popular things to see here are Salvador Dali’s ‘ Christ of St John of the Cross ‘ and Sir Roger the Asian elephant . Once you’re finished relishing in the art, let’s chat about another great stop, Buchanan Street.

Buchanan Street is kind of like a mini “Royal Mile” in the sense that it is the main shopping street in Glasgow. Not as grand as Edinburgh’s, but still a really great spot to find high tea, quaint shops, cafes, and good coffee.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens , Glasgow Cathedral , Necropolis Victorian Cemetary , and finding street art around the city are all other amazing things to do while you spend the day in Glasgow!

For eating and drinking your way through the city, Drygate Bar & Kitchen , Glasgow Distillery , The Finnieston , The Bon Accord , The Flying Duck , Sloans , The Wee Pub , The Pot Still , have all been recommended to me for an exciting night out.

If you chose to drive back to Edinburgh, explore any spots you missed on this Scotland itinerary to see before you leave!

DAY NINE SUMMARY

– GLASGOW / EDINBURGH

Day Ten | Returning Home

– Today you will be leaving Scotland behind and returning home.

– DRIVETIME | 20-40 MINUTES

Depending on when you booked your flight, you may have some time to grab a coffee or breakfast/brunch before you board your flight. If you booked a red-eye flight leaving this evening, spend the day exploring more of the city, or grub out one last time before you leave.

Most flight deals to and from Scotland are out of the Edinburgh International Airport, so unless you have a return flight leaving from Glasgow, you’ll need to drive 45-minutes to EDI, return your rental, and board your flight home. If you stayed in Edinburgh last night, it’s around 20-minutes to get to the airport. These last 10 days in Scotland have been some of the most fulfilling and exciting travels, especially when a road trip allows you to see so much more than a guided tour. Good luck on your journey home!

10 Days In Scotland Road Trip Itinerary Map

SCOTLAND ROAD TRIP ITINERARY OVERVIEW

DAY ONE | EDINBURGH

DAY TWO | EDINBURGH

DAY THREE | ISLE OF SKYE

DAY FOUR | ISLE OF SKYE

DAY FIVE | ISLE OF SKYE

DAY SIX | THE CUILLIN HILLS

DAY SEVEN | SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

DAY EIGHT | GLENCOE VALLEY

DAY NINE | GLASGOW / EDINBURGH

DAY TEN | RETURN HOME

LOOKING FOR MORE SCOTLAND TRAVEL RESOURCES? CHECK THESE OUT:

–  The Best Time To Visit Scotland

–  The BEST Scotland Packing List For Summer

–  50 Scotland Travel Tips For An Unforgettable Trip

–  10 Tips For Traveling Scotland On A Budget

–  72 Hours in the Isle of Skye

–  Hiking The Old Man Of Storr: The Isle Of Skye’s Crown Jewel

RESOURCES FOR VISITING EDINBURGH:

–  3 Days In Edinburgh: The Ultimate Itinerary for Edinburgh, Scotland

–  The 8 Best Day Trips From Edinburgh You CANNOT Miss

–  The 10 Best Hostels In Edinburgh For A Magical Stay

–  The Best Coffee Shops In Edinburgh: 15 Cafe’s You Can’t Miss

–  The 10 Best Mouth-Watering Vegan Restaurants In Edinburgh

–  The Top 15 Places To Get A Vegan Breakfast In Edinburgh

Are you headed to Scotland? Share with me in the comments what you’re most excited to see!

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12 comments on “ The Ultimate 10 Days In Scotland Road Trip Itinerary ”

Such a thorough itinerary, thank you so much!!

So glad you enjoyed (:

This sounds amazing and a lot of places were already on my list, but how do I see them without a car? 🙁

There are bookable tours you can take through the highlands! I can recommend a company called “MacBackpackers”. They do a great job and you can see so much. If not a tour, check bus routes and see if there is a way you can use that alternative transport (: Best of luck!

Edinburgh is one my bucket list!

It’s an incredible city! (: You should definitely pay it and Glasgow a visit!

So much great info and your photos are gorgeous!

Thank you!! (:

LOOKS LIKE A DREAM COME TRUE! So good to know that you recommend 5 days for The Isle Of Skye. Scotland is for sure somewhere I want to go next year and will definitely refer back to this post!

It truly is!! I was there for three days and I still didn’t see everything that I wanted to! It’s such a magical place!

Great information on Scotland – Very helpful!

Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed it! (:

Groovy Mashed Potatoes - Travel Blog

Unique travel experiences, fun itineraries & offbeat places to help you plan your dream trip

Extraordinary 10 Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

Scotland is one of the best places in the world to go on a road trip with its otherworldly landscapes, rich heritage, friendly locals and multitude of scenic roads. It's also one of the safest destinations to travel. I went on a 'sisters road trip' through northern Scotland and always felt safe and comfortable.

Our 10 day Scotland itinerary takes you in a loop through the Highlands to see some of the most scenic and iconic sights in the country . This route is for you if you're looking to drive through remote areas, go on awe-inspiring hikes, explore quaint villages, eat delicious food and experience Scotland's unique culture. Your 10 days in Scotland won't be rushed so you can enjoy each area at a relaxed pace.

Some highlights of our 10 day Scotland road trip itinerary include driving through a subarctic national park, drinking at one of the most glamorous whisky bars in the world, seeing a real life Picasso in a remote village, exploring Scotland's most famous island and swimming in crystal clear waterfall pools.  

If you're looking for a shorter road trip in Scotland, don't miss our 3 Day Isle of Skye road trip itinerary .

Best month to visit Scotland for a road trip

Northern Scotland gets an average of 250 rainy days per year. We should have bought a lottery ticket, because we had 7 straight days of sun in June! However, prepare for dynamic weather patterns as you never know how the weather will change, even in the summertime.

The best month to visit Scotland is in June for a few reasons:

• You will beat the high season rush in July/August that sees more tourists and higher prices.
• It's the warmest month after July/August - it's possible to swim outdoors without freezing.
• It's the driest and sunniest month on average after May
• June sees the longest daylight hours

Renting a car in Scotland

Scots drive on the left-hand side of the road. This may deter some right-hand side drivers, however this region of Scotland is a great place to try it out. You won't be driving through any major cities, the roads are paved and many of them are quiet.

Rent a small car! Some of the roads are narrow so you will be happy to have as much room as you can get.

Top tip for stick shift drivers: if you drive on the right-hand side of the road, we recommend not renting a stick shift (manual car) because you will have to shift with your left hand!

10 Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

Days 1-2: Cairngorms National Park / Braemar village

Driving time: 2 hours

Today you will be driving through Cairngorms National Park, the largest park in the UK. As you drive through the mountain pass you will see dramatic views of the subarctic landscape. The granite mountains seen today were formed millions of years ago from magma rising below the surface and crystallizing into granite.

It was rainy our first day, but we loved the eerie and mysterious feel as we drove through the extraordinary landscape.

Where to stay

Our top luxury hotel pick: The Fife Arms

Each room has a theme - ours was called "Nature and Poetry". When we arrived, we were delighted to see colourful chocolate truffles in our room as a welcome amenity. We spent our time at the hotel looking at the unique artworks, playing board games in the gorgeous reading room and drinking at their glamorous whisky bar and cocktail bar inspired by Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli.

Our top value hotel pick: Cranford Guesthouse

Fun things to do in braemar, explore the village.

Braemar may be small, however it has cute little shops to discover. Our favourite store was the Horn Shop which sells kitchenware made with reindeer antlers. The artisan who makes them collects antlers that have been shed in the forest. Male reindeers drop their antlers every November and they start to grow back in February. So cool!

Visit the most glamorous whisky bar in Scotland

Bertie's Whisky Bar is hands down the most glamorous whisky bar we have ever seen. The lighting in the whisky bar is incredible. When you step inside it feels like you've entered an exclusive labyrinth with its red velvet seats and glowing bookshelves filled with whisky bottles. The whisky library has 365 whiskies that are sorted by their flavour profile - smoky, fruity, fragrant or rich. Put on your best outfit and sip your whisky of choice.

Go for afternoon tea at the Fife Arms

Eat at a Scottish pub

Enjoy dinner at one of Braemar's pubs serving Scottish comfort food, such as the cozy Farquharsons Bar and Kitchen or The Flying Stag , designed by renowned artist and naturalist James Prosek.

Days 3-5: Fort William / Glencoe

Your home base for the next three days will be Fort Willam, the outdoor capital of the UK. It's the hub for exploring Scotland's highest mountains formed millions of years ago by volcanic and glacial activity. From Fort William, it's easy to take day trips to Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest mountain, and Glen Coe, a striking valley with towering mountains.  

The area is so impressive it's been used as the setting for famous movies like Braveheart, Harry Potter and Skyfall!

Day 3: Braemar → Fort William

Driving time: 2.75 hours

Today you will continue driving through the beautiful Cairngorms National Park towards Fort William. Fort William is a lively town with many pubs, restaurants and shops along its main strip called High Street. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of your day exploring the town.

We highly recommend eating dinner at The Geographer. This was by far our favourite restaurant we ate at in Fort William. The bistro serves street food-inspired cuisine influenced by their travels around the world. Arrive as early as you can as it's a popular spot that doesn't take reservations for groups under 5.

Where to stay in Fort William

Our top hotel picks walking distance to High Street (all recommended stays are in 19th century Victorian villas with lots of character).

• Myrtle Bank Guest House - 7 minute walk to High Street, rooms start at £85.
• Glentower Lower Observatory - 7 minute walk to High Street, rooms start at £140.
• Buccleuch Guest House - 9 minute walk to High Street, rooms start at £125.

Day 4: Day trip to Steall Falls & Nevis Gorge

Driving time: 40 minutes round trip

Begin your exploration of the mountainous region with a leisurely drive to the base of Ben Nevis for a short hike.

Hike through Nevis Gorge to Steall Falls

The drive from Fort William to the Upper Glen Nevis car park is magical. The vivid green trees, mountains and meadows feel like a fantasy. Once you start your hike to Steall Falls you'll soon realize that the incredible views have only just begun.

The 3.5 km hike to Steall Falls is not a demanding one. You first ascend 220 m through a rocky woodland along Nevis Gorge until you reach a sweeping green meadow with Steall Falls in the distance. Continue along the path until you arrive at the base of the waterfall where you can climb big boulders to get up close.

Our favourite part of the hike was dipping into the refreshing creek on the way back. It was truly a fairy tale experience! Enjoy a picnic by the creek for lunch and take in the idyllic views.

Watch a movie at the local cinema

After some downtime at your hotel, entertain yourself with dinner and a movie at the local cinema. The cute Highland Cinema has a surprisingly excellent restaurant. We snacked on some pizza and cider in the cafe bar before grabbing some popcorn and treats for our movie, Cruella.

The theatre and restaurant was packed, so we recommend purchasing your movie tickets online in advance, especially if you want good seats.

Day 5: Day trip to Glen Coe & hike up Stob Dubh

Driving time: 1.25 hours round trip

Next on the itinerary is a scenic drive through Glen Coe, a deep valley formed by glaciers and volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. This area is where you will find some of the most incredible mountains to summit in the country.

Pop into Glencoe Cafe for brunch

Make a stop into the lovely town of Glencoe for brunch at Glencoe Cafe. Energize yourself with coffee and a fresh sandwich or cup of soup. We loved their coronation chicken sandwich and left with some scones to take with us on our hike.

Note: Glencoe Cafe opens at 11 AM.

Hike up Stob Dubh for breathtaking panoramic sights

The hike to the summit of Stob Dubh (958 m elevation) is tough, however the jaw dropping views at the top are worth it. The total distance there and back is 7 km with a steep ascent of 713 m. Many of the summit hikes we saw in the area were over a 1,000 m ascent, so we were happy to find one around 700m!

Top tip: ensure to bring 2L of water per person, food, sunscreen and good hiking gear (we include an essentials packing list at the end of the article). Hiking poles are also highly recommended.

Your hike begins at the Buachaille Etive Beag car park off the A82. Follow the hiking path and keep left. You will slowly ascend until you reach steep rocky steps that take you up the side of the ridge.

At the top of the ridge, take a right towards the peak of Buachaille Etive Beag (the peak to your left is Stob Core Raineach). As you continue along the ridge to your first peak, you will start to see your destination, Stob Dubh, behind it. From the top of your first peak, Buachaille Etive Beag, Stob Dubh is just a short distance away. Once you've trudged up the final ascent, you will be rewarded with astonishing views of Loch Etive and Glen Coe's surrounding peaks. It's gorgeous up there!

After your descent, drive back to your hotel to enjoy some downtime and refuel with a hearty Scottish meal and beer along High Street.

Days 6-8: Isle of Skye

Now you're off to explore the Isle of Skye, Scotland's most famous island. The remote region is known for its otherworldly landscapes, remote fishing villages and artisan culture.  

Day 6: Fort William → Elgol

Your first destination on the Isle of Skye is Elgol, a cute fishing village off-the-beaten path. Its remote location offers some of the most striking views in Scotland.

Eat lunch in Mallaig and take the ferry to the Isle of Skye

Take the road less travelled (A830) from Fort William to Mallaig where you will catch the ferry to the Isle of Skye. We arrived in Mallaig with enough time before our ferry to walk around and eat some fresh seafood for lunch. The 40-minute ferry takes you to the village of Armadale where you will begin your adventure on the Skye.

We highly recommend reserving your ferry ticket online in advance since it can fill up. For two passengers and a car, it cost us £16.50 one way from Mallaig to Armadale.

Drive to Elgol Beach for a remarkable view

Once you arrive in Armadale it's under a 1 hour drive to Elgol. Take the calm road to Broadford and make a left onto the B8083. The B8083 meanders through the mountainous landscape and is one of the most beautiful drives in Scotland . We saw so many adorable sheep along the way.

Once you reach the quaint village of Elgol you will see a car park and a pier. Stop here for an ice cream cone and take in the marvellous views of the beach. It's a true hidden gem!

Stay at the charming Coruisk House

Day 7: Elgol → Fairy pools  → Talisker Whisky → Edinbane

Driving time: 2.25 hours

Today you will be exploring the western side of the Isle of Skye. Take the B8083 back towards Broadford for outstanding views of the Cuillins mountain range. From Broadford, it's a 45 minute drive to your first destination, the Fairy Pools.

Take a refreshing swim in the Fairy Pools

Take a dip in a series of crystal-clear pools formed by waterfalls coming off the mountain. This is a magical experience you don't want to miss and one of our favourite things we did in Scotland.

Parking costs £5 at the Fairy Pools parking lot. We paid with credit card, but bring some cash just in case the machine is down. From the parking lot, it's an easy 20-minute walk to the first pool. Don't stop here, keep going and pick out the swimming hole of your choice. We found ourselves a private one!

Top tip: bring a swimsuit, quick dry towel and water shoes for the rocky bottom.

Have a tasting at the Isle of Skye's oldest whisky distillery

Just 15 minutes away from the Fairy Pools you will find Talisker Distillery, the oldest working distillery on the Skye. The award-winning distillery offers tours and tastings. Make sure you try their 10 year old single malt. We loved its earthiness and smokiness and brought a bottle home.

Check into a cozy hotel in Edinbane and enjoy a delicious meal

From the distillery, it's a scenic 45 minute drive to Edinbane village, a good home base for exploring the rest of the island. The sights are spectacular along the way, so prepare to make pitstops for pictures.

Day 8: Edinbane →  Fairy Glen → Quiraing → Portree → Edinbane

Driving time: 1.75 hours

Today you will driving a loop to explore the eastern side of the Isle of Skye that brings you back to Edinbane for the night. Bring your hiking gear with you because the loop includes two small hikes that take you to some of the most picturesque sights on the island.

Walk through the enchanting Fairy Glen

Your first stop is the Fairy Glen, a vibrant green landscape that looks like it's from a fairy tale. The short 2 km loop takes you through grassy cone-shaped hills to Castle Ewan, a natural rock formation that looks like a petrified fort. If you take a quick climb to the top you will be rewarded with a nice view.

Hike the Quiraing circuit

Your next stop is the Quiraing, an otherworldly looking landscape that is one the most famous viewpoints on the Isle of Skye.

The best way to take in these remarkable views is by doing the Quiraing Circuit . The 6.8km loop is one of the most impressive hikes in Scotland, taking you along ridges and up pinnacles to see panoramic views of the landscape. The hike is moderate with a total ascent of 374m.

Explore Portree

From the Quairang, it's a 40 minute drive to Portree, the Isle of Skye's largest town and capital. There are many boutiques, cafes and eateries to discover . First stop in at Birch, a vegan-friendly cafe that serves colourful salads, sandwiches and pastries .

After your lunch break, explore the streets and shop the unique boutiques. Don't miss Skyskynes , a sheepskin shop based on the Isle of Skye that has the softest sheepskins we've ever felt, and ÒR , a well-curated store of contemporary housewares, art and jewelry.

Finish your visit with a satisfying ice cream cone from the original Isle of Skye Ice Cream. Their ice cream is made on island with fresh Scottish cream and milk. It's worth the wait.

Top tip: On your way to Portree, stop in at the Old Man of Storr car park for a view of the iconic rock formation. You may recognize it from the movies The Wickerman (1973) or Prometheus. It's also one of the most famous hikes on Skye, however we found that it was a lot busier and underwhelming compared to the Quiraing circuit.

Days 9-10: Loch Ness / Fly home

Day 9: Edinbane → Foyers

On your way back to Inverness Airport, spend the night along Loch Ness, a freshwater lake rumoured to be inhabited by a sea created called the Loch Ness Monster. Drive the scenic road less travelled (B852) on the southern side of the loch and stay near Foyers or Dores for the night.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Foyers Lodge | Scotland (@foyerslodge)

Day 10: Fly home

Driving time: 45 minutes

Time to catch your flight back home! The short driving distance from Loch Ness to Inverness Airport makes it easy to catch an early morning departure.

We hope you enjoy your adventurous 10 days in Scotland!

Essentials Packing List

Don't leave on your self drive tour of Scotland without these items! These were essential items we needed for our trip. Each item that is linked is what we own and highly recommend. We have used them over the years for numerous trips around the world (Patagonia, Nepal, Peru etc.).

Start planning your Scotland Road Trip

• 🚗 Reserve your car: see Rentalcars.com to compare car rental prices across different companies.
• 🧳 Accommodation: Booking.com is our go-to for finding places to stay. Sort by top reviewed.
• 🛫 Book your flight to Inverness: use Skyscanner to compare flights across different airlines (we recommend booking direct with the airline however).
• 🏥 Travel insurance: World Nomads . Already traveling? You can purchase insurance with World Nomads while you're abroad. A 48-hour waiting period just applies for coverage.

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10 Day Scotland Itinerary

10 day scotland itinerary: your ultimate scotland itinerary by train .

Looking at a map of Scotland, it may appear small. But, don’t let that fool you. There is so much to explore, Scottish food to eat and people to meet. From visiting castles and Harry Potter sites; to sipping whisky and eating haggis ; to standing atop a Munro looking across the incredible Scottish scenery. This 10 Day Scotland Itinerary is jam-packed with adventure that you could easily spend longer if you wanted to.

As a couple of food-loving Scots, we plan our journeys with food in mind. So your itinerary around Scotland is packed full of recommendations of where to experience the best food and drink Scotland has to offer. For a small country, there is so much to see. In fact, we have lived here almost all our lives and are still finding new places to explore. So, we recommend choosing fewer spots on your route and spending more time getting to know them rather than spending the whole time on the move.

How Many Days is Enough?   |  What Time of Year?   |  Road Trip or Train? Day 1 & 2: Edinburgh   |  Day 3 & 4: Fort William   |   Day 5: Jacobite Steam Train   |   Day 6: Oban   |   Day 7: Oban to Loch Lomond   |   Day 8: Loch Lomond   |   Day 9 & 10: Glasgow

This article may contain affiliate/ compensated links.  As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information please see our disclaimer here .

How Many Days is Enough for a Scotland Tour?

As many as you can give it!

If you only have a few days, we would recommend taking a city break in either Glasgow or Edinburgh. They are both incredible cities, with great options for day trips, including many whisky distilleries which are accessible by train .

Equally, you could spend much longer than 10 days in Scotland as there is just so much to do. As the travel routes aren’t the greatest, it can take a while to get from place to place so do factor that into your equations.

However, 10 days is a great balance. It allows you to see some cities and get out into the countryside, taking things at a nice pace. If you have a little more time, we would recommend adding the Isle of Skye onto this 10 day Scotland itinerary – it perfectly adds on at day 5.

What Time of Year is Best to Visit Scotland?

Look, I’m going to give it to you straight. When you visit, it will rain. It doesn’t matter what time of year.

But, weather is all a matter of perspective. A friend once told me that the first time she visited Edinburgh it was raining and misty. She got off the train in the early evening and, looking out, everything felt so magical that she fell instantly in love. Perspective.

That said, May to October is still the best time. There are less wet hours in the day. Unless, of course, you are visiting for the snow season, then winter is your bet.

The Plate Unknown

Hey there! We are Katie & Matt, the duo who love food - and learning about it even more!

We have worked in the food industry for 30 years combined and are set to travel the world to continue learning about the food of the world.

Read more about us here.

Should I Drive or Take the Train Around Scotland?

I wholeheartedly recommend travelling around Scotland by train.

Firstly, having a car in any of the city centres is a nightmare. Parking is about as easy to find as a sober pixie after 10pm on a Friday night in Glasgow city centre. And you will have to sell your kidney, the aforementioned pixie and your firstborn child just to park the car for the day.

Secondly, when you get out onto the country roads the scenery is beautiful. Like, really beautiful. The kind of beautiful that makes you want to turn your head at every corner. Not so great in a car. Totally doable in a train.

Plus, on a train, you get to travel over one of the most iconic train lines in the world: the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Harry Potter fans will delight as this is the famous bridge which transports the young wizard on his way to Hogwarts.

The Scotland road trip might seem like a great trip until you get to a distillery. Nobody wants to be designated driver when taking a whisky tour!

Day 1 and 2: Edinburgh

Your 10 day Scotland Itinerary starts off in the capital city of Edinburgh. No matter how you are arriving, you can easily make your way to the heart of the city centre. Edinburgh Airport is well connected by buses or the tram. I recommend the bus, it goes in the bus lane so no hold ups on the road and takes you straight to Waverley Station. The tram is so, so slow. Or, you can come straight in by train from most parts of the UK.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh: 

Edinburgh is a beautiful, easily-walkable city – although there are a lot of hills! As you won’t be here for long, I recommend sticking to the Old Town. It is centrally located, near most of the main tourist attractions, allowing you to get everywhere with ease.

On a Budget: Holyrood Aparthotel

Mid-Range:  The Fraser Suites

Luxury: The Balmoral Hotel  (Technically in the New Town, but only just over the bridge. Being such an iconic hotel, it’s a must stay.)

Edinburgh is broken up into fairly distinct neighbourhoods.

For a full run-down of each of the city’s neighbourhoods, including our top recommendations of where to stay in Edinburgh, click here.

What to Do in Edinburgh: 

Take a stroll down to the trendy Stockbridge . If you are lucky enough to be here on a Sunday, you will be spoiled with the farmer’s market in the square. You will find coffee shops aplenty, more charity shops than people and the piece de resistance: Mellis Cheese Shop. Cheese lovers should stock up on the top Scottish cheeses – the perfect train picnic!

From here, you can stroll along Leith Water to Dean Village.  It is like a fairytale village in the heart of the city and usually free from the crowds. You will definitely want your camera.

Edinburgh’s history comes alive when the sun goes down (not all that late if you visit in the winter!) Much of the city can be visited underground, where you can visit the vaults and take a Ghost Tour . A top experience that you simply won’t get anywhere else.

Start Day 2 with a walk up  Calton Hill . At first glance it doesn’t look like much but, trust me, it’s a fair incline. But you will be well rewarded from the top. Early morning is my favourite time to go up because you get a clear view of the city waking up. 

From here, you can head to the  Old Town  to visit the famous sites from the  Royal Mile.  At one end is  Edinburgh Castle  which is well worth paying entry (although it’s not cheap). 

As you wander down the Mile, there are great shops and bars down little closes. For all Harry Potter fans, you will want to take a trip to  Greyfriars Cemetry  to spot some familiar names. 

For museum lovers, the  National Museum of Scotland is not to be missed. It is also home to one of Edinburgh most hidden gem’s – an unparalleled, panoramic view of the castle. Take the lift all the way to the 7th floor, to their roof terrace, and be prepared to be wowed. 

With so much to see and try to pack in, why not to take a guided tour to ensure you see all the top spots?

Where to Eat in Edinburgh:

You are spoilt for choice of great restaurants in Edinburgh. So spoiled, in fact, that we put together a full list of our top recommendations here .

Breakfast:  No trip to Edinburgh would be complete without breakfast at Dishoom . A bacon and egg naan with neverending cups of chai is the perfect start to our day.

Cheap Eats:  Ting Thai Caravan is an icon on the Edinburgh food scene. Owners  Ting and Ae Tapparat, who used to cook for the Thai royal family, will have you feeling like a King whilst paying like a Pauper.

Casual:  Top-notch curry is the order of the day at Kahani – plus they are BYOB (and just around the corner from Tesco supermarket).

Treat Yo’self:  For an all-out date night, Re staurant Martin Wishart cannot be beaten. One of Edinburgh’s Michelin star restaurants which always delivers on quality, service and flavour. Or, for great quality fine dining but at pocket-friendly prices, head to 21212 for lunch.

Nightcap:  For cocktails, head to  Bramble   – it is tucked away under a shop on Queen Street, look out for a patch of grass on a piece of roof. Or, if wine is more your pace,  Smith & Gertrude   is the place for you.

Day 3 and 4: Fort William

Day 3 starts with a train journey from Edinburgh to Fort William. It is well worth booking your train tickets in advance to snap a bargain. Click here to check the latest times and prices.

The journey will take around 5 hours so be sure to have a good breakfast and stock up for a picnic on the train. Bross StrEAT in the arches behind the station is a great shout for a bagel to-go. Settle in for one of the most scenic train routes in Europe.

Lying in the shadows of Ben Nevis, Fort William, in the West Highlands, is the Outdoor Capital of the UK. So, it’s time to fill your lungs with all that fresh Scottish air.

Where to Stay in Fort William:

As a popular destination for visiting the Highlands, there are plenty of options for accommodation. They also vary wildly in quality and in clientele. So keep an eye out if you are after somewhere with an atmosphere or a little more peaceful.

On a Budget:  Buccleuch Guest House

Mid-Range:  Garrison Apartments

Luxury:  Nevis Bank Inn  (or, if you want to really splash out – and get a taxi, Inverlochy Castle Hotel )

Check out alternative Fort William accommodation options on Booking.com .

What to Do in Fort William:

Spend time exploring Fort William in the afternoon. Walking through the heart of the town, it won’t take you long to get your bearings.

At one end of the town, you will find the Old Fort.  As in, the Fort for which the town got its name. It’s a pretty beat up ruin at this stage but impressive nonetheless. Stand and imagine the history of the Highlanders who stood before you, the Jacobite uprisings and the bloodshed that took place.

A wander further into town will bring you to the  West Highlands Museum.  Home to world-famous Jacobite exhibits and an excellent collection of local history artefacts.

Day 4 of your Scotland trip is where we recommend getting out into the great outdoors. Jump a short bus to Glen Nevis  – the foot of Ben Nevis – where you can go a walk, exploring the coastline, forestry, waterfalls and mountains.

One of the most popular, shorter walks – but also one of the most dramatic – is Steall Falls . It will take around two hours and will blow you away with the breath-taking scenery. The Highland Council has put together a list of all the walks if you are looking for something longer or more planned out.

You will want to round off your day by jumping on the N41 bus to  Nevis Range. 

Where to Eat in Fort William:

Wow Factor:  The  Nevis Range  not only hosts a range of snow sports but also has a restaurant 650m high, atop  Aonach Mor mountain. Grab the gondola to the top for breathtaking views at The Snowgoose Restaurant & Bar . The menu is small, serving diner-style food which is much needed after a day on the trails. Always check ahead though as it can’t run in severe weather conditions. 

Cosy Pub:  There is something for everyone at  The Grog & Gruel .  This lively quintessential pub has been a Fort William favourite for over 25 years.

Seafood Haven:  This seafood restaurant hands-down wins for the top location in Fort William. Crannog is located on the pier, so you can watch the boats head across Loch Eir whilst tucking into top quality Scottish seafood .

Day 5: Jacobite Steam Train, Fort William to Mallaig

Day 5 is my favourite day on this 10 day Scotland itinerary. For Harry Potter fans, this is one day you will never forget. Because today is the day to take the famous  Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to  Mallaig   on the west coast.

This section of the West Highland Line has attracted trainspotters from all over the world. And not just the anorak wearing type. Tourists have flocked here long before the railway and Glenfinnan Viaduct appeared in the Harry Potter movies. 

What to Do in Mallaig:

There are two options for this journey.

First is the romantic one. This is on the Jacobite Steam Train which runs throughout the summer months. It is the more expensive option, but the guard may be flexible to spending time at stops and will certainly be happy to answer your questions. 

Stretch your legs at  Glenfinnan  and pay a visit to the  Glenfinnan Station Museum. 

The ‘Jacobite’ provided the steam engine and carriages for the Harry Potter movies. So, you will be following in the footsteps of wizarding heroes. Don’t think you will get a pumpkin pasty en route though!

The second is on the Scotrail Diesel service which runs year-round. This is a more affordable service and follows the same route.

Alternatively, just take the Scotrail train to Glenfinnan.  From there, you can hike around the tranquil heritage site for impressive views of the viaduct. 

Once in Mallaig, enjoy a few hours in the peaceful fishing town. A hike of  The Circle Walk  will take around 60-90 minutes.

Or, jump a taxi (or hire an e-bike) to build sandcastles on the beaches of Morar.

If you have extra days to add to your itinerary, this is where you should head on over to the Isle of Skye. The ferry is just a short half-hour ride from here.

Once you have soaked up all the sea air, it’s time to do the train journey back. Sit on the same side of the train as heading out to get the view from the other side of the viaduct!

Where to Eat in Mallaig:

Being a fishing town, Mallaig has plenty of great seafood options.

Chippy:  For the best chippy and smokehouse in town, head to Jaffy’s . Run by third-generation fish merchants so you know it’s going to be great quality, fresh fish and chips.

Tea & Scone:  For a hot-filled beef roll or a fresh scone and cuppa (or both!), head to The Fishmarket Restaurant . 

Day 6: Oban

Next up is the beautiful town of Oban on Scotland’s west coast. The journey is a further experience of the magical and scenic West Highland Line. It will take around 4 hours, so grab some breakfast then all-aboard. Remember to book in advance for the best prices which you can check out here .

The name Oban means ‘Little Bay’ in Gaelic, so come prepared to eat all the best seafood that the bay has to offer. Here you will be spoiled by miles of dramatic coastline and beautiful countryside.

Where to Stay in Oban:

Oban isn’t that big. So, with the exception of a few outliers, almost everywhere is easily accessible from the train station.

On a Budget: Oban Youth Hostel

Mid-Range: The Ranald Apartments

Luxury: The Perle Oban Hotel

What to Do in Oban:

I can hear you thinking – “How have we made it to day 6 of a 10 day Scotland itinerary without tasting any whisky?” And you’re time has come. You don’t even have to travel very far – about 5 minutes walk from the train station to be exact!

Visit Oban Distillery  for a distillery tour and, of course, a tasting.  Slàinte!

If you want to buff up on your Scotch whisky knowledge before your visit, read up on the Scottish Whisky Regions here.

A climb from the town centre will take you to  McCaig’s Tower . It is a prominent landmark, and worth the effort of the climb. The views from the top are nothing short of magnificent across the whole of Oban Bay and the Atlantic Islands. Take some time to wander around the peaceful gardens for a moment of tranquillity.

Take a wander back into town, along the esplanade to  Oban Chocolate Factory.  You will have a hard time not drooling at all their hand-made chocolates. You can watch them being made in their open plan shop and cafe, with viewing windows into the factory. Blink and you’ll realise you’ve been staring for hours. They do truffle making workshops for 5-11-year-olds, and I’ve never been so sad not be 10!

Where to Eat in Oban:

Chocolate Heaven:  The aforementioned Oban Chocolate Factory is a chocolate lover’s heaven. Cosy up with the best mug of hot chocolate, a huge plate of waffles and stare out across Oban Bay.

Shellfish Lovers:  We have had heated debates over which place to include. But in the end, both Ee-Usk and Oban Seafood Hut are so good they needed to be included. They may dish up the greatest shellfish you will eat anywhere in the world – the fresh Scottish produce is just that good. Both are eat-with-your-fingers, standing-up jobs. And so cheap for the quantity and quality of shellfish that you get.

Date Night:  Think top-quality Scottish produce. Think seasonal menus. And pair with top-notch wines. Then you have Etvie . 

Day 7: Oban to Loch Lomond

After lunch on Day 7, it is time to jump aboard the train heading to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

That means there is still the morning in Oban to take at your own pace. There were more things in Day 6’s ‘What to do in Oban’ than you could fit into one afternoon. So spread them out between the afternoon and the morning before you leave.

The train from Oban to Loch Lomond will take around 3 hours. Head off after lunch, getting in all your seafood needs first. When booking tickets, the train station in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park that you’re looking for is called Balloch. The quicker you book your tickets, the better deal you will get; so be sure to check out the best deals early .

Balloch in right on the southern tip of the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. It is often referred to as the gateway to Loch Lomond.

Where to Stay in Balloch, Loch Lomond:

Balloch is a great base to head to without a car. Whilst there are other train stations around this huge loch, many are less accessible whilst you are there.

On a Budget: OYO Lomond Park Hotel

Mid-Range: Tullie Inn

Luxury:  Innkeeper’s Lodge Loch Lomond

Check our alternative Balloch accommodation options on Booking.com .

Where to Eat in Balloch, Loch Lomond:

For the View: Commanding spectacular views, perfect for al fresco dining, is the Duck Bay Marina . Their patio is practically in the loch! The menu has something for everyone with classic Scottish fare next to Mexican, Thai and Malaysian offerings.

Special Meal:  Treat yourself to a great meal on the marina at The Boat House . As part of the Cameron House Resort, you are sure to have an evening of luxury. To really push the boat out, you can book to stay too.

Chippy:  The West Coast to do one thing, and do it well. Fry fish! And  Palombos of Balloch are no exception. 

Day 8: Loch Lomond

One of the most romantic ideas about a trip to Scotland includes wandering the shores of the Scottish lochs. And now is your chance.

Whilst Loch Lomond might not be home to the Loch Ness Monster, she is home to miles of walking routes and water sports.

With just one full day to explore on your 10 day Scotland itinerary, you will want to hit the ground running (or walking).

What to do in Balloch, Loch Lomond:

Start by exploring the village itself, at  Balloch Castle Country Park.  The castle itself is derelict but there are acres of grounds and nature trails to walk around.

Loch Lomond Shores  has a beautiful 1km sculpture trail. It is easy under-foot, so a nice relaxing wander. If you are visiting on the first or third Sunday of the month, the Farmers Market will also be taking place.

Scotland may be famous for its whisky, but there are also many master brewers on our fine shores. Beer lovers should flock to the  Loch Lomond Brewery.  Here you will be rewarded for a hard-days walking with a fab selection of award-winning local ales.

You might have noticed the big wet thing. To make the most of your trip to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, you need to get your feet wet! Catch a  cruise around loch  for incredible views.

Day 9 and 10: Glasgow

The last leg of your Scotland trip brings you to Glasgow.

Glasgow is a less touristic city than Edinburgh, but no less impressive. Scots who hail from either of the two Scottish cities will defend their home town as the “best”. But, having lived in both, I can honestly say I love them both equally for their very different character. 

The train on the 9th day of your itinerary is just a short one, taking only 45 minutes. 

Where to stay in Glasgow:

You don’t have to travel far to have great options for hotels in Glasgow. We have recommended places right in the city centre so you are in easy walking distance. However, the West End is absolutely beautiful if you want something a little more peaceful.

On a Budget:  easyHotel Glasgow City

Mid-Range: Fraser Suites

Luxury: Grand Central Hotel

What to Do in Glasgow:

Start your day with a spot of culture at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). Right outside you will find one of Glasgow’s most iconic statues – the Duke of Wellington. He is always found with a traffic cone on his head.

Head towards  Glasgow Cathedral for some architectural delight. Then head behind for the ghosties in the  Necropolis.  Take a deep breath as you head up the (very) steep hill for arguably the best views of Glasgow. I promise it’s easier on the way down.

To get the full Glasgow experience, take the hop-on-hop-off bus . You can get on and off as many times as you like to explore the city. Tours are spoken in 8 languages. This is a fun way to get to know this incredible city.

Wandering back into town, grab the underground to Kelvinhall Subway Station. In Glasgow, the underground is affectionately known as the  Clockwork Orange. 

Whilst in the West End, visit  Kelvinhall Art Gallery and Museum. Unlike most things in life, it’s free to enter. Inside you can browse the 22 galleries. At 1pm Monday-Saturday, there is a free organ recital which is sure to set the hairs on your arms upright.

A wander down  Ashton Lane  will make you feel like you are in Diagon Alley or Hogwarts. A perfect place to enjoy some food, drinks and watching the world go by.

Before heading for your flight home, round off your 10 day Scotland itinerary with a trip to Glasgow Distillery . They  make an amazing range of whiskies, vodkas and gins. There truly is something for everyone. Having already completed a whisky tour in Oban, I recommend taking a gin tour.  You can also get a double tour and visit Scotland’s favourite beer brewery, Tennents, at the same time.

Glasgow has easy access to many distilleries for Scottish whisky tours and whisky tastings, all accessibly by train. Access the full list here.

Where to Eat in Glasgow:

Casual:  Bring the taste of Vietnam to the streets of Glasgow at Hanoi Bike Shop .

Pizza Party:  The closest to Neopolitan pizza we have ever had outside of Naples itself is from Paesano Pizza . They have two locations and do takeaway so you have no excuse for missing out really.

For Beers:  Templeton Building is the home to WEST Brewery  – great beer, German food, gorgeous surroundings. The old carpet factory (and my grandpa’s former place of work) overlooks Glasgow Green making it perfect for people watching.

A Tipple:  Maybe we are biased because The Variety Bar is run by good friends of ours, but you won’t find a better pint served by friendlier faces in the city centre.

Whew! Doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun! 

There you have it, a full 10 day Scotland itinerary all wrapped up. Hopefully, this has given you lots of tips and inspiration for your trip around Scotland by train. It certainly has my itching to get back out exploring. Just remember to always back a raincoat – no matter what time of year you are visiting! And, have fun!

Scotland is abundant in beautiful landscapes, perfect for creating a diverse and exciting food scene.

Click here to read all about the top Scottish foods and drinks to enjoy on your next trip.

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Find Your Tour

9 - 10 days in scotland.

How many days do you need to see the best of Scotland?

We recommend you allow 9 - 10 days in Scotland for a satisfying tour of the country’s diverse scenery and history.

A 10 day itinerary, such as the Best of Scotland tour plan , would let you spend:

• 2 days in Edinburgh walking the historical streets and enjoying the cosmopolitan buzz.
• 2 days on an Island to take in the slower pace of island life.
• 2 days in the central Highlands exploring castles and whisky distilleries.
• 1 or 2 days in the magnificent wild scenery of the North West Highlands.
• 1 or 2 days around Fort William or Oban to explore famous places like Glencoe, Glenfinnan, Ben Nevis, or to bag a few more islands.
• Maybe fit in a day in Glasgow which is quite a contrast compared to Edinburgh.

We have created a range of “Ready to Go” tour itineraries to help you plan a road trip suitable for 9 to 10 days in Scotland.

Some are designed for first time visitors and cater for the tourist that wants to experience all that makes Scotland memorable.

And some have “themes” where the tour routes are planned so that you can indulge your interest in castles, whisky, photography, island hopping or Scottish culture.

9 - 10 Day Tours from Edinburgh

Classic scotland east to west.

We call this the “Classic Scotland” as it is a tour plan that covers all the famous places that come to mind when you think of Scotland. This route works well as an itinerary for 9 days in Scotland and could be paced as follows.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Explore Edinburgh
• Day 2 - Explore Edinburgh
• Day 3 - Edinburgh to Pitlochry
• Day 4 - Pitlochry to Inverness
• Day 5 - Inverness to Skye
• Day 6 - Tour Skye
• Day 7 - Skye to Oban
• Day 8 - Day trip to Mull & Iona 
• Day 9 - Oban to Glasgow / Edinburgh

Scenic Flexi East to West

The Scenic Flexi tour plan caters for people who want to see a lot of Scotland, but also like the idea of staying 2 - 3 nights in each location. The tour is called “Flexi” as we provide lots of day trip options around Edinburgh, Inverness, Skye and Oban. So you can choose which day trips suit your interests best. An itinerary for 10 days could be scheduled as below.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 2 - Explore Edinburgh
• Day 3 - Edinburgh to Inverness
• Day 4 - Day trips from Inverness
• Day 5 - Day trips from Inverness
• Day 6 - Inverness to Skye
• Day 7 - Tour Skye
• Day 8 - Skye to Oban
• Day 9 - Day trips from Oban
• Day 10 - Oban to Glasgow / Edinburgh 

Best of Scotland East to West

Like the Scenic Flexi tour, this itinerary includes lots of day trip options to let you adapt the tour to your schedule and interest. The Best of Scotland takes you up to Gairloch in the North West Highlands. The scenery around Gairloch is stunning and Mike rates it as his favourite place in Scotland. For a Scotland Itinerary of 10 days duration , we suggest a schedule such as below.   >>> READ MORE

• Day 3 - Edinburgh to Cairngorms
• Day 4 - Day trips from Cairngorms
• Day 5 - Cairngorms to Gairloch
• Day 6 - Gairloch to Skye
• Day 8 - Skye to Fort William / Glencoe
• Day 9 - Day trips from Fort William
• Day 10 - Fort William to Glasgow / Edinburgh

Photographer's Scotland

Photo opportunities lie around every corner in the Highlands, so all our tours could claim this title. The difference with this itinerary is that we keep the driving times short from stopover to stopover so there is plenty of time to compose that iconic image. The tour route also explores some of the quieter corners, so your pictures won’t be “photo-bombed”. For a 10 day itinerary you can pace this road trip as below:     >>> READ MORE

• Day 2 - Edinburgh to Oban via Trossachs
• Day 3 - Oban to Fort William via Glencoe
• Day 4 - Fort William to Skye
• Day 5 - Tour Skye
• Day 6 - Skye to Gairloch
• Day 7 - Gairloch to Inverness
• Day 8 - Day trips from Inverness
• Day 9 - Inverness to Royal Deeside
• Day 10 - Return to Edinburgh

Classic Whisky

This whisky themed tour itinerary takes you around distilleries that represent the different characteristics of Lowland, Highland, Speyside and Island malts. If you pace this itinerary over 10 days, you can schedule a couple of 2-night stopovers along the route.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 2 - Edinburgh to Pitlochry
• Day 3 - Pitlochry to Royal Deeside
• Day 4 - Royal Deeside to Speyside
• Day 5 - Speyside to Inverness
• Day 6 - Day trips from Inverness
• Day 7 - Inverness to Skye
• Day 8 - Tour Skye
• Day 9 - Skye to Oban
• Day 10 - Oban to Glasgow / Edinburgh

Classic Castles

You could spend a year in Scotland not see all of its castles, but this tour plan lets you visit the truly memorable ones. Highlights along this route are Stirling Castle, Blair Castle, Crathes and Castle Fraser, Cawdor Castle, Dunrobin, Eilean Donan, Castle Stalker and Inveraray. But that’s just the famous ones, there’s lots more to be discovered. You can pace this itinerary over 10 days as follows:    >>> READ MORE

• Day 3 - Edinburgh to Pitlochry
• Day 4 - Pitlochry to Royal Deeside
• Day 5 - Royal Deeside Day Trip
• Day 6 - Royal Deeside to Inverness
• Day 7 - Day trips from Inverness
• Day 8 - Inverness to Oban
• Day 9 - Oban to Inveraray
• Day 10 - Inveraray to Glasgow / Edinburgh

Scottish Inspirations

We called this tour plan “Scottish Inspirations” because it visits places associated with Scotland’s famous artists and writers. This is a good itinerary for a road trip in Scotland if you want to see places that are not on the mainstream tourist trail. You can walk in the steps of Robert Burns and Walter Scott, or discover the places that feature in classic Scottish novels. For a road trip of 9 days in Scotland , we suggest this schedule:    >>> READ MORE

• Day 3 - Edinburgh to The Borders (Melrose / Jedburgh)
• Day 4 - The Borders to Solway Coast
• Day 5 - Solway Coast to Ayr
• Day 6 - Day Trip to Glasgow
• Day 7 - Ayr to Oban
• Day 8 - Oban to Pitlochry via Glencoe
• Day 9 - Pitlochry to Edinburgh

9 - 10 Day Tours from Glasgow

Classic scotland west to east.

The “Classic Scotland” tour plan features all the iconic places that Scotland is best known for. A good choice if you are a first time visitor and wish a fairly relaxed pace. If scheduling this itinerary for 9 days in Scotland, we suggest you pace as below.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Arrive Glasgow 
• Day 2 - Glasgow to Oban
• Day 3 - Day trip to Mull & Iona from Oban
• Day 4 - Oban to Skye
• Day 6 - Skye to Inverness
• Day 7 - Inverness to Pitlochry
• Day 8 - Pitlochry to Edinburgh
• Day 9 - Explore Edinburgh

Scenic Flexi West to East

The Scenic Flexi tour plan caters for people who want to see a lot of Scotland, but also like the idea of staying 2 - 3 nights in each location. The tour is called “Flexi” as we provide lots of day trip options around Oban, Skye, Inverness and Edinburgh. So you can choose which day trips suit your interests best. An itinerary for 9 days could be paced as below.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Glasgow to Oban
• Day 2 - Day trips from Oban
• Day 3 - Oban to Skye
• Day 4 - Tour Skye
• Day 5 - Skye to Inverness
• Day 7 - Inverness to Edinburgh
• Day 8 - Explore Edinburgh
• Day 9 - Explore Edinburgh / Return to Glasgow

Best of Scotland West to East

Like the Scenic Flexi tour, this itinerary includes lots of day trip options to let you adapt the tour to your schedule and interest. The Best of Scotland takes you up to Gairloch in the North West Highlands. The scenery around Gairloch is stunning and Mike rates it as his favourite place in Scotland. For 10 days in Scotland , we’d suggest a schedule as shown below.   >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Glasgow to Fort William
• Day 2 - Day trips from Fort William
• Day 3 - Fort William to Skye
• Day 5 - Skye to Gairloch
• Day 6 - Day trips from Gairloch
• Day 7 - Gairloch to Cairngorms
• Day 8 - Day trips from Cairngorms
• Day 9 - Cairngorms to Edinburgh
• Day 10 - Discover Edinburgh

Island Adventure

Eash Scottish Island has its own distinct character and stepping off the ferry onto a new island is always a thrill. You can enjoy that thrill again and again with our Island Adventure tour plan which hops up the west coast from Arran to Mull and then to Skye. If you are scheduling 2 nights on each island, you can do this itinerary in 10 days by pacing it as follows.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Glasgow to Arran
• Day 2 - Explore Arran
• Day 3 - Arran to Oban
• Day 4 - Oban to Mull
• Day 5 - Explore Mull, Iona & Staffa
• Day 6 - Mull to Skye
• Day 7 - Explore Skye
• Day 8 - Skye to Fort William
• Day 9 - Fort William to Edinburgh / Glasgow
• Day 10 - Explore Edinburgh / Glasgow

Island Odyssey

A visit to the Scottish Islands is a special experience, but Lewis & Harris offer something extra special. Their magic is a combination of stunning scenery, a thriving Gaelic culture and the hardy people that call these islands home. This tour plan guides you to up the west coast to Skye and then onto Lewis & Harris, before returning via Ullapool and the Cairngorms. The Ferry times to / from Lewis & Harris aren’t always when you’d want, but this itinerary can work with 10 days if scheduled like this:    >>> READ MORE

• Day 2 - Fort William to Skye
• Day 3 - Tour Skye
• Day 4 - Skye to Harris
• Day 5 - Tour Harris
• Day 6 - Tour Lewis
• Day 7 - Lewis to Ullapool
• Day 8 - Ullapool to Cairngorms
• Day 9 - Cairngorms to Edinburgh
• Day 10 - Discover Edinburgh

9 to 10 Day Tours from Inverness

North coast 500.

You can drive the NC500 in 5 days, but why would you want to rush this beautiful landscape? The best way to plan a North Coast 500 itinerary is to schedule in lots of 2 night stays so you have time to explore the quiet corners. Although it’s not part of the NC500, we also include a guide for exploring Orkney. For a relaxed 9 day North Coast 500 itinerary , you schedule a tour as follows:     >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Arrive Inverness 
• Day 2 - Inverness Day trips
• Day 3 - Inverness to Gairloch
• Day 4 - Day trip to Applecross
• Day 5 - Gairloch to Ullapool
• Day 6 - Day trip around Inverpollaidh
• Day 7 - Ullapool to Thurso
• Day 8 - Day trip to Orkney 
• Day 9 - Thurso to Inverness
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The Classic 10 Day Scotland Itinerary

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Scotland travel blog

10 Days on the Road Well Travelled

It’s that time of year when enquiries start coming in from the well-prepared travellers out there as to how to plan their perfect trip to Scotland. I’m going to have to close my eyes, cover my ears and grind my way through this a bit I’ll be honest. A big part of my job is opening up all of Scotland to travellers and shining some spotlight on the oft-forgotten spots. I veer away from the best-known, over-promoted locations where I can. But, keeping my international travels in mind, I know that sometimes there are places you simply must see on any given trip. A 10 day Scotland itinerary seems to be the most common timeframe that comes in, so here’s my thoughts on how to get the most out of my homeland in that – appallingly – limited time.

I’m also making some assumptions with the below itinerary. Namely that this is your first visit to Scotland, that the thought of missing Skye and Loch Ness is unthinkable and that you’ll be moving at a pretty relentless pace. That you’ll want a variety of things in there including plenty of culture, history, Highland landscapes and a distillery or two. I’m also assuming you will be driving your own vehicle, the Highlands are pretty much impossible to do justice to otherwise. But if you are a repeat visitor, are looking for a fairly relaxing holiday and want to explore off the beaten path, IGNORE THIS COMPLETELY and instead dig deeper into this website.

10 Day Scotland Itinerary

Days 1 and 2 – edinburgh.

Let’s say you’ve flown in to the capital to keep things simple. I think it needs a minimum of 2 days and there are countless options here. Some of my recommended big hitters include:

• Edinburgh Castle
• Real Mary Kings Close
• Scotch Whisky Experience
• National Museum of Scotland
• A walk up Arthur’s Seat (or Calton Hill for something easier)
• Climb to the top of the Scott Monument
• Water of Leith walkway and a wander into Dean Village

Edinburgh city centre is pretty easy to get around on foot, the alternative is by bus. You can delay hiring a car until you are ready to leave the city.

Day 3 – Dundee

I’m really chuffed that I feel the need to include Dundee on a 10 day Scotland itinerary, even one as ruthless as this. The City of Discovery has long been simmering quietly on an increasingly cultural footing, but there’s no question that the new V&A Museum of Design has kicked things up a level. Allow a couple of hours for the V&A, be sure to pop into Discovery Point next door and also to Verdant Works. The latter is an outstanding tribute to the city’s harsh industrial past, specifically its status as the jute capital of the world.

Day 4 – The Drive to Inverness

Your first foray into the Highlands starts with the drive through Perthshire and this is where the landscape teasing begins. Time is tight within this timeframe but the ideally located Hermitage – or alternatively Killiecrankie a little further north – offer the perfect motorway stop to stretch the legs and appreciate the magnificence of these densely wooded landscapes. Allow around 90 minutes for this break.

Before you know it, you’ll have crept into the western Cairngorms further north. One of the best whisky distilleries of them all, Dalwhinnie, is another helpfully placed roadside stop here. Driver kits are available for those behind the wheel and what they do with their whisky-chocolate pairings is genius. Allow around 90 minutes for a tour and a tasting.

The final stop I advise for today is Culloden. Perhaps the most poignantly atmospheric battlefield you’ll ever visit, this was the scene of the last major land battle in Britain and the calamitous end point for the Jacobite cause. Outlander fans wouldn’t dream of missing this place but I think every history fan simply must find space for it over your 10 days. The Visitor Centre and desolate battlefield moor itself require a couple of hours.

Day 5 – Inverness to Skye

Having spent the night in or around Inverness, head south first of all to Loch Ness. Scots do not understand the fuss about our most famous loch, it’s a long way from being our most attractive. But I’ve had enough conversations with first time visitors to realise that there’s no getting around this one, so here it is. In its defence, Urquhart Castle on the lochside is a stunner and this is where I’d head. Allow around an hour for a nosey.

Continue south and, once you reach Invergarry, head west to Skye. The island is seamlessly accessed by bridge but you’ll probably want another castle stop at the famous Eilean Donan on the mainland en route. Once you are on Skye , seek out accommodation in or near pretty Portree. Just be advised that you’ll have to book several months in advance.

Day 6 – Skye

Aside from being overrun in peak season, and not far off the rest of the year, Skye wrestles with Assynt for me in the running for Scotland’s most jaw-dropping landscapes. Fitting all of these into one day is impossible, so pick 2 or 3 and make sure your camera memory card is empty:

• Old Man of Storr – viewable from the roadside or as part of a 4-hour return hike to the summit
• The Quiraing (best viewed from the Uig to Staffin road)
• Fairy Pools
• Talisker Distillery
• Elgol – take a boat trip to Loch Coruisk
• Neist Point – the spectacular view and walk to the lighthouse

Days 7 and 8 – The Outer Hebrides

Hmmm. Yes, this lot were always going to make it on to the 10 day itinerary. I’m making no apologies. What you actually get up to here depends a lot on your interests, but the beaches will feature prominently. Last year I was immersing myself in outdoors activities like kayaking and coasteering, the year before was more about hiking. While there’s a lot to see, the simplest course of action is to focus on Harris and Lewis. The former is all about landscapes and beaches, the latter more on history. Callanish Standing Stones, Dun Carloway and Gearrannan Blackhouse Village are the obvious, excellent historic Lewis attractions. As for South Harris’ beaches, Luskentyre, Scarista and Hushinish are my favourites.

Your ferry from Uig, will come in and out of Tarbert, Harris’ ‘capital’. This gives you an ideal opportunity to purchase some Harris Tweed and pop into the shiny new Harris Distillery, source of the gin that has taken the industry by storm.

Day 9 – Drive back to Glasgow

Today is a long journey, ending a trip that’s been full of them! If you’re still with me, get the ferry back to Skye and begin the 5 hour drive back to the bright city lights. Stops along the route are countless but allow at least half an hour for Glen Coe . This is hillwalking heaven and countless routes are open to you, but time will of course be tight. Another logical stop is Loch Lomond , and pretty Luss is the popular pit-stop ahead of the final stretch back to the city. You’ll get a great perspective of Scotland’s second most famous loch from the pier, including the sulking mound of Ben Lomond.

You’ll arrive just in time for a Glasgow curry !

Day 10 – Glasgow

My home city is a fitting end and deserves to be lauded with the same affection that travellers have for Edinburgh. It’s great to have seen Glasgow’s numbers on the rise in recent years and folk are seeing it as a wonderful accompaniment and source of comparison to the capital. Culture, architecture, nightlife and shopping are the city’s key assets. Give this lot plenty of consideration, and be sure to get to the West End if nothing else:

• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
• Glasgow University campus
• Glasgow Cathedral
• Gallery of Modern Art
• Botanic Gardens
• The Riverside Musuem
• Clydeside Distillery (if you’ve not had enough whisky yet)

Glasgow’s iconic Subway is the ideal way of getting around between the major sites and the city’s many green spaces will chill you out after this busy itinerary.

For departure, you will likely either be heading out of Glasgow Airport or Edinburgh (a regular bus leaves directly from Buchannan Street station to Edinburgh Airport).

Time of Year to Visit

I’ve made a job out of showing that Scotland is a year-round destination. Even in the depths of winter, my travels this year to the likes of the Isle of Mull have underlined that I think. That said, and based on my initial assumptions above, the best months to come are generally May, June, September and October. Climate change keeps increasingly messing with weather systems and upsetting normal expectations but those are usually the best weather-wise. The dreaded midges are not at their peak, days are long and fellow tourist numbers are much less challenging.

I’ve been twitching throughout this article. As a Scot, it goes against my entire focus and criminally misses out so many great spots that deserve your attention. But the truth is Scotland is a big wee country. It is completely impossible to cover it in one trip, regardless of how long, and you can only do so much. There’s no mention in this 10-day Scotland itinerary for Southern Scotland , for the North East, the Inner Hebrides or even the North Coast 500 . Disgraceful, I know. My only excuse is that you’d send me hate mail if I’d pushed you any harder – these are your holidays after all.

But we have covered several magnificent ruins; the best Glen of them all; our most famous lochs; maybe the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see; our best standing stone site and our most complimentary cities. You’ll have poked around a couple of the classiest distilleries and sampled plenty of local seafood. Obviously if you have more time, spread out your journey a bit and you’ll enjoy it all the better. If you have less, the Outer Hebrides chunk may be beyond you.

If 10 days it is, you’ll be shattered but you’ll have a full understanding of what brilliantly diverse Scotland is all about. Enjoy the journey.

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14 comments.

A proper decent whistlestop tour, min. Well done, sir.

Thanks for keeping up! 🙂

Hey, if one has a mere 10 days, you have hit some fabulous high points. I love that you mention Luss, always a favorite for me, with the Coach Inn being a must stop. Well done!

Far too rushed of course but hopefully it covers the big bases and no-one goes home miserable. 🙂

Heartfelt thanks Neil for including Dundee in this. Tbh, if I had to make up a similar 10 day trip, I don’t know if I would have included my bonnie wee toon as there is so much else to see and do in Scotland. I finally visited the V&A the other week. The “Liners” exhibition was wonderful, really enjoyed it. We spent so long looking at that that we didn’t have time to look at the permanent stuff so we’ll return another day. I still think the V&A is magnificent but must admit to being slightly disappointed with the inside as compared to the outside. I didn’t like the ground floor, and really don’t see the need for two places to eat or two gift shops. Sadly, I suppose I just have to accept it as part of the price for Dundee having such a wonderful attraction.

My pleasure Jacqui, was great to get Dundee in there! Loved the V&A I must say but appreciate that the layout may not be for everyone. Looking forward to the next exhibits and hope that folk take the time to spend a day or two and explore Discovery, Verdant Works et al as well.

Hello Neil, great post as usual and a lovely itinerary for first time visitors. 🙂 As an avid Scotland traveller I have visited most of the spots (except the Isle of Harris/Lewis which is already booked for September 2019 and Glasgow). I can imagine how difficult it is to pick as Scotland is really a beautiful country.

It was nightmarish having to omit things but this covered the broadest range of interests I could come up with. I’ll have to do another one though I fear. You’ll love the Outer Hebs and I hope the weather is kind to you!

I am lucky enough to be spending nearly five full weeks in Scotland in June/July including a week-long walking tour of the Orkney Islands. Do you have a longer suggested itinerary on your blog? I am a photographer, love hiking, don’t like whisky (sorry!!). I will have a car. So far I am spending at least four days in Harris/Lewis/Uist. A few days in Glasgow, a few more in Edinburgh. The rest of the time I thought I’d follow the coast around from Skye – John O’Groats- Inverness and then around to Aberdeen (via Moray) I am just wondering if I should also be heading south of Glasgow as well?? As an Australian, I am very used to long drives! What would you recommend?

Oh you’re doing it right, great amount of time to see what we’re all about! You’ll see other itineraries in the Itinerary tab in the main menu – there’s a 3 week one and a Southern Scotland one in there which you can combine easily. You’ll find blog posts for Orkney, Aberdeenshire, the Outer Hebrides and parts of the North Coast 500 via a search on the site as well that should be useful in parts for you as well. I’m planning on covering more of the north east in the coming months so stay tuned for more from those parts too. Happy travels!

10 days is definitely too short but that’s all most of us can take off work at one time so no, there is no way to discover everything worth seeing but it’s a good start. We’re coming for 10 days exactly in May and we know already it will be just a teaser of what this beautiful country has to offer but we’re grateful for the opportunity to discover even the most popular spots, they’re so popular for a reason after all. I’ve prepared our itinerary before I found your blog, all the bookings are done and seem almost impossible to change anything now, all reasonable priced lodgings are already gone, but it looks we made mostly good decisions, our plan is not very far off you presented and now reading your blog we’re learning a lot more details that will help us use the time efficiently. Although I wish we could stay longer in Oban (and maybe skip Pitlochry, but the Cairngorms so look worth at least a day!). As basically every other place so we’ll just have to come back. Thank you so much for this blog, it’s so great to discover new place through eyes of a local that appreciates its beauty.

Very glad you found it helpful Beata, to add to your existing plans! Completely agree, the Oban area and the Cairngorms deserve plenty of time – too much for me to fit into this 10 day itinerary as it turned out – but both are explored thoroughly in other posts. Have a fantastic trip and hope Scotland meets your expectations!

Headed out on Saturday, Your 10 days looks much like what we have sketched out. Your walking routes were a smashing find!! thank you.

Glad to hear it Karen and hope you had fun on the hills!

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SCOTLAND Road Trip: The Perfect 10 day Scotland Itinerary

Welcome to our Scotland Road Trip Itinerary!

In this Scotland road trip itinerary, we will tell you about our route, with suggestions on things to do and what to see on each day, where to eat, our chosen luxury hotels and even the car rental. Also, note that not everything you plan you will do, so we will share with you our planned days vs. what we eventually did. Our 10 day Scotland itinerary includes our suggested 10 day route with 3 optional extra days. This ultimate Scotland road trip itinerary includes maps, pictures and lots of recommendations on all the must-visit places in Scotland.

Scotland was on our bucket list for a long time and finally, it happened! And WOW if we knew that it is so beautiful, we would’ve gotten there much sooner! It has some of the more unique sceneries, so much nature and pure beauty, along with lots of history and castles, castles and more castles. 

Note that all photography on this guide (and throughout our website) was shot by me (Alina) and if you wish to purchase any, some are available at my  Etsy shop .

For more information  about us ,  photography  and more  itineraries , click on the links.

Map of Our Recommended Scotland Road Trip: 10 Day Scotland Itinerary (with 3 optional extra days)

• Day 1 – Edinburgh
• Day 2 – Edinburgh
• Day 3 – Edinburgh (optional extra day)
• Day 4 – Edinburgh to Inverness
• Day 5 – Inverness
• Day 6 – Inverness to Isle of Skye
• Day 7 – Isle of Skye
• Day 8 – Isle of Skye
• Day 9 – Isle of Skye to Glencoe
• Day 10 – Glencoe
• Day 11 – Glencoe (optional extra day)
• Day 12 – Glencoe to Glasgow
• Day 13 – Glasgow (optional extra day)

But before we dig into our Scotland road trip itinerary, let’s review some logistics information: How to get to Scotland? When is the best time to travel to Scotland? What car rental company to choose?

How to get to Scotland?

BY FLIGHT – Scotland has several international airports – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen. We started our Scotland trip in Edinburgh and highly recommend starting there.

BY SEA – Direct ferries to Scotland run from Northern Ireland. An idea here – if you have plenty of days, you might consider combining 2 trips together – Exploring both Ireland and Scotland. You can check out our suggested itinerary to Ireland and Northern Ireland.

BY TRAIN – Another way that might be cheaper but less comfortable is to get to England and take a train from London or Manchester to Edinburgh. We did that because we traveled during COVID and preferred a direct flight from Israel, and the closest to Scotland was Manchester from which we took a 3.5-hour train to Edinburgh. After doing that we would not recommend it because of the hassle, we had to wait long hours for the train at night.

We think the best way to get to Scotland is by flight to Edinburgh or Inverness, or staring at one city and getting back from the other to save some time. But note that generally, the flights are cheaper to and from Edinburgh.

When To Visit Scotland?

In general, in Scotland the weather can be unexpected but as the old Scottish saying goes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes!”.

But when it comes to the temperature, there is a big difference between the seasons, as you can see in the chart below.

SPRING – We traveled in late March – early April and it was perfect, we had some rainy days and some light snow in the Highlands but it was a bonus for us.

SUMMER – Is the warmest season with long daylight but the busiest with higher prices.

AUTUMN – As Spring, has fewer crowds and beautiful yellowing trees.

WINTER – Is the coldest with lots of snowfall!

Note that not all attractions are open all year and usually from the first of April till late October, so check each attraction for operating months before travel.

MIDGES – small little buggers that are a huge nuisance for the Highland tourists. It’s a tiny insect with a painful and itchy bite. Their season is from June through October, with a peak in the summer months of July and August. If you are traveling the Highlands during the Midge season, we recommend gearing up with a repellent such as  Smidge .

We recommend traveling in Spring or Autumn due to fewer crowds, no Midges and lower prices.

Car rental in Scotland

Our Scotland itinerary is basically a road trip and you will have to rent a car. We always prefer choosing a local car rental as they are usually cheaper than the international brands with more free add-ons. Of course, it’s important to check those companies for their Google ratings and to read reviews.

In our trip, we chose  Celtic Legend and  they work with Arnold Clark for the rental itself and we were super pleased. We booked a Group 10 car and got a brand-new BMW 320i Sport. The price was affordable for this luxury car and it was similar to the smallest and simplest car in other companies.

We recommend adding an Excess Waiver/ Super CDW or in other words, having a zero excess, for a more relaxed mind.

Our Recommended Scotland Road Trip: 10 Day Scotland Itinerary (with 3 optional extra days):

Hotel in edinburgh.

We chose Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel and absolutely loved it! It’s a 5-star hotel, located in the heart of Edinburgh, within walking distance from the main points of interest and the train station. We took the Essential Double Room which was luxurious and modern. The breakfast area was beautiful, it is basically an indoor garden!

Scotland Road Trip: Day 1-2 – Edinburgh

Now let’s begin our Scotland road trip itinerary! This is our suggested 2-day Edinburgh itinerary. Since we only stayed one night in Edinburgh, we chose the most important sights for us and squeezed them into one day. It is possible but we do recommend staying at least 2 nights and doing this route in 2 days for a more relaxed experience.

A –   KIMPTON CHARLOTTE SQUARE HOTEL – Walk from the hotel to the main beautiful Princess St. overlooking Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle. If you have time, you can relax and walk through the gardens.

An Incredible 10 Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

Are you trying to figure out how to spend 10 days in Scotland? Here is my 10 day Scotland road trip itinerary. I will talk about the Scottish road trip my family took as first time visitors – an excellent introduction to Scotland.

In 2020, I had a 2-week period where I wanted to visit Scotland by car. Given that I would be driving from Hertfordshire, just north of London, I allowed for two days to get to Scotland and two days to drive home. 

Ten days may seem like a long time, but when you are on your trip, the time can fly by. Even with a 10 day Scotland itinerary, there were many things I had to miss because I simply did not have enough time. I have included these options in case you manage to squeeze these spots in your Scotland trip.

Read on to find out more about my recommended 10 day road trip to Scotland.

How to Get to Scotland

There are many options where you can start your road trip – it typically depends on where you are coming from. For those flying internationally, there are three airports to choose from: Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Inverness.

To follow my itinerary for Scotland if you are taking a flight to Scotland, I recommend you fly into Glasgow and out of Edinburgh. You could pick up a rental car at either of these airports.

Sometimes car rental companies charge an additional fee if you do not return the car to the same place where you picked it up. However, the driving distance between Glasgow and Edinburgh is only an hour. So, you could drop it off at the same place and book round-trip flights.

Book your car rental with Expedia here .

If you are driving from somewhere in the UK for your road trip in Scotland, you are flexible to start and end your road trip wherever is convenient. 

I drove from Hertfordshire up through the Lake District, spending a night there. Then, I entered Scotland near Glasgow.

I finished my holiday in Scotland in Edinburgh, and then I drove through Northumberland and the Peak District on my journey back to the South of England.

For the international travellers – if you want to add your road trip to Scotland to another destination, I would suggest flying to London and spending a few days there. You can then take the train up to Edinburgh where you can pick up a rental car.

Read more: Short trips in the UK

Scotland 10-Day Itinerary Route Map

Where to Visit on Your 10 Day Scotland Road Trip?

If you are looking to put together your road trip around Scotland, here are some suggestions of places to visit.

Loch Lomond

Glenfinnan viaduct.

• Isle of Skye
• Cairngorms National Park
• Highland Perthshire

10 Days in Scotland Itinerary

Day 1 – visit loch lomond and drive to glencoe.

Your first day in Scotland will be busy, but also an excellent start to your road trip. Assuming you are starting your journey in Glasgow, Edinburgh or the north of England, you will be able to visit all the spots I recommend for day one.  

Start your road trip with something typical of Scotland – lochs. For those who did not realise, the meaning of a loch is a lake.

When you think of lochs in Scotland, many people instantly think of Loch Ness. But when I spoke to Scottish friends, they told me that Loch Ness is rather touristy and that there are other better lochs to see. However, if you are flying from Inverness airport and going via Loch Ness, you should look for the Loch Ness Monster and stop at nearby Urquhart Castle.

As a result, the first stop of my journey around Scotland was Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. I suggest a visit to Loch Lomond for one day.

Visiting Loch Lomond is not as simple as typing its location into Google Maps and showing up at the point on the map. You also need to have an idea where around the loch you want to visit.

My first stop in Loch Lomond was to Balloch, the southern-most point and the first town you will reach from the Glasgow area. Balloch is also the starting point for boat tours of the loch.

I was eager to get out onto the water, so I booked tickets that day for the afternoon cruise. You can also book your Loch Lomond boat tour here .

My next stop on Loch Lomond was to a small village called Luss. You can stroll along the lakefront, rent a pedalo and walk onto the pier. Quaint cottages line the streets of Luss, which is worth a short walk around.

I stopped for lunch at  Coach House Coffee Shop and Store . It is a good lunch stop with sandwiches, soups and cakes, and it is also very dog-friendly.

Driving to Glencoe

At the end of your visit to Loch Lomond, start the journey to Glencoe, where you will spend the next few nights.

The drive from Loch Lomond to Glencoe is scenic, so I recommend you drive slowly. If you pass a particular spot, you can pull into the side of the road safely. There are also walks from these locations, so put your hiking shoes on for the drive.

One of my recommended stops is at Loch Tulla Viewpoint, found slightly north of Bridge of Orchy. There is a big car park that you can stop at and get a view across Loch Tulla.

You will pass many beautiful sites on the A82 to Glencoe, but you can easily come back the next day to properly explore and take photos of Glencoe.

As you get closer to Glencoe, look for deer in the fields on the side of the road. Deer are often found around Rannoch Moor and in front of the Kingshouse Hotel. I saw deer but did not stop in time to take a picture, so keep an eye on the map as you approach the area.

Shortly after this, you will pass the turning to Glen Etive, somewhere you should make sure you visit. However, a visit to Glen Etive will not be a quick stop because the scenery is impressive, and you will want to witness it all. You will need around 2 – 3 hours to visit Glen Etive.

Therefore, if you have the time, you could visit Glen Etive on day one – otherwise, I recommend saving it for day two.

Day 2 – Visit Glenfinnan Viaduct and Explore Glencoe

Another busy day lies ahead, but with only 10 days to see as much of Scotland as possible, you need to prepare for some long days!

Start your morning by driving to Glenfinnan Viaduct. You may know it as the Harry Potter Bridge that the Jacobite Steam train travels along.

I recommend you visit Glenfinnan Viaduct during the morning schedule. If you are staying in Glencoe, the drive will take you nearly an hour, plus you need to arrive with plenty of time to park because it can get pretty busy.

Seeing the train puffing along the viaduct is not as easy as it seems. Read my article on how to make your visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct a success .

After you visit Glenfinnan Viaduct, you can stop for a casual lunch in Fort William and then return to Glencoe for an afternoon of exploring again.

The town of Fort William itself is not an attraction in itself, but it is the largest town in the area, so you will likely get all your groceries and petrol from here. Fort William is also a popular town to stay in when climbing Ben Nevis.

Be aware that the number of midges of Glencoe and Fort William are extremely high, so when you are visiting the Glenfinnian Viaduct, Glencoe etc, you should be wearing:

• insect repellent
• long sleeves
• net hat to shield your face from the swarming insects

Read more about suggested products for midge repellent in this Scotland packing list .

After you return from Fort William, you can explore Glencoe some more.

A visit to Glencoe was one of my favourite parts of the whole trip. The dramatic landscapes in Glencoe were impressive. Plus, there are many things to see and do in the area, such as scenic walks and finding spots from the Harry Potter world.

I felt like Glencoe gave me a good impression of the Scottish Highlands and it looks the same as it does in the James Bond film Skyfall.

While researching Glencoe before my trip started, many people recommended visiting Glencoe, but they were not specific in their recommendations. Therefore, I intend to be more specific on what you can do while there.

Many of the most spectacular views of Glencoe are on the drive to Glencoe along the A82. You will have seen a glimpse of the beautiful scenery from the car window on the way to Glencoe. To get the most out of your trip, you should return to this stunning road where you can get out of the car and walk around.

The white cottage seen frequently in images is also one of the most famous views in Glencoe. There are several white cottages around Glencoe. You can find one on Google maps called “Glen Coe Photography House”. You will see the houses as you drive along the A82 towards Loch Achtriochtan.

Also, consider stopping at Three Sisters Viewpoint or Hidden Valley car park for a great view just outside Glencoe.

Note: there is limited mobile reception in Glencoe, so you should download offline maps on your phone. There are toilets in the Glencoe Visitor Centre; however, you need to pay £4 to park and use their facilities.

If you did not already visit Glen Etive while driving to Glencoe, you should return to this area. Make sure to capture a picture of Buachaille Etive at the start of the road to Glen Etive off the A82.

Glencoe Lochan

When you are back in Glencoe, you can walk around Glencoe Lochan. It is a nature trail that is accessible for all abilities and is in a beautiful setting.

Glencoe Lochan is quite a short walk that will take you about an hour if you take it slowly and stop to take photos etc. There is a free car park to use while you walk the trail.

Finally, one for Harry Potter fans – you can go and find the filming location of Hagrid’s Hut. It is a relatively short walk up some hills, but it is a fun exploration. It takes some imagination to see the area how it was in the films.

Hagrid’s Hut is close to Glencoe Lochan. Park on the side of the road near to Clachaig Inn and walk from there.

Where to Stay in Glencoe and Fort William

Fort William and Glencoe are very close to each other, just a 25-minute drive apart. So, you can make either one your base for a few nights. If you would like to be closer to Glenfinnan Viaduct, you should stay in Fort William. If you prefer to be closer to nature in Glencoe, then you should stay there.

You can also opt for something in between, such as the small town of Onich where there are a few VRBO rentals around this area.

Day 3 – Day Trip to Oban

Deciding to visit Oban during your 10 day itinerary of Scotland is based on your interests. Oban is known for its whisky. If you are a fan of whisky, it is worth adding Oban to your Scotland itinerary.

In my situation, my Dad wanted to go to Oban, so we made sure to include it in the itinerary. However, I am aware that there are other better whisky distillery experiences throughout the country, so do not discount those.

There are other things to see and do in Oban other than whisky. Firstly, you can visit McCaig’s Tower that has a sprawling view of the city from above.

Secondly, it is a port-town, so you can go on a boat trip from there. Such as a visit to the Isle of Mull (and Tobermory the town where the British TV show Balamory was filmed).

You need to book the ferry rides in advance because they do sell out on the day.

I ate lunch at Lorne Bar in Oban, which was another dog-friendly restaurant.

Castle Stalker

Near Oban is Castle Stalker – a fascinating mini castle (house) located in the middle of Loch Linnhe. You could stop here when visiting Oban.

Park at Castle Stalker View café and make sure you stop there for a drink and snack before or after your visit to support the cafe. They serve some tasty treats.

Put your walking boots on and head down towards the water.

To get closer to Castle Stalker, you will need to walk through trees on a steep and precarious path. Turn left when you get to the bottom of the slope.

Day 4 – Drive to Mallaig for the ferry to Isle of Skye

This morning, you will pass Glenfinnan Viaduct on the way to the Isle of Skye. Therefore, I recommend attempting to see the Jacobite Steam Train again. You may get different weather or the chance to watch the train from another angle. 

When driving from Fort William to the Isle of Skye, there are two options. You can drive the road north until you get to the Isle of Skye bridge. Or you can drive to Mallaig and take the ferry across to Armadale on the Isle of Skye.

The route you take depends on the location of your accommodation in Skye. Both routes offer spectacular views and scenery so you will be happy with either choice. If you take the ferry on the way there, you can drive over the Isle of Skye Bridge on the way to your next stop and see the places I recommend.

Ferry to Isle of Skye

If you are taking the ferry to Skye, you must reserve a ticket a few days in advance because there are only a few spots available on the day left over for emergency vehicles or the earliest arrivals.

For the route via ferry to the Isle of Skye, I suggest stopping at Eilean na Moine after Glenfinnan Viaduct. Eilean na Moine is another site for Harry Potter fans (Dumbledore’s resting place), but also a beautiful location on Loch Eilt. Parking is limited here since it is a small lay-by.

On your way to Mallaig, you can stop at some white sand beaches to stretch your legs. Silver Sands of Morar and Camusdarach Beach are both lovely beaches. The beach you should visit depends on where you find a parking spot because a parking spot is hard to find.

I aimed for the general area of Silver Sands of Morar with the SatNav and then played it by ear because parking was difficult in some parts. I ended up at Arisaig beach.

Mallaig is only 10 minutes further from these beaches, so it is convenient to visit these beaches before taking the ferry from Mallaig. 

For more information on taking the ferry to the Isle of Skye, make sure you check out my guide to road trips in Scotland .

Driving over the Isle of Skye Bridge

If you left it too late to book tickets for the ferry to Isle of Skye, or the route is more convenient to go by land, there are some lovely things to see on the way.

The Five Sisters of Kintail is a stunning mountain range that you will pass on your way to Skye. To get the best view of The Five Sisters of Kintail, I recommend going to Ratagan Pass viewpoint. For another beautiful viewpoint on the route, stop at Loch Duich Viewpoint (Carr Brae).

As you continue your journey to the Skye bridge, you will also pass Eilean Donan Castle. I recommend you stop because the car park is free and you can take photos of the outside of the castle without paying an entrance fee.

Suggested Hotels for Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is a popular destination with accommodations booking up far in advance. However, if you do not manage to reserve a hotel or holiday rental in the Isle of Skye, it is also possible to go on day trips to the Isle of Skye from somewhere just outside Skye.

A day trip is best if you have two adults who can share the driving because it can be tiring, but it is doable.

Day 5 to 7 – Exploring Isle of Skye

Once you arrive on the Isle of Skye and its surrounding villages, it is easy to see why it is so well-loved. There is plenty to do there to keep you occupied for many days. It includes hikes for all abilities, waterfalls, sweeping landscapes and a whole lot of greenery.

I would recommend spending three days in the Isle of Skye because it increases your chances of having a day with good weather . Three days in Skye also means you can return to a particular spot and not rush or miss out on any sights.

Some of the places I suggest you visit in the Isle of Skye include:

• Old Man of Storr
• Neist Point Lighthouse
• Coral Beach
• Fairy Pools

Neist Point Lighthouse and Coral Beach are located down a single track road. This means you should visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the traffic that can build up.

I wrote a detailed blog post on what to do in Isle of Skye and shared my suggested Skye itinerary , so make sure you check it out. However, for a quick breakdown, this is how I suggest you spend three days in the Isle of Skye.  

Parts of the Isle of Skye can be a relatively far drive from each other. Therefore, you should plan to spend each day in a separate part of the Isle of Skye, as I have suggested below.

1st Day on Isle of Skye – Trotternish Loop

• Breakfast at Café Arriba in Portree (if breakfast is not included at your accommodation)
• Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
• Falls of Rha
• Quiraing –  It is possible to include this in the itinerary if you plan on a quick stop or there is enough daylight/time to complete the whole hike

2nd Day on Isle of Skye – West Skye

• Quiraing – again if missed the day before – but consider the location of your lodging
• Dunvegan Castle
• Neist Point Lighthouse – sunset is a lovely time to visit
• Dinner at The Three Chimneys

3rd Day on Isle of Skye – South Skye

• Fairy Pools – best to go early to ensure a car park spot
• Talisker Distillery – optional if this is a strong interest of to swap out another activity
• Isle of Skye boat trip – check in advance the different locations and start times
• Sligachan Old Bridge
• Coo view point
• Eilean Donan Castle – if you did not visit it earlier when arriving in Isle of Skye

If you are not staying in Portree, I suggest a quick visit to walk around the Harbour on any day that you pass it.

Day 8 – Venturing on a Highland Safari

Driving to highland perthshire.

As I mentioned previously, if you are driving from the Isle of Skye to Highland Perthshire, there are some lovely sights to see on the way. Such as various viewpoints of The Five Ladies of Kintail and Eilean Donlan.

I want to mention additionally that as you are driving through parts of the Highlands and crossing into Cairngorms National Park, there is no mobile service and very few stops for bathroom breaks and refreshments. So, plan according.

Highland Safari

My next stop was Aberfeldy for a Highland Safari. There is a café where you can have lunch at the Highland Safari.

The idea of it is that you go out with your local guide in a land rover and drive through the mountains or forest (you choose) looking for wildlife.

I chose the mountain safari, which meant we were on the search for deer and eagles. I think the whole experience is worth the drive, even if it is out of the way for you.

You need to book this in advance because they have two slots a day – 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Therefore, if you are driving from the Isle of Skye, you need to opt for the afternoon visit.

Gleneagles Hotel

After the Highland Safari, I spent the next two nights at the Gleneagles hotel. It is only an hour away, so it is a great place to stay in combination with the Highland Safari.

My family stayed at Gleneagles hotel for two nights because some family members wanted to play a round of golf (or two). I highly recommend staying at Gleneagles for two nights because it means you get a full day at the hotel and a chance to try out several of the incredible restaurants.

Day 9 – Gleneagles Hotel

After such a busy 10 days in Scotland, you will be grateful for a day of recharging the batteries at a luxury hotel.

You need to make reservations for activities before arriving at the hotel, such as your breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you plan to play a round of golf at Gleneagles, you also need to arrange that.

If you do not want to play golf, there is still plenty to do at the hotel. For example, exploring the hotel grounds, playing pitch and putt, riding a bike around the property, visiting the hotel pool (requires booking) and looking around the shops inside the Gleneagles hotel.

Pay attention to the dress code for the dinner restaurants because many require a suit jacket for men.

Read more: What to pack for Scotland

Day 10 – Drive to Edinburgh and onwards

After a final breakfast at Gleneagles, set off for Edinburgh, which is around an hour’s drive from Auchterarder. Unless you wish to visit Stirling Castle, which is a slight detour on the drive from Auchterarder to Edinburgh.

What is a visit to Scotland without stopping in Edinburgh? I had not originally planned to spend time in Edinburgh. However, after leaving the Gleneagles hotel, I realised how close it was. I decided to stop just for a few hours, given that it was en route to my next destination, Northumberland.

It was a flying visit, but luckily the city is relatively small, and many sights are close to each other. During my afternoon visit, I managed to see a lot of the old town, such as Royal Mile, Grassmarket, Cowgate, Victoria Street and, of course, Edinburgh Castle.

If you want to maximise your time in Scotland, check out one of these tours:

• 3-hour walking tour of Edinburgh
• Scenic bike ride of Edinburgh

If you plan to stay the night in Edinburgh, I recommend The Balmoral Hotel . You could stay in the suite where J.K. Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

What Can Be Changed in this 10 Day Itinerary Scotland?

You may notice that a few places are missing from this itinerary. For example, the North Coast 500 and Cairngorms National Park and some other islands or isles, such as the Isle of Harris. However, it is impossible to fit the whole of Scotland in only 10 days. Therefore, you may have to add these other destinations to your next trip road trip itinerary.

If you want to add more places to your itinerary, you will need to remove something. I would suggest removing Edinburgh, purely because it is easier to visit on its own another time. You may be more likely to take the train to Edinburgh for a weekend trip.

If you are looking to extend this 10 day trip into a 14 day tour of Scotland, I recommend visiting Isle of Mull and Isle of Harris. This is something that I didn’t have time to do and wished I had visited.

It is also possible to make this into a one week itinerary. You can remove the Highland Safari and Edinburgh, or remove Isle of Skye.

Read my article for ideas on other types of road trips to Scotland .

Samantha is the founder of Continuous Roamer, a travel website focusing on adventure and the outdoors.

With a love for adventure and the great outdoors, Samantha shares tips on skiing, luxury safaris, camping, and finding hidden food gems in different destinations.

With over 20 years of skiing experience across Europe, North America, and beyond, she's also an expert in luxury accommodations and experiences.

Whether camping in Canada or dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant, Samantha always seeks out the best experiences and accommodations, and her blog highlights the best of them for her readers.

Samantha is currently living in London.

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10 Day Scotland Itinerary

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Captivating landscapes, picturesque cities and a fascinating history make Scotland one of the top destinations in the world. With so much to choose from, creating the perfect itinerary for Scotland can be quite an undertaking. No need to worry, though. This 10 Day Scotland Itinerary – outlined in a simple, day-by-day format – features the best Scottish sights, attractions and experiences.

From ancient castles to buzzing cities to charming villages and rugged lands, we are outlining the Best Scotland Vacation Itinerary!

10 Day Scotland Itinerary: Trip Planning FAQs

Before we get to our outlined Scotland trip itinerary, we want to answer a few frequently asked questions, which will help you plan your adventure.

How Many Days in Scotland?

The first step in planning a Scotland trip is deciding how many days to spend in the country. That will depend on your interests, budget and overall travel timeframe. That said, we think visiting Scotland in 10 days is ideal.

Spending 10 days in Scotland allows visitors enough time to experience the best of Scotland, without feeling too rushed or overwhelmed.

We understand, however, that not all travelers plan on visiting Scotland in 10 days. To help sort out the best way to visit Scotland within shorter or longer timeframes, we share alternate Scotland itineraries at the end of the article.

Which Destinations are Included in this Scotland Travel Itinerary?

Although rather small in size, Scotland boasts a number of diverse and intriguing destinations that span the country. On a 10-Day Trip to Scotland, visitors need to pick and choose what to see in order to create their best Scotland itinerary. 

Our 10 Day Itinerary of Scotland features the top destinations in the country, including Edinburgh, Inverness, Isle of Skye and Glasgow.

The journey begins with 3 days in historic Edinburgh, a city that boasts grand architecture and a rich culture. Visitors then traverse north into the Highlands to the city of Inverness, where they have 2 days to explore the beautiful rolling hills of the region.

Next, navigate to the majestic Isle of Skye and spend 4 days discovering the enchanting landscapes. The trip ends in Glasgow, an often overlooked city with a vibrant atmosphere and buzzing entertainment venues.

This trip plan for Scotland appeals to a variety of travelers – including nature lovers, history buffs and whisky enthusiasts. We traveled as a couple, but you can easily make changes to create a special Scotland honeymoon itinerary, a family vacation or solo adventure.

Is this Sample Scotland Itinerary for Driving or Public Transit?

One of the biggest decisions when planning a Scotland 10 Day Itinerary is determining how to get around. Should you plan a Scotland self-drive tour or use public transport? Fortunately, our Scotland itinerary planner can be adapted to either driving or using trains and buses.

Driving a car does allow for the most freedom, but it comes with a bigger responsibility (and can be difficult for those not used to driving on the left). Scottish Public transport can be limiting but is typically more affordable and a more relaxing mode of transit.

We share tips for how drivers can expand the itinerary in the day-by-day guide – and offer hints for those traveling Scotland without a car, as well. We provide additional transit advice in the Travel Tips section at the end of the article.

Is the Suggested Itinerary for Scotland a Budget Trip Plan?

There is no doubt about it: Scotland is expensive. However, with a little effort, budget conscious travelers can plan an affordable vacation to Scotland.

On this 10 Day Scotland Itinerary we recommend sightseeing adventures and hotel accommodations in a range of prices – but, generally speaking, it is a mid-to-low range budget trip.

Those with a big travel budget can easily splash out on high-end hotels, private tours and fine dining. On the other hand, budget travelers may want to eliminate or substitute some of our recommendations for cheap or free things to do in Scotland.

Planning Tips for 10 Days in Scotland Itinerary

This overview of how to plan a trip to Scotland can be further enhanced with these articles:

• How To Spend 3 Days in Edinburgh
• What and Where to Eat in Edinburgh
• Things To Do in Inverness and the Highlands
• Spend a Day in Plockton, Scotland
• Visiting Portree, Scotland on Isle of Skye
• One Day in Glasgow
• Hiking the West Highland Way on Vacation

Travelers visiting Scotland from abroad will also find it useful to read our advice on How To Plan a Europe Vacation .

Organized Scotland Trip Planner

As you being to make your plans and reservations, organization is key! We recommend using a vacation planner – like our Printable Travel Planner – to stay on top of all the details!

Day-by-Day Scotland Itinerary 10 Days

Now that we have covered the basics, it’s time to get to the detailed outline of the 10 Day Travel Itinerary Scotland.

 Save, Pin or Bookmark our Guide to the Best Scotland Itinerary to plan your vacation!

DAY 1: Essential Edinburgh

Kick off your 10-Day Trip to Scotland Itinerary with essential Edinburgh sightseeing. After getting settled into your hotel (we share recommendations later), head right for the heart of the city: The Royal Mile. See the highlights, then climb up Calton Hill – and end the day with whisky and a pub meal.

Sights on The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile links the mighty Edinburgh Castle to the grandiose Holyrood Palace – and marks the center of Edinburgh.

Visit the castle ( take a tour for a fantastic introduction) then walk the length of The Mile, stopping along the route to visit other popular sights. Top things to see are the St. Giles’ Cathedral, the Museum of Edinburgh, Canongate Kirk and the Scottish Parliament. Use our complete guide of Things To Do in Edinburgh for more details and additional attractions.

At the Palace of Holyroodhouse, buy a ticket to go inside to see the lavishly decorated British royal residence and The Queen’s Gallery.

Explore Calton Hill

In the afternoon, make the short climb up Calton Hill. In addition to offering one of the most spectacular views of Edinburgh, the area hosts a handful of sights – like the National Monument (resembling the Parthenon), the Nelson Monument and the City Observatory.

Whisky and Pub Dinner

Wind down after a full day of exploring historic and royal Edinburgh with a Scotch whisky. There are an ample variety of whisky tasting experiences offered – from a whirlwind intro at The Scotch Whisky Experience ( get tickets in advance ) to an intimate Whisky and Folklore Tasting ( booking is essential! ).

End your first day in Scotland with a classic Scottish meal at a traditional pub on The Royal Mile. Deacon Brodies Tavern or The World’s End are our top picks, but have a peek at more recommendations (and explanations) on our list of Edinburgh Eats !

DAY 2: Explore Edinburgh Beyond The Royal Mile

On Day 2 of this Scotland Highlights Itinerary, explore beyond The Royal Mile. Stroll through parks, visit the best museums, discover beautiful districts and smell the flowers at the Botanic Garden.

Edinburgh Parks, Museums and Monuments

Edinburgh is lush with vast green spaces, fantastic museums and ornate monuments – and seeing a few of the best is the perfect way to start Day 2 of your trip.

Spend the morning on a leisurely stroll through the landscaped Princes Street Gardens, which sit just beneath Edinburgh Castle. The National Gallery marks the east end of the park – and it’s well worth popping inside to see the collection of artworks (plus, it’s free!).

The nearby Scott Monument – dedicated to Sir Walter Scott and riddled with statues – is a must-see Edinburgh sight. Energized visitors can climb the 287 stairs to the top for panoramic views.

Discover New Town

New Town is the posh, planned neighborhood just north of the Royal Mile. Developed in the late 1700s, the district is marked by elegant architecture and grand Georgian homes.

Start your discovery of New Town at St. Andrew Square (the first section of New Town to be built in 1772) and then walk a block north to the fabulous National Portrait Gallery and step inside the lavish Grand Hall entryway.

Zigzag your way through New Town so that you walk along all three of the parallel streets – Rose, Thistle and George – and end in Charlotte Square at The Georgian House, a furnished 18th century home open to visitors (with a ticket).

Dean Village, Stockbridge and the Botanical Gardens

Just a short walk from Charlotte Square is quaint Dean Village, which boasts a handful of old cottages and fine stone dwellings. The bucolic village sits appealingly along a curve of the Water of Leith River, attracting visitors and locals alike.

From Dean Village, follow the Water of Leith Walkway Path north to Stockbridge (detour to Circus Lane for the best mews in the city) and then continue on the path to the Edinburgh Botanical Garden.

Encompassing 70 acres, the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh features planned gardens connected by intertwining paths.

Dinner and Drinks in New Town

On the second day of your Scotland trip, dine in New Town, where there are upscale pubs (try The Magnum), spicy Indian eats (like the ever-popular Dishoom) and loads of fun bars (The Black Cat often has live music).

For an entirely different scene, join the boisterous crowds at Edinburgh Street Food, where international fare and local eats are on offer from multiple vendors under one roof.

DAY 3: Unique Edinburgh, Scotland

Day 3 of our Best Itinerary for Scotland features some of the most interesting Edinburgh sights and attractions. Embark on a hike, visit a world-class museum, see an ancient cemetery and then go underground for an alternate perspective of the city.

Arthur’s Seat

Stretch your legs in the morning and hike to the 822-foot summit of Arthur’s Seat. The inclined trek is challenging, but the views are sublime.

Trekkers can opt to retrace their steps back into Edinburgh – or head down the backside of Arthur’s Seat to the Duddingston neighborhood, which boasts a historic pub and a lakeside walk.

University, Museum and Cemetery

Spend the better part of the day visiting top sights to the south of The Royal Mile: The University of Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland and Greyfriars Cemetery.

Walk through The University of Edinburgh – often ranked as one of the prettiest campuses in the UK – to admire the Georgian Old College and McEwan Hall. 

Just north of campus is the National Museum of Scotland, a phenomenal museum with interactive displays and natural history exhibits (be sure to find Dolly, the first cloned sheep!). 

Greyfriars Cemetery is right next to the museum – and it’s one of the city’s best attractions. The old graveyard features elaborate tombstones, spooky corners and a memorial to Bobby, a legendary dog. Travelers can join a tour or visit the cemetery on their own.

Edinburgh Underground Tour

In the late afternoon, delve deep into the dark history of Edinburgh and go underground on a tour of the hidden Edinburgh Vaults.

The subterranean space is a labyrinth of dark passageways that played a big part in the history of the city. The vaults can only be reached on a guided tour – and it’s best to buy tickets in advance . 

Dinner and Drinks in Grassmarket

The lively and fun Grassmarket district is the perfect place to cap off the third day of your 10-Day Scotland Trip.

Head up to the Cold Town House Rooftop Bar for local craft beer and then indulge in a pub meal at The White Hart Inn – one of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh and is also said to be haunted.  

DAY 4: Inverness and Scottish Highlands

Get an early start on Day 4 of your 10-Day Tour of Scotland Itinerary and transit from Edinburgh to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Once settled in your hotel, set off to explore the city.  

Car, Train or Bus from Edinburgh to Inverness

Driving the route to Inverness from Edinburgh allows the opportunity to see a few sights along the route. Drivers can stop to see The Kelpies (the famous Scotland horse statues), Stirling Castle and the Victorian town of Pitlochry. If time allows, visitors with a car can also stop in Aviemore and visit Cairngorms National Park in route to Inverness.

Both trains and buses transport passengers from Edinburgh to Inverness. Either way, the ride takes about 3.5 hours, but trains tend to be more expensive.

Inverness Sightseeing

A thriving city in the heart of the Highlands, Inverness features abundant nature, a handful of sights and a buzzing bar scene.

With a half day to explore, visitors can cover some ground. Start in the city center to see the castle, cathedral, Inverness Museum, The Victoria Market, Old High Church and the famous Leakey’s Bookshop. If time allows, discover even more by using our article, What To See in Inverness .

Before dinner, set off on foot along the banks of the River Ness, crossing the historic bridges along the way. South of the center, the top attractions are the Ness Islands and the Inverness Botanic Gardens. Alternatively, take a walk north to Carnarc Point in search of dolphins in the Beauly Firth!

Dinner and Drinks in Inverness

Make a dinner reservation at The Mustard Seed, one of the best restaurants in Inverness. Situated in an old church, the restaurant menu features Scottish Highland specialties – like Highland beef, Scottish salmon and venison dishes.

After your meal, head to one of the best Inverness bars. Gellions and MacGregor’s are our two favorite places for live music and a great atmosphere – but Johnny Foxes, Highlander and Hootananny have a solid line up of musical acts, as well. 

DAY 5: Tour the Highlands from Inverness

Inverness is an ideal jumping off point to see some of the best attractions in the Highlands! From historic sights to nature hikes or boat trips in search of mythical sea creatures, there are endless ways to plan Day 5 of your Itinerary for Scotland Trip.

Tour from Inverness

Travelers with a car can plan to see these sights of Scotland on their own, but there are top-rated tours that can save the hassle of planning and driving. Plus, the guides offer outstanding insight into the history and people of the region. We are highlighting a few of the best guided tours and DIY adventures from Inverness.

Highlands Highlights Tour

Featuring the natural beauty of the Highlands, this top rated, small group tour takes you to the historic Culloden Battlefield, the ancient stones of Clava Cairns and a distillery. Also included are seeing Highland cows at a local farm, the iconic Urquhart Castle and photo stops along Loch Ness. Check availability!  

Classic Nature and Whisky Highlands Tour

On this classic Highlands tour, participants spend a full day experiencing some of the best Highlands sights: Cairngorm National Park, Carrbridge Village and Aviemore – plus, a stop at a historic Highlands distillery for a tour and tasting. Get the details!

Falls of Foyers, Loch Ness Views and Highland Coos

Travelers can plan their own day trip from Inverness to the east side of Loch Ness. Attractions along the loch are the Falls of Foyers Forest Hike, The Camerons Tea Rooms and Hairy Coos. You can also add in a stop to see the Loch Ness Alpacas in Dores!

Visitors can self-drive or use public buses to complete this day trip from Inverness.

Great Glen Way, Fort Augustus and Caledonian Canal

The Great Glen Way is a multi-day hike that extends from Fort William to Inverness – but trekkers can easily complete just a portion of the route. We recommend taking the bus from Inverness to Invermoriston – and then hiking 7.5 miles to Fort Augustus (where you can take a bus back to Inverness).

The top thing to do in Fort Augustus is to marvel at the locks of the Caledonian Canal (which also stretches from Fort William to Inverness), but visitors can also set sail on a Loch Ness boat tour to track down that illusive Nessie!

Travelers can self-drive or use public transit to complete this day trip, but a bus is best if planning to walk a full section of the Great Glen Way.

Inverness Dinner and Drinks

After days of tucking into hearty Scottish cuisine, switch things up a little with pizza for dinner from Black Isle Bar. The short menu features wonderful wood-fired pizzas topped with local ingredients, which just happen to pair perfectly with a pint of excellent Scottish craft beer.

Stay local and grab a post-dinner drink at the riverside Uliebheist Distillery and Brewery, which boasts a contemporary bar as well as an outdoor beer garden.

DAY 6: Travel to Portree, Isle of Skye from Inverness

Continue your Scotland Highland Tour Itinerary and travel from Inverness to the incredible Isle of Skye. After settling in at your hotel, set off to see the lovely town and, if time allows, take a coastal hike.

Car or Bus from Inverness to Isle of Skye

Travelers can reach Isle of Skye from Inverness by car or bus – and both routes traverse some of the most stunning landscapes in the Scottish Highlands.

By car, we recommend driving on A832, passing through gorgeous valleys, along blue lochs and around striking mountains. Make a stop in Plockton, Scotland – a pretty west coast village – to eat lunch and have a walk around town. Before continuing to Isle of Skye, make a second stop at the famous Eilean Donan Castle.

Travelers without a car can take a bus from Inverness to Skye. The Eilean Donan Castle is on the route – and travelers who want to tour the castle can hop off the bus, store their luggage in lockers, check out the castle and then be on the next bus to continue the journey to Skye. Do note that individual bus tickets for each leg of the journey will need to be purchased (and they should be purchased in advance).

Note that there is a train from Inverness to Plockton, but there are no lockers at the train station and travelers will need to continue on by train to Kyle of Lochalsh to pick up a bus to get to Skye…and the train/bus times do not align very well.

The ride from Inverness to Skye – by car or bus – takes at least 3 hours without any stops.

Portree, Skye Sights

Once on Isle of Skye, make the most of what is left of the day. Use our tips to discover the Best Things To Do in Portree Town . 

See the colorful houses in the harbor, walk the Meall Walkway to the top of The Lump or spend a couple of hours hiking the coastline Scorrybreac Trail. If the weather is rainy (and it often is on the Misty Isle), spend the afternoon tasting local gin and whisky at the Isle of Skye Distillers.

Those who arrive early in the afternoon can opt to join one of the exceptional wildlife-watching boat trips that depart from Portree Harbour.

Dinner and Drinks in Portree

For dinner on your first night in Isle of Skye, feast on fresh caught seafood at Sea Breezes. The restaurant is situated in an old harborside building and the seafood offerings are spectacular (book ahead!).

After your meal, enjoy a drink (and maybe live Scottish music) at Merchant Bar, An Talla Mor 1820 Pub or West Highlands Bar.

DAY 7: See the Best of Isle of Skye, Scotland

On Day 7 of this Best of Scotland Itinerary, explore the magnificent and mystical landscapes of the Isle of Skye on the Trotternish Peninsula. Most of the day will be spent outdoors and on trails – so lace up your hiking shoes and bring a waterproof jacket!

Trotternish Peninsula Sights

The Trotternish Peninsula hosts some of the most iconic rock formations, vistas and waterfalls on the Isle of Skye.

Top attractions along the route are Old Man of Storr, Lealt Falls, dinosaur prints and viewpoints at Brother’s Point, Kilt Rock Cliff and Mealt Falls Viewpoint, The Quiraing escarpment and The Fairy Glen. We share detailed information about each sight and more in our Best Things To Do on Isle of Skye article.

Those interested in hiking in Scotland will find fabulous trails on Isle of Skye. Old Man of Storr, Brother’s Point, The Quiraing and Rubha Hunish are all rated moderate – and each takes about 2 hours to complete.

Trotternish sights are accessible via the A855/A87 road that encircles the northern peninsula – and travelers can use a car or bus to reach them all.

That said, visitors without a car will need to pick and choose which sights to see, as the limited number of buses makes it impossible to see them all in a single day. Use the current Skye bus schedule to plan your best route.

Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that, while the parking lots (and bus stops) for each sight are close to the road, walking and/or hiking is required to reach nearly all the points of interest on Skye.

Portree Pub for Dinner and Drinks

After a full day of hiking and sightseeing in Scotland, indulge in a hearty pub meal at The Isles Inn Pub in the heart of Portree. The casual restaurant serves classic Scottish meals alongside local craft beer and drams of whisky.

DAY 8: Isle of Skye Must See Sights

More dramatic landscapes await on Day 8 of our ultimate Scotland Itinerary – plus a few man-made marvels and can even include a whisky tasting.

Adventuring Around Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is the second-largest island in Scotland. Attractions and sights are flung from one end to the other. Therefore, travelers have two ways to adventure around Skye: Self-Drive or Organized Tour.

Self-Drive Tour on Isle of Skye

Visitors with a car who are comfortable driving on the single-track roads can cover quite a distance in a single day. The top sights to see on Day 8 include Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point Lighthouse, Dun Beag Broch, Talisker Distillery and the Fairy Pools. We share additional details on how to plan this day in our complete Isle of Skye Itinerary .

Isle of Skye Organized Tour

Scotland visitors without a car (and those who would just rather leave the driving to someone else for a day) can still see most of these sights on an organized tour.

We opted to join an active sightseeing tour that featured ample time for exploring top attractions (like Neist Point Lighthouse, Fairy Pools and The Fairy Glen), plus picturesque photo stops along the way. Find out more!  

Another popular Skye tour features stops at the Fairy Pools, Talisker Whisky Distillery and either Dunvegan Castle or Neist Point Lighthouse – and additional stops along the Trotternish Peninsula for photos. See if there is availability!  

Portree Dinner with a View

End Day 8 of your Scotland trip with an exceptional dinner at The View Restaurant in the Cuillin Hills Hotel. The menu features delectable meals made with locally sourced food – and the views across the bay are simply astounding. Just be sure to make reservations in advance, as they do book up – especially in the summertime.

DAY 9: Idyllic Island Landscapes

The landscapes of Isle of Skye are otherworldly – and sometimes it is best to see them from afar. On the morning of Day 9 of your 10-Day Itinerary Scotland, set sail to Isle of Raasay. Then, back on Skye in the afternoon, wander and gaze at the mountainous vistas in Sligachan.

Isle of Raasay

Sitting just a stone’s throw from Skye, Raasay Island is rustic, charming and far less crowded than Skye. Plus, the views of Skye from across the bay are utterly staggering!

Getting to Raasay is easy and inexpensive with the local ferry from the Sconser pier. The ferries accept passengers, bicycles and a limited number of cars.

On Raasay, the top things to do are hiking or biking the coastal trails and eating a picnic lunch from an epic viewpoint along the elevated shoreline. After touring the island, visit the Raasay Distillery, where they produce both Scotch whisky and gin on site.

Sligachan Trails

Ferry back to Skye and make your way to Sligachan, a historic Scottish settlement at an important crossroads on the island.

Trails extend from the Old Sligachan Bridge into the extraordinary Cuillin Mountain Range. A popular (but often soggy) footpath follows the riverside, offering sweeping views of the peaks in the distance. Another great trail is the short 1-mile hike to the flowing Sligachan Waterfall. Ambitious trekkers can continue an additional 5 miles to the Fairy Pools. 

Drinks and Dinner in Sligachan

Seumas’ Bar in Sligachan is a popular place to eat and imbibe on the Isle of Skye and is our recommended restaurant to end Day 9 of your trip. The fun eatery welcomes a lively crowd and serves satisfying pub grub – like burgers and fish-and-chips.

More than 400 Scottish whiskies are available at the bar and they offer tastings, too. Plus, they sell local craft beer from the Cuillin Brewery that is right next door.

DAY 10: The Best of Glasgow

On the final day of your Scotland trip, make your way from Isle of Skye to Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city. After a long day of travel, there will just be enough time to take in the top sights.

Car or Bus from Isle of Skye to Glasgow

The route to Glasgow from Isle of Skye along A87/A82 is incredibly scenic…and incredibly long, with a total distance of about 200 miles.

Travelers with a car can make the journey in about 5.5 hours. However, there are a few gorgeous places to stop along the way (like Glencoe and Loch Lomond) to stretch your legs and gawk at the wonderful Scottish scenery.

The bus trip from Portree to Glasgow takes 7 hours – and we recommend leaving bright and early on the first bus of the day. That said, travelers can break up the journey with a short stop in Fort William for lunch (although, this will severely limit the amount of time you have to explore Glasgow later in the day).

Glasgow Sightseeing

Although Glasgow Attractions span from east to west, most sights are located in or near the city center and can be seen in half a day. If you plan to visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery or Hunterian Museum in the Glasgow West End, we suggest you begin there and then go straight to the Cathedral and finish in downtown Glasgow.

Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis

The Cathedral and Necropolis are two Glasgow sights that are not to be missed! The stone cathedral dates to the year 1136 and features colorful stained-glass windows. Behind the church, ornate gravestones and mausoleums cover the hillside, which served as the burial place for prominent Glaswegians in the 1800s.

Glasgow Street Art  

The outstanding street art in Glasgow is impossible to miss. Large murals cover the sides of buildings all around the city. The most famous Glasgow street art mural is Saint Mungo – a painting by artist Smug, which is located at 287 High Street.

You can also find excellent murals on Mitchell Street, along with the architecturally unique ‘Lighthouse’ building that was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in the late 1800s.

George Square and Surrounding Streets

George Square marks the civic center of Glasgow. The green space is surrounded by elegantly designed buildings and is dotted with statues, monuments and memorials.

Nearby sights include the Gallery of Modern Art (free to visit) and the Duke of Wellington Statue that stands in front of the GoMa building (which will likely be topped with a traffic cone – a humorous Glasgow tradition).

Buchannan Street is a thriving shopping district – and even those with no ambition to shop should stroll the length of the wide pedestrian-only area and soak up the atmosphere of modern Scotland.

Eat and Drink in Merchant City

End your day in Merchant City, the go-to district for dining and entertainment in Glasgow. An absolute mecca of pubs and restaurants, there is certainly something to please every palate.

Merchant Square, with multiple restaurants under one roof, is a fun place for a meal – and Paesano Pizza around the corner is a popular choice for locals. That said, for a final Scottish meal, our top pick is The Piper Whisky Bar, where you can savor one last serving of haggis!

Scotland Itinerary Map

Use this link to Google for an interactive version of our Scotland map.

Alternate Scotland Itinerary Ideas

We shared our Best Scotland Vacation Itinerary for 10 days, but we have a few ideas for travelers with alternate trip plans.

Scotland Itinerary 5 Days

With just 5 short days in Scotland, you will need to create a very concise itinerary. There are a few different ways to plan a 5 Days in Scotland Itinerary – and we are sharing our two recommendations.

The simplest way to plan a Scotland 5 Day Itinerary is to limit yourself to visiting just Edinburgh and Glasgow. Spend 3 days in Edinburgh and 2 days in Glasgow.

Those who want to experience the Highlands, however, could plan a fast-paced 5 Day Scotland Itinerary that includes Edinburgh, Skye and Glasgow.

Spend the first two days in Edinburgh, drive to Skye on Day 3, spend the next full day in Skye and then return to Edinburgh or drive to (and depart from) Glasgow.

Travelers without a car can also complete this itinerary by joining an organized 3-Day Skye Tour from Edinburgh .

Scotland Itinerary 7 Days

One week in Scotland can be a fantastic vacation! Planning a 7 Days in Scotland Itinerary allows you to enjoy quite a bit of the country at a fairly enjoyable pace.

One way to plan a Scotland 7 Day Itinerary is to visit Edinburgh, Skye and Glasgow. Spend 3 days in Edinburgh, drive to Skye on Day 4, spend a full day in Skye (Day 5). Next, drive to Glasgow on Day 6 and spend the complete next day exploring the city.

Alternatively, visitors could create a 7 Day Scotland Itinerary that visits Edinburgh, Inverness and Skye. Start the trip with 2 days in Edinburgh, drive to Inverness on Day 3, explore the Highlands on Day 4, drive to Skye on Day 5. Spend Day 6 discovering Isle of Skye, then on Day 7, drive to Glasgow.

Scotland Itinerary 14 Days

Travelers who can swing a full two weeks in Scotland will not be disappointed – because there is still so much to see!

Scotland Hiking Itinerary

The best way to plan a 14 Day Scotland Itinerary is to use our 10-day trip plan as a base – but add an incredible hiking adventure into the mix!

Begin by following our Scotland 10-day plan exactly as it is written (3 days Edinburgh, 2 days Inverness, 4 days on Skye). Then, spend the next 3 or 4 days Hiking the West Highland Way – one of the most stunningly beautiful long-distance walks in the world. Finish your trip in Glasgow, perhaps celebrating with a wee dram of Scottish Whisky.

Scotland Leisurely Trip Plan

Those not inclined to take a multi-day hike through the Highlands can expand their trip into an ideal Scotland 14 Day Itinerary. Simply add one full day to each destination.

Start with 4 days in Edinburgh and make a day trip to St. Andrews or Dunbar, Scotland . Next, spend 3 days in Inverness, which allows time for two day trips in the Highlands. Then, explore Isle of Skye for 5 days, as there are still more sights to see on the south end of the island. The final 2 days of the trip are in Glasgow (allowing time to see top sights in the city’s vibrant West End).

Note that it is still possible to complete either 2-Week Scotland Itinerary by Train and Bus or by car.

Scotland and Ireland Itinerary 2 Weeks

Travelers often choose to create an itinerary for Scotland and Ireland – as there are numerous cheap flights between the two. We recommend planning a 2-Week Ireland and Scotland Itinerary that showcases the best of both countries.

To begin, use our above advice for 1 Week in Scotland, ending the trip in Glasgow. Fly from Glasgow to Dublin, Ireland – and use our 1 Week Ireland Itinerary to plan your perfect trip!

England, Scotland, Ireland 2 Week Itinerary

Planning a 2-Week England, Ireland, Scotland Itinerary? Fantastic! Our ideal 2-week trip includes 4 days in England, 5 days in Scotland and 5 days in Ireland.

Spend 3 Days in London exploring the top sights – and take one full day trip to either Windsor Castle  or Bath, England . Next, travel to Edinburgh for 2 days and then join this 3-Day Skye Highlands Tour .

From Edinburgh, fly to Shannon, Ireland. Spend 3 days exploring the Village of Doolin and Cliffs of Moher, along with the Aran Islands and Galway . Then, spend your last 2 days enjoying the Best Things To Do in Dublin . 

Travel Tips for Scotland

Now that you are well on your way to planning your best Scotland itinerary, we have some practical information and honest advice to share with you.

Best Time to Visit Scotland

Travelers should carefully consider when to visit Scotland. There are pros and cons to each season.

The weather in Scotland is notoriously unpredictable, but summer offers the best chance for sunshine – plus the days are long , which is ideal for sightseeing. On the downside, crowds can try your patience and prices are at their peak.

The shoulder seasons – spring and autumn – can be even more hit and miss with weather. May is historically the driest month and autumn can be sublime. Of course, winter can come early and stay late, which could put a damper on your outdoor plans. The upside is that there are far fewer fellow tourists and prices are not so steep.

Winter is the least desirable time to visit Scotland for most people. The days are incredibly short and it rains…a lot. That said, Christmas in Edinburgh and the New Year Hogmanay celebration attract happy herds of revelers!

Getting To and From Scotland

In our outlined sample Scotland Itinerary for 10 Days, we recommend arriving in Edinburgh and departing from Glasgow. Travelers have a wide range of options to arrive and/or depart either by plane – and it is possible to take a train to both from London.

Both Edinburgh and Glasgow have international airports that are served by major air carriers, as well as regional UK flights.

Travelers who prefer to fly in and out of the same city can choose Glasgow or Edinburgh. There are numerous trains and buses that connect the two in less than 2 hours.

We recommend using Skyscanner to search for fares – but read our tips for Booking Flights for Cheap before booking!

Getting Around Scotland

As we have already mentioned, the outlined 10-Day Scotland Tour Itinerary can be completed with a car or with public transport. We shared bits of advice along the way, but we have a few more important things to consider.

Tips for Creating a 10-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

Travelers planning a Scotland driving itinerary can use this guide as is – but, with a car, it is possible to add a bit more sightseeing between destinations.

We do recommend taking a few tours in the outlined Itinerary for 10 Days in Scotland. We think tours can be a fun and stress-free way to sightsee, but travelers with a car can skip the tours and drive on their own.

Also, keep in mind that a car is not necessary in Edinburgh. Hold off renting a car until the fourth day of the trip. Find more rental car money-saving advice in our article, Rental Car Tips . 

Travel Tips for a Scotland Itinerary No Car

Scotland has an extensive network of trains and buses, making it possible for visitors to plan trips using only public transportation.

Planning a Scotland Itinerary by train and bus does require a bit more thought and attention to detail, but our outlined Scotland suggested itinerary is ideal for visitors without a car.

Travelers visiting Scotland during the busy summer months will want to buy tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased online – and we recommend buying directly from the company if possible.

Google Maps is generally accurate with train and bus schedules, but the official bus and train websites offer the most up-to-date info (especially in the case of Scottish transport strikes).

Where To Stay in Scotland

In our 10-Day Trip Plan for Scotland, we recommend staying in Edinburgh, Inverness, Portree and Glasgow. We are sharing our top hotel recommendations for each location.

Edinburgh Places To Stay

Hotels in Edinburgh fetch top dollar (especially in the summer) – and you should expect to pay around $300 USD per night…and even more at luxury hotels, like the posh 5-star Balmoral Hotel .

The centrally located Hotel Indigo on Princes Street offers a superb location, but more affordable accommodations – like the Elder York Guest House – are just a block away.

Budget travelers can find a dorm bed at Castle Rock Hostel for a comparable bargain.

Inverness Hotels

Accommodation in Inverness ranges from luxury stays to cozy B&Bs.

Ness Walk is the premier luxury hotel in Inverness and features an ideal location along the riverside. That said, Columba Hotel in the heart of the city offers nice rooms at more reasonable rates.

Visitors looking for a charming bed and breakfast should check availability at Drumdale B&B , which offers guests a warm welcome and an exceptional breakfast.

Portree, Isle of Skye Accommodations

While accommodations dot Skye Island, we think it is best to stay in Portree – where there’s the most restaurants, pubs, tours and transit options.

The Portree Cuillin Hills Hotel is a top-rated property that offers guest rooms with lovely bay views and excellent service – and is priced accordingly. The Royal Hotel is a more affordable option in the center of town.

Budget conscious travelers should check out Portree Youth Hostel , which has bunks in dorms, as well as private rooms.

Glasgow Places To Stay

Our top pick for a one-night stay in Glasgow is in the city center – and the boutique Carlton George Hotel is an ideal choice. Situated next to the Queen Street Rail Station, the hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms – plus complimentary drinks from the minibar!

What To Pack for your Scotland 10-Day Vacation

Our final tips are all about what to pack for your vacation to Scotland. You can find all of our packing advice on our Packing Tips Page . Need a checklist? Grab your FREE Packing Checklist here !

Comfortable Travel Shoes

Deciding what shoes to pack for a Scotland vacation is a big decision. You will need a pair of shoes that are comfortable for city walking, as well as hiking trails. It’s also best to wear quick-dry or waterproof shoes.

I typically travel wearing lightweight sneakers and Kris is always comfortable in these trail shoes . If you’re intending to take longer hikes in Scotland, consider also packing proper hiking boots .

We share more advice and reviews in our article, The Best Shoes for Traveling .

Scottish Weather Gear

It’s often joked that while in Scotland, you can experience all four seasons in a single day. Therefore, you need to be prepared for the elements. A waterproof jacket is essential and a quality travel umbrella is also a good idea.

Of course, when the sun does come out, you will want to be prepared with sunscreen (or a travel hat that shades your face). It’s also smart to pack insect repellent that will keep away the midges (which are Scotland’s pesky, biting insects).

Whether you travel with a backpack or suitcase on your 10-Day Scotland Itinerary – it’s best to also have a day bag where you can stow all your everyday items . We like to wear small backpacks when sightseeing, but there are many styles to choose from. Use our advice for the Best Day Packs for Travelers . 

Travel Camera

Scotland is magnificent – and you will want to upgrade to a real camera to capture the true beauty of the landscapes. We use a DSLR Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens for our travels.

Not only does it take quality photos, it is easy to use and priced affordably – making it one of the best cameras for budget travelers .

UK Trip Insurance

Regardless of how well you plan your trip, things can go wrong. Lost luggage , canceled flights and getting sick abroad are just a few common trip mishaps. In many instances, a good travel insurance policy can help cover the costs incurred. If you don’t already have trip insurance, check the rates and coverage at World Nomads .

Travel Documents for Scotland

Of course, remember to pack all of your important travel documents – from your passport to printed confirmations to your Travel Planner ! We recommend tucking them into a zippered Travel Organizer . 

Start planning your trip to the United Kingdom ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page !

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Isle of Skye

10 Day Grand Tour

Experience the beautiful highland landscape, stunning island scenery and ancient heritage with Scotland's award-winning small group tour specialists. Stay in hand-picked country hotels, taste local cuisine and let us show you roads less travelled.

Our 10 day tour of Scotland is a masterpiece, combining the essential scenic routes and historic and cultural stopovers to give you an authentic and in-depth experience. Travel through the Scottish Borders and Scotland's first National Park to Glencoe, Skye, Applecross, Inverness and the Cairngorms, Stirling, St Andrews and finally Edinburgh with many other beautiful and fascinating places on the way providing the "trip of a lifetime"..

Day 1 begins with a leisurely visit to Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by Dan Brown's book The Da Vinci Code, before we head to the Scottish borders for a relaxing wander around the Abbey of Dryburgh and take in the panorama at “Scott’s View”.

Day 2 is a fabulous introduction to the natural landscape; exploring the mountains, glens, lochs and rivers of Scotland’s first National Park. Enjoy a relaxing walk around the village of Luss on the 'bonnie banks' of Loch Lomond before we head into the Argyll Forest Park.

Day 3 takes in the wonderful lochside village of Inveraray and its famous Castle, an incredible archaeological treat to see Kilmartin Glen, often referred to as the birthplace of Scotland and a visit to the seaside town of Oban, Gateway to the Isles.

Day 4 begins with a tour through Glencoe, steeped in history with stunning scenery. Later we head for the village of Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness before enjoying the journey towards iconic Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye on the rugged west coast.

Day 5 is a tour of the Island of Skye, passing through Broadford and on to the Island capital, Portree, with its colourful harbour front. Heading north we take in the fabulous scenery and seascapes with Dunvegan Castle and other options a possibility.

Day 6 is a trip over one of the highest roads in Scotland, the Bealach Na Ba, to the remote Applecross Peninsula; a beautiful and tranquil place on the rugged coast of Wester Ross with stunning scenery. Later, we travel east to the 'Capital of the Highlands', Inverness.

Day 7 begins with a visit to Culloden Battlefield to learn about the Jacobite rebellion of 1745 before exploring the Cairngorm National Park, with towering mountain ranges and large tracts of the original Caledonian Pine Forest. Heading south, we take in the villages of Carrbridge and Pitlochry.

Day 8 allows time to enjoy highland Perthshire before we journey south via Dunkeld to explore Stirling Castle. An enjoyable visit to this royal court will reveal the castle's long and turbulent history with iconic figures such as Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.

Day 9 explores the East Neuk of Fife with visits to St Andrews; the home of golf and also the home of Prince William while he attended the University here - one of the oldest in the world, and the quaint East Neuk fishing villages of Crail and Anstruther.

Day 10 takes us over the Forth Bridge to Edinburgh where we visit Edinburgh Castle and then enjoy some time out in the Royal Mile, with its charming medieval architecture and the opportunity to do some last minute speciality shopping.

What We Include

• Your own tour co-ordinator who will work with you to provide the best itinerary to suit you.
• Accommodation Handpicked by Best Scottish Tours
• All accommodation will be of 3 star quality (we can quote for 4* if required)
• Full Scottish Breakfast every morning
• All evening meals (unless otherwise requested)
• Entry into all named attractions on your itinerary
• A luxury touring vehicle with ample space for all luggage and passengers
• Maximum of 8 people per vehicle
• Your own driver/tour guide

What we Don’t Include

Lunches/Snacks

Drinks / Beverages

Our tours operate on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis where possible with lunch and beverages excluded. Where dinner is not included in your accommodation, a 2 course meal is organised at that evening’s restaurant. 

From £4506 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

January — December

Contact details

• +44 (0131) 2082208
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Driver guide
• Small Group (1-16)

Tour prices

From £4506 Per Adult

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Tour company information

Best scottish tours.

Scotland's small group touring specialists

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Visit Best Scottish Tours

Opening times

Mon 09.00 - 17.00 Tues 09.00 - 17.00 Wed 09.00 - 17.00 Thur 09.00 - 17.00 Fri 09.00 - 17.00 Sat 09.00 - 17.00 Sun 09.00 - 17.00

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7 Day Best of Scotland & Outlander Tour

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10 Day Scotland Road Trip: The ULTIMATE Itinerary

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Bagpipes, haggis, kilts, and gorgeous Highland views. What else comes to mind when you think of Scotland?

If this is your first time exploring the magical country, you’re in the right place! This 10 day road trip itinerary (with options to extend) is the perfect way to get to know Scotland’s major towns and sites, with a few places off the beaten track thrown in.

Keep reading to discover the ultimate Scotland road trip itinerary!

Currency:  Pound, contactless payment (With your phone or a contactless card) is the norm but cash is generally accepted) Language:  English Price Range : $$ Best Way to Get Around Scotland : Bus, Train Timeline : 2 to 3 full days to explore Edinburgh’s sites; at least 10 days for a Scotland road trip Full Itinerary On Your Phone: Download Here

Read More: The BEST 5 Day Scotland Tours From Edinburgh

Table of contents

Essential scotland travel tips, how & where to rent a car in edinburgh, scotland, where to stay in edinburgh, where to eat in edinburgh, what to do in edinburgh, day 3: drive to oban, where to stay in oban, where to eat in oban, what to do in oban, day 5: drive to the isle of skye, where to stay on the isle of skye, where to eat on the isle of skye, what to do on the isle of skye, day 8: drive to loch ness, culloden, and newtonmore, day 9: drive to edinburgh, day 10: edinburgh, interactive scotland road trip map, follow us on pinterest, more scotland posts.

• 10 Best Destinations for Romantic Couples Breaks in Scotland
• 6 Jaw-Dropping Scotland Gift Experiences
• 10 Dreamy Scotland Romantic Getaways for Couples
• 15 INSANE Fun Facts About Scotland You Need to Know
• Puffins in Scotland: Where, When & How to See Them
• 5 Highland Tours From Edinburgh to See the BEST of Scotland
• The BEST 5 Day Scotland Tours From Edinburgh
• 10 Unusual Edinburgh Gift Experiences They’ll LOVE
• Isle of May Boat Trip: Read This BEFORE Seeing the Puffins
• Top 10 Splurge-Worthy 5 Star Hotels in Edinburgh
• 10 PERFECT Gift From Scotland
• 12 Gorgeous Bookshops in Edinburgh You NEED to Visit
• 15 STUNNING Rooftop Bars in Edinburgh
• 10 FANTASTIC Edinburgh Walking Tours
• How to Photograph Scotland: From Highlands to Cities
• 10 Quirky Edinburgh Hostels You’ll LOVE Staying In
• 10 Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary for an EPIC Adventure
• Rabbies Scotland Tour Review – Black Isle
• Where to Stay in Edinburgh, Scotland
• Vegan Edinburgh & Beyond: AMAZING Restaurants You NEED to Try
• Beautiful Scotland: Photo Spots You NEED to See
• Top 10 Things To Do in Edinburgh, Scotland
• Heart of Scotland Tour Review – 3 Day Edinburgh to Isle of Skye Bus Tour

Language : English. The further north you get, the thicker the Scottish accents get! In Edinburgh, you’ll find a wide variety of accents because it’s such a diverse city with a large student population, which brings in a lot of international students (like moi once upon a time!)

Best Time of Year to Visit Scotland : Scotland is gorgeous in all seasons. For experienced drivers and those who can brave the cold and snow, winter in the Highlands is stunning but can be dangerous so proceed with caution. Spring (April or May) is a stunning time to go because everything is in bloom and there are baby animals (a baby Highland cow is the cutest thing you will ever see) everywhere. If you decide to go in summer, it might be worth skipping Edinburgh simply because of insanely high accommodation prices due to various festivals.

Read More: What to Wear in Scotland: Clothing Itinerary Ideas for Your Scottish Trip

Currency : Scotland uses pounds but don’t waste time or money withdrawing cash. Virtually all of the UK is cashless, except for the occasional tax-avoiding pub. You can use a card without international fees but to truly do it like the locals, you’ll want to add your card onto your phone’s virtual wallet. You can look up how to do this for your phone type and it really is essential! Paying by contactless will save you from having to sign (which always happens with American cards) and is essential if you plan on taking public transportation. You don’t need data or service to use contactless payment.

Read More: How to Visit Scotland in Luxury

Transportation: Transportation within cities in Scotland is generally easy to use. Buses and Uber are quite common but many cities, like Edinburgh, are also very easy to walk. Between cities, trains are very common and easy to use (make sure you get a rail card and use travel apps like Trainline for discounts). The further north you get, the more difficult it is to get trains, so Megabus is your best bet.

Read More: Why Choose Luxury Car Rentals for an Unforgettable Travel Experience

Phone Plan : If your phone is unlocked, it’s very easy and affordable to purchase a sim card and have access to data and calls while traveling. You can either wait until you arrive in Scotland and purchase a sim card at the airport or any corner shop, or order one in advance and have it sent to your accommodation. Virtually any provider will work, but here are my top recommendations:

EE | GiffGaff | Voxi (Unlimited Social Media for £10)

How to book a car . Check out the recommended websites below, taking into consideration the type of car and age restrictions. If you’re starting your journey in Edinburgh, you’ll find it easy to rent a car. Major car rental programs like Enterprise have pickup stations in Waverley Station but Edinburgh as a whole is very easy to get around by public transport, Uber, or walking.

Consider your route . The roads in Scotland are not what many of us are used to. Yes, you’ll likely stick to paved routes (this guide shows you the major sites for those visiting Scotland for the first time) but sometimes the GPS decides that it would be better to take a very muddy and tiny unpaved route rather than sticking to the main roads (speaking from experience here). With that in mind, if you plan on doing even a tiny bit of off road adventures or go through the Highlands (which you should and will be doing in this Scotland itinerary), opt for a four wheel drive.

Check age restrictions . The first thing to check is that the age restrictions. Some companies, like Enterprise , require that you be over 25 to rent or drive, even if you’re with a parent. Kayak UK is a good site to check to find a variety of deals for different car needs. Sixt offers under 25 car hire and a student discount and Edinburgh Car Rental also offers under 25 rental.

Read More : Campervanning in Scotland: Locations, Motorhome Hire, & More

Enterprise (Over 25) | Kayak UK (Browse) | Sixt (Student Discount Under 25) | Edinburgh Car Rental (Under 25)

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

Now that part you’ve been waiting for – the 10 day Scotland road trip itinerary that’s perfect for those visiting Scotland for the first time. Although this road trip can be done in 10 days, we’ll also give you options to expand and take the road less traveled for a longer road trip.

Read More: 5 Highland Tours From Edinburgh to See the BEST of Scotland

Days 1 and 2: Edinburgh

Beautiful, lovely, amazing Edinburgh! Welcome to the first stop of your Scotland road trip! Edinburgh has so much to offer, so let’s dive right in.

Planning to spend 72 hours in Edinburgh? Here’s the complete guide on How To Spend 72 Hours in Edinburgh in 2023

Edinburgh is an amazing city, not only for its gorgeous sites and amazing restaurants but because it’s actually fairly affordable when compared to other major UK cities like London.

Here are a few of our top picks for places to stay in Edinburgh , but be sure to check out the full guide!

• Princes Street Apartement
• Royal Mile Apartement
• Edinburgh Castle Suites
• Dean Village Flat

Read More : Where to Stay in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is full of absolutely incredible spots to eat. Here are a few of the best vegan restaurants in Edinburgh that you have to visit!

• David Bann: Classier dining option
• Sora Lella: Vegan Roman Food (also available on Uber Eats)
• Holy Cow: Healthier vegan cafe
• Paradise Palms: Mostly vegan junk food

Read More : Vegan Edinburgh & Beyond: 13 AMAZING Restaurants You NEED to Try

Guided tours are the best way to explore Edinburgh if you want to discover the city like a local, so we’ve put together a list with the best guided tours for each location! These are our top recommendations when it comes to what to do in Edinburgh:

• Exploring Edinburgh’s hidden history beneath the Royal Mile on a fully-guided tour of the Real Mary King’s Close is a must. We recommend this guided tour if you wish to discover what it was really like for the people who lived, worked, and died on the Close!
• Discover the regal splendor of Edinburgh’s Palace of Holyroodhouse complex. On this guided tour , yo’ll explore the State Apartments, see Mary Queen of Scots’ historic chambers, the Throne Room, and more!
• Take a walk straight down the spine of the old town while listening to this FREE Rick Steves audio tour of the Royal Mile .
• If you are a whisky lover, also be sure check out this guided tour ! You’ll enjoy a guided tour and tasting of Scotch whisky at The World’s Largest Collection of Scotch Whisky, take a ride in the whisky barrel car ride, and learn the history of Scotch whisky.

There’s really no shortage of incredible things to do in Edinburgh! If you are looking for more recommendations on what to do in Edinburgh, head over to this blog post Top 10 Things To Do in Edinburgh !

What Camera Gear Do We Use?

• Camera body : Nikon d750
• Phone : iPhone 13 Pro
• Favorite Multipurpose Travel Lens: 24-120mm f/4
• GoPro : GoPro Hero 8
• Drone : DJI Mavic Air is no longer available so we recommend the DJI Air2S
• Camera Bag: Wandrd Prvke 31L
• Tripod : ESDDI Aluminum Tripod

If you want the full list of things we keep in our camera bag, check out the complete guide or browse our photography guides .

Today is an exciting day, you’re driving to Oban! The three-hour drive isn’t terribly long, but if you’re at all a nervous driver or are not used to bending, one-way roads, give yourself plenty of time to get there.

Along the way, there are plenty of incredible viewpoints that you’ll discover and want to stop at.

Glasgow. Take the longer route and make a pit stop in Glasgow. The city has a great vegan scene so be sure to check out the Glasgow Vegan Guide to discover some incredible vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants. Although Glasgow is the second largest in Scotland, it only has 488,000 residents! If you’re worried about parking, consider using Just Park to book your spot in advance.

Loch Lomond . Loch Lomond is an absolutely stunning natural wonder of Scotland and is truly a must-visit. You can park next to the loch and simply take a quick look around, but I highly recommend packing your favorite vegan hiking boots and spending a few hours exploring the area. No matter the weather it’s absolutely stunning!

Option to Exten d: Spend the night in Glasgow or near Loch Lomond. Sunrise at Loch Lomond is surely a spectacular way to start the day.

Find Glasgow Accommodation | Find Loch Lomond Accommodation

Day 4: Oban

Oban is a lovely little town, but the real highlights are the amazing islands and wildlife that you have the opportunity to explore and see.

Read More: Scotland Regions – Everything You Need to Know When Travelling to Scotland

Oban is a fairly small town and is easy enough to walk if you’re staying central (although it’s along the coast so this is weather dependent). We stayed at the Sandvilla Guest House and it was absolutely lovely. The rooms are clean, it’s a convenient location, and they were even nice enough to get us vegan butter and soy milk for breakfast the next day. Plus, they have parking which is tight, but the proprietor was lovely and helped up back into the space.

Find Accommodation in Oban

As with most places in the UK, you can usually find one surprising vegan or vegetarian-friendly restaurant, but if not, supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, or Co-op are always safe bets. Thankfully, there are a few great vegan options in Oban (located using abillion and Happy Cow).

• Gelatoburger : Classic burgers
• The Little Potting Shed Cafe: Healthier salads and wraps
• Catchacarrot Vegan Pop Up Cafe: Popup cafe run by vegans for vegans
• BAAB : Mediterranean food with vegan options (show me a vegan that hasn’t had hummus for dinner in a pinch!)

Because Oban is a coastal town, it’s the perfect time to go island hopping and see some sea life (make sure to bring your camera gear along!) Be sure to book in advance

Sealife Adventures . These small group tours are a fantastic way to see Scotland’s wildlife. Spend several hours looking for whales, otters, wild goats (featured below) and other amazing creatures, using the provided Nikon binoculars, and drinking tea all while hearing a marine biologist explain what you see. This was a highlight of our Scotland road trip itinerary!

Three Isles Tour . If you’re up for some island hopping check out the Three Isles Tour which is 10 hours for 78 pounds (at the time of writing). We had booked this but because of bad weather, it got canceled with a full refund. If you’ve taken this tour do let us know what you thought of it in the comments.

Be sure to check out this guided tour if you wish to discover Oban’s tales and traditions, walk the streets like a local, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the town of Oban!

Read More : How to Photograph Scotland: From Highlands to Cities

As you head further north into the Highlands, the driving will become trickier. Because of this, give yourself plenty of time (take it slow over the day) to drive from Oban to Portree (the main city on the Isle of Skye) and take as many stops as necessary. The land is stunning and I know when I drive it’s easy to miss the beauty around you for the need to focus on the road. Pull over when you get the opportunity! It’s well worth it for the views, fresh air, and your safety.

Along the way, you might see little or large piles of stones called cairns . These cairns have been a part of Scotland’s traditions and folklore for centuries and have four main meanings ( source ):

• Marking a grave of a loved one
• Used by climbers to show success at reaching a summit
• To mark a path across tricky terrain
• As a sea marker to help mariners determine their location

Option to Extend . As you head from Oban to the Isle of Skye, you can stop in Inverness and spend the night or grab a bite at one of these Top 8 Vegan Restaurants in Inverness to Visit . Then, take a day to drive or take a bus tour up to the Black Isle . You’ll have this option again on Day 8. Check out more options for extra stops on your Scotland road trip here .

Read More : Rabbies Scotland Tour Review – Black Isle

Day 6-7: Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is one that you won’t want to miss. There are so many beautiful spots you’ll want to pull over when driving! Don’t plan ahead too much because where you can drive will be weather-dependent. Also, keep in mind that there’s only one bridge on and off the island, so if there’s a bad storm, you’ll probably have to extend your stay until it clears.

Read More: Holy Island and Lindisfarne: Tide Times and More

Depending on how much rain, you may or may not be able to see the Fairy Pools. We weren’t able to see any unfortunately but did get to explore Fairy Glen. On our next Scotland Road Trip Itinerary, we will definitely be trying to see them.

For dinner, we headed to a pub called The Isle, which had several vegan options. I also tried a tenant shandy, beer mixed with lemonade, which was recommended by our tour guide. The evening was time for me to try some night photography. Our bed and breakfast was across from the town of Portree, and it was an absolutely beautiful night.

When you get to Portree, be sure to check out this map to see what vegan options we recommend nearby.

The Glendaruel is an absolutely lovely bed and breakfast just down the road from Portree. It takes maybe 20 to 30 minutes to walk into town but if you’re visiting Scotland in the warmer months, you’ll love the walk. The hosts were so incredibly friendly and accomodating in making a vegan breakfast (it seems every bed and breakfast makes you a full English so you’ll be well-fed for all of your adventures!), rooms clean, and beds comfy.

If you’re looking for somewhere in the center of Portree, the Oronsay B&B has incredible views and a cozy bed and breakfast feel. If you prefer hotel living and want a more luxurious stay, the Portree Hotel is the place to be!

You don’t need to stay in Portree though, and if you care to extend your trip, it’s well worth checking out some of the exciting places to stay on the Isle of Skye , from glamping pods to gorgeous cottages .

Find Portree Accommodation | Book The Glendaruel in Portree

Surprisingly, the Isle of Skye is relatively vegan-friendly for such a small town. Here are a few vegan-friendly restaurants and pubs that are worth checking out.

• The Isles Inn : One of the main pubs in Portree with at least two vegan options that aren’t just salad (at the time of writing). Try a shandy which is half a pint of beer and half a pint of lemonade – tasty!
• Cafe Arriba: Portree restaurant where the Only vegan option is a light mezze platter, but still very tasty
• Ellishadder Art Cafe : Open seasonally on the Trotternish peninsula with vegan options
• Red Roof : Labeled lunch menu with vegan options
• The Dunvegan : Located in Dunvegan this restaurant serves meat but does have vegan options. Sadly this is not a fully vegan town, I know, very misleading 🙁

You could easily spend weeks exploring and hiking the Isle of Skye, but here are a few highlights that are worth visiting:

• Lealt Waterfall
• Kilt Rock sea cliffs
• Old Man of Storr

It’s best to take a guided tour to visit these locations if you want to make the most out of each place and you don’t want to bother with transportation. We recommend this tour where you’ll explore the Isle of Skye (including its capital Portree), Kilt Rock, Lealt Falls, and the Old Man of Storr. And you’ll even get the chance to admire Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle on the way!

Read More: Heart of Scotland Tour Review – 3 Day Edinburgh to Isle of Skye Bus Tour

Free Resources

Today is a busy day on this Scotland road trip itinerary! Get a good night’s rest the night before, eat a big breakfast and stock up on snacks so you can make the most of today’s journey.

Loch Ness (2 to 3 hours) . Arrive early for one of the morning tours. It’s an extra expense but I really do recommend doing this boat tour . It’s a fun experience and you get to learn some interesting if not frightening facts about the loch. For example, the waters are so dark and deep that if someone drowned they would almost certainly never be found. Be sure to take some time to explore the small surrounding area while you’re there. It’s quite touristy but it’s a great chance to smell the fresh air and stretch your legs. Loch Ness is also a great place for a Scotland staycation !

Culloden Battle Fields ( 3 to 4 hours ). Next, you’ll be heading to Culloden Battle Fields in Inverness. Take some time to explore the museum (lots of reading here so it may not be the best for little ones) and do a guided tour of the battleground. This is a somber experience but it’s an important opportunity to learn about local and national history. Don’t forget to check out the gift shop on the way out. They have some very cute highland cow merchandise that is my favorite souvenir to this day!

Newtonmore . Newtonmore should be a good place to do some well-deserved relaxing for the rest of the evening before setting out the next day. Although spending the night here (as opposed to Loch Ness or Inverness) isn’t necessary, it will make Day 9 more manageable.

Option to Extend : Spend the night near Loch Ness in the town of Fort Augustus or Inverness (Culloden) and spend some extra time exploring. I recommend Inverness as there is more to explore in the walking distance area. You can also take a day tour to the Black Isle which is very enjoyable.

Read More : Beautiful Scotland: Photo Spots You NEED to See

Another early day! Today you’re leaving Newtonmore with 3 options for stops along the way, or you can just head straight back to Edinburgh.

Stirling Castle . If you haven’t stopped at any castles yet, definitely take the chance to look around, but if this is the third or fourth castle, you may just feel like bypassing it. If you wish to visit Stirling Castle on a guided tour, we recommend you check out this one !

Kelpies . The Kelpies are incredible large horse head statues that can be seen from the road. If you have time, stop and see them in all of their glory!

Falkirk Wheel Boat Trip : Your final option is to stop and see the world’s only rotating boat lift (not sure why you would build one in the first place?) at the Falkirk Wheel. Take a boat through the canals and ride the wheel although be aware that boat tickets aren’t available year-round at the time of writing.

To finish your Scotland road trip itinerary it’s the final day in Edinburgh! This is a great chance to explore some places you may not have had time to during your first few days in Edinburgh (see Day 1).

Please note that the driving directions on this map are not specifically created. They are simply what was recommended at the time of creating the map so do check updated directions beforehand. While this road trip is great for first-timers, there are so many amazing road trip opportunities in Scotland, including the North Coast 500, North East 250, Heart 200, Scotland West Coast 300, and more!

Get this map with more details and extra stops on your phone .

7 responses to “10 Day Scotland Road Trip: The ULTIMATE Itinerary”

[…] 2018, my mother and I thought it would be a great idea to do a 10 day road trip of Scotland. Now, keep in mind that we have both spent the majority of our lives in the United States, where […]

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[…] my mother and I visited Scotland in 2018, we had originally planned a ten day Scotland road trip but plans were quickly derailed after realizing how small the roads were and how fast people drove […]

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Plan Your Scotland Road Trip (5, 7, and 10-Day Itineraries)

Scotland is a magical land full of dramatic coastlines, charming villages, historic castles, ancient mountains, and legendary whisky distilleries. When planning a Scotland road trip, it isn’t a question of whether or not it will be amazing, it is just a question of how much time you have and how much can you squeeze in.

If you want to see Scotland’s highlights, such as Edinburgh , the Highlands, and the Isle of Skye, here are three Scotland road trip itinerary options, based on how long you want to stay. These five -, seven -, and 10-day Scottish road trip itineraries cover things to do and see along the route, where to stay , and even some restaurant recommendations at each stop.

Based on my experience, I’ll also cover some practical road trip advice on driving in Scotland and Scotland travel tips for planning your trip.

Scotland Road Trip Options

In July, I spent a week road-tripping around Scotland with my girlfriends before heading down to Wales . One week in Scotland was just enough time to see the major cities, the stunning Scottish Highlands, and the popular Isle of Skye. If it was our first visit to Scotland, we would have spread that out over 10 days.

Since I know everyone doesn’t have that long, or they want to combine Scotland with a visit to England , Wales , or Ireland, I’ve created shorter options focused on just my favorite highlights. You can also pick the road trip itinerary that is the best match for your Scotland budget .

• 5-day Scotland road trip itinerary: Edinburgh (2 nights), Isle of Skye (2 nights), Glencoe (1 night)
• 7-day Scotland road trip itinerary: Edinburgh (2 days), Inverness (2 days), Isle of Skye (2 days), Glencoe (1 day)
• 10-day Scotland itinerary: Edinburgh (2 days), Inverness (2 days), Isle of Skye (3 days), Glencoe (2 days), Glasgow (1 day)

5-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

If you only have five days in Scotland, you can still get a wonderful taste of the very best of the country. Start with two nights in Edinburgh , followed by two nights on the magical Isle of Skye , and finish with one day in the most beautiful spot in the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe .

Your five-night Scotland itinerary looks as follows:

• Day 1 – Arrival in Edinburgh (Dean Village, New Town, Victoria & Cockburn Streets)
• Day 2 – Edinburgh Royal Mile (Edinburgh Castle, Scotch Whisky Tasting Experience, St. Giles Cathedral, Real Mary King’s Close, Holyrood Palace, Calton Hill)
• Day 3 – Drive to Isle of Skye (Kelpies, Pitlochry, Eilean Donan Castle, Fairy Pools)
• Day 4 – Isle of Skye (Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Quiraing, Fairy Glen, Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point)
• Day 5 – Drive to Glencoe

I’ve created this map using Google MyMaps to show an overview of this five-day Scottish road trip. You can click on the star next to the title and save this to your Google Maps account or click on the share icon to send it to yourself via email. 

Day 1 – Arrive in Edinburgh

I’ve written a detailed itinerary for two days in Edinburgh , but here is a brief overview. It is ideal if you can fly directly into Edinburgh, but to save money you may want to look at connecting through London, Manchester, or Dublin. Getting from the airport into the center of the city is easy using the simple and affordable using the tram, which runs every 7-8 minutes. The tram stops at several points in the city center, including St Andrew Square and Waverley Bridge, and the journey takes around 30 minutes. 

Since you will be tired if you had an overnight flight from the U.S., spend your first day walking around this beautiful city. Start off in New Town and take a walk down to the quaint Dean Village . This quiet, residential village is one of the most picturesque spots in the city.

After, you may want to check out the boutiques along George Street  or the many pubs along  Rose Street . If you are ready to start getting a taste for Scotch whisky, pay a visit to Johnnie Walker Princes Street .

Walk along Princes Street and enter the  Princes Street Gardens  to see the  Ross Fountain  and beautiful views looking up at the Edinburgh Castle. Continue down to the Sir Walter Scott Monument near the train station.

Next, head uphill and over to Old Town. Discover the colorful storefronts along curving Cockburn Street and then walk over to Victoria Street , one of the most photographed spots in Edinburgh, and take a stroll through the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard. This cemetery was an inspiration to J.K. Rowling when writing the Harry Potter series.

Finish up in Grassmarket Square and take in the view of Edinburgh Castle from the Vennel Viewpoint and end your day at one of the cute pubs in this area.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

To make the most of a short stay in Edinburgh, plan on staying in either New Town or Old Town to make it easy to get around by foot, tram, or bus. On my first visit to Edinburgh, I stayed in New Town, and on my second visit, I stayed in Old Town. Both have their advantages and I enjoyed both places:

•   Eden Locke Hotel – a stylish and modern hotel that has some “apart-hotel” suite options, with small kitchens and living/dining areas. The hotel is a short walk from Princes Street, which is the main shopping street in New Town, and it is also close to several bus and tram lines, making it easy to get around the city.
• Blackfriar Lofts – a collection of apartments just off the Royal Mile towards the Holyroodhouse end. This location was great for exploring Old Town and Calton Hill. It was surprisingly quiet at night and had plenty of restaurants and shops nearby.

Find other places to stay in Edinburgh:

Day 2 – Edinburgh Royal Mile

Dedicate your second day in Edinburgh to exploring the famous Royal Mile . Start at the top with a visit to the Edinburgh Castle . This is a popular attraction so you need to book your timed-entry ticket in advance and I’d recommend starting with the first available time slot to avoid crowds and get a jump on your busy day.

After touring the castle, your next stop will be at one or two of three attractions: the Scotch Whisky Experience , which includes a tour of the whisky-making process, as well as tastings and educational sessions led by whisky experts, the family-friendly  Camera Obscura , or the  Tartan Weaving Mill  and Exhibition.

 Continue down Castlehill to Lawnmarket, enjoying the street performers and shops along the way. Your next stop should be at  St. Giles Cathedral , which was named for the patron saint of Edinburgh and is also known for its beautiful architecture and rich history, which dates back to the 12th century. 

After a busy morning, it is then time to relax for a bit and enjoy High Tea at   The Colonnades at the Signet Library .  I’ve tried three different afternoon tea options in Edinburgh (because I love a good high tea!) and this was by far my favorite, albeit pricey. I’d suggest booking a noon tea time to ensure you have plenty of time to arrive at your next destination for a tour of  The Real Mary King’s Close .  

During the tour, you will visit a series of underground streets and tenements that were built in the 17th century and are named after Mary King, a prominent member of the Edinburgh community, and learn about the daily lives of the people who lived and worked there.

Your last stop on the Royal Mile will be at the  Palace of Holyroodhouse , the royal residence when the King is in Edinburgh. You can tour the palace (with the help of an audio guide) and see the State Apartments, which are a series of grand and ornate rooms that were used for official ceremonies and state occasions.

Even though you have done a lot of walking this day, I’d encourage you to power through a little further and climb  Calton Hill  for one of the most famous lookouts in Edinburgh, with panoramic views over the city. The walk up is about a 10-minute climb from the road and it is a great spot to see the sunset over the city.

Where to Eat in Edinburgh

• Devil’s Advocate – modern Scottish cuisine and whisky bar in Old Town
• Dishoom – modern Indian in New Town
• Amarone – Italian in New Town
• Edinburgh Street Food – food hall near Calton Hill
• Urban Angel – breakfast and lunch cafe in New Town

Day 3 – Drive to the Isle of Skye

The drive to the Isle of Skye takes about 5.5 hours, but you will soon learn that traveling in Scotland can be a little slower than you might expect. Sometimes it is the narrow roads, but often it is because you will want to stop so often to take pictures of the gorgeous landscape!

It is a long trip so you will want to break it up with a couple of stops, but don’t linger too long, and be sure to get an early start! If you are an Outlander fan, you can make a quick stop at either Blackness Castle or Linlithgow Palace (birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and James V) as both were Outlander filming sites. Another fun option is a quick stop at The Helix to see the stunning Kelpies sculptures .

For an early lunch, make a stop in the cute town of Pitlochry along the way, where you can find many cute cafes such as the Fern Cottage or Hettie’s Tea Rooms. The Blair Athol Distillery is also located nearby.

Continue your road trip through The Highlands with a stop at the scenic viewpoints near Glen Shiel , including overlooks of the Five Sisters of Kintail mountain range or the site of the Battle of Glen Shiel during the 1719 Jacobite rising.

If you are running late, you can always skip those but make sure to leave time for a visit to Eilean Donan Castle . Even if you don’t buy a ticket to cross the bridge, you can get a great view from the visitor center and the overlook. The visitor center also has a cafe if you need a cup of tea or a quick bite.

By now it will be getting late in the day, but if you are visiting in the summer, you will be lucky to have daylight until after 10 p.m.. If you want to stretch your legs, make one more stop at the Fairy Pools before heading to your hotel.

The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye are a series of small waterfalls and pools in a gorgeous mountain setting. If you can catch the light right, the pools take on a beautiful shade of aqua blue. It is also a popular spot for wild swimming for those willing to brave the cold waters. Some say the waters attract selkies, while others believe that if you hold your head underwater for seven seconds you will be blessed with eternal youth.

The parking lot at the Fairy Pools can get crowded, so it is good to visit late in the day. Remember that you will always need to pay for parking at scenic attractions in Scotland. Most pay machines take credit cards and print a receipt that you leave on your dashboard. If the closest parking lot is full, there is secondary parking up the street, but that is going to make for a long walk.

Hiking up to the Fairy Pools is 2.5 km and is steep at points (mostly on the return to the parking lot). The walk, combined with multiple photo stops, will mean that you should allot at least one to two hours for your visit.

It is important to keep an eye on your watch because many of the casual restaurants on the Isle of Skye close by 8:00 p.m. I’d encourage you to make reservations when possible, especially when visiting during the busy season. Cafe Sia is a nice pizza restaurant not too far from the Fairy Pools.

Now it is finally time to head to your hotel. The most central location is in Portree, but you need to book your accommodations early if you are visiting during the summer (try to book by March at the latest). Portree Harbor has several fish and chip takeaway spots for a casual meal and there are a number of pubs and restaurants in town but reservations are highly recommended and keep in mind that many are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye

We stayed at the ultra-cool Bracken Hide Hotel , a wilderness hotel with individual cabins in a natural setting. The lodge has a great restaurant, cocktail bar, and lounge too. Some other good options that we considered (but were already booked) include:

• Skeabost House Hotel
• Duisdale House Hotel
• Kinloch Lodge
• Cullin Hills Hotel
• Toravaig House Hotel

Find other places to stay on the Isle of Skye:

Day 4 – Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is one of the most magical places in Scotland and if you only have a little over a day to explore, you will want to get an early start. It will be a busy day and there aren’t a lot of restaurants along the way, so you may want to consider picking up a lunch in Portree at Cafe Arriba or grab a pastry at MacKenzie’s Bakery, which is supposed to have the best scones on the island but the person in front of me in line bought the last ones so I never got to try them!

Tip: The weather in Scotland is unpredictable, especially on the Isle of Skye so you need to be prepared with layers and waterproof gear. Be sure to download my Scotland packing list.

Here is an overview map of your Isle of Skye road trip today:

The first half of your day will be spent circumnavigating the Trotternish peninsula in the northern part of Isle of Skye. Your first stop will be at the Old Man of Storr trailhead, just a 17-minute drive from Portree. The parking lot isn’t large so getting there early will help you get a spot.

This is a 3.4-mile, challenging hike, but you don’t need to do the whole thing, just go high enough to get a good view. Unfortunately, when we visited, it was raining the Old Man was completely clouded over so we never got to see that iconic view. But that’s all part of visiting Scotland and there are times when the mist and clouds just add to its mystical qualities.

There are many scenic spots to stop along this loop, so decide how many you want to do, but I was blown away (almost literally) by the views at An Leathallt , although I didn’t take the time to walk down to Leath Falls.

I had hoped to also stop at Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls , which is just 13 minutes from Old Man of Storr, but the parking lot was closed for construction. A friend of mine visited more recently and it has now been reopened (at least at the time of this writing.) Kilt Rock is one of Scotland’s iconic basalt formations that looks a bit like the pleats of a kilt – hence the name. From the viewpoint, you can look over the edge to see Mealt Falls

Next up is the Quiraing , which is a mountain range that dominates the northern Trotternish peninsula featuring many bizarre rock formations. Even in the rain, wind, and clouds, the Quiraing is a jaw-dropper. Hiking the entire loop would take around four hours, but again, you probably want to watch the time and just hike the first portion of the trail.

To get there, pass the small village of Staffin and take the small single-track road on the left. It is narrow and steep, so drive carefully. When you reach the car park, take a walk on the trail that starts on the opposite side of the road but be sure to also take in the views of the road you traveled on and the sweeping view down to the water. It is stunning.

After the Quiraing, you could backtrack to the A855 and continue to loop around the top of the peninsula, but to save time, you may want to just continue to cut across the peninsula on your way to the Fairy Glen (about 20 minutes from Quiraing.)

I completely fell in love with the Fairy Glen . If you don’t believe in fairies, this magical landscape with conical, terraced, grassy hills will turn you into a believer. My inner child was joyous and I wanted to stay for the entire day. I’m convinced there must be a Hobbit hole or Fairy home there somewhere! Seriously, don’t skip this stop. It is a fairly easy 30-minute hike from the parking lot and the whole path is quite scenic.

From the Fairy Glen, it is a 45-minute drive to Dunvegan Castle , which is open from the beginning of April until the middle of October. This castle was built in the 13th century and has been the ancestral seat of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. The castle overlooks the bay of Loch Dunvegan and they also offer short boat trips to a nearby seal colony. I can’t imagine visiting Scotland and not seeing at least one castle and Dunvegan is a good one. Not only is it a striking fortress on the outside, but the rooms are beautifully decorated and tell the interesting history of the MacLeod clan.

Tip: There is a cafe on site that can make a good spot to stop for lunch. Also, leave plenty of time to wander through the five acres of lush 18th-century gardens. These award-winning gardens include the  Water Garden, Rose Garden, Walled Garden, and woodland walks.

I have saved the best for last to end your time on the Isle of Skye with a true wow view and experience. From Dunvegan Castle, it is a 30-minute (somewhat nerve-wracking) drive to Neist Point . The lighthouse at Neist Point is possibly the most iconic lighthouse on Skye, but it isn’t just about the lighthouse, it is about the stunning view of the promontory from the cliffs above.

You can certainly walk out to the lighthouse. The walk takes about 45 minutes from the car park and behind with a steep staircase down before it evens out. But just remember, you have to go back up those stairs at the end! If you are short on time or don’t feel up to that trek, the prettiest view is really from the cliffs above Neist Point. If you can time it right, it is also a perfect spot for sunset. But since sunset isn’t until after 10 p.m. in the summer, that can be a bit challenging and honestly, I wouldn’t love that drive back to your hotel after dark.

Where to Eat in Portree

• Frasers at the Bracken Hide
• The Lower Deck
• Sea Breezes Sea be wyfood
• Dulse & Brose

Day 5 – Glencoe

It is a three-hour drive from Portree to Glencoe, in the Scottish Highlands. However, if you want to stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct (for Harry Potter fans), it will take a bit longer and you should plan to take the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig, but you need to reserve tickets in advance . Since this is only a five-day Scottish road trip, I’d suggest you skip this as to get the full experience, you need to time your visit to when the “Hogwarts Express” train crosses the aqueduct and the stop can end up taking two hours.

Instead, plan to stop in the town of Fort William for lunch. You could also visit the Ben Nevis Distillery, check out the locks at Neptune’s Staircase, take a scenic ride on the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola, drive Glen Etive road (you may recognize it from the James Bond movie Skyfall ), or take a hike in Glencoe. Or, do what we did and relax and enjoy a pint with a view at the outdoor picnic tables at the Clachaig Inn .

If you need to rush back to Edinburgh the next day, there are some other scenic stops in Glencoe you should fit in, including:

• Three Sisters Viewpoint – panoramic views of the mountains
• Meeting of the Waters – waterfall views
• Glencoe viewpoint

Where to Stay in Glencoe

We stayed at the very rustic Clachaig Inn , which is simple but has unbeatable views and a classic pub and restaurant. In addition to rooms at the inn, the Clachaig also has cabins and a fun playground, making it a great budget choice for families too. We also considered the Glencoe Inn , but it was too pricey for this trip.

See more places to stay near Glencoe:

Return to Edinburgh

Once you have reached the end of your five nights in Scotland, it is time to head back to Edinburgh. If you can squeeze out one more night before you fly home or continue on to your next destination, take your time on this drive because the Highlands are simply gorgeous. It is like Iceland in that it is hard to not pull over every 10 feet to take a picture. Otherwise, it is a 2.5-hour drive back to Edinburgh.

7-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

If you have a week for your Scotland road trip, you can see a good chunk of the country and really enjoy the incredible variations in the landscape. Start with two nights in Edinburgh , followed by two nights in Inverness (near Loch Ness), then two nights on the magical Isle of Skye , and finish with one day in Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands.

This itinerary is very similar to the five-day option above, but I’ve added two nights in Inverness to add a bit more variety and a couple more famous attractions.

Your one-week Scotland road trip could look as follows:

• Day 3 – Drive to Inverness (Kelpies, Pitlochry, Clava Cairns)
• Day 4 – Inverness (Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness)
• Day 5 – Drive to Isle of Skye (Eilean Donan Castle, Fairy Pools)
• Day 6 – Isle of Skye (Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Quiraing, Fairy Glen, Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point)
• Day 7 – Drive to Glencoe

I’ve created this map using Google MyMaps to show an overview of this seven-day Scottish road trip. You can click on the star next to the title and save this to your Google Maps account or click on the share icon to send it to yourself via email. 

Day 1 – 2 – Edinburgh

For your first two days in Scotland, use the detailed itinerary I provided above in the 5-day Scotland road trip. This will provide you with a nice introduction to Scotland and offer a good overview of Edinburgh’s highlights.

See above for where to stay and where to eat in Edinburgh.

Day 3 – Drive to Inverness

The drive from Edinburgh to Inverness takes three hours, without stops or taking the scenic route of course. Your first stop should be at the Forth Bridges that connect North and South Queensferry across the Firth of Forth. The original Forth Bridge opened in 1890 and was the first major structure in the United Kingdom to be made of steel. Today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are multiple viewpoints to take photos of the bridge, especially along the five-mile Forth Bridges Trail.

Are you a fan of castles and Scottish history? If so, plan for a stop at the Scone Palace . The Scone Palace was built in the 12th century and served as the Crowning Place of Scottish Kings for over 400 years. In addition to the gardens, which include a maze, a woodland walk, and a children’s playground, you can also visit the staterooms. But the best part? You can get scones at Scone Palace at the tearoom.

For lunch, make a stop in the cute town of Pitlochry along the way, where you can find many cute cafes such as the Fern Cottage or Hettie’s Tea Rooms. The Blair Athol Distillery is also located nearby.

As you continue north toward Inverness, you will now travel along the outskirts of Cairngorms National Park. If you have time, consider making a stop to see the Cairngorms Reindeer Herd , Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer. The herd has about 150 reindeer and you can visit some of them with paddock visits or hill visits, but arrangements need to be made in advance.

Once you arrive in Inverness, take some time to work along River Ness and enjoy the downtown scene. Be sure to make a stop at Leakey’s Bookshop . This two-story bookshop has been buying and selling books for over 40 years. Any bibliophile is going to love wandering the shelves here and checking out the new and used tomes and historic maps. I still can’t believe there is a working wood stove amid of all that flammable paper, but it satisfied my book-lover side.

Where to Stay in Inverness

Because there were three of us on a Scotland girls’ trip, we rented this adorable Airbnb near the river that was a short walk to great restaurants and downtown. However, we also consider the following:

• Kingsmill Hotel
• AC Hotel Inverness

Find more places to stay in Inverness:

Where to Eat in Inverness

• The Kitchen
• The Mustard Seed

Day 4 – Inverness and Loch Ness

There are not a ton of things to see and do in Inverness proper, but there is plenty to do nearby. One of the most important historical sites in Scotland is the Culloden Battlefield , just 15 minutes away. If you have watched Outlander or studied any Scottish history, you are probably familiar with the Jacobites and the Battle of Culloden.

The Battle of Culloden was the final battle of the Jacobite Rising of 1745, which was an attempt by the Jacobite Party to restore the Stuart dynasty to the British throne. The Jacobite forces were led by Charles Edward Stuart, the grandson of James II, who had been deposed in 1688.

The two armies met on Culloden Moor on April 16, 1746, and the Jacobites were quickly defeated. While the battle lasted for just an hour, it was one of the bloodiest in British history, with over 1,500 Jacobites killed. It marked the end of the Jacobite Risings and the beginning of a period of repression in the Highlands of Scotland, where the government enacted harsh laws against the Highland clans, including the banning of kilts and bagpipes.

Now a National Trust for Scotland site, even if you know nothing of this history, the exhibits inside do an excellent job of providing context and background in a very digestible manner.

Walking the battlefield gives you a sense of the scale of this battle and has a similar reverence of sacred ground where so many were killed as a visit to Gettysburg in the U.S. While the Battlefield is being rewilded with native fauna and flora, flags mark the positions of the armies and paths through the Battlefield to see the mass graves of the Jacobites who were killed in the battle.

There are also several memorials, including the Clan Stones, which commemorate the clans that fought at Culloden. Of course, Outlander fans have trampled the area around the Fraser Stone to the point that it is now roped off. In my opinion, the Culloden Battlefield is the number one reason to visit Inverness.

Nearby, you can also visit the standing stones and burial sites at Clava Cairns . While it isn’t a stone circle, this is still an interesting ancient site and Outlander fans can see if any stones will magically transport them through time.

If you are visiting with kids who need a break from history (or animal lovers), you may also want to check out the working herding dog demonstrations at Leanach Farm B&B ( reservations must be made in advance.)

Next, it is time to see another one of Scotland’s most famous attractions… Loch Ness . While there are plenty of boat tours for those who want to look for Nessie, you can also just drive along the shore and stop to take in the view.

We have all heard of the mysterious Loch Ness Monster, but did you know that Loch Ness is 23 miles long and only 1.5 miles wide at its widest point, but it reaches up to 754 feet in depth (so no wonder it is hard to find Nessie!)

Drumnadrochit village is home to the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition and a good town to visit for lunch. Before you get to town, keep your eyes peeled for a few of those famous Highland Cows (or Hairy Coos as they are affectionately known.)

Near Drumnadrochit, you will find Urquhart Castle on the banks of the Loch. This ruined castle is a popular attraction so don’t make my mistake and make sure you book your timed-entry tickets in advance.

Day 5 – Drive to the Isle of Skye

The drive from Inverness to Portree, in central Isle of Skye, takes about two and a half hours, but you need to plan for plenty of scenic stops along the way. I would suggest taking A82 south along the west side of Loch Ness to A887 and A87. From here, you will want to follow Day 3 from the 5-day Scotland road trip itinerary above with stops at Glen Shiel and Eilean Donan Castle .

Once you cross over onto the Isle of Skye, you will want to leave plenty of time for stops at waterfalls like Eas a’ Bhradain and Sligachan (if you dip your face in the water at the Sligachan Bridge, legend says you will be granted eternal beauty.)

Continue to the Fairy Pools and follow the detailed itinerary above. See above for where to stay and where to eat in Portree.

Day 6 – Isle of Skye

Follow the itinerary from day 4 of the itinerary above.

Day 7 – Glencoe

Follow the itinerary from day 5 of the itinerary above. See above for where to stay in Glencoe.

If you need to hurry back to Edinburgh to catch a flight, get an early start because the trip takes 2.5-3 hours. If you have more time, there are some stops you can make along the way. You could pay a visit to Stirling Castle , which sits at the crossroads of the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland, and has been the scene of many important battles throughout history as well as home to many Scottish kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots and James VI and I.

If you are an Outlander fan, you can make a quick stop at either Blackness Castle or Linlithgow Palace (birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and James V) as both were Outlander filming sites. Another fun option is a quick stop at The Helix to see the stunning Kelpies sculptures .

Alternatively, you could take a longer route back to Edinburgh and drive past Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Loch Lomond is the largest lake in Britain, at 24 miles long and 5 miles across. The picturesque village of Luss is the perfect spot to stop. There is a large carpark on the outskirts of this tiny town where you can park and then walk to explore this little village.

Luss has charming cottages, cute boutiques, restaurants, and a nice stretch of lakefront including a beach on Loch Lomond. If you are looking for lunch, The Village Rest has a darling setting in the center of town and a traditional menu.

10-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

With 10 days in Scotland, you have time to explore the Isle of Skye and the Highlands a little deeper, as well as also visit Glasgow. This 10-day road trip starts similar to the one-week itinerary, with two nights in Edinburgh and two nights in Inverness . But then, instead of cramming so much into a short time on the Isle of Skye , you can spread it out over three nights and see more of the island.

Follow this up with two nights in Glencoe , giving you time to take in the Glenfinnan Aqueduct and do some hiking too. Finish up in the foodie city of Glasgow before looping back to Edinburgh (unless you fly out of Glasgow.)

• Day 5 – Drive to Isle of Skye (Eilean Donan Castle)
• Day 7 – Isles of Skye (Fairy Pools, Talisker, Armadale Castle)
• Day 8 – Drive to Glencoe (Glenfinnan Aqueduct, Fort William)
• Day 9 – Glencoe (hiking) – or go to Glasgow to spend 2 nights in Glasgow
• Day 10 – Drive to Glasgow (Luss / Loch Lomond, Glasgow food tour)

I’ve created this map using Google MyMaps to show an overview of this ten-day Scottish road trip. You can click on the star next to the title and save this to your Google Maps account or click on the share icon to send it to yourself via email. 

Days 1-4 – Edinburgh and Inverness

Since this itinerary starts the same, follow the 7-day road trip itinerary for days one through four above. See above for where to stay and where to eat in Edinburgh and Inverness.

Your fifth day starts the same as day five in the 7-day itinerary above, but instead of fitting in the Fairy Pools, you will visit those on another day and have more time to explore the town of Portree instead.

To start off, drive from Inverness to Portree, in central Isle of Skye by taking A82 south along the west side of Loch Ness and then A887 to A87 toward Isle of Skye. You will want to make stops at Glen Shiel and Eilean Donan Castle .

Once you cross over onto Isle of Skye, you will want to leave plenty of time for stops at waterfalls like Eas a’ Bhradain and Sligachan (if you dip your face in the water at the Sligachan Bridge, legend says you will be granted eternal beauty.)

When you arrive in Portree , be sure to walk down to the harbor to see the colorful buildings and maybe grab some fish and chips from one of the takeaway places. If you have enough time, you could also climb the Apothecary Tower for scenic views toward the Old Man of Storr. Or, save time the next day but taking a hike up to Old Man of Storr , since it can be easier to find parking either early or late in the day.

See where to stay and where to eat in Portree or Isle of Skye above.

Follow day six of the one-week itinerary above.

Day 7 – Isle of Skye

By this time, you are going to be so in love with the Isle of Skye that you will be happy to have an extra day to explore. You may want to consider switching hotels for your last day to one of the places mentioned above on the southern half of the island. This will prevent you from doing too much backtracking and save you time the following morning.

Start by driving about 45 minutes to Talisker Bay Beach . This is considered one of the nicest beaches on the Isle of Skye and the backdrop of cliffs offers a photogenic setting. Nearby, you can grab lunch at the Oyster Shed in Carbost Beag and visit the Talisker Distillery. You could even sign up for a boat tour with Wild Skye Boat Trips for wildlife sightings or fishing (just note that if you take a boat trip you will limit how much time you have for other activities.)

Next, you will want to drive about 15 minutes to the Fairy Pools . The Fairy Pools are a series of small waterfalls and pools that, when you catch the light right, take on a beautiful shade of aqua blue, making it one of the more popular natural attractions on the Isle of Skye.

The parking lot at the Fairy Pools can get crowded, but if the closest parking lot is full, there is secondary parking up the street, but that is going to make for a long walk. Hiking up to the Fairy Pools is 2.5 km and is steep at points (mostly on the return to the parking lot). The walk, combined with multiple photo stops, will mean that you should allot at least one to two hours for your visit.

After spending time at the Fairy Pools, drive approximately 1.25 hours to Armadale Castle and Gardens . Keep in mind that the Castle typically closes at 5:00 pm and the last entry is at 4:30 pm. Armadale Castle is the former seat of the Macdonalds of Sleat, the chiefs of Clan Donald, one of the most powerful clans in Scottish history. The castle was built in the 18th century, but the original castle on the site dates back to the 14th century. Today you can visit the Castle and its beautiful gardens.

If you still have some time and energy after visiting the Castle, you can drive to the southern tip of Isle of Skye to Camas Daraich, a white sand beach with turquoise water located on the Point of Sleat. Staying near Armadale and the ferry port will make your travel the next morning much easier.

Day 8 – Drive to Glencoe

The shortest way to get from Armadale or the southern portion of Isle of Skye to Glencoe is to take the Armadale – Mallaig ferry, but you need to purchase tickets in advance.

If you would like to stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct , there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First, if you plan to see the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the viaduct (aka the Hogwarts Express, as you may recall the scene from the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets movie), you will need to look up the timetable in advance. You want to find what time the train leaves Fort William and calculate when it will reach Glenfinnan.

For example, we knew we wouldn’t get there in time for the earliest train, so we planned on seeing the train that left Fort William at 12:50 p.m., which arrived at the viaduct around 1:30 pm. However, don’t plan on arriving right at 1:30! I would suggest arriving at least an hour before the train is expected to arrive. It takes about 15 minutes from the car park, following the trail, to reach the rise above the viaduct that has a good view. Many photographers grab the best spots for their tripods about one hour early. At a minimum, plan to be at the overlook 30 minutes before the train is scheduled to arrive to get a decent viewing spot.

In addition to watching the train crossing, there are good views from the overlook behind the visitor center and the Visitor Center itself has some interesting historical exhibits, and there is a small cafe on the grounds with plenty of picnic tables if you need lunch. You can also walk across the street to see the Glenfinnan Monument, at the top of Loch Shiel.

From Glenfinnan, continue to the town of Fort William . Fort William is the endpoint for the West Highland Way Path and home to the West Highland Museum. Nearby, you could also visit the Ben Nevis Distillery, check out the locks at Neptune’s Staircase on the Caledonian Canal, take a scenic ride on the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola, drive Glen Etive road (you may recognize it from the James Bond movie Skyfall ).

See 5-day itinerary above for where to stay in Glencoe.

Day 9 – Glencoe

If you love to hike, plan to spend an extra day in Glencoe. If you prefer cities, continue to Glasgow instead, but give yourself plenty of time to stop along the way since you will have another day in Glasgow.

Start with stops at some scenic viewpoints, including:

• Glencoe Visitor Center

You can also enjoy at least one scenic hike in the Glencoe area. Some popular hikes include:

• Steall Falls
• Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail)
• The Pap of Glencoe
• Buachaille Etive Mòr (part of the Three Sisters)

If you are a big whisky lover, you could also drive down to the town of Oban (home to my husband’s favorite Scotch.)

Day 10 – Glasgow

The drive from Glencoe to Glasgow takes about two hours. Depending on how much you want to see and do in the city, you may want to stop in Luss on Loch Lomond , since you will be passing right through. This darling little town must be one of the cutest in Scotland.

Glasgow used to have a reputation as somewhat of a gritty city but that has changed in recent years and today it is a vibrant city with a local feel (unlike Edinburgh, which can feel more tourism-driven.) Glasgow, which got its name as a “green hollow”, is home to several world-class museums, as well as a thriving food, drink, music, and theater scene.

A few “must sees” in Glasgow include:

• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – The Kelvingrove is one of the most popular art galleries and museums in the UK, and it houses a wide range of collections, including fine art, natural history, and archaeology. 
• Glasgow Botanic Gardens – The Glasgow Botanic Gardens are home to a wide variety of plants and flowers, as well as a number of greenhouses and conservatories. 
• George Square – located in the city center and is named after King George III. The square is surrounded by many important buildings and is a gathering place for Glaswegians and tourists alike.
• Buchanan Street – is a pedestrianized street located in the city center and is home to a wide range of shops and department stores and connected to a few shopping centers, including Buchanan Galleries, Princes Square, and the St Enoch Centre.
• Glasgow Women’s Lib rary – dedicated to the lives and histories of women.

I’d highly recommend taking a Glasgow food tour , to get a good sense of the burgeoning food scene. If you are a gin fan, my friend Keryn loved her treatment and cocktail at the Gin Spa in Glasgow.

Where to Stay in Glasgow

On our trip, we were hosted at the Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel in the West End, which was a great area with tons of restaurants and boutiques and easy access to downtown via the metro. The Kelvingrove and Botanic Gardens were also within walking distance.

Find more places to stay in Glasgow:

Where to Eat in Glasgow

If you don’t take a food tour (or if you stay longer), a few spots you may want to check out include:

• Anchor Line
• The Citizen
• 63rd and 1st
• Duke’s Umbrella
• Stravaigin (West End)
• Ubiquitous Chip (West End)
• The Scotia Bar (oldest pub)
• Babbity Bowster (live music)
• beGIN Glasgow (gin bar in the Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel)

Drive to Edinburgh

Whew, your Scotland road trip has sadly come to an end. If you are continuing your vacation in the U.K. or Europe, you could fly out of Glasgow or choose to take the train back to Edinburgh. However, if you drive back to Edinburgh to fly home, if you have time, be sure to stop at The Helix to see the stunning Kelpies sculptures .

Outlander fans may also want to make a quick stop at either Blackness Castle or Linlithgow Palace (birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and James V) as both were Outlander filming sites.

Scotland Driving Tips

Before you head out on your Scotland road trip, there are a few Scotland driving tips to be aware of:

• Rent an automatic – Unless you are very comfortable driving a stick shift, renting a car with an automatic transmission will be easier than a manual. Otherwise, there is too much to get used to at the same time. Just keep in mind that automatic transmission cars will be more expensive and more limited so place your reservation early.
• Purchase car rental insurance – Double check your credit card or travel insurance coverage and if not enough, be sure to purchase rental car insurance.
• Drive on the left – Scotland, like the rest of the United Kingdom, drives on the left side of the road. This can be a bit of an adjustment for drivers from countries that drive on the right, so it is important to be mindful of this when driving in Scotland. As you make a turn or enter a rotary, always say to yourself “drive on the left.”
• Be careful when merging onto a highway – When you are merging onto a motorway in the UK, you will need to merge from the left lane. This can be a bit tricky for drivers from the US, so be sure to use caution.
• Be aware of the speed limit – The speed limit on motorways in Scotland is 70 mph (113 km/h). On smaller roads, the speed limit is 60 mph (97 km/h). In urban areas, the speed limit is 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Be aware of narrow roads – Many roads in Scotland are narrow and winding, especially in rural areas. When going around a blind curve, slow down and honk your horn before going around the corner.
• Be aware of wildlife:  Scotland is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, sheep, and cows. It is important to be aware of this and to drive carefully, especially at night.
• Use passing places – Passing places are areas on narrow roads where drivers can pull over to let oncoming traffic pass. It is important to use passing places when necessary, and to be courteous to other drivers. Whoever is closest to the passing place should turn in, even if that means backing up. Usually, only a couple of cars will pull in while the others pass, and then the other side goes.
• Be aware of single-track roads – Single-track roads are roads that have only one lane. Vehicles must take turns passing each other on single track roads. It is important to be aware of this and to drive slowly and carefully.
• Be prepared for all types of weather – The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared for all types of weather. Be sure to pack a raincoat and an umbrella, and be prepared for the possibility of fog and snow.
• Remember to pay for parking – Most parking lots have self-pay stations so take a photo of your license plate as sometimes you will need to enter it and other times you just need to pay and leave the slip on your dashboard. Don’t risk not paying as the parking tickets are pricey (trust me, I found out the hard way that a parking receipt is only valid in the parking lot in which it was issued, even if you are still within the same time window. Many of the pay machines take credit cards but it helps to have some coins and small bills in case the card reader isn’t working.

Visiting the United Kingdom? You may also be interested in…

• 2 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary
• Wales road trip itinerary
• Prettiest villages in Wales
• Walking Hadrian’s Wall Path in England

Tamara is an over 50, award-winning travel writer, and recent empty nester based in Rhode Island. After years of writing about family travel on We3Travel and inspiring wanderlust as co-host of the Vacation Mavens family travel podcast, she started Your Time to Fly as a place to share ideas for girlfriend getaways, romantic escapes, and solo female travel for midlife women.

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The Ultimate 10-Day Scotland Highlands Road Trip Itinerary (2024)

If a Scotland Highlands road trip itinerary is on your bucket list, you’ve come to the right place! This itinerary will allow you to experience the very best of the Highlands in the best way possible – by car!

Whether you dream of seeing romantic castles, fairytale-like scenery, or stunning lochs, or are excited to sample ALL the scotch you can, this road trip has a little bit of everything to help you make the most of your visit to the Scottish Highlands.

Planning your trip? Use our favorite resources!

For accommodations –   Hotels.com  |  Expedia  |  VRBO ​ For car rentals –   Discover Cars ​ For tours & excursions –   Viator ​ For cheap flights – FareDrop ​ For travel insurance –   Safety Wing

So what part of Scotland is considered the Highlands?

The Scottish Highlands cover almost 10,000 square miles in northern Scotland and also include the surrounding islands. This Scotland itinerary will give you a fantastic overview of the Highlands and allow you to experience so much in just 10 days.

Here’s the breakdown of your Scottish Highlands itinerary:

Day 1 – Glasgow to Oban Day 2 – Day trip to the Isle of Mull Day 3 – Oban to Fort William Day 4 – Fort William to the Isle of Skye Day 5 – Isle of Skye Day 6 – Isle of Skye Day 7 – Isle of Skye to Inverness Day 8 – Inverness to Cairngorms National Park Day 9 – Cairngorms National Park to Trossachs National Park Day 10 – Trossachs National Park to Glasgow

Let’s dive in, shall we?

10 Day Scotland Highlands Road Trip Itinerary

To make the most of this itinerary, I recommend arriving in either Glasgow or Edinburgh the night before and getting your rental car either that night or first thing on the morning of Day 1. Further down in this blog post I’ll discuss the best ways to arrive in Scotland depending on where you are coming from.

For the sake of consistency, I’ve set the starting and ending location to Glasgow for this trip, but if it works better for you to begin and end in Edinburgh, you can do that as well. The cities are close together (a little over an hour apart by car) so the driving time on the first and last day of this itinerary won’t be much different regardless of which city you start in.

Day 1 – Glasgow to Oban

Total Distance: 97 miles Length of Drive: 2 hours 15 minutes

Head out this morning and drive towards Oban .

You’ll be heading through Trossachs National Park to get to Oban, so you have a few options on how you can spend your day.

You can take some time in Trossachs National Park and see some of the sights in the area. There are plenty of hiking trails, castles, cute villages, and fun attractions in and around the national park.

If you want to start off your trip with some castle ruins, Buchanan Castle and Kilchurn Castle are some great choices.

Sea Life Loch Lomond is a neat aquarium for those traveling with kids.

For those who want to do some hiking, consider Finnich Glen , Ben Lomond , or Pucks Glen .

And if you are a whisky fan, visit Glengoyne Distillery .

You’ll be heading back to Trossachs National Park on the last day of this itinerary as well, so you can plan some of these things for today and some for the last day or however you’d like to arrange your trip.

For those who would rather spend more time in the city of Oban, there are lots of great ways to enjoy your day there.

An obvious choice is to book a tour of the Oban Distillery , one of the most famous whisky brands. You can either sample 4 drams of their whisky or do a tour and then taste one sample, whichever appeals to you the most.

There’s more to Oban than just the whisky, though! You can explore Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds to learn more about the Clan MacDougall and their history in the area. There’s also the Oban War & Peace Museum and Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel .

Don’t forget to take some time to explore the harbor area and eat some great local seafood! There are plenty of options to suit every budget.

At the end of the day, head up to McCaig’s Tower and Battery Hill and watch the sunset.

Day 2 – Day trip to the Isle of Mull

Today you’ll take a ferry from Oban to the Isle of Mull , a stunning island with tons to explore.

The ferry that services Oban to Craignure is CalMac. You can find all the information on ticket prices and times here.

If you want to see as much of the island as possible in one day, I’d suggest getting a reservation for your car and taking it to the island. You’ll be able to cover more ground and get to all the spots you want to see.

You can also rely on the bus system on the island, but you will be more restricted on times and where you can go. You can find all the information on the Isle of Mull bus here.

For those who want a different experience, you could rent a bicycle or an e-bike and get around that way. 

As far as things to see and do, there are so many options!

If you want to spend your day hiking, Ben More is a great choice and will give you a fantastic view of the entire island! I’d only recommend this hike if the weather is decent though because otherwise it can be a dangerous hike and you won’t get the nice views that make the hike worth it in the first place.

If you want to spend your day a little more low-key, you can visit the Tobermory Distillery and spend some time in the town. There are some good restaurants and shops there.

Some other highlights on the island include Eas Fors Waterfall and Duart Castle . There are also lots of beaches where you can relax on the sand and have a picnic.

I’d recommend catching a ferry back to Oban tonight so you can head out from the city in the morning.

Day 3 – Oban to Fort William

Total Distance: 82 miles Length of Drive: 2 hours

Today you are going to see some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Scotland!

When you leave Oban, head east along A85 to Tyndrum and then make your way towards Glencoe (also spelled Glen Coe) along A82. This will give you the perfect drive through Glencoe and the gorgeous mountains.

As you drive, feel free to stop and take as many pictures as you want – everywhere you look is going to be stunning!

I highly recommend you take the detour through Glen Etive to Loch Etive . This was one of our favorite areas in Glencoe. We saw dozens of red deer and the loch itself is gorgeous. It has been featured in multiple movies such as Harry Potter and James Bond.

There are also plenty of great places to take a hike if you want to get out and stretch your legs. Some good choices include Buachaille Etive Mor , Buachaille Etive Beag , and Hidden Valley . I highly recommend using AllTrails to find the best hiking trails in the area.

Once you drive through Glencoe, continue north on A82 towards the Fort William area.

There are several things you can choose to do here. You can head toward the Ben Nevis Visitor Center and spend some time hiking around there. Since the hike to Ben Nevis (the highest peak in Britain) takes an entire day, I suggest going to see Lower Falls and Steall Waterfall .

If you’d rather spend some time closer to Fort William, you can walk around Old Inverlochy Castle , see the engineering ingenuity of Neptune’s Staircase , or sample some whisky at Ben Nevis Distillery .

Grab some dinner in town and stay the night in Fort William.

Day 4 – Fort William to the Isle of Skye

Total Distance: 90 miles Length of Drive: 2 hours 45 minutes

Today you’ll drive through Glenfinnan on your way to catch the ferry to the Isle of Skye .

If you are a Harry Potter fan, you must stop and see the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was made famous from the movies. If you’re lucky, you can catch the Jacobite steam train (the Harry Potter train) crossing! Check out the train’s timetable here.

You should also take a few minutes while in Glenfinnan to check out the Glenfinnan Monument and Saint Mary & Saint Finnan Catholic Church . Each of these will take only a few minutes to explore and are worth the stop.

Once you’ve made your way to Mallaig, you’ll catch a ferry to Armadale and the Isle of Skye. In the summer, there is a ferry about every hour and the trip takes 45 minutes. You can view the prices and timetable here.

NOTE: In the winter the ferry only runs a couple of times a day, so it may not work to take the ferry in the off-season. You may have to drive the long way to Skye if this is the case. The drive from Fort William to the Fairy Pools takes about 2.5 hours, so you can decide if you have time or want to make the stops in Glenfinnan before heading to Skye.

Once you get to the Isle of Skye, whether you took the ferry or drove across the bridge, head to the Fairy Pools .

The Fairy Pools are a stunning collection of rock pools and waterfalls branching off from the River Brittle with gorgeous mountains in the background. You can spend as much or as little time here as you’d like.

At the very least, take the footpath down along the river and see the crystal-clear water in the pools. You can see how this place got its name – it feels very magical and otherworldly!

Afterward, if you have the time and desire, make a stop at the Talisker Distillery . We had a great visit here since Sam loves their whisky and the tour was very informative.

When you’re finished for the day, make your way to Portree , the largest town on the Isle of Skye. This will be a great place to base yourself for the next two days since it will have the most accommodation options, grocery stores, and restaurants.

Day 5 – Isle of Skye

Total Distance: 41 miles Length of Drive: 1 hour 15 minutes

Today you’ll be exploring the northeast section of the isle. There is a road that makes the whole loop around, and you can go either way.

If you want to get a good hike in first, I suggest going counterclockwise so you can hike Old Man of Storr early. If you are more interested in seeing the Fairy Glen with as few people as possible, then take the route clockwise.

Since we took the route clockwise when we went, I’ll mention the attractions in that order, but know you can go either direction.

Start off your day early at the Fairy Glen . This stunning area is full of unique formations and beautiful scenery. Take some time to walk around and soak it all in.

When you’re finished there, hop back in the car and make your way to the Quiraing , a famous landslip with great hiking that rewards you with beautiful views.

There’s a great hike here that will take you about two hours and is 3.9 miles round trip. If the weather is good it’s worth it, but if it’s rainy and cloudy you might want to skip it as you may not be able to see anything.

After the Quiraing, head to Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls for a quick peek at the waterfall that pours into the ocean over a pleated rock formation. You only need a few minutes here to snap a few photos.

Next, drive to the Old Man of Storr , a famous rock formation where you can also take a nice hike. If you don’t want to hike, you can just admire it from the road.

This hike will take you about 1.5 hours to complete and is 3 miles roundtrip. As with the Quiraing, if the weather is bad it probably won’t be worth hiking since it can be very slippery and you won’t be able to see anything.

Spend the rest of the day in Portree. Walk around and see the colorful buildings by the harbor and grab a bite to eat in town.

If you aren’t tired of walking yet, take the Scorrybreac Trail to get a nice view of the loch and harbor.

Day 6 – Isle of Skye

Total Distance: 75 miles Length of Drive: 2 hours 30 minutes

Today you’ll be heading out to the westernmost part of the Isle of Skye.

Start your day by driving to Coral Beach , about 45 minutes from Portree.

This is a wonderful place to spend some time when the sun is out. The white beach created from bleached Coralline seaweed makes this place look like a tropical paradise, even if the water may not be as warm as it seems!

Take some time to walk along the beach, check out the rock pools, and view Lampay Island.

Once you’re finished at Coral Beach, backtrack to Dunvegan Castle & Gardens . This stunning estate is worth exploring for an hour or two. You can even go out on a boat to view the Loch Dunvegan seal colony up close!

While you’re in Dunvegan, if you’re looking for something a little unique and off the beaten path to explore, check out the Giant Agnus MacAskill Museum , a museum dedicated to the tallest Scotsman who ever lived, at 7ft 8in tall!

Make your way to your last stop of the day, Neist Point .

Neist Point is the westernmost part of the Isle of Skye and has a lighthouse you can walk out to. Take the hike out and then afterward don’t miss the lighthouse lookout point located up a trail to the right of the car park. We somehow missed this on our trip and I was so disappointed!

Drive back to Portree for the night.

Day 7 – Isle of Skye to Inverness

Total Distance: 113 miles Length of Drive: 2 hours 30 minutes

Say goodbye to the Isle of Skye! Today you’ll head back to the mainland and make your way to Inverness and Loch Ness .

Shortly after you leave the Isle of Skye, don’t miss a stop at Eilean Donan Castle .

This is one of the most photographed and popular castles in Scotland. While I didn’t think the inside of the castle was all that impressive, it’s definitely worth stopping to take some pictures of the outside.

If you want the best view of the castle, head up to the Eilean Donan Lookout. You’ll find it by taking a left out of the castle parking lot, and then taking the first right, and then the first right again. The road will take you up to an amazing viewpoint where you can see the castle and the stunning lochs and hills around it.

From Eilean Donan Castle, keep driving along A87 to A887, stopping to take pictures and admiring the landscape as you go. Then take A82 along Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle .

This was one of my favorite castle ruins to explore. The view of Loch Ness is just spectacular and the grounds were really neat to walk around. Even if you feel “castled-out,” don’t miss this one. Maybe you’ll even spot Nessie while you’re there!

Once you’re done at Urquhart, head up to Inverness, often called the capital of the Highlands. Spend some time exploring the city. If you’d rather spend more time along Loch Ness, you could consider a boat tour on the lake .

Stay in Inverness for the night.

Day 8 – Inverness to Cairngorms National Park

Total Distance: 52 miles Length of Drive: 1 hour 30 minutes

Today you’ll head toward Cairngorms National Park .

As you leave Inverness, you should make a stop at the Culloden Battlefield . Even if you aren’t an Outlander fan, this site is a great place to explore and learn about the history of the Jacobite uprising in 1745.

After checking out the visitor center to get the lay of the land, you can then wander the grounds and take a look at the monuments and clan markers.

After you’re finished here, make a quick stop at the Clava Cairns .

These bronze-age cairns were part of prehistoric burial grounds. It’s pretty fascinating to see something so old still intact. Take a few minutes to walk around and explore.

From here, make your way into Cairngorms National Park.

There are plenty of things to do here depending on your interests. You can do some hiking, explore the Tomatin Distillery , check out some old bridges, or just explore the quaint towns.

When we were here, we went to the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre and had an amazing time.

We got to take a hike out to where to reindeer herd was and learned all about them. We also got to feed and pet them.

I felt like a little kid and had an absolute blast here. They usually only schedule one trip a day, so check their website to see when they are running and to buy tickets if you are interested.

Depending on the time of the hike, you may want to come here first and then backtrack to Culloden and Clava Cairns later if those are of interest to you.

We didn’t get to spend a ton of time in Cairngorms National Park when we visited other than the reindeer centre, but there is so much to do here and I can’t wait to go back and see more!

At the end of the day, you can stay in one of the villages in the national park. Aviemore is one of the larger ones and has a few options. You can check Hotels.com , Airbnb , or VRBO to see what’s available when you are visiting.

Day 9 – Cairngorms National Park to Trossachs National Park

Total Distance: 115 miles Length of Drive: 2 hours 45 minutes

Today you’ll be heading from one national park to another.

You can spend some more time in the Cairngorms this morning if you missed anything yesterday, and then you’ll head south towards Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond .

There are a few things of interest along the way. Queen’s View Visitor Centre is a great place to take a little walk and stretch your legs. There’s also a tea room if you’d like a spot of tea.

If you are a Monty Python fan, you can find the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog’s cave at the Tomnadashan Mine along Loch Tay. Parking can be difficult though as it’s a tight single-track road. 

Once you reach Trossachs National Park, I’d recommend spending your time along the many lochs here. Drive around and explore the cute villages and the gorgeous scenery. Luss is one of the most popular villages on Loch Lomond and would also be a good place to stay for the night. There’s even a cute Faerie Trail there that would be a lot of fun to do with kids.

If you’d rather do a longer hike, Ben Lomond is a great option. It will take about 4-6 hours to complete, so make sure you have enough time in the day to finish it. There are also dozens of other hikes throughout the national park. Check out the options on AllTrails to find one that suits you.

Stay in one of the villages for the night.

Day 10 – Trossachs National Park to Glasgow

Total Distance: 39 miles Length of Drive: 1 hour 15 minutes

Today’s your last day! If your flight leaves in the evening, you can head to the airport this morning, but if you have the whole day to explore, you have a few choices.

You could spend more time in Trossachs National Park, maybe get out on the waters of Loch Lomond and do an island discovery cruise or take a hike.

You could also head into Glasgow and spend the day in the city. There are tons of things to do there, including museums, cathedrals, abbeys, theatres, and much more.

We only had a few hours in Glasgow when we visited and only got to see Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis , but we enjoyed our time there and recommend it.

In the evening, return your car and catch your flight home!

If you have less than 10 days for the Scottish Highlands…

If you don’t have enough time for a full 10 day road trip in Scotland, no worries! There are several ways you can modify this itinerary to fit your schedule.

I’d suggest staying in the southwestern part of the Highlands and exploring Oban, the Isle of Mull, Trossachs National Park, and Glencoe/Fort William. Prioritize the things you want to see the most among these options with the number of days you have.

With around a week to explore, I’d see the places above and then add on the Isle of Skye. You could even head up to Inverness if you’ve got the time, but I’d cut out Cairngorms National Park and save that for another trip.

If you are interested in a great 7-day Scotland road trip for first-timers that includes Edinburgh and hits a lot of the places on this itinerary, check out this post.

If you have 8 days, I would recommend cutting out the second day on the Isle of Skye and also cutting out the last day in Loch Lomond. You can explore Trossachs National Park on the day you drive to Oban.

If you have 9 days, you can decide if you’d rather spend two days on the Isle of Skye or the extra day in Loch Lomond and cut the other one.

If you have more than 10 days for the Scottish Highlands…

If you’ve got time for more than a 10 day Scotland road trip, lucky you! There are SO many things you can do to extend this Highlands itinerary.

• You can explore additional islands like Lewis & Harris in the Outer Hebrides. You can take the ferry from Uig on the Isle of Skye to Tarbert. Here you can find beautiful beaches, standing stones, distilleries, and places a little more off the normal tourist radar.
• You can drive the North Coast 500 , which takes you on a loop through the northernmost part of Scotland to a less crowded but just as stunning area of the country.
• You could add additional days on the Isle of Skye or any of the other areas where you’d rather spend a little more time. You could also spend an extra day or two on the Isle of Mull and take a day trip out to the Isle of Staffa and Fingal’s Cave.
• If you want to spend some time in the bigger cities, consider adding a day or two for Glasgow and/or Edinburgh . These cities have very different vibes but they both have so much to offer.

Best time to visit the Scotland Highlands

While Scotland is beautiful to visit in every season, there are definitely pros and cons to each depending on what you’d like to do. Here are some things to think about to help you decide the best time to visit the Scottish Highlands.

The most popular season to visit the Scotland Highlands is summer (July and August). The days are long, the weather is warm, and just about all the attractions and restaurants are open. There are also lots of festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Highland Games.

But this is also the busiest and most crowded time of year. Hotels and places to stay are more expensive and fill up fast, and the narrow roads have a lot more traffic, which could make it more stressful if you aren’t used to one-lane roads. You also will have to deal with the midges, which are biting insects that come out this time of year. If you want a quieter experience, summer is probably not the best choice.

May, June, September, and October are the shoulder months and are some of the best times to take road trips through the Scottish Highlands. There are fewer people, reasonable prices, and many attractions are open. The weather also tends to cooperate a little more during these months.

The only downsides during these months are that the days are not as long as in the summer and temperatures can still be chilly. You probably won’t be doing any swimming this time of year, so if you love the water and want to have that experience in Scotland, this might not be the right time to visit.

November to April is the low season for Scotland. There is the possibility of snow in the winter which makes driving more difficult, and there are lots of attractions that are closed. You might also have a harder time finding a place to stay.

However, if you enjoy winter sports, you could definitely go skiing in the Highlands. There are also a lot fewer people around, and the landscape covered in snow is absolutely stunning.

No matter what time to decide to visit the Scottish Highlands, you won’t be disappointed!

How To Get To The Scotland Highlands

The best way to get to the Scotland Highlands is by car, bus, or train, but you’ll have to get into Scotland first.

The two major international airports are Glasgow (GLA) and Edinburgh (EDI) . You can fly into either one, depending on what works best for your budget and schedule. The two cities are pretty close together so it doesn’t really matter where you fly into.

I use Google Flights to check flight prices and track them so I can get the best deal.

If you are coming from another country in Europe, you can also get here by bus or train. I like Rome2Rio to help me find the best, cheapest public transportation options and to look at timetables.

If you are in England you could also consider the Caledonian Sleeper train from London. You can actually take this train all the way to Inverness or Fort William, so if you’d like, you could start your road trip from there instead of Glasgow or Edinburgh.

How To Get Around The Scotland Highlands

You will need your own vehicle in order to follow this itinerary since you will be going places that public transportation does not reach.

However, you should note that many roads in the Highlands are narrow and are one-lane roads, and since you are in the UK, you’ll be driving on the left side of the road.

If you are from mainland Europe or North America this might seem really stressful, so if you are not a confident driver you might want to consider another option or have someone else drive.

related: what is the most comfortable car to rent?

I’ve driven in the UK quite a bit and the first day is always a little nerve-wracking, but after that, it’s pretty smooth sailing. I find that since you are sitting on the opposite side of the car, it feels more natural to drive on the other side of the road.

Take your time and don’t let it stress you out too much – a road trip through Scotland really is amazing and you should definitely do it if you can!

I highly recommend using Discover Cars to book your car rental. They search hundreds of rental companies and have great prices, and you always get free cancellation and 24/7 customer service.

NOTE: most cars in the UK have manual transmissions. If you do not drive a manual car as a daily driver, I’d highly recommend spending the extra money to rent an automatic. You don’t want to be trying to learn to drive on the other side of the road AND remembering how to shift (with your other hand, I might add).

If driving sounds too stressful for you, there are other ways to experience the Highlands. You can take public transportation to the major towns and cities, but you’ll be more restricted on where you can go. You won’t be able to get out to the rural areas, but you might not be able to spend as much time as you’d like at each location.

You could also consider basing yourself in Glasgow or Edinburgh and taking day trips with a tour company. Check out websites like GetYourGuide or Viator to see all the options available.

You can also join a multi-day group tour where you don’t have to plan a thing. I like Tour Radar for finding and comparing all the companies and what they have to offer.

What To Pack For Your Scotland Highlands Road Trip

Regardless of what season you are visiting Scotland, you’ll need to pack pretty similar items. The weather is always changing and it can go from sunny one minute to rainy and windy the next. You’ll want to make sure you’re prepared no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.

Here are some items you should consider when packing for your Scotland Highlands road trip.

Plug adapter/converter

Scotland uses a type G power plug. If you aren’t from the UK, you might need an adapter. I’d definitely recommend a plug adapter that is also a power converter so you don’t fry any of your electronics.

A good phone camera will serve you well for most shots, like all the amazing landscapes you’re going to see. Trust me, you’ll want to take pictures of EVERYTHING.

But if you have one, I’d definitely recommend bringing an actual camera with a zoom lens so you can get some close-up shots of the adorable sheep, hairy coos (those adorable shaggy cows), and red deer you may see.

Hiking shoes & good socks

Since there’s a good chance you’ll be hiking and exploring in all sorts of weather, I suggest bringing actual hiking boots or shoes and a good pair of wool socks. You want to keep your feet warm and dry, and you want to make sure you have something comfortable and supportive for all the different trails and streets you’ll be on.

Rain jacket

There’s a 99% chance you’ll experience rain at some point on your trip to the Scottish Highlands, but don’t let that ruin your trip! Bring along a good rain jacket so you can still enjoy yourself!

If you are visiting Scotland in the summer you’ll probably encounter midges, a pesky biting insect. Bring some really good bug spray and apply it liberally. Ticks can also be a problem, so make sure you check yourself when you get back from any hiking or outdoor activities.

Pack a variety of clothes that can be layered for any kind of weather and temperature and you’ll be set.

I love having a day pack separate from my suitcase so that I can throw in everything I need for the day’s adventures and then just head out. I like having one that’s big enough to store my extra layers, snacks, my water bottle, camera, and anything else I deem necessary that day. 

Laundry detergent sheets

I never travel anywhere without laundry detergent sheets . I always keep a few of these in my suitcase so I don’t have to remember to bring them – they are always on hand so I can do a load of laundry whenever I need to.

A power bank is practically a necessity for travel these days. You always want to make sure your phone is charged so you can take photos, navigate, and double-check your hotel reservation address.

Conclusion: Scotland Highlands Road Trip Itinerary

No matter when you visit, a road trip through the Scotland Highlands will not disappoint. The stunning scenery, the amazing castles and landmarks, and so much more will be sure to make your trip unforgettable.

Your turn: what part of this itinerary are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments!

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Stefanie Henne is an experienced road trip travel blogger who specializes in helping others plan their dream vacation, no matter their budget or time restraints. Go here to read more about Stef's story. If you want to send Stef a message, visit her contact page here.

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Best Scotland road trip itinerary (10, 14 & 18 day options)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: September 9, 2023

Planning a Scottish road trip? Our detailed Scotland road trip itinerary includes many of the most popular destinations, scenic routes , landmarks and sights when touring Scotland . Over 18 days explore cities, Highlands, islands and part of the popular North Coast 500 route. Options to reduce to a 10 day or 14 day Scotland road trip itinerary are also included.

As road trips go one destination you are sure of an epic road trip is Scotland! In this article, we have shared our own epic Scotland road trip itinerary which includes some of our favourite destinations across the country.

The itinerary starts and ends in Edinburgh and includes our recommended route, highlights to see every day plus where to stay and travel tips along the way.

If you are planning to visit Scotland our ultimate Scottish road trip itinerary is an off-the-peg plan which means you can use as-is or if you prefer simply adapt it to suit your own interests and needs. Although planned for 18 days it is possible to shorten the itinerary to 10 days, 14 days or whatever length you require.

If you are planning to hire a car in the UK we recommend reading our practical guide to car rental (and driving in the UK) which has essential information, tips and points to consider.

Prefer to travel by train? Check out our best of Scotland by rail itinerary ! Everything you need to know to plan your Scotland rail adventure.

📝 What to see in Edinburgh

🏨 where to stay in edinburgh, 🚗 day 4 – edinburgh to callander (via the kelpies and stirling), 🏞 day 5 – day trip to killin & pitlochry, 🚗 day 6 – callandar to oban via the trossachs and loch lomond, ⛴ day 7 – tour to mull, iona and staffa (day trip), 🚙 alternative itinerary for those prone to seasickness, 🚗 day 8 – oban to fort william, 🚂 day 9 – the jacobite, ⛴ day 10 – fort william to skye via mallaig, 🏞 days 11/12/13 – exploring skye, day 13/14 – ullapool (1 night), day 14/15 – durness & tongue (1 night), day 15/16 – orkneys (1 night), 🚗 day 17 – inverness, day 18 – edinburgh, where to next, what is the best road trip in scotland, how long is a road trip around scotland, how many days do you need to tour scotland, plan your trip to scotland, scotland road trip map & itinerary – overview.

Click for our Scotland road trip map (Google maps)

SCOTLAND ITINERARY AND ROAD TRIP ROUTE

• Days 1/2/3/4 – Edinburgh
• Days 4/5/6- Callander
• Days 6/7/8 – Oban & Islands
• Days 8/9/10 – Fort William
• Days 10/11/12/13 – Isle of Skye
• Days 13/14 – Ullapool (North Coast 500)
• Days 14/15 – Durness/Tongue/Skail (North Coast 500)
• Days 15/16 – Orkney
• Days 16/17/18 – Inverness

Days 1, 2, 3 & 4 – Edinburgh 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (3 nights)

On Day 1 arrive in the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh, via train. If you are staying in London and plan to take a road trip around Scotland it is quick and easy to take the train between the two capitals. Read more about how to get from London to Edinburgh .

👍 Good to know – Journey time is around 4½ to 5 hours so if you leave London at 9 am you should get into Edinburgh at around 1 pm – 1.30 pm which is the perfect time to head to your accommodation to check-in.

Arriving in Edinburgh early afternoon leaves a decent amount of the day for sightseeing, particularly in summer. Day 2/3 days to explore Edinburgh. Below are the main highlights we recommend including in your itinerary.

Read our guide to things to do in Edinburgh which also includes suggested itinerary ideas.

✅ The Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus stops at the main attractions and landmarks and is a great way to get around the city – book your tickets here .

✅ If your itinerary includes visiting Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Palace of Holyroodhouse we recommend purchasing a city card that includes entry to all 3 royal attractions plus the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour for 48 hours. (Note that Holyroodhouse is closed Tues/Wed).

• Edinburgh Castle – Tour and skip-the-line ticket
• Palace of Holyroodhouse (The Palace of Holyroodhouse is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) – Buy your ticket here
• The Royal Mile – start at the Castle and walk down to Holyroodhouse
• Scott Monument
• The Real Mary King’s Close and Underground Vaults Tour – One of the most haunted places on earth apparently! 👻

• £ – Elder York Guest House – This is our choice of accommodation whenever we stay in Edinburgh – excellent breakfast, near the train station and nice rooms. * Note there are stairs to the accommodation so this is not suitable if you have any mobility issues.
• ££ – Ibis Syles Edinburgh St Andrews Square – With 24-hour reception, a bar and restaurant and free WiFi.
• £££ – The Balmoral Hotel – Edinburgh’s most famous luxury hotel offers guests a Michelin-starred restaurant, a pool and a gym.
• £££ – The Witchery – Lavishly furnished suites display gothic touches and 4-poster beds. Ideal location near Edinburgh Castle.

⭐️ Find more accommodation options in our guide to where to stay in Edinburgh

Days 4/5/6 – Callander (2 nights)

On day 4 travel from Edinburgh to Callandar. We recommend picking up your hire car at the point you are ready to leave the city to avoid any unnecessary parking expenses (or difficulties)

• Car hire options in Edinburgh include picking up at Waverley Train Station or Edinburgh Airport.
• The drive from the centre of Edinburgh to Callander takes just over 1 hour. Distance is 52 miles (83 km) via the M9. This route will take you past Falkirk and Stirling.
• The Kelpies
• The Falkirk Wheel
• Bannockburn
• National Wallace Monument
• Stirling Castle

🚗 Logistics

• Distance – 22 miles (35 km)
• Journey time – 35 mins
• Distance – 23 miles (36 km)
• Journey time – 38 mins (stop off to admire the views)
• Distance – 15 miles (24 km)
• Journey time – 25 mins
• Distance – 68 miles (109 km)
• Journey time – 1 hour 44 mins

⭐️ Highlights of the day

• Falls of Dochart
• Drive along the banks of Loch Tay
• The scenic beauty and picturesque views (don’t forget to charge your phone, pack memory cards for your cameras etc!)
• Blair Athol distillery
• Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder walk
• Afternoon tea at Crieff Hydro Hotel (Beautiful views)

Good to know – Highland cows can be seen in a field on the right-hand side of the road as you drive north out of Callendar .

🏨 Where to stay in Callander

• £ – Callander Hostel
• ££ – Highland Guest House
• £££ – Roman Camp Country House Hotel

🏞 Day 6/7/8 – Oban (2 nights)

Day 6 is a day spent exploring the Trossachs National Park, Loch Lomond National Park and Loch Katrine (Callander is located on the edge of the park) before heading for 2 nights in Oban.

Take a picnic and enjoy the views and scent of the forests. Head to the village of Balloch (a 45-minute drive from Callander) for a boat trip across Loch Lomond.

Oban is a 1 hour 45 mins drive from Balloch where you will check into your accommodation for the next 2 nights. If you wish to visit one of Scotland’s most beautiful castles at Inveraray it is possible to take a slightly different route via A83 and A819 which only adds around 10 minutes to the journey time.

• Mileage Callander to Balloch is 28 miles (45 km)
• Mileage from Balloch to Oban is 74 miles (119 km) on the A82
• The mileage from Balloch to Oban via Inverary Castle on the A83 is 77 miles (125 km).
• Loch Lomond (the Queen of Scottish lochs)
• Loch Katrine
• Scenic views
• Boat trip across Loch Lomond from Balloch ( Island Discovery 2-Hour Cruise )
• Inverary Castle

🏨 Where to stay in Oban

• £ – Oban Youth Hostel
• ££ – Greencourt Guest House
• ££ £ – No.26 By The Sea

Day 7 drive from your accommodation in Oban to join the 3 Isles tour of Mull, Iona and Staffa . This is an all-day tour departing from Oban at 9:55 and returning at 20:05.

Notes – If you are prone to seasickness this may not be for you as the trip from Mull to Staffa and then Staffa to Iona is in a small boat. There are no toilets on Staffa.

• Ferry to Mull and road trip of the island
• Duart Castle
• Iona and Iona Abbey
• Boat trip to the Isle of Staffa to see Fingal’s Cave

If one or more of your party decides they don’t want to do the day trip to the islands there is an alternative. As Doug gets seasick this is what he did when I was over exploring the islands.

Drive up the coast road A828 towards Ballachulish / Glencoe. This is an alternative route to the way you will drive to Glen Coe on day 8 but is an equally pretty drive.

Highlights along the way include

• Dunstaffnage Castle
• Castle Stalker
• Port Appin (tiny port)

Days 8/9/10 – Fort William (2 nights)

Today we drive from Oban to Fort William via Rannock Moor and Glen Coe on the A82. In our view, the drive through Glen Coe is one of the most spectacular drives in Scotland (if not the world) Rannock Moor is a barren and rugged landscape and is one of the most remote places in Britain.

Stop at the Rannock Moor viewpoint and enjoy the views over this incredible place.

Read – Fort William Travel Guide & Ultimate Guide to things to do in Fort William

• Distance – 83 miles (133 km)
• Journey time – 2 hours (but do plan to stop off and enjoy the views along the way)
• Rannock Moor Viewpoint at the Bridge or Orchy
• Glen Etive (James Bond Skyfall drive)
• Three sister’s car park
• Buachaille Etive Mòr car park
• Views of Ben Nevis (the UK’s highest peak)

Tip – Stop off at the Green Welly shop located between Tyndrum and Crianlarich.

🏨 Where to stay in Fort William

• £ – Garrison Cells
• ££ – The Garrison
• £££ – Victoria House B&B

Read – Area and accommodation guide for Fort William

🚂 Logistics

Riding the Harry Potter train (or the Jacobite to give it its muggle name) is every Harry Potter fan’s dream and is one of the most popular train journeys in the UK.

Read – How to ride the Harry Potter train in Scotland

⭐️ Highlights of the day 🪄

• Riding the train across the Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Observing the train from the Glenfinnan viewpoint crossing the viaduct later in the day
• Glenfinnan Church
• Neptune’s Staircase
• Read – Things to do in Fort William

Day 10/11/12/13 – Isle of Skye (3 nights)

Drive from Fort William to Mallaig which takes around 1 hour. Distance 43 miles (69 km) via A830. Cross over from Mallaig to Armadale on Skye via the CalMac ferry.

The ferry takes 30 mins. There are a number of departures per day. Book asap as this is a very popular route.

On arrival at Armadale, you will head to your accommodation. We recommend staying around Portree and exploring the island from there as your base.

Drive time from Armadale to Portree is around 1 hour via the A851 and A87. Distance is 42 miles (62 km)

• Scenic views on the drive from Fort William to Mallaig
• Ferry crossing
• Drive to Portree (depending on crossing time you can stop and enjoy the scenery along the way)

🏨 Where to stay in Skye

• £ – Sonas, Dundans
• ££ – Loch Eyre House
• £££ – Raasay House Hotel
• Guide to where to stay in Skye (areas and accommodation)

You have 2 full days to explore the Isle of Skye.

Drive the western driving loop on Day 10 and the northern driving loop on Day 11.

Many of the roads in Skye are narrow single-file lanes and you will need to pay attention to other road users (and animals!) as you drive.

Tip – Make reservations at restaurants prior to arrival as they can be busy and you may struggle especially during the summer months. We recommend the Edinbane Inn.

⭐️ Highlights of each day included

• Dunvegan Castle
• Neist Point Lighthouse
• Talisker Distillery
• The Fairy Pools
• Sligachan Old Bridge

• Old Man of Storr
• Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
• The Fairy Glen

Read – One-day itinerary for the Isle of Skye

Read – How to get to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh

Check out from accommodation today and drive across the Skye bridge to the mainland and the Kyle of Lochalsh. The distance from Portree to the Kyle of Lochalsh via A87 is 50 mins – 34 miles/55 km.

The destination for this evening is Ullapool but there are a couple of places worth exploring along the way.

1. Plockton – 14 minutes from Kyle of Lochalsh (6 miles/ 10 km)

2. Eilean Donan Castle – Drive from Plockton to Eilean Donan Castle is around 20 minutes via A87. (11 miles/18 km)

Tip – Manuela’s Wee Bakery is only a few minutes drive from Eilean Donan and is a must-visit for a tasty snack!

The last leg of the journey today is from Eilean Donan Castle to Ullapool. This takes around 3 hours via Poolewe on the A890 and A832.

Distance is 120 miles (193 km) You are now driving the famous North Coast Scotland route.

• Plockton – Beautiful village famously featured in the Hamish Macbeth TV series
• Eilean Donan Castle – £10 admission charge for adults
• Manuela’s Wee Bakery
• Driving over the famous Bealach Na Ba road from Kishorn to Applecross!

🏨 Where to stay in Ullapool

• £ – Dacama House
• ££ – Broomview Cottage B&B

• First leg – Ullapool to Durness via Scourie on the A835, A894 and A838. Distance – 67 miles/109 km. Time – 1 hour 45 mins.
• Second leg – Durness to Tongue on the A838 Distance – 29 miles/47 kms. Time – 1 hour

Accommodation for the night is in Skail (23 miles from Tongue) which adds another 30 mins to the day’s driving time but accommodation is available in Tongue too.

Plan longer for each leg due to stopping to enjoy scenic views, unscheduled delays such as traffic/wildlife/sheep and rest stops.

• Clachtoll Beach
• Clashnessie Beach
• Golden Eagle Zipline

🏨 Where to stay in Durness or Tongue

• £ – Wee Hoose Glamping Pod
• ££ – Farr Bay Inn
• £££ – Altnaharra Hotel

Drive from your accommodation to catch the ferry from Gills Bay to Mainland Orkney. The journey takes around an hour and arrives at St Margaret’s Hope.

There is enough time to explore some of the main highlights of the island. Make sure to book tickets for popular places such as Skara Brae and Maeshowe.

• Dunnet Head Lighthouse (the most northerly point of mainland Britain)
• Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar
• Maeshowe Chambered Cairn

Read – What to do and see on Mainland Orkney

Day 16/17/18 – Orkney to Inverness (2 nights) via John O’Groats

Catch the ferry from Orkney back to Gill’s Bay. Head south via John O’Groats to the last stop in the Scottish Highlands – the city of Inverness.

• Journey time from John O’Groats is 2 hours 40 mins via A99 and A9
• Distance from John O’Groats is 119 miles (192 km)

🏨 Where to stay in Inverness

• £ – Alba B&B
• ££ – Heathmount Hotel
• £££ – Bunchrew House Hotel

Read – Where to stay in Inverness (Area and accommodation guide)

Logistics of the day

Today is spent exploring the main sights and landmarks in and around Inverness. The itinerary for today includes visiting Culloden, the Clava Cairns, Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness.

Read – Day trips from Inverness

• Culloden Battlefield
• Loch Ness and cruise – there are a few companies that offer boat trips on Loch Ness or you can take a day tour from Inverness if you prefer
• Castle Urquart

Today drive back to Edinburgh from Inverness to return the rental car. The drive time is dependent on the option you choose. The 3 options are

• A9 3 hours – 156 miles (250 km)
• A9/M9 3 hours 30 mins – 179 miles (288 km) This goes via Stirling
• A93 4 hours – 171 miles (275 km) through the Cairngorms National Park and down via Perth to Edinburgh

If you have time we recommend option 3 through the Cairngorms as this is a beautifully scenic route.

Once back in Edinburgh you can connect with onward travel via the train station or airport.

For example, you could take the Caledonian Sleeper back to London which is a great way to get back to the UK capital and save time (as it is an overnight service) or you could take the train to York !

Frequently asked questions about planning a road trip in Scotland

The most famous road trip in Scotland is the North Coast 500 but there are many fantastic road trips in Scotland to choose from.

These include

• South West Coast 300 – Through Dumfries & Galloway and southern Ayrshire.
• North East 250 – Includes the Malt Whisky Trail, the Cairngorms National Park Aberdeen and the Moray Firth Coast
• The Borders Historic Route

As you can see from the above road trips they can vary. Some of Scotland’s road trips can be as little as 90 miles (the Snow Roads Scenic Route in the Cairngorms) to 500 kms for the North Coast 500.

We recommend planning at least a week for your road trip – longer if you can! There is so much to see from historic castles to stunning coastlines, fishing villages, lochs and Munros, to islands and more!

Take your time – stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way!

Read more in our extensive guides to Scotland

• Scotland Travel Guide
• UK road trip planner
• 7 UK road trip itineraries
• Guide to the different regions of Scotland
• 19 beautiful places to visit in Scotland
• Guide to Scottish Islands
• Books to read about Scotland (or best movies set in Scotland )
• Best Outlander Tours in Scotland 2022

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24 replies to this topic

Will you be relying on public transport?

https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/things-to-do/north-scotland/the-highlands/aviemore

Thinking about activities for your family you may wish to consider a few days in the Aviemore area which has lots for the children to do.

And ask Google for the Visit Nairn website as it has a long sandy beach and may be good for a seaside break for a few days.

Are the accommodation bookings set in stone, or can we make other suggestions for where to spend some of the nights?

Hi Charlie, was thinking of booking tour buses.. not too keen on driving

Haven't booked anything yet..so it's flexible

Planning to book after the concert

Ok, so the fact you aren't driving makes a massive difference - I was going to say if you like nature and small villages then why are you staying in cities for the whole 10 days, but if you are relying on tours you don't really have much of a choice I think.

The choice then is whether you are going to do day trip tours or a multi-day tour. I think there's some sense in the the multi-day if you are willing? You can then see areas that aren't really feasible on day trips and also stay in smaller locations.

https://bustimes.org/services/30-aviemore-cairngorm-car-park

On this bus trip you can access Cairngorm Reindeer Centre (for their reindeer hill walk - book in advance), the pretty Loch Morlich for renting canoes etc and the walk to An Lochan Uaine, the Cairngorm Mountain car park for tubing (book in advance, but its fun) and walks, Rothiemurchus which has various activities: https://rothiemurchus.net/.

For nature in Inverness you could go by bus to Chanonry Point to see if the dolphins are jumping?

Inverness is a very modern City that people use as a base to see the famous sights. It is not your idea of a a little town, with streams and quaint cafes.

https://www.pitlochry.org/

Also just down the road is Killiecrankie where you can see the famous bridge (look it up). My son and daughter in law when bungee jumping there. https://www.eatatkilliecrankie.co.uk/

Go up to the Queens View, where Queen Victoria used to visit, fabulous views up there and they have a cafe and a shop.

https://pitlochry-scotland.co.uk/pitlochry/things-to-do/queens-view/

I think Pitlochry is really what you are looking for.

I have no personal experience of this company https://www.rabbies.com/en but it is often recommended. With 4 people the costs of guided day tours will soon add up. Rabbies will average around £250 for 4 people.

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Travel | Travel: How to spend 6 perfect days in the…

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Travel | travel: how to spend 6 perfect days in the scottish lowlands.

When one dreams of vacationing in Scotland, it’s the Highlands and not the Lowlands that comes to mind. Don’t take our word for it; even the national tourism board touts the Scottish Highlands as “the Scotland of your imagination and the perfect backdrop for your next adventure” on its website. And on National Geographic’s list of “Best of the World” destinations, only the Highlands gets love.

OK, so the Scottish Lowlands isn’t home to the monstrously legendary Loch Ness, majestic Cairngorms National Park, a historically rich clan culture or the setting of Mel Gibson’s bloody good film, “Braveheart.”

But while that and more causes Scotland’s southern side to bow to its northern neighbor in terms of tourism, the Scottish Lowlands is no plaid-clad red-headed stepchild in a nation that — fun fact — has the world’s highest percentage of redheads with about 13% of the populace. Speaking of numbers, nearly one out of every four overseas visitors to the northernmost country of the United Kingdom arrives from the U.S., according to VisitScotland ( visitscotland.com ).

So, with that in mind and knowing how much we Yankees love an underdog story, let’s ponder highlights of a perfect six days exploring the Lowlands through an American’s eye — taking roads less traveled while taking in rolling hills, gentle valleys, rugged coastline and quaint towns each more gorgeous than the next.

Breezing through Edinburgh Airport, you shuttle to the city’s newest major hotel. The 244 rooms of the W Edinburgh, the first in Scotland for the upscale brand, are spread across three buildings, and yours is in the 12-story tower that sticks out from the traditional architecture around it. Mixed as the opinions are over the building’s “walnut whip” roof, staying at a hotel topped with a giant chocolate swirl comes in handy when finding your way back after a day of sightseeing by foot. Nestled in the heart of the newly trendy St. James Quarter, the W ( marriott.com ) is within walking distance of every must-see in the city center. Refreshed from down time in your gadget-happy suite, you’re ready to see just how perfectly located your hotel is. (Rates for a standard room start at $371 a night.)

Hoofing it to Edinburgh Castle, the city’s most iconic landmark, offers a lesson in 3,000 years of history at the site of ghastly battles dating back to the Iron Age. You could spend an entire day here, but an afternoon date with some bottles of booze have you leaving the castle for a quick visit to the nearby National Museum of Scotland and its countless artifacts.

A time check of 3:30 p.m. has you scurrying to the Scotch Whisky Experience ( scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk ) for a pre-purchased tour that explains how single-malt Scotch whisky is made, but, oddly, not in the setting of a working distillery. It’s a trade-off because what you do get being in a purpose-built facility is the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky, a breathtaking visual for the core audience, and a store with a whopping 450 types of the signature stuff. Nearly as impressive is that the prices are actually fair, but you know when to say when with your purchase of potent potables. Plus, there’s more walking to do and those bottles are heavy.

Window shopping along famous Princes Street leads to a short hike up Calton Hill for stunning sunset views. Being a Harry Potter fan, you check off Victoria Street, J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley, and other sights around town believed to be connected to the global sensation.

Meandering in the direction of the W, you pop into one of many intriguing restaurants for dinner. It’s a quick one as the jet lag you’ve been fighting since seeing the “Welcome to Scotland” sign at baggage claim is finally winning.

Of course, you order the “Scottish Breakfast” at the W’s Sushisamba restaurant, which by night serves up a fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavors. Your cardiac-challenging platter comes with haggis, Lorne sausage, grilled back bacon, fried eggs and black pudding, which you know as blood pudding. You also are aware that haggis is banned in the States as the USDA frowns upon ingesting stomach fluids from slaughtered livestock. Despite sheep lungs being a key ingredient in haggis, you give it a nibble and realize that this Scottish staple isn’t half baaaad.

After check-out, you walk with your luggage to busy Edinburgh Waverley Train Station. A comfortable, hour-long ride on the Borders Railway terminates at Tweedbank, and you take the public bus to Abbotsford ( scottsabbotsford.com ), former home of 19th century novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott. The estate is so extraordinary, you add “Ivanhoe” and “Rob Roy” to your reading list.

Relying on mostly taxis and hired drivers for the rest of the trip — the countless roundabouts, alone, make driving on the left side not worth the risk — you transfer to Schloss Roxburghe ( schlosshotel-roxburghe.com ) for two fairy-tale-like nights at this luxury countryside escape in the heart of scenic Scottish Borders. A tasty welcome with champagne and canapes is followed by a stroll around the historic property. On the sprawling resort surrounded by rolling hills and flowing rivers are 130 units (52 of them cottages), a championship golf course and other sporty activities, a Finnish-inspired spa, and nooks aplenty to enjoy libations made with the handmade gin created from botanicals sourced on the estate.

Wisely deciding to spend the day here, just as the Duke of Roxburghe often did in a past life of the picture-perfect property once owned by him, you book fishing, archery, croquet and clay shooting with the resort’s country sports manager. A few minutes later you pinch yourself in disbelief you’re staying where someone actually has the title of country sports manager.

A full day of activities and therapeutic R&R has you hungry for a night topped with “Scottish bistronomy” at the new, on-site Charlie’s. From the venison and pigeon to the scallops and ham hocks, the restaurant’s estate-to-plate approach pleases the senses.

A yummy buffet breakfast at Charlie’s coupled with an early checkout and on-time hired driver, found on VisitScotland’s website, make for a great start to what promises to be a long, but great day. Appropriately, the first stop is The Great Tapestry of Scotland ( greattapestryofscotland.com ) in the Borders town of Galashiels. On permanent display here since 2021 is the story of Scotland’s history, heritage and culture as told through 160 linen panels hand-stitched by over 1,000 nimble-fingered volunteers.

Leaving the 155 miles of driving to someone else today allows you to make a pitstop at the Moffat Distillery ( moffatdistillery.com ), where an American-born proprietor and her English husband are making a go making wood-fired whisky and gin. Tours and tastings — their blended-malt scotch is a winner — are conducted daily.

After traveling along what motor enthusiasts deem as the most drivable roads in the U.K., passing adorable villages and where ferries to Northern Ireland run back and forth day and night, you come up to the electronically gated entrance of your five-star home for the next two nights. One mile beyond — and one mile off Scotland’s western coast — is Glenapp Castle ( glenappcastle.com ) in the bonny Ayrshire countryside. Built in 1870, this prime example of Scots baronial, an architectural style of 19th-century Gothic Revival, has 17 luxury units (as low as $419 a night) and a 4,500-square-foot, four-bedroom penthouse that sleeps eight and starts at $4,000 a night. The 36 acres of perfectly manicured gardens, lush woodland and stately structures have hosted dignitaries from Churchill to Eisenhower, and since you’re sleeping like a VIP and got a classy bagpiper welcome, you might as well eat like one, too; dining at Glenapp is an experience fit for royalty.

Leaving the castle for a day of sightseeing had better be worth it, and it is at the very start thanks to the adorable namesake animals at Kitchen Coos & Ewes ( www.kitchencoosandewes.com ). Getting up-close and personal with the iconic Highland coos and their sheepish pals is a treat, as are the traditional homemade breakfast and lunch that come with the more in-depth tours of this working farm. Next on the schedule is a much different tour up the coast in Alloway; Robert Burns Birthplace Museum pays tribute to Scotland’s favorite son, whose poetry and songs are beloved worldwide. That includes one sung every New Year’s Eve, at least in days of auld lang syne. Despite the museum’s name, Burns’ actual birthplace is a tiny room in a cottage located at another site a 10-minute walk away.

Dinner is in nearby Troon, specifically at The Rabbit restaurant inside the new, 89-room Marine Troon ( marineandlawn.com/marinetroon ), a destination hotel that prides itself as “representing the nexus between land and sea, sport and soil, and man and nature.” Burns might have done better, but one thing that can’t be improved is the Old Course of the adjacent Royal Troon Golf Club. Perhaps one day you’ll return to play 18 here, but for now you behold what you can of links that will host the 152nd Open Championship in July, the 10th time the hallowed course will have this honor.

You’ve had fun storming the castle for two exquisite days, and now it’s time to return to reality — but not through Edinburgh this time. On the way to Glasgow Airport, a more hectic, but closer option from the west, the art lover in you prompts a visit to The Burrell Collection ( burrellcollection.com ). This Glascow gem houses more than 9,000 pieces spanning 6,000 years of history, and if it weren’t for a plane to catch, you could see yourself spending more than the two hours already given.

But the Burrell Collection isn’t the only place you didn’t get your fill over these six amazing days in the Scottish Lowlands. With luck and a replenished travel budget, you hope to return, and soon. Or as the old Scottish saying goes, “haste ye back!”

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Train strikes in May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Rail lines are set for disruption in the week following the first May bank holiday as train drivers at 16 rail companies strike on different days.

Thursday 25 April 2024 10:29, UK

Train drivers will stage a fresh wave of strikes and overtime bans in May, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef union at 16 rail companies will walk out on different days from 7 to 9 May.

Additionally, all members will refuse to work any overtime from 6 May to 11 May.

Here is a full list of the services affected by strikes and when.

Rail strike dates

Tuesday 7 May

Strikes will affect c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.

Wednesday 8 May

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Thursday 9 May

Strikes will affect LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express.

Overtime ban dates

From Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May union members will not work overtime.

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, means some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

How do strikes and overtime bans affect services?

Strikes tend to mean services on lines where members are participating are extremely affected or cancelled entirely, whereas overtime bans often lead to reduced services.

Are there strikes on the Tube too?

There have been regular strikes on London Underground too recently, and while there aren't any planned walkouts for drivers, customer service managers are set to walk out on Friday 26 April in a dispute over terms and conditions.

There will also be an overtime ban for the customer service managers on the following days:

Monday 29 April

Tuesday 30 April

Wednesday 1 May

Tuesday 2 May

Wednesday 3 May

Thursday 4 May

Friday 5 May

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) says the action by its members is likely to cause Tube stations to close at the last minute, including on the Saturday following the strike (27 April), while TfL has said on its website "some stations may need to close at short notice".

Despite the warning, a TfL spokesperson has said they aren't expecting significant disruption.

This action follows strike action taken by the same workers on 10 April, which the TSSA said had a "real impact" with "many stations shut at short notice".

They say they are "extremely concerned" about TfL's 'Stations Changes' proposals.

"We have made it clear that our union will not accept the continued threats to our members' roles, locations, terms, and conditions to stand unchallenged," a TSSA spokesperson said.

"We will continue to take sustained action until London Underground is prepared to negotiate with us in good faith."

Commenting on the impending strikes, a TfL spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that TSSA is continuing with this strike action following a consultation process.

"While we don't expect this action will cause significant disruption, we urge TSSA to continue to work with us to help find a resolution.

"There are no planned job losses as part of these vital changes which will improve the service we provide to customers at our stations."

How can I stay in the loop?

You can use the National Rail's journey planner to see when trains are running.

Be sure to check it close to when you plan to travel, as it will be updated regularly.

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Why are the strikes still happening?

Aslef rejected a two-year offer of 4% in 2022 and another 4% this year, saying it is way below inflation, and is linked to changes in terms and conditions.

Aslef said train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

The union said after its members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue taking industrial action, it asked the train operating companies to hold talks.

General secretary Mick Whelan said the year-old pay offer of 4% and another 4% was "dead in the water".

Related Topics

• London Underground
• Rail strikes