scotland road trip from edinburgh

13 Best Road Trips From Edinburgh for Scenic Journeys

February 21, 2024

Because Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK… and it’s of course packed with stuff to do.

But it’s also a hugely underrated base. Right from the city, you can easily tackle hikes , cliffs , other cities , and… as you’ve probably guessed from the name of this blog post… lots of great road trips .

So in this guide, I’ve served up the 13 best road trips from Edinburgh . Hop in the driver’s seat, rev up that engine, and come join the four-wheeled fun!

1. Edinburgh to Glasgow

2. edinburgh to eyemouth, 3. edinburgh to st andrews, 4. edinburgh to tyndrum, 5. edinburgh to oban, 6. edinburgh to newcastle upon tyne (the inland route), 7. the arran loop, 8. edinburgh to aberdeen, 9. edinburgh to newcastle upon tyne (via the coast), 10. edinburgh to portpatrick, 11. the borderlands loop, 12. edinburgh to carlisle (via hadrian’s wall), 13. edinburgh to inverness, before you go, best road trips from edinburgh.

N ote: I’ve added a recommended duration for each journey. That recommended duration isn’t an indication of how quickly you can drive around each route without stopping (although, if you’re short on time, that’s obviously an option too). Instead, it’s an indication of how much time you should take if you want to see all the sights, have some stop-offs, and enjoy the road trip properly (instead of just rushing around it). Enjoy!

2 hours from Edinburgh (55 miles, 90 km)

This ride takes you between Scotland’s two biggest—and two most famous—cities. And here’s some good news for you: between the two great places, you can cram in lots of highlights.

But before you jump in your car, this part’s important: you don’t want to drive the quickest route. Obviously, there are countless ways to get from Edinburgh to Glasgow … but if you want to avoid boring roads without taking outrageous detours, you should drive via Linlithgow, Falkirk, Bonnybridge, Drumpellier Country Park, and Seven Lochs Wetland Park.

(Along the way, make sure you visit both the Kelpies and Linlithgow Palace , two of the most interesting sights in the region).

The vast majority of Scotland’s residents live in this part of the nation… so it can be difficult to find interesting en-route sights. But if you follow the above, you’ll see a nice mixture of natural beauty, heritage sights, historical stuff, and pretty towns and villages.

If you want to make a potentially-boring journey into a much-prettier one, this is among the best road trips from Edinburgh. It’s way way better than the route most people ride on .

⛪ What to Do in Glasgow

Because it’s the most populous city in Scotland, Glasgow has plenty to offer . Check out the cathedral and the necropolis, wander along the river, and munch on a picnic at Pollok Country Park. And because you’re in the heart of the UK’s UNESCO City of Music, don’t miss Glasgow’s music mile tour followed by the Silent Disco adventure tour . And if you’re an Outlander fan, you’ll love this full-day tour ! Oh, and if you have time, make sure you also tackle some day trips .

🏠 Where to Stay in Glasgow

Glasgow (of course) has endless places to stay … including some subpar spots. Avoid the bad stuff by heading to either Voco Grand Central (which is very classy and very central) or Acorn Hotel (which is a little quieter, and a little more affordable) .

🗺️ Route Map and Details

• Itinerary: Edinburgh – Linlithgow – Falkirk – Bonnybridge – Glasgow
• Distance: 55 miles/90km
• Full trip duration: 2-5 hours
• Highlights: Linlithgow Palace, Falkirk, the Kelpies, some surprisingly small towns, seeing the two biggest cities in Scotland, and an alternative way of riding between Edinburgh and Glasgow

2 hours from Edinburgh (60 miles, 95 km)

One of the prettiest, best, and most popular seaside towns in southern Scotland, Eyemouth is always packed with people.

Though this isn’t a particularly lengthy route, it offers loads of beauty and variety. For the whole route, stay as close to the coast as you can, and always take the smaller roads instead of the main ones.

The section between Cockburnspath and Eyemouth is my favorite coastal stretch in southern Scotland, with colossal cliffs , steep exciting ascents, and endless incredible views. You’ll want to stop for photographs every five minutes.

Other highlights include Musselburgh , North Berwick , Tantallon Castle , Dunbar, and Coldingham.

If you like coastal drives but you don’t have a huge amount of time to spare, this is one of the best road trips from Edinburgh. It’s also a great option if you have kids—there are lots of child-friendly attractions and eateries along the route. One of the best is East Links Family Park just west of Dunbar.

And whether you’re traveling with little ones or not, you should definitely check out the Scottish Seabird Center in North Berwick.

🛥️ What to Do in Eyemouth

Eyemouth is the archetypal UK seaside town. Make sure you slurp on some ice cream, chow down on some fish and chips, wander along the lovely beaches, and visit the excellent natural harbor. And if you have time, tackle one of the town’s excellent boat trips .

🏠 Where to Stay in Eyemouth

The Glenerne Guest House is one of the most charming spots in Eyemouth, with great food, comfy beds, and lots of warm welcomes. If you prefer to have your own self-catering cottage, head to The Old Library instead.

• Itinerary: Edinburgh – Musselburgh – North Berwick – Cockburnspath – Eyemouth
• Distance: 60 miles/95km
• Full trip duration: 1-2 days
• Highlights: Massive Tantallon Castle, pretty North Berwick, the stretch between Cockburnspath and Eyemouth, exploring a lesser-known part of Scotland’s coast, and lovely Eyemouth itself

2 hours 30 minutes from Edinburgh (70 miles, 110 km)

If you like coastal towns, fishing villages, and populated ports, this is absolutely one of the best road trips from Edinburgh.

Instead of heading south (as you do in the route above) , you instead drive north, driving to one of Scotland’s most impressive, significant, and historic settlements.

Again, you don’t want to drive the direct route. Stay as close to the coast as you can, and you’ll have a much better time. The main challenge on this route is whittling down the places to stop — there are lovely highlights dotted all the way along this part of the coast, with nice pretty settlements about every ten minutes.

Some of your best choices are Kinghorn , Dalgety Bay, family-friendly Aberdour Beach, charming Earlsferry, and harborside Pittenweem.

But whatever you do, make sure you stop at both Anstruther and Crail (and overnight in one of them if you have time) . They’re both super charming and super pretty, and there’s an easy-but-beautiful walk connecting the two of them.

🏌️ What to Do in St Andrews

Visit the old cathedral, wander around the cobbled streets, and gawp at all the ancient architecture. To see all of the best places and more, join this guided walking tour which is a “must-do tour for anyone visiting St Andrews” . And if you like golf (which is mainly what the place is famous for) , make sure you check out some of St Andrews’ courses and participate in this Golf History Tour .

Another original and interesting activity that I recommend is to explore the supernatural locations of the city searching for ghosts! This award-winning activity will let you do just that!

🏠 Where to Stay in St Andrews

For a big fat slice of ridiculously self-indulgent luxury, head to the Old Course Hotel . Or for the UK sleep-in-a-pub-style experience, get yourself along to Rooms at the Saint instead.

• Itinerary: Edinburgh – Queensferry – Kinghorn – Anstruther – Crail – St Andrews
• Distance: 70 miles/110km
• Highlights: Riding over the iconic Forth Road Bridge ( UNESCO listed site ) , a huge number of en-route beaches, lots of pretty lighthouses, Kinghorn, Pittenweem, and the lovely fishing settlements of Anstruther and Crail

3 hours 30 minutes from Edinburgh (108 miles, 174 km)

If you want to explore Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park , this is obviously one of the best road trips from Edinburgh. It takes you on a north-to-south journey through the entirety of the park, and you tick off lots of highlights along the way.

There are endless ways you can reach Tyndrum from Edinburgh. But the most common is by heading west to Glasgow, before then riding north through Balloch and Inverarnan, along the western banks of super-famous Loch Lomond. And that’s exactly what I’m recommending to you.

(In our next route, to Oban, I’ve covered some alternative parts of the national park).

Between Edinburgh and Glasgow, you’ll pass all the stuff we’ve already covered above. From here, other en-route highlights include Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Center , Inchmoan Island (which you’ll need to take a boat trip to visit) , surprisingly-quiet Culag Beach, the tiny settlement of Inverbeg, and the pretty village of Tarbet (where you can take some great boat trips) .

You’ll also hit lots of great viewpoints along the way, and loads of hiking spots. Some of the top en-route ascents are Ben Vorlich , The Cobbler , and Beinn Ime .

🧺 What to Do in Tyndrum

Eat some fish and chips at the Real Food Cafe , have a picnic at Lochan na Bi, and head north to Loch Tulla. And make sure you see the iconic Green Welly , an age-old service station. Oh, and if you’re with kids, check out the family-fun wander of the Tyndrum Gruffalo Trail.

🏠 Where to Stay in Tyndrum

Well-located bed and breakfast Clifton Cottage is welcoming and friendly and offers great breakfasts. If you’d prefer to stay in a “real” hotel, your best option is Muthu Ben Doran Hotel .

• Itinerary: Edinburgh – Glasgow – Balloch – Inverarnan – Tyndrum
• Distance: 108 miles/174km
• Full trip duration: 1-3 days
• Highlights: Some excellent en-route hikes, the wander up The Cobbler, lots of picnic spots along the western shores of Loch Lomond, and seeing loads of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

4 hours from Edinburgh (130 miles, 210 km)

This trip is absolutely packed with loads of good stuff and offers a huge amount of variety. It’s hard to pick an absolute best route from this list, but I’m tempted to nominate this one.

There are endless different ways you can drive from Edinburgh to Oban. But for filling your trip with as many beautiful and interesting highlights as you can, here’s what I recommend:

First, head west to Falkirk and Stirling , for the populated part of your ride. During this stretch, you’ll want to stop off at both The Kelpies and Stirling Castle .

From here, head through Callander , Strathyre , and Tyndrum, for a stretch that takes you along some of the most underrated and unknown parts of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Good hike options during this section include the wanders up Ben Ledi, Ben Vorlich, and Ben Vane.

Make sure you also stop to eat at lochside The Cabin , and make the short detour to Ardvorlich for some great views of Loch Earn.

From Tyndrum, you then head west through Lochawe and Taynuilt to finally reach lovely lovely Oban.

On this ride, you get towns, cities, a national park, some great lochs, beautiful castles , remote mountains, an excellent coastal stretch, and an outrageously beautiful finale.

🎣 What to Do in Oban

One of the prettiest fishing towns in the whole of Scotland, Oban is ridiculously beautiful… and just wandering around the harbor is beautiful. But you should also do some scuba diving at the Puffin Dive Center , and stroll to Dunollie Point. And if you have time, take a boat to the excellent Isle of Mull. And all cases, don’t leave the city before participating in this (very cheap) guided town highlights walking tour .

🏠 Where to Stay in Oban

Pub-based The Scot is modern, trendy, family-friendly, and relatively affordable. If you’re traveling on a much tighter budget, your best bet is Oban Youth Hostel , which is surprisingly pretty.

• Itinerary: Edinburgh – Stirling – Callander – Strathyre – Ardvorlich – Tyndrum – Lochawe – Oban
• Distance: 130 miles/210km
• Full trip duration : 2-3 days
• Highlights: Alternative parts of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, and the cities of Falkirk and Stirling; the beautiful Loch Earn then Loch Awe.

3 hours 30 minutes from Edinburgh (130 miles, 210 km)

Most people drive from Edinburgh to Newcastle via the coast. And later in this guide, we’ll do that too. But this route to Newcastle is an excellent alternative and drives through some lesser-known inland areas.

If you like rolling hills, low-level hikes, old-school abbeys, or history and heritage, you’ll think this is one of the best road trips from Edinburgh. And I’m probably a bit biased (cos I’m from Newcastle) , but I agree with you.

To kick things off, you want to drive southeast out of Edinburgh, along the A7. Head through Melrose, Selkirk, Hawick, and Bellingham (following the massive Kielder Reservoir on your way into Bellingham) .

You then want to venture northeast for a little while, from Bellingham to Otterburn. From Otterburn, head southeast again, following the A696 into Ponteland, then through into Newcastle.

On the Scottish borderlands section of your route, make sure you stop at Melrose, with its big brilliant abbey , and its nice hike up to the Eildon Hills. When you hit Northumberland , stop for a picnic at Kielder (and then again at Bellingham) .

The stretch through Northumberland National Park is also great for hiking, while there are excellent mountain biking trails just north of Kielder Reservoir .

⚽ What to Do in Newcastle

Explore the city center , eat and drink in the Ouseburn area, discover the castle, the city’s imposing Norman fortress , and head to St. James Park for a football game (no, it’s not called soccer) for the best sporting atmosphere you’ll ever experience. You should also get yourself to the nearby coastal towns of Tynemouth and Whitley Bay .

🏠 Where to Stay in Newcastle

If you’re traveling on a budget, the super-central YHA Newcastle is new, modern, and comfortable. If you’re instead looking for a standard hotel, Motel One Newcastle is classy, stylish, and surprisingly affordable.

• Itinerary: Edinburgh – Melrose – Selkirk – Hawick – Bellingham – Ponteland – Newcastle-upon-Tyne
• Highlights: Melrose Abbey, riding along Kielder Reservoir, pretty Bellingham, exploring the remote hills of Northumberland National Park, and wandering around Newcastle when you’re done

6 hours 30 minutes from Edinburgh (155 miles, 250 km) – This route includes a ferry

The west coast of Scotland is home to loads of massive islands. But the southern part of the east coast isn’t… so if you want to explore any major island life from Edinburgh, you have no choice but to head west.

Of all the west coast islands, Arran is the closest to Edinburgh… which is partially why it’s on this list. But it’s also on this list for a much better reason: because Arran is a circular shape, it has an excellent (and accessible) ring road running around its perimeter.

So if you want to see the entirety of the island, road-tripping around this perimeter is the perfect solution.

Once you get to Arran from Edinburgh, you can ride around this road, ticking off most of the island’s highlights en route . They include Whiting Bay, Blackwaterfoot , the island-from-an-island of Holy Isle , and the wild roaming deer in Lochranza. If you have time, you should also walk along the coast from Lochranza to Sannox—it’s the best coastal stretch on the island.

To get to Arran, you should drive to Glasgow via the route we’ve already outlined. From there, head to Ardossan, where you (and your car) can hop on the ferry to Brodick.

🦌 What to Do in Arran

Brodick is the natural place to overnight on Arran. From Brodick, you should climb up Goatfell (if you haven’t already done that on your drive) , visit Brodick Castle , and explore the valley of Glen Rosa. There’s also a road running from Brodick to Machrie, which offers another fun drive. For more options head over to my guide about the best things to do in Arran .

🏠 Where to Stay in Arran

As I said, you should spend the night in Brodick. If you’re looking for classy and fancy, check out Auchrannie Resort . But for a much more no-frills experience, head to the excellent Shore Lodge instead.

• Itinerary: Edinburgh – Glasgow – Brodick – Lochranza – Blackwaterfoot – … and back to Brodick
• Distance: 155 miles/250km
• Full trip duration : 3-7 days (you should overnight on Arran for a few days if you have time)
• Highlights: Overnighting in Glasgow, the ferry to Arran, climbing up Goatfell, wandering around Glen Rosa, the deer in Lochranza, the village of Blackwaterfoot, and seeing pretty much the entirety of one exciting island

4 hours 15 minutes from Edinburgh (155 miles, 250 km)

This route’s especially good if you have kids—the entire ride is populated, well-equipped, and full of big settlements, so it has all the conveniences you (and your little ones) need. It also has lots of family-friendly fun, along with a big bunch of brilliant beaches.

(Though you don’t need kids to enjoy this trip, obviously).

First up, you’ll drive to St Andrews on the route we’ve already outlined. From St Andrews, you then keep following the road for a lot longer, staying close to the coast as you ride.

Some of the en-route highlights between St Andrews and Aberdeen include the quiet and remote Kinshaldy Beach, the views from Tay Road Bridge, the cute town of Carnoustie (and its excellent beach), Dunninald Castle and Gardens, Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve, and the clifftop ruins of Dunnottar Castle .

And make sure you also stop off in Stonehaven, which has a pretty port, a great beach, and lots of saliva-inducing fish and chips.

Some of the best kid-friendly attractions along this route (apart from all the beaches) include canine-packed Huskyhaven , the atmospheric Arbroath Cliffs, and the family funfest of Arbroath’s Pleasureland .

🐬 What to Do in Aberdeen

Aberdeen is massively underrated and has loads to offer. To get started, check out Greyhope Bay (the best dolphin-watching spot in the UK!) , the kid-friendly Aberdeen Science Center , and Donmouth Local Nature Reserve . You will also enjoy this special walking food tour to explore the city, its culture, and its tasty local delicacies.

🏠 Where to Stay in Aberdeen

For a big hearty portion of indulge-yourself luxury, choose the Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa . But if you want a basic-but-brilliant mid-range hotel, the Holiday Inn Express is affordable, reliable, and in a great location.

• Itinerary: Edinburgh – St Andrews – Dundee – Stonehaven – Aberdeen
• Full trip duration : 2-4 days
• Highlights: Dunnottar Castle, Huskyhaven, Stonehaven, some excellent beaches, lots of family-friendly fun, and seeing the excellent city of Aberdeen

3 hours 30 minutes from Edinburgh (145 miles, 235 km)

Here’s the more-popular way of reaching Newcastle from Scotland’s capital.

If you like coastal rides (or if you want to venture into England), this is one of the best road trips from Edinburgh. I’ve tackled the ride on the back of my bike , and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done in the UK.

For the first half, follow the route to Eyemouth we’ve already outlined, then continue along the coast all the way to Berwick. From Berwick, you want to keep heading south, in the direction of Tynemouth.

During this second half, you’ll ride along one of the most underrated coastlines in England, the uncatchily-titled ‘ Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty .’

This whole area is famous for remote beaches, charming towns, and massive castles—some along-the-way highlights include Bamburgh Castle , Dunstanburgh Castle, Warkworth Castle, Craster , Alnmouth , Amble, Cresswell, and Tynemouth.

This is also one of the friendliest parts of the UK—and you’ll get plenty of warm welcomes and smiling faces (I told you I was biased) .

Once you get to Tynemouth, head briefly west to the center of Newcastle. And if you can, hang around here for a couple of days.

🥾 What to Do in Newcastle

I’ve already mentioned Newcastle’s highlights earlier in this guide. But for this route, you haven’t seen any of the inland stuff… so if you have time, head to Northumberland and clamber along some of the region’s hikes . The Cheviots are a good place to start, while Simonside is another popular favorite. As previously recommended, you can also stay inside the city to wander its streets and explore its castle .

I’m going to recommend the same places I’ve already recommended above. To reiterate, they are YHA Newcastle (perfect for backpackers) and Motel One Newcastle (which is a little more modern and upmarket) .

• Itinerary: Edinburgh – Eyemouth – Berwick – Bamburgh – Alnmouth – Tynemouth – Newcastle upon Tyne
• Distance: 145 miles/235km
• Full trip duration : 2-5 days
• Highlights: Craster, Bamburgh, Alnmouth, the excellent tucked-away beaches, all the massive castles, cycling along this well-equipped part of the coast, and exploring the lovely city of Newcastle

4 hours 30 minutes from Edinburgh (150 miles, 240 km)

If you want to continue west (and south) past Glasgow, this route is a great option.

Again, it’s a great choice for people traveling with kids—this area is beautiful, fun, (relatively) densely populated, and stuffed with family-friendly attractions.

Start by reaching Glasgow in the same way we’ve outlined above. From here, follow the M77 and A77 to Ayr. Then from Ayr, follow the coast south, all the way down to Portpatrick .

Some highlights along the stretch between Ayr and Portpatrick include Culzean Castle , the strangely-vivid behemoth of Turnberry Lighthouse, the overlooked harbor town of Girvan, beautiful Ballantrae Beach, unfairly-underrated Stranraer, and the northern part of Portpatrick’s peninsula.

And get this : if you have plenty of time to spare, you can even catch a ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast, and explore some of Northern Ireland.

If you are adventuring around with little ones, some of this route’s best family-friendly stuff include attraction-packed Agnew Park , Heads Of Ayr Farm Park , and the curiously-creepy Snib’s Cave .

⚓ What to Do in Portpatrick

Stroll down to the loveable harbor, visit the cliffy ruins of Dunskey Castle, and eat some tasty food at the super-quirky Port Pantry cafe/restaurant. And if you have time, you should take a day trip to the tiny dimensions of endearing little Port Logan.

🏠 Where to Stay in Portpatrick

The pub-based Harbor House Sea Front Hotel is basic but brilliant in the best possible ways. If you’re looking for something much more elegant and upmarket, wander to The Portpatrick Hotel instead.

• Itinerary: Edinburgh – Glasgow – Ayr – Girvan – Stranraer – Portpatrick
• Distance: 150 miles/240km
• Highlights: Girvan, Stranraer, Glasgow, Ballantrae Beach, all the kid-friendly en-route attractions, jumping on a ferry to Northern Ireland, and exploring Portpatrick when you’re done

4 hours 30 minutes from Edinburgh (170 miles, 270 km)

If you’re looking for a loop (and there’s nothing more satisfying than road-tripping a loop) , this is one of the best road trips from Edinburgh. It runs in a big long circle around the England-Scotland border, hitting coasts, inland hills, ancient abbeys, and some of the best under-the-radar villages in southern Scotland.

First, head south to Eyemouth via the route we’ve already described. From here, keep heading south to Berwick, the English border town. From Berwick, you then want to head west, running through Kelso, Melrose, Innerleithen, and Peebles.

You’ll pass abbeys at Melrose, Dryburgh, and Kelso, and lots of places for low-level hikes. Some of the best walks here include the Glentress Circuit (from Peebles) , the Minch Moor circuit (from Traquair) , and the great hike from Melrose up to the panorama-packed Eildon Hills. This region is probably the most overlooked hiking area in Scotland, and it’s brimming with great stuff.

When you pass Innerleithen and get close to Dolphinton, head northeast on the A702… and your route back to Edinburgh will bring you along the western side of Pentland Hills Regional Park .

This place is always overlooked by Edinburgh’s tourists, but you shouldn’t make the same mistake. If you’re only going to attempt one hike here, wander up to the summit of Scald Law, the loftiest peak in the park. It measures 579 meters (1900 feet).

🏰 What to Do in Edinburgh

When you get back to Edinburgh, there’s plenty of stuff to do (if you haven’t done it already) . Start with Edinburgh Castle (get a skip-the-line ticket , this is mandatory to avoid waiting a long long time outside) and Arthur’s Seat ( better with a bike ) , then check out The Royal Mile, Calton Hill, and the charming shores of watery Leith. If you’re a Harry Potter take this exciting tour .

For more ideas and recommendations, checkout my 2-day itinerary guide for Edinburgh .

🏠 Where to Stay in Edinburgh

When you’ve finished this one, you’ll be back in Edinburgh! If you’re on a budget, stay in the Royal Mile Backpackers . If you’re not, the Ibis South Bridge is still pretty affordable, but it’s a little more classy and comfortable.

• Itinerary: Edinburgh – Eyemouth – Berwick – Kelso – Melrose – Peebles … and back to Edinburgh!
• Distance: 170 miles/270km
• Full trip duration : 3-7 days
• Highlights: All the excellent abbeys, exploring the underrated borderlands, hiking to some really isolated peaks, the climb up Scald Law, and the rewarding feeling of road-tripping a loop

4 hours 30 minutes from Edinburgh (190 miles, 300 km)

You’ve probably already heard of Hadrian’s Wall . Built all the way back in AD122, this big long protective frontier was designed to keep the (then considered) northern barbarians out of England.

It’s one of the most significant Roman relics in the UK… and if you want to see lots of its most famous sites, you can do exactly that on this road trip.

This isn’t the direct route from Edinburgh to Carlisle. Instead, it’s a roundabout ride that takes you all the way along the coast to Newcastle (a journey we’ve already covered) before then heading west and following the A69 to Carlisle.

If you’re interested in history and heritage, this is of course one of the best road trips from Edinburgh. But the stretch between Newcastle and Carlisle isn’t just museums and relics—it also has loads of great hikes and bike rides , and a whole bunch of beautiful rolling-hill landscapes.

On this A69 stretch, you’ll also pass the nice towns of Hexham , Haydon Bridge , Haltwhistle, and Brampton. They’re all famous as good bases for walking… but they’re also just nice places to stop for some food and drinks.

🥾 What to Do in Carlisle

Admittedly, Carlisle isn’t particularly pretty or exciting, and I don’t recommend spending much time here. But there’s a nice hike from Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway , while the city is also home to a massive 12th-century castle , and the pretty riverside Bitts Park.

🏠 Where to Stay in Carlisle

The city-center Crown & Mitre Hotel offers a nice balance between luxury and affordability. If you’d prefer to stay outside of the city (a choice I totally understand) , overnighting in Warwick Hall is like having your own little royal residence.

• Itinerary: Edinburgh – Berwick – Newcastle – Hexham – Brampton – Carlisle
• Distance: 190 miles/300km
• Full trip duration : 3-5 days
• Highlights: Passing through Newcastle, hitting the Northumberland coast, the nice towns of Hexham and Haydon Bridge, Roman ruins and relics, and hiking along iconic Hadrian’s Wall

6 hours 30 minutes from Edinburgh (280 miles, 450 km)

If you want to make the Edinburgh to Aberdeen ride even longer, you can extend the route by continuing to follow the coast from Aberdeen to Inverness. This adds a further 145 miles (233km) to your ride.

Some en-route Aberdeen-to-Inverness highlights include the fantastic (and easy!) Bullers of Buchan hike , the sands of Cruden Bay, and the lovely fishing village of Portknockie . Make sure you also stop at bay-backed Boyne Castle, Rosehearty Beach, and Newburgh Seal Beach, where you’ll always find dozens of the adorable fatsos lazing around.

This route also brings you right past RSPB Scotland Troup Head . This RSPB reserve is home to mainland Scotland’s biggest gannet colony, along with dolphins, porpoises, and minke whales.

And last of all, make sure you spend some time in Lossiemouth before you get to Inverness. It’s one of my favorite coastal towns in Scotland.

If you’re looking for long, this is one of the best road trips from Edinburgh. But because it’s a lengthy drive, and because there are so many highlights along the way, you’ll need at least a week to appreciate it.

🐬 What to Do in Inverness

Visit Loch Ness and the Urquhart Castle , check out Clava Cairns , the cute Ness Islands, explore the city , and the dolphin-and-otter-spotting cruises leaving from the north of the city. Or if you’re feeling really adventurous (and have a lot of time), you can extend your on-road adventures by tackling the North Coast 500 .

🏠 Where to Stay in Inverness

The ever-reliable Holiday Inn Express is a great choice for relative luxury on a relative budget. If you instead want something much more affordable (but clean and cozy), our #1 choice is the Inverness Youth Hostel .

• Itinerary: Edinburgh – St Andrews – Aberdeen – Peterhead – Lossiemouth – Inverness
• Distance: 300 miles/483km
• Full trip duration : 7-14 days
• Highlights: Stonehaven, Dunnottar Castle, Lossiemouth, Portknockie, watching lots of wildlife, some excellent coastal walks, and exploring a big long ride through lots of Scotland

Alright, put those brakes on and pull into the parking lot—we’ve reached the end of our guide to the 13 best road trips from Edinburgh!

For much more information on riding around Scotland, zoom on over to our guides on the best road trips from Glasgow , the best road trips from Inverness , and all the best road trips in Scotland .

Thanks for reading, thanks for choosing Travelness, and we’ll see you next time!

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Paul is a handsome and hilarious travel writer and travel journalist from the UK. He's hiked, hitchhiked and laughed his way through more than fifty countries, and he's always looking for a new place to call home. Originally from Newcastle, he's lived all over the UK, spent more than three years in Asia, and most recently lived in Vietnam and then in Georgia.

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Ultimate Scotland Road Trip: Route From Edinburgh

• Post last modified: March 31, 2020
• Post author: Nicole

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Road trips are our favorite way to travel, and there’s no better way to see Scotland. The roads are good quality, with little traffic, except for the occasional sheep on the road. Above else, the countryside is stunningly beautiful. So beautiful in fact, we’ve done two Scotland road trips. Once in April and again in August. With so many places on our bucket list, it’s rare for us to revisit a destination. Let us show you why Scotland is worth seeing again and again.

Combining our favorite areas from our two road trips, this route will help you plan your ultimate Scotland road trip route in minutes . 

When we say ultimate, we mean it. You’ll need at least two weeks to follow the route in its entirety. However, we do provide suggestions on alternative shorter routes. In addition, if you have 10 days or less in Scotland , check out our Scotland Itinerary: 7 Days of Adventure which just focuses on Scotland’s highlights.  

Table of Contents

When Is The Best Time To Do A Scotland Road Trip?

Before we get into the route, let’s talk about when to go. As mentioned, we took road trips through Scotland in both spring (April) and late summer (August). You can’t go wrong with either, here are some of the main differences.

Scotland Road Trip In Spring

• Many tourist attractions close for winter and typically reopen for April 1 st , or with the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.
• Snow covered peaks make the scenery even more dramatic.
• Some areas in the north still have heavy snow.
• Except for Easter weekend, there are fewer tourists and it’s typically cheaper than summer.
• Weather is changeable year-round, but April is one of the drier months.

Scotland Road Trip in Summer

• Summer marks the height of Scotland’s event and festival season.
• Significantly longer daylight hours.
• Weather is typically warmer. Though, I still wore a jacket the whole time.
• Midges! These nasty, tiny, biting bugs are definitely a negative, but not impossible to mitigate.
• Popular attractions are busier and accommodation costs higher.

In Summary:

• Go in August to catch events like Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival and Military Tattoo, and the Highland Games. 
• Otherwise, April provides the best views at the best value.
• September is also worth considering. The weather is typically very nice, prices are reasonable, but you will miss the events and the snow-capped mountains.

Going between May and mid-September? Check the  Scottish Highland Games Association website  to see if there are any highland games during your trip. About 60 different areas hold a version of the games so you have a good chance of catching one.

These cultural festivals are well worth seeking out. We were lucky to catch the  Crieff Highland Gathering , one of the country’s largest games.

Scotland Road Trip: Start In Edinburgh

Often mispronounced (it’s  Edin-bruhh ), Scotland’s capital has a regal medieval feel to it. Its defining feature, Edinburgh Castle, perched high on a hill stands watch over the city below. 

It’s worth spending two days visiting the city.

Going in August? Be sure to get tickets to one of the Fringe Festival comedy shows and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the castle. 

Scotland Road Trip: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

One of the most beautiful areas in Scotland is also one of the easiest to reach. About an hour and a half away from Edinburgh, the Trossachs National Park is a destination in its own right. There’s lots of hiking and things to do around the lochs. Give the area at least a full day, if not two. 

To Oban Or Straight To Glencoe?

For longer Scottish road trips, keep reading as we follow the A85 to Oban .

If you’re short on time, follow the A82 north to Glencoe . It’s a gorgeous road with plenty of viewpoint stops. Feel free to skip ahead to our section on Glencoe .  

Pit Stop At Kilchurn Castle

Stop on your way to Oban for a perfect panoramic shot of the 15 th century Kilchurn Castle . The area is quite boggy, but rest assured there is a mostly dry pathway to the viewpoint.

Drive a little further for the castle carpark if you want a closer look. Kilchurn Castle is free to access.

Less than five minutes beyond that, you’ll find the magnificent St. Conan’s Kirk Church .

Scotland Road Trip: Oban & The Isle of Kerrera

Oban is a small town with a lot of charm. Sample whiskey from one of Scotland’s oldest and smallest distilleries , and get a lovely view of the harbor from McCraig’s Tower above the town.

We adored the luxurious  Ardtorna Bed and Breakfast . It’s modern, comfortable, and the attention to detail is like no other. Sound proof rooms, complimentary whiskey and scones. Plus, possibly the best breakfast we’ve had at an accommodation. Felt so pampered!

Oban is known as the Gateway to the Isles. Many visitors ferry their vehicles to the Isle of Mull. However, a bit closer, the Isle of Kerrera makes a perfect day trip. No car required.

Follow the 6-mile (3-4 hour) circular trail around the southern side of the island.  Grand vistas, encounters with the local wildlife, and a wander around the ruins of Gylen Castle await you.

Plan on getting to the only food stop on the trail before 12:30. The little tea house makes everything fresh. They only had cake left when we arrived. Good cake though! Note that it’s also the only public toilet , and don’t forget to pack for changeable weather.

Pit Stop At Castle Stalker

From Oban, head north to Glencoe. Along the route, on the A828, Castle Stalker makes another great classic Scottish photo opportunity. 

Scotland Road Trip: Glencoe

Outstanding natural beauty awaits you in Glencoe . From Castle Stalker, turn on the A82 towards the Trossachs until the Glencoe Mountain Resort (16 miles east of the Ballachulish Bridge).

Plan plenty of time for stops, such as  Etive Mor Waterfall , Buachaille Etive Mor Car Park , Glencoe Valley ViewPoint , Glencoe Waterfall , and  Three Sisters Viewpoint . If you are a keen hiker, you may want a couple of days in the area to do some of the longer hikes. However, the quick pull offs and viewpoints give a phenomenal sampling of the area. 

Coming to Glencoe directly from the Trossachs will deliver stunning views, especially around Loch Tulla. 

Scotland Road Trip: Fort William & Glen Nevis

Fort William lies at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain. If you have clear weather, it’s worth taking the tiny road C1162 around the base of the mountain and into Glen Nevis .

Though climbing Ben Nevis is possible most of the year, summer is the best and most accessible time to make the trek. It’s about an 8 hour return trip starting from the Ben Nevis Visitor Center. 

Pit Stop At Eilean Donan Castle

From Fort William head north on the A82, then west on the A87 towards the Isle of Sky.  One of the most iconic castle’s in Scotland, Eilean Donan , sits in a strategic location on three different lochs, Loch Long, Loch Alsh, and Loch Duich. 

Scotland Road Trip: Isle of Skye

If you have time on your Scottish road trip, continue with the A87 onto the Isle of Sky . The isle rewards visitors with some of the most jaw dropping views in Scotland, and that says a lot.

The island is only about 60 miles long, so you could drive most of it in a day. However, it’s packed with beautiful sights like Dunvegan Castle , The Old Man of Storr rock formation, and a dozen or so waterfalls . Plus, be sure to make it to The Quiraing area if you are an avid hiker. 

At the very least, give the Isle of Skye two full days.

The Long Way To Loch Maree: Road To Applecross

From the Isle of Skye, or from Eilean Donan Castle, follow the A890 north and wind around Loch Carron on the A896.

You’ll meet up with the road to Applecross around Tornapress. Not for large vehicles or nervous drivers, this single lane mountainous track is full of fun but dangerous hairpin turns, steep gradients, but fantastic views.

Once at Applecross, head north. Follow the road around the peninsula, for lovely red beaches,  cliff top views and gorgeous little harbors.

Detour To Lower Diabaig

Whether you go to Applecross or not, follow the A896 past Shieldaig and along the shore of Upper Loch Torridon. 

At the town of Torridon there’s a short detour to Lower Diabaig , if you have the time.  The viewpoint from Bealach na Gaoithe is stunning.  At the bottom, the Lower Diabaig has an interesting shipwreck of an old fishing trawler washed up on the rocky beach. 

The road ends at Diabaig. You’ll need to turn around and get back on the A896 and continue north to Loch Maree.

Scotland Road Trip: Loch Maree

We based ourselves at the Loch Maree Hotel for a few days and explored the area. The rooms were simple, but the views of the loch were gorgeous. 

Along Loch Maree on the A832, the dominating Slioch mountain watches over the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve . A little further, in the Slattadale Forest, the small, but pretty Victoria Waterfall  is only a short walk from the carpark. 

About 30 minutes away, Red Point has one of the prettiest soft red sand beaches. 

The Long Way To Inverness

From Loch Maree there are two ways to get to Inverness and the famous Loch Ness. Both are stunning drives, so it depends what you want from your Scotland road trip. 

The long way, follows the A832 along the coast until it meets with the A835 at the Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve . This free area has a short, but lovely walk to the Falls of Measach . 

Other favorite stops along the route include Gruinard Bay View Point , and the pull off across from the Dundonnell Hotel on Little Loch Broom .    

Both the short and long routes go past Rogie Falls , another free waterfall area with a short walk.  

The Short Way to Inverness

Following the A832 south east is the fastest way to Inverness.  Though you will miss out on the coast, there are still plenty of jaw dropping views to enjoy, like Glen Docherty Viewpoint .

Scotland Road Trip: Inverness

Sitting on the River Ness is the cute little city of Inverness .  Not really a tourist city, there are few attractions in the city itself. Even Inverness Castle, currently used as a court house, is not open to the public.

However, just outside of Inverness is Clava Cairns , a very well preserved sacred burial ground from the Bronze age. The historically significant, Culloden Battlefield  also makes an interesting outing.

Directly south of Inverness is the infamous and beautiful  Loch Ness . If you’re looking for that touristy feeling, and want all things Nessie , head to Drumnadrochit on the A82. On the southern point of Loch Ness is Fort Augustus . A great spot to catch a cruise on Loch Ness, or to just watch the boats move through the canal lock . 

Scotland Road Trip: Cairngorms National Park

The impressive Cairngorms National Park is a must stop for any Scotland road trip. With literally countless attractions on offer, you’ll want to reserve at least two full days in the area.

Views of the surrounding mountains made the Glenmore Forest Park one of our favorite spots. Nearby, the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre offers up close meets with the area’s cutest residents.

Follow the road up Cairnform Mountain for aerial views of the area. In April, snow continued to cover most of the ground. Strangely, the ducks seemed to enjoy their ice baths. 

Head to the other side of the park for Balmoral Castle . Straight out of a fairy tale, this Royal Residence is the summer retreat of the Queen. Check before going, as the castle closes most of the winter and when the royals are in residence. 

Scotland Road Trip: Aberfeldy

About half-way between the Cairngorms and Edinburgh is the town of Aberfeldy . The name may sound familiar. It is home to one of the most famous Scottish whisky brands, Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery . In general, there are several distilleries in the area. 

Also, nearby stops include the Queen’s View Visitor Centre , and Castle Menzies . The Scottish Crannog Centre is also interesting if you’d like to step back in time to the Iron Age. 

Pit Stop in Falkirk

Our final stop on the way back to Edinburgh is the Falkirk Wheel. The worlds only rotating boat lift transports canal boats 35 meters (about 115 feet) in the air to connect two water canals. This amazing engineering feat is fascinating to watch, and even better, you can take a boat tour ride on the wheel.

We hope you have an amazing Scotland road trip!

Did we miss out anything you would include on your Ultimate Scotland Road Trip? If so, leave a message in the comments to help out other readers. 

Other resources that may be helpful include:

• Crieff Highland Gathering: A Guide to the Scottish Highland Games
• Scotland Itinerary: 7 Days of Adventure

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We recommend and use these companies to arrange our travel plans; they make travel planning easy and affordable. If you have questions on our experiences, feel free to ask us !

• Book Flights: Skyscanner
• Book Accommodation: Booking.com
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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Ultimate 10-Day Scotland Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

Last Updated on December 4, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Scotland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Around Scotland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10-Day Scotland Highlights Itinerary

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

Day 1 – Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

Where to Say in Edinburgh

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

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

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

Day 2 – Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

Day 3 – Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Loch Lomond

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

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

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

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

Day 4 – Loch Lomond & the Trossachs

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

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

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

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

Day 5 – Oban

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Oban

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

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

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

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

Day 6 – Isles of Mull & Iona

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 7 – Glencoe & Fort William

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Fort William & Glencoe

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

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

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

Day 8 – Fort William to Inverness

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Inverness

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

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

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

Day 9 – Loch Ness

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

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

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

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

Day 10 – Inverness

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

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

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

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

Have More Time?

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

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

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

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

10-Day Scottish Highlands & Islands Itinerary

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

Day 1 – Inverness

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

Day 2 – Loch Ness

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

Day 3 – Culloden Battlefield & Cawdor Castle

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

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

Day 4 – Cairngorms National Park

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in the Cairngorms

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

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

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

Day 5 – Speyside Whisky Region

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6 – Isle of Skye

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay on Skye

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

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

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

Day 7 – Isle of Skye

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

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

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

Day 8 – Isle of Skye

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

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

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

Day 9 – Skye to Fort William

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

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

Day 10 – Glencoe

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

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

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

10-Day North Coast & Orkney Itinerary

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

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

Days 1-3 – Inverness

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

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

Day 4 – Ullapool

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Ullapool

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

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

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

Day 5 – Scotland’s North Coast

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

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

Where to Stay on the North Coast

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

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

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

Days 6 to 8 – Orkney

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay on Orkney

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Tain

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Posts:

Planning a Loch Lomond Day Trip from Glasgow & Edinburgh

The Perfect Loch Ness Day Trip from Edinburgh

16 Things To Do In Mull: A 2 to 3-Day Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

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

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

Hope you have a great trip!

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

Hope you have a lovely trip, Beth!

Thank you very much, very informative/

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

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

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A 9 Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary - Edinburgh, Inverness & Isle of Skye

Kara Schalchlin

https://www.foratravel.com/guides/TQU4X2/a-9-day-scotland-road-trip-itinerary-edinburgh-inverness-and-isle-of-skye-kara-schalchlin

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Curator’s statement

From the enchanting streets of Edinburgh to the rugged beauty of the Isle of Skye, each destination on this 9-day road trip through Scotland has been carefully selected to showcase the rich tapestry of Scottish culture and landscapes. Scotland is a destination that will live in my heart forever, and I’m sure after you visit it’s not a place you will soon forget. With this carefully curated itinerary, prepare to be swept away by the magic of Scotland at every turn.

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Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

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Insider knowledge

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Where to stay

The balmoral hotel.

Legendary hotel and landmark clock tower, The Balmoral Hotel is a regal and luxurious hotel that is a true love letter to Scotland.

$100 food / beverage credit.

Breakfast daily.

Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian

A luxurious hotel housed in a former rail station, with views of the famed Edinburgh Castle.

$100 hotel / resort credit.

Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness

Indulge in luxury and tranquility at Ness Walk Hotel, where elegant accommodations, serene riverside views, and exceptional service create a truly memorable stay in the charming city of Inverness, Scotland.

Inverlochy Castle Hotel

19th Century Scottish castle with palatial interiors with sporting, golfing, hunting and yacht experiences.

Champagne Afternoon Tea or Picnic Basket with half a bottle of wine per person.

Sligachan Hotel

Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Isle of Skye at Sligachan Hotel, where each stay is a gateway to breathtaking landscapes and Highland hospitality.

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Day 1: Edinburgh

Begin your Scottish adventure in the capital and historic wonder of Edinburgh. After arriving either by air or maybe by train from London, check into your hotel to relax and decompress. I recommend the Balmoral Hotel, Waldorf Astoria — The Caledonian or Kimpton Charlotte Square. After settling in, take a cab up to Calton Hill to explore. Even better if you can get there a little while before sunset for the amazing views. Head back down the hill for dinner at Dishoom to enjoy some delicious Indian cuisine.

Day 2: Hike Arthur’s Seat and Harry Potter Walking Tour

If you are an early riser, you will want to head to Arthur’s Seat for a spectacular hike. About 2 and a half miles long in total, the crest of this hike will give you another incredible viewpoint of Edinburgh. After, you may want to check out the National Museum of Scotland, the Writer’s Museum or if you are traveling with kids, Camera Obscura - an interactive journey through optical illusions and mind-bending exhibits. You could also take a Harry Potter Walking Tour through the city or explore Greyfriar’s Kirkyard dating back to the late 1500s. Try dinner at Scran & Scallie in the Stockbridge neighborhood for traditional Scottish plus fare with modern innovation in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Day 3: Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile

Start your day with a tour of Edinburgh Castle. Perched majestically atop an ancient volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle stands as a symbol of Scotland's rich history and offers breathtaking views of the city below. Later, enjoy lunch at a pub like Piper’s Rest and try a “Whiskey & Tales Tour” for part Scotch Whiskey tasting and part traditional storytelling. For the rest of the day, you can walk Victoria Street and check out all the unique shops, meander the Royal Mile or take a stroll to Dean Village before heading back to your hotel. Try The Witchery for dinner, located inside a 16th-century merchant’s house filled with enchanting ambiance and culinary delights. Just be sure to make reservations!

Day 4: Head to the Highlands

Pick up your rental car and get situated — it’s time to head to the highlands. Today you’ll be driving to Inverness, the capital of the highlands. Your drive time will be a little over three hours in total, but you can break that up with some of these great stops. To start, head to Pitolchry for lunch (about 1.5 hrs drive). Try Port-na-Craig Inn & Restaurant for a meal on the River Tummel. Before or after lunch, you may want to walk around a bit, cross the suspension bridge or check out the Pitolchry Dam Visitor Center. With about half of your drive left, you’ll be entering Cairngorms National Park.

If you’ve got your heart set on seeing some hairy coos (the adorable highland cows) you may want to stop at Rothiemurchus Farms for their “ Hairy Coo Safari ,” about an hour's drive from Pitolchry. After that, it’s onward to your Inverness accommodations. I recommend Ness Walk for a 5-star luxury stay that will wow you from the start, trust me.

If it’s not too late, I recommend checking out Clava Cairns & Culloden Battlefield before dinner. You can have a fabulous meal at Torrish Restaurant (at Ness Walk) or walk along the river into town and choose whatever sounds good.

Day 5: Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle

After breakfast at Ness Walk which I do highly recommend, head to Loch Ness (about a 15 min drive) for a 1-hour boat cruise. You may want to bundle up as it can be cold on the water. Catch views of Urquhart Castle and the elusive Nessie if you can. If you are an Outlander fan, you can take a 25 min detour to Beauly Priory & Beaufort Castle after the Loch Ness Cruise. From there it’s 1.5 hours to your next stop, the unmissable Eilean Donan Castle. Note that you will need to pay for parking here and purchase a ticket to the castle if you would like to cross the bridge and go inside. This iconic castle dates back to the 13th century and is so rich in history that walking around its interior will transport you to another time.

Your final destination for the day is Portree on the Isle of Skye — about an hour's drive from the castle. I recommend Cuillin Hills Hotel, Boseville Hotel or Sligachan Hotel (about eight miles from Portree). For a fine dining experience, have dinner at Scorrybreac Restaurant or check out Dulse & Brose at the Boseville. Be sure to make dinner reservations ahead of time no matter where you plan to eat in Portree.

Day 6: Isle of Skye

Take today to explore the Isle of Skye (in your hiking boots, if possible). I recommend driving the Trotternish Peninsula — about 1.5 hrs drive time in total without stops — but you will definitely want to stop and check out the natural beauty of this island. My highlight list includes Old Man of Storr (it takes about 1.5 hrs to complete the hike if you are up for it), Lealt Falls & Kilt Rock, Quirang Lookout, Skye Museum of Island Life & Flora MacDonald’s Grave & Fairy Glen (spend some time walking around this area — it’s magical).

Note: parking lots can fill up fast during peak season (July & August). I recommend heading out early for the best experience. There are also not many places to stop and eat on this drive. You may want to swing by “Co-op Food” in Portree for some provisions as you head out or you can pause for a meal at Columba 1400 in Staffin.

Enjoy a shower and dinner back in Portree. Get a good night’s sleep after a full day of exploring.

Day 7: Glenfinnan Viaduct

In the morning, drive to Armadale (about an hour) where you will catch a ferry to Mallaig. Book your tickets in advance. If time permits, you can take a detour to the Fairy Pools on the way or spend some time checking out the Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum. After the ferry ride, grab lunch in Mallaig. Try The Cabin Restaurant & Takeaway

Continuing on your road trip, you will drive from Mallaig to the Glenfinnan Viaduct (about 40 min). If you want to see the “Hogwarts Express” cross the viaduct (otherwise known as the Jacobite Steam Train), you’ll need to time it right as it only passes by at 10:45am and 3pm. Arrive an hour early to park and walk the 15 minutes to the viewpoint. Later, spend some time walking around the Loch Shiel waterfront (known as Black Lake to Harry Potter Fans) before driving onward to Fort William and Inverlochy Castle Hotel to relax for the evening.

Day 8: Inverlochy Castle and Afternoon Tea

No driving today! Spend the day at Inverlochy Castle, where there are so many activities to partake in — billiards, woodland walks, row boats on the loch, archery, clay pigeon shooting and more. Enjoy afternoon tea (maybe even with Champagne) and take it easy as you near the end of your road trip.

Day 9: The End of Your Scottish Adventure

Today you are headed either back to Edinburgh or to Glasgow, depending on where you would like to end your Scottish adventure. Both cities have international airports and well-connected train stations so you can be on your way home or to your next destination. But on the way, you must drive through Glencoe (taking A82) for some of the most unmatched scenery in the world. If you are up for more hiking, stop at the Glencoe Lochan Trails and choose one of the three easy trails to explore.

After your walk, continue on the A82 to see the Meeting of Three Waters, the picturesque “wee white house” and Glen Etive. After you are done exploring Glencoe, keep driving to your ending location and think back on all the beautiful sights you have seen in Scotland.

Need to Know

Dinner reservations are recommended in Scotland, especially on the Isle of Skye. Let me help you plan ahead so you don’t get stuck without having anywhere to go!

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The Ultimate Scotland Road Trip Itinerary: 9 Days in Isle of Skye, Edinburgh, Loch Ness & More.

Scotland has long lingered on my travel bucket list. Its grassy carpet-like fields, uncounted cascading waterfalls, stirring mountains, and craggy coastlines are pure fantasy for the landscape lover. Or really for anyone who yearns for long scenic drives, surrounded by raw nature at its finest.

Scotland’s most worthwhile spectacles tend to be concealed down winding, narrow roads, unruffled by the trivial hustle and bustle of civilisation.

The best way to experience the unforgiving land known by ancient Romans as  Caledonia  is by jumping behind the wheel for a wee road trip.

My circular 9-day Scotland road trip itinerary involves  hiring a car in the capital, Edinburgh , and driving north to Inverness, then delving deep into rugged highlands before climaxing with the fanciful Isle of Skye. Of course, we’ll stop along the way to glimpse cute highland coos and sip authentic Scotch whisky.  

Throw a few  bagpipe anthems  to your road trip playlist, grab yer kilt, crank up  Scotland The Brave , and let’s hit the road!

If you’re Scottish, I apologise in advance if I offend with my sense of humour. I really do love your country!

Phew! That got them gingers off my tail.

Essential Scotland Road Trip Tips

1. pack for cold weather and never believe the weather forecast.

Scotland’s lush green landscapes have one little catch – rain. Lots of rain. The driest and warmest time to visit is during the summer months of July and August. But even then, don’t take the weather forecast too seriously as it seems to change by the hour!

My Scotland road trip was in early September, which seemed to be the sweet spot. Popular stops weren’t too crowded and we only had one day of heavy, non-stop rain towards the end of our trip.

Weather in the highlands ranged from 10°C to 17°C (50°F to 63°F) in September, so remember to pack a warm jacket, scarf, beanie, and umbrella.

2. Stay in local B&Bs and book in advance

I stayed in small B&Bs in the highlands for the cosy, home-away-from-home feeling. All of my hosts were extremely welcoming and treated me to delicious traditional Scottish breakfasts each morning.

Most B&Bs tend to fill up fast, so I suggest booking a few weeks in advance - a couple of months would be better. Alternatively, look for staycation hotels for short trips, as you can find bargains when travelling in shoulder season.

3. Use caution with Google Maps

This app is a life-saver, an essential tool on any road trip. However, some minor “roads” in Scotland that Google Maps sends you down really aren’t roads. They’d barely rate as footpaths in other countries, and you may not always be able to drive on them. Other times they could be a private farm road. So, take directions with a large grain of salt and study your route ahead of time. And remember to download your offline maps while on Wi-Fi.

Day 1 – Edinburgh

Edinburgh is jam-packed full of Scottish history and culture, from the 12 th century Edinburgh Castle, to elegant streets lined with colourful Georgian townhouses, to bagpipes playing traditional melodies in the background.

Although this road trip is all about Scotland’s natural beauty, the first day is dedicated to Edinburgh getting a feel for the all things Scottish. My favourite things to do in Edinburgh include:

Soak up Scottish history at Edinburgh Castle

The history of Edinburgh Castle dates back to the 12 th century when it was a royal residence. From the 14 th century, it became heavily involved in the Wars of Scottish Independence, earning its reputation as the most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked structures in the world.

The castle now offers spectacular views over Edinburgh for visitors from all over the world. Be sure to check out St Margaret’s Chapel , the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh; the Royal Palace , where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to King James VI and where the Crown Jewels and Stone of Scone now reside; the National War Museum ; and, of course, the whiskey shop .

I recommend buying skip-the-line tickets online and visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds. Free guided tours run every 15 minutes (starting under a red clock near Mill’s Mount Battery ), so I suggest starting with a tour then returning to your favourite spots. Our guide summarised the castle’s turbulent history and shared handy tips, from the least slippery parts of the medieval pavement to the best place to watch the one o’clock gun fire at, you guessed it, one o’clock.

Hours: 9:30am – 6pm, daily (summer hours)

Visit length: 1.5 - 2 hours.

Marvel at the beauty of St Giles’ Cathedral

St Giles’ Cathedral started its life as a catholic cathedral in the 12 th century. After being involved in the Scottish Reformation and independence from Catholicism, it came to be known as the Mother Church of World Presbyterianism. St Giles is both fascinating and gorgeous, with grand stained-glass windows and several military and religious monuments.

Entry is free but photography permits are £2 and must be purchased before taking photos inside the cathedral, even on your smartphone.

Hours: 9am – 7pm Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm Saturday, 1pm – 5pm Sunday (summer hours)

Visit length: 30 minutes

Introduce yourself to Scotch whisky at Whiski Rooms

Whiski Rooms is my favourite place to taste single malt whisky in Edinburgh. While you can pre-book an official Whiskey tasting at a set time, you can also simply walk up to the bar at any time and order a whisky flight to taste.

Each flight comes with 4 small glasses of whiskey selected from a menu, from staff favourites to aged classics. I played it safe with the Introduction to Whisky flight and sampled 4 varieties from different regions around Scotland. Hold on to your whiskey menus as they include instructions on how to taste whisky like a pro.

Hours: 10am to 1am, daily

Visit length: 1 hour

Walk in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots at Holyrood Palace

The Palace of Holyroodhouse , or Holyrood Palace, is located at the opposite end of The Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. Tickets include an interactive audio guide which leads you on a journey through the palace, exploring its history from construction in 1528 to modern use by Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family.

Highlights include Mary Queen of Scots’ bedchamber and stories from her life in the palace; the ruins of Holyrood Abbey; and a walk through the palace gardens where the Queen hosts a garden party every July.

Hours: 9:30am – 6pm (summer hours)

Visit length: 1.5 hours

Watch the sunset from Arthur’s Seat

If you’re feeling fit, climb the dormant volcano, Arthur’s Seat , to watch the sun set over the city. Climbing to the top takes about an hour, although there are lower, easier-to-reach lookout points too. Wear suitable shoes as some parts of the climb are quite slippery and bring lots of water.

Visit length: 2 - 2.5 hours

Have a picnic at Calton Hill

For a less exerting lookout point, visit Calton Hill which just has 2-3 minutes’ worth of stairs to climb.  Calton Hill is home to several significant Neoclassical monuments, including the National Monument of Scotland and the Nelson Monument . There’s also a large grassed area, which is the perfect place to relax with a book or have a little picnic and admire the views.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

I spent 2 nights in sophisticated style at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh , conveniently located within walking distance of all attractions listed above.  

I stayed in a spacious Designer Suite with an elegant watercolour theme continued throughout the room from the furniture to the wallpaper. Each Designer Suite is decorated with unique artwork, so you’ll feel like a celebrity with the tailor-made interior.

Celebrity treatment continues at breakfast, with a generous buffet of pastries, cereals, and fruit as well as a cooked-to-order hot breakfast. I ordered the vegetarian breakfast which came with vegan haggis (yum!), sausages and grilled vegetables.

If you’ve already collected your rental car, parking is available at sister hotel, Radisson Blu Edinburgh (5 minutes walk) for £12.50 per night. Otherwise, find a rental car on Rentalcars.com .

Day 2 – Edinburgh to Inverness

Driving time: 3.5 hours

The first actual road trip day involves driving from Edinburgh to Inverness. Inverness is the last major city on the trip so stock up on road trip snacks and anything else you might need, like car chargers and aux cables, as they’ll become increasingly harder to find.

I left Edinburgh at 10am, had lunch in Dunkeld at 12:30pm, and arrived in Inverness at 5:30pm.

See the UNESCO heritage listed Forth Bridge at Queensferry

Navigate to the Binks Carpark at South Queensferry Harbour, a 30-minute drive west from Edinburgh. Most carparks in Queensferry tend to be pretty busy, especially on weekends, so you may need to drive around for a few minutes or wait for someone to leave.

After parking, we walked along the foreshore to the pier , admired the red Forth Bridge , and stopped for coffee at a waterfront café.

Grab lunch by the river in Dunkeld

Next, set navigate to the Tay Terrace Carpark in Dunkeld, a 1-hour drive from Queensferry. Parking is free on Sundays, but otherwise paid so make sure you have a few coins.

We had lunch in the riverfront garden of the Atholl Arms , a tavern serving traditional pub food with a few vegetarian and vegan options.

After lunch, we walked along Atholl Street to explore the town, stopping at the Ell Shop to buy locally made souvenirs. Items for sale include mugs, ceramics, books, cashmere scarfs, and even pet accessories. We then visited the restored, 14 th century Dunkeld Cathedral , located on the riverbank, surrounded by beautiful parklands. Inside the small church is an even smaller museum with ruins of standing stones and informative posters on the history of the cathedral and town.

Visit length: 2 hours

See your first Scottish waterfall at the Falls of Bruar

The last stop is a 30-minute drive northwest from Dunkeld. Navigate to the House of Bruar which has a large carpark and a complex of shops selling clothing, homewares, and local produce like nuts, chocolate, jams, biscuits, cheeses, olives, and of course, whisky. There’s also a café and buffet restaurant. Have a wander around the somewhat overpriced shops, but the real treat is the nearby waterfall.

Around the back of the buildings is a quaint walking trail that leads to the Falls of Bruar and a small stone bridge. The waterfall viewing platforms are a 15-minute stroll north from the shops and carpark.

Check into your B&B in Inverness

The last leg of the day is a 90-minute drive north to Inverness to check into your B&B for the next 2 nights. I stayed in Riverview Guesthouse which I highly recommend for the modern yet cosy rooms, delicious breakfasts, and super friendly staff.

Bubbly owner, Eilidh, recommended the best restaurants in town for our dinner and kindly offered to make reservations for us. Tip: Zizzi have a few delicious Italian-themed vegan options.

Day 3 – Loch Ness

Driving time: 2 hours

Day 3 is spent exploring the region around Loch Ness, the largest water body in the UK by volume. Loch Ness is famous for its fabled elusive sea monster, but it’s also one of the most beautiful and serene places in Scotland.

I left Inverness at 9am, had lunch in Fort Augustus at 2pm, and arrived back at Inverness at 5.30pm.

Learn the legend behind the Loch Ness Monster at Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition

Drive 25-minutes southwest from Inverness to Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition to walk through a series of interactive videos about the history of Loch Ness and the search for the famous Loch Ness Monster, Nessie. Tickets are available at the door for £8.45 per adult.

According to the videos, there’s been over 1,000 sightings of a ‘monster’ in Loch Ness since 1868, sparking scientific studies into lifeforms inside the loch. The videos present the studies’ findings, including possible explanations for each ‘monster’ sighting, but ultimately leave it up to you to decide whether or not Nessie is hiding in the deep, dark waters.

The exhibition ends in a gift shop selling Nessie toys and souvenirs, books, and clothing. I couldn’t help but buy a somewhat-traditional Scottish hat.

Semi-true story: Apparently 40% of people in Scotland have a recessive gene for ginger hair. Mine spontaneously activated.

Visit length: 80 minutes

Explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle

The next stop, Urquhart Castle , is a 7-minute drive southeast from Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. Tickets can be purchased at the door for £12 per adult. The visit starts with an 8-minute introductory video on the castle’s history, covering its construction, involvement in clan disputes and the Wars of Scottish Independence, and its abandonment and destruction in 1692.

After the video, wander through the castle ruins for some of the best views over Loch Ness and to see the interesting rock wall remnants of buildings like the guard house and stables.

Cruise along Loch Ness from Fort Augustus

Navigate to the Fort Augustus Pay & Display Carpark , a 30-minute drive southwest from Urquhart Castle towards the southern tip of Loch Ness. Once you’ve paid for parking, walk 5 minutes to Cruise Loch Ness for a 45-minute boat ride on the loch. I recommend catching the 1pm boat and arriving 15 minutes early to be one of the first in line for the best seats on the top deck. Tickets can be booked online in advance. During the cruise, humorous staff explain the habitats alongside Loch Ness and point out deer, goats, and waterfalls on the water’s edge. The lower deck bar sells snacks, beer, and whisky (of course!) to enjoy while taking in the views.

After the boat ride, grab some lunch at a nearby pub like the Richmond House Hotel then enjoy a quiet walk along the Fort Augustus Locks or pick up a souvenir at the Clansman Centre or the Millshop.

Visit length: 3 hours

Wander alongside the Falls of Foyers

Drive 26 minutes northeast to the free Falls of Foyers carpark , located across the road from the waterfalls. There are 2 viewing points, one for the upper falls and one for the lower falls. I suggest only going to the upper falls which is a 10-minute walk along a fairly easy, but narrow, path to see the dramatic, roaring waterfall. The path to the lower falls is much longer and steeper and leads to a shallow cascading waterfall.

Return to Inverness for dinner and drinks

Drive 35 minutes northeast back to Inverness for your last night at Riverview Guesthouse . I suggest wandering around the city or enjoying a cocktail at Contrast before dinner. We were lucky enough to have Eilidh make dinner reservations for us again. Tip: try The Alleycat for the only dedicated vegan restaurant in town.

Day 4 – Inverness to Ullapool 

Driving time: 3 hours

Day 4 is one of the most scenic driving days of this road trip. Expect a few spur-of-the-moment stops on the side of the road to admire scenery or grazing livestock that will undoubtedly catch your attention.

I left Inverness at 9:30am, had lunch in Achiltibuie at 1pm, and arrived in Ullapool at 5pm.

Walk along the pebbly Ardmair Beach

Navigate to Ardmair Beach , a 1-hour 20-minute drive northwest from Inverness. There’s no official car park here so just pull over on the side of the road and walk down to the serene, pebbly beach for a gentle walk or to practice stone skipping.

Admire the soaring Stac Pollaidh

Next, drive 20-minutes north to the Stac Pollaidh , a soaring rocky mountain with sandstone pinnacles. I suggest navigating to the main carpark which is a short walk from the mountain’s base and primarily used by mountain climbing enthusiasts. This region is where you’ll find yourself pulling over every few minutes to take photos of lakes, spectacular views of the mountain, or herds of cute fluffy sheep.

I didn’t venture too far from the carpark but spent a few minutes admiring the serene Stac Pollaidh, and took a quick drone flight, before continuing on.

Have lunch at the only restaurant in Achiltibuie

Next, drive 20 minutes west to the Achiltibuie Piping School Café , a small, basic restaurant overlooking green fields stretching towards the sea. The restaurant’s veggie burger is delicious and they have free Wi-Fi… not bad for such a remote location!

Stretch your legs at Achmelvich Beach

The next leg is one of the most beautiful and also one of the most nerve-wracking with narrow roads winding around sharp corners and up steep hills. You’ll find yourself pulling over to let people pass as you drive under lush canopies and beside trickling creeks that seem to have leapt out of the pages of a whimsical fairy tale.

Navigate to Achmelvich Beach Car Park , a 1-hour drive north from Achiltibuie, and walk 2 minutes down to the white, sandy beach flanked by rocky outcrops. It was fairly cold and windy on the day of our visit, but we still enjoyed a short walk along the paradisiac shore.

Walk out to the ruins of Advreck Castle

Next, navigate to the Advreck Castle Parking lot to visit the ruins of this 16 th century castle, a 22-minute drive east from Achmelvich Beach. The ‘parking lot’ is more of a shoulder on the side of the road, but don’t worry if it’s full as there are a few other wide shoulders nearby. The castle ruins are located at the end of a sandbar and across a large field with no real footpath. The ruins are exquisite to see up close but make sure you bring waterproof shoes as the field can be quite muddy. Or just do it “Josh style” and dance across the water-logged grass on your tippy toes like a sugar plum fairy . On the opposite side of the road is another waterfall .

Check into your B&B in Ullapool

Drive 35 minutes south to check into your B&B in Ullapool. I recommend staying at Riverside because of its central location within walking distance of several restaurants, friendly staff, and traditional Scottish breakfasts, including a vegetarian option.

I suggest either Ceilidh Place or the Arch Inn for dinner. Ceilidh Place requires an advanced booking while the Arch Inn asks guests to enjoy a drink in the bar until a table is free.

Day 5 – Ullapool to Isle of Skye

Driving time: 5 hours, 45 minutes

Day 5 requires navigating to a few stops along the famous North Coast 500 route to keep Google Maps on the scenic road. If you navigate straight to the Isle of Skye, Google Maps will take you on the most direct route, which involves less driving, but misses the jaw-dropping gorges, rivers, and waterfalls along Scotland’s exquisite north-west coastline.

I left Ullapool at 9am, had lunch in Torridon at 1.30pm, dinner on the Isle of Skye at 6pm, and arrived at my B&B on the Isle of Skye at 7:30pm.

Marvel at lush gardens thriving on a seaside clifftop at Inverewe Garden

Before leaving Ullapool, make a quick stop at Tesco to refill your road trip snack supply. Then navigate to Inverewe Garden , a 1-hour 15-minute drive southwest from Ullapool.  

Inverewe Garden is a lush botanical garden remarkably thriving on a harsh windy, rocky coastline. The garden includes plants from various climates and regions, including a vegetable garden, bamboo forest, South American garden, and succulent garden. The lookout point offers panoramic views over the sea and an old hunting lodge has been transformed into a small museum. Tickets are available at the door for £12.50 per adult. Tip: Keep a lookout for the teeny Venus flytrap!

Visit length:1 hour

Wander through church ruins before lunch in Torridon

Next, navigate to the Torridon Stores & Cafe , a 1-hour drive from Inverewe Garden, and park in the small carpark across the road. Walk about 5 minutes down a gravel path to the Am Ploc Open Air Church Ruins , dramatically located on the water’s edge.

After a peaceful stroll through the ruins, have some lunch either at Torridon Stores & Café or the Torridon Inn , a 6-minute drive away.

Try to spot highland coos on the road to Applecross

Navigate to the Applecross Inn , a 1-hour drive southeast from Torridon via Fernmore . You may see some highland coos grazing alongside the road to Applecross if you’re lucky.

Stop at the Applecross Inn for a coffee break before continuing to possibly one of the most stunning scenic mountain passes in the world… “Bealach na Ba”. Sorry, you can’t buy a vowel. It means “pass of the cattle” in Scottish. I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

Check into your B&B on the Isle of Skye

Next, navigate to the vegan-friendly Café Sia on Isle of Skye where I stopped for dinner at about 6pm. Café Sia is a winding 1-hour 25-minute drive from Bealach na Ba Viewpoint. The route will take you across the Skye Bridge for your first view of the Isle of Skye’s cloud-tipped cliffs and verdant fields. It could only be described as a love child of Middle Earth and Hawaii.

After dinner drive another 50 minutes northwest to Portree to check into your B&B for the next 3 nights. I stayed at Kiloran Bed and Breakfast , a 10-minute drive northwest of Portree and the perfect location for a little peace and quiet with waterfront views. Our host, Neil, made continental breakfast each morning with fruit, cereals, toast, and porridge, and kindly shared expert local tips on each location we planned to visit with the aid of his wall-sized map of the island.

Day 6 – Isle of Skye

Driving time: 2.5 hours

The first day on the Isle of Skye is spent exploring the Trotternish peninsular, home to some of the isle’s most beautiful landscapes.

I left my B&B at 10am, had lunch in Staffin at 1pm, dinner in Portree at 6:30pm, and returned to the B&B at 7.30pm.

Drive along Loch Fada to the Old Man of Storr

Navigate to the Old Man of Storr parking lot to see the rocky mountain face resembling a pointed finger. In fact, from a certain angle it looks like a middle finger. This is Scotland, after all. The carpark tends to be quite busy so you may have to wait for someone to leave or park in a shoulder further up the road. The 30-minute drive from Kiloran Bed and Breakfast will take you along the serene Loch Fada , which I couldn’t resist pulling over to photograph.

If you enjoy hiking, follow the dirt track uphill to see the Old Man of Storr up close, which will take a little under 2 hours. Otherwise, follow the path for 15-20 minutes for slightly better views, then return to the carpark. I chose the second option to fit more into the day.

Look out over Brothers Point

Next, drive 12 minutes north to park at Brothers point (Rubha nam Brathairean) and wander over to the 2 lookout points. One lookout point has views of a waterfall while the other has views of dramatic cliffs soaring up from the sea. If you’re not afraid of heights, follow the dirt path to the edge of the cliffs for a closer look, just don’t get too close!

Quickly admire Kilt Rock

Next, drive 6 minutes north to the Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls Viewpoint for the best views of a large rock that remarkably resembles a Scottish kilt. You’ll also see a man-made waterfall teeming down the side of a cliff into the sea and informative plaques on dinosaur footprints found in the area.

Lunch in Staffin

When you’re ready for lunch, drive 5-minutes north to the small town of Staffin. I chose to eat at Columba 1400 Café which has several vegetarian and vegan options.

Walk among dinosaur footprints at An Corran Beach 

After lunch, drive 5 minutes north to the rocky An Corran Beach to see fossilized dinosaur footprints . There’s a plaque highlighting where on the rocky shore the footprints are located, but I personally couldn’t spot them. Can you see them in the picture below? Squint harder!

Dinosaur footprints or not, the beach makes for a relaxing stroll to admire gently lapping waves and small rock pools.

Marvel at the Quiraing

Navigate 10 minutes west up a steep, winding road to the Quiraing . There are 2 carparks at the top of the mountain, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to pull over along the way for photos.

I recommend spending at least 30 minutes wandering around the iconic landscapes of the Quiraing to appreciate the views. Be careful to avoid muddy patches or wear waterproof shoes.

Stop for a coffee break

We felt like a hot drink after walking around in the beautiful yet chilly landscapes of the Quiraing and drove 17 minutes north to the Single Track Art Gallery & Espresso Bar - one of Neil’s recommendations. I was pleasantly surprised to discover this tiny coffee shop sold vegan hot chocolate (with oat milk) and even had a few vegan cakes.

Saunter among the ruins of Duntlum Castle

Next, drive 5 minutes west to see the ruins of Duntlum Castle , located on the northern tip of the Isle of Skye. Park along the side of the road and walk about 5 minutes north along a somewhat muddy dirt track through a field of grazing sheep to view the crumbly cliffside castle.

Wander through the Fairy Glen

Navigate 25 minutes south to The Fairy Glen and park in a shoulder on the side of the road. The Fairy Glen has some of the most otherworldly landscapes on Skye, bearing an eerily close resemblance to The Shire of Middle Earth. I half-expected to spot hobbits. I suggest spending at least an hour to wander up and down the small hills, admiring the scenery from every possible angle.

Dinner in Portree

Drive 30 minutes southeast back to Portree for dinner and park in the short-term carpark , which is free after 6pm. I had dinner at Caroy House , which doesn’t take bookings but asks guests to enjoy a drink in the bar until a table is free. We only had to wait about 20 minutes. I recommend the millionaires log with vegan ice-cream for desert.

Day 7 – Isle of Skye

Driving time: 2 hours 45 minutes

I started day 7 by venturing to the lesser-known Waternish peninsula then visiting more popular sites at Dunvegan and Neist Point on the Duirinish peninsula.

I left my B&B at 10:30am, had lunch in Dunvegan at 1:30pm, dinner in Portree at 6pm, and returned to my B&B at 7:30pm.

See the ruins of Trumpan Church involved in clan disputes

Navigate to Trumpan Church , a 35-minute drive northwest from Kiloran Bed and Breakfast past several farming fields, a few art galleries, and exquisite views over the sea. There’s a small carpark opposite the ruins with informative plaques on bird watching in the area and the history of the church, which was involved in hideously bloody disputes between the MacDonald and MacLeod clans.

This part of the Isle of Skye is less popular with tourists and the perfect place to enjoy beautiful scenery away from the crowds.

Visit a seal colony from Dunvegan Castle

Drive 26 minutes south from Trumpan Church to Dunvegan Castle and Gardens and park in the carpark across the road. Tickets to visit the castle and surrounding gardens can be bought at the door for £14 per adult.

Before visiting Dunvegan Castle, the traditional home of the MacLeod clan, I recommend walking straight to the jetty to book a boat visit to a nearby seal colony. Boats run every 20 minutes on a first-come-first-served basis and tickets cost £9.50 per adult. Our boat captain shared a few Scottish folk tales and interesting facts about seals, like the markings on their skin being as unique as our fingerprints, as he guided us around small islands to see a colony of common seals. Bring a waterproof jacket as its difficult to avoid getting splashed by the chilly seawater.

After the boat tour, we wandered around the beautiful landscaped gardens and then visited inside the castle, following the set route to see exquisite antique furniture, portraits of former MacLeod clan chiefs, and prized possessions like the Fairy Flag which is said to have brought good luck to the MacLeod clan.

Visit length: 90 minutes

Lunch at The Dunvegan

Drive 2 minutes south to The Dunvegan Deli Cafe for lunch. I recommend the vegan charcuterie board. Yum!

After lunch, walk 2 minutes north along the road to see some locally made jewellery, clothing, art, and notepads at the Makers Market .

Visit the westernmost point of the Isle of Skye at Neist Point

Navigate 32 minutes west to the Neist Point carpark for climactic cliff oceanfront landscapes and the charming Neist Point Lighthouse . It takes about 30 minutes to climb down the steep stairs and follow the dirt path to the lighthouse. Bring a bottle of water as the climb back up to the car park is quite breathtaking – in the un-fit kind of way.

Before heading back to the car, I walked over to the top of the cliffs north from the carpark for the most iconic views over Neist Point and the lighthouse.

Drive 1 hour from Neist Point to the familiar-looking Portree short-term carpark for dinner. I recommend the Taste of India for delicious curries and a cocktail bar.

Day 8 – Isle of Skye to Kyle of Lochalsh

Driving Time: 2.5 hours

Day 8 involves visiting the southeast of the Isle of Skye on the way to Kyle of Lochalsh, where I spent the night to reduce driving time back to Edinburgh the following day.

I checked out of Kiloran Bed and Breakfast at 9:30am, had lunch in Silgachen at 1pm, and checked into my B&B at Kyle of Lochalsh at 5pm.

Walk alongside cascading waterfalls at the Fairy Pools

Drive 1 hour south from Kiloran Bed and Breakfast to the to the Fairy Pools Carpark and walk about 30 minutes down a long rocky path to reach the Fairy Pools . Spend at least 30 minutes walking alongside the cascading waterfalls and admiring the turquoise pools from every angle. Wear suitable shoes as some of the path involves navigating stepping stones across a creek as well as a muddy patch or two.

See more waterfalls at Silgachan

Navigate 25 minutes east to the Silgachan Waterfalls and park in a shoulder on the side of the road. You’ll only need to walk about 5 minutes to reach these waterfalls, which are just as impressive as the Fairy Pools in my opinion.

Visit length: 30 minutes  

Lunch at the Silgachan Hotel

Drive 2 minutes to Seumas’ Bar at the Silgachan Hotel for lunch. I recommend the Mexican 5 bean chilli and a glass of water fresh from the hotel’s natural spring. If the weather is cooperating, you could also wander across the road to quickly visit the Silgachan Old Bridge .

Tour the Talisker Whisky Distillery

After lunch, drive 15 minutes west from Silgachan to Talisker Whisky Distillery to join the 2pm tour. Tours tend to fill up fast so I suggest booking online or by phone at least 48 hours in advance to avoid disappointment. Tickets cost £10 per adult.

Our cheerful guide, Gordon, explained the history of Talisker, which dates back to 1830, as well as the history of crafting single malt whisky. He walked us through the modern process of making whisky, showing us the raw ingredient, barley, and the distillery’s mashing, fermentation, and distilling machines. The best part of the tour was saved for last when we got to taste their most popular whisky, Talisker Storm.

After the tour, you can wander around the gift shop and perhaps pick up a bottle or two of whisky to take home.

Find cute highland coos

Navigate 20 minutes east to this super-secret Coo view point to hopefully spot highland coos up close. I drove past to see where the coos were then turned around to pull into the nearest shoulder. It was pouring with sideways rain on the day of my visit, but the coos didn’t seem to mind!

Visit length: 15 minutes

Visit one last waterfall before leaving the Isle of Skye

Drive 3 minutes south to Blackhill Waterfall and pull over into a shoulder on the side of the road. The waterfall is visible from the road, but you can walk over for a closer look if you prefer.

Check into your last B&B

Drive 27 minutes east to check into your last B&B in the Scottish Highlands. I stayed at Seawinds , a simple, yet comfortable accommodation with everything you need for 1 night.

I recommend having dinner at Hector’s Bothy , an 8-minute walk or a 3-minute drive from Seawinds.

Day 9 – Kyle of Lochalsh to Edinburgh

Driving time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Day 9 is the longest driving day with a handful of scenic stops to stretch your legs.

I left Kyle of Lochalsh at 9:30am, had lunch in Fort William at 12pm, and arrived in Edinburgh at 6pm.

Explore Eilean Donan Castle

Drive 13 minutes east from Seawinds to Eilean Donan Castle , a restored 13 th century castle located on a small island at the meeting point of 3 lochs. Tickets can be bought at the door for £10 per adult and includes an audio guide, which leads you on a route through the castle, explaining its 700-year-long history. Highlights include spectacular views over the sea and mountains, a grand hall, and a replica 13 th century kitchen.

Lunch in Fort William

Navigate to the Viewforth Carpark in Fort William, a 90-minute drive southeast from Eilean Donan. Ignore map directions that lead you along the north side of Loch Lochy which is impassable – I found out the hard way.

Once you’ve paid for parking walk along Fort William’s pedestrian street to find a spot for lunch. I recommend the town’s only vegan restaurant, The Wildcat . Tip: try the chocolate cake.

After lunch, drive 10 minutes northeast to Inverlochy Castle to walk through the ruins of a 13th-century castle for free. A 10-minute stop should be plenty.

Stop at the Glencoe Visitors Centre

Drive 32 minutes south to the Glencoe Visitor Centre which has a well-stocked gift shop, several walking trails, and an amazing view of soaring mountain peaks. Parking costs £4 but is worth it for the decent rest stop.

Visit the roaring Falls of Falloch

Stop for a few minutes just east of the visitor centre at the Loch Achtriochtan viewpoint on the side of the road.

Navigate 50 minutes south, leaving the mountainous terrain behind, for the Falls of Falloch and make use of the free carpark.

Follow the footpath all the way to the end for the best views of the waterfall. Don’t abandon the footpath to follow the sound of rushing water via dirt tracks as this will lead you up the garden path. Literally. Trust me, I tried it, stick to the footpath.

Drive to Edinburgh

Drive 2 hours 6 minutes back to Edinburgh to return the hire car. I recommend spending another night at the Radisson Collection to recover from the long drive before returning home the following day.

If you had another day or two up your sleeve you could spend the time in Glasgow, exploring the city, before returning to Edinburgh. I did a fascinating tour of The Clydesdale Distillery (for more free whisky samples!) and devoured a mouth-watering Durty Vegan Burger – the ultimate way to end an epic road trip.

The Bottom Line

Wow! What a whirlwind adventure around the Scottish Highlands! I don’t think I could call this a “wee road trip” anymore. There were just too many memorable moments. We crammed in bagpipes, castles, haggis (the vegan version in my case), seals, coos, sheep, fairies, churches, museums, waterfalls, whisky, and even a mountain that gave me the finger.

My 9-day Scotland road trip itinerary required over 23 hours of driving , but every minute was divine. While each tantalising location begged for more exploration, I gained a tangible taste for their unique personalities. And with this itinerary, so will you.

There’s really only 1 thing that could make this trip even better, laddie… and that’s wearing an orange wig and sporting a harsh Scoooootish accent the entire time.

Oh wait, nah, I’ve already done that.

True story.

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Reader Comments...

Loved your whirlwind trip account! You hit a lot of my favourite places from a small bus trip I took a few years ago but now I am inspired to go back and do a car trip! Thank you!

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Plan Your Scotland Road Trip (5, 7, and 10-Day Itineraries)

Scotland is a magical land full of dramatic coastlines, charming villages, historic castles, ancient mountains, and legendary whisky distilleries. When planning a Scotland road trip, it isn’t a question of whether or not it will be amazing, it is just a question of how much time you have and how much can you squeeze in.

If you want to see Scotland’s highlights, such as Edinburgh , the Highlands, and the Isle of Skye, here are three Scotland road trip itinerary options, based on how long you want to stay. These five -, seven -, and 10-day Scottish road trip itineraries cover things to do and see along the route, where to stay , and even some restaurant recommendations at each stop.

Based on my experience, I’ll also cover some practical road trip advice on driving in Scotland and Scotland travel tips for planning your trip.

Scotland Road Trip Options

In July, I spent a week road-tripping around Scotland with my girlfriends before heading down to Wales . One week in Scotland was just enough time to see the major cities, the stunning Scottish Highlands, and the popular Isle of Skye. If it was our first visit to Scotland, we would have spread that out over 10 days.

Since I know everyone doesn’t have that long, or they want to combine Scotland with a visit to England , Wales , or Ireland, I’ve created shorter options focused on just my favorite highlights. You can also pick the road trip itinerary that is the best match for your Scotland budget .

• 5-day Scotland road trip itinerary: Edinburgh (2 nights), Isle of Skye (2 nights), Glencoe (1 night)
• 7-day Scotland road trip itinerary: Edinburgh (2 days), Inverness (2 days), Isle of Skye (2 days), Glencoe (1 day)
• 10-day Scotland itinerary: Edinburgh (2 days), Inverness (2 days), Isle of Skye (3 days), Glencoe (2 days), Glasgow (1 day)

5-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

If you only have five days in Scotland, you can still get a wonderful taste of the very best of the country. Start with two nights in Edinburgh , followed by two nights on the magical Isle of Skye , and finish with one day in the most beautiful spot in the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe .

Your five-night Scotland itinerary looks as follows:

• Day 1 – Arrival in Edinburgh (Dean Village, New Town, Victoria & Cockburn Streets)
• Day 2 – Edinburgh Royal Mile (Edinburgh Castle, Scotch Whisky Tasting Experience, St. Giles Cathedral, Real Mary King’s Close, Holyrood Palace, Calton Hill)
• Day 3 – Drive to Isle of Skye (Kelpies, Pitlochry, Eilean Donan Castle, Fairy Pools)
• Day 4 – Isle of Skye (Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Quiraing, Fairy Glen, Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point)
• Day 5 – Drive to Glencoe

I’ve created this map using Google MyMaps to show an overview of this five-day Scottish road trip. You can click on the star next to the title and save this to your Google Maps account or click on the share icon to send it to yourself via email. 

Day 1 – Arrive in Edinburgh

I’ve written a detailed itinerary for two days in Edinburgh , but here is a brief overview. It is ideal if you can fly directly into Edinburgh, but to save money you may want to look at connecting through London, Manchester, or Dublin. Getting from the airport into the center of the city is easy using the simple and affordable using the tram, which runs every 7-8 minutes. The tram stops at several points in the city center, including St Andrew Square and Waverley Bridge, and the journey takes around 30 minutes. 

Since you will be tired if you had an overnight flight from the U.S., spend your first day walking around this beautiful city. Start off in New Town and take a walk down to the quaint Dean Village . This quiet, residential village is one of the most picturesque spots in the city.

After, you may want to check out the boutiques along George Street  or the many pubs along  Rose Street . If you are ready to start getting a taste for Scotch whisky, pay a visit to Johnnie Walker Princes Street .

Walk along Princes Street and enter the  Princes Street Gardens  to see the  Ross Fountain  and beautiful views looking up at the Edinburgh Castle. Continue down to the Sir Walter Scott Monument near the train station.

Next, head uphill and over to Old Town. Discover the colorful storefronts along curving Cockburn Street and then walk over to Victoria Street , one of the most photographed spots in Edinburgh, and take a stroll through the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard. This cemetery was an inspiration to J.K. Rowling when writing the Harry Potter series.

Finish up in Grassmarket Square and take in the view of Edinburgh Castle from the Vennel Viewpoint and end your day at one of the cute pubs in this area.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

To make the most of a short stay in Edinburgh, plan on staying in either New Town or Old Town to make it easy to get around by foot, tram, or bus. On my first visit to Edinburgh, I stayed in New Town, and on my second visit, I stayed in Old Town. Both have their advantages and I enjoyed both places:

•   Eden Locke Hotel – a stylish and modern hotel that has some “apart-hotel” suite options, with small kitchens and living/dining areas. The hotel is a short walk from Princes Street, which is the main shopping street in New Town, and it is also close to several bus and tram lines, making it easy to get around the city.
• Blackfriar Lofts – a collection of apartments just off the Royal Mile towards the Holyroodhouse end. This location was great for exploring Old Town and Calton Hill. It was surprisingly quiet at night and had plenty of restaurants and shops nearby.

Find other places to stay in Edinburgh:

Day 2 – Edinburgh Royal Mile

Dedicate your second day in Edinburgh to exploring the famous Royal Mile . Start at the top with a visit to the Edinburgh Castle . This is a popular attraction so you need to book your timed-entry ticket in advance and I’d recommend starting with the first available time slot to avoid crowds and get a jump on your busy day.

After touring the castle, your next stop will be at one or two of three attractions: the Scotch Whisky Experience , which includes a tour of the whisky-making process, as well as tastings and educational sessions led by whisky experts, the family-friendly  Camera Obscura , or the  Tartan Weaving Mill  and Exhibition.

 Continue down Castlehill to Lawnmarket, enjoying the street performers and shops along the way. Your next stop should be at  St. Giles Cathedral , which was named for the patron saint of Edinburgh and is also known for its beautiful architecture and rich history, which dates back to the 12th century. 

After a busy morning, it is then time to relax for a bit and enjoy High Tea at   The Colonnades at the Signet Library .  I’ve tried three different afternoon tea options in Edinburgh (because I love a good high tea!) and this was by far my favorite, albeit pricey. I’d suggest booking a noon tea time to ensure you have plenty of time to arrive at your next destination for a tour of  The Real Mary King’s Close .  

During the tour, you will visit a series of underground streets and tenements that were built in the 17th century and are named after Mary King, a prominent member of the Edinburgh community, and learn about the daily lives of the people who lived and worked there.

Your last stop on the Royal Mile will be at the  Palace of Holyroodhouse , the royal residence when the King is in Edinburgh. You can tour the palace (with the help of an audio guide) and see the State Apartments, which are a series of grand and ornate rooms that were used for official ceremonies and state occasions.

Even though you have done a lot of walking this day, I’d encourage you to power through a little further and climb  Calton Hill  for one of the most famous lookouts in Edinburgh, with panoramic views over the city. The walk up is about a 10-minute climb from the road and it is a great spot to see the sunset over the city.

Where to Eat in Edinburgh

• Devil’s Advocate – modern Scottish cuisine and whisky bar in Old Town
• Dishoom – modern Indian in New Town
• Amarone – Italian in New Town
• Edinburgh Street Food – food hall near Calton Hill
• Urban Angel – breakfast and lunch cafe in New Town

Day 3 – Drive to the Isle of Skye

The drive to the Isle of Skye takes about 5.5 hours, but you will soon learn that traveling in Scotland can be a little slower than you might expect. Sometimes it is the narrow roads, but often it is because you will want to stop so often to take pictures of the gorgeous landscape!

It is a long trip so you will want to break it up with a couple of stops, but don’t linger too long, and be sure to get an early start! If you are an Outlander fan, you can make a quick stop at either Blackness Castle or Linlithgow Palace (birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and James V) as both were Outlander filming sites. Another fun option is a quick stop at The Helix to see the stunning Kelpies sculptures .

For an early lunch, make a stop in the cute town of Pitlochry along the way, where you can find many cute cafes such as the Fern Cottage or Hettie’s Tea Rooms. The Blair Athol Distillery is also located nearby.

Continue your road trip through The Highlands with a stop at the scenic viewpoints near Glen Shiel , including overlooks of the Five Sisters of Kintail mountain range or the site of the Battle of Glen Shiel during the 1719 Jacobite rising.

If you are running late, you can always skip those but make sure to leave time for a visit to Eilean Donan Castle . Even if you don’t buy a ticket to cross the bridge, you can get a great view from the visitor center and the overlook. The visitor center also has a cafe if you need a cup of tea or a quick bite.

By now it will be getting late in the day, but if you are visiting in the summer, you will be lucky to have daylight until after 10 p.m.. If you want to stretch your legs, make one more stop at the Fairy Pools before heading to your hotel.

The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye are a series of small waterfalls and pools in a gorgeous mountain setting. If you can catch the light right, the pools take on a beautiful shade of aqua blue. It is also a popular spot for wild swimming for those willing to brave the cold waters. Some say the waters attract selkies, while others believe that if you hold your head underwater for seven seconds you will be blessed with eternal youth.

The parking lot at the Fairy Pools can get crowded, so it is good to visit late in the day. Remember that you will always need to pay for parking at scenic attractions in Scotland. Most pay machines take credit cards and print a receipt that you leave on your dashboard. If the closest parking lot is full, there is secondary parking up the street, but that is going to make for a long walk.

Hiking up to the Fairy Pools is 2.5 km and is steep at points (mostly on the return to the parking lot). The walk, combined with multiple photo stops, will mean that you should allot at least one to two hours for your visit.

It is important to keep an eye on your watch because many of the casual restaurants on the Isle of Skye close by 8:00 p.m. I’d encourage you to make reservations when possible, especially when visiting during the busy season. Cafe Sia is a nice pizza restaurant not too far from the Fairy Pools.

Now it is finally time to head to your hotel. The most central location is in Portree, but you need to book your accommodations early if you are visiting during the summer (try to book by March at the latest). Portree Harbor has several fish and chip takeaway spots for a casual meal and there are a number of pubs and restaurants in town but reservations are highly recommended and keep in mind that many are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye

We stayed at the ultra-cool Bracken Hide Hotel , a wilderness hotel with individual cabins in a natural setting. The lodge has a great restaurant, cocktail bar, and lounge too. Some other good options that we considered (but were already booked) include:

• Skeabost House Hotel
• Duisdale House Hotel
• Kinloch Lodge
• Cullin Hills Hotel
• Toravaig House Hotel

Find other places to stay on the Isle of Skye:

Day 4 – Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is one of the most magical places in Scotland and if you only have a little over a day to explore, you will want to get an early start. It will be a busy day and there aren’t a lot of restaurants along the way, so you may want to consider picking up a lunch in Portree at Cafe Arriba or grab a pastry at MacKenzie’s Bakery, which is supposed to have the best scones on the island but the person in front of me in line bought the last ones so I never got to try them!

Tip: The weather in Scotland is unpredictable, especially on the Isle of Skye so you need to be prepared with layers and waterproof gear. Be sure to download my Scotland packing list.

Here is an overview map of your Isle of Skye road trip today:

The first half of your day will be spent circumnavigating the Trotternish peninsula in the northern part of Isle of Skye. Your first stop will be at the Old Man of Storr trailhead, just a 17-minute drive from Portree. The parking lot isn’t large so getting there early will help you get a spot.

This is a 3.4-mile, challenging hike, but you don’t need to do the whole thing, just go high enough to get a good view. Unfortunately, when we visited, it was raining the Old Man was completely clouded over so we never got to see that iconic view. But that’s all part of visiting Scotland and there are times when the mist and clouds just add to its mystical qualities.

There are many scenic spots to stop along this loop, so decide how many you want to do, but I was blown away (almost literally) by the views at An Leathallt , although I didn’t take the time to walk down to Leath Falls.

I had hoped to also stop at Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls , which is just 13 minutes from Old Man of Storr, but the parking lot was closed for construction. A friend of mine visited more recently and it has now been reopened (at least at the time of this writing.) Kilt Rock is one of Scotland’s iconic basalt formations that looks a bit like the pleats of a kilt – hence the name. From the viewpoint, you can look over the edge to see Mealt Falls

Next up is the Quiraing , which is a mountain range that dominates the northern Trotternish peninsula featuring many bizarre rock formations. Even in the rain, wind, and clouds, the Quiraing is a jaw-dropper. Hiking the entire loop would take around four hours, but again, you probably want to watch the time and just hike the first portion of the trail.

To get there, pass the small village of Staffin and take the small single-track road on the left. It is narrow and steep, so drive carefully. When you reach the car park, take a walk on the trail that starts on the opposite side of the road but be sure to also take in the views of the road you traveled on and the sweeping view down to the water. It is stunning.

After the Quiraing, you could backtrack to the A855 and continue to loop around the top of the peninsula, but to save time, you may want to just continue to cut across the peninsula on your way to the Fairy Glen (about 20 minutes from Quiraing.)

I completely fell in love with the Fairy Glen . If you don’t believe in fairies, this magical landscape with conical, terraced, grassy hills will turn you into a believer. My inner child was joyous and I wanted to stay for the entire day. I’m convinced there must be a Hobbit hole or Fairy home there somewhere! Seriously, don’t skip this stop. It is a fairly easy 30-minute hike from the parking lot and the whole path is quite scenic.

From the Fairy Glen, it is a 45-minute drive to Dunvegan Castle , which is open from the beginning of April until the middle of October. This castle was built in the 13th century and has been the ancestral seat of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. The castle overlooks the bay of Loch Dunvegan and they also offer short boat trips to a nearby seal colony. I can’t imagine visiting Scotland and not seeing at least one castle and Dunvegan is a good one. Not only is it a striking fortress on the outside, but the rooms are beautifully decorated and tell the interesting history of the MacLeod clan.

Tip: There is a cafe on site that can make a good spot to stop for lunch. Also, leave plenty of time to wander through the five acres of lush 18th-century gardens. These award-winning gardens include the  Water Garden, Rose Garden, Walled Garden, and woodland walks.

I have saved the best for last to end your time on the Isle of Skye with a true wow view and experience. From Dunvegan Castle, it is a 30-minute (somewhat nerve-wracking) drive to Neist Point . The lighthouse at Neist Point is possibly the most iconic lighthouse on Skye, but it isn’t just about the lighthouse, it is about the stunning view of the promontory from the cliffs above.

You can certainly walk out to the lighthouse. The walk takes about 45 minutes from the car park and behind with a steep staircase down before it evens out. But just remember, you have to go back up those stairs at the end! If you are short on time or don’t feel up to that trek, the prettiest view is really from the cliffs above Neist Point. If you can time it right, it is also a perfect spot for sunset. But since sunset isn’t until after 10 p.m. in the summer, that can be a bit challenging and honestly, I wouldn’t love that drive back to your hotel after dark.

Where to Eat in Portree

• Frasers at the Bracken Hide
• The Lower Deck
• Sea Breezes Sea be wyfood
• Dulse & Brose

Day 5 – Glencoe

It is a three-hour drive from Portree to Glencoe, in the Scottish Highlands. However, if you want to stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct (for Harry Potter fans), it will take a bit longer and you should plan to take the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig, but you need to reserve tickets in advance . Since this is only a five-day Scottish road trip, I’d suggest you skip this as to get the full experience, you need to time your visit to when the “Hogwarts Express” train crosses the aqueduct and the stop can end up taking two hours.

Instead, plan to stop in the town of Fort William for lunch. You could also visit the Ben Nevis Distillery, check out the locks at Neptune’s Staircase, take a scenic ride on the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola, drive Glen Etive road (you may recognize it from the James Bond movie Skyfall ), or take a hike in Glencoe. Or, do what we did and relax and enjoy a pint with a view at the outdoor picnic tables at the Clachaig Inn .

If you need to rush back to Edinburgh the next day, there are some other scenic stops in Glencoe you should fit in, including:

• Three Sisters Viewpoint – panoramic views of the mountains
• Meeting of the Waters – waterfall views
• Glencoe viewpoint

Where to Stay in Glencoe

We stayed at the very rustic Clachaig Inn , which is simple but has unbeatable views and a classic pub and restaurant. In addition to rooms at the inn, the Clachaig also has cabins and a fun playground, making it a great budget choice for families too. We also considered the Glencoe Inn , but it was too pricey for this trip.

See more places to stay near Glencoe:

Return to Edinburgh

Once you have reached the end of your five nights in Scotland, it is time to head back to Edinburgh. If you can squeeze out one more night before you fly home or continue on to your next destination, take your time on this drive because the Highlands are simply gorgeous. It is like Iceland in that it is hard to not pull over every 10 feet to take a picture. Otherwise, it is a 2.5-hour drive back to Edinburgh.

7-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

If you have a week for your Scotland road trip, you can see a good chunk of the country and really enjoy the incredible variations in the landscape. Start with two nights in Edinburgh , followed by two nights in Inverness (near Loch Ness), then two nights on the magical Isle of Skye , and finish with one day in Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands.

This itinerary is very similar to the five-day option above, but I’ve added two nights in Inverness to add a bit more variety and a couple more famous attractions.

Your one-week Scotland road trip could look as follows:

• Day 3 – Drive to Inverness (Kelpies, Pitlochry, Clava Cairns)
• Day 4 – Inverness (Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness)
• Day 5 – Drive to Isle of Skye (Eilean Donan Castle, Fairy Pools)
• Day 6 – Isle of Skye (Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Quiraing, Fairy Glen, Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point)
• Day 7 – Drive to Glencoe

I’ve created this map using Google MyMaps to show an overview of this seven-day Scottish road trip. You can click on the star next to the title and save this to your Google Maps account or click on the share icon to send it to yourself via email. 

Day 1 – 2 – Edinburgh

For your first two days in Scotland, use the detailed itinerary I provided above in the 5-day Scotland road trip. This will provide you with a nice introduction to Scotland and offer a good overview of Edinburgh’s highlights.

See above for where to stay and where to eat in Edinburgh.

Day 3 – Drive to Inverness

The drive from Edinburgh to Inverness takes three hours, without stops or taking the scenic route of course. Your first stop should be at the Forth Bridges that connect North and South Queensferry across the Firth of Forth. The original Forth Bridge opened in 1890 and was the first major structure in the United Kingdom to be made of steel. Today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are multiple viewpoints to take photos of the bridge, especially along the five-mile Forth Bridges Trail.

Are you a fan of castles and Scottish history? If so, plan for a stop at the Scone Palace . The Scone Palace was built in the 12th century and served as the Crowning Place of Scottish Kings for over 400 years. In addition to the gardens, which include a maze, a woodland walk, and a children’s playground, you can also visit the staterooms. But the best part? You can get scones at Scone Palace at the tearoom.

For lunch, make a stop in the cute town of Pitlochry along the way, where you can find many cute cafes such as the Fern Cottage or Hettie’s Tea Rooms. The Blair Athol Distillery is also located nearby.

As you continue north toward Inverness, you will now travel along the outskirts of Cairngorms National Park. If you have time, consider making a stop to see the Cairngorms Reindeer Herd , Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer. The herd has about 150 reindeer and you can visit some of them with paddock visits or hill visits, but arrangements need to be made in advance.

Once you arrive in Inverness, take some time to work along River Ness and enjoy the downtown scene. Be sure to make a stop at Leakey’s Bookshop . This two-story bookshop has been buying and selling books for over 40 years. Any bibliophile is going to love wandering the shelves here and checking out the new and used tomes and historic maps. I still can’t believe there is a working wood stove amid of all that flammable paper, but it satisfied my book-lover side.

Where to Stay in Inverness

Because there were three of us on a Scotland girls’ trip, we rented this adorable Airbnb near the river that was a short walk to great restaurants and downtown. However, we also consider the following:

• Kingsmill Hotel
• AC Hotel Inverness

Find more places to stay in Inverness:

Where to Eat in Inverness

• The Kitchen
• The Mustard Seed

Day 4 – Inverness and Loch Ness

There are not a ton of things to see and do in Inverness proper, but there is plenty to do nearby. One of the most important historical sites in Scotland is the Culloden Battlefield , just 15 minutes away. If you have watched Outlander or studied any Scottish history, you are probably familiar with the Jacobites and the Battle of Culloden.

The Battle of Culloden was the final battle of the Jacobite Rising of 1745, which was an attempt by the Jacobite Party to restore the Stuart dynasty to the British throne. The Jacobite forces were led by Charles Edward Stuart, the grandson of James II, who had been deposed in 1688.

The two armies met on Culloden Moor on April 16, 1746, and the Jacobites were quickly defeated. While the battle lasted for just an hour, it was one of the bloodiest in British history, with over 1,500 Jacobites killed. It marked the end of the Jacobite Risings and the beginning of a period of repression in the Highlands of Scotland, where the government enacted harsh laws against the Highland clans, including the banning of kilts and bagpipes.

Now a National Trust for Scotland site, even if you know nothing of this history, the exhibits inside do an excellent job of providing context and background in a very digestible manner.

Walking the battlefield gives you a sense of the scale of this battle and has a similar reverence of sacred ground where so many were killed as a visit to Gettysburg in the U.S. While the Battlefield is being rewilded with native fauna and flora, flags mark the positions of the armies and paths through the Battlefield to see the mass graves of the Jacobites who were killed in the battle.

There are also several memorials, including the Clan Stones, which commemorate the clans that fought at Culloden. Of course, Outlander fans have trampled the area around the Fraser Stone to the point that it is now roped off. In my opinion, the Culloden Battlefield is the number one reason to visit Inverness.

Nearby, you can also visit the standing stones and burial sites at Clava Cairns . While it isn’t a stone circle, this is still an interesting ancient site and Outlander fans can see if any stones will magically transport them through time.

If you are visiting with kids who need a break from history (or animal lovers), you may also want to check out the working herding dog demonstrations at Leanach Farm B&B ( reservations must be made in advance.)

Next, it is time to see another one of Scotland’s most famous attractions… Loch Ness . While there are plenty of boat tours for those who want to look for Nessie, you can also just drive along the shore and stop to take in the view.

We have all heard of the mysterious Loch Ness Monster, but did you know that Loch Ness is 23 miles long and only 1.5 miles wide at its widest point, but it reaches up to 754 feet in depth (so no wonder it is hard to find Nessie!)

Drumnadrochit village is home to the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition and a good town to visit for lunch. Before you get to town, keep your eyes peeled for a few of those famous Highland Cows (or Hairy Coos as they are affectionately known.)

Near Drumnadrochit, you will find Urquhart Castle on the banks of the Loch. This ruined castle is a popular attraction so don’t make my mistake and make sure you book your timed-entry tickets in advance.

Day 5 – Drive to the Isle of Skye

The drive from Inverness to Portree, in central Isle of Skye, takes about two and a half hours, but you need to plan for plenty of scenic stops along the way. I would suggest taking A82 south along the west side of Loch Ness to A887 and A87. From here, you will want to follow Day 3 from the 5-day Scotland road trip itinerary above with stops at Glen Shiel and Eilean Donan Castle .

Once you cross over onto the Isle of Skye, you will want to leave plenty of time for stops at waterfalls like Eas a’ Bhradain and Sligachan (if you dip your face in the water at the Sligachan Bridge, legend says you will be granted eternal beauty.)

Continue to the Fairy Pools and follow the detailed itinerary above. See above for where to stay and where to eat in Portree.

Day 6 – Isle of Skye

Follow the itinerary from day 4 of the itinerary above.

Day 7 – Glencoe

Follow the itinerary from day 5 of the itinerary above. See above for where to stay in Glencoe.

If you need to hurry back to Edinburgh to catch a flight, get an early start because the trip takes 2.5-3 hours. If you have more time, there are some stops you can make along the way. You could pay a visit to Stirling Castle , which sits at the crossroads of the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland, and has been the scene of many important battles throughout history as well as home to many Scottish kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots and James VI and I.

If you are an Outlander fan, you can make a quick stop at either Blackness Castle or Linlithgow Palace (birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and James V) as both were Outlander filming sites. Another fun option is a quick stop at The Helix to see the stunning Kelpies sculptures .

Alternatively, you could take a longer route back to Edinburgh and drive past Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Loch Lomond is the largest lake in Britain, at 24 miles long and 5 miles across. The picturesque village of Luss is the perfect spot to stop. There is a large carpark on the outskirts of this tiny town where you can park and then walk to explore this little village.

Luss has charming cottages, cute boutiques, restaurants, and a nice stretch of lakefront including a beach on Loch Lomond. If you are looking for lunch, The Village Rest has a darling setting in the center of town and a traditional menu.

10-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

With 10 days in Scotland, you have time to explore the Isle of Skye and the Highlands a little deeper, as well as also visit Glasgow. This 10-day road trip starts similar to the one-week itinerary, with two nights in Edinburgh and two nights in Inverness . But then, instead of cramming so much into a short time on the Isle of Skye , you can spread it out over three nights and see more of the island.

Follow this up with two nights in Glencoe , giving you time to take in the Glenfinnan Aqueduct and do some hiking too. Finish up in the foodie city of Glasgow before looping back to Edinburgh (unless you fly out of Glasgow.)

• Day 5 – Drive to Isle of Skye (Eilean Donan Castle)
• Day 7 – Isles of Skye (Fairy Pools, Talisker, Armadale Castle)
• Day 8 – Drive to Glencoe (Glenfinnan Aqueduct, Fort William)
• Day 9 – Glencoe (hiking) – or go to Glasgow to spend 2 nights in Glasgow
• Day 10 – Drive to Glasgow (Luss / Loch Lomond, Glasgow food tour)

I’ve created this map using Google MyMaps to show an overview of this ten-day Scottish road trip. You can click on the star next to the title and save this to your Google Maps account or click on the share icon to send it to yourself via email. 

Days 1-4 – Edinburgh and Inverness

Since this itinerary starts the same, follow the 7-day road trip itinerary for days one through four above. See above for where to stay and where to eat in Edinburgh and Inverness.

Your fifth day starts the same as day five in the 7-day itinerary above, but instead of fitting in the Fairy Pools, you will visit those on another day and have more time to explore the town of Portree instead.

To start off, drive from Inverness to Portree, in central Isle of Skye by taking A82 south along the west side of Loch Ness and then A887 to A87 toward Isle of Skye. You will want to make stops at Glen Shiel and Eilean Donan Castle .

Once you cross over onto Isle of Skye, you will want to leave plenty of time for stops at waterfalls like Eas a’ Bhradain and Sligachan (if you dip your face in the water at the Sligachan Bridge, legend says you will be granted eternal beauty.)

When you arrive in Portree , be sure to walk down to the harbor to see the colorful buildings and maybe grab some fish and chips from one of the takeaway places. If you have enough time, you could also climb the Apothecary Tower for scenic views toward the Old Man of Storr. Or, save time the next day but taking a hike up to Old Man of Storr , since it can be easier to find parking either early or late in the day.

See where to stay and where to eat in Portree or Isle of Skye above.

Follow day six of the one-week itinerary above.

Day 7 – Isle of Skye

By this time, you are going to be so in love with the Isle of Skye that you will be happy to have an extra day to explore. You may want to consider switching hotels for your last day to one of the places mentioned above on the southern half of the island. This will prevent you from doing too much backtracking and save you time the following morning.

Start by driving about 45 minutes to Talisker Bay Beach . This is considered one of the nicest beaches on the Isle of Skye and the backdrop of cliffs offers a photogenic setting. Nearby, you can grab lunch at the Oyster Shed in Carbost Beag and visit the Talisker Distillery. You could even sign up for a boat tour with Wild Skye Boat Trips for wildlife sightings or fishing (just note that if you take a boat trip you will limit how much time you have for other activities.)

Next, you will want to drive about 15 minutes to the Fairy Pools . The Fairy Pools are a series of small waterfalls and pools that, when you catch the light right, take on a beautiful shade of aqua blue, making it one of the more popular natural attractions on the Isle of Skye.

The parking lot at the Fairy Pools can get crowded, but if the closest parking lot is full, there is secondary parking up the street, but that is going to make for a long walk. Hiking up to the Fairy Pools is 2.5 km and is steep at points (mostly on the return to the parking lot). The walk, combined with multiple photo stops, will mean that you should allot at least one to two hours for your visit.

After spending time at the Fairy Pools, drive approximately 1.25 hours to Armadale Castle and Gardens . Keep in mind that the Castle typically closes at 5:00 pm and the last entry is at 4:30 pm. Armadale Castle is the former seat of the Macdonalds of Sleat, the chiefs of Clan Donald, one of the most powerful clans in Scottish history. The castle was built in the 18th century, but the original castle on the site dates back to the 14th century. Today you can visit the Castle and its beautiful gardens.

If you still have some time and energy after visiting the Castle, you can drive to the southern tip of Isle of Skye to Camas Daraich, a white sand beach with turquoise water located on the Point of Sleat. Staying near Armadale and the ferry port will make your travel the next morning much easier.

Day 8 – Drive to Glencoe

The shortest way to get from Armadale or the southern portion of Isle of Skye to Glencoe is to take the Armadale – Mallaig ferry, but you need to purchase tickets in advance.

If you would like to stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct , there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First, if you plan to see the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the viaduct (aka the Hogwarts Express, as you may recall the scene from the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets movie), you will need to look up the timetable in advance. You want to find what time the train leaves Fort William and calculate when it will reach Glenfinnan.

For example, we knew we wouldn’t get there in time for the earliest train, so we planned on seeing the train that left Fort William at 12:50 p.m., which arrived at the viaduct around 1:30 pm. However, don’t plan on arriving right at 1:30! I would suggest arriving at least an hour before the train is expected to arrive. It takes about 15 minutes from the car park, following the trail, to reach the rise above the viaduct that has a good view. Many photographers grab the best spots for their tripods about one hour early. At a minimum, plan to be at the overlook 30 minutes before the train is scheduled to arrive to get a decent viewing spot.

In addition to watching the train crossing, there are good views from the overlook behind the visitor center and the Visitor Center itself has some interesting historical exhibits, and there is a small cafe on the grounds with plenty of picnic tables if you need lunch. You can also walk across the street to see the Glenfinnan Monument, at the top of Loch Shiel.

From Glenfinnan, continue to the town of Fort William . Fort William is the endpoint for the West Highland Way Path and home to the West Highland Museum. Nearby, you could also visit the Ben Nevis Distillery, check out the locks at Neptune’s Staircase on the Caledonian Canal, take a scenic ride on the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola, drive Glen Etive road (you may recognize it from the James Bond movie Skyfall ).

See 5-day itinerary above for where to stay in Glencoe.

Day 9 – Glencoe

If you love to hike, plan to spend an extra day in Glencoe. If you prefer cities, continue to Glasgow instead, but give yourself plenty of time to stop along the way since you will have another day in Glasgow.

Start with stops at some scenic viewpoints, including:

• Glencoe Visitor Center

You can also enjoy at least one scenic hike in the Glencoe area. Some popular hikes include:

• Steall Falls
• Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail)
• The Pap of Glencoe
• Buachaille Etive Mòr (part of the Three Sisters)

If you are a big whisky lover, you could also drive down to the town of Oban (home to my husband’s favorite Scotch.)

Day 10 – Glasgow

The drive from Glencoe to Glasgow takes about two hours. Depending on how much you want to see and do in the city, you may want to stop in Luss on Loch Lomond , since you will be passing right through. This darling little town must be one of the cutest in Scotland.

Glasgow used to have a reputation as somewhat of a gritty city but that has changed in recent years and today it is a vibrant city with a local feel (unlike Edinburgh, which can feel more tourism-driven.) Glasgow, which got its name as a “green hollow”, is home to several world-class museums, as well as a thriving food, drink, music, and theater scene.

A few “must sees” in Glasgow include:

• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – The Kelvingrove is one of the most popular art galleries and museums in the UK, and it houses a wide range of collections, including fine art, natural history, and archaeology. 
• Glasgow Botanic Gardens – The Glasgow Botanic Gardens are home to a wide variety of plants and flowers, as well as a number of greenhouses and conservatories. 
• George Square – located in the city center and is named after King George III. The square is surrounded by many important buildings and is a gathering place for Glaswegians and tourists alike.
• Buchanan Street – is a pedestrianized street located in the city center and is home to a wide range of shops and department stores and connected to a few shopping centers, including Buchanan Galleries, Princes Square, and the St Enoch Centre.
• Glasgow Women’s Lib rary – dedicated to the lives and histories of women.

I’d highly recommend taking a Glasgow food tour , to get a good sense of the burgeoning food scene. If you are a gin fan, my friend Keryn loved her treatment and cocktail at the Gin Spa in Glasgow.

Where to Stay in Glasgow

On our trip, we were hosted at the Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel in the West End, which was a great area with tons of restaurants and boutiques and easy access to downtown via the metro. The Kelvingrove and Botanic Gardens were also within walking distance.

Find more places to stay in Glasgow:

Where to Eat in Glasgow

If you don’t take a food tour (or if you stay longer), a few spots you may want to check out include:

• Anchor Line
• The Citizen
• 63rd and 1st
• Duke’s Umbrella
• Stravaigin (West End)
• Ubiquitous Chip (West End)
• The Scotia Bar (oldest pub)
• Babbity Bowster (live music)
• beGIN Glasgow (gin bar in the Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel)

Drive to Edinburgh

Whew, your Scotland road trip has sadly come to an end. If you are continuing your vacation in the U.K. or Europe, you could fly out of Glasgow or choose to take the train back to Edinburgh. However, if you drive back to Edinburgh to fly home, if you have time, be sure to stop at The Helix to see the stunning Kelpies sculptures .

Outlander fans may also want to make a quick stop at either Blackness Castle or Linlithgow Palace (birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and James V) as both were Outlander filming sites.

Scotland Driving Tips

Before you head out on your Scotland road trip, there are a few Scotland driving tips to be aware of:

• Rent an automatic – Unless you are very comfortable driving a stick shift, renting a car with an automatic transmission will be easier than a manual. Otherwise, there is too much to get used to at the same time. Just keep in mind that automatic transmission cars will be more expensive and more limited so place your reservation early.
• Purchase car rental insurance – Double check your credit card or travel insurance coverage and if not enough, be sure to purchase rental car insurance.
• Drive on the left – Scotland, like the rest of the United Kingdom, drives on the left side of the road. This can be a bit of an adjustment for drivers from countries that drive on the right, so it is important to be mindful of this when driving in Scotland. As you make a turn or enter a rotary, always say to yourself “drive on the left.”
• Be careful when merging onto a highway – When you are merging onto a motorway in the UK, you will need to merge from the left lane. This can be a bit tricky for drivers from the US, so be sure to use caution.
• Be aware of the speed limit – The speed limit on motorways in Scotland is 70 mph (113 km/h). On smaller roads, the speed limit is 60 mph (97 km/h). In urban areas, the speed limit is 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Be aware of narrow roads – Many roads in Scotland are narrow and winding, especially in rural areas. When going around a blind curve, slow down and honk your horn before going around the corner.
• Be aware of wildlife:  Scotland is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, sheep, and cows. It is important to be aware of this and to drive carefully, especially at night.
• Use passing places – Passing places are areas on narrow roads where drivers can pull over to let oncoming traffic pass. It is important to use passing places when necessary, and to be courteous to other drivers. Whoever is closest to the passing place should turn in, even if that means backing up. Usually, only a couple of cars will pull in while the others pass, and then the other side goes.
• Be aware of single-track roads – Single-track roads are roads that have only one lane. Vehicles must take turns passing each other on single track roads. It is important to be aware of this and to drive slowly and carefully.
• Be prepared for all types of weather – The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared for all types of weather. Be sure to pack a raincoat and an umbrella, and be prepared for the possibility of fog and snow.
• Remember to pay for parking – Most parking lots have self-pay stations so take a photo of your license plate as sometimes you will need to enter it and other times you just need to pay and leave the slip on your dashboard. Don’t risk not paying as the parking tickets are pricey (trust me, I found out the hard way that a parking receipt is only valid in the parking lot in which it was issued, even if you are still within the same time window. Many of the pay machines take credit cards but it helps to have some coins and small bills in case the card reader isn’t working.

Visiting the United Kingdom? You may also be interested in…

• 2 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary
• Wales road trip itinerary
• Prettiest villages in Wales
• Walking Hadrian’s Wall Path in England

Tamara is an over 50, award-winning travel writer, and recent empty nester based in Rhode Island. After years of writing about family travel on We3Travel and inspiring wanderlust as co-host of the Vacation Mavens family travel podcast, she started Your Time to Fly as a place to share ideas for girlfriend getaways, romantic escapes, and solo female travel for midlife women.

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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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Albom Adventures

Capturing the essence of travel through photography

Inspiring travel through photography

Scotland Road Trip: Edinburgh to Scottish Highlands

An impromptu Scotland road trip presented fascinating nature, fairytale castles, stunning scenery, and even a bit of Harry Potter magic.

Our initial plans took us only to Edinburgh. However, Scotland captivated us and we had to see more. With blue skies and unseasonably delightful 24c (75f) degree temperatures in May, we were lucky.

Rather than taking direct routes, we often travelled along scenic routes.

We opted away from the popular North Coast 500 itinerary.

Here is our route from Edinburgh to Inverness to Cairnryan, where we boarded the vehicle ferry to Northern Ireland. Our overnight stays were in Edinburgh and in Inverness, where we based ourselves for two nights, and explored farther north,

Interactive Scotland Road Trip

The interactive map is divided into three sections (Edinburgh to Inverness, day trip north of Inverness, and Inverness to the ferry terminal in Cairnryan). Each can be individually selected by clicking the expand / collapse icon in the upper left corner of the map. All are initially active.

Getting to Edinburgh

We chose to start our Scotland road trip from Edinburgh, the country’s capital city. Getting to Edinburgh is easy, with options for flights, trains, or on the roads.

We started out from England, driving from London to Alnwick through the stunning British countryside and charming cities and towns. From the north, we seamlessly crossed over to Scotland and to the capital.

Alternatively, there are many flights into Edinburgh. We use Expedia to find the best deals whenever we fly.

Similarly, both Scotrail and the National Rail have train options leading to Edinburgh from a variety of cities.

Car hire (rental) for your Scotland road trip

Unless you are using your own vehicle, you will need to hire a car. We always rent from RentalCars. They offer a comprehensive list of multinational and local rental car agents, ratings on specific car types, and agency ratings. Importantly, they often have lower prices than going direct.

Whether you rent from them or not, it’s still the perfect place to begin your search.  Click here to compare options and check availability at RentalCars.com

The first leg of our adventure was Edinburgh to Inverness, where we based ourselves for two nights.

Edinburgh – the starting point of our Scotland road trip

The Edinburgh Castle towers over the city, and all roads seem to lead up towards it. This medieval fortress, a fairytale-looking castle , was the highlight of our visit.

A geographically small city by world comparison, Edinburgh packs a lot in.

We split our time between the stone buildings along narrow streets of the medieval Old Town and strolling by the gardens and neoclassical architecture of the lavish Georgian New Town area. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites .

The one seemingly unusual feature that caught our attention multiple times, buildings seemed to have too many chimneys.

Suggested activities : Our top three recommendations:

• Take a tour of Edinburgh Castle and see the crown jewels, stunning city views, and other unique features like the prison, the country’s oldest building, and a canine cemetery. Reserve your tour here .
• Spend some time in the National Museum of Scotland and be sure to see Dolly, the world’s first successfully cloned sheep.
• If you ask me, number 3 would be the Saint Giles Cathedral, but if you ask our then-teen, it would be the Elephant Bar as it is where J.K. Rowling wrote portions of Harry Potter.

Scotland road trip segment 1: Edinburgh to Inverness

Beatrix Potter Garden

The enchanted Beatrix Potter Gardens in the town of Birnam was more than just a place to stretch our legs. Here, we found Peter Rabbit alongside many of the 19th-century author’s other characters. Fans of Beatrix Potter books, our girls were mesmerized by the fun.

Standing creekside, we watched an occasional salmon leap up from the water, seemingly taunting the nearby fly fisherman. The surrounding lush green fields and deep blue sky complemented the crystal clear water. It’s easy to see why Pitlochry is such a popular holiday destination.

After our picnic lunch, we headed to the Pitlochry fish ladders. These are a series of 34 pools with stepped-up water tunnels (ladders). They aid 5000+ salmon annually to cross the Pitlochry Dam and continue upstream to their spawning area. Lookout windows allow us to watch the fish as they enter the tunnels. A new Dam Visitor Centre opened in 2017.

Blair Castle

Just six kilometres beyond Pitlochry is the fairytale-like Blair Castle, home to the prior Dukes and Earls of Atholl; although the current Duke lives in South Africa. Photos were only allowed in the ballroom, where there is a giant dress-up bin for kids of all ages, along with what felt like hundreds of deer skulls on the walls.

Inverness (the main overnight stay on our Scotland road trip)

Based in Inverness, we were centrally located. While it was easy to travel to north Scotland or out to Loch Ness, in truth, we wished for more time to spend in this laid-back cosmopolitan city laced with history.

As the summer solstice approached, the long days kept it light well into the night. And the unseasonably warm weather extended into the evening, giving us what felt like extra time here. One night we stumbled upon a graveyard tour, while another night, we headed to a popular Irish pub called Hootananny, featuring live music.

Where to stay in Inverness

Inverness is the ideal place to stay for this Scotland road trip itinerary. Our first day was an Edinburgh to Inverness road trip, while our second day did the loop north, returning to Inverness. If you are looking for a place to stay, we recommend:

• Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa Located across the river from the Inverness Castle along the River Ness, it’s only a 5-minute walk to Inverness central city. This three-star option is rated “fabulous” by former guests. Pet-friendly, the hotel offers an indoor pool, restaurant, bar, parking, spa, and wellness centre. Check reviews and reserve your stay at the Best Western here.
• Culliss House B&B Rated exceptional by guests, this charming bed and breakfast is more intimate than the Palace hotel. It is the friendly staff that seems to be mentioned most often in the positive reviews, although the delicious breakfast is also mentioned frequently. And it’s within walking distance of the central city. Check reviews and book your stay at Culliss House B&B here.

Scotland road trip segment 2: Inverness north to Dunrobin Castle and the Falls of Shin

As we headed even farther north, the magic of the Scottish highlands continued to captivate us.

Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle is one of the most northerly of the great houses in Scotland. It’s a stately 189-room home in Sutherland, in the Highland area of Scotland, and the family seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland and the Clan Sutherland.

There is also a museum featuring taxidermy animals shot by Dukes and Duchesses, who once lived in the castle and included a giraffe, elephant, and many other animals. It also houses a collection of archaeological relics. Dunrobin Castle is open seasonally from April through October.

The gardens are a masterpiece of their own, created in the style of Versailles by the same architect who designed the Houses of Parliament. Dunrobin Castle has a daily falconry demonstration out in the garden featuring golden eagles and peregrine falcons. Falconry is the ancient art of hunting with birds of prey.

Falls of Shin

After the castle, we headed west to the Falls of Shin, where the salmon leap up the waterfall for spawning. We only saw a few salmon jump and missed it on film. On the bright side, we found this video showing it clearly.

Falls of Shin is a bit off the beaten path (near the villages of Bonar Bridge and Lairg), but if it is May to October and a warm day, it is worth the effort.

Scotland road trip segment 3: Inverness south to Cairnryan

The final leg of our impromptu adventure brought us from Inverness to Cairnryan, where we boarded a ferry to Northern Ireland.

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

We couldn’t go to Scotland without cruising on Loch Ness. “Loch” is Scottish for “lake” or “sea inlet.” Loch Ness is the largest body of fresh water in Britain and is known worldwide as home to Nessie, the legendary Loch Ness monster. (You can check the latest sightings here ).

After a brief search for Nessie, we headed towards the 13th to 16th-century ruins of Urquhart Castle that sit along the shores of Loch Ness. Self-guided touring of the castle ruins is an optional add-on.

Fort Augustus Locks

We also stopped at Fort Augustus to see the staircase of five locks, which bring the boats up and downstream. They are part of the 29 locks along the Caledonian Canal, which runs 60 miles from the northeast to the southwest. The grassy area along the banks of the locks in this charming Scottish town offered another perfect picnic spot.

Fort William (Hogwarts Express stop)

The “Hogwarts Express” is an extremely popular Scottish Highlands tourist attraction. The train runs from Fort William to the north and back, but not on Sunday. Therefore, our attempt to meet the train as it returned to Fort William Station at 4 pm failed. Instead, we were given directions to the train yard where the Hogwarts Express spends its day off.

TIP: Reservations for Hogwarts Express often book up more than a month in advance. Therefore, we recommend buying your ticket as soon as you know your dates.

One long 13-hour day – This tour from Inverness passes and points out key film locations from all 8 Harry Potter movies as it makes its way to Fort William. Here, you will board the Hogwarts Express for a one-way journey. The return is via coach. Reserve your all-day adventure .

Inverlochy Castle

Another castle ruins to explore, this one close to Fort William. Inverlochy Castle was built in 1280 and survived the Wars of Independence (1296 to 1357).

We left Scotland on the car ferry to Belfast. Having rented a car in England, we took it onto the ferry with us, and then again when we came back to England. While it was easy, it would have been more economical to rent different cars on each island. (If we had done that, we would have returned to Edinburgh from Fort William, rather than heading to Cairnryan.)

Take a Scottish Highlands tour from Edinburgh

Short on time, or don’t want to be driving in Scotland? Check out this one-day tour from Edinburgh that will show you some spectacular Scotland scenery. It includes stops in several small villages, highland cows, Glencoe, and a cruise on Loch Ness with a stop at Urquhart Castle. Reserve your Loch Ness, Glencoe, & the Highlands tour from Edinburgh.

Save on your trip with these resources

These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.

• Flights : we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
• Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), VRBO (self-contained), or Hostelworld (budget).
• Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
• Motorcycles : we have heard good things about BikesBooking .
• Campervans or Motorhomes : we use Campstar where Albom Adventures readers get a 3% discount.
• Private guides : we love the private guides at Tours by Locals .
• Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.

Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.

Don’t miss these general travel tips for visiting Ireland or the UK, or these tips on campervan travel in Scotland .

Please share:

If you enjoyed our Scotland road trip, please share this article on social media, including Pinterest.

What will be the highlight of your Scotland road trip?

Check out these places in Europe:

Giant’s Causeway Coastal Route: Belfast to Dunluce Castle

Oxford in a Day – A Classic British City with Impressive Architecture

Travel Tips for the UK: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Shattering the Illusion of Broomstick Flying at Alnwick Castle, England

About rhonda albom.

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

May 5, 2022 at 6:36 am

Hello how many days did you traveled in this roadtrip ? Thank you.

May 5, 2022 at 8:38 am

We spent 3 nights in Inverness but that included a lot of relaxing time.

Lara Dunning

June 9, 2019 at 6:54 pm

This is such a great trip, very well-rounded with activities and sights (Hello, Hogwarts Express!). We haven’t been to Scottland and so want to go!

Tania Muthusamy

June 6, 2019 at 11:27 pm

I so love all the castles, particulary Dunrobin with the Versailles style gardens. Not sure about the taxidermy animals though.

June 6, 2019 at 7:25 pm

What an ultimate Scotland road trip! The church overlooking River Ness looks beautiful so does the Dunrobin Castle. There is so much to and see and I’m so glad the entire family had fun. Can’t wait to get to Scotland sometime 🙂

The Holidaymaker

June 6, 2019 at 12:33 pm

I love your tradition of taking the perceived long route, as I agree, it becomes part of the adventure too; you never know what you will come across. When I now think of Scotland and Inverness, Outlander comes to mind. It would be interesting to visit some of those castles, where they are in ruins or maintained. Thanks for sharing your route and the stops along the way. It sounds like an ideal road trip.

June 6, 2019 at 2:30 am

I would love to do a road trip around Scotland. I like that you took the less popular route and even extended your trip. You’re so lucky you had perfect weather and good to know that the days are longer. It would be so exciting for me to see the Urquhart Castle. I recently visited the Tower of London and it was so much fun roaming around an old castle (mins the sprial stairs). I’d definitely add on the self-guided tour 🙂

June 5, 2019 at 5:21 pm

Okay I’m sold – between the fish ladder, that amazing white castle and the chance to see Nessie you’ve convinced me to finally visit Scotland (I only lived in England for 25 years and didn’t actual manage to get there!). You got super lucky with those temperatures – what month did you go? I hear the midges are quiet fierce up there in summer.

Rhonda Albom

June 6, 2019 at 8:23 am

It was May (not this year), so before the bugs. And, yes, we did get pretty lucky.

June 5, 2019 at 3:38 pm

I would love to go to the Scottish Highlands and you’ve pointed out some places that are new to me. I wouldn’t be able to resist Beatrix Potter Garden and the Hogwarts Express, even though I don’t have kids. I love those gardens at Dunrobin Castle and Inverness definitely looks like a place to spend a couple of days or more.

Photo Cache

June 5, 2019 at 7:48 am

Thank you for this virtual trip.

Kelly Anne Rothaermel

June 4, 2019 at 3:21 pm

It looks like a fantastic trip. would love to hang out in Northern Scotland for a while.

June 4, 2019 at 9:26 am

Really useful post. Thanks for sharing your trip details.

Lydia C. Lee

June 4, 2019 at 8:56 am

What great photos. Looks like a fab place!

June 4, 2019 at 8:36 am

Lovely photos! Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

Carol Colborn

June 4, 2019 at 8:14 am

We were lucky to have done half of this, having visited Inverness, Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. My daughter was married in Guthrie Castle in July 2014 and she and husband Cling took all of us on a bus tour of the three!

Antonio Maisto

June 3, 2019 at 9:18 pm

Scotland is an amazing land, sometimes even underrated travel destination. Will be great if others invest in tourism to get to know other places over the big cities and famous landmarks.

MY RIG Adventures

June 3, 2019 at 3:33 pm

It’s been a lifelong bucket list item of mine to get to Scotland and go for a road trip. In particular I want to check out loads of castles! Your itinerary is great, thanks for all of the info. That ballroom of deer heads kinda freaks me out though.

June 4, 2012 at 8:30 pm

Sounds like you had a great time. The Beatrix Potter Garden looked fun, and I would have liked to see the fish ladder, heard about Pitlochry many moons ago at school. There was a fish ladder (on a smaller scale) on the St. Joseph River in South Bend, I saw the salmon leaping up there a couple of times, it’s fascinating.

June 3, 2012 at 11:32 am

What fun you had on your travels in the highlands!

June 3, 2012 at 6:31 am

Amazing! I bet you’ve enjoyed this nice trip a lot! I really like your photos, you must have had such a great time there! I’ve never been to Scotland but I’ve seen some beautiful and breathtaking shots from that wonderful country.

June 3, 2012 at 3:13 am

Glad you got to Pitlochry, my Great Great Grandfather was called Chief when he lived in that village. My Great Aunt still lived in the family home until she died at 102. She and I walked up to the Salmon run as well many years ago.

stevebethere

June 2, 2012 at 7:54 pm

Hahaha! loved the photos loved the dressing up pics and the castle 🙂

June 2, 2012 at 2:19 pm

What a wonderful experience!

June 2, 2012 at 12:07 pm

girls and frocks… always a recipe for fun. Or mayhem. Or both

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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!

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.

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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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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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10 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh (Scotland) – by car or tours

Last updated on November 21, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Planning your trip to Scotland and wondering what could be the best day trips from Edinburgh for you? Below is my selection of the top 10 best destinations to see within a day. Plus, I share the options to join organized tours or complete the day trip by car depending on if you want to drive or not. Time to plan!

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

Exploring Scotland with the best day trips from Edinburgh

For those who do not want to go on a road trip and change base every night, staying in  Edinburgh  is a great option.  There is  much to see in the city  and a wide variety of options for one day tours from Edinburgh with scenery, architecture, history and tasty whisky. You can find ideas for your accommodation in Edinburgh at the end of this article or see here the best rated accommodations .

Best day trips from Edinburgh Scotland – Short answer

If you don’t want to read the whole article, I think the best tours from Edinburgh you could enjoy are:

• Glencoe and the Highlands – the scenery is breathtaking! See small group tour option
• The Scottish Borders – a long history to admire in the ruins of these magnificent abbeys See small group tour option
• The West Highlands with one of my favorite Scottish Castles: Inveraray See small group tour option
• Stirling Castle and the Trossachs (with lochs and mountains) See small group tour option
• Queen’s View over Loch Tummel and Whisky tasting See small group tour option
• Exploring Glasgow – historical buildings, modern architecture and street art Easy to reach by train + hop-on hop-off bus
• St Andrews, for a classic See small group tour option
• The castles of the Lothians – not far and impressive Easy drive from Edinburgh
• Whisky Distilleries – don’t drive! See small group tour option
• Day trip to England with TV and Movie locations See group tour option

Find out photos and tips later in the article.

Map – where to go on a day trip from Edinburgh by car or by tour

And to get you oriented, below is a map with the 8 best areas:

Need to rent a car in Scotland?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Prefer a  compact car  for the single-lane roads
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

Answers to FAQs

How is driving about doing road trips – day trips from edinburgh by car.

Below you will see the 10 options with information to complete the day trips by car with

• time on the road
• best stops 

If you are worried about driving in Scotland, check out my article with videos and practical info .

Can you visit the Isle of Skye on a day trip from Edinburgh?

No. Sadly, the Isle of Skye is not one of them because it is too far away for only one day (4h30 drive to the Skye Bridge). But, if you have several days, head to my article about choosing your Isle of Skye tour .

Organized Tour Options

If you do not want to drive and (have to find parking in the city every evening), organized excursions from Edinburgh are a great option. When I book tours, I mostly use GetYourGuide (or Viator if I don’t find what I want) because I get many firsthand reviews from people who have really done the tour (no fake reviews like on TripAdvisor). 

Day trips from Edinburgh by train

If you don’t want to drive or join a group, your other option is the train. There are some famous train rides in Scotland, especially the Jacobite steam train. However, most of them would require more than a day of travel. If you have just a day, you can go to nearby towns by train. It is much harder to see nature highlights by train.

• Stirling, to see its castle
• Saint Andrews (train to Luechers + bus)

#1 – Glencoe & Highlands – day trip from Edinburgh to the Highlands

Type: Nature

• Drive by Stirling Castle and in the Trossachs National Park
• Small and larger lochs of all shapes and atmosphere
• Stunning valley of Glen Coe – With the famous mountain of Buachaille Etive Mor, the Three Sisters Ridge, the Meeting of the 3 waters falls and so much more…

Self-drive Information

Time on Road: 6h

• On route, you will drive past the Stirling Castle on M9 and the Trossachs National Park on A85
• Once you enter the Glencoe protected area, you can stop along A82 for some amazing views – check my article about the best stops along the road
• At Glencoe, turn right onto B863 to tour the magnificent Loch Leven surrounded by high peaks, one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland
• You can return via the same road with different perspective driving the other way around, or you can drive a little longer and return via A82 along Loch Lomond.

Want to stay overnight?

You can stay in the Glencoe town or further in the mountain in Kinlochleven. This way you can enjoy some hikes in the area. Check out the accommodations in the area .

Organized Tour Option

There are many day trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands. Many drive through Glencoe. However, they don’t tour Loch Leven but continue on to other Highlands destinations. You will spend a lot of time on the road, but you will see a lot of the beautiful Scottish Highland landscapes.

I picked a tour clockwise for you because I think the views are better.

All of them are Loch Ness Tours from Edinburgh – They combine Glencoe with the famous Loch Ness and driving through the Cairngorm National Park. The day will be long, but you will see so much beauty!!!! And will you see Nessie the monster?

Small group tour (less than 16 people) – Long Drives

Check out program and prices

#2 – The Scottish Borders

Type: Architecture/History

• Old Abbeys that were powerful in this region close to the border with England
• Beautiful views of the Lowlands countryside with rolling hills

Time on Road: 3h30

On a very different style, you can head South to discover the ruins of several magnificent Abbeys which used to be very powerful in running the Scottish Borders.

• Make your way South on A68
• Visit Melrose Abbey and climb to the top of the remaining tower to find the pig
• Head to the Walter Scott viewpoint over the beautiful region
• History lovers will particularly appreciate the ruins of the Dryburgh Abbey nearby
• Then head to the magnificent double arch Jedburgh Abbey (personally my favorite) and imagine how life was in this magnificent structure
• (And if you are not yet tired of Abbeys, you can head to a last one in Kelso.)

Organized Tours Option

Get Your Guide does not have a tour with Jedburgh Abbey. But you can hop on this small group day tour from Edinburgh to Melrose Abbey and the very beautiful Rosslyn Chapel (and you don’t have to be a Da Vinci Code of Holy Grail myth fan to enjoy the tour).A great combination of history and countryside

Small group tour (less than 16 people)

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…

#3 – West Highlands & Inveraray – beautiful road trip from Edinburgh

Type: Nature/Architecture

• Drive past Stirling
• Discover the Scenery of the Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond
• Enjoy the view at ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ stop
• Explore the Fairy tale castle of Inveraray with its green wall, magical park (in the old trees area) and arms display.
• Admire the typical Highlands scenery of Loch Awe with the ruins of Kilchurn Castle

Time on Road:5h

This tour has a little bit of everything of Scotland – It could be Scotland in Miniature… Highlands, ruins, castles, lochs…

• Head North West on M9 towards Stirling – drive past the Stirling Castle – no time to visit if you want to see the rest
• Enter the Trossachs National Park on A85 and enjoy its beautiful scenery
• Continue on A85 towards Loch Awe to discover the ruins of Kilchurn castle in that typical Highland scenery: the ruins are in the middle of the loch surrounded with high summits
• Drive on A819 towards Inveraray. Explore the town and visit the Green Fairytale Castle of Inveraray
• Head back towards Edinburgh on A83 through Glen Croe and enjoy the view at the ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ viewpoint and then A82 along Loch Lomond
• Finish with a little bit of Motorway on M8
• Compare rental prices on  Rentalcars.Com

A similar program is offered on a small group excursion from Edinburgh to the West Highlands including a visit to the Inveraray Castle.

Small group tour (less than 16 people) – Long drives

#4 – Stirling Castle & The Trossachs

• Visit of the impressive medieval fortress of Stirling
• Tour of the Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond
• Loch Katrine and its historical steamboat (self-drive only)

Time on Road: 4H30

On this Edinburgh Day Trip, you can enjoy one of the most impressive castles in Scotland and discover the weekend nature gateway of the Scottish people.

• Take M9 to Stirling and visit the Stirling Castle on top of the hill
• Head North on A84 towards the Trossachs National Park
• Stop at Loch Katrine and consider a cruise on the historical steamboat
• Continue in the Trossachs on A85 and then A82. Stop for a short walk to the enchanting Falls of Falloch
• Head South and enjoy the shores of Loch Lomond . If you did not cruise Loch Katrine, you can do so on Loch Lomond from the town of Tarbet.

Most organized day tours from Edinburgh focus on Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle. Loch Katrine and the Falls of Falloch are not included. But they already cover a lot, and you will learn plenty about Scottish history thanks to your guide.

#5 – Queen’s View and Whisky

Type: Nature/Culture

• Enjoy one of the best views in Scotland at the Queen’s view
• Taste famous Scottish whisky and learn the process of making it

Time on Road: 5h

On this day tour from Edinburgh, you will discover what is considered one of the best views in Scotland, admire beautiful scenery and learn more about whisky. But don’t drive and drink!

• Head North towards Perth and Pitlorchy on A9
• Head towards the beginning of Loch Tummel to enjoy the famous Queen’s view
• Head South towards the shores of Loch Tay and enjoy
• Stop at Killin to see the famous Falls of Dochart
• Join A85 and drive along Loch Earn. Enjoy the magnificent view from the East tip at St Fillans
• Stop at Crieff to discover the Famous Grouse Experience distillery. A bit touristy but the visit is quite enjoyable and accessible to whisky novices.

This organized tour does covers the beautiful Queen’s View and more in the Perthshire including: the village of Pitlorchy, Loch Tay and the Dewar’s World of Whisky.

#6 – Glasgow – best day trip from Edinburgh by train

Type: City/Culture

Time: 2h train return

Head to Glasgow with a short train ride: 51 min every 15 minutes 

Once in this vibrant town you can discover the many sights:

• The Glasgow Cathedral and its lower church
• The beautiful Garden of the People’s Palace
• And the very impressive Glasgow University
• Check out my article about spending one day in Glasgow

Once in Glasgow the easiest way to hit all the major sights in to take a hop-on hop-off bus.

Save on your Hop-on Hop-off ticket

#7 – St Andrews – short day trip from Edinburgh

Type: Golf/History

• Forth Road Bridge – Famous suspension bridge for trains – 1.5 miles in length
• Historical town of Saint Andrews with the ruins of the cathedral and the oldest university in Scotland
• History of Golf

Time on Road: 3h

If you enjoy golf and history then this is the perfect day trip from Edinburgh for you.

• Head North and cross the water on the Forth Road Bridge – stop around to admire the iconic suspension railway bridge called Forth Bridge
• Head East to the historical town of St Andrews – Absorb the atmosphere, enjoy the bay and visit the ruins of the once huge cathedral

Sit down and relax on this one-day trip from Edinburgh – Let them guide you to St Andrews and learn more about golf history and the oldest university of Scotland. And discover small fishing villages which have been settlements for hundreds of years.

#8 – Lothians – Dirleton and Tantallon Castles – easy drive from Edinburgh

Type: History/Architecture

Time on Road: 2h 

If you are looking for a quieter day with less driving, head East to visit 2 castles of the Lothians and discover their history.

• Take the A1 out of Edinburgh towards the East Coast
• First stop at Dirleton Castle . Part of its structure is still standing from the 13th century. It has many rooms to explore so kids really enjoy it
• Next head to the coast and discover the very impressive Tantallon Castle . Take the time to explore every staircase. Enjoy the views of the cliffs and towards the island of Bass Rock

#9 – Whisky Distilleries

Type: Culture

For those who enjoy whisky, the best region is Speyside. However, Aberlour is a 3h30 drive away from Edinburgh, so not really manageable in the day tour.

Don’t drink and drive!

However, you can still discover the distillery world with this organized day tour from Edinburgh that takes you to 2 distilleries with a side of beautiful Loch Lomond.

#10 – England excursion (+TV/Movie locations)

Type: Nature/ Architecture

Time on Road: 4h 

If you are fan of Downtown Abbey or Harry Potter or simply enjoy a beautiful castle, you can head South, cross the Scottish Border and visit the Castle of Anlwick.

• Drive South on A1, cross the in-country border between Scotland and England
• Stop at the beautiful Holy Island, only accessible at low tide
• Head to the ‘Windsor of the North’, the Anlwick Castle which has been featured in Downtown Abbey and Harry Potter

This exact program is offered as an organized tour from Edinburgh city center:

Accommodations for your Edinburgh base

Before you discover all the amazing one-day Trips from Edinburgh I have picked for you, you first need to find a great base in the city.

Best locations to be able to discover the city on foot are situated in the Old Town or around Princes Street. This way you are close to everything.

Below is my selection of fantastic accommodations in Edinburgh:

• First price – Best rated hostel is the High Street Hostel located in the old town – Check out photos and availability
• MID-RANGE – The Inn Place will offer you good comfort with a great location in the old town – Check out photos and availability
• APART HOTEL – The Princes Street Suites are close to everything but more modern than the old town. A great combination – Check out photos and availability
• LUXURY and HISTORY – Since 1902, the Balmoral Hotel welcomes guests in Edinburgh – Check photos and availability
• LUXURY and BEST VIEWS – The Waldorf Astoria The Caledonian offers rooms with an unobstructed view of the Castle and the old town. Amazing to wake up to see it – Check photos and availability

Want to choose yourself? Here you go:

• Check out the best rated hotels in Edinburgh
• or Check out the best rated apartments in Edinburgh

However, if you want to see more of Scotland, I really recommend a road trip.Check out my travel guides to help you plan your itinerary :

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 

And keep track of your own trip!

Want to see more of SCOTLAND?

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SCOTLAND ITINERARIES

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ISLE OF SKYE TOURS

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Reader Interactions

February 14, 2020 at 5:24 AM

Hii Claire,

We are planning to visit UK this September with a stop in Edinburgh (its a must isnt it), im travelling with my wife, 1 y.o infant and my mom..

We would love to do beautiful but relaxing day tours to the nearby places.. is it possible to do that?

Thanks heaps.

Reza Soebagio

February 14, 2020 at 3:45 PM

Hi Reza, I am not sure what is relaxing for you… For less intense program over a day, then organized group tours are not your best options. You should rent a car or use public transportation and just pick one place. For example, you can just go to the charming town of Stirling for the day and enjoy the views from the Castle. or You can just drive to the lowlands and visit Melrose and Jedburgh Abbeys. The Highlands will automatically mean more driving, so not so relaxing. I wish you a wonderful trip Claire

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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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10 Best Road Trips Near Edinburgh

Escape to scotland this weekend.

These best road trips near Edinburgh are catered to those craving for adventures away from the Scottish capital. Edinburgh might have the side-splitting theater events of The Fringe and the UNESCO-listed Old Town, but there are some seriously enticing Scottish wonders all around the capital. Arguably, the best way to see them is with your own wheels.

Whiz out to the northwest and you'll soon hop from Lowland to Highland. That means a chance to explore the lush fells of The Trossachs or to get lost between the brooding mountains of Glencoe. Meanwhile, there are salt-sprayed beach towns to the east, along with enchanting villages where time seems to have stood still for centuries.

See one of Scotland's most photographed glens

Glencoe is a picturesque village that's around 3 hours' drive from Edinburgh. The trip, which heads northwest through the heart of the country, showcases bucolic Scottish Lowlands and the great castle at Stirling, so there's plenty to look at out the window. You'll know you've arrived when you see the jagged shark-fin summit of Buachaille Etive Mòr peaking on the horizon.

That's actually just one of the many craggy mountains that enfold this famous Scottish valley. Others include the sinewy Three Sisters and Sgorr na Ciche, all of which you can hike. Boots aside, check out the local Glencoe Folk Museum and be sure to hit the Glencoe Visitor Center for regional heritage and some stirring Scottish ghost tales.

Cairngorms National Park

Massive mountains and scottish skiing.

The Cairngorms National Park is a rugged mass of mighty mountains, many of them over 3,000 ft tall. A quintessential corner of the Highlands region, it does require about 2.5 hours on the A9 road heading north. Don't worry as pitstops in Perth and Angus offer plenty along the way.

When you do arrive, it's really all about the wild backcountry. You can stock up on walking boots in Aviemore before hitting trails to Lairig Ghru or attempting the summits around Ben Macdui. Alternately, pack the thermals for a winter ski at the Glenshee Resort.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Farmers' Market

A historic city with a legendary citadel.

Stirling is famed around the UK for its soaring, muscular castle. A mere 55 minutes' drive down the edge of the Forth River from the Scottish capital, it's also a favorite day trip from Edinburgh.

You'll probably see the legendary citadel before you see the town itself. It's perched on a platform of jagged stone above an Old Town area that's gotten some serious enchantments. Delve in there to get lost in cobbled alleyways and be tempted by fire-warmed pubs. Extra diversions by road could take you to the striking Wallace Monument that looms high on the nearby hills, or even the battlefield of Bannockburn – where the Scots ravaged the English back in 1314.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Scotland's natural side awaits.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park offers a real taste of the wild Lowlands and Highlands. It's often considered to mark the divide between those 2 neighborhoods of Scotland, accessible within a 2-hour drive from Edinburgh if you take the route through Glasgow. 

The reserve is simply stunning. It encompasses lush meadows where mooing highland cows pose for photos. There are 3000-ft-high Munro mountains to climb. And there's Loch Lomond itself, speckled with islands and ringed by walking paths. Don't miss the crumbling shell of Kilchurn Castle on the western edge of The Trossachs – it's incredibly photogenic. 

Linlithgow Palace

Tread in the footsteps of scottish monarchs.

Linlithgow Palace is one of the most fascinating historic attractions in the Edinburgh region. It's perched on the edge of little Linlithgow Loch, about 18 miles directly west of the capital. The drive takes just shy of 40 minutes in total but does offer a chance to take in the fresh country air of rustic West Lothian.

What you get to see is one of the great residences of the Scottish kings and queens. Linlithgow Palace hit a heyday in the 15 th and 16 th centuries – it was the actual birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots in 1542. Today, you'll be able to tour the fortifications and citadel, including the old wine cellars, the Great Hall and the regal Royal Tower.

Location: Kirkgate, Linlithgow EH49 7AL, UK

Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)

Phone: +44 (0)1506 842896

Golf shots and university halls

St Andrews is a household name in the golfing world. Clutching the windblown coast of eastern Scotland around 1.5 hours' drive from the city, it boasts arguably the most famous course in the whole of the UK. It's called, simply, the Old Course, and regularly hosts major global tournaments.

There's also an acclaimed university here, the third most venerable in the UK, no less. That means oodles of cultural pursuits on top of the holes in one. To dive right in, check out the ruins of haunting St Andrews Castle and the local heritage collection at the St Andrews Museum.

Galloway Forest Park

Stargazing under forest canopies.

The Galloway Forest Park is hailed as the largest tract of untouched woodland in the UK. You'll find its 299 square miles spreading through the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, around 87 miles southwest of Edinburgh. The fastest route in is via Glasgow, but there's a far more scenic option that whisks you through South Lanarkshire and doesn't take much longer.

The park itself is a patchwork of deep-blue lakes and high fells. It's often called the "Highlands of the Lowlands" for its big ridges, but there are still some family hiking paths to get stuck into. If you can, be sure to spend a night nearby – this is an official Dark Sky Park, and the stargazing is second to none.

East Lothian

Rolling countryside and stark castles by the sea.

East Lothian is an easy day-trip drive from downtown Edinburgh. It's the council area that starts right on the edge of the city and stretches along the shoreline to where the Firth of Forth meets the North Sea. Getting there takes just 20 minutes or so from the Old Town district in the capital.

What awaits is a land of rolling farm fields and hay-scented country roads, occasionally interrupted by a rocky fell or a twisted oak tree. The coast is where the real treat lies in East Lothian, though. Head to villages like Dunbar or North Berwick to dine on lovely seafood. Or, make for half-ruined Tantallon Castle to unravel tales of old-school Scottish nobles from centuries ago.

A chocolate-box town in Scotland

Peebles straddles the gurgling River Tweed little more than 45 minutes' drive south of Edinburgh. It's a short road trip to get there down the A703, but it does mean swapping the bustling city for the calm of the backcountry Lowlands.

Life is slow and relaxed in this historic village. Considered by many to be one of the most attractive spots in the country, Peebles is a jumble of Neo-Gothic churches and hardy stone cottages set under hills dashed with pine forests. Hearty gastropubs are on offer next to boutique tearooms, but there's also trekking and an annual jazz fest in spring.

For fun on the coast

Fife is a historic county that spreads north along the coast of the Firth of Forth. You can actually see the region from some parts of Edinburgh, so a 20-minute drive over the Queensferry Crossing is enough to kick-start this particular road trip. However, some will choose to begin at the Kincardine Bridge deeper inland, for a fuller enjoyment of the Fife shoreline.

Whichever you choose, you can look forward to a journey through aged towns like the Royal Burgh of Culross, where yellow-tinged palaces date back to the times of the Bruces in the 1500s. Seafarers should also be sure to pencil in a stop at the Scottish Fisheries Museum and the series of salty hamlets in East Neuk, which have some of the country's top seafood restaurants.

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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Edinburgh & Romantic Scottish Borders Self Drive Road Trip

Embark on a road trip that blends coastal views, rural landscapes, the bustling capital city, and rich historical experiences. Delight in the beauty of centuries-old houses and time-honoured abbeys and walk in the footsteps of Sir Walter Scott!

Be immersed in Scottish and city culture before joining the coast with its seaside towns, nature reserves, beaches and harbours. Then travel inland along the borders to the heart of the Scottish Borders. 

Explore Gothic architecture, and follow in the footsteps of Scottish Kings and Queens. Complete the road trip with a visit to an atmospheric 15th-century chapel. This self-drive road trip itinerary takes you through the history and heritage of the Scottish Borders with dramatic scenery. 

The cost is £8.99 to access the online road trip itinerary for yourself and your group, for 12 months on UncoverBritain , to use when planning and on the road. You can choose and book accommodations, attractions and experiences interested in. If you're looking for a vehicle for the road trip, take a look here . 

• Discover Edinburgh's rich history and culture, from iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle to the lush parks and gardens surrounding the city.
• Experience festivals year-round in Edinburgh, including the renowned Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
• Explore the romantic Scottish Borders, adorned with picturesque landscapes, ancient abbeys like Melrose Abbey, and historic castles such as Abbotsford House.
• Take leisurely walks through scenic forests, charming villages, and along riverbanks, creating the perfect atmosphere for a romantic getaway.
• Indulge in the finest Scottish Borders produce, from fresh local fare to exquisite whisky, making it a food and drink lover's paradise.

About the road trip itinerary: Edinburgh & Scottish Borders

• Access on 2 devices (mobile, tablet or desktop) for 12 months
• Suggested fully flexible mapped route – Around 153 miles (247km) with a drive time of around 5 hours, vehicle dependent.
• Adjust to suit between 3 and 14 nights
• 13 destination location guides
• Map pinpoints for: Viewpoints, Places of interest, Hidden gems, Wild swim spots and On-screen spots
• Map pinpoints for: Campsites, Motorhome stops & almost wild spots, Hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses and lodges

Activity highlights

• Access on 2 devices (12 mths) & make the best of your holiday with planner/maps
• Fully-flexible to create your perfect itinerary from 5 nights to 14 nights
• Maps, destinations, attractions, campsites, hotels etc, hidden gems, viewpoints
• All in one place, with embedded links for the most up-to-date information
• Saves hours of searching so you won't miss a thing, before and during your break

If you're looking for other road trip ideas in Scotland, take a look at our Scottish road trips .

From £8.99 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

January — December

Contact details

• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• North Berwick
• Architecture
• Canoeing/Kayaking
• Film and TV
• Food and drink
• Outdoor Activities

Tour prices

From £8.99 Per Adult

Prices are subject to change depending on season

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Tour gallery

Tour company information

Uncover britain.

Uncover Britain provides road trip itineraries for some of the best and most scenic Scottish road trips. The road trips in Scotland include the well-known and well-loved North Coast 500. However, road trippers can uncover their own Scotland with one of the other popular routes, such as the West Coast of Scotland, including the amazing Isle of Skye, the former 'Kingdom of Fife, with a visit to non-other than the home of Golf, and discover more about Edinburgh and the Romantic Borders.

Social Channels

Visit Uncover Britain

Opening times

9.00 - 5.30 Monday to Friday

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