grand tour scotland road trip map

VisitScotland

Scotland's road trips.

Nothing beats the freedom of exploring a new place on your own personalised road trip. Stop off where you like, see what you like and enjoy the route at your own pace – the perfect holiday!

These spectacular driving routes are all scenic alternatives to the main roads, with a range of great attractions en route. Check out our suggestions for what to see and do on each of the routes and plan your ultimate Scottish road trip.

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VisitScotland have produced this information in good faith and have taken reasonable steps to confirm the accuracy. We recommend that all information is checked with the businesses prior to visiting/booking. These 13 suggested routes are intended as a guide to help you plan your Scottish road trip. Please check exact directions and traffic conditions before you begin your journey. You can find more information and advice on driving in Scotland . 

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Grand Road Trip of Scotland

This is the ultimate self-drive tour of Scotland. Travel along our stunning coastline, past golden beaches, ancient castles and pretty villages, and explore wonderful lochside and mountain scenery.

Click here to find out more about our Grand Road Trip of Scotland self-drive tour.

Selected highlights

• Explore the enchanting islands of Mull, Iona & Skye
• Glencoe, Scotland's most famous & atmospheric glen
• The medieval university town of St Andrews - the home of golf
• Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile & the Palace of Holyroodhouse
• Historic castles including Urquhart, Dunvegan & Eilean Donan
• The spectacular beauty & grandeur of the rugged coastline of Wester Ross
• Culloden Battlefield & mystical Loch Ness
• The Malt Whisky Trail including visits to Glenfiddich & Macallan Distilleries
• Relax on the 'bonnie, bonnie banks' of Loch Lomond

Established in Scotland in 2004, Absolute Escapes is an award-winning specialist in self-drive tours of Scotland. Our exceptional reputation has developed through a deep passion and knowledge of Scotland - we firmly believe that your visit should be truly unforgettable.

Why book a self-drive tour?

Our self-drive tours offer complete freedom of choice. The itineraries on our website are designed to give you a flavour of what is possible and can be tailored to suit your preferences. This allows you to explore your interests at your own pace and stay in your preferred style of accommodation - with our specialists' knowledge always at your disposal.

Fair prices

While many travel companies like to promote low prices, we believe that value for money is more important. This translates into charging a fair price for your holiday - whether staying in simple guest houses or luxurious hotels - and not compromising on quality. We want you to travel with us again and know that you will not do this if you feel that you paid too much for your arrangements.

Booking your holiday

If you would like us to contact you with a proposal for your tailor-made trip to Scotland, please get in touch with us via the following methods:

Complete our Online Enquiry Form

Email us at [email protected]

Phone us on +44 (0) 131 610 1210

Price on Request

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

January — December

Contact details

• +44 (0131) 6101210
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Aberdeen Airport
• Edinburgh & The Lothians
• Edinburgh - City Centre
• Edinburgh Airport
• Glasgow Airport
• Glasgow City Centre
• Greater Glasgow & The Clyde Valley
• Inverness Airport
• Loch Lomond Area
• Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley
• Oban, Mull and Lorn
• Stirling Area

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Tour company information

Absolute escapes.

Absolute Escapes is a leading specialist in self-guided walking holidays and tailor-made travel to Scotland. We offer self-guided walking holidays on some of the finest long-distance trails in Scotland, including the West Highland Way, Great Glen Way, Speyside Way, and Skye Trail. We also specialise in tailor-made travel to Scotland including self-drive itineraries and escorted tours. We customise all of our itineraries to your exact requirements based on our experience and intimate knowledge of Scotland.

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Opening times

Our office is open Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 17.00.

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Grand Road Trip of Scotland

• Fully customisable itinerary
• Prices from: £2330 per person
• Best time to go: April - October
• Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Loch Lomond

Relax on the bonnie banks of famous Loch Lomond at the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, where quaint loch-side villages enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Magical islands

Enjoy the outstanding scenery of the Isle of Mull, home to magnificent sea cliffs, and visit its neighbour, the tiny and tranquil Isle of Iona. Further north, experience the Isle of Skye, popular for its stunning and dramatic volcanic scenery.

Wester Ross

From Lochcarron to Achiltibuie, the area of Wester Ross has some of the most beautiful and unspoilt scenery in the world. Journey along a spectacular coastline and visit undiscovered beaches, hidden glens, bird sanctuaries and breathtaking twisty single-track roads.

Malt Whisky Trail

Speyside is home to the world-famous 70-mile Malt Whisky Trail. This area is the heart of the whisky industry, and concentrated within a few miles are more distilleries than any other area in Scotland.

Balmoral Castle Estate

Visit the Queen’s stunning Scottish ‘holiday home,’ a royal retreat since the 1850s, where you can enjoy the extensive castle grounds, gardens, and exhibitions of artwork and royal tartans.

The home of golf

Explore the lovely town of St Andrews, with its many historic buildings and spectacular beaches. St Andrews is home to the oldest university in Scotland as well as the world-famous Old Course.

The Ultimate Scenic Self-Drive Tour of Scotland

Journey through wonderful lochside and mountain scenery, from the banks of Loch Lomond into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Discover the magical Isle of Skye and the outstanding natural beauty of wild Wester Ross. Travel through whisky country and visit fairytale castles in Royal Deeside, as you continue southward through the Kingdom of Fife towards beautiful Edinburgh.

Beginning on the western banks of bonnie Loch Lomond, this self-drive tour takes you on a journey across the Scottish Highlands towards the dramatic west coast. Wander around the picturesque town of Oban, the hub of the southern Hebrides and northern Argyll. Hop on a ferry to the Isle of Mull, where you will be amazed by the picturesque harbour town of Tobermory, famous for its pretty coloured houses along the seafront.

As you continue northward along the west coast, you will cross the inspiring Isle of Skye, visited for its wild mountains, stunning seascapes and geological scenery. From here, Wester Ross awaits, a raw and remote region on the northwest of the country which features breathtaking unspoilt scenery. After navigating through spectacular mountainside windy roads, enjoy a relaxing stay at the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool.

It will now be time to begin your journey south, as you head towards Inverness, the Capital of the Scottish Highlands. Visit Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield before travelling eastward towards Speyside, home to the world-famous 70-mile Malt Whisky Trail. Discover Royal Deeside, with its fascinating Victorian history and home to countless romantic medieval castles and grand country houses. 

As you travel along the East Coast, enjoy a round of golf at St Andrews and explore the East Neuk of Fife on your way to your final destination in Edinburgh.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer.  Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

Arrive in Edinburgh, collect your hire car, and travel west to the beautiful banks of Loch Lomond. Enjoy a boat trip on the loch or simply relax in your beautiful surroundings. Your first night will be spent in a quaint lochside village with stunning views across the famous loch. Overnight – Loch Lomond

Day 2: Loch Lomond to Oban

A wonderfully scenic journey leads to the picturesque coast of Argyll. Visit charming Inveraray and explore the 18th century Inveraray Castle, home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Campbell Clan. Travel on to Oban, ‘the Seafood Capital of Scotland.’ Overnight – Oban

Day 3: Oban Sightseeing

Kilmartin Glen, the cradle of ancient Scotland and brooding Castle Stalker are short journeys from Oban. Cruise and experience the exceptional variety of wildlife on the west coast of Scotland. See one of the classic malt whiskies being made at Oban Distillery, or visit 13th century Dunstaffnage Castle, which overlooks the entrance to Loch Etive. Overnight – Oban

Day 4: Isles of Mull and Iona Sightseeing

Take a day trip to the Isle of Mull, one of Scotland’s most beautiful island retreats. Visit Duart Castle, once home to the Chief of the Clan MacLean. Tobermory is the island’s main village with its multi-coloured houses scattered around the peaceful harbour.

Nearby, the Isle of Iona, known as ‘The Cradle of Christianity,’ is a special place with impossibly clear turquoise waters, dazzling beaches and hidden coves. Overnight – Oban

Day 5: Oban to the Isle of Skye

Travel on the beautiful coastal route between Oban and Fort William and into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. On the way, take a detour to visit Glencoe, Scotland’s most famous and atmospheric glen, and pass Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain. Take the magnificent Road to the Isles and then the ferry over the sea to the Isle of Skye. The short sailing across the Sound of Sleat provides great views of Skye and back across to the west coast. Overnight – Isle of Skye

Day 6: Isle of Skye Sightseeing

A full day on Skye to visit romantic Dunvegan Castle, sample some fine island whiskies, enjoy a great day’s walking or take a fabulous cruise into the heart of the Cuillin Mountains. Overnight – Isle of Skye

Day 7: Isle of Skye to Ullapool

Depart Skye and visit the most famous of Scotland’s castles, Eilean Donan. Your route now travels through an idyllic corner of northwest Scotland as you discover the tranquil Applecross Peninsula. Enjoy a spectacular road trip before travelling along the splendour of Loch Maree, and perhaps pay a visit to Inverewe Gardens. Continue your journey north to Ullapool, a beautiful white-washed fishing village and the largest settlement in Wester Ross. Overnight – Ullapool

Day 8: Ullapool Sightseeing

Explore the stunning scenery of the North West Highlands, with undiscovered beaches, forests, hidden glens with stags grazing and magnificent waterfalls. There are many opportunities to wander on a deserted sandy beach at Gruinard Bay, Laide or Aultbea, climb one of the iconic peaks of Wester Ross, or just sit by the side of a loch and soak up the romance and history of the area. Overnight – Ullapool

Day 9: Ullapool to Inverness

Your route now takes you south to Inverness – the Capital of the Highlands – via the brooding shores of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. Overnight – Inverness

Day 10: Inverness Sightseeing

A full day to explore Inverness, visit the 14th century Cawdor Castle and Culloden Battlefield, where, in 1746, the last battle on British soil took place. Overnight – Inverness

Day 11: Inverness to Royal Deeside

Travel into Royal Deeside with a drive through the heart of the Malt Whisky Trail and one of the loveliest areas of Scotland. Visit the famous distilleries of Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and Macallan before heading into the castle country of Royal Deeside. Overnight – Royal Deeside

Day 12: Royal Deeside Sightseeing

Discover the close associations Royal Deeside has with the Royal family in the pretty Highland towns of Braemar and Ballater. Visit Balmoral Castle, the Queen’s official ‘holiday home’ with its wonderful grounds and exhibition of paintings, artwork and royal tartans. Explore the nearby Castle Trail, home to some of the most splendid examples of castellated architecture in Scotland. Let your imagination run wild in dark romantic ruins or magnificently furnished castles from the Norman era, to the Renaissance. Overnight – Royal Deeside

Day 13: Royal Deeside to St Andrews

Travel south from Royal Deeside through the Angus Glens and into the Kingdom of Fife, to the medieval seaside town of St Andrews. Overnight – St Andrews

Day 14: St Andrews Sightseeing

St Andrews is most famously known as the home of golf, with the Old Course located just off the town centre, next to the long sandy beach, which itself was featured in the opening credits of ‘Chariots of Fire.’ The town is also home to a huge Norman cathedral and the oldest University in Scotland. Overnight – St Andrews

Day 15: St Andrews to Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland’s majestic capital is your final destination. On your journey south, visit the quaint fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife.

Edinburgh is a great place to wander – narrow alleys, flights of stairs and hidden courtyards tempt you off the main streets at every turn, and take a walk up Arthur’s Seat for one of the most spectacular views of any city in the world . Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 16: Edinburgh Sightseeing

Enjoy a City Sightseeing Bus Tour and a visit to majestic Edinburgh Castle. Sample a dram at the Scotch Whisky Experience and take a walk through Princes Street Gardens to enjoy the fine views of the Castle high above. Take a tour to nearby Rosslyn Chapel and uncover the myths and legends around the Da Vinci Code. Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 17: Edinburgh Sightseeing

Visit the Palace of Holyrood House and the Royal Yacht Britannia. Enjoy a walking history tour along the Royal Mile, as Edinburgh’s glorious past is brought to life. Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 18: Depart Edinburgh

Today, your unforgettable Grand Road Trip of Scotland will come to an end.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

• Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 17 nights including traditional Scottish breakfast
• Comprehensive information pack
• Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
• Map of Scotland with our recommended driving route
• 15 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including
• Tickets for the Edinburgh City Sightseeing Tour
• All ferry crossings (as per your itinerary)
• 24-hour emergency contact number
• Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

• Travel insurance
• Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience.

It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels.

These are truly magical places and amongst the best Scotland has to offer. The perfect choice when you would like somewhere really special which can be a treat for the night or for your entire holiday.

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

• Collision Damage Waiver
• Super Damage Excess Waiver
• Third Party Insurance
• Theft Waiver
• Good for 2 people
• Maximum of 4 passengers
• 2 large suitcases
• Manual or automatic transmission
• Good for 2 – 4 people
• Maximum of 5 passengers

Intermediate

• Good for up to 4 people
• 3 large suitcases
• Good for 5 people
• Maximum of 7 passengers
• 3 – 4 large suitcases

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Scotland Road Trip: 8 Incredible Routes for an Epic Trip

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The Best Scottish Road Trips

Scotland is a place made for road trips. Sweeping roads wind their way through dramatic and moody landscapes, past historic castles, gentle lochs, and wild seas. Ancient myths and rich history thread through Scotland’s fabric, making the country a wonderfully diverse and fascinating place to visit.

A road trip in Scotland showcases the dramatic landscapes, historic cities, lochs and glens, and beautiful coastlines, like no other way to travel does.

As you road trip through Scotland, you’ll find yourself stopping regularly for Insta-worthy images, and along the way, you’ll find fantastic adventures to try like hiking Munroes, wild swimming in Scotland’s lochs and seas, exploring Scotland’s turbulent history, and spotting amazing wildlife.

In this Scotland travel guide, you’ll find a round-up of all the best road trips in Scotland, with Scotland travel tips and information to help you plan and prepare. Come with us as we share eight unmissable Scotland road trip itineraries and highlights.

Scotland Road Trip Map

Is this your first time visiting Scotland and the UK? Get all the information you need in our United Kingdom Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Scotland’s Top Eight Road Trips

Whether you’re driving in Scotland in a car, motorhome , campervan, or riding a motorbike, our Scotland roadtrip itineraries give you a basic route to follow and highlights to visit.

The highlights for each Scotland driving route can be followed with the map – they are in the order in which you travel.  Scotland is packed full of bucket-list things to do  along these routes and it will help to use a navigational app to explore each area in more detail.

Whether you’re planning a quick 7 day Scotland road trip itinerary, or have extra time for a leisurely ramble around several of these routes, there’s a Scottish road trip here for you!

The North Coast 500

Inverness – wick – john o ‘groats – thurso – durness – lochinver – ullapool – gairloch – applecross – inverness.

• Distance: 516 miles
• Duration: 10-14 days
• Drive Time: 15 hours

Considered by many to be one of the best road trips in Scotland , the North Coast 500 really is the ultimate Scottish Highlands road trip, taking in windswept beaches, ancient ruins, beautiful views, and historic castles in stunning landscapes.

The Highland Tourist Route is one of the few road trips in Europe that is as much about the destination as the drive, Scotland’s very own Route 66. If you don’t have much time, it is possible to do the NC500 in seven days, but there wouldn’t be much opportunity to stop and explore the deep and closely held history and raw nature of this visceral place. 

This Scotland Highlands road trip itinerary could be a 10 day Scotland road trip, but 14, or even 21 days gives you plenty of time to fully appreciate this special part of the country. 

You can tackle this Scottish highlands itinerary either way by starting from Inverness. Our itinerary assumes you will head north up the east coast. Check your map regularly for Scottish attractions, natural wonders, glorious beaches, and historic points of interest, some of which will require a detour from the route.

If you’re visiting in late autumn or winter, Applecross, Lochinver, and Ullapool are all top places to see the Northern Lights.

Top 16 Highlights

• Spend your first day in Inverness, finding your feet and shopping for souvenirs. Highlights in the city center include Inverness Castle, the 19th century Inverness Cathedral, and the mostly 18th century Old High Church. There is also a popular indoor Victorian Market and the contemporary Inverness Museum and Art Gallery traces local and Highland history.
• Follow the age-old tradition of hunting the famous Loch Ness monster. Hire a boat and head out onto the water with a picnic and camera. You might not see Nessie, but you’ll enjoy stunning scenery, clear air, and space to unwind in one of  Scotland’s most beautiful places .
• Visit the haunting battlefield of Culloden, the site of the final and bloody confrontation of the Jacobite rising and defeat of Charles Stuart’s army in 1745. You can learn more about this seminal time in the history of Scotland at the nearby  Culloden Visitor Center .
• Explore the dramatic 15th century ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, perched high on a cliff above the steely North Sea.
• Love the challenge of bagging any of the 37 Munros (mountains over 914m) along the route. If they’re a little too high, try bagging one of the 43 Corbetts or 38 Grahams (mountains over 762m), or just enjoy viewing them from the winding roads.
• Admire the lofty grace of  Dunrobin Castle , the historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, which dates from around 1275.
• See the mysterious Hill O’Many Stanes, where 200 thin stones were laid out in a radiating pattern over 4,000 years ago …and no one really knows why.
• Enjoy the sea air and a five mile hike from John o’Groats to Duncansby Head, the most north-easterly point on the British mainland, and continue along the spectacular coastal path to see the two dramatic pointed sea stacks.
• Visit the  Castle of Mey , which was restored by The Queen Mother when she bought it in 1952 and saved it from abandonment. A fascinating glimpse into a castle that served as a holiday retreat for the royal family, and with wonderful gardens, this is a truly beautiful place.
• Explore the various and fascinating brochs on the route. The broch is an imposing stone tower and ancient dwelling, built as early as 500 BCE, found only in Scotland. Dunbeath Broch and Nybster Broch are both excellent examples and are close to the  Caithness Broch Centre , where you can learn more.
• Take (another) bracing walk in the wild and untamed landscape of  Dunnet Head , the RSPB nature reserve and the most northerly point in mainland Britain. This is the perfect place to see puffins in this noisy sea-bird nature reserve, especially if you visit during the breeding season, from late spring to early summer.
• Enjoy visiting and tastings at the whisky distilleries on the route, including  Glenmorangie , famous for its single malt since 1843. You’ll find many more distilleries along the way, just one of the pleasures of touring the Scottish Highlands!
• Visit the beautiful beaches, bays, and coves of the north coast, including the most north-westerly point, the raw and wild Cape Wrath (only accessible  by ferry  or  minibus ) the Smoo Cave, a sea cave complete with its own waterfall, and  Sandwood Bay  (hike only, no vehicular access) for the incredible sight of the Am Buachaille sea stack, a remnant of when the Highlands and North America were connected, millions of years ago.
• Go whale watching from Gairloch, you might also see dolphins, porpoises, and sharks, as well as seals, otters, puffins, and perhaps even the white-tailed eagle. The best time to see whales on the west coast of Scotland is from mid-June to late September.
• Drive the legendary Applecross Pass, one of the best and highest roads in Scotland . Bealach na Bà is a narrow slip of a road, with hairpin sharp bends and steep gradients – not one for the faint-hearted, but absolutely worth it!
• Take to the sea in a canoe, in one of the many lochs and inlets along the route. Enjoy a different perspective and get up close with the local wildlife

RELATED POST: North Coast 500 Route Planner + Highlights, Map & Tips

2 Week Motorhome Itinerary Scotland

Let us do the planning for you and grab our Scotland motorhome itinerary, packed with campsites, off-grid spots, attractions, and insider tips.

Let us do the hard work for you! Get up every day knowing your trip is planned with driving routes, overnight stops, and attractions marked out for you on your interactive map.

The North East 250

Aberdeen – peterhead – fraserburgh – portsoy – spey bay – glenlivet – braemar – aberdeen.

• Distance: 259 miles
• Duration: 5-7 days
• Drive Time: 7 hours

If you have just one week in Scotland , the North East 250 is the perfect 7 day self-drive tour of Scotland for lovers of coastlines, mountains, and whisky.

Designed to be joined from Aberdeen Airport, you can go clockwise or anti-clockwise and wend your way through the dramatic countryside and towns of Speyside, Royal Deeside, Cairngorms, the east coast, and the Moray Firth coast. This route also picks up most of the major attractions from the  Deeside Tourist Route .

The most stunning bit of this route is the stretch from Tomintoul to Blairgowrie, which makes up a large part of the Snowroads scenic route . This stunning road through the eastern Cairngorms officially starts in Grantown-on-Spey, before traversing the highest public road in Britain, to Blairgowrie.

The Snowroads don’t need to be driven in a hurry. There are steep hills, blind summits, tight bends, and single-track roads with passing places – take extra care if you’re in a large motorhome.

This tourist route is fairly new, launched in 2017, and is not always signposted as such. As with all road trips, keep a close eye on whichever mapping and navigation tools you use to work out what’s on the route and what will require a little detour.

Our itinerary takes you north from Aberdeen towards Peterhead, but you can do the route whichever way you wish.  If you had a few more days, you could also pick up the Perthshire Tourist Route from the most southerly point of the NE250 and continue south for a short but spectacular drive.

Top 10 Highlights

• Admire the powerful architecture of the glittering city of Aberdeen and its rich maritime history.
• Enjoy the whisky distilleries along the NE250 route including Tomintoul, Glenlivet, Royal Lochnagar, and Strathisla.
• Partake in some dark tourism at the fascinating  Peterhead Prison Museum , which was an operational prison until 2013.
• Visit the truly brilliant  Museum of Scottish Lighthouses  at Fraserburgh, where you can tour Kinnaird Head Lighthouse, the very first lighthouse built on mainland Scotland in 1787.
• Love the bracing air and dolphin spotting from the clifftops near Portknockie, where you can also see the iconic Bow Fiddle Rock, and sometimes the Northern Lights.
• Enjoy Cullen Skink in Cullen! The thick Scottish soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions is a delicious local specialty.
• Visit the stunning ruins of  Elgin Cathedral . Built in 1224 and known as the ‘Lantern of the North’, it was one of the most spectacular medieval cathedrals in Scotland.
• Drive through the magnificent  Cairngorms National Park , home to deer, eagles, and atmospheric Corgarff Castle.
• Enjoy some of the best outdoor activities Scotland has to offer, including white water sports, climbing, hiking, cycling, and much more.
• Spend a day at the splendid royal  Balmoral Castle , home to the nation’s former Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles III and their family since 1852.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Scotland . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

The South West Coastal 300

Prestwick – ballantrae – cairngaan – isle of whithorn – kirkudbright – dumfries – lockerbie – moffat – dalmellington – prestwick.

• Distance: 302 miles
• Drive Time: 8 hours

The South West Coastal 300 is a one week Scotland road trip for nature lovers and history buffs. With stunning coastlines, lush forests that stretch over rolling hills, and dramatic moorlands, this quiet corner of Scotland will woo you until you fall in love with its gentle charms.

This is a well-located road trip in Scotland for those driving north from the rest of the UK and can be joined at Lockerbie, within a 20 minute drive of the Scottish border. 

The route is also easily accessible from Glasgow Prestwick Airport, or from Glasgow International Airport if you fancy a few days in the cultural and welcoming city at the start or end of your visit to Scotland. 

Our itinerary assumes you will travel south from Prestwick along the coast, but this route can be driven either way – at times it also crosses the  Galloway Tourist Route  which runs through the middle of Galloway Forest Park

• Dip into  Galloway Forest Park , the only Dark Sky Park in Scotland, and a top spot to see the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights.
• Our favorite beach on this road trip, the small but perfectly formed Dunure Beach has dark sand and shingle with great rock pooling and stunning views of Ailsa Craig from the ragged ruins of Dunure Castle.
• Admire the dramatic clifftop  Culzean Castle , designed by Robert Adam in the late 18th century and full of treasures, opulence, and history.
• Climb to the Robert Louis Stevenson-designed  Mull of Galloway lighthouse , at the southernmost tip of Scotland on the wild Rhins of Galloway peninsula. Go at dusk for spectacular sunsets.
• Visit the charming Isle of Whithorn (no longer an island) to see the ruins of the chapel built by St Ninian, who founded the first Christian church in Britain around AD390.
• Spend a day in lively  Kirkcudbright  (pronounced kir–coo–bree) and follow the Arts and Crafts Trail. Home to generations of creatives, ‘the artist’s town’ has a flourishing community of painters and craftworkers. You might also hear bagpipes here as they have lots of parades.
• Head for Kirkbean to walk on the vast empty expanse of Southerness beach, with breathtaking views across Solway Firth to the Lake District. Visit Southerness Lighthouse at the western end of the beach, one of the oldest in Scotland.
• Find your inner child at  Moat Brae , the inspiration for JM Barrie’s famous character, Peter Pan. The author lived in Dumfries from 1873 to 1878 and called the gardens ‘enchanted lands’.
• Stop off in Moffat for a spot of hiking on the scenic Southern Upland Way or the most northerly point on the Annandale Way, both of which pass through this pretty and historic town.
• Visit the  Scottish Dark Sky Observatory  at Dalmellington to use their powerful telescopes to observe the night skies – stargazing without light pollution is an incredible experience.

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts and road trip songs for the journey!

The Argyll Coastal Route & Loch Ness

Glasgow – tarbet – inverary – lochgilphead – oban – glencoe – fort william – glenfinnan – inverness.

• Distance: 263 miles
• Duration: 7-10 days

The official Argyll Coastal Route ends in Fort William, but we couldn’t leave you there, with the magnificent Glenfinnan to the west and the superb A82 to the east, waiting to take you to Inverness. 

From sea shores, loch-sides, and mountain tops, the ultimate west coast of Scotland road trip is for seafood gourmets, sunset lovers, and those who want to get under the skin of Scotland and feel its turbulent history in the air and glens of the incredible landscapes. 

Starting in Glasgow and finishing in Inverness allows you to make the most of this linear west coast Scotland route as you cross the Highland Boundary Fault and enjoy the gentle lowlands giving way to the dramatic and wild highlands.

• Be intrigued by the gritty, yet cultured, Victorian city of Glasgow. Must-sees include medieval Glasgow Cathedral and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, for a dose of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Scottish artist and designer.
• Visit the viewpoint at  An Ceann Mor , in the  Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park , to get a sense of the sheer size and incredible beauty of Loch Lomond.
• Enjoy fresh seafood at some of the best restaurants in Scotland along this route. Of particular note, the original  Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd  have been selling fresh oysters at the roadside since 1978 and you can now enjoy them in the bar or to take away from their delicatessen.
• Stop off at Inveraray to visit the  Inveraray Jail  and  Inveraray Castle , home to the Duke of Argyll and Chief of Clan Campbell.
• Learn about Scotland and some of the Highland’s darkest hours at  Auchindrain , a living museum and Scotland’s last inhabited Highland farming township before the Highland Clearances, which took place between 1750 to 1860.
• Visit  Kilmartin Museum  to find out about the 800 cairns and monuments that dot the landscape of Kilmartin Glen and see fascinating 2,000-year-old artifacts from local archaeological digs. In the glen itself, you can enter some of the cairns, see carved gravestones, and reach the top of what remains of  Dunadd Hill Fort , where the first kings of Scotland were inaugurated.
• Spend a fantastic day wildlife watching from Easdale Island. With whale spotting trips, excursions to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, and a tour of a local seal colony there’s lots to do, as well as keeping your eyes peeled for porpoises, dolphins, eagles, and otters along the way.
• Oban Distillery  is one of the smallest and oldest distilleries in Scotland and makes whisky that reflects the character of its coastal location – definitely worth a stop!
• Stopping to take photographs of  Castle Stalker , from the shores of Loch Linnhe. Located on a tidal island to the north of Port Appin, this iconic castle and its surroundings make for atmospheric and moody photographs.
• Explore  Glen Coe , the site of the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692, when members of the Campbell clan murdered members of the MacDonald clan on the orders of the English Crown. Or follow the Glen Coe Geotrail to learn more about the ancient volcanic history of this other-worldly place. Shaped by glaciers and fiery volcanic explosions millions of years ago, Glen Coe is a landscape full of natural wonders.
• Spend some time in the  Lochaber area , dominated by Ben Nevis and known as the outdoor capital of the UK. Activity lovers will be in their element here; you can mountain bike, hike, climb, abseil and enjoy all manner of water sports on the loch.
• Be in awe of  Neptune’s Staircase , the longest staircase lock flight in Scotland. This flight of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal is an amazing feat of engineering that raises the canal by 19m over 1/4 mile. It takes around 90 minutes for a boat to travel the locks. This is the perfect spot to practice your ‘gongoozaling’ – the activity of watching boats and activities on canals for pleasure!
• Visit the magical  Glenfinnan Viaduct . Made famous by the Harry Potter films, this railway viaduct has carried trains on the West Highland Line since 1897. Glenfinnan is also the spot in which Bonnie Prince Charlie called for the local clansmen to assemble in 1745, proclaiming the throne of Great Britain to be denounced and rightfully returned to his family, the Stuarts.
• Head east and pick up the legendary A82 road. Around the Bridge of Orchy, you’ll drive a section of the infamous Skyfall road, from the Bond film of the same name, and one of the most dramatic and scenic drives in Scotland. Time for a photo opportunity!
• Make a stop at the very pretty village of Fort Augustus, the gateway to Loch Ness and the most southerly tip of this famous body of water. It is also the point where the  Caledonian Canal  leaves Loch Ness, cutting through the small village on its way south.
• Visit Urquhart Castle at Drumnadrochit, halfway up Loch Ness. Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart saw much conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress, especially during the Wars of Independence. 

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Isle of skye, ardelve – broadford – portree – trotternish – duntulm – dunvegan – armadale – mallaig.

• Distance: 276 miles
• Duration: 3-5 days
• Drive Time: 6 hours

Surrounded by sparkling seas where towering cliffs defend the island from crashing waves, Skye is a real balm for the soul and one of the best places to visit in Scotland by car.

This road trip surely has to be one of the most picturesque in Scotland, with jagged mountains, heather-carpeted moors, and myths and legends aplenty. There are lots of  things to do on Skye  too, so expect to be busy on this road trip, even though it’s a short route!

You can drive to Skye from Inverness in around two and a half hours. From Glasgow, it will take five to six hours. Just getting to Skye is an incredible trip in its own right, maximise your time by flying into Inverness and out of Glasgow (or vice versa). 

Check out the Argyll Coastal Route and North Coast 500 itinerary for ideas of what to do on the way to the Isle of Skye.

Use the  Skye Bridge  to cross Loch Alsh, or go over the sea to Skye the old-fashioned way and get a  CalMac ferry from Mallaig . Our itinerary assumes you will drive from Inverness over the bridge and get the ferry back to the mainland, but you can follow the route in either direction.

Skye has to be one of the busiest places in Scotland in summer, so go out of season or head out of the main tourist areas of Portree, Trotternish, and Dunvegan to find solitude and space.

Top 11 Highlights

• Not on Skye, but just a few miles before the Skye Bridge, is  Eilean Donan Castle , one of Scotland’s most iconic images and one of the most photographed castles in the country. Situated on an island at the point where the three great sea lochs of Alsh, Duish, and Long meet, the striking castle is surrounded by magnificent scenery and is full of history.
• The 2.3 mile hike up to the  Old Man of Storr  on the Trotternish peninsula is one of the must-dos on Syke. The ‘Old Man’ is a large spike of rock that stands high and can be seen for miles around. Created by an ancient landslide, the Storr is one of the most photographed places in Scotland.
• Off the beaten track and much less known, but no lesser for it, is Rubha nam Brathairean (Brothers’ Point), a dramatic headland that marks the easternmost point of Trotternish. Not far from here, you’ll also find Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls – epic views that you can get to within a few minutes of walking from the free parking.
• Visit  The Quiraing  for a great 4.5 mile hike with spectacular landscapes and beautiful views, or get a feel for this strangely named area from the car park.
• The Fairy Glen is a curious rock formation just inland from Uig. Formed by an ancient landslide and shaped by glaciers over thousands of years, the Fairy Glen is best photographed from above to fully appreciate the weird and wonderful shapes of the landscape.
• Visit Skye’s most famous historic building,  Dunvegan Castle , the seat of the chief of Clan MacLeod. In a beautiful position at the edge of Loch Dunvegan, the castle gardens are a hidden oasis of beautiful plants.
• Catch an amazing sunset from  Neist Point , where there is also a lighthouse of the same name. The most westerly point on Skye, this beautiful spot also affords fantastic views of the Outer Hebrides.
• Stop off at the world-famous Talisker Distillery for a tour that finishes with a wee dram of their peaty single malt.
• Try a spot of wild swimming (we would advise a wet suit!) in the bracing Fairy Pools, beautiful crystal clear pools, and waterfalls at the foot of the Cuillin mountains, on the river Brittle. Take the 1.5 mile walk from the small parking lot to find this series of magical pools, formed 50-70 million years ago!
• Take one of the most scenic Scotland roads from Broadford to the village of Elgol, for incredible views of the dark and brooding Cuillin mountains.
• Get out on the water in a canoe or take a boat trip to get acquainted with local wildlife. You’re likely to see seals, dolphins, porpoises, and lots of different species of sea birds, as well as find hidden coves, cliff waterfalls, and sea caves.

RELATED POST: Why We Think These Are The Best Driving Roads in Europe

Borders Historic Route

Edinburgh – dalkeith – galashiels – selkirk – hawick – langholm – gretna green.

• Distance: 88 miles
• Duration: 2-3 days
• Drive Time: 3 hours

This Scotland road trip from Edinburgh will take you through the lush and hilly countryside of the lowland Scottish Borders, through charming villages and small towns to famous Gretna Green, and the border with England. 

Learn about Scottish industrial heritage and the vibrant arts and crafts scene, still alive and kicking in this mostly rural region. 

This road trip is the best option if you plan on spending time in historic Edinburgh and want to see a bit of Scotland as part of your trip. If it’s a one-way drive, Newcastle Airport is an hour and a half away by car from Gretna Green, making this an ideal linear route. 

• Visit historic Edinburgh , the capital city of Scotland. With wonderful medieval and neoclassical architecture and a great vibe, this is a city in which to spend at least a full day. Take a city center guided tour to see Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, the National Museum of Scotland, and the famous Royal Mile, the main road through Edinburgh’s old town, where you can shop for tartan and enjoy locally made fudge.
• Harry Potter fans will want to visit Victoria Street. With its unusual shape and collection of quirky shops, it’s said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the J.K. Rowling books. 
• Enjoy a locally brewed craft beer at  Stewart Brewing , an independent craft brewery on the outskirts of Edinburgh. You might even see the team hard at work brewing while you enjoy your beer!
• Stop at  Dalkeith Country Park  for easy walks and bike rides on the trails through the natural beauty of the 1,000-acre estate and working farm. You might spot Roe deer, otters, buzzards, foxes, badgers, hares, and rabbits here.
• Visit Lady Victoria Colliery, one of the best and last surviving Victorian collieries in Europe, and now the  National Mining Museum of Scotland . Explore the machinery used to mine and take coal to the surface, imagine what a miner’s life was like, and experience the sights and sounds of a working pit on a fantastic tour of the pit head.
• Go back in time to Robert Smail’s Printing Works in the pretty village of Innerleithen. Try your hand at typesetting, and discover the origin of everyday phrases such as ‘mind your Ps and Qs’ as you discover how printing was carried out by highly skilled printers, with individual letters of type set by hand, presses operated with foot treadles and power generated by a waterwheel.
• If you love gardens, then  Harmony Garden  in Melrose is a horticultural delight and a tranquil escape from life on the road. With colorful borders, beautifully manicured lawns, and a thriving kitchen garden, Harmony is perfectly in tune with nature. An added bonus is the superb views of Melrose Abbey and the nearby Eildon Hills.
• Admire the creativity and skill of the glassblowers at work in  Lindean Mill Glass . This innovative glass studio was established in 1978 by David Kaplan and Annica Sandström, whose work has been exhibited at the National Museum Scotland in Edinburgh and the V&A in London.
• Take a mill tour, a great way to see Scottish tartan being woven from scratch, at Lochcarron of Scotland in Selkirk, one of the biggest names in the Scottish Borders’ textile industry, which has been weaving high-quality tartan for over 100 years. The Dress Act of 1746 attempted to bring the warrior clans under government control by banning the tartan along with other aspects of Gaelic culture.
• Continue your textiles education at the  Borders Textile Towerhouse  and discover more about the area’s role as a producer of sought-after fabrics. Designers such as Chanel, Dior, and Vivienne Westwood have used fabric produced in the Borders in their designs for many years. The gift shop here is perfect for finding a unique present or Scottish souvenir.
• Discover exciting and tumultuous borderlands history at  Gilnockie Tower , a fine example of a defensive peel tower that dates from the 16th century. Located on the River Esk, it’s home to the Clan Armstrong Centre, the ancestral home of the Armstrong Clan, and is packed with fascinating clan heritage.

RELATED POST: Edinburgh One Day Itinerary – Map, Tips & Guide

Stirling – Trossachs Pier – Killin – Blair Athol – Pitlochry – Perth – Kinross – Crief – Stirling

• Distance: 232 miles

The new kid on the Scottish road trip map is Heart 200, a two-hundred-mile-plus romp around the center of Scotland. This route offers the best of all the other routes combined as you travel through Scotland’s iconic, ever-changing landscapes.

Chuck in the historic cities of Perth and Stirling, and you’ve got a road trip perfect for first-time visitors to Scotland, or those that want to see the best of this glorious country. 

Divided into six sections, this road trip covers the forests of the west, the Highlands to the north, the rivers of the east, and the historic south, along with Stirling and Perth.

Along the route are places of historical interest, world-class golf courses, ancient castles, loch and river-based water sports for adrenalin seekers, and a few whisky distilleries, of course!

You’ll explore the remarkable history and culture of the region, from antiquity to the modern day, and learn more than a few surprising insights along the way.

Over millennia, Scotland has made its mark on history thanks to famous figures ranging from the ancient Celts and the Roman Empire to King Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots, via Bonnie Prince Charlie, Rob Roy MacGregor, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Queen Victoria, all of whom have connections to the heart of Scotland.

For a longer trip pick up the Fife Coastal Route, which follows the shore of the Firth of Forth from Kincardine to Dundee, where you can head back inland to Perth. This route takes in pretty fishing villages, historic golf courses, castles, and distilleries along 77 miles of meandering coast road – well worth adding to your itinerary

Top 13 Highlights

• If you fly into Edinburgh Airport, make a quick stop to see the magnificent Kelpies at Helix Park in Grangemouth. The Kelpies are 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures depicting kelpies, a mythical shape-changing aquatic spirit of Scottish legend, and will start your Heart of Scotland road trip off on the right note.
• Whilst in the area, explore the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift that connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal in a half-turn that takes only five minutes!
• Stirling is the first stop and at the heart of the old town is medieval Stirling Castle, dominating the city from its craggy volcanic rock. Other attractions not to be missed are the 19th century National Wallace Monument that overlooks the site of the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge, where William Wallace (famously played by Mel Gibson in the film Braveheart ) defeated the English, and the Battle of Bannockburn Experience has interactive 3D displays on the history of the 1314 conflict.
• Visit the imposing  Doune Castle , a popular film set. Used as a set for Monty Python and the Holy Grail, as Castle Leoch in Outlander, and as Winterfell in Game of Thrones, this medieval stronghold could tell a few stories!
• Find out everything you ever wanted to know about sheep and wool at The Scottish Wool Centre in Aberfoyle, with live sheep shows and hands-on demonstrations of spinning and working sheepdogs.
• Stop at Killin, a small village at the southern point of Loch Tay. Famous for the Falls of Dochart, a spectacular series of rapids where the River Dochart rushes towards the Loch at the confluence of the rivers Dochart and Lochay, the best view is from the Bridge of Dochart in the village. This is also a great place to base yourself for local hiking.
• Take in the iconic Queen’s View along Loch Tummel, which is named after Queen Victoria, who visited the region in 1866. The vantage point at the  Forestry Commission’s Visitor Centre  offers a breathtaking vista of Schielhallion, one of Scotland’s most famous mountains.
• Visit in August for the Kinloch Rannoch Highland Games, which always take place on the third Saturday of the month. Hosted by the local community, you can watch caber tossing, hill racing, and lots more traditional Highland games events, as well as listen to the bagpipes being played.
• Aberfeldy makes a good base for exploring local attractions including the Tay Bridge, Black Watch Monument, 16th century Castle Menzies, Cluny House Gardens, Lundin Farm Stone Circle, and Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery.
• A mecca for thrill-seekers, the white water rapids on the River Tay at Grandtully offer opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and canyoning, with lots of local companies providing access and equipment, whatever your level of skill or knowledge.
• Historians should stop at the Gorge of Killiecrankie, the site of one of the bloodiest battles during the Jacobite Risings in 1689. Take a walk up to the viewpoint at Soldier’s Leap, where a Redcoat soldier is said to have jumped 18 feet across the ravine to escape the pursuing Jacobites.  Salmon can often be seen jumping around the falls here and keep an eye out for red squirrels and woodpeckers which are quite prolific during fall , when the colors are spectacular.
• Admire the listed historic house of  Scone Palace , situated near the village of Scone and the city of Perth. Scone Palace was the crowning place of Scottish kings where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II were once crowned. Nowadays, this red sandstone palace is among the very finest surviving examples of the late Georgian Gothic style in the United Kingdom. 
• Visit the wildlife at Blair Drummond Safari Park, near Stirling. Widely acknowledged to be one of the  best safari parks in the UK  for breeding and conservation (and the only one in Scotland), the park is set across 120 acres and is home to 350 animals including lions and southern white rhinos.

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, or check our our favourite Europe road trips for ideas and inspiration!

Kennacraig – Tayinloan – Isle of Gigha – Machrihanish – Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse – Campbeltown – Carradale – Kennacraig

• Distance: 115 miles
• Drive Time: 5 hours

Another newcomer to the Scottish road trip scene is Kintyre 66, or K66, as it’s becoming known. If you’ve ever watched Paul McCartney and Wing’s video of the song ‘Mull of Kintyre’ and been inspired by the landscape, then this road trip in Scotland is for you.

An easy hop from Glasgow Airport, the K66 is perfect for a long weekend. Start in Tarbert, a pretty village at the top of Kintyre. Just a narrow strip of land a mile wide connects the peninsula to the mainland, making Kintyre Scotland’s only mainland island.

The landscape and beaches are pristine and unspoiled, the seas huge, the night sky clear and the wildlife abundant – this really is a trip for outdoor lovers. Kayaking in the turquoise waters is a popular pastime and hiking some of the incredible trails, with their spectacular views, is a must.

Local produce and food are also a highlight of this trip, with seafood at the top of the list. You’ll also find whisky and gin distilleries and several breweries in Kintyre, making sure that local food and drink sustain all your activity!

The official K66 is, unsurprisingly 66 miles long, but we’ve added on the far south of Kintyre to include the iconic Mull of Kintyre lighthouse.

The single-track route there meanders over the rolling moors before helter-skeltering down a steep cliff to the lighthouse – don’t be put off, it’s an amazing drive with breathtaking views right across to Ireland.

• A visit to the Beinn an Turc Distillery near Torrisdale to sample their Kintyre gin is a must! This sustainable distillery, which uses its own power generated by a hydroelectric plant, creates a delicious gin using botanicals and water from its own land.
• Head to Saddell Bay to see GRIP, a cast iron sculpture created by British artist Antony Gormley to mark the Landmark Trust’s 50th anniversary. The human form stares out over the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran from the rocks below Saddell Castle. Originally, the sculpture was placed for just a year, but thanks to a generous donation, it will remain indefinitely.
• Visiting the glorious beaches of the peninsula is a real treat. Unspoiled and often with no one else around, some of the best beaches in Scotland can be found here. Our favorites are Carradale Bay and close-by Torrisdale Bay.
• At the very north of Kintyre is the colorful and lively harbor town of Tarbert. With plenty to do, including Tarbert Castle, which sits high above the town, this is a great place to spend a day
• The enchanting Isle of Gigha can be reached in just 20 minutes on a ferry from Tayinloan and is a fantastic day trip destination. Kissed by the gulf stream, the beautiful Achamore Gardens feel exotic, whilst in contrast, a hike up Creag Bhan, the highest point on the island, showcases the best of the raw and wild landscape.
• Westport boasts a sandy beach, perfect for surfing. There is a surf school in the village where you can hire equipment and take lessons if this is your first time on a board. You’ll need a wet suit, whatever the weather – the water in these parts is pretty chilly!
• The next stop just down the coast is Machrihanish, a village most famous for its iconic beach-side golf course.
• An absolute must-do is a visit to the Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse, on the very far southwest tip of the peninsula. The views are pretty special and the drive there is dramatic, but not for the faint-hearted.
• The ruins of Skipness Castle lie at the far north of the peninsula. The castle was originally built in the early 1200s by the MacSweens. It later fell to Clan MacDonald and has been rebuilt several times over the centuries.
• The seafood caught, prepared, and served on Kintyre is out of this world. Fresh from the boat in the morning, you’ll find scallops, mussels, lobsters, crabs, langoustines, and clams on every menu. Another local taste is Gigha halibut, which you can enjoy in the West Loch Hotel, on the A83 out of Tarbert.

Scotland Practicalities

When to take a scottish road trip.

Scotland’s weather is generally moderate but changeable. As the topography of Scotland varies greatly, you’ll notice differences between highland and lowland weather, as well as coastal influences.

Late spring is a great time for planning a trip to Scotland. The countryside comes alive with wildflowers and baby animals as the warmer weather beats back winter.

With good weather and summer averages of around 20°c, this is one of the best times for touring Scotland. The downside is that popular routes, attractions, and hotels will be busy, so a road trip of Scotland in the summer months will require a little more advance planning. 

July and August are also the worst months for the infamous biting midges, especially if you’re planning on camping in a motorhome or tent on the West Coast, where they are generally at their worst.

A wonderful time for driving holidays in Scotland, the fall colors are some of the most dramatic in the world. Autumn is also deer rutting season, with lots of opportunities around the Highlands to see this mighty display.

Plan trips to Scotland during the colder months for winter sporting opportunities, dramatic scenery, and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, or ‘Mirrie Dancers’ as they are sometimes called in Scotland.

There are an average of 15-20 snow days a year, rising to over 100 snow days in the Highlands – head to Aviemore in the Cairngorms if you’re looking for the white stuff, or just enjoy this fantastic winter destination for the scenery.

Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Whenever and however you visit Scotland, always follow the  Scottish Outdoor Access Code . The code helps you to get the best from your Scotland itinerary and ensures that the flora and fauna of this beautiful country are not harmed.

Getting to Scotland

Scotland has six main airports, and the good news is that one of them will be the perfect starting point for your ultimate Scottish road trip itinerary. We recommend booking through  Skyscanner  for live deals and the best prices.

• Edinburgh Airport (pronounced Ed-in-bruh if you want to sound like the locals!) for the Borders Historic Route  and Heart 200 .
• Glasgow International Airport for the South West Coastal 300 ,  Argyll Coastal Route , Isle of Skye and Kintyre 66 .
• Glasgow Prestwick Airport for the  South West Coastal 300 .
• Aberdeen Airport for the  North East 250 .
• Inverness Airport for the  North Coast 500 ,  Isle of Skye  and  Argyll Coastal Route .
• Dundee Airport for the  North East 250 .

You can hire a car  at any of these airports and be on your chosen Scotland driving tour route within a one hour drive. Book your rental car well in advance and use a car hire booker like Rentalcars.com  who will provide the best deals from all the top car hire companies.  How?  Because they have such a large market share, they’ve got way more buying power than individuals and can negotiate much harder on price.

For a real adventure , hire a motorhome or campervan in Scotland. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

For those planning a  Scottish staycation from the rest of the UK, get public transport like the train or even coach from  London  to Edinburgh and hire a car from there, or drive yourself to Scotland.

Driving in Scotland

Whether you roadtrip Scotland in a car, camper, or motorbike, make sure you’ve got all your documents handy and your spare tire is in good condition.

If your Scotland road trip itinerary is longer than a few weeks and you’re planning on using your own vehicle, you may want to consider a service before you go, and breakdown cover is probably a good idea. 

• Remember to drive on the left during your UK trip!
• Drivers from non-EU countries may require an International Driving Permit. The general rule is that if your license is not in English, then an IDP will be required. Check with your hire company or embassy if you’re in doubt.
• If you’re not a British citizen, you should carry your passport or ID card at all times as you road trip around Scotland.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle. Update August 2021 – you no longer require a green card to prove you have vehicle insurance cover when if your vehicle is registered outside the UK.
• Your car must be considered legal and roadworthy in the country in which it is registered.
• Your headlights must be adapted for driving on the right if your vehicle is registered outside the UK.
• Unlike France, the UK does not have laws that require you to carry certain equipment in your car, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t. Being prepared in the event of an accident or a breakdown is invaluable. The best way is to carry a reflective jacket, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit, and a fire extinguisher.
• If you’re hiring a car, book well in advance and use a care hire booker like  Rentalcars.com  who will provide the best deals from all the top car hire companies. How? Because they have such a large market share, they’ve got way more buying power than individuals and can negotiate much harder on price.
• Understand insurance options, mileage limits, and fuel policies before booking.
• Check the car for damage on collection and make sure anything you spot is noted, and the same again when you drop it off.

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

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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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Plan unforgettable road trips!

Scotland Road Trip – all you need to know (timing, itinerary, map…)

Last updated on December 1, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Time to plan your Scotland Road Trip? Great! Below is my Scotland road trip planner guide with information about:

• when to visit,
• where to go,
• transportation,
• accommodations,

All you need for a successful Road trip in Scotland!

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Scotland:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Scotland: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Seal spotting on Loch Linnhe from Fort William

My favorite excursion from Edinburgh: Glenfinnan and Glencoe

My favorite places to stay:

• Edinburgh: see best rated hotels – e.g. Balmoral Hotel
• Glencoe: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Glencoe House Hotel
• Portree: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Cuillin Hills Hotel
• Inverness: see best rated hotels – e.g. Kingsmills Hotel

STEP 0 – Scotland road trip planner – Essential to know

Why visit scotland.

There are many reasons to visit Scotland: the History, the scenery, the drinks… But I think the following photos are enough to convince anyone 🙂

General Scotland Facts

• Scotland is in Geographic Europe
• Scotland is the North area of the United Kingdom main island (North of England)
• The capital is Edinburgh
• But Glasgow is its largest city

Is Scotland a country?

That is a frequent question as the situation is quite confusing. In sports you consider Scotland as a separate country. But on the international political scene, the United Kingdom is represented. But it does print its own pounds with different bill size and images… Confusing!!!

Verdict: Scotland is a nation of people but not an independent country . It is a division of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

STEP 1 – WHEN – Best time to visit Scotland

With such amazing landscapes, all periods of the year have something to offer and could be the best time to visit Scotland. It really depends on what you love. 

Here are a couple of facts to help you take your decision:

• The weather in Scotland is unpredictable so be ready to appreciate everything – one day we had a beautiful blue sky and 20 minutes later, we were driving under pouring rain…
• July and August are the hottest months, so they also are the busiest month
• May and June are dryer than July and August
• There are midges from April to October, especially near water. Personally, I had none in May, but it varies greatly from year to year.
• Many castles and monuments only open from Easter to October – so if you like history, winter is not the best time to go to Scotland. But if you love snowy landscapes, then winter is for you 🙂
• Many consider the the best time to visit the Scottish Highlands are in Autumn as the colors enhance the bare landscapes and mountains.

STEP 2 – WHERE to go on your road trip in Scotland

Scotland road trip map.

Let’s start with a map of Scotland to show you how I structured the touristic regions in this blog and in my eBooks:

Regions of Scotland – Where to go?

• Capital city of Scotland
• Stunning alleys and old buildings
• Castle and volcanic hills
• Discover the Things to do in Edinburgh

• Largest city of Scotland
• Modern architecture along River Clyde
• Famous University
• See how to visit it in one day

• Flatter lands but beautiful ruins and buildings
• Castles such as Caerlaverock , Dirletton, Tantallon or Culzean
• Abbeys such as Sweetheart , Melrose , Jedburgh …

Trossachs – Argyll

• Nature and History
• The Trossachs National Park is a protected hilly area around beautiful lochs 
• Enjoy a historical boat trip on Loch Katrine
• Going on the Argyll peninsula, don’t miss the green castle of Inveraray

• My favorite region of Scotland
• Small but magnificent 
• Hiking paradise
• Road though the Glencoe valley , lochs, munroes (mountain over 3000ft – 914m)…

Central Highlands

• Mountainous landscapes with lochs, valleys, distilleries…
• Cairngorms National park
• Road to Skye
• Road to the isles

Isle of Skye

• Most famous island in Scotland
• Mountains, lochs, castle, cliffs and sea
• Check out my guide to visiting the Isle of Skye

North Scotland

• Wilder region, less touristic
• Stunning coast, lochs, beaches and valleys
• Stunning reserve such as Wester Ross
• Magnificent Old ruins such as Girnigoe

Orkney islands

• Archeological sites – with Standi ng stones or very old villages ( Skara Brae )
• Stunning cliffs
• World War sites
• Check out the things to do in the Orkney islands

Many other Islands

• Mull, Iona…
• Shetland islands
• Outer Hebrides
• See my article about the Scottish islands

STEP 3 – Define your Scotland Road Trips Itinerary

Driving times for your scotland by car itinerary.

Here are some travel times (without stopping) to give you a general idea to plan your itinerary around Scotland by car:

• Edinburgh to Glasgow – 1h15
• Edinburgh to Inverness – 3h30
• Edinburgh to Fort William – 3h30
• Edinburgh to Portree (Isle of Skye) – 5h30
• Edinburgh to Aberdeen (Ferry to Shetlands) – 2h30
• Edinburgh to Thurso (North Coast, ferry to Orkneys) – 5h40
• Edinburgh to Dumfries – 2h

Planning your Scotland Road Trip itinerary

With so much history and nature to offer, your road trip around Scotland will be quite busy. You can either:

• Check out my Scotland itinerary examples from 1 week to 10 days and 2 weeks
• Check out my list of the best drives in Scotland
• or to help you plan your Road Trip itinerary around Scotland, you can use this site and have a look at the digital guides I wrote to make your planning a lot easier!

Be overwhelmed by the beauty not the planning!

Plan your dream trip to Scotland with my guides!

• 15 easy-to-plan maps
• 170+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates 
• Useful planning tips
• 170+ large photos 

• 8 easy-to-plan maps
• 60+ pre-selected locations
• 115+ large photos 

STEP 4 – Plan a Scotland trip – how to get there

How to get to scotland.

• The main airports in Scotland are Edinburgh (EDI, 10km from the city center) and Glasgow (GLA, 11km from the city center)
• Edinburgh and Glasgow can also be reached by train from the rest of the United Kingdom mainland
• Other smaller airports are spread out in Scotland and its islands
• Another way to reach Scotland is by boat – cruises or ferries from Ireland or mainland Europe – check out options
• You need a valid passport to enter the UK (and Scotland) or ID card for some countries
• EU citizens, Canadians, Swiss and many other nationalities do not need a visa but can only stay for up to 6 months
• Check if you need one on the Government website

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

STEP 5 – Transportation for a Scottish road trip – Rent a car

Travelling scotland by car.

Driving in Scotland is generally quite easy and stress-free even if it is on the left side of the road. With so many amazing landscapes to admire alongside the main and side roads, renting a car in Scotland is definitively the best option for freedom.

Ferries to most islands also transport cars so you can really tour Scotland by car.

Check out the video, information and advice on my article dedicated to driving in Scotland .

Renting a car in Scotland

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:  Discovercars.com  – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Choose the car and company you prefer (prefer a  compact car for the narrow single-lane roads)
• Consider their full coverage option – I always take it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
• See my 36 tips about renting a car in Scotland

Campervan in Scotland

If you want to save on accommodation, you can also travel by campervan or motorhome. This is great to wake up in beautiful locations.

Just keep in mind that Scotland has many roads which are single track. Crossing cars might be difficult in some places and difficulty is not indicated on the road signs.

Public Transportation

• Scotland has a good network of busses with Scottish Citylink, StageCoach and National Express
• The train network Scotrail is also interesting with links to the main cities in mainland Scotland and connections to the ferries
• Ferries get you to the main Scottish islands

Of course, it has a typical disadvantage of not allowing you to stop and admire the landscapes along the track or road. And it will not take you along side roads such as the magnificent Glen Etive .

There are small airports on most islands and smaller towns, which could help traveling within Scotland.

Scotland Road Trips with Organized Tours

But if you want to just sit back and relax, there are a huge quantities of organized day trips and multi-day tours around Scotland. Check out options

STEP 6 – Book Accommodations on a Scotland Road Trip

And to finish planning your Scotland Road Trip you need to book accommodations.

Scotland has a good selection of Hotels, Guesthouses, BnBs and Rentals. BnBs are the most typical mode of accommodation in Scotland. They are great to enjoy typical Scottish Breakfast and meet locals.

Along your road trip, I recommend staying at:

• Edinburgh to explore the fascinating city – see best rated accommodations
• Portree central to explore the isle of Skye –  see best rated accommodations
• Glencoe to take the time in the magnificent valley –  see best rated accommodations
• Ullapool for the West coast on the North 500 –  see best rated accommodations
• Thurso for the North coast and ferry to the Orkneys –  see best rated accommodations
• Kirkwall to explore the Orkneys –  see best rated accommodations
• Inverness for the famous Speyside whiskies –  see best rated accommodations

Check out my article dedicated to Scotland Accommodations with suggestions and reviews of places where I stayed.

STEP 7 – Get ready – Useful Info for your Road Trip around Scotland

The language in Scotland is English with a strong accent and some specific expressions. Be assured you will have some interesting moments taking with locals!!!

Concerning locations, Scotland also has its own terms:

• Ben – Scottish or Irish mountain peak
• Munro – Scottish Mountains over 3000ft (914m)
• Glen – Narrow and deep mountain Valley
• Loch – Scot word for lake (also covers sea lochs which are arms of sea in Scotland)
• Firth – Narrow inlet of the sea
• Cairn – a mound of stones erected as a memorial or marker
• Brough – round tower or enclosure or outer wall
• Broch – Iron age walled structure

The money used in Scotland is the British Pound.

However, do not be surprised that the bills may be different because Scotland prints its own money. Both Scottish and United Kingdom bills can be used in when traveling in Scotland. 

Credit card is largely accepted but some small BnB sometimes accept cash only so always have enough with you to pay the next night.

Tipping in Scotland

There are no fixed rules for tipping in Scotland.

• It is not common to tip in pubs unless the service is excellent. They often have a jar for tipping.
• Tipping is to be considered in restaurant if service charge is not applied. But keep in mind that there is a minimum wage for waiters in the UK regardless of tips
• The 10% rule tends to apply for taxis.

STEP 8 – Scotland Packing List

Layers, Layers, Layers

As said before, the weather is unpredictable so bring layers for warmth, wind and rain so that you can switch easily

Do not forget hat and gloves as the wind can be very cold even in Summer.

• Plug: Voltage is 220-24 and 3 rectangular sockets of Type G
• Do not forget Mosquito cream to protect from the midges’ bites

Otherwise, nothing special… Use my Travel Packing Checklists to get ready for your trip.

And don’t forget to bring binoculars to make the most of those views!!!! Check out my guide to find the best travel binoculars for your needs.

And keep track of your own trip!

Travel Insurance

And don’t forget to purchase Travel insurance! I wish you a very smooth trip, but my policy is: better be prepared. I personally use World Nomads. Get a quote online here .

Want to see more of the best Scotland has to offer?

• Most beautiful landscapes in Scotland – read article
• Best things to do in Scotland – read article
• Best Scotland destinations – where to go? – read article
• Best Scottish Castles – read article
• Most beautiful lochs in Scotland – read article
• Most scenic drives in Scotland – read article
• The magnificent Isle of Skye –  read my best-of guide
• The magnificent Wester Ross region –  read article
• The Borders Abbeys including  Melrose Abbey  and the photogenic  Jedburgh Abbey

Planning a trip to Scotland?  

Check out my travel guides to help you plan:

Want to see more of SCOTLAND?

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Reader Interactions

May 16, 2017 at 12:33 AM

Hello Claire, I am so happy to have found your many posts about Scotland. I actually purchased the Scotland Road Tip Guide Ebook last week and find it very useful. One of the reason for us to visit Scotland is to go back to our roots which, in my case are traced back to Perth. We plan to road trip from Sept 3 to Sept 18. Starting from Edinburg, we would take your recommandation for the Stirling region before heading to Inverness followed by a quick Orkney tour and then heading down to Skye, Glen Coe, Loch Lomond.

I am trying to figure if it is reasonable to visit Perth, leaving from Stirling, on the way to Inverness or if we should plan an overnight in Perth and then visit St-Andrews. I could not find any mention of St-andrews in your documentation but some family member tell me it is quite a sight. Appreciate your opinion. Ciao from Canada, nathalie

May 16, 2017 at 9:06 AM

Hi Nathalie Thanks for your comment. I am glad you are finding my blog and ebook useful.

St Andrews is on page 130 of the Scotland Road Trip eBook. I think the other ruins in Scotland are more interesting than St Andrews. But St Andrews has a long royal history. So it depends on what you like. It is a detour…

If you are tracing your roots, a night in Perth would be nice. You could do Stirling Castle in the morning then head to St Andrews in the afternoon and back for the evening in Perth. And do the Queen’s view in the morning before heading North.

However if you have done the Edinburgh Castle, It would be redundant to do the Stirling Castle and you could do St Andrews in the morning, followed by a drive around the many lochs West of Perth and spend the night in Perth.

I hope that help. I wish you a wonderful trip

November 20, 2017 at 2:44 PM

Hi there, will the ebook download on a Kindle?

November 20, 2017 at 3:07 PM

Hello Karien. No, the eBook is a PDF. The maps and pictures would not work well at all with the Kindle so I have not created a version for it. But the PDF can be read on computer, phones and tablets Cheers Claire

November 20, 2017 at 4:19 PM

Hi Thank you very much for your reply. I would just like to know if I purchase it and download it onto my laptop (for planning purposes of our trip), will I be able to then also use the PDF on another device (iPad) whilst physically traveling around Scotland?

November 20, 2017 at 4:31 PM

Sure. You will receive a link allowing you to download it on several devices.

February 9, 2020 at 4:09 PM

Hello! I love the way you have outlined planning in “steps”. That’s the way my brain works as well! We would like to plan about 10 days in Scotland using trains as our primary mode of travel. Thinking of Edinburgh to Skye to Inverness and back to Edinburgh, with maybe a night in Ft William and maybe one more one-off night in another interesting place. What do you think? Any suggestions for accommodations and day tours are appreciated and we are flexible with this itinerary.

February 10, 2020 at 10:43 AM

Hi Sandra Sorry but I am only traveling via road trips. I am no expert in trains. I am not familiar with the network in Scotland. My only comment is that the Isle of Skye might not be easy to explore without a car… I wish you a wonderful trip! Claire

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Scotland Road Trip: The ONLY itinerary you need (29 unmissable places)

Planning a Scotland road trip? Trying to figure out where to go and what to do during your visit? Here are the best Scotland itinerary ideas for variety of durations, including long weekends, 4-5 days, 7-10 days and 14+ days, although you can mix, match or extend as you wish!

Don’t forget to grab your free guide to the best places to see on a Scotland road trip below- to help you plan your perfect road trip.

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

JUMP AHEAD TO...

Scotland Road Trip- why visit?

Put simply- Scotland is just magical.

It’s one of those incredible places where you turn corner after corner and each is more breathtaking than the last! (Exactly the same as  Norway ) .

You can expect to say ‘wow’ a lot and stop frequently to take a million photos of the scenery. And the Highland cows. And sheep.

Did I mention the scenery?

The problem is there is SO MUCH to see.

Planning a Scotland road trip can be DAUNTING. Trying to squeeze a visit to a country into just a few days is tough, but it IS possible to plan a Scotland travel itinerary with the best places to visit, as well as some places off the ‘beaten track’.

In this post, we’ll show you the best scenic routes & driving roads in Scotland , lochs, castles, towns you definitely should visit, plus how to visit the Scottish Highlands .

Whether you’re touring Scotland by car on a self-drive holiday, motorhoming or campervanning in Scotland or exploring by motorbike (or any other vehicle!), our map of our Scotland road trip will help you plan your own adventure.

How to plan a Scotland Road Trip

So, how DO you narrow down all the ‘must-visit’ places into a reasonable itinerary, especially if you only have a few days for your Scottish road trip? 

Do you focus on visiting beautiful cities like Edinburgh, seeing the history of Scotland, like Culloden, visiting HARRY POTTER sites , hiking in the Highlands, driving the North Coast 500 ? Or a bit of everything??

In this blog post of Scotland Itinerary ideas , we’ve included a bit of everything to allow you to create your perfect Scottish Road Trip and make the most of your time in this beautiful country.  

The Wandering Bird Scotland Road Trip Planner

Feel overwhelmed? Wish someone could do all the hard work for you?

You’re in luck!

If you want to enjoy a Scotland road trip without the weeks of planning and struggling to figure out where to visit first, consider using our Scotland Road Trip Planner.

Planning a trip to Scotland?

We’ve done the hard work for you!

Grab our complete Scotland travel planner and get:

• 80+ ideas for places to visit
• Maps and itinerary suggestions
• Routes and things to see along the way
• Tips, customs and much much more!

Complied after years of experience touring and exploring Scotland, it contains all the best things to see and do, plus everything you need for incredible Scottish road trips for years to come.

It helps you compile a day-day plan for your trip, removing the stress whilst leaving you plenty of time to enjoy yourself, both before and during your trip!

Where should I go on a road trip in Scotland?

As you’ll see below, there are many (many!) beautiful places to visit in Scotland.

Your exact itinerary will be created from the things you enjoy. We plan our UK road trip itineraries like this and it’s not let us down yet!

For us, we prefer to stay away from big cities when we’re travelling in our motorhome and instead focus on areas like national parks, nature reserves, mountains, waterfalls… you get the idea.

‘Scenic Scotland’ does not disappoint- we’ve seen some of the most breathtaking places on our trips to Scotland, which I share with you in this itinerary.

Having said that, Edinburgh is an incredible city and well worth visiting if you can. So are several others. So don’t write off all towns and cities on your Scotland Road Trip itinerary just yet!

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What is the best road trip in Scotland?

The ‘best road trip in Scotland’ is going to be subjective based on what you enjoy and also what the weather is like!

Certainly, the most famous road trip in Scotland is now the NC500 (North Coast 500 route), which is 516 miles of pure magic around the north of Scotland.

I’ve driven the NC500 in my motorhome and it was fantastic- highly highly recommend it (although NOT in the school holidays as it gets very crowded.)

The NC500 also includes John o’Groats, which has to be one of the most famous points in Scotland. The 10 day Scotland road trip itinerary we’ve included below also includes this landmark.

However, there are several incredibly scenic roads in Scotland which we highly recommend you explore- some of them are perfect for just a few days, while some require a little more time to drive.

How long does it take to road trip Scotland?

Oh, that’s an open question! How long do you have?

Whether you have a weekend, 5 days, 7-10 days or longer, you can absolutely fill your time. I know people who’ve spent 3 months exploring the Scottish Highlands and STILL didn’t see everything they wanted to.

The Scotland road trip itinerary below took us 10 days, but there are some bits you can miss if you only have 7 days for your trip. See our alternative 7-10 day North Coast 500 itinerary here.

Likewise, if you have longer, you can either travel more scenic routes around Scotland (especially on the Highlands tourist route), see more incredible places,  do some more tours around Scotland, taste more whisky or just take your time and linger a while over your favourite places.

When I drove the North Coast 500, I took just under 14 days to do most of the loop. This was just the part in Scotland- it also took me a week to get up there!

TOP TIP for Scotland Road Trips: Be sure not to plan too much into your itinerary, as many of the roads are narrow and slower and you won’t be able to travel as far or as fast as you might expect.

How to travel around Scotland?

Scotland is very well connected to the rest of the UK; at least, the lowlands are. You can easily reach Glasgow and Edinburgh by road, train or air.

If you’re hiring a rental car or renting a motorhome , these are the two cities to aim for as there is so much choice.

Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip?

These might help:

• Discover incredible deals for motorhome/ camper rentals
• Find the best deals for car rental

READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome

Of course, if you’re driving your own vehicle up via England, there are plenty of motorways near the border, so it’s easy to travel around.

Of course, you can use public transport or even a guided tour if you prefer not to drive yourself, but for the purposes of this blog post, we’ll assume you have your own vehicle.

When is the best time to visit Scotland?

If you want to road trip Scotland and would like to increased your chances of enjoying good weather, then the best time to go is either late Spring/ early Summer (May or June) or in early Autumn (September/ October).

This way, you avoid the high crowds AND the midges, which are mostly around in July and August.  

I did my NC500 tour in September/ October and the roads were fairly quiet, I had some fantastic weather (plus a couple of storms) and there were only a few patches with really bad midges. All in all, Autumn is usually a wonderful time for a Scottish adventure!

Want some more ideas for places to see in Autumn? Here are 27 of the best places to experience Autumn in Europe .

Scotland Road Trip Map and Itinerary

The map below shows our 10-day driving route for our tour of Scotland.

We travelled from the Isle of Skye to John o’Groats using the main driving roads (which are quicker), but otherwise, we tried to take scenic roads where possible (although that’s not always easy in a Motorhome!)

Because we only had 10 days, our itinerary missed out the beautiful west coast of Scotland. If you have extra time, I highly recommend doing this coastline (part of the NC500 route) as it contains some of the prettiest views in Scotland.

Our Scotland Itinerary is around 800 miles (1300km), with around 23 hours of actual driving over a 10 day trip.

The map starts on the west coast of Scotland, but, of course, you can do the drive in reverse if you prefer. 

Our Scotland Itinerary planner:

Scotland itinerary ideas- day one.

Start your Scotland tour in either Edinburgh or Glasgow. Of the two, I much prefer Edinburgh…

(That sound you hear is me being skinned alive… one of my best friends comes from Glasgow. Sorry hon xx) 

Edinburgh is the perfect city to dip in and out of. There’s always something going on.

If you’re looking for a relaxing long weekend in the UK, you could fly up to Edinburgh. Similarly, if you only have 3 or 4 days in Scotland, it’s a wonderful start to get a taste of the country.

Don’t miss visiting Edinburgh Castle, which has spectacular views over the rest of the city and Arthur’s Seat.

I also recommend a visit to George Street (grab a cocktail from the Dome) and enjoy the atmosphere, especially around Christamas.

Rose Street and Cockburn Street have wonderful independent boutiques where you can find great gifts (for others or yourself!)

Driving in Edinburgh

Before we go any further… DO NOT DRIVE YOUR MOTORHOME INTO THE MIDDLE OF EDINBURGH.

No. Really.

Let me repeat that so it sinks in.

DO NOT DRIVE YOUR MOTORHOME INTO THE MIDDLE OF EDINBURGH!!! 

We tried it. With a Motorbike trailer on the back.

It did not go well. There are NO Motorhome parking spaces near the City Centre. And the streets are narrow and not designed for lorries, let alone Motorhomes!

We stopped in Edinburgh for a few hours and, honestly, the only thing we did was see Edinburgh Castle- which is beautiful but left us wanting more. I was gutted as I’d already planned a self-guided Harry Potter tour of Edinburgh – yes, really. 

We’re already planning a trip back up sometime… just not with the motorhome!! But from what we saw, there are at least 3 days worth of activities in Edinburgh if you have the time.

If you enjoy food- you’re in for a real treat- Edinburgh has some FANTASTIC eating places. Here are 10 vegan-friendly restaurants in Edinburgh for everyone to enjoy.

Where to stay

There are plenty of places to stay in Edinburgh. If you’re in a motorhome, stay outside the city and get public transport in. I recommend the Edinburgh Caravan and Motorhome club site.

If you’re driving a car, book a hotel with parking, as it can be difficult to find in the city centre. The Sheraton Grand Hotel, which has rooms overlooking Edinburgh Castle, is a brilliant option if you want to treat yourself.

There is PLENTY of things to see and do in Glasgow and you can easily spend a couple of days enjoying the city before you set off on your driving holiday.

TOP TIP – If you’re not from the UK and you don’t really understand football (soccer!), don’t mention football in Glasgow.

The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers fans (both clubs are based in Glasgow) is HUGE and openly supporting the wrong one could end in tears- for you.  Different pubs support different teams and it frequently gets… heated!!

Scotland Road Trip DAY 2- LOCH LOMOND and the Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond National Park

Ok, now that you’ve enjoyed a couple of days in Glasgow or Edinburgh, let’s head up into the ‘real’ Scotland. Loch Lomond is one of my favourite spots,  and is definitely one of the must-visit places in Scotland.

Loch Lomond is actually part of the Trossachs National Park, which has 22 lochs! Loch Lomond is the biggest. You can kayak, paddleboard, canoe and even hire jet-skis in the summer. There are 30 islands on Loch Lomond alone to explore- plenty to keep you occupied if you want to stay for a few days.

The loch is absolutely breathtaking, especially if you’re lucky enough to see it on a sunny day.

Don’t believe me? See it for yourself:

WATCH VIDEO of us at Loch Lomond (and seeing the Harry Potter sites!)

Motorhome Tour Scotland - Wild Camping - Family tours Europe in a Motorhome

Wild camping in scotland.

Wild Camping is regulated within the Trossachs National Park, so be careful where you park up for the night if you’re in a camper. You need to have a permit between March and September and can only stay in approved areas.

Find out more about wild camping in Scotland here

Road Trip Scotland DAY 3- Oban and Fort William

If you have time while you’re touring Scotland, detour to Oban . I LOVE this town- it has the prettiest harbour and in Summer you can do a ferry tour out to some of the islands- well worth the trip on a calm day.

We stayed here in a log cabin a few years ago (before we got our motorhome) and the views were spectacular- especially at night.

I remember standing outside our log cabin and gazing up at the stars in absolute amazement- they were so bright and clear. Magical.

Another detour worth the effort is to Devil’s Pulpit – a hidden waterfall between the rocks. Full directions can be found here .

Fort William is known as ‘the gateway to Ben Nevis’ , which is the UK’s highest peak. It’s also close to Steall Falls – the second highest waterfall in Scotland at 120m and the waterfall in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, in case you’re wondering!! (Check out these other beautiful waterfalls in Europe)

Getting there is about a 2.5 miles walk and takes about 1.5-2 hours depending on how often you stop. It’s suitable for kids, as you can read here.

Scotland Itinerary DAY 4- Harry Potter Time!

Scotland is full of places used in the Harry Potter films. We visited a few of them, all on the way to Mallaig (where the ferry is for the Isle of Skye. In one day we saw:

Glenfinnan Viaduct

This is the viaduct made famous in the Harry Potter films. You can walk right up to the base of it.

You can also ride on the Jacobite Steam train, which is the one used for the film and which goes straight over the viaduct! The train goes from Fort William to Mallaig and does get booked up well in advance, so be sure to book early!

We got our favourite travel drone out and took some amazing shots of the viaduct and Loch Sheil, as you can see in the video above.

This is the loch used as Hogwarts Lake, along with Loch Morar. This is where Buckbeak dips a happy toe (claw?) in the waters in Prisoner of Azkaban.

We parked in the visitor centre on the shores of Loch Shiel, which also allowed a walk up the slope for incredible views of the viaduct, even in the rain!

Dumbledore’s Grave

Loch Eilt, along the same road as the viaduct and Loch Shiel, is where the little island of Eilean na Mòine lies, which played the starring role as the site of Dumbledore’s Grave.

We sent the drone up to get a picture of this beautiful island… but alas, Mr WB is NOT a die-hard Harry Potter fan (boo!) and therefore had no idea which island he was meant to be filming. Bless him, at least he tried!

It’s about an hour drive from the western end of Loch Ness to Mallaig, which is where the ferry to Skye goes from. You can also drive over the bridge to the Skye- but it’s much further north.

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary DAY 5 & 6- Isle of Skye

Search “Isle of Skye” on Google and you’ll get pages and pages of blog posts and itineraries, all waxing lyrical about the beauty of Skye. And they’re right- it is beautiful. And there is loads to see and do.

As long as it’s not raining!!

Our Isle of Skye itinerary contains things to do in the sunshine, but also things to do in the rain- as it rained for 48 hours when we visited!

We are not ‘hike whatever the weather’ people and we really don’t enjoy getting sopping wet climbing a mountain when there’s no view anyway, so you might find that itinerary useful if the weather is looking… unpleasant. 

Having said that, Skye is beautiful and well worth a trip if you’re touring the west coast of Scotland. 

Driving Scotland Day 7- Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness and up to Thurso

Eilean Donan

This was one of our longest driving days- about 5 hours and 350km. Leave Skye and head up towards Thurso, stopping at the incredible Eilean Donan Castle on the way.

We didn’t go inside, as we knew we had a long day ahead of us, but it’s beautiful from the outside. There’s also a little cafe at the carpark here which does a great coffee!

DECISION TIME

At Eilean Donan, you need to make a decision. Do you keep driving up to Loch Ness, or start on the NC500 route ? If you’re going up the western coast, this is where you turn off and start the slower (but probably prettier) roads. If you don’t have the extra time, stick to the faster roads via Loch Ness.

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

You can’t come to Scotland and not stop to search for the Loch Ness monster-especially if you have young children.

Loch Ness village itself is VERY touristy. It’s ok for young kids, but it’s pretty expensive, so if you’re on a budget you might want to keep driving and stop at one of the many laybys alongside the loch.

You can also visit Urquhart castle , which are impressive ruins along the shore of Loch Ness. There is parking here, but it can be limited for Motorhomes, so be prepared to have to park some distance away in high season.

Alternatively, why not treat yourself to a boat trip on Loch Ness and be taken there in style!!

Driving Tips for Scotland

Be aware of your fuel levels on this part of the trip- we passed very few fuel stations.

We did debate going all around the western edge and completing the NC500 (there are some beautiful campsites on the North Coast 500 ), but we only had 10 days for touring Scotland, so we decided to cut across to save time, plus see Loch Ness and to escape the rain!

We used the A87, which passes down the side of Loch Clunie, a hydroelectric dam. It’s a beautiful place for a picnic if the weather is pleasant.

If you have time, Inverness is definitely worth a visit. Again, we made a compromise and chose to visit Orkney instead- we’ll get to that shortly!

Highlands Road Trip Day 8 – John o’Groats and Duncansby Stacks

John o’Groats

John o’Groats is one of those places which is a bit tacky but you need to go just to tick it off the list!

It was great to make it and see the famous post, but the place is a little underwhelming! There are a few tourist shops, a harbour and a snack shack- that’s about it!

We waited for the John o’Groats post to be empty so we could take photos with our motorbikes… and then we felt a little lost.

That’s the weirdest thing about travelling- when you finally get to your destination, it can sometimes feel a little hollow. But we were blessed with INCREDIBLE weather at John o’Groats- definitely made up for the misery of Skye!

Duncansby Stacks

Whilst we were at John o’Groats, we saw a postcard of the Duncansby stacks, which were apparently just down the road! We’d never heard of them before, but they looked pretty, so we decided to pay them a visit.

They’re a little tricky to find but well worth the effort! Basically, head for Duncansby lighthouse and park right next to the lighthouse. Then walk (with the lighthouse on your left) over the field and keep going- you’ll see them from the bottom of that field. PLEASE be careful with kids and dogs… it’s a sheer cliff and a long drop.

Here’s the first EVER video where we flew our drone over the sea… the views of the shoreline and the rocks are incredible.

NC500 - SCOTLAND road trip - Duncansby Stacks - DJI mavic pro drone

Dunnet head.

We stayed at Dunnet Bay campsite near John o’Groats for a couple of nights, which allowed us to ride our motorbikes and leave the motorhome somewhere safe. If you’re looking for a beautiful spot to stay, we highly recommend this campsite- lovely wardens, great little shop and stunning location right on the beach!! Just look at this view!!

Day 9 – One day trip to Orkney

We didn’t plan to visit Orkney during our Scotland road trip- and we definitely didn’t plan to visit Orkney on our motorbikes.

However, the day after we visited John o’Groats, the weather was still beautiful and we learnt we could get to Orkney by ferry for just the day- so we did! It is a beautiful place, although VERY busy in July and full of tourists.

Still, if you have the time, you should try to add Orkney into your itinerary. If you don’t want to drive, there are guided tours by coach which go all day, so book yourself onto one of them. 

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary Day 10- Dunrobin Castle and Aviemore

Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle is possibly one of our favourite castles . It’s about a 90-minute drive south from Thurso. It’s the largest castle in the Northern Highlands- and set in the most breathtaking scenery! You can pay to walk the gardens, but we decided to press on and head south before the rain closed in.

Aviemore & The Cairngorms

If you enjoy hiking and national parks, you need to put the Cairngorms onto your bucket list. It’s the largest National Park in the UK and was voted as one of the top 20 places to visit IN THE WORLD by National Geographic.

The park is 4500 square kms and contains a fantastic mixture of mountains, scenic views, castles, whiskey distilleries and outdoor pursuits.

One of the most popular reasons to visit is hiking.  There are multiple trails and walks within the park (you can purchase guidebooks at the tourist offices), or you can just turn up and wander wherever you fancy.

Dog walking is allowed, but the area is full of wildlife, so please be cautious and obey local signage. A word of caution – the weather can change VERY quickly in this area, so please carry appropriate equipment/ clothing.

If hiking isn’t for you, how about another sport? Within the Cairngorms you can enjoy cycling, skiing (in winter), golf, fishing, kayaking, rafting, swimming, windsurfing or gorgewalking. There are several watersports centres in the park and they offer lessons and gear hire.

Aviemore is in the Cairngorms National Park and is Scotland’s winter sports mecca, but there’s plenty to do in the summer too, including a visit to the famous Speyside Distilleries.

Restaurants and shops were open, as were many outdoor activities for all ages. The Aviemore website is a great place to find out more. 

If you’re not wild camping in Scotland in a motorhome or camper, there are plenty of places to stay within the park, including local B & Bs, hotels, hostels, campsites and log cabins.

The Perfect Scotland Itinerary idea

As you’ve seen, this Scotland driving itinerary can be adapted to suit all tastes, vehicles, abilities and durations.

If you’ve only got a few days in Scotland, don’t cram too much in- you’ll get overwhelmed and exhausted.

Conversely, if you’re retired and have no deadline, take your time to really explore the culture and heritage of this wonderful country.

Some things you need to know about Scotland before you go.

• Scotland is part of the UK, so they speak English * I really want to insert a bad Scottish joke here… but I’ll be good! ;)*
• British Pound is the currency. Don’t worry if you get notes saying ‘Bank of Scotland’ instead of Bank of England- they are all Pound Sterling (although some places in England get funny about taking Bank of Scotland notes- there’s no reason for this; it’s perfectly legal tender.) 
• There is another language in Scotland called Gaelic (pronounced GAH-LICK) which is technically the National language, but only 1% of the population speak it. You might see some signs in Gaelic around the country, but there will always be an English version too! (It’s the same in Wales- see our Wales road trip itinerary ideas here )
• Driving in Scotland isn’t any scarier than anywhere else with mountains. They drive on the left, just like the rest of the UK.
• There is no proper border between Scotland and England, so you can explore Scotland from England without taking a passport. We drove right up after our England Road Trip
• Scotland has an amazing law called Right to Roam. It allows you much more freedom to wild camp in your vehicle (with certain restrictions of course.)

Weather in Scotland- is it suitable for a driving holiday?

For us, it rained solidly for 3 days on the west coast- the Isle of Skye was a complete washout, even in July, but up at John o’Groats it was beautiful weather- so we detoured and went up there instead!

My suggestion is to plan your itinerary on Google Maps , and then be as flexible as possible to work around the weather. This is obviously easier if you are touring Scotland in a camper, instead of driving in a car and using hotels, but do the best you can.

The weather in Scotland can change very quickly, so please dress appropriately and take suitable clothing if hiking etc.

What is the best month to visit Scotland?

If you’re driving in Scotland, the best months to visit are April- October. Roads should be free of snow then and the temperature is warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities. Our favourite time to visit Scotland is June or October. (Want more ideas for October travel? Here are 15 of the best places to enjoy Europe in October )

When is peak tourist season in Scotland?

UK school holidays are July and August. I would try to avoid these if you possibly can.

Where is the most beautiful place in Scotland?

There are too many to pick just one and a lot will depend on the weather. Personally, I love Loch Lomond and Glen Coe, Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan viaduct- but that was because I’m a Harry Potter nerd.

I also love the Cairngorms and the Scottish highlands are always breathtaking- you need to include them on your Scotland road trip!

But some of the most beautiful places on mainland Scotland have to be on the western coast- the beaches are stunning. So are the fairy pools on Skye if you get them on a sunny day.

Don’t forget to grab our free list of 57 best (and secret!) places in Scotland (which includes the pyramid in Scotland!

What is the best way to travel around Scotland?

In my opinion, a road trip holiday is the best way to see Scotland- and by that I mean a self-drive holiday, not a tour. Having your own vehicle allows you to set your own itinerary, plan your visits, pick the best roads in Scotland and generally be more in control.

Having a motorhome or campervan will further increase your flexibility and allow you to choose the scenic route based on weather or interest, not on hotels you’ve booked. 

How far are the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh?

Did you know there is actually a place called Highland in the Scottish Highlands?? Driving time from Edinburgh to Highland is 3 hours and 15 minutes (157 miles)

How long does it take to drive to Scotland?

Well, this obviously depends on where you’re starting from (!) but driving to Scotland (from London to Edinburgh) takes about 7 and a half hours.

If you’ve been road tripping in Cornwall and want to drive from Lands End to John o’Groats, it will take you about 15 hours non-stop.

How long does it take to tour Scotland?

As long as you have- or as long as you let it!! 🙂 If you are lucky enough to have longer than a couple of weeks to explore Scotland, there are LOADS of places to visit you can add into your itinerary. 

Have you visited Scotland? Where was your favourite place? If you haven’t, where would you like to go first?

How else can I help you today??

Planning a Scotland road trip? You might find these posts useful:

• How to get to Orkney (and what to do when you’re there!)
• The PERFECT Isle of Skye Itinerary
• How to plan the perfect UK road trip
• Scotland- complete Travel Guide

See all our Scotland tips and ideas

See all our UK travel itineraries and tips

Want to save this list for later? Here’s the pin.

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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The ONLY North Coast 500 Itinerary & Route PLANNER You Need

28 comments.

Love love love this itinerary (and all the Harry Potter references). Scottland has been on my list for a while and this post just organizes everything beautifully. Love the pictures! That Isle of Skye does look amazing but I hear you, when it’s raining and miserable outside, just give me a hot bowl of soup or something and a cozy place to sit in and watch the rain… Great itinerary! hope I’ll get to explore Scottland soon.

Hi Maya- thanks for your lovely comments. And yes- having somewhere to hide away is so useful!! That’s why we love touring Scotland by motorhome or camper- you have your own cozy space to relax in. Hope you make it there soon! 🙂

Thanks for sharing an incredible amount of things to do and see in your Scotland driving itinerary. I would really love to get to the Isle of Skye, the Duncansby Stacks and Dunnet Head for those incredible coasts and views. Have added these to my list of “must-dos” for a future driving trip to Scotland!

Yes! Driving tours of Scotland are the best! 🙂 Let me know how it goes

Loved this post. A motorhome/motorbike combo sounds perfect for a trip like this. We keep meaning to go to Scotland (we only live in Manchester ? but never make it – this itinerary might just be the push we need to hire a camper and do it!

I know- we were the same!! It’s almost too close… but totally worth the effort.

Wow that’s a very comprehensive post! I’ve done a similar trip to Scotland so can relate. Thanks for sharing!

This is a wonderful itinerary— especially intrigued by Dunrabie Castle which I’ll aim to see next time I’m in scotland. Even though I don’t ride a motorcycle this itinerary is clearly one to keep.

Hope you get to see it- it’s a beautiful castle. And any form of transport works- car, motorhome, campervan, cycle! 🙂

This is an epic trip! Scotland has been on our list for too long, and this post may just be the thing that finally gets things moving.

Awesome! I hope you make it to Scotland one day 🙂

Wow I had no idea Scotland was this beautiful ! I am doing some Europe travel next year – I’ve never been ! Your pics are amazing ! Valetie

WOW. You have just skyrocketed Scotland up to the top of my bucket list! What a beautiful country and your photos are just divine. I’m now trying to see if I can squeeze it into my 2019 travel plans 🙂

I knew Scotland was gorgeous but WOW is it gorgeous. Sadly I’ve only ever been to Glasgow and Edinburgh (like you I prefer Edinburgh) but haven’t had the opportunity to explore the countryside. But, it’s something I would love very much to do. thank you for such a wonderful guide. I’ll certainly be referencing it when I finally have time to explore.

What would be an expected rental rate for a Motor home for two weeks?

What would be a rental rate for a Motor home for two weeks?

Hi Mike, that will depend on a lot of things, like time of year, destination, group size and driver experience.

So assume I would be there in the Summer months and would be there with a party of two. Little experience with an RV but have been driving for 40 + years. What would be a ball park number to use for the cost of the RV rental for a two week period?

That is easy enough to find on your own. Just search/google for “motor home rentals Scotland”. There are several vendors. Find one that will be near where you are arriving. Then search for the right size, etc, and enter your travel dates. You can easily get quotes.

I recently searched for the larger motor homes that sleep 5-6( or in my case, 4 adults/teens). For one week out of Edinburgh, it was going to run me about 1100 GBP before adding any extras (like insurance, bedding, etc).

I am seriously considering camping through Scotland. It would be one week out of a possible 3 week itinerary. Camping seemed like a great way to experience it.

Brilliant post! We’re off to Scotland in August so have already saved this pin to help us with our planning. Need to watch the Harry Potter films again I think! 🙂 Thanks for sharing Kat.

Fantastic! Have a wonderful time- let me know how it goes!

We drove much of the same itinerary and found Scotland to be more beautiful than any photos we have ever seen. I would like to go back and see more. One highlight of our tour was the Applecross Penninsula. No tourbuses fit onto those roads, so a large motor home would be a bit challenging. Bikers seemed to abound out at the Applecross Inn. We did spend a few days in Edinburgh. It is delightful. I returned for a few days the next year and spent all of my time without a car exploring the city centre. Warning. Parking spots are ridiculously difficult to find near Edinburgh Castle. Also, a mound is not like an ant hill as I thought. A mound is between the height of a hill and a mountain and steep for walking.

Really great Scotland itinerary covering all the highlights. We spent 7 days just covering the North, a kind of adapted NSC500. We had the most glorious weather. We even got sunburnt!! I have to say though, the photos just don’t look as good in bright sunlight! The only day we had a bit of mist and wain was the day we got the best photos. It actually looked like we were in Scotland!!

Thanks for sharing all the tips. We want to go back to continue adding to our Scottish photography portfolio and we’ve now got inspiration for extra places!

really awesome posts about Scotland travel

Thanks so much- glad you enjoyed it.

Brilliant Scotland guide!! If anyone ever gets the chance to pass through Gretna Green then the Famous Blacksmiths Shop is a brilliant stop-off point They’re a 5-star tourist attraction with a museum, shopping and food, plus their own hotels. Really handy to break up a journey if you’re travelling on the M6, especially with family. 🙂

Glad you liked it Lou. And thanks for the tip.

Great post! Thanks for the info, can’t wait to visit 🙂

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Epic Road Trips In

Scottish Road Safety

 There is no doubt that Scottish roads are beautiful and scenic but they can also be difficult to navigate and occasionally overwhelming if you’re new to Scotland (and sometimes even if you’re not!).  Whether you’re worried about driving on the left, understanding road signs, or following the rules of the road, we have a full article covering some of our road safety recommendations which you can read here .  Stay safe during your Scotland road trip with our quick guide to things like…

Driving on the left

Speed limits

Ready for your scotland road trip.

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Scotland is the perfect destination for your next road trip, with its stunning natural beauty, incredible historical attractions and vibrant cities. From majestic mountains to beautiful lochs and glens, you’ll be in awe of this remarkable country – plus it’s easy to navigate by car! Get ready to explore castles steeped in history , take in spectacular views and sample some tasty traditional dishes. Sit back while we guide you through everything you need to know when planning your dream Scotland road trip! Written by native Scots, this site aims to arm you with all of the insider knowledge you’ll need to make your trip to Scotland one of the most memorable yet. Buckle up!

 The greatest road trip I have ever been on and I have been to over 70 countries.  Simply nothing beats the stunning beauty and rawness of Scotland. Every time we visit there’s something new to discover. 

Glen Coe is something else: it’s impossible to put into words but I promise you, drive through it once and you will feel something you have never felt before.

Grand Tour Borders to Orkney

Our Grand Tour of Scotland route takes you on a comprehensive journey from the rolling hills and ruined abbeys of the Borders, to the standing stones of Orkney.

The road trip takes you up Scotland's West coast and then follows the NC500 route around the Northern extremes of the Scottish mainland.

The Grand Tour itinerary can be done in 14 days , but we include lots of day trip options so you can use this guide for planning a trip of a much longer duration.

Allow a minimum of 11 days to drive this tour route. The guide also contains extra day trip suggestions for extending the tour to 3 – 4 weeks.

PLEASE NOTE: The Guides come in the format of PDF files. After payment, you will receive an automated email that enables you to access your Scotland Tour Itinerary.

Money Back Guarantee

We are so confident that you’ll be delighted with your guide that we offer a full Money Back Guarantee. Read More .

Tour Stats :

Guide Updated - 4 February 2024

Core Route Mileage:

Approximately 944 miles / 1520 Km

Tour Duration:

11 to 21 Days

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Tour summary.

We provide directions for a choice of 3 walking routes for discovering the Capital City. The guide also details a choice of attractions that can be visited around Edinburgh by bus and train.

Edinburgh Day Trips – There is enough to keep you busy in Edinburgh for several days so you can continue to explore the city, but we also supply a choice of driving day trips that cover:

• East Lothian where you can visit some spectacular castle ruins, a distillery, pretty villages and embark on boat trips to Bass Rock.
• West Lothian where you can see places that have featured in “ Outlander ” (e.g. Linlithgow Palace, Blackness castle, Midhope castle and Hopetoun house).
• St Andrews , where there is much more than a golf course to discover. We also guide you to explore the photogenic fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife.

Stopover in Edinburgh

Head south from Edinburgh to the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders and the country beloved by Sir Walter Scott . The route takes you to the famous Rosslyn chapel and the charming market town of Peebles . For a sense of time stood still, you can visit the oldest continually inhabited house in Scotland and learn the legend behind the gates that have been locked for over 250 years.

Near Melrose, you can visit Abbotsford House , the country home built by Sir Walter Scott. The writer died here in 1832 and his family preserved the main rooms of the house in almost exactly the same state that he had left them in. Our route guides you to his favourite viewpoint over the Eildon Hills and you can also visit his grave in nearby Dryburgh Abbey .

Of course, The Borders is famous for its Abbeys and we give you a tour that lets you visit the religious ruins in Melrose, Dryburgh, Kelso and Jedburgh. By way of contrast, you could also visit Floors Castle , the palatial home of the Duke of Buccleuch and his family. The wealth on display is quite astounding and it is incredible that all of this can still belong to one family,

Driving Distance: ~47 miles to Melrose / ~64 miles to Jedburgh

Stopover in Melrose / Jedburgh Area.

Returning towards Edinburgh, you follow the path of an old Roman Road to the outskirts of the capital. We then guide you to skirt past Edinburgh to pick up the motorway that speeds you across to Stirling and the start of a drive through the Trossachs .

Travelling west, you can break the journey with a visit to Doune Castle , which starred as “Castle Leoch” in the “ Outlander ” TV show. We also recommend a small detour to the photogenic Falls of Dochart  in Killin. Whilst visiting Killin, you can follow our tips to find nearby standing stones and spooky castle ruins.

Continuing along the route of an old Cattle Drover’s road, you arrive at Loch Awe , the longest loch in Scotland. Kilchurn castle is an impressive stronghold that guards the eastern approaches of this historically strategic passage to the west coast. The path to Kilchurn castle is easy to miss, but our directions will guide you to this photogenic ruin.

The day ends in Oban where you can indulge in a tasting session at Oban Distillery followed by a memorable dinner in one of the town’s great choice of seafood restaurants .

Driving Distance: ~162 miles

Stopover in Oban Area.

You start with a drive north to Loch Leven where you may wish to detour into Glen Coe for a photo stop. From Loch Leven to Skye we provide 3 different journey options to get to Skye by either the bridge or the ferry.

OPTION 1 : If taking the Mallaig ferry to Skye you can take a short drive via the “ Road to the Isles ” which will take you past Glenfinnan and the Silver Sands of Morar . You have a good chance of seeing the Jacobite steam train as the railway closely follows the path of the road. Driving Distance: ~87 miles (plus a ~40 minute ferry crossing) – Oban to Mallaig ferry via Fort William

OPTION 2 : The alternative route to the Skye ferry is a longer drive via a meandering road through the wilderness and forests of Sunart and Moidart . The scenery in this area is magnificent and it is all the better for the lack of other tourists. Driving Distance: ~98 miles (plus a ~40 minute ferry crossing) – Oban to Mallaig ferry via Sunart

OPTION 3 : If travelling via the Skye bridge , you don’t need to plan your day around a ferry crossing so you might wish to schedule time for a cable car ride, or a short hike in Glen Nevis. Eilean Donan castle is a “must see” on this route, but we also supply directions for a small detour to one of the best viewpoints in Scotland. Driving Distance: ~120 miles – Oban to Skye Bridge

Stopover in Skye & Lochalsh area

Skye is a large island with many of the places of interest located at the end of single track roads. As a result, you are limited in how much you can cover in a day and you need to schedule at least a 2 night stopover.

• Discover Skye - We provide directions for a tour that includes the famous scenic landmarks of Skye as well as Dunvegan Castle, Talisker Distillery, craft shops, tearooms, pubs and walks. More than enough to fill 2 whole days on Skye. Driving Distance: ~138 miles
• Alternative Day Trip around Loch Alsh & Loch Hourn - Skye can be a very busy place so we also provide directions for a tour around this quieter area where you can visit Eilean Donan castle, take in one of our favourite viewpoints, soak up the atmosphere at mysterious Iron Age Brochs , or enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the remotest tearooms in Scotland. You can return to Skye via a tiny car ferry that operates from Easter – October.

We guide you on a route through scenery that we think is the best in Scotland. If you really want to explore away from the “beaten track”, you can follow an alternative longer route around the remote Applecross Peninsula using a road that was only completed in 1975!!! The drive includes a visit to the very pretty village of Plockton and the famous botanic gardens at Inverewe . Despite lying further north than Moscow, the mild west coast climate enables all sorts of sub tropical plants to thrive in this Highland oasis.

The guide gives you directions to find a cozy waterside inn with a restaurant where you dine whilst enjoying beautiful sunsets.

Driving Distance: ~77 miles

Stopover in the Gairloch / Laide Area

You continue up the West coast through a landscape of magnificent Highland scenery to the active fishing village of Ullapool. Along the route you can explore some great beaches and test your courage by crossing a 200 feet deep gorge on a bouncy little foot bridge.

When you get to Ullapool , you can watch the fishing boat activity in the harbour and then sample the fresh catch in an award winning fish & chip shop. 

You can end the drive in Ullapool, but we also provide directions for a visit to Lochinver via the Inverpollaidh Nature Reserve . The landscape of Inverpollaidh is defined by the distinctive peaks of Stac Pollaidh , Suilven and Canisp . These mountains emerge like icebergs from an expanse of wild moorland. If you feel energetic, Stac Pollaidh can be done in ~3 hours, but the last ascent to the true summit of the mountain is a bit too scary and difficult for most.

Driving Distance: ~55 miles (Gairloch to Ullapool)

Stopover in Ullapool or Lochinver

This is a drive through a truly wild landscape where nature rules and you can drive for miles without seeing a house. There aren’t many man-made attractions along this route, but this is compensated for by the geology which has created dramatic mountains, rugged coastlines and some glorious sandy bays.

One of the “must sees” is the impressive cavern at Smoo Cave . It is possible to take guided walks into the caves, but to do this you first need to take a small boat ride.

From Durness , you travel east along the northern coast of Scotland and the landscape becomes gradually flatter as you approach Thurso. This is a region that suffered terribly during the Highland Clearances when whole communities were destroyed to make way for sheep. There are several good museums that tell the story of the people that once lived here.

The drive ends in Thurso , but you could also catch a late ferry to Orkney and we have supplied details of the various ferry services available.

Driving Distance: ~140 miles

Stopover in Thurso or Orkney Islands

If you don't have time to stay a few nights on Orkney you have the option of a day trip visit. The guide provides details of a recommended organised day trip that takes you around the best tourist attractions without the hassle of taking your car.  PLEASE NOTE: This day trip service is not running in 2024.

Stopover in Thurso

ALTERNATIVELY - Stay on Orkney – If you have time, you may wish to spend several nights in the Orkney Islands and we have provided a guide that gives you all the information you need for planning an extended stay. The guide includes suggestions for 4 days trips to explore the Orkney Mainland and the smaller islands of Hoy and Rousay . We guide you to all the famous sites of Orkney (Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe, Skara Brae, Italian Chapel, Old Man of Hoy), plus lots of quieter attractions that the are missed by the mainstream tourist trail.

As always, we recommend walks, picnic spots, the best value attractions and restaurants.

Stopover on the Orkney Islands

From Thurso, we guide you across empty moorlands to the North Sea where you turn southwards to follow a road that hugs a coastline of rugged windswept cliffs. The route is punctuated by austere little villages perched above rocky inlets that once sheltered fleets of fishing boats.

Highlights along the route are Dunrobin Castle , the ornate home of the Dukes of Sutherland, the opportunity for a whisky tasting at Glenmorangie Distillery and a wander around the picturesque village of Dornoch with its charming little cathedral and famous golf course.

For the last leg to Inverness, we propose a choice of routes that let you choose between visits to a pretty Victorian spa town where you can sample the mineral waters, OR a short ferry crossing to the Black Isle where you may see some wild dolphins in the Cromarty Firth.

Driving Distance: ~112 miles

Stopover in Inverness area

Inverness is a great base for exploring the Highlands and we supply you with directions for a range of day trips so you can extend the time that you spend in the Inverness area.

• Moray Coast - A historical tour of Moray with its historical attractions and scenic coastline. This day trip features the highlights of Culloden , Clava Cairns , Cawdor Castle and Elgin Cathedral .
• Glen Affric - A scenic drive into Glen Affric where you can see the last remains of the Ancient Caledonian Forest . This route includes options to explore a Neolithic stone circle, a forgotten Clan burial ground and a 150 foot high waterfall in a lovely woodland setting.
• Loch Ness – This day trip does a complete circular tour of the loch with time to take a cruise , visit the “ Nessie ” exhibitions and wander the ruins of Urquhart castle .

Within a few miles of Inverness you can travel through 4,000 years of history. The route passes the Bronze Age burial cairns at Clava , the 14th century Cawdor Castle , which is still home to the Countess of Cawdor, and Culloden Battlefield , where the tragic events of 1746 changed the Highlands forever.

Travelling southwards, the road passes through the Spey valley where you have options for detours to explore the whisky distilleries that Speyside is famed for. From Speyside, you climb over the Cairngorm mountains . This is a great road with wide open vistas and fast sweeping bends. If you aren't driving too fast, you can keep a look out for Grouse popping their heads above the heather.

After the high plateau of the Cairngorms, you descend to the neat little villages of Ballater and Braemar in Royal Deeside. This region is synonymous with Queen Victoria and still has strong connections with the Royal family. Consequently,  Balmoral castle  is the obvious place to visit in this area, but there are many more castles here with much longer histories that are worth exploring.

Driving Distance: ~78 miles

Stopover in Royal Deeside

A journey of contrasting scenery that starts by following the path of an old Military road that climbs through Glen Shee . As you travel southwards, the landscapes change from the mountains of the Cairngorms to the rolling hills and woodlands of Perthshire .

We suggest a journey break in the picturesque Victorian spa town of Pitlochry where you will find a cluster of interesting tourist attractions such as Blair Castle , the famous Salmon Ladder , the woodlands of Killiecrankie Pass and a couple of Whisky distilleries .

From Pitlochry to Stirling, the route follows the fast main roads to allow you more time for sightseeing. Along the way, you can break the driving with a visit to the romantic ruins of Dunkeld Cathedral which is set in a conservation village of 18th century houses. We also recommend a small detour to a very interesting little castle that most tourists miss. And you could enjoy a very expensive afternoon tea at the luxurious Gleneagles hotel .

The day ends in the historically important town of Stirling, which has been the focal point of two of the most decisive battles in the Scottish Wars of Independence. We recommend that you allow ~2 hours for a full tour of Stirling castle so you may prefer to leave this attraction until the morning of the following day.

Driving Distance: ~115 miles

Stopover in Stirling area

Depending on your schedule, you may wish to spend a morning visiting the attractions of Stirling (e.g. Stirling Castle , Wallace Monument , Bannockburn Battlefield ), OR you can simply take the short drive from Stirling to Edinburgh / Glasgow .

The directions for the return to Edinburgh include the option of a visit to South Queensferry, to get up close to the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, and a small detour to discover a charming little village hidden in the city’s suburbs.

Driving Distance: ~38 miles to Edinburgh / ~43 miles to Glasgow

Stopover in Edinburgh or Glasgow area.

Tour Gallery

Accommodation

To help you book the best places to stay, we offer a guide to Recommended Accommodation along the route of this tour.

We personally visit all the accommodation featured in the guides and only select places where we would wish to stay ourselves. Read More...

When you "Checkout" , you will have the option to buy the Accommodation Guide.

Preview Accommodation Guide

Car Hire - How to Save Money

When you buy a Secret Scotland Tour Itinerary you will receive a Discount Code that gets you a 10% reduction on the cost of Car Hire from Arnold Clark Rental .

Simply use the Secret Scotland code when you book via the Arnold Clark website and your car hire discount will automatically apply.

Testimonials

I convinced my other half to get the Scenic Tour 4-5 Days guide (even though he very much wanted to do it all himself), and it was the best experience ever. In fact, ever since this trip, we're trying to re-create the experience. Of course, Scotland can hardly let anyone down, but this guide truly made it an adventure. We found so many hidden and not so hidden gems, and everything was perfectly laid out for us so that all we had to do was decide how much time we had and what we wanted to see next. I can't recommend it enough and wish more guides like this existed!

Excellent! We thought the information provided was fantastic and allowed us to see things I am sure we would have missed. Mike was very helpful in sending the itinerary through again for us when we had trouble with our downloads. Would definitely recommend this site. We have been travelling for a number of years and normally would just rely on the internet and books but decided to give this a go. So glad we did.

Secret Scotland is EXCEPTIONAL in providing guidance for itinerary planning and accommodation referrals for those wanting a self guided driving vacation in Scotland.... Simple to use.  Thorough in suggesting ‘must see’ venues. Complete - sites, restaurants, pubs and experiences.” That is how I would describe what they do and provide.  Exceptional accommodation recommendations. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

The itinerary Secret Scotland provided was a trip saver. We loved the suggestions for sight seeing, eating, and places to stay, but the best part was the detailed driving directions. Driving on the opposite side of the road from the opposite side of the car was a little easier without having to worry about how to get there! We will definitely use this service the next time we visit Scotland!

Secret Scotland's itineraries, accommodations guides, and other resources are incredible value with great attention to detail.  Their owners, Mike and Aury, are experienced and honest, and they helped us so much as we attempted to narrow down a very long list of things we hoped to do during our time in Scotland.  I feel so much more prepared for our trip and can now just look forward to our approaching vacation!

We have just got back from an EXCELLENT holiday following the Borders to Orkney route suggestions. We can't say enough about how much the detailed information enhanced our experience in Scotland. We had a wonderful time seeing so many interesting sites that we would have passed by without your guide. Thank you so much.

These guys really are the best.  We used Mike's Flexi Days East to West itinerary last July and it was truly indispensable.  His itinerary is full of detail, including driving directions and options.  Mike is also very responsive if you have any questions.  We had such a wonderful time we are going back again this year, and we will be using his itineraries again for our planning.  I would also recommend his accommodations guide.

Just like pictures of Scotland can’t do justice to the magnificence of the actual landscape, words can’t do justice to the brilliance and sheer volume of work you put in your guide. The level of detail provided on each stopover sheet, in all the different itinerary options and on all the B&B features exceeded even my most crazy expectations.

Mike and Aurey from Secret Scotland prepared a fantastic itinerary for us. It was a huge ingredient in the success and huge enjoyment that we got from our trip. It was absolutely worth every penny and there is no way we could have seen so much and so well without their itinerary. We felt like we belonged in Scotland, we knew what we were doing and what it all meant at every step. We recommend their services wholeheartedly. Scotland is such a marvelous place. Thank you Mike and Aurey... and we will be back!

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The Ultimate Scotland Road Trip Itinerary You Should Steal

February 25, 2020 //  by  Follow Me Away //   2 Comments

If you have found yourself reading this article, you must be planning a Scotland road trip! Scotland is a gorgeous and fascinating nation in the north of the United Kingdom known for its natural beauty, moody weather, and large collection of cool castles. With so many fun things to do and wonderful sights to see, Scotland makes for the perfect country to travel by car. When you rent a car, you gain the freedom to go wherever your heart desires. And your heart should definitely desire Scotland!

This driving tour of Scotland will point you in the right direction for your trip, but feel free to adjust it for your own time restraints and interests. The route of this Scotland itinerary will take you in a clockwise circle around the whole nation so there will be no area unseen. If you have the time, you can add Scotland onto a larger U.K. road trip , but even if Scotland is your only destination, you are sure to have a trip you will not soon forget!

Don’t forget to check out our Detailed Road Trip Packing List so you don’t forget any essentials for your trip!

Begin Your Scotland Road Trip By Flying Into Edinburgh

Start your Scotland road trip by flying into the country’s capital, Edinburgh. Hopefully, you spent some time on the flight practicing the proper pronunciation of the city to avoid stares from the locals. Say “Ed-in-bruh” to sound at least a wee bit Scottish. The way this Scotland itinerary is written, you will end your trip in Edinburgh as well and fly out of the same airport.

Renting A Car For Your Scotland Itinerary

Once you are off the plane and find your luggage, it is time to rent your car. There are plenty of car rental places at the airport, so you will not have to go far. To avoid stress and get the best deal, consider looking at AutoEurope before you fly out. This website compares prices of all major rental companies and assures you get the best rate. This is one of the BEST ROAD TRIPS IN EUROPE so you are in for a real treat and a memorable experience!

When choosing your car, do not get anything too big, as the roads in Scotland are fairly narrow. Always get insurance and think about getting a GPS to avoid getting lost.

Remember, if you are coming from a country that drives on the right, you will now be driving on the left. This can take a few days to get used to. If you have a passenger, they can help you stay where you need to be. Similarly, you may want to rent an automatic instead of manual transmission since it might be difficult to use your opposite hand to shift gears.

Stop 1:  Begin Your Scotland Road Trip in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a mostly compact city, so even though you have a car, it is possible to walk between most of the main attractions. As Scotland’s capital, this city is perfect for the start of your trip and gives you an opportunity to dip your feet into Scottish culture and life. With a pretty, old town atmosphere, you will love Edinburgh! If possible, plan on staying at least one or two nights.

Noteworthy Things to Do In Edinburgh

Hike arthur’s seat.

Just on the edge of the city, you will find Arthur’s Seat, a 250-meter extinct volcano that is a popular hike for locals and tourists. You will have to plan for about two hours to make it to the summit and back. It is an easy enough hike, but make sure you wear proper shoes and bring plenty of water. From the top, you will receive amazing, panoramic views of the city nestled below.

Visit Edinburgh Castle

The Edinburgh Castle sits prominently on Castle Rock and can be spotted throughout the city. At the castle, you will be able to learn about its history and the people that once lived there as well as get beautiful views of the city and a look at the Crown Jewels.

Book Here:  Edinburgh Castle Ticket

Learn Scottish History at the National Museum of Scotland

Head over to the National Museum of Scotland in order to walk through Scotland’s history, from the nation’s geological beginning to today. You’ll be able to see art, historic artifacts, and more of the 10,000 items on display. Plus, entry is free!

Enjoy the Beautiful Royal Botanic Garden

With over 70 acres and thousands of plants, the Royal Botanic Garden is a worthwhile stop on your Scotland road trip. You can wander the expansive gardens for free, but entry to the glasshouses, which are like giant greenhouses, will set you back a few pounds.

Stroll Cute Streets

Edinburgh really is a charming town with beautiful architecture and a great atmosphere, so you may want to take time on your stay to stroll along some of the many cute streets the city has to offer. Consider walking the famous Royal Mile, the charming Victoria Street, or the pretty Princes Street which is bordered by a beautiful garden. These three streets intersect, so you shouldn’t get lost! 

Take a Harry Potter Walking Tour

If you are a Harry Potter fan, then Edinburgh is the perfect destination! J.K. Rowling wrote a large portion of the series here and it seems there is an inspiration for the books around every corner. To see it all, book an informative walking tour.

Book Here:  Edinburgh: Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

There are many great choices of places to stay in Edinburgh, most of which are near the old town city center and easy walking distance to many top sights. No matter your price range, there is something for you! There are many accommodations under $200.

Affordable:  Richmond Place Apartments –  Cute, studio apartment 650-feet from the old town area. Check rates here !

Mid-Range:   St Giles Apartments – Modern apartment near the Grassmarket. Check rates here !

Luxury:  Royal Mile Apartment – Private apartment right in the thick of things! Check rates here !

Stop 2:  Glasgow

Glasgow is a port city on the River Clyde and the largest city in Scotland. Since it is only about an hour’s drive from Edinburgh it makes sense to have it as the second stop on your Scotland road trip. Like the previous city, Glasgow is full of fun things to do and beautiful, Victorian architecture. One full day should be enough to see the main spots, but you can stay longer to explore more.

Interesting Things to Do in Glasgow

Glasgow is a city full of museums of all sorts, and you can’t go wrong checking a few out while in the city. One of the top museums is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which has a gorgeous exterior and holds 22 galleries of art and history inside. Another popular museum is the Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel, which has any type of transport you can think of as well as interactive displays.

You might also like the Scottish Football Museum, the Glasgow Science Center, the Gallery of Modern Art, or the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art.

Visit the Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis

Wander over to the Glasgow Cathedral, a beautiful and imposing building dating back to 1197. When you are done exploring the church check out the Glasgow Necropolis alongside it. This Victorian-era cemetery might not be everyone’s idea of a pleasant stroll, but it is a calm place to soak up the history only an ancient cemetery can provide.

Tour the University of Glasgow

Next to Kelvingrove Park, you will find the beautifully crafted, 18th-century styled University of Glasgow. You can take a self-guided tour of the campus and soak in the Old World college life. Make sure to check out the amazing cloisters while you are there.

Check out the City’s Street Art

Glasgow is drenched in beautiful, intricately detailed, and large-scale pieces of street art. If you want to see all the best pieces and gain some insight into the art, think about booking a walking tour dedicated to it.

Book Here:  Glasgow: Street Art Guided Walking Tour

Where to Stay in Glasgow

Like any large city, Glasgow is not short on accommodations for tourists, and you are sure to find the perfect place to spend the night.

Affordable:  Sandyford Hotel – Nice hotel near a park. Check rates here !

Mid-Range:  Jurys Inn Glasgow – Large hotel overlooking the River Clyde. Check rates here !

Luxury:   The Spires Glasgow – Apartment suite in the city center. Check rates here !

Stop 3:  Castle Hop Your Way North

From Glasgow, you will drive north on your way to Glencoe, but not without needing to stop multiple times to see some of the nearly dozen castles in the mountainous area between the two cities. Listed below are four of the best castles to find along the way.

Castles to See on Your Scotland Road Trip

Balloch castle.

The closest of these castles to Glasgow, Balloch Castle is a stately structure right on Loch Lomond with a ship filled harbor nearby. This small castle no longer allows access to the inside, but it still possible to enjoy from the outside.

Kilchurn Castle

Another hour and twenty-minute drive will bring you to one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, Kilchurn Castle, which sits on a small peninsula jutting out into Loch Awe. The castle is free to visit.

Dunstaffnage Castle

The next castle is a fortress also found on the water and was built in 1240. This castle in Scotland does cost a few pounds to enter. To get here, drive west from Kilchurn Castle

Castle Stalker

Now, take the curving road up to Castle Stalker, another beautiful castle. This ruin is on a small island just off the coast and can easily be seen from the shore.

Stop 4:  Bask in the Beauty of Glencoe Valley

From the last castle, it is only 20 or so minutes to the Glencoe Valley. This destination is full of natural beauty, especially magnificent waterfalls and rugged mountain views. No matter where you look, you are bound to find a jaw-dropping scene. Drive along the A82 highway in order to find many of the best sights in the area not far from the road. Below are some places to look for to snap some nice photos to document your Scotland road trip.

Beautiful Sights to See in Glencoe

Coe river waterfall.

Surrounded on either side by mountains, this tiny waterfall can look mighty when photographed close to it. Just be careful not to get your feet wet!

Loch Achtriochtan

Loch Achtriochtan can be very pretty and glassy if the conditions are right and, being Scotland, is often moody as well. Near the loch, you can find the Achtriochtan Cottage which is a lone white house that is popular to photograph. Keep in mind, though, that the house is on private property. Do not trespass to get a photo.

The Three Sisters

The Three Sisters are three consecutive mountain peaks in the Glencoe Valley that make for a postcard-worthy photograph. There is a small parking lot right off the road where you can stop for views or you can take a hike closer.

The Meeting of the Three Waters

Near the Three Sisters, you will find the Meeting of the Three Waters, which is a lovely waterfall that should not be missed.

Etive Mor Waterfall

A bit of a Scotland hidden gem since it is off the main road, you can find Etive Mor Waterfall by turning south off of A82 and on to the nondescript Glen Etive Road. This is a gorgeous waterfall with an isolated mountain peak as a backdrop.

Where to Stay in Glencoe

Stay in the city of Glencoe near Loch Leven to find some of the best and most affordable accommodations.

Affordable:  Corran Bunkhouse – Guesthouse near Loch Linnhe with free parking. Check rates here !

Mid-Range: The Glencoe Inn – Cute hotel overlooking Loch Leven. Check rates here !

Luxury:   The Isles of Glencoe Hotel – Beautiful hotel on Loch Leven with a swimming pool and sauna. Check rates here !

Stop 5:  Hike to Steall Waterfall

About 45-minutes north of the city of Glencoe in Glen Nevis, you can find one of Scotland’s hidden gems, Steall Waterfall. This powerful, 120-meter waterfall can only be seen by those daring to hike to it. The two-hour roundtrip hike can be dangerous and does involve walking over a river on a rope bridge. However, it is all worth it when you catch a glimpse of the stunning falls. If you can, make sure this is a stop on your Scotland road trip.

Stop 6:  Discover Natural Wonders on the Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye can easily be described as a photographer’s dream and has quickly become one of the most popular destinations in Scotland. Tourists are drawn in by the rugged, moody landscapes that are found around every bend in the road here. This area is also full of one-way roads, so pay attention as you drive if you need to pull into a passing spot to let another car by.

The great thing about the Isle of Skye , and many places in Scotland for that matter, is that the natural attractions are free to enjoy, which will save you money on your Scotland road trip. Though you will want to spend at least one or two nights here, so you will have to pay for lodgings.

Top Attractions on the Isle of Skye

Eilean donan castle.

Just before you enter the Isle of Skye proper, you will pass the Eilean Donan Castle, a gorgeous castle with a history dating back to the 13th century. It costs 10 pounds to go inside, but it is possible to photograph it without paying a fee. If you can, go around sunset when they light up the castle to get cool photos.

Fairy Pools

The fairy pools are a series of waterfalls along the River Brittle in the south of the Isle of Skye not far from the town of Sligachan. Depending on the time of year and if you are up for it, you can swim in the pools.

Old Man of Storr

Possibly the most iconic sight on the Isle of Skye, the Old Man of Storr is a rugged, pointed stone formation that can be hiked to or photographed from a distance. Your Scotland road trip cannot be complete without seeing and photographing this rock stretching into the sky.

The Quiraing in the north of the Isle of Skye is an outstanding mountain formation that looks as if it is the scene from a fantasy novel. A trail loops through the area and can be hiked in about two hours, though you might want to plan extra time for all the photos you will want to take.

Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls

Flowing from Loch Mealt and into the ocean in the northeast of the Isle of Skye is a 55-meter waterfall worthy of gasps. The cliffside is made up of basalt columns that look otherworldly. This is the perfect location to break out a drone since you will be able to get a better view of the falls that way.

Neist Point Lighthouse

The Neist Point Lighthouse is the westernmost lighthouse in Scotland and is at the top of many photographer’s lists. Come here at sunset and sit on the tall bluffs to watch the sun disappear into the sea with the lighthouse in the foreground.

Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye

As a tourist hub, accommodations on the Isle of Sky can be a bit pricey. Whether you want to go all out on a $1,000 property or stay in a hostel for under $100, you are still sure to find somewhere to spend the night on your Scotland road trip.

Affordable:  The Roses B&B – Pretty bed and breakfast near Portree. Check rates here !

Mid-Range:  The Royal Hotel – Nice hotel with views of the Portree harbor. Check rates here !

Luxury:   Skeabost House Hotel – Beautiful hotel and property with views of the water in the center of the Isle of Skye. Check rates here !

Stop 7:  Enjoy Famous Loch Ness

You have undoubtedly heard of Loch Ness and the monster that supposedly makes the lake its home. The legend of the Loch Ness Monster dates back to 1802 but really gained popularity in 1934 when Robert Kenneth Wilson took a now-famous photograph of the alleged creature. Since then, the monster has become entwined in pop culture.

You can easily do Loch Ness in a day or even half a day. Though there are fun things to do, the area is very touristy and kitschy, which might not be for you.

How to Spend Your Time at Loch Ness

Try to spot nessie on a boat tour.

You can’t visit this 21-square mile lake without taking a relaxing boat tour. With so many tourists, there are plenty of places to book a tour, some of which are even Loch Ness Monster themed.

Book Here:   Loch Ness: 1-Hour Cruise

Visit the Splendid Urquhart Castle

The ruins of Urquhart Castle stand prominently on a cliff overlooking Loch Ness. Even in its state of disrepair, the castle is picture-perfect in the same way all the old castles in Scotland are. Twelve pounds will let you explore the site in more detail.

Stop 8:  Inverness

Inverness is just north of Loch Ness on the Moray Firth and is a city steeped in Highland history. Though the city is not too big, there are plenty of things to do in and around the city, so plan on staying at least one night during your Scotland road trip.

Best Things to Do in Inverness

Take a walking tour to see the city’s highlights.

Inverness is a lovely city full of old and masterful architecture and beautiful views. If you want to see it all with a guide who knows the area and history, think about booking a walking tour. You will be able to see Inverness Castle, a few churches, and more.

Book Here:   Inverness: Guided Walking Tour

Learn the History of the Culloden Battlefield

Just east of Inverness is the Culloden Battlefield where you can learn about the battle that took place there in 1746 when the Jacobite Rising came to a bloody end. With a modern visitor center, museum, and guided tours, this is an interesting place to visit for any history buff.

Book Here:   Culloden Battlefield Visitor Center Ticket with Audio Guide

Visit the Regal Cawdor Castle

Keep driving northeast from the battlefield to find the stately Cawdor Castle with its beautiful gardens. Built in the 14th century, this once private castle is a great stop to make on your road trip of Scotland. For a fee, you can enjoy the castle, gardens, and surrounding nature trails.

Spot Dolphins from Fort George

From the castle, turn back towards the Moray Firth to find Fort George sitting proudly on the water at the end of a small peninsula. This 18th-century fortress is full of military history. Tour the fort to see how soldiers once lived and visit the Highlanders’ Museum. Make sure to check out the view of the water from here as well, because it is possible to see dolphins swimming in the water below.

Where to Stay in Inverness

Inverness has a good variety of places to stay, most relatively cheap, either in the city or just outside of it.

Affordable:  Invernevis Bed and Breakfast – B&B that serves a full Scottish breakfast. Check rates here !

Mid-Range:  Columba Hotel Inverness – Nice hotel in the center of Inverness. Check rates here !

Luxury:   Bunchrew House Hotel – Super cute, fairytale styled hotel with sea views. Check rates here !

Stop 9:  Drive Around Aberdeenshire on Your Scotland Road Trip

Aberdeenshire is one of the council areas of Scotland and is found in the northeast of the nation along the ocean. There are lots of castles, cute towns, and beautiful scenery in this area. Depending on how much you want to do and see, think about staying about one, two, or even three nights.

Cool Things to Do in Aberdeenshire

Visit all the castles you can.

If you came to Scotland for castles, then Aberdeenshire is for you! There are dozens of castles in the area of different states and sizes. Here are some noteworthy ones, you may want to visit.

Slains Castle is a roofless ruin near Cruden Bay on the coast and was an inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula . Kildrummy Castle dates to the 13th century and the extensive ruins are a great place to explore. Craigievar Castle is pink in color and looks like it could have been pulled from a Disney movie. Dunnottar Castle, outside of Stonehaven on a rugged cliff, might be the best-known castle in the area with good reason due to its charm.

Take a Tour of the Glen Garioch Distillery

You can’t come to Scotland without touring at least one whiskey distillery. The Glen Garioch (pronounced Geery in the Doric dialect) Distillery is one of the oldest whiskey distilleries in Scotland and is worth a visit if you want to see how this whiskey is made. You can find the distillery in the small town of Oldmeldrum.

Check Out the Aberdeen Maritime Museum

If you are interested in shipbuilding, sailing, or the fishing and oil industries, then this is the perfect museum for you. The building also provides great views of the nearby harbor.

Stroll Through the Cute Fishing Village of Footdee

Connected to Aberdeen and located on a peninsula near the harbor is the small fishing village of Footdee. This area is a Scottish hidden gem concealed in plain sight. The houses here are the real stars. They have brightly colored doors and walls decked out in quirky decorations.

Where to Stay in Aberdeenshire

Look into staying somewhere near the city of Aberdeen, the largest city in the area. There are plenty of choices of accommodation and the city is right on the ocean.

Affordable:  Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel – Funky, modern hotel in the center of Aberdeen. Check rates here !

Mid-Range:  Malmaison Aberdeen – Charming property with a spa in Aberdeen. Check rates here !

Luxury:   Trump MacLeod House & Lodge – Beautiful castle-like building north of Aberdeen and near a great golf course. Check rates here !

Stop 10:  Explore the Town of Dundee

Dundee can be found about an hour and a half drive from the city of Aberdeen and is the next stop on this Scotland itinerary. Dundee is nestled along the River Tay and is the fourth-largest city in Scotland. One full day here is likely to be enough time.

What to Do in Dundee

Enjoy the glamis castle.

Stop at Glamis Castle right before you reach Dundee to enjoy some time at this 14th-century palace. This large and regal building is full of history. It was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I and the birthplace of her daughter, Princess Margret. The gardens are worth a stroll as well.

Discover the Victoria & Albert Museum of Design

The V&A Museum in Dundee opened in 2018 with the building itself crafted in a very interesting design by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The museum houses galleries and exhibitions dedicated to design and fashion.

Visit the McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum

Found in the center of Dundee in a gorgeous building, the McManus is a free museum full of interesting Scottish art and historic pieces. It is a cool place to check out on your Scotland road trip.

Check out the Broughty Castle Museum

This castle turned museum is found on the River Tay. Dating from 1496, this building has amazing views of the river. Inside, you can find displays of local history and culture. Admission is free.

Where to Stay in Dundee

Dundee hosts a variety of places to stay, from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious, private homes.

Affordable:  Best Western Queens Hotel – Pretty hotel not far from the Tay River. Check rates here !

Mid-Range:  Taypark House – Very pretty house with great views. Check rates here !

Luxury:  Sandford Country Cottages – Large, private cottages on the opposite side of the river from Dundee. Check rates here !

Stop 11:  Check Out the Cute Town of Perth

Perth is just over thirty minutes from Dundee and is the last stop on this road trip of Scotland itinerary. Here, you will be able to chill for your last day or two before heading home.

Top Things to Do in Perth

Walk through kinnoull hill woodland park.

Just on the outskirts of Perth is the Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park, which is made up of five forested hills and is a great hiking area. Some trails provide perfect views of the city. There is also an old cliffside tower to discover.

Visit Scone Palace

A couple of minutes north of Perth is Scone Palace, a stately Gothic castle with manicured lawns and gardens. This splendid palace has a long and interesting history. It was the ancient coronation location of Scotland’s kings. Today, you can tour the palace and stroll through the 100-acre grounds, including hedge mazes and gardens.

Try Out a Scottish Golf Course

Modern golf was invented in Scotland in the 15th century and is still a popular game to play there today. Perth is surrounded by golf courses, many of which allow visitors to come play. The world-renown St. Andrew’s Links are not too far away either, but if you want to golf there, make sure to book in advance to secure a tee time.

Where to Stay in Perth

Though Perth is a small town, there are plenty of affordable places to stay. As one of your last stops on your Scotland road trip, you can go out in style or stay somewhere simple.

Affordable:  New County Hotel – Simple and modern hotel near the center of Perth. Check rates here !

Mid-Range:  The Royal George Hotel – Nice property right on the river. Check rates here !

Luxury:  Woodcroft House – Beautiful property with a garden across the river from the city center. Check rates here !

End Your Scotland Road Trip in Edinburgh

From Perth, it is only a 45-minute drive to the Edinburgh Airport where you can fly home. Since you are so close to the airport, if you are catching a late flight, you have time to sleep in to catch up on your sleep. Alternatively, you could spend a few extra hours in Edinburgh if there was something you originally did not have time for or even want to see again.

By now, you should have plenty of ideas on how to fill your Scotland itinerary as you plan your driving tour of Scotland, a beautiful nation you are sure to fall in love with! From rugged mountains and crashing waterfalls to ruinous and elegant castles, Scotland is a country full of awe-worthy sights that will blow your mind! If you like art and culture, being one with nature, or just having a good time in general, then you might want to consider taking a road trip in Scotland.

Reader Interactions

February 10, 2023 at 10:57 am

I absolutely love this! Is there anyway to get it in a printable format? Approximately how many days/nights would you say it is? I will be there early 7/24 and leaving early 7/31. If I had to choose something to leave off, what would you suggest? Thank you!!

November 5, 2023 at 12:12 pm

How long would you recommend roughly for this road trip?

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5 Best Road Trips in Scotland : A Local Expert's View

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with our pick of the best Scottish road trips.  Driving through Scotland offers you the opportunity to experience the country’s natural beauty, meet welcoming locals and explore at your own pace.

You could see majestic castles that once housed Scottish royalty, visit renowned museums to learn about our history, and view spots where famous battles took place. 

If you’re planning a Scottish road trip, read on for our guide on the 5 best driving tours in Scotland, as recommended by our Edinburgh-based consultants. It may help you choose which route to take and get the most out of your Scottish trip!

The best routes:

• 6 days on the North Coast 500
• 3 days along the Argyll Coastal Route
• 3 days on the Royal Deeside Tourist Route
• 2 days on the Road to the Isles
• 16 days across Scotland with the Grand Tour

Route 1: North Coast 500 & Islands - 6 days

Best Scottish road trip for: castle-spotters, trendy travellers and coastal views.

As one of Scotland’s newest routes, the North Coast 500 (or NC500 if you love a good acronym) has become increasingly popular with travellers, and for good reason. It runs along the north coast of Scotland, taking in clifftop castles, beaches with white sands and turquoise waters, famous film locations, and much more.

Unsurprisingly, it’s ranked by independent sources such as Condé Nast as  perhaps one of the best road trips in the world .

What’s the drive like?

The traditional circular loop covers over 500 miles (830 km) of iconic scenery, historic villages, castles and coastline.  You can drive the North Coast 500 route in just a few days, or you can stretch it over a week or two while doing some sightseeing.

Our recommended route takes in Orkney and Skye as well - both should not be missed if you are in this neighbourhood! You can still "close the loop" but via a slightly different route.

Recommended itinerary for the North Coast 500

Day 1: inverness to orkney.

Kick off your route at the iconic Inverness Castle, crossing the Black Isle Peninsula in early morning. After an hour or so, you’ll be near the fairytale-like Dunrobin Castle. We recommend setting aside a couple of hours for a look around, before heading on to seaside Scrabster.

In the early afternoon, catch the ferry from Scrabster to Stromness, Orkney. You'll enjoy spectacular views of the Old Man of Hoy during your crossing.

Day 2: Orkney Exploration

Get acquainted with Orkney, with its jaw dropping scenery and ruins dating back to the Stone Age. The UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney, including Skara Brae, should be on any travel-lover’s wish list. Spend your whole day exploring before getting some well-earned rest in Kirkwall.

Day 3: Orkney to Ullapool via Scrabster

Wake up early and catch the ferry to Scrabster, before rejoining the famous North Coast 500 route and heading for Ullapool. Expect rocky cliffs, golden beaches (perhaps a surprise?) and beautiful mountains. Along the way, visit the beautiful Smoo Cave, the largest and most dramatic sea cave in Britain.

“I highly recommend stopping off at Knockan Crag and following the scenic trail around the nature reserve. There are fantastic views over the otherworldly landscape of Assynt with its remarkable mountains, such as Stac Pollaidh. Some of the world’s oldest rocks can be seen here - over millions of years, ice, weather and erosion have shaped what rocks you see today.” - Chris Glauche, Travel Consultant

Day 4: Ullapool to Skye

After breakfast, start by visiting the breathtaking mile-long Corrieshalloch Gorge. Next, head along the west coast, stopping at Inverewe Garden. The 2500 exotic plants and flowers within manage to flourish thanks to warmth provided by the Gulf Stream, which nuzzles against the coastline here. Before you reach Skye, we suggest a pit stop at the photogenic village of Plockton, near the shores of Loch Carron.

Day 5: Skye Exploration

Today take full advantage of your day on Skye, a haven for nature lovers. Visit the colourful village of Portree, then drive around the northern part of the island and take in the impressive Trotternish Peninsula along the way. From there, walk up to “The Old Man of Storr” and witness the beautiful Kilt Rock Waterfall.

Day 6: Skye to Inverness via Loch Ness

On your way to "closing the loop", stop by picturesque Eilean Donan Castle, made famous by many appearances on the big and small screen alike. Next, head for the dark and enigmatic Loch Ness, perhaps keeping an eye out for Nessie along the way. Don't forget to explore Urquhart Castle, resting on the loch shore.

• Drive this route and more on the Classic Scotland & the Orkney Islands package
• Read more about "Scotland's answer to Route 66" in our detailed NC500 guide
• See where kings, queens and clanlords ruled with these castle tours in Scotland

Route 2: The Argyll Coastal Route - 3 days

Best Scottish road trip for: seafood lovers, wildlife watchers and Munro baggers.

Sample seafood, explore the ancient kingdoms and admire the Scottish Highlands on the Argyll Coastal Route. You’ll travel along the peaceful banks of Loch Lomond, past the rocky seashore of Scotland’s west coast, and through the mighty mountains of the Scottish Highlands before arriving in Fort William, Scotland’s adventure capital.

Covering only 129 miles (208 km), you can easily drive this route in one day. But the better option, in our opinion, is to take your time and stretch it across a long weekend, making sightseeing stops along the way.

The best itinerary for the Argyll Coastal Route

Day 1: tarbet to auchindrain .

Start in Tarbet, where you can explore the many highlights of Loch Lomond and the  Trossachs National Park . Head west to Inveraray, a charming village known for its whitewashed houses, historic jail and fairytale castle, before continuing to Auchindrain. 

Day 2: Auchindrain to Oban 

Start at the Kilmartin Museum and then drive to Carnasserie Castle, a 15th-century tower house that played a role in Argyll’s rebellion against James VII. Make a detour to Easdale Island, where you could go on a whale-watching trip and visit a local seal colony.

Day 3: Oban to Fort William

Start the day visiting Oban, known as the “Seafood capital of Scotland” and the “Gateway to the isles”. Visit historic sites like McCaig's Tower or Dunollie Museum, sample fresh seafood or whisky at Oban Distillery. On the way to Fort William, you could stop off at Castle Stalker, Ardchattan Priory Gardens, and the Scottish Sealife Sanctuary.

Route 3: Royal Deeside Tourist Route - 3 days

Best Scottish road trip for: nature lovers, golfers and history buffs.

Travel through the enchanting landscape of the Cairngorms National Park on your drive from Perth to Aberdeen on the Royal Deeside Tourist Route. This charming and relatively short route takes in the farmlands of Blairgowrie, mighty mountains of the Highlands, and rich rolling landscape of Royal Deeside.

One of the shortest routes, the Royal Deeside Tourist Route is only 108 miles (174 km) so can easily be driven in a day or two.

The best itinerary for the Royal Deeside Tourist Route

Day 1: perth to blairgowrie .

Spend the day exploring Perth’s charming old town, where you can visit the Perth Museum and Art Gallery and the Black Watch Museum located in the Balhousie Castle. Nearby you’ll also find the historic Scone Palace, where Scottish kings used to be crowned upon the stone of destiny.

Day 2: Blairgowrie to Aboyne

Today, you’ll spend the day driving through and exploring the stunning scenery of the Cairngorms National Park, a haven for hikers, bird watchers, nature lovers and in winter, skiers.

You can also learn about Scottish history at Braemar or Crathes castles, sample local spirits at the Royal Lochnagar whisky distillery, or discover the art of cheesemaking at Cambus O’May creamery.

"The Burn O’Vat near Dinnet in Royal Deeside is one of Scotland’s best natural wonders. It was carved out by glacial melt at the end of the last Ice Age, more than 10,000 years ago. You have to creep through a narrow crack in the rock to stand in this atmospheric cavern. It may look like a difficult undertaking but this was a favourite hideaway of Queen Victoria, who managed it in her many skirts! It was also used as a hideout from authorities by Patrick Gilroy MacGregor, a notorious 17th-century Scottish outlaw and cattle rustler." - Sarah McLachlan, Travel Consultant

Day 3: Aboyne to Aberdeen

On the final day, check out the medieval Drum Castle with its charming Garden of Historic Roses and ancient woodlands. Then continue on to Aberdeen, the “Silver City”, where you can admire its granite architecture, and visit museums like the Gordon Highlanders Museum and the Aberdeen Maritime Museum.

• To do the Royal Deeside Route and the Argyll Coastal Route together, plus trips to the beautiful isles of Iona and Mull and more: view the Scottish Highlands & West Coast tour
• Browse our self-drive packages and don't hesitate asking to customise your itinerary 

Route 4: Road to the Isles - 2 Days

Best Scottish road trip for: sea lovers, beachgoers and Harry Potter fans.

Discover dramatic coastlines with sandy tropical-looking beaches, Harry Potter film locations, and rich Highland history on the Road to the Isles. At the end of the road, you then have the option to sail off to the Isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck, or even Skye, to continue your Scottish adventure.

Stretching from the west coast of north Scotland to Mallaig, the Road to the Isles covers the short distance of 42 miles (67 km). If you drove it straight, without detours, the drive would only take 1 hour, but, if time allows, we recommend breaking it up into two days.

• If you’re planning to discover Scotland at your own pace, check out our Scotland self-drive tours
• When you want to enjoy focusing on the scenery outside, rather than the driving experience, it's time to look at our  Scotland private tours

The best itinerary for the Road to the Isles

Day 1: fort williams to glenfinnan .

Start the day exploring Fort William, where you could pop into the Ben Nevis Distillery Visitor Centre. Then drive past the Caledonian Canal and Great Glen with a quick stop at the Treasures of the Earth in Corpach, to see Europe’s finest private collection of gemstones.

End your day in Glenfinnan , along the shores of Loch Shiel. Here you can walk through the Great Glen, visit the Glenfinnan Monument, a tribute to those who died fighting the Jacobite cause, and admire the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter film series.

Day 2: Glenfinnan to Mallaig 

As you leave Glenfinnan, stop at Camusdarach beach to admire its silver dunes. Consider making the detour along the banks of Loch Morar to try to spot the infamous Morag monster, or continue directly to the quaint fishing village of Mallaig.

Many ferries leave from here, making it the perfect starting point for island hopping.

Route 5: Grand Tour of Scotland - 16 Days

Best Scottish road trip for: seeing it all, history buffs, nature lovers, whisky connoisseurs, and those with a deep Scottish pride.

Ready for the ultimate road trip? The grand tour of Scotland takes you to all of the country’s best sights and places. You’ll drive through the mighty Highlands, past rumbling rivers, travel to iconic islands like Orkney and Skye, and have plenty of opportunities to stop off along the way.

After this epic 16-day drive, you’ll feel like you’ve genuinely seen our beautiful country.

From Edinburgh, you’ll drive into the Highlands and up to the most northerly part of mainland UK to take a ferry to Orkney. Next, you'll head west to explore the Isles of Harris and Lewis before going down to Skye. Covering 2580 miles (4152 km), this route is the ultimate Scottish road trip.

The best itinerary for a Grand Tour of Scotland

Day 1: edinburgh.

Today, explore the Scottish capital. Walk through Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage site of the Old Town and New Town. We also recommend walking the Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyrood House all the way up to the top of the road, where you’ll find Edinburgh Castle atop ancient crags.

Day 2: Edinburgh to Aberdeen

Drive north into the Kingdom of Fife where you can first stop at the quaint village of Falkland, with its Renaissance palace and beautiful gardens. We also recommend visiting the town of St Andrews, famously known as the “Home of Golf”.

Driving north, stop to visit the UNESCO City of Design, Dundee, before heading up to Aberdeen. You can either drive the direct route, or head along the scenic coastal road.

Day 3: Aberdeen to Inverness

Today, you’ll explore the stunning Scottish Highlands by driving the Deeside Tourist Route through the Cairngorms National Park (like in route #3). Along the way you could also visit the Scottish residence of the British Royal Family, Balmoral Castle.

Please note that Balmoral is only open for a few weeks a year. If you'd like to see it, ask a travel consultant for more information.

The last section of the drive takes you through Speyside, which is home to over half the whisky distilleries in Scotland.

Day 4: Inverness to Kirkwall

This morning, hit the road early, so you have enough time to explore the Black Isle Peninsula and fairytale Dunrobin Castle, before catching the ferry to the Viking village of Kirkwall on Orkney’s mainland.

Day 5: Orkney

Spend the day exploring the Orkney Isles , with their stunning scenery and Stone Age ruins. Make sure to check out the UNESCO World Heritage listed “ Heart of Neolithic Orkney ”, which includes Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness and Maeshowe.

Day 6: Orkney to Ullapool

Take the ferry back to mainland Scotland and join the famous North Coast 500 route (see route #1). Some of the highlights include the eerie Smoo Cave, the stunning beaches of Durness, and the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle.

Day 7: Ullapool to the Outer Hebrides

From Ullapool, catch the ferry to the Isle of Lewis and Harris. Here you’ll be able to learn about its Gaelic culture and history. We recommend visiting the museum of Black Arnol Museum, and don’t miss the mysterious Callanish Standing Stones.

Day 8: Isle of Lewis to Harris

Spend the day exploring the Isle of Harris to the south, including the quaint village of Tarbert and the dramatic scenery along the Golden Road. Here you’ll also find tropical-looking beaches with white sand and turquoise waters.

Day 9: Hop to the Isle of Skye

Catch the ferry to the Isle of Skye and then explore the northern part of the island, the beautiful Trotternish Peninsula. Stretch your legs with a walk up the Old Man of Storr and admire the stunning Kilt Rock and Mealt waterfall. Other highlights include the Quiraing, An Corran Beach and the Fairy Glen.

Day 10 and 11: Isle of Skye

Devote two entire days to exploring everything Skye has to offer, walking its many trails and learning about local history. Sip coffee in Portree, marvel at Dunvegan Castle, walk along Claigan Coral Beach and drive to the dramatic Neist Point. You can even sample whisky at Talisker Distillery.

Day 12: Isle of Skye to Fort William

Swap the Isle of Skye for the Scottish Highlands. Stop along the way at the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle, drive along the mystical shores of Loch Ness (try to spot the famed Loch Ness monster!), and explore the lakeside ruins of Urquhart Castle.

Day 13: Isle of Mull

Today drive down to Oban and take a ferry across to the Isle of Mull, where you’ll find white sandy beaches, towering mountain peaks and stunning nature. Highlights include Duart Castle, Ben More, Calgary Bay and the quaint village of Tobermory.

Day 14: Isles of Iona and Staffa

Located just off the Isle of Mull, today we recommend visiting the tiny islands of Iona and Staffa. The boat tour will take you to Iona, where you can visit Iona Abbey, before sailing off to Staffa. Here you can explore Fingal’s Cave, and try to spot dolphins and minke whales.

Day 15: Into the Trossachs National Park

Back on the Scottish mainland, head south through Kilmartin Glen, an area rich with Neolithic and Bronze Age sites. You may wish to stop by Inveraray, a lovely village on the banks of Loch Fyne. Drive along the shores of Loch Lomond to the enchanting village of Luss.

Day 16: Back to Edinburgh

Make your way back to Edinburgh by driving along the shores of Loch Lomond and through the Trossachs National Park. On the way, visit Doune Castle , take a boat trip along Loch Katrine, and, if time allows, explore Stirling Castle.

Get help planning your road trip

Our dedicated travel consultants, based in Edinburgh, are here to help you plan the perfect road trip, including booking accommodation, arranging ferries and activities, and much more.

You’ll even be able to call them 24/7 on our emergency helpline in case a ferry is delayed or you otherwise need assistance during your trip.

Check out our Scotland self-drive tours for more information.

Greg Perkins is from Edinburgh, Scotland, but he adopted Iceland as his second country when Scotland (typically) managed not to qualify for football's Euro 2016 tournament. His passions include travel, English literature, and board games. Among his top travel experiences are sailing along Geirangerfjord with classically trained singers providing the soundtrack, seeing Sólheimajökull glacier up close in South Iceland, and witnessing the unspoiled beauty of New Zealand's Doubtful Sound fjord.

Find Greg on LinkedIn .

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

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Wonders of scotland, related posts, 7-day scotland road trips: itinerary ideas from local experts.

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5 of the best road trips in Scotland

Mar 6, 2024 • 7 min read

Be inspired by these stunning road trip routes in Scotland © iaminut / Shutterstock

The cities of  Scotland  may be full to the brim with history and atmosphere, but it's the countryside in between that captures most visitors' hearts.

Quintessentially Scottish landscapes of lochs, glens and mountains begin right on the limits of Edinburgh, Glasgow and other major cities, setting the scene for road trips to rival James Bond's flight across the Highlands in Skyfall (2012).

Scottish roads are generally well-maintained, and driving is a great way to get off the beaten track and escape the crowds who mob the most famous sights. En route, you can stop off in charming country pubs, drop into ruined castles and ancient kirks (churches), wander on windswept beaches and find solace in silent glens far from the maddening crowds. 

These five road trip itineraries take in the epic grandeur of Skye, culture-packed Edinburgh and the whisky distilleries of Speyside, amongst other classic Scottish experiences. Along the way, you'll pass rolling farmland, heather-burnished hillsides, ruined castles and eerie lochs, as the stories of Scotland unfold right in front of you.

1. An Isle of Skye driving loop

Best for making family memories Fort William–Fort William; 310 miles (498km); allow 4 days

So long as you’re not after guaranteed sunshine, Skye has it all. This atmospheric island off the west coast is a riot of craggy peaks, towering sea stacks and waterlogged shorelines, famed for its Gaelic culture and vibrant food scene. This round-trip route from Fort William allows you to take the bridge to the island in one direction (passing grand Eilean Donan Castle en route), returning to the mainland via the ferry to Mallaig.

Once you’re on the island, a classic counterclockwise loop starts with a visit to Skye’s largest town, Portree , with its pretty harbor, before roaming over the volcanic cliffs of the Trotternish Peninsula . Next, the Duirinish Peninsula offers wild hiking country and some excellent restaurants, while the jagged ridges of the Cuillin Hills are a destination in themselves for hikers and photographers.

In between, there are castles , almost Caribbean-looking beaches and some of Britain’s best wild swimming spots, plus side trips by ferry to the surrounding Small Isles, which offer great bird-watching, particularly in spring and autumn.

2. North Coast 500

Best for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure Inverness Castle–Inverness Castle; 516 miles (830km); allow 7 days

Scotland’s wild northern coastline is the star of the country’s most famous driving route. The North Coast 500 begins and ends in Inverness , the likable capital of the Highlands , making a giant loop around the north end of Scotland along the deeply indented coast.

If you follow the route counterclockwise (saving the best scenery till last), you’ll head past the moors and sandy beaches of the east coast before hitting John O’Groats and nearby Dunnet Head – mainland Britain’s northernmost point. The north coast has a windswept beauty that gets increasingly rugged as you continue west past bogs, cliffs and crofting villages. The views as you head down the loch-strewn west coast are perhaps Britain’s finest, with sweeping vistas of mountains and islands.

Taking the route at a more leisurely pace will give you the chance to seek out fine local foodstuffs such as venison, smoked fish and craft beer, while activities such as sea kayaking on the west coast or scrambling up the lonely peaks of Assynt are a great way to throw yourself into Northern Scotland’s epic landscapes.

Planning tip:  When planning a road trip in Scotland, be aware that many places to stay on popular routes, such as the North Coast 500, will only accept bookings for two or more nights in the summer peak season. Book accommodations well ahead of time.

3. North East 250

Best for whisky distillery touring Spittal of Glenshee–Spittal of Glenshee; 257 miles (414km); allow 4 days

Northeast Scotland is famous for its whisky distilleries, Braemar (the home of the Highland Games ) and Balmoral Castle (the Scottish home of the British Royal Family) – so yes, it's as Scottish as it gets. The North East 250, a route inspired by the success of the North Coast 500, takes in these big-ticket attractions, but also shines a light on an often-overlooked region of photogenic glens, farmland and wave-lashed shorelines.

The village of Spittal of Glenshee (a popular base for skiing in winter) is a good starting point and easily accessible from Edinburgh and Dundee. Taking the route clockwise, you’ll head through the Cairngorms National Park , the biggest national park in Britain, which includes some of the UK’s highest peaks and offers phenomenal hiking opportunities.

The North East 250 then cuts through Speyside before hitting the Moray Firth coastline and the oil-rich city of Aberdeen . It’s a route lined with castles, beaches, small villages and historic estates; stop along the way to sample local delicacies such as Cullen skink (a thick, warming fish soup) and sweet, peaty whiskies.

Local tip:  Do your research when choosing which whisky distilleries to tour – if you try to hit them all, you’ll be here for months.  Balvenie in Dufftown is a good choice: its small-group tours visit one of Scotland’s last remaining malting floors.

4. Borders Historic Route

Best for a short route through moorlands Carlisle–Edinburgh; 97 miles (156km); allow one day

There are more famous road trips than this easy itinerary that follows the A7 north from the English border past Hawick and Galashiels to Edinburgh , but there is plenty to engage body and spirit along the way. This rolling landscape of villages and farmlands was once a battlefield for cross-border raids, and it finishes at Edinburgh’s hulking castle .

The area’s industrial history is showcased by educational centers celebrating tweed, tartan and glasswork, as well as an interesting mining museum . The landscape provides opportunities for varied activities – anglers can cast flies in the hope of snagging salmon along the Tweed’s wooded banks, while mountain bikers can hit the trails at Glentress and Innerleithen.

Ruined abbeys and author Walter Scott’s fabulous country house, Abbotsford , are more cerebral highlights, although the undulating moorlands of the Scottish Borders are arguably the star of the show.

5. Clyde Sea Lochs and the Argyll Coast

Best for mountains and lochs Glasgow–Fort William; 240 miles (386km); allow 3 days

Visitors to Scotland are often surprised by how close the country’s most populous city is to the rugged terrain of the Highlands. Glasgow’s high culture and lively pubs are worth an overnight on any trip to the region, but don’t stay up too late – you'll want to be clear of the suburbs by mid-morning to see the hills turn to mountains and lochs eat into an increasingly rugged coastline.

This route (combining two official tourist trails ) winds north and west, taking in the popular walking country of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. En route, you can enjoy majestic views, excellent seafood, ancient standing stones, historic towns, kayaking on the lochs and whale-watching offshore.

But the biggest hitters come at the end: Glen Coe has aching natural beauty and a tragic backstory of Highland betrayal, while Fort William is the striking point for ascents of 4413ft (1345m) Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest peak – a challenging climb of seven to eight hours from the visitors center.

Tips for driving in Scotland

Note that while some of the road trips follow major "M" or "A" roads, others rely on smaller roads for long stretches. These are often tight and hedge-lined, with few places to overtake, and they can be blocked by snow in winter (read our tips for getting around in Scotland ). The police in Scotland take speeding and drunk driving seriously, so stay below the limits. Petrol stations can be widely spaced in the Highlands and on the islands – fill up when you get the chance.

Be ready to take your time, pausing for a day or two to explore the local area at each overnight stop. Our route durations assume you'll be taking diversions to see more of the region and making regular stopovers, so the distances provided are not direct between the start and end points.

This article was first published June 2021 and updated March 2024

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7 Day Scotland Road Trip Route & Itinerary (2023)

Some links in this post contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! Happy reading 😀

Looking for a 7-day Scotland road trip route and itinerary? I’ve got you covered! Our Scotland road trip was one of the best trips we’ve ever taken – so much so we are currently planning out next!

Finding a simple route to travel around Scotland is tough. If you’re someone who needs it mapped out for you, this blog post has it all.

Whatever happens on your Scotland road trip, I dare you not to fall in love with this country. With its culture, tradition, history, and beauty, it has everything a travel lover could ever need!

In the following post, I’ve highlighted the best things to do on a Scotland road trip, as well as the perfect stops to make your trip extra special. From the mountains of the Cairngorm National Park , to the famous NC500 , the mystery of Loch Ness and chasing fairies on the Isle of Skye, this Scotland road trip itinerary has it all.

Travelling around Scotland? You might also like…

• 13 BEST Things to do in Aviemore (+ Travel Guide!)
• Where to Find Highland Cows in Scotland: Highland Cattle
• Fairy Pools Skye Walk: Everything You Need to Know
• Old Man of Storr Walk Guide: Isle of Skye, Scotland

Want to see epic photos and videos from these experiences?

Follow me on Instagram! As we travel, I post everything live on Instagram, so check out my recent highlights and posts. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, drop me a DM!

7-Day Scotland Road Trip : A Summary

A good thing to know about driving in Scotland is there are very few roads the more north you travel.  There aren’t many routes you can take, and if you’ve got the plan of seeing the highlands or the NC500, it’s impossible to get lost.

This makes it easy to get around, and we found so many unplanned viewpoints, detours, and surprises en route.

🍖 Good news – you can have a BBQ anywhere in Scotland, as long as it isn’t a forest area or exceptionally dry. Your best bet is a beach or roadside.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 The visitor centres in Scotland are brilliant – they’re full of information about the area, with 3D sculptures of the mountains and forests, cute cafes and most importantly, clean toilets! A welcome relief when living the van life, trust me!

🦟 The midges and mosquitoes are in abundance during the summer months in Scotland, especially in the highlands. Be prepared!

Related post: Want to take your pet on your 7-day Scotland road trip? Check out this complete guide to taking your pet on holiday here!

7-day Scotland Road Trip: Route

⏰ Duration:  7 days

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Locations in Scotland: Glasgow > Loch Lomond > Glencoe > Traigh Beach > Isle of Skye > Applecross > Inverness > Aviemore > Glasgow

🗺️ NOTE: This is roughly 500 miles and 11 hours of driving time (part of the map below is a ferry to the Isle of Skye).

Here is the 7-day Scotland road trip route, map and itinerary, with a clear breakdown of the best one-week Scotland road trip for first-timers:

• Day 1  – Glasgow + Loch Lomond
• Day 2  – Glencoe + Traigh Beach
• Day 3  – Isle of Skye
• Day 4  – Isle of Skye + Applecross
• Day 5  – Inverness + Loch Ness
• Day 6  – Cairngorms (Aviemore)
• Day 7  – Cairngorms > Glasgow or Edinburgh

7-day Scotland road trip map:

This entire trip will take you up past Loch Lomond, along the Harry Potter trail, and through scenic mountain ranges. Not forgetting the West Coast beaches and to the magical myths of the Isle of Skye.

You’ll then drive along part of the iconic NC500 (the UK’s version of Route 66) , down to Applecross coastal town, across to Inverness and Loch Ness and finally, into Cairngorms National Park. It’s a lot, but it’s worth it!

However, if this is too much driving for you, cut out one or two of the locations. Do as you wish with the route, but if you follow it exactly, it will take you around 7 days.

This route is to be completed by car/van . We rent our cars in the UK from  this company . They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world!

Scotland Road Trip: Itinerary

Day 1: glasgow & loch lomond.

If you’re starting your Scotland road trip in Glasgow, but sure to set aside some time to explore. Glasgow is known as the ‘world’s friendliest city’, so be sure to check it out!

As you leave Glasgow, you’ll head north on the A82 for around an hour to reach Loch Lomond. I’d recommend spending as long as you can at Loch Lomond. 

As the loch is the largest in Scotland,  there is so much to see, walks to go on, hikes to be experienced, numerous viewpoints, and of course, lots of water activities (although the water is freezing, so be prepared!)

That evening, if you have a van or a tent, you can find a spot to camp around Loch Lomond, or follow in our footsteps and continue driving to knock off a few more miles. Continue north on the A82, past the loch, and head to the Bridge of Orchy for some amazing wild camping spots.

⛺️ Wild camp at: the Bridge of Orchy

🛌 Or book a night at: Queen of the Loch

Day 2: Glencoe & Traigh Beach

Glencoe and glenfinnan viaduct.

After sleeping at the Bridge of Orchy or in a hotel at Loch Lomond, begin your day by driving further along the A82 towards Glencoe.

Glencoe is one of the most well-known mountainous areas in Scotland. Its landscape has been used in films such as Harry Potter and James Bond.

Depending on what type of Scotland road trip you’re looking for, you could spend days in Glencoe. If you’re short on time, I recommend doing a short walk such as the Invercoe Loop, and the Glencoe visitors centre.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan,  your next stop is going to be the Glenfinnan Viaduct. This famous Jacobite steam train is the iconic Hogwarts Express train and track.

Unfortunately, the famous Jacobite steam train only runs a couple of times a day, but it’s still cool to see the viaduct alone!

🦉 TOP TIP:   Ignore the main Glenfinnan car park  and head around 100m further uphill. Here you will reach a church, with a small 5/6 car park outside. It’s completely free to park here, and as most people have rushed into the first one, usually pretty empty.

Continue along the A82 for quite some time, but be sure to pull over at the northern tip of Loch Eilt,  where Dumbledore’s final resting place is. You will see it situated right in the middle of the loch.

Traigh Beach

That evening, depending on how tired you are of driving, you could find a wild camping spot around Loch Eilt or head to one of my favourite places – Traigh beach. Traigh is such a hidden gem in Scotland, and not many routes include it.

It’s a stretch of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, surrounded by green fields. It’s the perfect spot to wild camp and have a BBQ!

As Traigh Beach is situated directly on the west coast, the sun setting over the ocean is just incredible. Honestly, you wouldn’t believe it’s Scotland!

⛺️ Wild camp at: Traigh Beach

🛌 Or book a night at: The Arisaig Pods (Shepherd’s Huts)

Day 3: Isle of Skye

After you’ve enjoyed a morning on the beach,  head to Mallaig to catch the ferry to the Isle of Skye . If you don’t want to visit the Isle of Skye, skip Day 4 and go straight onto Day 5.

Pre-book your £15 ferry to the Isle of Skye a few days previous to wanting to visit. If it’s fully booked, there is a bridge you can drive over to reach the island.

There are so many things to do on the Isle of Skye. Swim in the fairy pools and hike the Old Man of Storr , or visit the small town of Portree and eat fish and chips. Walk around the famous Fairy Glen, or spot highland cows all over the island!

I recommend staying at least 1 night on the Isle of Skye to explore it properly.

⛺️ Wild camp on: the Isle of Skye

🛌 Or book a night at: Rasaay House Hotel

Related posts: The magic of the fairy pools on the Isle of Skye | Hiking the Old Man of Storr Guide

Day 4: Isle of Skye & Applecross

A big day of driving today, including the legendary drive along Bealach na Ba into Applecross. After a busy day of exploring Skye, today you’ll head further north of Scotland and join the iconic NC500!

Begin your drive on the A890 heading towards Applecross,  a small coastal town known for its locally-caught fish and traditional pubs.

During your journey to Applecross, you will drive on one of the highest and best-known roads in Scotland. Bealach na Ba isn’t for unsteady drivers!  It’s full of twists, turns and winding corners.

It’s a single track with a few passing places en route for oncoming cars. As you reach the top of the road, there’s a small layby to stop off and admire the view, 2054ft above sea level.

Applecross is then the next town. As you would have spent a few hours driving, it’s a great place to stop for a seafood lunch. Later in the afternoon, or the following morning, you’ll be back behind the wheel to drive through the Torridon Mountains.

⛺️ Wild camp at: the Torridon Mountains (anywhere along the route)

🛌 Or book a night at: Hartford House Hotel

Day 6: Inverness & Aviemore

Another incredible location en route for all nature and mountain lovers is the historic nature reserve of Beinn Eighe.  It’s a cluster of mountains, wildlife, and ancient pinewoods, it’s no wonder that it was chosen as Britain’s first nature reserve spot!

Spend your morning doing the mountain trail loop, or a simple woodland walk, before jumping back in the van to your next destination on your 7-day Scotland road trip.

Have lunch either in your van, in the trees of Bein Eigh or in a nearby pub, before you make the sad move of heading off the NC500.

You can stop in Inverness en route to the Cairngorms. We went straight to the legendary Loch Ness to find the iconic monster that lives here (but had no luck, unfortunately).

Sadly the Ness is too cold to swim in, and if you jump in, the only thing you’ll be catching is hypothermia! Only a quick visit is needed before you can jump back in the van to your final (in my opinion, best) location.

Aviemore (The Cairngorms National Park)

Around 50 minutes down the A9,  you’ll reach the small town of  Aviemore , known as the heart of the Cairngorm National Park .

The Cairngorms is the largest national park in the UK, and is twice the size of the  Lake District ! It’s by far one of the prettiest places on your Scotland road trip.

Aviemore is a small town in the Cairngorms, known for its ancient woodlands, large lochs and ski resorts. Set up with a Tesco, Starbucks, tons of mountain and ski shops to top up on supplies, and other outdoor-type stores, it just has a real ‘adventure’ vibe to it.

I recommend staying in the  Rothiemurchus campsite  on your first night in the Cairngorms to recharge your electricity.

We parked up in the middle of the forest, hooked up our electricity, and just soaked up every little bit of the forest atmosphere. It’s beautiful.

The camp has small wood cabins for their toilets which are cleaned regularly, with individual showers and toilet cubicles for complete privacy.

At only £30 a night for a van, you get everything you need from a campsite, plus the experience of staying in the middle of an ancient forest, away from the real world. I highly recommend adding it to your Scotland 7 day itinerary!

⛺️ Wild camp at: the Rothiemurchus campsite

🛌 Or book a night at: Macdonald Highlands Hotel

Related posts: The best things to do in Aviemore, the Cairngorms

Day 7: The Cairngorms

Whether you head deeper into the park, or hike up the surrounding mountains, a day in the Cairngorms is for every nature lover.

If you stayed at the campsite, you would have been given a small map to show you the different areas of the park.

This will outline various hikes and walks and their difficulties, and show you some of the best areas to visit during your time there.

I’d recommend a morning at Loch Eilen, then an afternoon/evening at Loch Morlich. Loch Eilen is around a 5-minute drive from Aviemore town centre and is in the forest area further in the park. You’ll pay a small fee on arrival which counts as parking and entrance.

Loch Eilen has a historical castle situated on a little island right in the middle, and if you’re a competent swimmer, it’s a great place to swim out to and explore!

Spend your morning here, then head onto Loch Morlich in the afternoon. This loch has a large stretch of ‘beach’ and sand to sit on, with a few cafes and watersport shops if you’re feeling adventurous.

You can also take some hiking and walking routes around the loch.

Loch Morlich was one of the highlights of our trip, and I highly recommend visiting whilst you’re in the Cairngorms!

If you have time, a little further north of Loch Morlich is the only  reindeer reserve   in the whole of the UK. Just remember to book a ticket in advance !

Driving in Scotland Tips

• Drivers from non-EU countries  need a valid International Driving permit.  and you must have at least  3rd-party insurance on your vehicle.
• Scotland drives on the  left-hand side. 
• The speed limit on single-track roads is 60mph, and on dual carriageways, it’s 70mph.
• If you’re not familiar with driving in the UK,  be sure to check out some general road rules before you set off.
• Stay safe whilst following GPS by using a  phone holder  for your car. The phone holder will ensure you can follow directions hands-free.
• Your signal may dip in and out in the Scottish countryside, especially in the Highlands.  I recommend getting an  eSIM  (if you’re from overseas) to get mobile data across the country.
• Most drivers in the UK are sensible and follow the rules.  Seatbelts are mandatory  and you will be stopped and fined for not using one. Traffic lights are followed religiously.
• Lost or need directions? Scotland is home to some of the most friendly, genuine people in the world, so don’t be afraid to stop and ask for directions . We did this and it was a great way to meet some of the locals.
• Remember that Scotland is a rural country, and you can go from being in a busy town centre to a remote area in minutes. Make sure you have plenty of petrol and food with you before embarking on your journey!
• Petrol is more expensive the more remote you go (plus major city centres). If you see a petrol station in a cheaper area, be sure to top up then rather than leaving it until you’re half empty – especially if you have a van with a large fuel tank.

➡  Need to hire a car in Scotland?   We rent our cars in the UK from  this company . They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! 🚗  LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!

Things to do on your Scotland Road Trip

Things to do in glasgow.

Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and Glasgow is its largest city. There’s plenty to see and do in Glasgow, from exploring its history and architecture to enjoying its food and nightlife. Scotland is also a great place for a road trip, with plenty of scenic routes to take in all of its natural beauty.

Here are some of the things you can do in Glasgow:

• Visit Glasgow Cathedral: This Gothic cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Dating back to the 12th century, it’s well worth a visit for its historical significance and cool architecture.
• Take a walk along the River Clyde: The River Clyde runs through the heart of Glasgow, and there are many scenic walking routes along its banks. stop and enjoy the views, or go for a swim if it’s summertime!
• Explore Glasgow’s museums and art galleries: With over 20 museums and 40 art galleries, Glasgow has one of the best collections of cultural attractions in Scotland.
• Go on a shopping spree: Glasgow is home to some of Scotland’s best shopping!

🛌 Where to stay in Glasgow: Maldron Hotel Glasgow City (City Centre)

Where to eat in Glasgow

Glasgow is a foodie’s paradise, with a wide range of restaurants to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or a casual bite, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Glasgow! For a truly Scottish experience, be sure to try haggis, Glasgow’s national dish.

Other Glasgow specialities include Cullen skink (a hearty soup made with smoked haddock), seafood chowder, and tattie scones (potato flatbreads). For dessert, why not try Glasgow’s famous deep-fried Mars bars?

Since this road trip, we have returned to Glasgow and found these were our favourite restaurants:

• Ranjit’s Kitchen (Indian)
• Two Fat Ladies in the City
• The Red Onion
• Ox and Finch

Things to do in Glencoe

Hopefully, Glencoe doesn’t get skipped on your road trip, as it is simply stunning. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, and here are just a few of the things you can do in Glencoe:

• Explore the ruins of Castle Ewen, a 16th-century stronghold that was destroyed in a clan battle.
• Hike to the top of Buchaille Etive Mor, one of the most popular trails in Scotland. The views from the summit are simply incredible.
• Visit Glencoe Folk Museum to learn about the area’s rich history and culture.
• Take a scenic drive along the Road to the Isles, which winds its way through some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland!

Things to do on the Isle of Skye

This small island off the west coast of Scotland is home to some of the most stunning scenery you’ll ever see . From towering sea cliffs and rugged coastline to misty valleys and rolling hills, there’s something for everyone on Skye.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at Scotland’s notorious ‘ single tracks ’ – narrow roads with sheer drops that are not for the faint-hearted!

There are also plenty of walks and hikes to enjoy on Skye. Quiraing is a popular choice, a 2-hour hike that takes you through an otherworldly landscape of jagged peaks and atmospheric mist. For something shorter, take a stroll around Loch Coruisk. It’s a must-do when you visit Scotland!

Where to eat on the Isle of Skye

Skye is famous for its food. The Isle of Skye has some of the best seafood in Scotland and is also home to many restaurants that serve traditional Scottish food. When visiting, be sure to check out:

• The Three Chimneys is one of the most popular Isle of Skye restaurants. It is located in the village of Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye, and serves traditional Scottish food. The menu includes dishes such as haggis, neeps, and tatties (yes, you have to try haggis!), plus lots of seafood.
• The Old Inn is a popular Isle of Skye restaurant . Located in the village of Carbost on the Isle of Skye, it again serves traditional Scottish food and is known for its whisky menu, sourcing it from all over Scotland.
• The Skeabost Country House Hotel is located in the village of Portree on the Isle Of Skye, and is another popular place to eat.

Things to do in Inverness

Inverness is located in the heart of the Highlands, and it offers a wide variety of things to see and do. From visiting medieval castles to exploring world-famous whisky distilleries, there is something for everyone in Inverness!

🦕 Don’t forget it’s the home of the famous Loch Ness, so make sure you stop off to look for Nessie! Loch Ness is freezing but beautiful and is definitely worth a stop on your 7-day Scotland road trip.

Additional locations to visit on your Scotland Road Trip

If you have a few extra days to spare, make a stop in Edinburgh! This charming city is full of historical landmarks, great restaurants, and fun activities. Make sure in Edinburgh you visit Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Holyrood Palace. You can also take a stroll through one of the many green spaces or go shopping in trendy boutiques.

And no visit to Edinburgh would be complete without sampling some of the local whisky!

🦉 TOP TIP: The sunset from Edinburgh Castle is stunning!

🛌 Where to stay in Edinburgh: Market Street Hotel (Old Town)

Fort William

Although we drove through Fort William, we didn’t have a chance to spend any time here. Nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, Fort William is a small town with lots to do.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are so many opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and climbing. William Wordsworth even penned a poem about the area’s beauty!

🛌 Where to stay in Fort William: Victoria House Bed and Breakfast

What to Pack for a Scotland Road Trip

Whether you’re planning to camp under the stars or stay in your van, here are a few things you’ll need to pack for your 7-day Scotland road trip.

• Layers! Scotland can have four seasons in one day, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. Pack a mix of light and heavy clothing, including rain gear and sturdy shoes.
• A lightweight  waterproof jacket
• Hiking boots  (that won’t slip) – these are my favourites for any kind of weather
• An  umbrella
• A  waterproof day bag
• A  waterproof phone case  (which can also be used for  wild swimming  when it’s sunnier)
• A  portable charger
• Lots of layers
• A GoPro  for waterproof camera footage
• A  waterproof backpack cover
• A chilly bottle  to keep your water at a drinkable temperature
• A  Dry Robe , as it helps to keep you warm when entering and leaving the water (even if it’s raining!)
• As well as using bug  spray , we have midge  repellent wristbands .

Check out my travel shop here!

Where to stay on your Scotland road trip

If you are not hiring a van or camping , you need to pre-book accommodation for your Scotland road trip in advance. Stays in the UK sell out fast, and prices will increase nearer to the time of your trip.

Here are some of my recommendations, or check the button at the end of the paragraph for more exciting Scotland stays.

Glasgow: Maldron Hotel Glasgow City

Loch Lomond: Queen of the Loch

Traigh Beach: The Arisaig Pods

Isle of Skye: Rasaay House Hotel

Applecross: Hartford House Hotel

Aviemore: Macdonald Highlands Hotel

Fort William: Victoria House Bed and Breakfast

Getting around Scotland

This 7-day Scotland road trip has been planned with a rental car in mind. Public transport in the highlands is non-existent, and I wouldn’t recommend relying on it for your Scotland itinerary (even if you have to do some public transport in the city centre or for a day trip).

The roads in Scotland are easy to follow and for most of the year, the roads are quiet.

Renting a car for a Scotland road trip

If you can, take a car to get around Scotland. If you only have a short amount of time, you don’t want to be spending hours waiting for public transport.  Don’t have a car? We rent our cars in the UK from  this company . They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world.  Be sure to pre-book your car rental before arriving in the country to avoid disappointment!

➡  LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!

Wild camping in Scotland

When it comes to wild camping, you can park your van anywhere in Scotland . This is apart from the obvious, like someone’s property, a layby, on a corner and so on; just use common sense.

There are a lot of hidden gems and remote areas around, but it just takes a while to find them!

Best time to take a Scotland Road Trip

Scotland is a 365-day-year-round holiday destination, and knowing when to visit depends on your personal preferences.

☀️ If you want sunshine and blue skies , visit during the summer months of June-August. These are generally Scotland’s hottest months, but there’s no guarantee. Temperatures in these months can still drop and of course, we will still have some rain (it is the UK!) It can also get crowded and busy during the summer peak time. Make sure you pre-book any accommodation.

❄️ If you’d like to experience Scotland for its moody weather and clouds, head there for the colder months, like November and January. You’re also likely to see snow at this time in Scotland.

🌸  Spring in Scotland usually begins in late March and is until May.  Temperatures are beginning to rise and there is less rain than in the winter months. Pink blossom trees are blooming and the fields are coated in daffodils. 

🍂  Autumn temperatures in Scotland fall between September-early November.  If you’re looking for those aesthetic autumnal colours, your best bet is to take a Scotland road trip during these months. 

🎶 Don’t forget to check out local events when planning your trip, such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Highland Games.

Scotland Road Trip: FAQs

1) how many days do i need for a scotland road trip.

Whether you have a week, a fortnight, or even just a few days, you can tailor your entire Scottish road trip to suit your needs!

If you’re coming from further away, I would recommend at least 7 days for a Scotland road trip. But you can add or remove certain places to shorten or lengthen your trip.

2) Is 7 days in Scotland enough?

Seven days in Scotland is a great amount of time to get a real feel for the country. Of course, if you have longer, you can visit more places and explore new areas.

But if you only have seven days, this is a great amount of time to experience some of the things Scotland has to offer!

3) What is the best of Scotland in 1 week?

If you only have one week to visit Scotland, I recommend visiting at least one of the major cities (Glasgow or Edinburgh), heading to at least one or two of the lochs (Loch Lomond, Loch Morlich) and experiencing some of the Scottish Highlands.

Hiring a car and driving into the countryside is a great option for experiencing Scotland in just one week.

4) What is the prettiest part of Scotland to visit?

There are so many locations in Scotland that are beyond beautiful. When you first visit, there will be a number of moments when the scenery leaves you speechless.

The ‘prettiest’ part of Scotland will always be a personal choice, but some of the best views include: Loch Morlich (Cairngorms), Glencoe and the Isle of Skye.

5) What month is best for Scotland?

If you want warmer weather and long, dry days, head to Scotland in the summer months (June-August). For misty mountains and dramatic landscapes, visit Scotland in the winter (November-February).

6) What is the best time to go to Scotland to avoid midges?

Midges in Scotland are at their worst during the warmer months. If you want to avoid the midges, plan your Scotland road trip between the months of late September and May, when the weather is considerably cooler.

When we visited Scotland in August, we unknowingly pulled up to a loch at dusk for a bit of a walk.

As soon as I stepped out of the van, we were swamped by thousands, if not millions, of midges. I have never seen anything like it in my life! But, when we were away from the water, the midges were not as bad – we just had to use a lot of bug spray!

7) What is the cheapest time of year to visit Scotland?

The best times to visit Scotland on a budget will be during shoulder seasons (spring and autumn).

Straight after Christmas (January and Feburary time) are some of the cheapest and quietest months in Scotland – however, expect freezing cold temperatures, thick snow and a lot of rain!

8) What are the rainiest months in Scotland?

You can expect rain all year round in Scotland. However, the wettest months are from November to January.

9)  Do I need a car to visit  Scotland?

If you’re visiting Scotland and are short on time, I strongly recommend hiring a car.  If you’re looking to hire a car in Scotland, we rent our cars from  this company . They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world!  ➡  You can check out the  prices for car hire  in the UK now!

8)  Do I need a SIM card to visit Scotland? 

If you’re not from the UK, it’s worth  downloading an eSIM  on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive. 

ESIMs  are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing! Plus, there are  eSIMs  available for the entire continent of Europe, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡  You can check out the prices and packages for  eSIMs here!

A 7-Day Scotland Road Trip: In a Nutshell

If you’re looking for an epic road trip adventure, I highly recommend a 7 day Scotland road trip.

The scenery is stunning and there’s so much to see and do. Just make sure you give yourself enough time – it would be a shame to rush through this beautiful country!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Have you been on a road trip in Scotland? What was your favourite part? Let me know on Instagram – I’d love to hear from you!

Happy travelling!

Other Scotland posts:

• 13 BEST Things to do in Aviemore (Updated Guide!)

MEET THE AUTHOR!

Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.

If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).

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The Best 7 Day Scotland Road Trip For First-Timers (2024)

Interested in taking a 7 day Scotland road trip? You won’t be disappointed!

Scotland is my favorite place in the whole world.

I know that’s a pretty bold statement considering I haven’t seen the whole world, not even close.

But there’s just something about the country that makes me feel like I’m home and I never want to leave.

The fog and mist while driving through the Highlands, the friendly people, the wildlife, the history, and the folklore – all of it bundled together makes Scotland like nowhere else I’ve ever been.

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

While Scotland deserves as much time as you can manage, you can easily get a good feel for the country in just 7 days.

From the magical city of Edinburgh to the mysterious Loch Ness to the mesmerizing Isle of Skye , this self-drive tour of Scotland will get you around to a lot of the highlights and more!

Here’s the map and route and a breakdown of the best one-week Scotland road trip for first-timers:

• Day 1 – Edinburgh

Day 2 – Edinburgh to Stirling to Pitlochry

• Day 3 – Pitlochry to Cairngorms to Inverness

Day 4 – Inverness to Isle of Skye

Day 5 – isle of skye, day 6 – isle of skye to glencoe.

• Day 7 – Glencoe to Loch Lomond to Edinburgh

Are you getting excited? Let’s dive in!

PPST! Looking for an easy way to reference all this great info? I’ve got a free, summarized version of this itinerary available to download so you can refer back to it at any time!

Best 7 day scotland road trip for first-timers.

Today you’ll be exploring my favorite city, Edinburgh. Ideally, you’ll either be able to arrive the night before or early this morning so you can make the most of your day here.

Edinburgh is insanely beautiful and has so much history and character. There is so much to explore, so you’ll have to pick and choose what to see based on your interests, but if you only have one day, this is what I’d recommend.

Arthur’s Seat

If you arrive the night before, I’d highly recommend getting up early and hiking up Arthur’s Seat for sunrise.

Arthur’s Seat is a grassy hill that is the remnants of an ancient volcano. It offers one of the best views of the city and is not to be missed if you enjoy hiking. It is the highest point in Holyrood Park.

The hike up to the top isn’t long, but it can be strenuous, so you should be prepared before you make the hike.

If the weather is very windy, foggy, or rainy, you should probably skip this as the views won’t be good and the rain will make the route very slippery. This is definitely a hike that should be done in decent weather to get the most out of the experience.

You can start and end the hike at various places within Holyrood Park, but I’d recommend beginning by St. Margaret’s Well in the northwest part of the park and taking the path by Saint Anthony’s Chapel Ruins before making your way up to the top. You can then hike back down the way you came or take another path to explore a different section of the park.

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile lies in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. This is where many of the attractions, museums, and shopping opportunities are located. It starts at the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the east and stretches to Edinburgh Castle to the west.

You should spend the majority of your day in this section of the city. There is so much to see and do in this part alone that you would need several days to really see it all.

Assuming you are coming from Arthur’s Seat, you’ll be starting your exploration of the Royal Mile from the eastern side by Dynamic Earth and Holyroodhouse , but if you skipped this, you could start anywhere you wish.

St Giles’ Cathedral

Take a few minutes to explore this stunning cathedral that predates most of the Old Town of Edinburgh. Step inside and appreciate the beautiful stained glass and architecture.

Victoria Street

Any other Harry Potter fans out there? If so, you probably know that Victoria Street is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley, and you can definitely see why! There’s even a Harry Potter-themed store here, which is worth checking out!

Even if you aren’t a Harry Potter fanatic, this two-storied colorful street is fun to explore and do a bit of window shopping – or actual shopping!

Greyfriars Kirkyard & Greyfriars Bobby Statue

More Harry Potter trivia! It is said that J. K. Rowling spent time wandering around Greyfriars Kirkyard and came up with some of the characters’ names here, like McGonagall, Scrimgeour, and Thomas Riddell. Spend some time wandering around and see how many you can find!

A little ways away from the kirkyard is the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier who became famous for spending 14 years guarding the grave of his deceased owner.

National Museum of Scotland

There are so many museums to visit in Edinburgh, but if you only have time for one, I recommend the National Museum of Scotland .

It has a little bit of everything here, and the building itself is quite stunning. You could easily spend all day here, so I’d recommend finding the exhibitions you are most interested in and concentrating on those first.

I especially liked the Kingdom of the Scots and Scotland Transformed, as well as Dolly the sheep, who was the first cloned mammal.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

I didn’t get a chance to do this when I was in Edinburgh, but if you like scotch or are interested in learning more about the process, this would be a great option for you.

There are various tour options available, and I’d highly recommend booking your tour in advance as they do often sell out.

Edinburgh Castle

If you only have time for one activity, this is the one you should do. Edinburgh Castle is the highlight of the entire city , perched on top of a rocky hill and can be seen from just about everywhere.

Tickets must be bought in advance, so keep this in mind when planning.

Bonus: Calton Hill

If you aren’t too tired and want a nice location to watch the sunset, Calton Hill is a great choice.

Wander around the various monuments and enjoy the panoramic views of the city.

Other Options

For more options of things to do in Edinburgh if you have additional time or would like to swap out some of the previous suggestions, read this post:

Free and Cheap Things To Do In Edinburgh

Where to Stay

While it will be more expensive to stay near the Royal Mile, if you want to get the most out of your time in Edinburgh, it’s probably going to be your best option.

We actually opted to stay at an apartment at Tytler Gardens which is near Holyroodhouse and it worked out really well for us. It no longer is available, but this apartment is similar and in the same location.

Some other highly rated budget options include CoDE Pod – The CoURT , ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge , and Aparthotel Adagio .

Total Distance: 102 miles Length of Drive: 2.5 hours

Pick up your car this morning and head out of Edinburgh towards Stirling. Your first stop will be Linlithgow Palace.

Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace is the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and was the residence of the Stewarts for centuries. While now in ruins, it’s a fascinating place to explore and learn more about the Stewarts.

Spent an hour or two here and then continue to the Kelpies.

The Kelpies

The world’s largest horse sculptures are impressive and well worth a quick stop for a few pictures.

If you are interested, there are also tours that go inside the statue heads. We were content just walking around them and snapping a few photos.

This would also be a nice place to take a break and have a picnic if you packed a lunch. There is a cafe on-site as well if you want to get a quick bite to eat here.

Stirling Castle

I almost think I liked this castle better than Edinburgh’s…gasp! It’s hard to compare the two really, but Stirling Castle is a must-see regardless.

With its imposing position on the hill and sprawling grounds, you can spend a lot of time here exploring the castle inside and out.

Continue driving to Pitlochry where you will stay for the night.

Places to Stay

When we went to Scotland in 2017, we went during my 30th birthday. As my birthday treat, we stayed at Fonab Castle Hotel which was a highlight of our trip. It was luxurious and it was there I had the best meal of our entire trip.

If you want to splurge on a castle stay during your Scotland 7 day itinerary, I can’t recommend Fonab Castle enough. Or at least eat at the restaurant. It’s pricey but it’s worth it.

For budget stays, I’d recommend McKays Hotel Bar & Restaurant or Fisher’s Hotel .

Day 3 – Pitlochry to Inverness

Total Distance: 106 miles Length of Drive: 2.5 hours

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

Start off your morning with a visit to the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre.

I had a blast here. We took a hill trip, which basically means we walked out to where the reindeer were and got to walk with them, feed them, and pet them while learning all about reindeer and the herd.

I felt like a little kid and had so much fun feeding them and snapping a bazillion photos. This was one of my favorite things during our entire trip.

If this doesn’t sound like something you’d like, I’d recommend taking some time to drive around  Cairngorms National Park . I wish we would have had more time to do so when we visited. The area is beyond beautiful.

Old Pack Horse Bridge, Carrbridge

This is a fun little attraction on your way out of the area. This post-medieval bridge over the River Dulnain is intriguing and worth a quick stop to take a few photos.

Clava Cairns

The Clava Cairns are bronze-age cairns, which are basically prehistoric burial grounds that consist of standing stones and rings of rocks.

It’s pretty fascinating to see something so old that is so well preserved. We wandered around the grounds for a while, taking photos and just marveling.

Culloden Battlefield

For any of you Outlander fans out there, the Culloden Battlefield is a must-see. The tragic end of the Jacobite uprising occurred here in 1745, and you can walk in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought.

Check out the visitor center first to get the lay of the land and see artifacts and a reenactment of the battle, and then wander the grounds, viewing the monuments and the clans.

Wrap up your day by checking into your accommodations in Inverness and then heading downtown for dinner and some shopping.

Where to stay

Your best bet is to find a place in Inverness or nearby. THE KEMPS Guesthouse and Darroch View B&B are highly rated budget options.

Total Distance: 113 miles Length of Drive: 2.5 hours

Urquhart Castle / Loch Ness

Drive along Loch Ness from Inverness to Urquhart Castle.

Urquhart Castle was my favorite castle ruin to explore. It sits right along the shores of Loch Ness and is incredibly picturesque. I loved climbing around the ruins and getting fantastic views from just about every angle.

Take some time to walk along the loch and see if you can spot Nessie!

Afterward, jump back in the car and head toward the west coast of Scotland and the Isle of Skye. You’ll probably want to stop and take loads of photos on the way, so go for it!

Eilean Donan Castle

Right before you cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye, you’ll come across Eilean Donan Castle. This is another highly photographed castle that you’ve probably seen loads of times.

It’s not a very big castle, but I thought it was worth taking the time to tour. The surroundings are what makes this castle so special, so even if you don’t want to go inside, take a few minutes to take some pictures.

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.

Once you’re finished at Eilean Donan, continue to the Isle of Skye and Portree. Take your time and stop at anything that strikes your fancy along the way.

If you’ve got some extra time once you reach Portee, take a walk around the town to see the colorful houses by the harbor.

If you’re up for a walk, hike the Scorrybreac Trail near the boathouse for some beautiful views of the boats and the loch.

Get to bed early tonight – you’ve got an early morning and a long day tomorrow!

Portree may be the main town on the Isle of Skye, but it’s still small and places to stay fill up fast, especially in the summer. Prices are a lot more expensive here too for that reason.

A few budget options include Tongadale Hotel and The Bosville . Renting a place with VRBO is also a great option.

Total Distance: 151 miles Length of Drive: 4.5 hours

Today is going to be the longest driving day, simply because if you only have one day to explore the Isle of Skye in your itinerary for Scotland, you will want to see as much as possible. You’ll want to get a very early start and will probably be out late.

I mean, if you’re going to tour Scotland, see everything you can, right?

But if this sounds like too much driving for you, feel free to cut out any of my suggestions that don’t strike your fancy. This is your trip, after all! But if you want to see as much of the Isle of Skye as you can in one day, this route should do the trick.

Fairy Pools

Aim to arrive at the Fairy Pools right around sunrise. We went first thing in the morning and had the place to ourselves for almost an hour!

The Fairy Pools are made up of blue, crystal-clear rock pools of mountain water that are fed by streams and waterfalls from the River Brittle.

It is an incredibly beautiful area to take a walk and maybe take a dip if you are brave enough – the water is frigid, even in the summer!

NOTE: If you have the time on Day 4, you could go to the Fairy Pools before heading to Portree for the evening. This would cut off about an hour of driving on Day 5 and might be a better option if you’d rather do the Fairy Pools than walk around Portree.

The Fairy Glen is a unique hilly landscape with various rock circles and outcroppings. It’s a beautiful place to take a walk and enjoy the scenery.

You will see lots of cairns and rock circles in the area. Please don’t add to them or create more…the locals try to keep the area clear of them and maintain the natural beauty.

The Quiraing is a famous landslip that is a great place to take a hike. You will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding area.

The 3.9-mile circuit hike will take you about 2 hours to complete. Since this itinerary is pretty packed, I’d recommend only doing one hike on this day, either the Quiraing or Old Man of Storr (see below).

The day we did this drive, it was very rainy and cloudy, so we did not do any hiking. This hike would only really be worth it on a clear day since you won’t get the views otherwise.

If you aren’t interested in hiking, you can skip the Quiraing and continue to Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls.

Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

Kilt Rock is a pleated rock formation along the cliffs, and Mealt Falls is the waterfall that plunges into the ocean over Kilt Rock.

It’s a neat location along the cliffs that’s worth a quick stop and a few photos.

Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr is a famous rock formation on the Isle of Skye that you can either hike up to or simply admire from below (if it’s not too cloudy!).

As I mentioned earlier, your itinerary is pretty packed today, so if you’d like to hike, I would choose only one, either this one or the Quiraing.

The Old Man of Storr hike is 3 miles and will take about 1.5 hours to complete. As with the Quiraing, if it’s too rainy or cloudy, you might want to skip the hike since you won’t be able to see much. Also make sure you have good, sturdy shoes since the rocks and the incline can be slippery.

Neist Point

After admiring the Old Man of Storr, drive about 1.5 hours and head to the westernmost point of the Isle of Skye to Neist Point and its lighthouse.

Neist Point is a wonderful location to catch the sunset , so if you are able to make it here around that time, all the better.

Take the trail down to the lighthouse first, wandering among the sheep and exploring the area around the lighthouse. Be careful of the wind – the day we went it was insanely windy and we got blown around like crazy!

After, head up to the lighthouse viewpoint and admire the scene. It’s located up the hill to the right of the car park. Somehow I missed this spot on our trip and am kicking myself! Oh well, there is always next time!

You can either head back to Portree tonight or you can book a place closer to Neist Point so you don’t have as long of a drive.

We ended up staying at an Airbnb in Dunvegan (which is unfortunately no longer available) and thought the location and the room were nice. There aren’t many options though, so keep that in mind. Your best bet is probably Airbnb or VRBO .

Total Distance: 152 miles Length of Drive: 5 hours

Take the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig

The best way to get to Glenfinnan and Glencoe today is to drive to Armadale and take the ferry to Mallaig.

CalMac is the company that operates this ferry and many of the other ferries in the country.

Depending on the time of year you visit, there may only be one or two ferries a day, so check the ferry timetable to determine if this option will work for you.

We went in early December and had to take the 9:25 am ferry because the only other ferry was in the late afternoon. There are more options in the summer months (late March to late October) but just check ahead of time.

We enjoyed taking the ferry across the loch, even if the water was choppy and it was raining. It was still a great experience! You can buy ferry tickets on the CalMac website.

Once you get off the ferry, it’s only a short drive to Glenfinnan.

NOTE: If you cannot or do not want to take the ferry, it will take you approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to drive from Portee to Glenfinnan, so take that into consideration when planning.

St Mary & St Finnan Church

Take a few minutes to stop and peek into this tiny and beautiful church located just down the road from the Glenfinnan Visitor Center.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Made famous by the Harry Potter movies, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is an amazing railroad structure that carries the famous Jacobite steam train and other trains from Fort William to Mallaig.

While the Jacobite steam train only runs in the summer months, if you are visiting at another time of year, you can try to catch another train crossing as we did, or just hike along the trail and enjoy the viaduct from several viewpoints.

Glenfinnan Monument

Take a quick walk across the street from the visitor center to see the Glenfinnan Monument, which was erected as a tribute to those who lost their lives fighting during the Jacobite cause.

I don’t think I could pick between Isle of Skye or Glencoe which is more beautiful and breathtaking.

This national nature reserve is the epitome of the Scottish Highlands. Dramatic scenery, loads of wildlife, and wonderful hiking all combine into one of my favorite places in Scotland.

Take your time here. Drive slow, soak up the beauty, and take lots of photos.

Our favorite place in Glencoe is Glen Etive , a stunning area that has been featured in several movies and is home to curious red deer.

There are also multiple hikes in the area if you have the time and want to get out and stretch your legs. A few options include Lost Valley, Buachaille Etive Beag, and Signal Rock.

You’ll have the best luck finding accommodations in the Fort William area. A few good choices include Loch Leven Hotel , The Garrison , and Highland Croft .

Day 7 – Glen Coe to Loch Lomond to Edinburgh

Total Distance: 140 miles Length of Drive: 3 hours 15 minutes

On your last day in Scotland, take it easy and explore Loch Lomond .

Walk along the loch and breathe in the fresh air. Pack along a picnic and eat along the banks. Soak up your last day in Scotland.

Stop by the adorable village of Luss and walk around. If you haven’t gotten to visit a distillery yet, check out Glen Luss Distillery.

In the mood for some hiking? Consider Devil’s Pulpit, a stunning gorge with a waterfall.

Rather spend the day in Glasgow? There are plenty of things to do there as well. We only had a few hours when we went and only had time to see the Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis , but it was beautiful and well worth it.

If you love museums, there are plenty of great ones in Glasgow. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a popular one as well as the Gallery of Modern Art.

I know you don’t want to, but you’ll have to eventually head back to Edinburgh to drop off your car and catch your plane. If you can, try to catch a flight for the next morning so you don’t have to rush, but a late evening flight tonight could work as well.

If you plan to drop off your car at the airport, pick a place near there to make it easier. If you are returning the car to a location in the city, you might want to stay downtown and then catch a bus or taxi in the morning to take you to the airport.

Want a downloadable version of this itinerary? I’ll send it right to your inbox!

If you have less than 7 days for a road trip in scotland….

If you don’t have a full week to road trip in Scotland, here are a couple of alternative itineraries so you can still make the most of your time.

3 Day Scotland road trip Itinerary

With 3 days, I’d recommend you stay based in Edinburgh and spend more time in the city. There is so much to see here that you won’t run out of things to do!

If you don’t want to spend all 3 days in Edinburgh, you could take a bus or train to Glasgow and spend one day there to see how different the two cities are.

I like to use Rome2Rio to find the best options when using public transportation.

If you want to get out and see the Highlands , consider a day trip with a group tour. It will be the easiest and most relaxing way to experience the wilds of Scotland.

I highly recommend finding your tour on Get Your Guide . You can find the highest-rated options for good prices, and I’ve had nothing but good experiences with them.

4 Day Scotland road trip Itinerary

If you have 4 days, use the first 3 days of the 7 day Scotland itinerary, and then on the fourth day, drive from Inverness back to Edinburgh via Glencoe.

5 Day Scotland road trip Itinerary

With a five-day itinerary, I would do something like this:

• Day 2 – Edinburgh to Isle of Skye (It’s about a 5.5-hour drive so stop and see a few things along the way if you’d like, such as the Kelpies and Eilean Donan Castle , or head directly there and spend more time on the Isle of Skye.)
• Day 3 – Isle of Skye (use the Day 5 itinerary)
• Day 4 – Isle of Skye to Glencoe (use the Day 6 itinerary)
• Day 5 – Glencoe to Edinburgh (use the Day 7 itinerary)

6 Day Scotland road trip Itinerary

If you have 6 days, skip Day 3 and drive directly from Edinburgh to Inverness. I’d recommend trying to see Stirling Castle and Culloden Battlefield along the way.

If you have more than 7 days for a road trip in Scotland…

Woo hoo! You’ve got more than a week for your epic road trip! There are so many ways you can extend this itinerary to explore some of these areas even deeper.

• With one extra day, you could choose to add an additional day in Edinburgh or the Isle of Skye, whichever one sounds more enjoyable to you.
• With 2 or 3 extra days , I’d do additional days in both Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye.
• St. Andrews (if you love golf)
• Glasgow (if you love cities)
• Oban & The Isle of Mull (if you love scotch or want to explore another isle)
• The North Coast 500 (This could be a whole separate trip, but if you have the time, I’d add this drive! This is on our list for our next visit!)

You can also check out this 10-Day Scotland Highlands road trip itinerary that includes time in Oban & The Isle of Mull plus two full days in Skye. Or, if you want to see more of the UK, here are 11 fantastic UK road trip itineraries for you to explore.

Best time to road trip in Scotland

In my opinion, there is never a bad time for Scotland travel! Each season has its pros and cons. Here are a few things to consider in order to pick the season that’s best for you.

Summer (July to August) is by far the most popular season to visit Scotland. The weather is the warmest, most attractions will be open, and you have really long days (the sun doesn’t set until after 9:30 pm for most of the season!). There are also lots of festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Highland Games .

The downside is that things can get CROWDED. Everyone wants to take road trips to experience the beauty of a Scotland summer, so attractions will be packed and you’ll have lots of cars on the narrow country roads. Accommodations will be more expensive and harder to come by unless you book out months in advance. You also will have to deal with a higher chance of rain and the pesky midges (biting insects).

Spring (May-June) and Fall (September-October) are the shoulder seasons and are a fantastic time to experience Scotland. There are fewer crowds, prices are reasonable, and many attractions are open. There is also a lesser chance of rain.

There aren’t many downsides to visiting this time of year, other than the fact that the days are shorter than the summer and the weather can be a bit chilly and unpredictable. If you wanted to do any swimming, you probably wouldn’t want to come during these seasons.

Winter (November-April) is the low season for Scotland. Many attractions and accommodations are closed, it can be cold and snowy, and the days are quite short.

However, there are definitely some advantages to traveling to Scotland in the winter. You can experience the wonder of the Christmas markets in Glasgow and Edinburgh and see the country covered in the beautiful snow .

There is also the opportunity for skiing in the Highlands, and there are hardly any people at the attractions.

We went to Scotland in late November / early December and loved it so much. While we couldn’t see everything we wanted because certain things were closed, the places we did get to see were practically void of people. We got to experience so many things without another person in sight!

Plus I fell in love with Edinburgh and its Christmas market. It was one of my favorite things to do in the city and I tried to make it there every night to enjoy the hot food and drinks and walk the stalls.

No matter when you visit Scotland, you are bound to have an amazing time!

How to get to Scotland

Most likely you will either arrive in Scotland by plane, train, or bus.

The two major airports in Scotland are Glasgow (GLA) and Edinburgh (EDI) . If you are flying, you will probably arrive at either one of these. Depending on where you are coming from, it may be cheaper to fly in/out of one versus the other.

When we went, it was cheaper to fly into Glasgow and then take a bus to Edinburgh, so that’s what we did. Check both options to see which works best for you.

I use Google Flights to check flight prices and track them so I can get the best deal.

If you are already in Europe, you can also arrive in Scotland by bus or train. I like Rome2Rio to help me find the best, cheapest public transportation options.

If you have your own car, you can also drive to Scotland, although if you are coming from mainland Europe, remember that in the UK, they drive on the left side of the road.

It may be better to rent a car in this instance as you will be sitting on the wrong side of the car for this kind of driving.

How to get around Scotland

Personal vehicle.

In my opinion, taking a road trip around Scotland is the best way to see the country.

You can stop and look at whatever beautiful landmark you want.

You can eat at that cute cafe.

You can stay an extra hour or 5 if you fall in love with a particular place.

Being able to control your own schedule is fantastic.

But there are definitely some things to consider before you decide to rent a car and drive yourself.

The biggest thing is that if you are from the Americas, mainland Europe, and many other places in the world, you will be driving on the opposite side of the road than you are used to.

That’s right: you’ll be driving on the left instead of the right.

If you are not a confident driver, this is something you should definitely think about before deciding if you should rent a car.

related: the best car for a road trip in Europe

However, don’t let it freak you out too much. I found that after the first day (which was, honestly, a little nerve-wracking) it wasn’t too bad. Since you are sitting on the other side of the car, I found myself almost automatically being drawn to the left side of the road.

Just take it slow and you’ll get the hang of it.

I use Discover Cars to find and book my rentals. They search all the rental companies for the best prices and you always get free cancellation.

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).

Public transportation

If you would rather not drive yourself around Scotland, you can rely on public transportation. You’ll be more restricted on where you can go and your timetable, but it’s definitely doable.

There is a pretty well-connected bus and train system in Scotland that you can use to get around. You’ll have a harder time getting out to some of the more rural attractions and towns, but public transportation can still get you to a lot of places if you’d rather not drive yourself.

I use the website and app Rome2Rio for all my public transportation planning and to purchase tickets.

If driving your own vehicle and taking public transportation sounds like too much stress for you, then a tour will be more up your alley.

There are plenty of great tour companies out there that will cover every option.

If you want to piece together your own plans and take a day trip or two, consider a site like Get Your Guide or Viator to find day tours that suit your budget and desired itinerary. You can also find multi-day tours too that may work for you.

However, if you want a complete package where you don’t have to plan a thing, check out Tour Radar . You can search all the tour companies that offer trips to Scotland and compare prices and destinations.

What to pack for your Scotland road trip

No matter when you decide to visit Scotland, your packing list will be pretty similar. The weather is always changing there and it can go from being windy and rainy one moment to sunny the next.

Here are some items and travel tips you should consider when packing for your 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.

This is a given, but you are going to be so amazed by all the beauty around you, you’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t have a good camera to capture it all.

A good phone camera would work well for most landscapes, but if you want to get some awesome closeup shots, you might want something with a zoom lens.

Hiking shoes & good socks

If you plan on doing any kind of hiking, I’d recommend hiking shoes or boots rather than sneakers. The socks you wear with your boots will also make a huge difference in how your feet feel. I like Cloudline wool socks, but there are lots of great brands out there.

Rain jacket

I guarantee you it will rain at some point while you are in Scotland. Don’t let the weather ruin your trip – pack along a good rain jacket so you can still enjoy your activities.

No matter what season you travel to Scotland, you are going to need to be prepared for all kinds of weather and temperatures. Pack a variety of options, ideally items that can be layered. That way you’ll be comfortable no matter the conditions.

It’s always a good idea to have a day pack with you when you travel. Whether it’s to throw all your kids’ stuff into it or to pack along lunches for a hike, it makes it so much easier to have a designated bag that is used exclusively for your day excursions.

Laundry detergent sheets

I never travel anywhere without laundry detergent sheets . They are so nice to throw into your bag in case you need to do laundry. 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.

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 Airbnb reservation address.

How many days do you need for a Scotland road trip?

The short answer? As many as possible!

But since the majority of us have a time limit for these sorts of things, spending months in Scotland is probably out of the question.

I’d say at the very least, if you want to get out of the cities and get a decent glimpse of the countryside, you would need a minimum of 4-5 days. This would give you the ability to spend a day or two in Edinburgh and/or Glasgow and then a couple of days in the Highlands.

However, if you can swing at least a whole week, you’ll be able to take full advantage of this itinerary and see a lot more of the Highlands and what makes Scotland so magical.

When we went to Scotland, we had two weeks and got to see so much, but it still felt too short. There is SO much more I want to see that I cannot wait until I get back!

Conclusion: The Best 7-Day Scotland Road Trip for First-Timers

And there you have it! A fantastic 7-day Scotland road trip for anyone wanting to see the best of Scotland for the first time.

Ready to book your trip right now? I know I’m itching to go back!

What part of this itinerary are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments!

Want to save it for later? Pin it!

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.

26 Comments

Hi I read the whole blog and it’s Amazing!! I am planning to travel to Edinburgh from Reading, UK with my husband and daughter in the last week of December by car. My biggest doubt is the journey, safety and weather..Would like to hear from you what exact precautions should be taken on our trip. Please advise. Thank you so much ! Regards, Smitha.

Hi Smitha! Are you planning to make the trip in one day or over several days? It’s a pretty long drive for one day but definitely doable if you want to make it in one shot. My biggest piece of advice is to take it slow in case there is some bad weather and do it in 2 days if you are able so you can take your time. However, it looks like you’ll be taking A and M routes the whole way which means they should be maintained pretty decent and the weather shouldn’t affect you too much. I hope you have a great time!

Hi Stef, this blog is fantastic, so informative and detailed. My daughter and I have 6 days with a hire car so will be generally following your itinerary. We’re leaving Edinburgh on Sat 7th October and will return on Thursday 12th. We’d love to spend more time on Skye but obviously if the weather is going to be very wet with low cloud, we’d see very little. So its a bit of a quandary as if the weather is decent we would regret moving on. Is there any chance you’ve got a crystal ball? Failing that, what is your experience of the weather in October? Thanks, Judy

Hi Judy, I wish I had a crystal ball! Unfortunately the weather could really go either way. When we went in November, we had mostly nice days, but one day on Isle of Skye it rained all afternoon and the other was mostly cloudy but fairly dry. I expect October to be similar. So it really is a gamble either way. That being said, I don’t regret spending the extra days on Skye. The weather really does change pretty quickly, and from what I’ve experienced, it does tend to rain most days but not constantly, so you probably still could see a fair bit. I hope you have a fantastic trip whatever you decide! 🙂

Excellent blog, love it. We would be driving from Lake District and fly out of Edinburgh… you see any issues if we flip the itinerary you shared? And end at Edinburgh? Thanks a bunch

Hi Jaya, I don’t think that would be a problem! The only thing I would check into would be the ferry timetable if you decide to take the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale. You would probably have to time it pretty well so you don’t miss it. Otherwise, if you didn’t mind driving a bit longer, you could take the longer route and drive both to and from the Isle of Skye.

I hope you have a great trip!

We just got back from the most amazing Scotland road trip and your site/post was used for 99.9% of the itinerary! I cannot thank you enough for all of the information you provided, the various options, your honest opinions, and overall great ideas. Thank you again for helping to make our amazing trip come to life (the reindeer hike was an absolute highlight of a lifetime!).

Hi Katie, I’m so glad to hear that! Scotland is magical and I am so happy to hear you had a wonderful time!

Hi, I just want to thank you for writing this blog . I used it for our trip planning and we just got back on Sunday . Everything was just as you said with plenty of time to wonder and see other things . Time of driving was very helpful to plan our day . We stayed mostly in places you recommended and they were all very good !! . We loved Isle of the Skye . We could not see Kilt Rock – it was under construction but we did everything else and it was a dream . Thank you – we loved our trip so much 🙂 Heidi

Hi Heidi, I’m so glad you had a great trip! Scotland is for sure my favorite place and I’m so glad you found my post helpful 🙂

If you have only 6 days and want to include St. Andrews in the trip for the guys (just to see… I know playing isn’t really an option), is this possible?

Hi Sandy, I would say that if you want to include St. Andrews, I would recommend going from Edinburgh directly to St. Andrews and skipping Linlithgow Palace and the Kelpies. Stirling Castle is still worth seeing if you have the time, but you could end up in St. Andrews, stay the night there, and then drive to Inverness. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Hello! I absolutely love your site and the “plain talk”. How do we find accommodations that allow 3 people room? 2 parents and a teenager?

Thank you so much! Darlene

Hi Darlene, when you are searching, you can usually enter the number of people going and the website (hotels.com, VRBO, etc) will filter the accommodations that can take 3 or more people. Let me know if you have any other questions or need more clarification!

Hi! Loved your review. I have a few questions. Do you find it easy to do with kids or you believe it to be a lot of time on the road? Do you know if there are some places closed in January, if it’s not a good month to go? And finally, is the weather very bad in January? Thanks

I haven’t personally been to Scotland in January, but we were there in December and didn’t find the weather too bad, at least to us. It did rain some but it wasn’t awful. Temperatures were above freezing for the most part, so if you don’t mind chilly weather I think that would be a good time to go.

There are a lot of places that are closed in January, especially the smaller attractions. Most attractions in the cities and some of the popular castles are still open but with shorter hours. I think it depends on what you are looking for out of your trip. If you want to see the main attractions and don’t like colder, rainy weather you might not enjoy it as much. But if you like very few tourists and don’t mind exploring in the cold and rain, you’d probably really enjoy going in the winter.

As far as kids, we didn’t have any kiddos on our trip, but as soon as our little guy is born, you bet I’ll be planning a trip to take him. I don’t feel like we did a lot of long driving without stops since there is so much to see. I think kids of any age would be just fine, but again, I think it depends on what you like to do.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

Hello, I love reading your blog and find it very helpful with planning my partners and I trip. As I work in a primary school we are deciding to come either Easter holidays ( April) or half term (may). We love camping, is there any places you can recommend to us to stay during the trip? It will also save us a few pennies. We live in wales and my partner is a car enthusiast so of course he wants to drive 🤣 Any recommendations would be fantastic! Thank you Amelia

Hi Amelia, We did not go camping ourselves when we did our road trip so I can’t recommend any places from personal experience. However, there are a couple of websites I would use to look for camping places if I was doing the trip myself. The first is called Hipcamp . It has camping, glamping, cabins, and other more rustic accommodation options. I see there are some budget options around the Cairngorms and around Loch Lomond. Other sites I would use would be scottishcamping.com, campsites.co.uk, and also check out the information on wild camping in Scotland , which could be a fun option. Let me know if you have any other questions or would like some more help, I can definitely help you find some specific places based on how to like to camp 🙂 Stef

Your Blog is really helpful as I’m just now organising a road trip of 7 days self driving through this beautiful country. Julie 🇦🇺

Hi Julie, I’m so glad you found it helpful! Let me know if I can help you with anything! 🙂

Hi, thanks so much for this. Wondered if you have a rough estimate of how much the cost of petrol for this would be, and how many miles the trip is.

Hi Grace, the total number of miles is approximately 700, and this number is the minimum of just following the route. If you take detours, it will obviously be a bit longer. As far as petrol cost, this will depend on the vehicle you are driving and petrol costs when you go, but it looks like the average petrol cost in Scotland right now is 172.06/liter. If you drive an economy car, I’d probably allocate about £200-250 for petrol.

This was really helpful! Thank you 🙂

Hi Olga, so glad you found it helpful! Thanks for reading!

Hi, thank you for your blog! My husband and I are exploring Scotland, we’re going on a roadtrip for 2 weeks in June. Since I chose the destination, I was assigned to do the itinerary and I am literally copying yours! LOL The photos are amazing and I appreciated all the details that you gave. Very helpful! I’m now excited and can’t wait for our trip! Thanks again 🙂

Of course, Lisa! So glad you found it helpful! You will love Scotland, it is my favorite place 🙂

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