motorhome tour scotland itinerary

West Coast, North and East Coast Driving Routes

Exploring by Motorhome & Camper Van in Scotland

Based on our 30 years of touring experience , we are convinced Scotland has something really special to offer for motorhome holidays.

With all our travels in Europe, Scotland is by far one of the best countries to see from the road. Breathtaking scenery, combined with the genuine warmth from the locals, makes for an experience you'll never forget.

There are a hundred different ways to tour Scotland from the Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond to the jagged North Coast to the impressive Forth Road Bridge.

So if you're thinking of a motorhome holiday, think Scotland. We promise you won't be disappointed.

Why choose a Scottish road trip by motorhome & Campervan?

Our motorhomes & campervans are designed to get the most from your time in them. For example, pre-installed Tom Tom's come programmed with the essential information you'll need while travelling.

This takes the stress out of chores and makes travelling as easy as possible, helping you get back on the road quickly.

One of our specialities is wild camping. We offer Privilege membership to the countries prestige campsites, caravan parks and car parks, so while travelling in one of our motorhomes, you'll never have to pay extra for overnight parking.

Also included in our motorhomes are copies of our best travel routes, meaning you'll never be wondering where to go or what to do next. 

We hope all the little touches we add help create a truly unique holiday, making it easier to travel through glens, around lochs and across Scotland in comfort.

We have years of knowledge and have developed expertise in travelling around Scotland, and we are eager to share this with you.

If you need help planning a route, knowing whether something is worth driving to, or want some top tips for getting the most from your road trip, give us a call.

Routes to see the best of Scotland on your Motorhome Trip

We can provide one of our three specified  driving routes across Scotland. All of the routes are motorhome friendly and are for the East, West and the far North of the country. 

After all, the next step after you hire a campervan is figuring out where your road trip will take you. We are proud to have developed and supplied many happy customers with the best touring routes to take around Scotland.

Our most popular routes can take you through the Highlands at the northern tip of the country or to the East and West coasts, stopping off at all the best places along the way.

With our routes full of stunning views, optional wild camping and fun activities , we hope they meet every need and live up to every expectation you have for touring Scotland.

North-East Coast Route

This route begins in Perth, where we are located, and takes you along the Eastern coast and up to the northern tip of the country. 

Along the way, you can stop off and see:

• The medieval Glamis Castle
• Scone Palace
• Captain Scott's ship, "The Discovery"
• Dunnottar Castle
• Wild seals at Buckpool
• The Culloden Battlefield and Museum
• The Orkney Isles
• Loch Assynt

Western Coast Route

Our tour of the West coast of Scotland is adaptable to meet your needs and can be cut short at any time, meaning it can be between 7 and 14 days long.

Just some of the places you'll visit include:

• Summer Isles
• Isle of Skye
• Fort William
• Cairngorms National Park

Outer Hebrides Route

For this route, you'll head north to the idyllic chain of islands just 30 miles off the North-West coast of Scotland.

The Outer Hebrides and the Western Isles are a series of islands consisting of the Isles of Lewis, Harris, Scalpay, Beneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay. 

This 10–14-day route takes you to the far reaches of the country, and you can expect phenomenal beaches, breathtaking views and an abundance of wildlife.

There is no shortage of amazing places to visit, things to see and activities to experience on this route.

Just some of the highlights include:

• Landmark Forest Park
• The Highland Folk Museum
• Strathspey Steam Railway
• The Whalebone Arch
• Callanish Stones
• The Iron Age Village
• Abhainn Dearg Distillery
• Glenfinnan Monument
• Neptune's Staircase

Off the Beaten Track

Of course, one of the best things about hiring one of our motorhomes is the freedom that comes with it. This is your road trip, and your holiday can be specifically designed by you.

Mix and match with some of our suggestions above, or tour the majestic lochs of Scotland including Loch Lomond, Loch Fyne and the famous Loch Ness. Write your own adventure by veering off the beaten track and taking the road less travelled.

You can see what you want to see, go where you want to go and do what you want to do. Most importantly, you should relax and enjoy what Scotland has to offer because it truly is unique and provides things nowhere else in the world can.

Get in touch today!

For more information on the routes we have developed, please take a look around our website, at our blog or give us a call.

The best part of touring Scotland in a motorhome is the freedom, so with any of our routes, you can add, remove or adjust as needed.

For further advice and recommendations for your campervan road trip, don't hesitate to get in touch with our knowledgeable team today.

Motorhome Hire Scotland - Itinerary Guide Scotland is a very beautiful country, rich in culture and history...

We are the only company who have all brand new very high specification motorhomes, however and more important than that is the service and advice of where to go and also where not t o go from experienced expert local motor homers.

This is a route designed by us for your motorhome holiday.  

Our Outer Hebrides motorhome route will take around 10 to 14 day to complete, Only 30 miles from the North West coast of Scotland are the Islands of the Outer Hebrides.

Trying to strike a balnce of keeping the kids amused and still enjoying a holiday thats both active and intresting is not always easy, our west coast route is based on our own experiance's with some suggested stops that my children have enjoyed along the way.

This route has been developed by us for your motorhome holiday, this 7–14-day tour and a circular route covering the East coast of Scotland and black Isles.

Take a look at what we offer with our luxuruy motorhome hire. With everything included that could need, we try to ensure our clients have the best trip possible when exploring this fantastic country.

Thinking about touring the NC500 with a campervan why not include Orkney as part of the journey.  

Campervan Routes: The 10 Best Tour Spots

Get behind the wheel of a  caravan or campervan  and experience the unfettered freedom that comes with being able to pull over and set up camp where and when you choose. There are a variety of  caravan sites and holiday parks  where you can set up and stay for a night or two - many of these are surrounded by magnificent Scottish scenery.

If you don't have your own campervan or motorhome, not to worry. There are plenty of places across Scotland where you can  hire or rent  - just make sure you plan and book in advance. 

Here are just some of the destinations and routes that are worth the  road trip .

Jedburgh and Lauder Scottish Borders

Jedburgh Abbey

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Whether you are passing through the Scottish Borders on your way to your final destination or are curious about this lovely region,  you can pitch up at sites in  Jedburgh  and  Lauder . You can explore the region’s wide open spaces at your leisure, with walking trails including the Southern Upland Way, the Borders Abbey Way, and St Cuthbert’s Way all easily accessible.

Isle of Skye Isle of Skye

The Quiraing, Isle of Skye

© © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

When it comes to exploring Skye by car the possibilities are endless. The whole of Skye is spectacular to drive around no matter which direction you set off in. Pitch up on the shores of Loch Greshornish and soak up the views across the gleaming water to the hills beyond while Highland cattle and sheep graze nearby.

Glencoe to Fort William Highlands

The Three Sisters, Glencoe

The route from Glencoe to Fort William is one of Scotland’s essential road trips and a great places to go when you are touring Scotland in a motorhome. Before you embark on this unforgettable drive, why not spend a day or two parked at the foot of Glencoe’s awe-inspiring mountains, surrounded by lush woodlands managed by the National Trust for Scotland? Positively ripe for on-foot explorations, the West Highland Way and many other low and high-level walks pass through the vicinity. You can even bag a couple of  Munros  whilst you're here.

Blair Atholl Perthshire

The Atholl Highlanders is a Scottish ceremonial infantry regiment. The regiment is not part of the British Army but under the command of the Duke of A

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Experience the epitome of relaxed camping against the magnificent backdrop of  Blair Castle . Just a stone’s throw away from the popular holiday-maker destinations of Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Dunkeld, this picturesque spot in the  Cairngorms National Park  allows you to get away from it all while still offering plenty to see and do. Pitch up at  Blair Castle Caravan Park  and enjoy a range of outdoor pursuits with  Atholl Estates  and take your pick from all kinds of adventure sports.

Assynt to Sutherland Highlands

A cyclist at Loch Assynt, Highlands

© VisitScotland / Airborne Lens

‘Dramatic’ doesn’t even begin to cover the natural beauty of the journey from Assynt and into the heart of Sutherland country. Set off on the road to Inchnadamph and as you make your way north, pause at one of a seemingly endless number of trout-teeming lochs to cast your line in the company of golden eagles and great northern divers. Continuing northwards, take in the dramatic peaks of Quinag before pushing on to the delightful  crofting village of Scourie . Here you can park in the village's  caravan and camping park  overlooking the bay and experience some unforgettable sunrises and sunsets. Turn east at Laxford Bridge and follow the River Laxford on up to Loch Stack where you can spend the days climbing rugged mountains, following old stalkers' paths to secluded lochs, or simply sit back, relax and soak up the tranquility.

Loch Ness Highlands

View of Loch Ness from Urquhart Castle

Campervan sites in and around Loch Ness are ideal bases for exploring this famous area. There is the eco-friendly  Loch Ness Shores  site located on the sedate south shore,  Loch Ness Bay Camping  at Borlum Farm, Drumnadrochit, which sits directly opposite the  Great Glen Way , and  Loch Ness Highland Resort  in scenic Fort Augustus. Surrounded by pine trees and with umpteen Munros and superlative cycling and kayaking right on your doorstep, it is hard to think of a more ideal place in which to experience Scotland’s great outdoors on your campervan trip.

Glasgow to Machrihanish Glasgow and Argyll

The Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club, Machrihanish, Kintyre, Argyll

The Kintyre peninsula is one of Scotland’s most secluded destinations and the route leading to it is positively spellbinding. From central Glasgow, follow the A82 as it winds past  Loch Lomond  before embarking upon a breathtaking three-hour journey down the A83, sometimes referred to as “the long and winding road,” one of the UK’s most scenic car journeys. Along the way, take in the Rest and Be Thankful Pass, skim the shores of the picturesque Loch Fyne, and pass the stately  Inveraray Castle . Continue along the beautiful Kintyre coast to Campbeltown before making the short cross-country drive to Machrihanish. Here you can pitch up at the marvellously well-equipped  Machrihanish Holiday Park  which offers a complete range of home comforts including free WiFi and a view overlooking the acclaimed  Machrihanish Dunes golf course . Don't forget to bring your clubs!

Scone Palace Perth

Scone Palace

Pull in to the estate of Scone Palace, the home of the legendary Stone of Destiny, and get back to nature at  Scone Camping & Caravanning Club Site . Deer, buzzards, owls and ospreys have all been spotted here. You might even find yourself sharing your pitch with one of the site’s resident black rabbits. In addition to the palace, take the time to explore the grounds, including its beautifully manicured lawns and pinetum, and enjoy tranquil walks along the River Tay.

• Hearing Loop
• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
• Level Access
• Accessible toilets
• On Public Transport Route
• Pets Welcome
• Cafe or Restaurant

Edinburgh to St Andrews Edinburgh and Fife

The Queensferry Crossing

Drive across the Queensferry Crossing to  Fife . Opened in 2017, it's neighboured by the Forth Road Bridge and the world-famous Forth Bridge - these three engineering wonders span three centuries. Continue along the scenic coastal route around the East Neuk, stopping to call in at pretty fishing villages like Anstruther, Elie and Pittenweem before you reach  St Andrews, The Home of Golf . Stretch out the journey and spend a day or two in the East Neuk at  Elie Holiday Park  at Shell Bay,  Woodland Gardens Caravan & Camping  in Leven or  St Monans Holiday Park .

Rest and Be Thankful Pass Argyll and Bute

Looking down to Loch Restil and the A83 road at Rest and be Thankful

© VisitScotland, all rights reserved.

Drive across the Arrochar Alps in Glen Croe to the Rest and Be Thankful pass where you can pull in to the roadside bay viewpoint and picnic area to stretch your legs and soak up the dramatic natural splendour before you. If you want to stay over for a night in the area, the Forestry Commission’s Honeymooner’s Bridge Car Park is nearby and has limited spaces for campervans and larger vehicles.

Summer Holidays

Get the most out of the  Scottish summer  and check out our top tips on outdoor fun, itineraries and handy pocket guides.

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Other things you might be interested in

Best Campsites in Scotland with Scenic Views

Scotland’s most scenic driving routes

Wild Camping in Scotland

Family Holidays in Scotland

Glamping in Scotland

Vehicle Hire & Renting a Car in Scotland

Best Road Trips in Scotland

Scotland's Weather, Climate & Average Temperature

North Coast 500

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The Perfect 7 Day Motorhome Itinerary For Scotland

Last Updated on 7 November 2022

*This post may contain affiliate links , which means that if you decide to make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you! This allows me to continue bringing you valuable content for free and any purchases you make via these links are gratefully appreciated. Please refer to my Disclosures for more information.*

Fancy a road trip through scotland.

An enchanting place bound to capture your imagination the Scottish Highlands are one of the most unique places to visit in Europe ! Full of mighty mountains and winding roads that snake across the moors and pass by roaring rivers and remote crofters cottages, Scotland is the perfect destination for a 7 day motorhome itinerary! It’s a land full of lochs, myths, distilleries, tweed, forests, wildlife, whiskey, waterfalls and castles, and boasts some of the most beautiful mountain scenery and natural wonders in Europe ! So if your soul is yearning for wilderness, adventure and freedom, then a Scottish road trip is for you!

Tip: This one week road trip itinerary for Scotland includes both on and off site options for overnight parking. On site means on a campsite where there are facilities. Always phone ahead to check availability or pre-book these to avoid disappointment, and check which months they are open as some campsites close off peak. Off site means not on a campsite, so there may be no facilities, and availability cannot be guaranteed.

Scotland itinerary overview

If you don’t want to spend all of your time driving but want to see some highlights of Scotland and experience a snippet of the NC500 (but don’t want to do the whole route), then this one week road trip itinerary is for you. Spanning ~690km (~430 miles) and on a mostly circular route (apart from a minimal detour off of the circular trail to/from Fort William, and to/from Drumnadrochit from Invermoriston for a campsite), this itinerary will allow you to see the best of Scotland in just 7 days with very little backtracking!

For ease, this 7 day motorhome itinerary for Scotland begins and ends in Inverness. Inverness is a good starting point for exploring the Scottish Highlands given its location and that it has a major airport. But you could arrive in Glasgow and begin this itinerary in Fort William (Day 4/5), or Edinburgh and begin in the Cairngorms (Day 5/6). If you are driving from other parts of the United Kingdom, then start at the point nearest to you!

Note: At the time of writing, the off site overnight spots noted on this itinerary for Scotland allowed overnight parking for motorhomes. But things can change quickly and no overnight parking signs may emerge in places which one allowed it. So do your own research and park at your own risk. The places with petrol stations and grocery shops may also change, as can campsites.

Know before you go

Always  check the entry requirements  for the country you are visiting to see if you will need a Visa to enter, and that you have enough validity left on your passport.

Always have a  good level of travel insurance  for every international trip. This is a non-negotiable part of any trip abroad, as the unexpected can happen.

When is the best time to visit Scotland?

Scotland is a year-round destination, but depending on your personal preference there are some months you may find better for travelling Scotland than others. Don’t expect tropical temperatures here (head to Balinese town of Ubud for those)!

Winter : From mid-November to early-March the temperatures can plummet, snow may fall (especially in the northern parts of Scotland) and the roads can be icy. Some campsites may be shut during this season.

Spring: Mid-March to early-June is a beautiful time to visit Scotland (and my personal favourite). The days are still crisp but the temperatures begin to climb (although it’s still a chilly time of the year). In early Spring, the foliage changes colour to pinks, oranges and yellows, which makes Scotland particularly picturesque!

Summer: From mid-June to mid-September you can expect temperatures to reach around 17°C (63°F). Prices in the Summer can rise as this is peak season. The Summer season in Scotland also coincides with Midge season (seriously), so if you don’t like getting chewed on by bugs, increased prices and general busyness, avoid the Summer!

Autumn (or Fall): Late-September to early-November sees the Autumn season. The colours of the landscape change and the Summer crowds fade away. Temperatures do begin to drop as Winter approaches, but like Spring, Autumn is an equally good time to visit Scotland!

What is the currency in Scotland?

The currency in Scotland is the Great British Pound (£) .

In Scotland, the notes are printed by the Bank of Scotland so look a little different to those found in other parts of the United Kingdom. However they are still legal tender in the United Kingdom and should be accepted (it’s only in rare cases that they aren’t).

Day 1 of Scotland motorhome itinerary

Inverness to ullapool via lairg and knockan crag national nature reserve, useful information for day 1.

Total distance : 149km (~93 miles) Places with petrol stations: Inverness, Skiach Services, Lairg and Ullapool Grocery shops: Supermarkets in Inverness and Ullapool, and convenience stores in Lairg Overnight stop : Broomfield Holiday Park in Ullapool

Morning itinerary for Day 1

Get yourself to Inverness where you will begin your itinerary. Depart Inverness towards Lairg (79km/~49 miles). On your way, you will pass over Kessock Bridge which goes above the Beauly Firth and Moray Firth. Keep your eyes open for dolphins and seals, as they are residents here.

Tip : Fuel stations around the Scottish Highlands can be scarce, especially around the northwest coast. Top up your fuel tank before or in Lairg, as the next petrol station on this route after Lairg is in Ullapool (to my knowledge). You could also consider carrying some spare fuel with you just in case you run low.

Your first pit stop on this 7 day motorhome itinerary for Scotland is Lairg, where you can pause for lunch. There is a patch of hard ground on the A836 along the waterfront where you can park up just below Lairg Church of Scotland (GPS coordinates: 58° 1′ 28″ N, 4° 24′ 6″ W). Refuel with some lunch and take a wander to see The Wee Hoose.

Afternoon itinerary for Day 1

Continue on your road trip from Lairg to Ullapool where you will experience some dramatic Scottish scenery. This part of the itinerary will give you your first taste of driving the beautiful west coast of Scotland by motorhome, and offers a snippet of the famous NC500 (the Route 66 of Scotland) from Knockan to Ullapool! Be sure to make time for a stop at Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve for a cuppa and mountainside walk. Here you can learn more about the geology and early exploration of the area, and enjoy stunning views across mountains and lochs!

Tip: There is a parking area with toilets on the A835 for Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve. Just look out for the signs!

From Knockan Crag, hit the road again and take the short drive to Ullapool, which will be your first overnight stop on this one week road trip in Scotland. Stay at Broomfield Holiday Park for the night, and take the opportunity to wander down the picturesque Ullapool esplanade. Look out for resident seals in the harbour, enjoy the sunset over Loch Broom, grab some fudge or whiskey in one of the quaint seaside shops and perhaps indulge in some Fish and Chips before retiring to your motorhome bed!

Tip: There is an alternative campsite just before Ullapool on the A835 at Ardmair called Ardmair Point Caravan and Camping Park . Both have stunning coastal views, but Ardmair is out of Ullapool town. Both are popular touring sites on the NC500 route so be sure to phone ahead to check availability or book in advance.

Tip: There is a large supermarket in Ullapool so if you need to replenish your food, beer or other sweet treats now is the time to do so. Shops are few and far between on the next part of the route and are likely to be pricier convenience stores.

Day 2 of Scotland motorhome itinerary

Ullapool to kinlochewe via gairloch and beinn eighe national nature reserve, useful information for day 2.

Total distance : 122km (~76 miles) Places with petrol stations : Ullapool, Gairloch and Kinlochewe Grocery shops: Supermarket in Ullapool, and convenience stores in Gairloch and Kinlochewe Overnight stop: Kinlochewe Club Site (non-member fee applies) or off site at Slioch Terrace Carpark in Kinlochewe (GPS coordinates: 57° 36′ 15″ N, 5° 18′ 0″ W)

Morning itinerary for Day 2

Welcome to Day 2 of this 7 day motorhome itinerary for Scotland! Rise and shine early and wander down to Ullapool quay to enjoy the sunrise over Loch Broom. After breakfast, it’s time to get back on the road and enjoy some more of the northwest coast of Scotland. Head along the winding coastal roads to Gairloch, which will be todays lunch stop. Follow the parking signs when you arrive in Gairloch to find a parking spot. After lunch, enjoy a walk along the sandy beach before getting back on the road!

Tip: If you’d prefer to stay in Gairloch because of its sheer coastal beauty, Gairloch Holiday Park is a wonderful place to spend the night and has stunning views across the beach.

Afternoon itinerary for Day 2

Seatbelts firmly on, proceed further down the northwest coast and back inland to Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. Park in the layby on the A832 for Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve on Loch Maree (a sign denotes where this is) and hike the mountainside (warning: this mountain walk is steep and hard work but you will be rewarded with spectacular views).

Head back down the mountainside and after a cuppa and some Scottish tablet to replenish your energy levels, jump back in your campervan and head down the road to the small mountain village of Kinlochewe where you will stay overnight. In Kinlochewe you have an option of on and off site parking. You can stay on site at Kinlochewe Club Site (non-member fee applies) or off site at Slioch Terrace Carpark in Kinlochewe (do your own research to check overnight parking is still permitted as things can change).

Day 3 of Scotland motorhome itinerary

Kinlochewe to drumnadrochit via eilean donan castle and invermoriston, useful information for day 3.

Total distance : 161km (~100 miles) Places with petrol stations : Kinlochewe, Inverinate, Shiel Bridge and Drumnadrochit Grocery shops : Convenience stores in Kinlochewe, Dornie and Drumnadrochit Overnight stop : Loch Ness Bay Camping in Drumnadrochit

Morning itinerary for Day 3

On day 3 of this 7 day motorhome itinerary for Scotland you will come away from the small section of the NC500 route that you have completed (Knockan to Kinlochewe via Ullapool and Gairloch) and see some famous Scottish sights! This morning, drive from Kinlochewe to Eilean Donan Castle where there is parking on site (note: driving via Achnasheen and along the A890 is a quicker route). Spend some time at Eilean Donan Castle, enjoying the magical surroundings and enchanting architecture!

Afternoon itinerary for Day 3

After lunch, continue your journey towards Drumnadrochit via Invermoriston where you can stop for a short time. Park at Invermoriston Falls Carpark (there are toilets here) and visit Invermoriston Falls and the Clog and Craft Shop for unique artisan items. You might even be lucky enough to see some Highland Cattle in Invermoriston, as they are sometimes in the field adjacent to the car park.

Jump back in your motorhome and continue your Scottish Highlands route towards Drumnadrochit for your first sight of the mighty Loch Ness. Spend the night in Drumnadrochit at Loch Ness Bay Camping on Borlum Farm. Before it gets dark, perhaps wander up to the Loch Ness Centre or walk to Urquhart Castle (both ~30 minute walk from Loch Ness Bay Camping). There are convenience stores in Drumnadrochit where you can replenish your stocks before heading back to your campsite for dinner.

Day 4 of Scotland motorhome itinerary

Drumnadrochit to fort william via fort augustus, loch lochy and the commando memorial, useful information for day 4.

Total distance : 84km (~52 miles) Places with petrol stations : Drumnadrochit, Fort Augustus and Fort William Grocery shops : Convenience stores in Fort Augustus and supermarkets in Fort William Overnight stop : Ben Nevis Holiday Park or Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park in Fort William

On this part of the journey, you will take a very short detour away from your pretty circular route across to Fort William (just 15km/~9 miles off of the circular route from Spean Bridge where you will continue the circular route tomorrow). But the few extra miles are worth it to visit Ben Nevis and you are in for more stunning mountain scenery along the way!

Morning itinerary for Day 4

Set off early for a leisurely drive towards Fort William from Drumnadrochit. Stop at Fort Augustus to take a wander along the Caledonian Canal and visit the shores of Loch Ness. Then, continue along the route past Loch Oich, and perhaps stop for a cuppa further on at one of the laybys along Loch Lochy. Pull in to the Commando Memorial (parking available) just before Spean Bridge which commemorates World War 2 commandos and offers stunning mountain scenery of Ben Nevis and adjoining peaks.

Afternoon itinerary for Day 4

Continue on to Fort William aiming to arrive around lunchtime at the Nevis Range Scenic Mountain Gondola . Spend the afternoon taking a ride up the Aonach Mor mountainside to enjoy panoramic views over the mountains, glens and lochs that surround! Once you return to ground level, head across to your chosen campsite for the evening!

Day 5 of Scotland motorhome itinerary

Fort william to the cairngorms national park via spean bridge, useful information for day 5.

Total distance : 111km (~69 miles) Places with petrol stations: Fort William, Newtonmore and Aviemore Grocery shops : Supermarkets in Fort William and Aviemore, and convenience stores in Newtonmore and Kingussie Overnight stop: Off site at the Cairngorm Mountain Lower Carpark (donations required and no facilities)

Morning itinerary for Day 5

Set off from Fort William towards the Cairngorms National Park which is one of the prettiest places in Scotland ! Stop in Spean Bridge Woollen Mill on the way, where they stock woollen items, gifts, artisan food and of course whiskey!

Afternoon itinerary for Day 5

Continue on towards the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park and head towards Glenmore Forest Park. There are various Forestry Commission parking areas around Glenmore which are very cheap but overnight parking is prohibited (hence you will park overnight at the Cairngorm Mountain Lower Carpark).

Stop in one of the parking areas along Loch Morlich to enjoy loch-side and forest walks, and a spot of lunch. Then, proceed just up the road to Allt Mor Carpark which is in amongst the ancient trees. From here, you can enjoy an abundance of forest and riverside walks and beautiful mountain scenery (just don’t get stung by a swarm of wasps like I did). After you are all walked out, retire up the road to the Cairngorm Mountain Lower Carpark where you will stay overnight.

Day 6 of Scotland motorhome itinerary

The cairngorms national park, useful information for day 6.

Total distance : N/A – dependent on how you chose to spend your day in the Cairngorms Places with petrol stations : Newtonmore and Aviemore Grocery shops: Supermarkets in Aviemore, and convenience stores in Newtonmore and Kingussie Overnight stop: Off site at the Cairngorm Mountain Lower Carpark (donations required and no facilities) or on site at Rothiemurchus Camp and Caravan Park (if you want some facilities tonight)

Itinerary for Day 6

Day 6 of this 7 day motorhome itinerary for Scotland is a day with minimal driving, as you will spend the day around the Cairngorms National Park as you wish. If you need to shorten this itinerary to a 6 day road trip through Scotland, then skip Day 6 and head straight to Day 7. However, if you do want to allocate a whole day to the Cairngorms then I doubt you’ll be disappointed! You can stay again tonight at the Cairngorm Mountain Lower Carpark or can proceed to a campsite with amenities if you wish, such as Rothiemurchus Camp and Caravan Park near Aviemore!

Things to do in the Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park is an expansive and beautiful area of Scotland, full of mountains, lochs and wildlife. A place for adventure and wilderness seekers, there are an abundance of things to see and do here, so spend your day doing whatever brings you joy! Here are some suggestions for t hings to do in the Cairngorms on Day 6:

• Visit Loch Garten Osprey Centre to go bird watching, or enjoy forest and loch-side walks
• Spend some time in the mountain town of Aviemore
• Further explore the forest walks around Glenmore Forest Park
• Visit the Reindeer Centre in the Cairngorms and do a hill trip to find the freely roaming Reindeer
• Do an adrenaline fueled activity such as a watersport or mountain biking
• Visit a local brewery or castle

Day 7 of Scotland motorhome itinerary

The cairngorms national park to inverness, useful information for day 7.

Total distance : 66km (~41 miles) Places with petrol stations: Aviemore and Inverness Grocery shops : Supermarkets in Aviemore and Inverness Overnight stop : N/A – you have reached the end of your 7 day road trip through Scotland

Itinerary for Day 7

You have reached Day 7 of your 7 day motorhome itinerary for Scotland and it is time to return back to Inverness from the Cairngorms National Park. If you want to extend your trip to a 10 day itinerary, you could spend a few days in Inverness sightseeing and taking day trips from the city. If you are driving from other southerly parts of the United Kingdom you do not need to continue on to Inverness, but can begin your journey home from the Cairngorms.

Scotland itinerary summary

If you want to see some highlights of Scotland but don’t want to spend all of your time driving, then this 7 day motorhome road trip itinerary is for you! Although this is a motorhome itinerary, you could adapt this if you are touring Scotland by car for one week, just by booking hotels in the overnight stops. If you have less than 7 days in Scotland, this route could be shortened to a 5 day motorhome itinerary by cutting out Fort William and the full day spent in the Cairngorms. Ultimately, this is only a guide and is here to inspire your trip to Scotland, so pick the bits you like and roll with it!

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10 Tips for First-Timers Touring Scotland in a Motorhome

Categories Scotland

Touring Scotland in a motorhome is one of the best ways to see the country.

Table of Contents

There are plenty of places to park up for the night with wonderful views, and Scotland’s right to roam laws make it so much easier to experience Scotland in a motorhome. Just imagine being self-contained yet having all the comforts of home, while being surrounded by nature. There’s no having to pack your suitcase and rush from hotel to hotel- instead you just jump in the driver’s seat and off you go!

In May 2021, I worked for a motorhome hire company in Edinburgh for a year, and thus my passion for motorhome travel began.

My only experience with motorhomes prior to starting my new job was when I spent 8 months living in a van in Canada . I had some wonderfully wild adventures during this time, however, I’ve since upgraded my travel style since then, and I definitely enjoy a more luxurious style of travel versus my backpacker days!

Here are some tips for first-timers touring Scotland in a motorhome based on my own experiences and what I’ve learned on the job!

10 tips for touring Scotland in a motorhome

1. stay at campsites.

For your first trip touring Scotland in a motorhome, I recommend booking a pitch with electricity at a campsite. This way you won’t have to worry about running down the leisure battery, and you’ll be close to facilities such as water and areas to dispose of your waste.

There will also be other motorhome enthusiasts around if you need to ask any questions! Then once you’re confident and you know how everything works, you can give wild camping a go.

I recommend a maximum of two nights wild camping, and then staying at a campsite. This is because your water tank will probably run out after two days in the wild, plus you will need to recharge the leisure battery. The general rule is two days wild camping, one night campsite.

2. Know where to find everything

If staying at a campsite, you should be given a map or there should be a sign with a map outlining where you’ll find everything, such as toilets and showers.

Be sure to familiarise yourself with where to empty your grey water waste and toilet waste stations are. When you’re leaving your campsite, you’ll be in a rush [if you’re anything like me!] so it will save you time if you know where you’re going, as you will need to empty your grey water and waste before returning your motorhome or leaving your campsite.

3. How to save money on your motorhome booking

Want a cheap motorhome holiday? Some motorhome companies have one-way hires when they need to return a motorhome from one depot to another. Extra nights can be added, but at the standard price. These specials are popular, so be sure to sign up to the mailing lists of companies that offer these one-way hire.

It is also much cheaper to hire a motorhome during the shoulder season. I personally like travelling in April , May , October and November . There are less crowds, the weather is still nice, and you’ll have more campsite availability.

Many motorhome enthusiasts will book their rental and campsites a year in advance- so this isn’t really the best trip left to the last minute. Of course, there will probably be availability last minute, but you won’t have as much choice [especially in summer!]

Read more: 11 tips for driving in Scotland for the first time

4. Be aware where to refill your LPG (gas)

Before you return your motorhome you will probably need to refill the LPG. Not all petrol stations will have LPG, so be sure to ask the company you hire from where the closest garage is with LPG.

The LPG Stations website lists refuelling stations which is handy to use, but just bear in mind stations can run out of LPG, so make a plan/map of places you can refuel along your itinerary before you leave.

5. The golden rule of reversing

Always have someone standing outside, directing you when you are backing. Even if you have a reversing camera! It’s difficult to see the height of the terrain with a reversing camera- and most accidents will happen when you’re reversing. Plus, many insurance companies won’t cover you if damage is caused when reversing the motorhome!

Another one of the most common accidents is losing a wing mirror- especially on the narrow Scottish roads! Be aware of your wing mirrors at all times, and use them frequently to check your status on the road.

6. Take your time

I recommend spending at least 2-3 nights in each campsite you book. I feel as though changing campsites every day would feel frustrating- plus many campsites have a 2-night stay minimum.

Your leisure battery will charge as you drive. Your motorhome will also receive a charge if it has solar panels on the roof. If you’re wild camping, the one thing you don’t want to do is run your leisure battery flat. If it does go flat, this battery is separate from your engine battery so you should be able to drive around to recharge it or drive to a campsite that has an electric hookup.

7. Use your mirrors

I’ll be honest- I was nervous the first time I drove a motorhome. They are massive vehicles! However, once I’d been driving for around an hour I started to relax and enjoy the experience.

Now I love driving a motorhome! You can see quite a lot because you’re up higher, and motorhomes actually feel smaller to drive than they look. My top advice is to always use your mirrors and use them as a gauge for how wide your vehicle is.

If you feel tired, swap drivers. It does take more concentration driving a motorhome, especially on narrow Scotland roads.

There are also parts of Scotland that aren’t motorhome friendly, however, including some narrow and steep roads in the north-west highlands and the Isle of Skye . Do your research before you go, and you’ll be fine.

8. Make friends

Scotland has a massive, super-friendly motorhome community. It’s a lovely community to feel part of. Before I rented a motorhome I met many retired motorhome enthusiasts staying in campsites when I walked the Scottish National Trail . Several of them invited me to their motorhome for a meal, and made sure I left with snacks!

It’s a good idea to make friends with other motorhome owners so you can ask them tips or tricks, or any questions you may have. They’ll be happy to talk about motorhomes all day, this I promise you!

Plus there are plenty of motorhome groups on Facebook where you can ask questions. Here are a few I recommend joining:

• Scottish Motorhome Campervan Adventures
• Scottish Motorhomes and Caravanners
• Caravan and Motorhome Scotland

9. Avoid this road if driving the North Coast 500

Driving the North Coast 500 in a motorhome is a popular way to experience one of the most beautiful road trips in the world, however, not all sections of the route are ideal for motorhomes.

One thing to keep in mind is that some areas have shingle roads that are also single-track. There are passing places you can pull into to let opposing traffic pass, but there are certain roads I would avoid that aren’t suitable for motorhomes, especially the Bealach na Bà pass in Applecross, one of the steepest roads in Great Britain! There are warning signs saying the road isn’t suitable for motorhomes at the start of this road, and there is another, lower road you can take.

Don’t let this put you off- many first-timers drive the North Coast 500, including my in-laws! They drove the North Coast 500 during their first-ever motorhome trip and they had a great time.

10. Be Organised

Honestly, my best bit of advice for first-timers is to give yourself plenty of time.

Your first motorhome trip is always going to be a learning experience. Being as prepared as possible will help you to enjoy the experience a whole lot more. Watch YouTube videos, read blog posts by motorhome bloggers, and join Facebook groups where you can ask questions before your trip.

Personally, I found the Wandering Bird blog super helpful for motorhome travel in the UK.

I hope you find these tips helpful! If you have any more questions feel free to drop me a message on Instagram. You can find me there at @wayfaringkiwi11

Happy travels!

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The best Scotland roadtrip route by motorhome

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Scotland's vast landscapes, full of wilderness and raw beauty, are what makes it the perfect destination for a road trip by campervan. Enjoy your stay in the heart of nature, discover ancient castles rich in history and marvel at panoramic views, which take your breath away. This article will show you everything you need to know to prepare your next road trip: Two itineraries of 7 and 14 days through Scotland with all the must-see places, information about wild camping in Scotland and advice on which campsites to stay the night at.

What to know about wild camping in Scotland

While it is practised a lot, wild camping by campervan is illegal in the United Kingdom , at least without explicit permission of the landowner. While the Scottish Outdoor Access Code does allow wild camping by tent under certain conditions, this does not apply to motorhomes or campervans. 

There however do exist spots where campervan wild camping is accepted, our advice is to well inform yourself - for instance by means of specific applications like Park4Night , Brit Stops or specific Facebook groups. Valuable information can also be found through travel bloggers like dadimatto , who created a video about his road trip experience in Scotland with Yescapa:

A great possibility is also informal “wild camping” in National Parks , which is often allowed for a small fee. Please be aware, that wherever you stay the night, the general rules of camping apply: Do always care for the environment and leave the place as you found it. Do not have open fires, do not leave anything behind (including toilet paper), avoid large congregations of motorhomes and do not stay for more than one night.

With a little preparation and research, you will have no problem finding great spots to stay the night. And there is always the possibility to stay at one of the many campsites and support the local camping industry.

7 day motorhome itinerary through Scotland

This 7 day itinerary through Scotland will lead you to many must-see places in this stunning country. Starting in Glasgow, we will go up north to the Isle of Skye before descending to Loch Morlich, Glamis castle and Edinburgh. 

Total driving time:  13.45 hours Total kilometres : 580 miles

Day 1: Glasgow - Loch Lomond (50 min) Day 2: Loch Lomond - Fort William (1.45h)  Day 3: Fort William - Skye (2.13 min) - Eilean Donan (1.15h) Day 4: Eilean Donan - Loch Morlich (2.30h) - Pitlochry (1.15h) Day 5: Pitlochry - Glamis Castle (1h) - Scone Palace (45 min) Day 6: South Queensferry (1h) - Edinburgh (30 min) Day 7: Edinburgh - Glasgow (1h)

Day 1: Glasgow - Loch Lomond (50 min)

Begin your trip by spending the day at Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city and home of an impressive cultural offer. Excellent museums, galleries and music festivals are waiting to be explored by more than 2 million visitors per year. The city also holds many historic buildings, such as the Glasgow Cathedral , Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, George Square and the University of Glasgow . Other recommendations are Kibble Palace and Glasgow Botanic Gardens , Glasgow Green and Necropolis , a Victorian Gothic Garden. If you fear having missed important sights and places, don’t worry, as there will be time at the end of our trip to visit everything you did not get the chance to do today.

For now, take your motorhome and head north to Loch Lomond, a 36.4 kilometres long freshwater lake. Enjoy the great view on Great Britain’s largest lake , one of the six natural wonders in Britain and one of Scotland’s most idyllic regions.

Campsite tip: Loch Lomond Holiday Park

Day 2: Loch Lomond - Fort William

Today’s destination is Fort William, which is about 2 hours north from Loch Lomond. Going there, you will cross Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park , enjoying a beautiful drive alongside Loch Lomond. Why not enjoy the stunning landscape a little while longer and do a canoeing or kayaking tour on the Loch? 

Fort William is the second largest settlement in the Highlands (behind Inverness) and a paradise for everyone interested in hiking or climbing due to its proximity to Ben Nevin , the UK’s tallest mountain. But also the town itself has a lot to offer. Take a stroll in the historic city centre, visit the castle and dive into Scottish history in the West Highland Museum. Further recommendations are Saint Andrew’s Church , Glenfinnan Church , Neptune’s Staircase and Steall Falls .

Day 3: Fort William - Skye - Eilean Donan

Hopefully waking from a good night sleep, prepare yourself for quite a bit of time in your motorhome, as today's route will take us about 4 hours to the north and east of Scotland.

Today’s first stop will be the famous Isle of Skye . Most of you will already have heard of it, as it is a major tourist destination of Scotland and blessed with a captivating countryside. Impressive mountains surround idyllic valleys, stunning waterfalls, beaches and hiking trails. In case you have more time to spare, we highly recommend spending at least two days in Skye! Visit its main town Portree , head to beautiful Trotternish or take a hike to the majestic rocks of The Storr . Another highlight of the island is also Kilt Rock , a 90-meter high sea cliff, Fairy Pools and Sligachan. The list of must-see places in Skye is long and requests an itinerary for itself.

There still is one stop to make today: Eilean Donan , a small island in the Western Highlands of Scotland. Its highlight certainly is its castle, which is a reconstruction of the original one, destroyed in 1719. It is nevertheless an impressive sight worth visiting before calling it a day and allowing yourself a restful sleep after an exciting day.

Day 4: Eilean Donan - Loch Morlich - Pitlochry

Almost half of our Scotland tour is already over; let us make sure to get the most out of the remaining four days as possible! Hop into your motorhome and drive to Loch Morlich, a freshwater loch surrounded by sandy beaches. Keen to learn a fun fact? On a closer look, it is not sand covering your feet, but small broken glass. They are leftovers from World War II when the area was used as a commando school. Today, Loch Morloch is a paradise for lovers of water sports , as many activities such as Paddleboarding, Kayaking and Canoeing are available. 

Ready to move on? Then let’s head to Pitlochry. Go visit one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries , the Blair Atholl Distillery, take a hike to Queen’s View and enjoy the unforgettable view on Loch Tummel and try your luck fishing in it. 

Our campsite tip : Aberfeldy Caravan Park

Day 5: Pitlochry - Glamis Castle - Scone Palace - Perth

Day number five of this 7-day Scotland itinerary starts with a one-hour drive to Glamis Castle, the childhood home of Queen Elisabeth The Queen Mother . Glance at this impressive majesty with its turrets and towers and go visit its insight by means of a guided tour. Afterwards, do not forget to take a walk in the beautiful gardens, which are vast and diverse: The Italian Garden Walk, the Nature Trail Walk, the Pinetum Walk and the River Dean Walk.

Just 45 minutes from Glamis Castle lays Scone Palace , an historic site, where several Scottish kings were crowned. The stunning house, built out of sandstone, is bedded in a big garden, besides a star-shaped maze of 2,000 beech trees. 

You still have some time left? Then take your campervan and go to Perth , which is just a 10-minute drive away. Our recommendations of what to do in Perth: Balhousie castle, River Tay, Branklyn Garden, George Street and Kinnoull Hill.

Day 6: Perth - South Queensferry - Edinburgh

South Queensferry (“The Ferr”) is a charming Scottish town, just 10 miles from Edinburgh. Take a stroll through the city and visit the Forth Bridge, take a boat tour or a coastal walk on the John Muir Way. 

The next stop of today and the last one of our trip is Edinburgh. Exciting city which it is, it is not surprising to find that it is the second most visited city in the UK . If you are interested in art, you should not miss a visit to the Scottish National Gallery, while history enthusiasts should pass by St Giles Cathedral and the Museum of Childhood. A walk in the city’s centre to the Royal Mile and Grassmarket is always recommended, just as to take a hike in Pentland Hills Regional Park. 

Our campsite recommendation : Linwater Caravan Park

Day 7: Edinburgh - Glasgow

14 day motorhome route through scotland.

In order to fully absorb all of Scotland's beauty and richness, a certain amount of time is needed. While it is possible to visit it in just one week, we recommend spending rather 2 weeks there. The following 14-day itinerary will begin at Glasgow, before leading you and your campervan all the way up to the Isle of Skye, Wick Sea and descending to Inverness, Cairngorms National Park and Edinburgh.

Day 1: Glasgow

What to visit in Glasgow : Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, George Square, University of Glasgow, Kibble Palace, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Glasgow Green, Necropolis

Culinary tip : Go have a beer or whisky at one of the city’s oldest bars, The Old College Bar on High Street

Day 2: Gasgow - Loch Lomond

Campsite Tip: Loch Lomond Holiday Park

Day 3: Loch Lomond - Fort William - Skye

Highlights of the day : hiking in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, climbing Ben Nevin and visiting Fort William’s city centre with Saint Andrew’s Church, Glenfinnan Church, Neptune’s Staircase and Steall Falls

Campsite tip : Camping Skye

Day 4: Skye

Take a day of rest and enjoy the amazing landscape of Skye, going hiking, discovering beaches, waterfalls and valleys

Sightseeing tips in Skye : Portree, Trotternish, The Storr, Kilt Rock, Fairy Pools, Sligacha

Day 5: Skye - Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve  - Inchnadamph

Highlights : Hiking in Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve by means of paths of different degrees of difficulty, passing mountain sides and ancient pinewoods and discovering Inchnadamph, Scotland’s largest cave system

Day 6: Inchnadamph - Scrabster Harbour - Wick

Stroll around in calm Scrabster Harbour, an important port of the Scottish fishing industry and take a delicious dinner at Wick, a small historic village with view on the coastline

Campsite tip : Wick camping site

Day 7: Wick - Dunrobin Castle - Dornoch - Inverness

Discover the 189 rooms in Dornoch Castle , the largest Castle in the Northern Highlands and its impressive gardens, which are inspired by the Palace of Versailles. Glance at Inverness Castle and St. Andrew’s Cathedral , located right beside the River Ness. 

Campsite tip: Inverness Caravan Site

Day 8: Inverness

Resting days are important and essential on a road trip. Enjoy this day by taking a relaxed walk through Inverness, having a nap next to the River Ness and enjoying a good dinner in one of the many good restaurants of this town.

Day 9: Inverness - Urquhart Castle - Caledonian Canal

From Urquart Castle you will enjoy a perfect view on Loch Ness - a once in a lifetime opportunity to discover the famous Scottish monster… Visiting the many Scottish castles does not only mean visiting impressive buildings, but also getting an insight into the country’s past! During 500 years as a medieval fortress, Urquhart Castle has a lot to tell! Its ownership switched frequently between Scots and English, and it was regularly raided.

Day 10: Loch Morlich -  Cairngorms National Park - Pitlochry

Highlights in Cairngorms National Park : Bungee jumping, Strathspey Railway, Kayaking and Canoeing, Hiking, Highland Wildlife Park, Skiing

Culinary advice : Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry

Campsite tip :  Faskally Caravan Park

Day 11: Pitlochry - Glamis Castle - Scone Palace

Fun fact about Glamis Castle : Did you know that it was home to a big mystery once? From about 1840 to 1900 there were many theories: a hidden room with an unknown captive, mysterious initiations, a secret passage... Even without all these rumours, it is certainly a place worth visiting! And because one majestic building is not enough, go take your motorhome and visit Scone Palace, the famous crowning place of Scottish kings! 

Day 12: Scone Palace - South Queensferry - Edinburgh 

Discover calm and idyllic South Queensferry by taking a relaxed walk through the town before heading to Edinburgh, the exciting capital of Scotland. 

Must-sees in Edinburgh : Scottish National Gallery, St Giles Cathedral, Museum of Childhood, Royal Mile and Grassmarket is always recommended, Pentland Hills Regional Park

Day 13: Edinburgh

Because one afternoon is not enough to discover Edinburgh, let's take a day to fully discover everything this city has to offer. Did you know for instance that Edinburgh is home to 112 parks?

Tips for arts lovers: The Edinburgh Fringe Festival - the largest arts festival in the world with over 50,000 performances!

Campsite tip:   Blair Drummond Caravan Park

Day 14: Edinburgh - Stirling - Glasgow

What do see in Stirling : Stirling Castle, Bannockburn (setting of several of Scotland's most defining battles), Wallace Monument and William Wallace's actual sword, Blair Drummond Safari Park

After two weeks of road trip it is now time to return home and maybe come back another time, as even fourteen days is not enough to discover a country as rich in beautiful sights, places and history as Scotland. We hope this itinerary inspired you and wish you a great campervan vacation in Scotland! 

You don't have a motorhome to accompany you yet? Lucky for you, there are a lot of great campervans and motorhomes to hire in Scotland with Yescapa! In case you already have a campervan, why not join the Yescapa community and hire out your vehicle to fellow travel lovers? Here you can find more information. 

To go further

Cambridge by campervan

How to take your motorhome from the uk to europe.

Can I take my motorhome on the ferry from UK to France?  

5 exotic french destinations for road trips (Part 2)

No need for a passport or a visa here , several kilometers behind the wheels of your vehicle are enough to escape and feel like you have left the french territory.

7 Day Motorhome Itinerary Scotland – The Ultimate Journey

Hello, fellow wanderers! Are you dreaming of exploring Scotland’s majestic landscapes, ancient castles, and mysterious lochs from the comfort of a motorhome? Well, you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime! As someone who has journeyed through Scotland in a motorhome, I’m excited to share with you a 7-day motorhome itinerary in Scotland that will take you through some of the most breathtaking and iconic sights this country has to offer.

Day 1: Edinburgh to Loch Lomond – The Historic Start

Edinburgh , Scotland’s capital, is where your journey begins. Spend your morning wandering through the historic streets, where every corner tells a story. Don’t miss Edinburgh Castle, perched atop an extinct volcano, offering panoramic views of the city. Stroll down the Royal Mile, and perhaps visit the Scotch Whisky Experience before setting off.

Drive to Loch Lomond : As you leave Edinburgh, heading towards Loch Lomond, the landscape transitions from cityscapes to lush greenery. This scenic drive is your first taste of Scotland’s natural beauty.

Evening at Loch Lomond : Arrive at Loch Lomond and find a scenic spot to park your motorhome. Enjoy a serene evening by the loch, maybe even catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. It’s the perfect setting to relax after your day’s journey.

Book Now: The Scottish Highlands Tour

Day 2: Loch Lomond to Oban – Gateway to the Isles

Start your day with a tranquil morning by Loch Lomond, perhaps enjoying a leisurely breakfast with views of the tranquil waters. Then, set off towards Oban , a picturesque town on Scotland’s west coast.

En Route to Oban : The journey to Oban is filled with stunning landscapes. Consider a stop at Inveraray, a charming town on the shores of Loch Fyne, known for its historic castle and maritime museum.

Discovering Oban : Once in Oban, explore the bustling waterfront, and if you’re a seafood lover, treat yourself to some of the freshest catches at the local eateries. A visit to the Oban Distillery is a must for whisky enthusiasts.

Day 3: Oban to Isle of Skye – A Journey to a Mystical Isle

Leaving Oban, your next destination is the mystical Isle of Skye . This part of your journey introduces you to some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes Scotland has to offer.

Route to Skye : The drive to Skye takes you through the heart of the Highlands. Enjoy the changing scenery as you pass by lochs, glens, and mountain ranges. Make sure your camera is ready; this route offers some incredible photo opportunities.

Exploring Isle of Skye : On Skye, visit iconic locations like the Fairy Pools, known for their crystal-clear blue waters, and Neist Point for its stunning cliffs and lighthouse. Skye’s rugged landscapes are mesmerizing and a highlight of any Scotland motorhome itinerary.

Day 4: Full Day Exploring the Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye deserves at least a full day for exploration. It’s a mystical place, with landscapes that feel like they’ve sprung from the pages of a fairy tale.

Morning in Skye : Start your day with a visit to the Quiraing, an incredible landslip offering some of the most stunning views on the island. The unique terrain here is a photographer’s paradise.

Afternoon Activities : In the afternoon, head to Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of Clan MacLeod. The castle and its gardens are a treasure trove of history and culture. Alternatively, explore the Talisker Distillery, Skye’s oldest working distillery, for a taste of traditional Scotch whisky.

Evening in Portree : Conclude your day in Portree, Skye’s largest town. The colorful waterfront is perfect for a leisurely evening stroll. Enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants, offering fresh seafood and traditional Scottish fare.

Day 5: Isle of Skye to Inverness – The Highland Capital

Leaving the Isle of Skye, your next destination is Inverness , a city rich in Scottish history and culture, often regarded as the capital of the Highlands.

Drive to Inverness : The journey to Inverness takes you through iconic Scottish landscapes. Stop at Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, located on its own little island overlooking the Isle of Skye.

Discovering Inverness : Once in Inverness, explore the historic city center. Visit Inverness Castle and stroll along the River Ness. The Victorian Market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and local crafts.

Optional Detour to Loch Ness : If time permits, take a short detour to the world-famous Loch Ness. While the chances of spotting Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, are slim, the loch’s sheer size and beauty are undeniable. The nearby Urquhart Castle also offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s past.

Day 6: Inverness to Loch Ness and Fort William

Morning at Loch Ness : On day six, begin your day with a visit to the mysterious Loch Ness. Start at the charming village of Drumnadrochit, home to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, where you can delve into the legend of Nessie and the loch’s natural history. Enjoy a serene morning by the loch, perhaps taking a boat tour to experience the vastness of these dark waters up close.

Afternoon Journey to Fort William : In the afternoon, head towards Fort William. This picturesque drive through the Great Glen offers stunning views of Scotland’s rugged highlands. Fort William, sitting in the shadow of Ben Nevis, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a great place to experience the heart of the Highlands.

Evening in Fort William : Once in Fort William, take the evening to relax and enjoy this quaint town. The West Highland Museum offers insights into local history, or you can simply enjoy a quiet evening by the shores of Loch Linnhe.

Day 7: Fort William to Glasgow via Glencoe

Morning in Glencoe : Departing Fort William, your journey takes you through the awe-inspiring valley of Glencoe. Known for its dramatic landscapes and poignant history, Glencoe is a photographer’s dream. Take your time driving through this area, stopping to admire the views and capture the haunting beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Afternoon Arrival in Glasgow : As you make your way to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, the scenery transitions from rural highlands to vibrant urban landscapes. Glasgow, with its rich industrial history and thriving cultural scene, offers a different side of Scotland.

Exploring Glasgow : Spend your last day exploring Glasgow’s diverse attractions. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, stroll through the bustling streets of the West End, or relax in the Glasgow Green. Glasgow’s architecture, from Victorian to modern, makes for an eclectic cityscape.

Glasgow’s Nightlife : In the evening, immerse yourself in Glasgow’s renowned music scene, with venues offering everything from traditional folk music to contemporary sounds.

Wrapping Up Your Scottish Motorhome Adventure

This 7-day motorhome itinerary in Scotland has taken you through some of the most iconic and picturesque parts of the country. From the historic streets of Edinburgh to the mystical Isle of Skye, from the mythical waters of Loch Ness to the dramatic highlands of Glencoe, and finally to the bustling city of Glasgow, you’ve experienced the diverse beauty of Scotland.

Traveling by motorhome in Scotland allows you to immerse yourself fully in the stunning landscapes and rich culture at your own pace. You have the freedom to explore hidden gems, connect with locals, and create unforgettable memories.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Scotland traveler, a motorhome journey through this magnificent land offers a unique and enchanting experience. So pack your bags, start the engine, and set off on an adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime.

If you have any questions or need more tips on motorhome travel in Scotland, feel free to reach out. Safe travels, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Scotland from the road!

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The Ultimate Guide to Motorhoming & Campervanning in Scotland

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

Scotland Motorhome & Campervan Travel – All You Need to Know

Scotland is a wild and beautiful part of the United Kingdom, blessed with stunning coastlines, rugged mountains and crystal clear lochs. Touring Scotland in a motorhome is perfect for adventure seekers and history lovers alike, with activities and attractions to suit all tastes.

In this guide, you’ll find lots of practical and helpful information about getting around Scotland in a motorhome, and how to manage campervan and motorhome life there.

From tips about driving, where to stay overnight and wild camping, to motorhome services and a round-up of the best motorhome destinations, you’ll find all the information you need for an amazing road trip in Scotland.

Motorhome Routes to Scotland

Driving to scotland.

If you’re driving to Scotland, just head north from England or Wales and you’ll get there!

If you live in the Wales of the west of England, then the M5 and then M6 will take you all the way to Gretna on the border – from here Scotland is very accessible. This route is always busy at weekends and peak times, especially around Birmingham and Manchester – pick your drive times with this in mind.

Those that live in the east of the country should head up the A1 then A1(M) to Newcastle before picking up the A68 north to Edinburgh. This is another busy route, but does not pass too close to any major cities, so tends to have better traffic flow.

Don’t forget that Scotland is a huge country. Once you arrive at the border, it will take a further eight to nine hours in a motorhome to get to the northern most point of Scotland and mainland United Kingdom at Dunnet Head (yep, it’s NOT John O’Groats!).

England – Scotland Border

There is no border between Scotland and England – both countries are part of the United Kingdom and people move freely between them.

You don’t need a passport to travel from England into Scotland or vice versa, but visitors from overseas will want to carry the passport they used to enter the United Kingdom.

Ferries to Scotland

The are two Ireland to Scotland crossings if you’re planning on visiting from the island of Ireland – another fantastic motorhome destination.

Belfast to Cairnryan, operated by Stena Lines, crosses six times and day and takes just two and a quarter hours on their ‘Superfast’ ships.

Larne (north of Belfast) to Cairnryan, operated by P&O, takes around two hours and also operates six times a day.

Crossings from Stranraer to Northern Ireland stopped in 2012 due to the need for a deep water port required for the larger more efficient ferries coming into service.

Is this your first time visiting 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!

Motorhome & Campervan Hire Scotland

Flying and hiring a motorhome or campervan is a great way to tour Scotland if you don’t own one. 

Our recommended Scotland motorhome and campervan rental company is Spaceship Rentals , who offer a large range of motorhomes and a pickup location just ten minutes from Edinburgh Airport, making round trips and one-way drop off really easy.

If you’re planning to drive up from England as part of a longer motorhome road trip , our recommended Scotland campervan hire company is Motorhome Republic , who have pick-up locations across the UK including Heathrow Airport, perfect for those wanting a fly drive motorhome holiday.

Expect to pay around £120 per night for a fully equipped seven berth family motorhome and £70 to £90 a night for a campervan, with unlimited mileage and breakdown cover included.

Remember to bring the right plugs and chargers for your hired motorhome. The UK uses 230v with 50Hz frequency, and sockets use type G three pin plugs.

Useful motorhome advice and guides;

• Tips for Campervan Rental and Motorhome
• Europe Motorhome Touring Your Complete Guide
• 101+ Motorhome Essentials + Packing List
• New Motorhome Owner Beginners Tips
• 29 of the Best Van Apps – Free & Downloadable Now!
• The 21 Best Motorhome Routes in the UK

When to Visit Scotland in a Motorhome

Scotland’s weather is generally moderate but changeable. The topography of Scotland varies greatly and you’ll notice differences in the climate as you cross the Highway Boundary Fault heading north, between Highland and Lowland weather.

The Atlantic Ocean, which fringes the coastline of western and northern Scotland and its islands, also influences the temperate maritime climate of the country.

Late spring is a fantastic time for Scotland campervan travel. From May onwards the countryside comes alive with baby animals and wild flowers as the warmer weather beats back the cold of winter. The Highlands come alive as the skies lighten and the last sprinklings of snow on the mountain tops disappear.

With summer averages of around 20°c, this is one of the best times for touring Scotland – think long days, wild swimming on Skye and lounging on the incredible beaches of the north coast.

 The downside is that popular motorhome routes like the North Coast 500 , and campsites along those routes will be busy, so a visit to Scotland in summer may require a little more advance planning. 

Scotland travel in July and August will bring the best of the weather but it is also midge season. Midges are at their worst on the west coast and can spoil any outdoor holiday if you’re not properly prepared. Fitted fly screens on motorhome windows and doors, long sleeves and midge repellent spray are a must, and a hat with a net may also be required if it’s a bad year.

A wonderful time for campervan holidays in Scotland,  the autumn colours  are some of the most dramatic in the world. The North Atlantic Drift, often called the Gulf Stream, can keep the west coast of Scotland warm well into the fall.

Autumn is also deer rutting season, with lots of opportunities around the Highlands to see this fantastic display.

Plan a motorhome road trip to Scotland  during the colder months for winter sports opportunities, dramatic scenery and the possibility of seeing the Aurora Borealis, or ‘Mirrie Dancers’ as they are sometimes called in Scotland.

Are you planning a motorhome trip to Scotland?

Grab our two week Scotland itinerary, packed with campsites, attractions and insider tips.

Get up every morning knowing your day is planned with driving routes, campsites and attractions marked out for you on your interactive map.

Make the most of your holiday and let us do the planning for you!

Driving a Motorhome in Scotland

Scottish roads vary from busy motorways to narrow and twisting mountain passes, which can be challenging for larger vehicles or inexperienced motorhome drivers. Follow the rules and our top tips for staying safe on the road.

Scottish Speed Limits for Motorhomes

Always observe the speed limits when travelling Scotland.

Motorhomes < 3,050 kg

• Built-up areas – 30 mph
• Outside built-up areas & single carriageways – 60 mph
• Dual carriageways- 70 mph
• Motorway speed limits – 70 mph

Motorhomes > 3,050 kg

• Outside built-up areas & single carriageways – 50 mph
• Dual carriageways- 60 mph

Speed limits for vehicles towing a caravan or trailer

• Motorway speed limits – 60 mph

Documents You Need to Travel & Drive in Scotland

• Your passport must be valid for the whole of your stay in the United Kingdom.
• You may need a visa to enter the UK, depending on your nationality.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your motorhome or campervan. A green card is not required.
• A European licence allows you to drive a motorhome up to 3,500kg in the United Kingdom. You may need a special licence to drive larger motorhomes – you can find out more here . Visitors from other countries may also need an  International Driving Permit .
• Breakdown cover documentation (not compulsory).
• Vehicle registration documents (which must show your correct address).
• Personal travel and medical insurance (we recommend  True Traveller if you’re travelling from the EU, and World Nomads for those travelling from the United States) and an EHIC if you’re an EU citizen.

Vehicle Safety Equipment for Scotland

Like the rest of the UK, it is not compulsory to carry any vehicle equipment in Scotland, but this is what we think you need;

• Warning triangle.
• Reflective jacket.
• Spare wheel and the tools to change a wheel, or a tyre repair kit.
• First aid kit.
• Spare bulbs and fuses.
• Fire extinguisher.

Tips for Motorhome Driving in Scotland

• Scotland, like the rest of the United Kingdom, drives on the left.
• There are some Scottish roads where the height of a bridge or the width of a road will restrict motorhome access. You will need to observe the signs before you approach such areas and in some cases take an alternative route. For long journeys it is worth researching such road limitations beforehand or by using a motorhome sat nav .
• There may be no passing places on some roads so you must feel comfortable reversing the vehicle correctly and safely, as you may be required to do this on single track roads.
• If you are travelling below the speed limit, pull in to a lay-by or one of the passing places to allow other traffic to safely pass you.
• Do not travel in convoy, especially on small roads as this can lead to congestion. Always travel at least one passing place apart.
• When driving in the countryside, expect slow moving agricultural vehicles and animals like sheep and cows being herded along roads. Take the slow road and enjoy the spectacle!
• Roundabouts are common in Scotland. Give way to vehicles from your right, and turn left on entering the roundabout.
• Your headlights must be adapted for driving on the left if your vehicle is registered outside the UK.
• It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. You must also have proper control while using hands-free.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol is taken very seriously in Scotland and there can be heavy penalties for those found to be above the legal blood/alcohol limit. The legal limit is 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood.
• There are no toll roads or toll bridges in Scotland and no vignettes are required to use the roads here.

Low Emission Zones

Low Emission Zones will be introduced across Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow between February 2022 and May 2022. You can find out more here .

Motorhome Parking in Scotland

Finding a parking space in Scotland can be hard enough, especially for a motorhome! Follow our top tips to park legally when you’re stopping off for a coffee, popping to the supermarket or visiting an attraction.

• Always try and park in a designated parking bay, either in a car park or at the side of the road.
• Car-parks are marked by a large white ‘P’ on a blue background, usually alongside the parking area and on directional signage.
• Some spaces will be free, while others will need to be paid for and some might have restrictions for what type of vehicle can park there or time limits – make sure to follow any signage.
• A double yellow line – either painted on the road or on the kerb – means parking and waiting are not permitted at any time. In some cases, there might be seasonal restrictions, which will be indicated by signs at the roadside.
• A single yellow line – either painted on the road or on the kerb – means no waiting, parking, loading or unloading at the times shown on the accompanying sign. The restrictions tend to be lifted during evenings and weekends, but check the sign before parking.
• In 2022, Scotland is preparing to pass a law that will prohibit parking on pavements.
• Some car-parks have height restrictions or signage forbidding parking by motorhomes. Use Park4Night to find suitable parking and abide by signage at all times.
• don’t block entrances to fields or buildings.
• don’t make it difficult for other people to use a road or track.
• have regard for the safety of others.
• try not to damage the verge.
• use a car park if one is nearby.

Fuel in Scotland

Fuel prices in Scotland are similar to the rest of the UK. There are over 11,000 petrol stations in Scotland, with the highest concentration along the coasts.

Motorhoming in Scotland in Winter

If you’re planning on motorhoming in Scotland in winter , make sure you’re prepared. You’ll need your motorhome or campervan to be winterised, with some form of heating.

It is a wonderful time to visit Scotland, with stunning scenery and the opportunity to spot the Northern Lights. On average Scotland has 15-20 snow days a year and you’re likely to see plenty of the white stuff in the Highlands between November and February.

Main roads will be clear but some smaller mountain passes and rural roads may not be – check before setting off each day and make sure you carry a shovel, spare food and warm clothing just in case. Snow chains and winter tyres are not compulsory but will make your trip much easier and safer if there is snow or ice on the roads.

Motorhome & Campervan Service Points in Scotland

There are not many motorhome service points in Scotland. Use an app like Park4Night to identify aires with services, or stay in a campsite every few nights.

Many campsites will also let you fill up with fresh water, dispose of grey waste and empty your toilet cassette if you pay a small fee.

LPG & Bottled Gas

There are around 50 fuel stations in Scotland where you can fill up a Gaslow or Gasit system with LPG from the pump. Use the myLPG app to identify one close to you, and check on the prices. The most northerly filling point is in Ullapool on the wast coast.

Calor Gas is Scotland’s leading supplier of bottled propane and butane gas. United Kingdom gas bottles are not interchangeable with European bottles, so you’ll require a UK regulator if you’re coming from overseas.

Can I use my mobile data away from home?

You can, but some people prefer to have a different internet device for thier motorhome . This works if you don’t tend to use your mobile phone much for browsing the internet or streaming TV, unless you’re away in your van. You might find you don’t have enough data to manage like you do with your home broadband.

We have been using and recommend ConnectPlus for cloud sim connectivity in the UK and Europe. You can choose from unlimited data packs to just single days, depending on your needs. The device is no larger than a slimline smart phone, connects with up to ten devices, is charged easily with a USB and can be delivered within a few days of ordering. Use the code ‘thegapdecaders’ at checkout to get 50% off in the first month!

Motorhome Stops & Overnight Camping in Scotland

Aires in scotland.

If you’re used to motorhoming in France , Spain or Germany , motorhome aires de camping are a common part of life.

In Scotland, there are around 30 motorhome aires, with purpose-built motorhome services. Expect to pay around £15 a night.

Wild Camping in Scotland for Motorhomes & Campervans

Motorhomes wild camping in Scotland has become a thorny subject of late, with motorhomers and campervanners in Scotland misunderstanding the laws, or choosing to ignore them and park anywhere they can.

The situation has been further exacerbated by the pandemic and increased numbers of people taking a staycation in Scotland or hiring a motorhome or campervan to tour the country.

Whilst wild camping is legal within the Scottish Outdoor Access Code , access rights do not cover vehicles.

New motorhomers don’t always understand the rules regarding wild camping and proper disposal of waste and the leave no trace principles we abide by. Locals have become, understandably, frustrated by toilet waste and grey waster being dumped improperly and people parking motorhomes and camper vans in places where their activities are damaging to the local flora and fauna.

Use Park4Night or another similar motorhome parking app to find the best wild camping spots and consider using the alternatives we have listed below to help Scotland remain a beautiful motorhome destination.

Read this post to find out more and what you can do to wild camp legally and safely in Scotland.

Motorhome Wild Camping Scotland: 2024 Guide

Alternatives to motorhome wild camping in scotland, stay the night trial.

In 2021, Forestry and Land Scotland trialled a scheme for motorhomes and campervans called Stay the Night . The scheme allowed camping in designated forest car parks and was an overwhelming success.

Forestry and Land Scotland have confirmed the scheme will run in 2023 from 1st April to 31st October at participating sites .

Wild Camping in Scotland’s National Parks

Many of the national parks in Scotland have non-commercial overnight camping sites which cost as little as £3 per night to stay at in a motorhome… not quite wild campervanning but pretty close!

You have the added benefit of knowing the environment in these areas is being looked after, as well as being able to empty your waste and fill up with fresh water. You can research these online, but to get you started check out the informal sites in the  Loch Lomond and Trossachs National park here .

Brit Stops in Scotland

You could also use  Brit Stops  to find free overnight parking in Scotland. Pubs which belong to the Brit Stops scheme allow motorhomes to stay in their car park at no cost. Some people have a drink or meal but this is not a requirement of the scheme. It’s unlikely you will find services at many Brit Stops but you will find a warm welcome.

Motorhome Campsites in Scotland

Campsites in Scotland for motorhomes  are friendly and usually of a good standard. Many take CampingCard ACSI , meaning you can save over 60% at campsites out of season, a must for motorhoming in Scotland.

Many campsites in Scotland offer pet friendly environments with good facilities like 16a electric hook up, modern sanitary facilities and site wide wifi. Expect camping spots in Scotland to be very similar to those in the UK.

Both the Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club have a good network of holiday parks and sites across Scotland. You don’t need to be a member to book and stay at these sites, but members do get discounts, so joining is worth exploring.

If you want to stay on member exclusive CL (Certified location) or CS (Certified sites) campsites, then you do need to be a member. These sites are much smaller, usually with no more than five units allowed at any given time, and have a more rural and back to basics feel.

Top Scottish Motorhome Destinations

North coast 500.

The most iconic road trip of all and Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500 is an epic journey around the raw and wild Highlands of Scotland, delivering incredible Scottish landmarks and dramatic roads with spectacular views. It is one of the must do motorhome routes in the UK.

Starting and finishing in Inverness, this campervan Scotland route route passes through remote and wild landscapes following the stunning coastline around northern Scotland. You can find the perfect NC500 itinerary with map, recommended campsites and highlights here .

The NC500 is also the route from which to take your motorhome on the Northlink Ferry from Scrabster to Stromness on the Orkney Islands and then from Kirkwall to Lerwick on the Shetland Islands. You can also take a day trip from John O’Groats to Orkney if taking your motorhome is too much!

North East 250

The North East 250 is the perfect campervan tour of Scotland for lovers of gorgeous coastlines, bog mountains and Scottish whisky.

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

South West Coastal 300

The South West Coastal 300 is a road trip for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Stunning coastlines, dramatic moorlands and rolling hills of lush forests will have you falling in love with the gentle charms of this part of Scotland.

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 Argyll Coastal Route & Loch Ness

The official Argyll Coastal Route ends in Fort William, but our itinerary takes in the magnificent Glenfinnan to the west and the iconic A82 to the east.

From sea shores, lochs and mountain, this ultimate west coast of Scotland road trip is for those that want to get under the skin of Scotland to feel its fascinating history amongst the incredible landscapes. 

Isle of Skye

This Skye road trip has to be one of the most picturesque in Scotland, with jagged mountains, heather carpeted moors and myths and legends aplenty.

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.

Borders Historic Route

Starting in Scotland’s historic capital city of Edinburgh, the Borders Historic Route will take you through the lush and hilly countryside of the lowland Scottish Borders and through charming villages to famous Gretna Green.

This is a perfect road trip if you want to visit Edinburgh and explore Scotland as part of your trip. 

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

A new Scottish road trip is Heart 200 , a two hundred mile plus drive around the centre 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 that is perfect for first time visitors to Scotland, or those that want to see the best of this wonderful country. 

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

A short route, this could easily be tagged onto the SW Coastal 300 or the Argyll Coastal route.

Outer Hebrides

Consisting of the isles of Lewis, Harris, Uist, Barra and St Kilda, this interconnected group of islands is a great place to motorhome.

Blessed with mountains, moors and Caribbean-like white sandy beaches, these beautiful islands host the very best of Gaelic culture, wildlife, cuisine and arts with things to do and see for everyone.

Famous Filming Locations

From Bond to Potter and lots in between, Scotland has many iconic filming locations to visit. These are our favourites;

Bridge of Orchy

On the legendary A82 road, you’ll drive a section of the infamous Skyfall road from the Bond film of the same name. This is one of the most dramatic and scenic drives in Scotland. Time for a photo opportunity!

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Made famous by the Harry Potter films, the Glenfinnan railway viaduct has carried trains on the West Highland Line since 1897. You can see the Jacobite steam train cross the viaduct daily.

From the books and tv series Outlander, Lallybroch, or Broch Tuarach, was Jamie Fraser’s ancestral home. In real life, this atmospheric building is Midhope Castle in Abercorn, on the south coast of the Firth of Forth.

Resources for Motorhome Travel in Scotland

• Best for motorhome rental and campervan hire in Edinburgh >> Spaceship Rentals
• Best for England campervan and motorhome hire >> Bunk Campers
• Best for campsites & camping in Scotland >> ACSI Eurocampings
• Best motorhome route planner Scotland >>  Mappy
• Best for ferries from the island of Ireland and Europe >> Direct Ferries
• Best for travel insurance >> True Traveller

Are you looking for more motorhome touring guides? Check out these top posts…

Motorhoming in Germany: Your Complete Touring Guide for 2024

Motorhoming in Italy: Your Complete 2024 Guide

Motorhoming in Spain: Your Complete Guide for 2024

Campervanning in Portugal: Complete Guide for 2024

Motorhoming in France: Your Complete Touring Guide for 2024

Campervanning in Norway – Tips, Routes & Destinations 2024

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Scotland Road Trip: The North Coast 500 Route Itinerary By Motorhome

In BLOG , DESTINATIONS , UK by Clelia Mattana 23 August, 2022 4 Comments

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Do you want to have an epic Road trip to Scotland?

North Coast 500 is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful road trip destinations in the UK . This 500-mile track will leave you stunned by the beauty of Scotland’s North Highlands, its beaches, and impressive coastlines.

My 5-day campervan itinerary will guide you amongst the most awesome points of interest. It should take you at least five days, beginning at Inverness, continuing along the northwest coast, passing Wick, Sinclair’s Bay, Scrabster Harbour, and Loch Ness, before returning to Inverness.

You can customize this Scotland Road trip itinerary based on your available days and extend it to one week or more by taking it slowly or adding a few more amazing destinations on the way. Flexibility is the best part when traveling by motorhome, so enjoy it to the fullest!

Scotland Road trip: The best way to travel North Coast 500 route

While public transport often is an underrated way to travel, we would not recommend it in this case. Scotland’s wild corners will be much easier to reach by car or, even better: by campervan or motorhome.

This allows you to travel more flexibly and independently, and you are sure not to miss any highlights. For those who like to plan your trip as you go, a road trip in a motorhome could be the perfect solution. It surely is for me.

Have you come across a great spot with a spectacular view? Just prolong your stay for a night! That is particularly easy in Scotland, where you can camp on most unenclosed land. There are, however, many campsites available for those who prefer a hot shower in the morning.  

Do you not have a vehicle? In that case, you can hire a campervan with Yescapa , the European leader of peer-to-peer camper sharing.

The concept is simple: Owners of leisure vehicles can rent their vehicles to other camping enthusiasts. This way, the vehicle owner can generate additional income in the unused time, and travel enthusiasts can rent their dream vehicle.

At Yescapa, you’ll find over 12,500 individual campervans, motorhomes, and caravans with a unique history and experienced owners that will share travel advice with you.

Both parties enjoy a comprehensive insurance cover due to tailor-made insurance solutions, including 24-hour breakdown cover. In addition, Yescapa’s nine-language team accompanies you in the event of damage claims and manages the process from A to Z. 

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• Two weeks Italy Road trip Itinerary
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Day 1: From Inverness to Wick sea

The starting point of your Scotland Road trip is Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and a great place to begin your road trip adventure.

Highlights in Inverness are the beautiful view of the River Ness, the Old High Church, and St. Andrew’s Cathedral.

Hop back into your campervan and drive to Dunrobin Castle with its beautiful gardens and impressive 189 rooms.

Your last stop before arriving at the small historic village Wick is Hill O’Many Stanes, a magical place with about 200 upright stones set out in rows. 

Day 2: From Wick to Scrabster Harbour

From Wick, it is just a ten-minute drive to Sinclair Girnigoe Castle, where you can visit the ruins of Castle Girnigoe (built in the 15th century) and Castle Sinclair (a 17th-century castle). Afterward, I highly recommend you drive to Sinclair’s Bay, a beautiful white beach on Scotland’s east coast.

Ready to continue? Great, then back on the road and up to our next destination: Dunnet Head Nature Reserve, the most northerly mainland point of Britain with impressive views of wild sea cliffs.

A 30-minute drive away lies Scrabster Harbour, an essential port for the Scottish fishing industry and the perfect place for a well-deserved restaurant visit. 

Day 3: From Scrabster Harbour to Inchnadamph

Take your breakfast at Strathy Bay, an 8,000 years old village about 30 minutes from Scabster Harbour . After a stroll alongside the beach, go to Durness and enjoy the spectacular view from Smoo Cave, the biggest coastal cave in the UK, with a view of a waterfall and a white beach surrounded by cliffs.

Another highlight of this epic road trip to Scotland is Eas a’Chual Aluinn, Britain’s highest waterfall, accessible via a 10 kilometers hike. Somewhat easier to access is Inchnadamph and the River Caves, Scotland’s largest cave system. 

Day 4: From Inchnadamph to Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve

I suggest you begin day 4 of your Scotland Road trip with a visit to the small harbor city Ullapool, where you can sail down Loch Broom, climb Ullapool hill or take a stroll along the riverside. The next stop, only 20 minutes from there, is the 60m deep and 1.5 hm long Corrieshalloch Gorge. 

Inverewe Garden is a calm place, ideal for a relaxed stroll through the 850 hectares of colorful plants, native and non-native trees, and ponds.

Your next destination requires some physical activity: Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve invites you to take a long hike through ancient pinewoods and mountainsides. 

Your next destination requires some physical activity: Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve invites you to take a long hike through ancient pinewoods and mountainsides. If you are looking for some fun activities or  experience days in Scotland , this destination will be on your favorite list.

Day 5: From Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve to Inverness

After your first day, stop at the village of Achnasheen, and pass by Glen Ord Distillery to bring home a souvenir of this road trip!

Next, you will pass by the famous Loch Ness and Urquart Castle, a ruin of a castle dating back to the 13th to 16th century, before finally heading back to Inverness.

I hope this itinerary of the North Coast 500 route could inspire you and helps you to prepare for your next Scotland road trip! If you’ve been to Scotland and want to add your favorite destination, leave me a comment below!

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Thank you for sharing this travel-related information… very useful!

great work!

Thank you for this article ,Its very helpful to plan a road trip in very easy way.

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Scotland Info Guide

A Guide to the Scottish Highlands Islands and Mainland

Scotland Motorhome Itinerary Map and Campsite Tips

I’ve also included links of the campsites and a wee impression. We were travelling with our three year old daughter so we took things easy and stayed sometimes two or even three nights on one campsite. Our original plans included the Orkney Islands and without these double nights on one campsite we probably could have made it but what’s the point of having a holiday when you need to rush? Feel free to use or modify this itinerary for your own needs, I hope it can help you to plan your Motorhome Holiday together with the other information provided. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Related info

Scottish Weather and Climate When is the Best Time to Visit Scotland

Facilities on the Campsites Please note that all the campsites listed below have facilities for taking in fresh drinking water, grey water disposal and a chemical toilet disposal point except the field in Shieldaig and the Horgabost site in South Harris who don’t have facilities for Chemical Toilets. The Chemical Toilet Disposal Point in South Harris is located at the Calmac Ferry Terminal in Leverburgh.

Prices of the Campsites Prices for the campsites below for one night vary from £16 to £22 including electrical hook-up. The Camping and Caravanning Club Site in Tarland charged £27 for one night, this was by the way the only site of the Camping and Caravanning Club during our tour. We could have avoided this one, there was another site nearby, or we could have become a member, fee of £40, or a temporary membership for overseas visitors for £20, and receive a discount. We choose not to, it was the final week of our holiday and besides, there are only 10 or so Club sites in Scotland from which four are close to Inverness.

Arriving at a Campsite and how to get a free Pitch Usually when you arrive you report to reception and ask for an available pitch. It happens often that reception is closed and you have to find a pitch for yourself and report at reception later on. Be careful when you look for a free pitch because it might be taken already. Usually the owners leave their electric cable or a chair to let others now the pitch has been taken. I’ve also seen people who had a number plate on a wee stick to let others know the pitch had been taken. If you respect these signs and choose your pitch carefully you won’t get into trouble.

Booking in advance or not? Depending on the season you might want to book in advance. A good tip is to use an app or POI file on your navigation system, smartphone or iPad if you have one. I had a very good experience with Archies Campings who offers listings of campsites with their phone numbers and travel directions. Great when you’re on the move. We booked a site a couple of times, just to be sure we had a pitch or because we wanted to stay a few days longer. The fun however of touring in a motorhome is not knowing when you end up and you don’t want to search for too long to find a campsite. So booking in advance can be a good idea, especially when the season progresses and campsites become busier.

Wild Camping If campsites are occupied or if you rather save your money you can always go Wild Camping. It’s a right you have in Scotland but there is more and more opposition against it. Quite a few parking places have signs that say “Overnight Parking is not Allowed” or other measures have been taken to make it impossible to park. But don’t forget, Scotland is remote and the further north and west you go in Scotland the easier it is to find a good place to park your motorhome. If you want to know more about Wild Camping for Motorhomes in Scotland and the places where you can park for free you might be interested in the site www.wildcamping.co.uk .

Motorhome Itinerary Tour of Scotland – Day 1 to 25

Day 1 Route: Gretna Green to Kirkcudbright Distance: 60 miles Points of Interest: Dundrennan Abbey Campsite: Seaward Campsite Campsite impression: Good, clean, excellent for kids

Day 2 Route: Kirkcudbright to Glen Trool Distance: 40 miles Points of Interest: Wigtown, Newton Stuart, Galloway Forest Park, Bruce Stone Campsite: Glentrool Camping and Caravan Site Campsite impression: Excellent, clean, modern facilities with WiFi.

Day 3 Route: Glen Trool to Lochranza (Arran) Distance: 70 miles & Ferry (Ardrossan to Brodick) Points of Interest: Culzean Castle, Ayrshire Coast, Brodick, Isle of Arran Campsite: Lochranza Caravan and Camping Site Campsite impression: basic, clean, unsheltered

Day 4/5 Route: Isle of Arran to Oban Distance: 70 miles & Ferry (Lochranza to Claonaig) Points of Interest: Tarbert, Kilmartin Glen, Loch Melfort, Slate Islands Campsite: Oban Caravan Park Campsite impression: great, clean, beautiful pitches, perfect site, no playground for kids, close to Oban

Day 6 Route: Oban to Lochaline Distance: 20 miles & two Ferries (Oban to Craignure & Fishnish to Lochaline) Points of Interest: Torosay & Duart Castle, Isle of Mull Railway Campsite: None

Day 7/8/9 Route: Lochaline to Arisaig Distance: 60 miles Points of Interest: Strontian, Ardnamurchan, Moydart, Glenfinnan Campsite: Invercaimbe Caravan Site Campsite impression: Lovely wee site, pitches next to the beach, quite busy in season, no children playground, stunning views and sunsets, unsheltered in bad weather, clean.

• Travel Report & Pictures of The South West Dumfries to Arisaig – Day 1 to 9

Day 10 Route: Arisaig to Staffin Distance: 80 miles & Ferry (Mallaig to Armadale) Points of Interest: Portree, Cuillin Hills, Kilt Rock, Old man of Storr, Trotternish Peninsula, Staffin Campsite: Staffin Campsite Campsite impression: Decent site, nothing fancy but a nice atmosphere with sheltered pitches

Day 11/12 Route: Staffin to Horgabost (Isle of Harris) Distance: 60 miles & Ferry (Uig to Tarbert) Points of Interest: Trotternish Peninsula, Uig, Isle of Harris, Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Lewis Campsite: Horgabost Campsite impression: Unmanned site, pay 10 pounds in an envelope on exit, excellent showers, no electrical hook-up, metres away from the beach and Dunes, perfect site.

Day 13/14/15 Route: Horgabost (Isle of Harris) to Carinish (North Uist) Distance: 40 miles & Ferry (Leverburgh to Berneray) Points of Interest: Isle of Harris, Leverburgh, Golden Road, St Clements Church in Rodel, The Isles of Uist Campsite: Moorcroft Holidays Campsite impression: Excellent site, perfect showers, clean, great kitchen for campers, unsheltered, busy (booking advisable)

• Travel Report & Pictures of Skye & Outer Hebrides – Day 10 to 15

Day 16 Route: Carinish (North Uist) to Shieldaig (Wester Ross) Distance: 130 miles & Ferry (Lochmaddy to Uig) Points of Interest: Isle of Skye, Wester Ross, Applecross, Kyle of Lochalsh Campsite: Wild Camping at designated camp area in Shieldaig More info… Campsite impression: No facilities although public toilets are close by

Day 17/18 Route: Shieldaig to Clachtoll Distance: 140 miles Points of Interest: Glen Torridon, Loch Maree & Beinn Eighe, Stoer Sea Stack and Lighthouse, Little Assynt Estate Campsite: Clachtoll Beach Campsite Campsite impression: Good facilities, clean, busy, nice beach, free WiFi, lot of pitches, great views.

Day 19 Route: Clachtoll to Durness Distance: 55 miles Points of Interest: Handa Nature Reserve , Kinlochbervie, Durness Campsite: Sango Sands Oasis Campsite impression: Good facilities, clean, rather busy, stunning views, nearby beach and shop

Day 20/21 Route: Durness to Beauly Distance: 130 miles Points of Interest: Crask Inn, Tongue, The A836 Campsite: Lovat Bridge Holiday Park Campsite impression: Clean, we were the only motorhome, a bit boring, not a real campsite for tourers Campsite2: Bunchrew Caravan Park Campsite impression: Old showers and toilets but ok, it’s a large park on the shore of Beauly Firth, great views, cheap WiFi

• Travel Report & Pictures of Wester Ross & North West Highlands to Durness – Day 17 to 21

Day 22 Route: Beauly to Aberlour Distance: 75 miles Points of Interest: Inverness, Grantown on Spey, Glenlivet Estate, Speyside Campsite1: Aberlour Gardens Campsite impression: Perfect, clean, quiet, outstanding campsite.

Day 23 Route: Aberlour to Tarland Distance: 30 miles Points of Interest: The Lecht, Cargorff Castle, Balmoral Castle, Craigievar Castle Campsite1: Tarland Campsite Campsite impression: Clean, quiet, excellent facilities but member of “The Club” which means expensive if you’re not a member.

Day 24 Route: Tarland to Crail Distance: 110 miles Points of Interest: Stonehaven, Dunnotar Castle, Aberdeen, St. Andrews, Arbroath Campsite1: Sauchope Links Park Campsite impression: Ideally situated near the sea, great views, relaxing site, good facilities.

Day 25 Route: Crail to North Berwick Distance: 85 miles Points of Interest: Crail, Pittenweem, Edinburgh, North Berwick Campsite1: Tantallan Caravan Park Campsite impression: Ideally situated close to the sea above golf links, great views, large site with almost hundred pitches, good facilities, path to the beach.

• Travel Report & Pictures of Glen Affric, Aberdeenshire and Fife – Day 22 to 25

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Campervan tour: Skye and Highlands

A road trip by campervan to the most beautiful sites from edinburgh to the isle of skye..

Whether this is your first road trip or you are an adept of "van life", Scotland is the ideal place for this beautiful adventure! Freedom is the key word of this van tour to discover the most beautiful Scottish sites during one week. Set out with your home on wheels to visit the Trossachs and Cairngorms National Parks, the magnificent Isle of Skye, Loch Lomond, the Quiraings, not to mention intriguing Edinburgh! Every evening, you choose where to sleep, classic or wilderness camping, and in the morning, sip your coffee or tea before a magnificent landscape, listening to the birds singing and watching the sun rise...

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A real scottish adventure.

Explore Scotland's most beautiful sites with a fully equipped campervan.

The best hikes

Hiking near Loch Lomond and the most beautiful peaks in Scotland.

Stunning landscapes

Enjoy the stunning view of Glen Etive at sunset and wake up in your van.

Highlights of Scotland

Visit Edinburgh and its famous castle.

Trip Itinerary

Check out or itinerary, don't forget we can customize this trip ! We can’t wait to show you around!

Itinerary Map

Pricing Chart

Our “from” price is based on mid-season prices and for a group of 8 people.

What's included ?

• Trip organisation (customisation and bookings)
• Campervan rental
• Accomodation
• All Breakfasts
• Personalised guidebook
• All ferry crossings
• 24/7 emergency telephone support
• Navigation App with preloaded walking routes and maps

What's not included ?

• Lunches and dinners
• Entry fees to attractions such as distilleries or museums

Related Tours in Scotland

Check out some of our tour ideas to discover Scotland. We can’t wait to show you around!

The Sorcerer Trail

North coast 500 road trip

The Ultimate James Bond tour

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The Ultimate Two-week Road Trip in Scotland

Planning a road trip in Scotland is exciting, but also daunting. There are so many incredible places to see that some people aren’t sure where to fit into a one or two-week trip. As a holidaymaker in Scotland, it’s recommended that you do not rush around trying to see everything, but at the same time you do not want to miss the must-sees.

As we offer Scottish campervan hires and motorhome hires , we know a lot more about the benefits of travelling across our beautiful country by campervan. The biggest draw to driving around in your own hotel room is that you spend more of your time seeing everything Scotland has to offer without the hassle of booking accommodation and moving between hotels and B&Bs.

In addition, if you want to spend extra time in one place because you get there and really love it, then you can. Likewise, if you arrive somewhere and it’s busy with other people, you can simply drive on.

So, the question is, where should you go on an ultimate two-week road trip of Scotland? You could head to one or two of the already designed driving routes, such as the North Coast 500 , the South West Coastal 300 or the North East 250 . These all have their advantages, but we believe we have some better route ideas and options.

The best two-week road trip in Scotland

The route starts and finishes at the conveniently located Open Road Scotland HQ near Glasgow International Airport. It visits some of Scotland’s most famous attractions and also allows you to get off the beaten tourist trail, should you choose to. 

It is worth booking some overnight campsite options ahead of your trip if you are going in the busy holiday season (April to September).

This two-week plan has two options, depending on whether you want to visit the Island of Mull or the Island of Skye.

Plan A of two-week road trip in Scotland

This is the Isle of Skye version:

Day 1: Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

Pick up campervan in Paisley, close to Glasgow International Airport

Drive to: Loch Lomond

Highlights include: The stunning national park, the UK’s largest area of freshwater (Loch Lomond), numerous other lochs, Ben Lomond, the gateway to the Highlands at Balloch, Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.

Day 2: Glen Coe

The drive north on the A82 is a highlight in itself with the views growing taller and more dramatic. Take your time to pull into laybys to enjoy the views.

Highlights: A drive through superb Highlands scenery, the fabulous mountains and valley of Glen Coe, numerous mountains, picturesque lochs, such as Linnhe and Leven, the historic village of Kinlochleven.

Day 3: Fort William 

It’s worth spending another day in the area, visiting  attractions around the outdoors coastal town of Fort William. 

Highlights: The UK’s highest mountain of Ben Nevis; Nevis Range Mountain Centre; Glenfinnan Viaduct (aka the Harry Potter Bridge).

Day 4: Ferry to Skye

Drive the A830 road from Fort William west to beautiful Arisaig and then to Mallaig. CalMac operates vehicle and passenger ferries to Skye.

Day 5: Tour around Skye

The island is famous for its dramatic mountains, the  Cuillin, and also has a wonderful coastline.

Other highlights include: The Fairy Pools (go early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds), the Quiraing walk , Talisker Distillery, the castles of Clan MacDonald and Clan MacLeod both with grounds & gardens.

Day 6: Skye to Torridon/Kinlochewe

Depart Skye via the bridge and drive the winding road north along the coastline to reach Torridon.

Highlights: Village of Plockton, Strathcarron scenery, Alpine-style Bealach na ba road on the Applecross Peninsula (engage low gear and take your time); the road through Glen Torridon, coastal views.

Plan B of two-week road trip in Scotland

This is the Isle of Mull version:

Day 2 & 3 Oban & Mull

At Tyndrum on the A82, take the A85 west to the coastal town of Oban where there are CalMac ferries to Mull. 

Highlights: Tobermory, the main town on Mull, as well as stunning coast and beaches, sea wildlife spotted from the land, wildlife boat trips, visit the small island of Iona.

Day 4 Ferry to Oban

Drive the A828 coastal road north to Ballachuilish and then to Glen Coe. Drive the A872 via Glen Coe.

Highlights: A drive through superb scenery that grows in height as you head north, the fabulous mountains and valley of Glen Coe, numerous lochs, such as Linnhe and Leven, as well as the historic village of Kinlochleven.

Day 5: Fort William 

Day 6: Torridon

There are several different routes to reach Torridon and all will take a while. Enjoy the drive through stunning scenery.

Highlights: Alpine-style Bealach na ba road on the Applecross Peninsula (engage low gear and take your time); the road through Glen Torridon, coastal views.

Both plan A & B

Day 7: Loch Ness

Drive east to reach Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness before heading to the northern Scottish city of Inverness.

Loch Ness is a must see and while it is often busy with tourists, it offers rewarding views over the dramatic waters.

Highlights: Walk a section of the Great Glen Way , visit Urquhart Castle , the tourist magnet of the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition, or take a circular drive or bike ride around Loch Ness.

Day 8: Inverness

Inverness is a historic settlement located on the River Ness and the Moray Firth. 

Highlights include: The Moray Firth is a famous place to spot bottlenose dolphins, The Caledonian Canal (walking, cycling, kayaking), Inverness Castle, Inverness Cathedral, Inverness Museum & Art Gallery, Ness Islands. 

Days 9 & 10: Aviemore

The outdoors town is located in the Cairngorms National Park. It has a great vibe with plenty of outdoors stores and guides on hand to take you into the hills and mountains.

Highlights: Loch Morlich for watersports, Loch an Eilein walk , Rothiemurchus outdoor activities, Cairngorm Mountain , Speyside Way, Laggan Wolftrax mountain bike trails; free-range reindeer.

Days 11 & 12: Perthshire

Drive south on the A9 and visit attractions in Perthshire. You could choose to stay overnight at one of many different places such as Aberfeldy, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl, Dunkeld, Perth.

Highlights include: Walks amid beautiful rolling hills and mountains; outdoor activities such as canyoning, gorge walking, zorbing; distilleries including Dalwhinnie, Glenturret, Eradour, Blair Atholl; the Scottish Crannog Centre ; Big Tree Country; Bruar Falls; Schiehallion.

Days 13 & 14: Stirling & Glasgow

Stirling and Glasgow are both great cities to visit. Park up and take a stroll. Stirling has a castle, the Old Town Jail and the Wallace Monument, to name a few highlights

Glasgow is the home of the historic buildings designed by acclaimed Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, such as the Willow Tearooms; many fabulous and contemporary murals; Tennent’s Brewery Tour , many free museums, the Necropolis; and the rivers Kelvin & Clyde for walking and cycling, city bike hire.

Also see the Heart 200 driving route for highlights on Day 13 &14.

This route is a just a suggestion and it’s possible to stay for longer or shorter durations in each of the place.

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Isle of Skye: The ONLY Itinerary You need (with map!)

Looking for an amazing Isle of Skye road trip itinerary (with driving map?) Whether you have one day, two or even three days on Skye, there are PLENTY of things to do- even in the rain! Promise.

Don’t forget to download your FREE Isle of Skye Itinerary below

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Isle of Skye Itinerary

During our epic road trip of Scotland , we stopped for 2 days on the Isle of Skye. We were in a motorhome, so we could stop when we wanted, but this Skye road trip itinerary works just as well for cars, motorbikes or even bicycles (you crazy people!)

First thing you need to know- the Isle of Skye is definitely worth the effort to visit. If you enjoy nature, hiking, waterfalls, history, beautiful views, castles, photography, dog walking or many other ‘outdoorsy’ pursuits, it’s the spot for you.

There are also plenty of cosy pubs, cute shops and indoor activities (read- distilleries) for anyone who enjoys being indoors- especially when it’s raining!

How best to explore the Isle of Skye

In my opinion, the BEST way to see Skye is with your own vehicle (easy if you’re campervanning or motorhoming around Scotland .) There are so many stunning spots to enjoy- you don’t want to be tied to someone else’s itinerary.

Having said that, if the only way you can visit is on an organised tour or if you need to take the bus/ train then go. It’s too beautiful to miss.

Word of warning- this is a HUGE 2/3 day Isle of Skye itinerary. It’s over 4000 words long.

If you want to download it to help with your planning, drop your details below:

The perfect isle of skye itinerary.

So, just what is the PERFECT Isle of Skye itinerary? Honestly, there’s probably no such thing! So much depends on the weather and your personal interests. 

Do you want to hike up some of the stunning hills? Sample the local whiskey? Explore the caves and castles? Don’t worry- this itinerary includes all of those!

Feel free to pick and choose the activities you like the sound of best. And yes- we’ve included things to do on Skye in the rain.  

Because it does rain. A lot. 

Combining the Isle of Skye with the North Coast 500

The North Coast 500 route runs reallllllly close to Skye and it’s the perfect time to see the Island.

If you’re planning a 7-10 day NC500 itinerary , you can absolutely add a couple of days onto Skye when you’re in that area.

FREE NC500 Road Trip Itinerary

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Isle of Skye Roadtrip- Is it possible to see Isle of Skye in one day?

Yes- it’s perfectly possible to visit the Isle of Skye (not Isle of the Skye, in case you were wondering!)  for just one day. You can definitely tack it onto your North Coast 500 motorhome road trip itinerary as it’s very close to the route. Of course, you won’t get to see everything, but you can certainly get a taster and see some of the most famous landmarks on Skye if you choose. 

How do you get to the Isle of Skye?

The Isle of Skye is on Scotland’s west coast and can be reached either by ferry from Mallaig or by bridge further North.

All vehicles can be taken on the ferry ( yes, including motorhomes ), and you can just turn up and be booked onto the next available ferry if you wish (which is what we did)- although please bear in mind we were travelling outside the main school holidays ( which in the UK are mid July- beginning of September.)

If you don’t have your own vehicle, I highly recommend hiring a car or campervan for a few days so you can be in charge of your own adventure. You really won’t regret it- there are some incredibly scenic road trips in Scotland.

Another option is to arrive by train. Trains connect up to the ferries, so you can get across to the island pretty easily. Catch a bus into Portree and take buses around the island- or rent a bike!

Ferry from Mallaig to Isle of Skye

The Caledonian Macbrayne ferry runs from Mallaig (mainland Scotland) to Armadale on Skye. It takes about 30 minutes to cross.

During summer (April-October) there is a ferry every few hours and in winter there are 2 ferries per day (morning and mid-afternoon.)

Our 7m motorhome with 3 passengers of over-16 and a 2m trailer cost £32 (2017 prices) for a single ticket (we left via the bridge, which is free!)

Planning a trip to Scotland?

We’ve done the hard work for you!

Grab our complete Scotland travel planner and get:

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

When is the best time to visit Skye?

Wondering when you should visit the Isle of Skye? I’ll be honest, you should expect rain whenever you go. You should also expect midges.  Anytime from April- November should be snow-free.

It’s warmer in the months of August and September, but try to avoid August if you can as that is the UK’s main school holiday.  Having said that, we went in July. It rained constantly and there were HEAPS of people. (That’s also high season for midges!)

Out of high season is much quieter, but the days are shorter and the weather is more likely to be cold. Still, if you go prepared, you could enjoy some beautifully crisp and clear days with spectacular views.

Our favourite time to go is Autumn- the changing colours looks amazing against the backdrop of the sea. (Here are some more ideas for places to see in Autumn in Europe .)

Isle of Skye driving map

This is our Isle of Skye driving map, which covered two days (two LONG days- you could easily make this into a three-day itinerary, maybe even 4 days if you want to do plenty of hiking.)

Blue pins are one day, purple pins are another. The driving route is the one suggested by Google Maps- as you can see, all roads lead to Sligachan, so that’s a good option to base yourself in a hotel/ B & B.

Frustratingly, the Google Map of this crashed, but there’s a new interactive version of this Isle of Skye itinerary map here

Where to stay on Isle of the Skye with a motorhome

Glenbrittle campsite.

When we visited, it was our second ever trip with our motorhome. ( Read more: why we bought a motorhome )

We stayed at the Glenbrittle Campsite, and it was beautiful, right on the shores of the loch. Just a word of caution- the drinking water had been contaminated when we went (a dead sheep or something!) so make sure you fill up before you arrive, just in case!

The only problem with Glenbrittle is that it is a long way out from the main ‘loop’, as you can see from the route map below, so if you’re tight on time you might want to stay closer to the action.

Portree is the main town and there are several campsites nearby. If you are going out of season, you may prefer to wild camp for free – we will definitely do this next time!

If you’re not in a Motorhome, then there are PLENTY of hotels, hostels, B and B’s and even some self-catering options in Portree if you prefer to be more self-sufficient.

Is Wild Camping allowed on Isle of Skye?

Yes, wild camping is tolerated on Skye (although not as much as it was pre-pandemic and it can be difficult in high season.) There were several beautiful spots we found as we toured, which we want to return to. Just remember these things:

• Skye gets VERY BUSY during summer and you will probably have people around you until nightfall, sometimes even later if they are photographing the evening sky.
• The winds on Skye can be very strong and most of the places we saw are very exposed. I know several people who moved their van in the middle of the night because it was rocking so much.
• There aren’t millions of parking options, so my advice is to find somewhere by 6pm ish and if you think it’s too exposed, move on and find somewhere else during daylight, not at 2am in the morning!
• Many of the sites are more suitable for campervans, instead of motorhomes (especially if you’re pulling a trailer like we do!!) Turning around can be difficult and it may be a sloping parking area. Do your research carefully and read the reviews of people who have gone before.

Isle of Skye Drive- How long should you spend on the Isle of Skye?

A lot of this depends on how long you have! On our 10-day tour of Scotland , we spent 2 days in Skye. We were going to stay for 3, but the rain was so heavy we ran away up to John o’Groats!

Still, we did a lot in the two days we were there, so a long weekend is definitely doable. You can do a lot in one day if you don’t want to hike, and you can spend a week there if you enjoy the great outdoors- there are so many incredible places to explore (and photograph!)

The Isle of Skye driving route Itinerary for Two Day Road Trip

This itinerary can be done in either direction and I recommend doing Day one on the day with the better weather forecast- that’s the day with the most scenic views and hikes.

Of course, where you start will depend on where you camped, but I’m sure you can figure it out! 🙂

Note- not ALL the pins are mentioned on the map below- Google route maps only allow you to input 10 places. So refer to the map above in this post  for all the locations on the route. 

Isle of Skye Itinerary – Day One:

If you only have two days, start your day early and have a decent breakfast – especially if you can find somewhere which serves traditional Scottish tattie scones (potato cakes)- they’re delicious! 

I highly recommend taking a packed lunch with you (or, you know, bring your motorhome!) 

Many tours/ groups start their day at the Old Man of Storr, so you have a choice. You can either get up early and aim to be at Storr by 9am (8.30 is even better) or do the loop in the clockwise direction, so go against the flow of traffic.

It’s entirely up to you, but for convenience let’s pretend you’re an early riser and go to Storr first.

Want to download this itinerary?

Grab it here:

Bride Veil Falls

Leave Portree on the A855 and head up towards Storr (well-signposted). On the left, you’ll see a small carpark for the Bride Veil falls. If the weather is nice and you’ve got time, it’s worth a stop and a photo.

Old Man of Storr

The carpark is about 6.5 miles out of Portree, but it’s not big, so be careful if you’re in a motorhome (you’ll notice a theme with this!!) People also seem to block others in without much thought, so take care how you park.

It takes about an hour to hike the Old Man of Storr to the rock formation or 40 minutes to a plateau a little below where you can still get incredible photos.

TOP TIP- if you can’t see the rocks from the car park, or if you’re being blown off your feet as you get out of the car, don’t even bother! It’s beautiful but needs a nice day to do it justice.

Lealt Falls

About 5 miles further North on the A855 are the Lealt Falls. You have to drive past them to get to the car park. Amazingly, this car park is actually fairly sizeable!

In spring and summer, these falls are surrounded by greenery and look amazing. It’s about a 30-minute climb down to the foot of the falls, or you can just take photos from the top.

Rubha nam Brathairean (Brother’s Point)

This is one of the few places in Skye where you might not find any crowds! From the car park it’s about a 2 hour round trip, but the scenery is beautiful and well worth a stop if you didn’t hike all the way up to Storr.

Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

I’ll be honest, we only stopped here because we saw a car park full of buses and cars and figured there was something worth seeing!

It was so windy that Jade almost got blown away, but at least it wasn’t raining! Apparently, there’s normally a bagpiper during summer… he was nowhere to be seen when we visited!

The falls are pretty, and the water at the bottom was so clear we could see the rocks, even from the top of the cliff, but honestly, we preferred Lealt Falls.

About 2 miles north of Kilt Rock is the small village of Staffin. There’s not a lot here, but there is a small shop and some toilets if you need them. Here’s a good place to stop for lunch, or take it with you and eat it up the Quaraing

If you’re going to do one hike in Skye, this is the one. I have no idea how to pronounce it, but that doesn’t seem to bother anyone!

It’s not difficult, except in high winds, and the views are incredible. A round trip should take about 2 hours, but you’ll be wanting to stop every 2 minutes to take photos, so allow at least 3. 

If you don’t want to hike, walk 15 minutes up the trail from the car park. You’ll be away from most of the crowds and can enjoy some of the views across the Island.

I’ll be honest, there’s very little to see across the top of the loop. So get back in your vehicle and drive for the next 10 miles (30 minutes) or so.

Alternatively, there are some beautiful wild camping spots up here, so if you have extra days, now might be a good time to stop for the night.

It’s time to find the Gold Cave! We didn’t see this when we were in Skye- hadn’t even heard of it then (I found it here ), but I’m adding it in so you can find it for yourself!

I’ve marked it on the map for you. Parking is outside a farm at the end of the nearest road. Then go through the field and left at the fence. Follow the cliff along until you see a small trail leading down to the rocks below.

Walk along the rocks to the right and eventually you ’ll find the Gold Cave. The walk takes about 25 minutes, so plan to take an hour for this trip.

Falls of Rha

This is one of the biggest waterfalls on Skye , but sadly it’s really tough to get to. Parking is virtually non-existent, especially for a motorhome.

You want to park up just North of Uig (near the river if possible.) There’s a small track on the right-hand side of the river- apparently, there used to be a sign but we couldn’t find one! It’s about a 5-10 minute walk, so not far and they are worth the effort if you can park up!

If you enjoy waterfalls, here are 29 of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe .

Some people say this is the best place on the whole of Skye. For us, the weather was miserable so we didn’t see it at its best! It’s next to Castle Ewen- but don’t expect an actual castle- it’s just a rock outcrop.

There are also several stone rings. Fairy legend says you need to sing a song to the faeries as you enter the spiral, and then walk backwards out of the spiral without touching the stones, and then your deepest wish will come true!

Well, that was a busy day! Depending on how long you took to hike, it’s probably around 6.30/ 7pm now and you’re in need of a decent meal.

Portree is the biggest town on Skye and it’s used to hungry visitors. There are several pubs, restaurants and shops which should still be open.

Isle of Skye Itinerary – Day 2

This is a ‘pick and mix’ kind of day. You can hike, or you can drive around and see places- but you’re unlikely to be able to do everything on this list all in one day.

Here’s a rundown of the places we liked- you can see them on the map and make your own choices.

Sligachan Old Bridge

This bridge is old, but probably wouldn’t be as famous if it wasn’t for the most incredible views around it. There is a car park, but it gets full quick, so early morning is best (and the light is better then too!)

• Dunvegan Castle

Dunvegan Castle is still intact and one of the few castles to be lived in by the same family for 800 years!

Personally, I thought it was like most other castles in UK inside (although if you haven’t been to any, it’s a good one to visit) but the gardens are beautiful and well worth a walk around.

The castle is open from 01 April until mid-October and 2020 prices are £14 for an adult for castle and gardens or £12 for gardens only.

They also do boat rides out to see the seals for £9.50. We didn’t go (due to the weather!) but it’s definitely something we would like to do next time.

This is by far the most popular castle on Skye, and for that reason it can be VERY crowded, especially if it’s raining; this is one of the few places on Skye which allows you to stay indoors for a while!

If you don’t want to visit, drive past it, park up and walk back along the beach to get a picture-perfect view.

Coral Beach

This is the beach which was featured on Netflix’s Outlaw King (nooooo, I definitely did not watch that scene on repeat. In slow motion…!) 

The beach is beautiful and full of tiny coral flakes. It’s about a mile from the car park, so only go if weather and time permits.

Normally, I’m not a fan of museums. I get a bit bored. But this was actually really interesting.

It’s the only operating tanning factory in the United Kingdom and you can see the whole tanning process from start to finish. (No, I don’t mean sunbeds….!) A visit takes about 1.5 hours and tours are free. You can even buy a souvenir if you like!

This is the oldest inn on Skye and their fish and chips are legendary! They also have 130 malt whiskies in stock (which is a shame if you’re driving!) A perfect stop for a warm welcome and a little refreshment before you set off again.

Neist Point Lighthouse

This is the most westerly point on Skye, and the views are spectacular (hopefully!) This is the best place to catch the sunset , although be prepared to share it with a lot of other people, (which is why I actually prefer Talisker Bay Beach).

There is a car park here and also places for wild camping, so it’s a great place to end your day. The lighthouse is a little rundown and not particularly impressive, but don’t let that stop you enjoying those views!

More things to do on Skye!

Fairy pools.

This might be controversial, but I thought the Fairy Pools were over-rated . Sure, in the sunshine they can look stunning, and if you’re really brave you can swim in them (although the water is FREEZING), but like many famous places there are too many people and honestly, it wasn’t worth the hour walk each way.

For me, there are prettier places on Skye.

Still, if you’d like to visit, get there EARLY! Seriously, you won’t believe how busy this place gets. If you’re not staying at Glenbrittle, it’s well sign-posted to the pools and takes about 35 minutes from Portree.

If you’re parking a motorhome, BE CAREFUL at the pools. Parking is tough in the car park if it’s already full and there’s not much space to turn around.

You shouldn’t park on the road as it’s a single-track lane and parking can block the emergency services if they need to get through. There is parking on the left about a quarter-mile before the pools- this is probably the best place.

• Talisker Distillery

Mr WB loves Talisker, and this is a brilliant place to visit if it rains… which is possibly why it’s so busy.

However, we hadn’t booked and the tours were full for the next 3 days- so book well in advance if you want to go around the distillery and sample their single malt. We did pop into the gift shop and bought Mr WB a wee dram! 🙂

Talisker Bay Beach

As beaches go, this is pretty special. If you can’t get to Neist Point for sunset, this western facing beach is a good second.

But it’s a long drive out for a beach, and you’ll see plenty of others during the day, so if you’re tight on time feel free to give this a miss.

It’s about a 30-minute walk, but the trail can be very muddy- you have been warned!

  Buy this print from James Grant Photography HERE

Duntelm Castle

Normally, I’m all about the castles, but honestly, this one is missable. It’s a lot of ruins falling into the sea and, while I’m sure it was once an impressive building, it’s just not that exciting anymore. Still, it’s a fun place for kids to let off some steam.

Hiking in the Black Cullins

This incredible hill (mountain?) range is beautiful to look at and even prettier to walk in. If your legs are still going and you want to capture some stunning views, a hike here is just the thing.

Visit Elgol

This spot on the south-west corner of Skye is often overlooked, but it offers the most incredible views of the Black Cullins.

Buy this print from James Grant Photography HERE

Things to do in Skye in the rain

• Sea Museum of Island Life (Open from Easter- September; shows what life would have been like on Skye 100 years ago)
• Edinbane Inn- each Sunday (and possibly mid-week) this Inn provides live traditional Scottish music. There may even be dancing!

Is the Isle of Skye expensive?

No more than anywhere else in Scotland or the UK. Tourist attractions can be a little pricey, but food, fuel and accommodation are fairly reasonable. High summer makes everything more expensive! 

What should I wear on the Isle of Skye?

Layers! Bring a good travel jacket , but also jumpers, t-shirts, scarves, hats, gloves and a swimsuit! You can have 3 seasons in one day on Skye!

Can you see the Northern Lights from the Isle of Skye?

Occasionally, but there are no guarantees. If you’d like to increase your chances of seeing them, visit between October and March and be prepared to go outside during the night, or visit these INCREDIBLE places in Europe to see the Northern Lights. 

How else can I help you today??

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

• The only North Coast 500 itinerary & route planner you need
• How to get to Orkney (and what to do when you’re there!)
• The PERFECT Scotland itinerary
• How to plan the perfect UK road trip
• Scotland- complete Travel Guide

See all our Scotland tips and ideas

See all our UK travel itineraries and tips

So what do you think? Are you inspired to visit Skye? Would you like to do this Isle of Skye itinerary??

If you’ve been, where is your favourite place to visit on Skye?

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

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

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

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One Week in England- itinerary idea

Thanks! Great itinerary – we are going to Skye next week so finding this was very timely! Looking forward to seeing some of these great views!

Fantastic! Hope you have a great time. 🙂

Thanks for the awesome itinerary! My partner and I are doing the NC500 and want to make some time for the Isle of Skye. Great read, great photos and really informative! ?

Love this!! Could you send the google maps pins to my email? [email protected]

Thank you for a great blog! Could you send the google maps pins to my email?

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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:

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

The Ultimate London-Scotland-Ireland Itinerary

9 Best Day Trips from Inverness

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

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 🙂

Thank you very much, very informative/

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!

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!

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Scotland Campervan Guide – 10 Day Itinerary

Scotland is understandably one of the most popular places to go and tour in a campervan. It has oodles of fantastic park ups, a vast area to explore and some of the most stunning scenery in the UK.  

You could spend a year in Scotland and still have places to explore – so how do you choose where to go on a campervan holiday road trip? That’s where we come in!  

We have spent a lot of time in Scotland over the years in campervans, tents and cottages and like to think we can give advice on some of the best places to visit in Scotland in a campervan. We are also pretty good at staying away from the crowds (we are not miserable – just like a bit of peace and quiet!) so you can be sure we will find you some wild places to frequent!  

The aim with this Scotland Campervan Guide is not to provide just 10 places to visit but to give different options which you could feasibly fit in to a 10 day tour without break the land speed record! The idea of campervan travel is to take the slow road and take in the sights and sometimes spend a few days somewhere rather than racing around trying to fit everything in. You can use our guide to pick the places you really like the look of and choose a route to suit you.  

First things first here are some general Scotland tips!  

General Scotland Campervan Tips

If you are touring Scotland between May and September – take midge repellent and a headnet. They are seriously evil. Generally they are worse on the west coast than the east coast and love warm and moist conditions. They don’t like the wind so the best way to escape them is to go high or go to the coast where the wind generally keeps them away.

• Park Considerately

You will find in peak season that some of the hot spots like Loch Lomond and Glen Coe will be very busy and parking may be limited. Our best advice is either get to places early to make sure you can get a spot or go somewhere less busy. The great thing about Scotland is you don't really have to plan park ups - you can just drive and stop when you want as generally wild camping rules are very relaxed up there. 

• Take Waterproofs!

Scotland is notoriously wet so make sure you take a waterproof jacket and trousers.

If you have an underslung LPG tank on your campervan then when you get to the depths of Scotland it can be tricky to find places to refill. It’s best to fill up before you go but if you get stuck there are a few dotted around including Fort William, Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh. You can use the following app to locate gas stations:   https://www.mylpg.eu/

• Avoid Popular Spots in the Summer

There are so many places to visit in Scotland so why go to the busy spots in peak season where you will end up queuing and have fewer places to park? We would also advise to avoiding popular routes like the NC500 – Why not make your own route up where others aren’t likely to be? We will be giving some options below for places that aren’t so busy and just as beautiful as the hot spots.

• Check the Forecast

If the forecast is bad for where you were planning to go you may want to change your plans. The weather can be very different on the coast compared to inland. Sometimes it’s better to change your plans completely (we certainly have) and go somewhere different like Northumberland or the Lake District where the weather can be much more settled.

10 Day Scotland Campervan Tour Itinerary Ideas 

Why not break the journey up with a stop over in Northumberland? I previously always used to travel up to Scotland up the west side of the country up the M6 as it was the most direct route. I decided one day to take the east side up the M1/A1 to Northumberland as I had always wanted to see Lindisfarne Castle. I was amazed - it's stunning and well worth a visit en-route. 

Northumberland  

Northumberland deserves a 10 day itinerary all to itself – it’s one of those places that people haven’t quite realised is so beautiful and so it’s still relatively quiet when all the other hot spots like the Lakes and Scotland are heaving. Honestly – the beaches in Northumberland are just as good (if not better) as the beaches in the South West with long white sandy stretches of quiet, unspoilt paradise.  

Anyway – enough rambling…here are the top places to stop off at to break the journey up:

Bamburgh Castle  

This impressive looking castle is just down the road from Lindisfarne so you can combine them both in a day. It’s been there for over 1400 years and is one the largest lived in castles in the UK.  It sits high and mighty above the beach and is a very impressive place to go and visit. 

Holy Island & Lindisfarne Castle

If you go to Northumberland this should be top of your list – There is a very special feeling at this place – it feels quite eerie as the spooky looking castle, which was formerly a monastery, gets cut off at high tide. You can only get to the island at low tide so be sure to check the tide times before going. There is plenty of (paid) parking and some quaint shops, coffee shops and pubs to explore as well as the castle.

Is a lovely town to have a mooch around with lots of shops, cafes and restaurants. It's a medieval town with interesting buildings with plenty of history. It also has a castle (there are a few in Northumberland!) and is a great place to go if you like shopping or on a rainy day.  

Cocklawburn Beach

If white sandy beaches, rockpools and a bit of dolphin spotting is your thing then this beach is a cracker! It’s huge so doesn't get particularly busy but parking can be limited at the weekends so get there early enough. I was once lay on the bed in the back of the van when a pod of dolphins swam past in the distance – it was a magnificent sight!

Unfortunately you cannot park overnight here so you will have to go back inland slightly for a park up or campsite.

Alnmouth is the Tobermory or Northumberland with lots of cute coloured houses and shops next to a gorgeous beach. There are a few lovely art galleries, excellent cafes and a beautiful coastline to go and explore.  

If passing through Seahouses on your Northumberland trip you must stop at Neptunes Fish and Chip shop – they are the best around!! The beach at Seahouses is lovely too – but beware if eating your chips outside – the Starlings will steal them out of your hands!  

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

If you do go up the west side of the country to get to Scotland then you will likely go through Loch Lomond. You may also go up the east and come back down the west which is ideal as you will get to see it all! 

Loch Lomond is stunning however it has been affected by people visiting and not being respectful by leaving rubbish and generally trashing the place. You will therefore notice a camping ban in place for the much part during peak season.

Our recommendation is to stick to a campsite stay here if in peak season or go slightly further out and visit and the Trossachs. You can pre-book a wild camping spot on the following website which has lots more information.

There are a couple of little mountains in the area which are well worth a climb:

This small little hill (350m) is very easily attained but offers panoramic views over Loch Lomond and is one of the best view points in the area. More details for the walk   here.

The Cobbler

I love this little mountain and have climbed it many times. It’s craggy, has a fabulous profile and is generally pretty quiet compared to the more popular Ben Lomond in the area.  The true summit is on top of a pinnacle (seen in the photo at the top of this area section) which to get to you have to go through a gap in the rock (known as threading the needle) and then a very airy scramble up onto the summit. Good fun but a bit scary for those who don't like heights. If scrambling isn't your bag then a walk to the top of the mountain not including the true summit is still phenomenal. 

The road through Glencoe is one of my favourites in the UK. Firstly you pass the gatekeeper of the north – the massive beast that is Buachaille Etive Mor. Then the road winds through stunning the stunning mountains that are the Three Sisters on the left and my favourite ridge walk in the UK – Aonach Eagach.  This is a knife edge grade 2 scramble so isn't for the faint hearted but for those who like a thrill it's the best!

The Lost Valley Walk

There is a gorgeous walk up into the lost valley which is accessed from the main large car park next to the three sisters. Here is more info on   the walk itself .

The hanging valley is historically where a Scottish clan hid their rustled cattle. It’s a stunning spot and would be a great place to take a picnic or even wild camp for the night if you have a tent.

The Ice Factor – Kinlochleven

If climbing is your thing then there is also a fantastic climbing centre in Kinclochleven which is between Glencoe and Fort William. It has an ice climbing wall and you can park in the car park for free overnight. There is a tap for water around the back of the centre and showers (payable) inside so is a great stopping point to freshen up!

Fort William

Fort William is a great place to have a wander on a wet day. There are plenty of shops to peruse (including lots of outdoor shops!) it has a great little bouldering wall called   three wise monkeys   if you like climbing.

It also has one of the best vegan cafes we have ever been too called   The Wild Cat .

Steall Falls

This is a beautiful valley down the bottom of Glen Nevis which has a lovely waterfall and rope bridge. It's a fairly narrow drive to get up to the parking area but it's ok in campervans up to 3 tonne. 

The walk in is lovely as you walk up alongside a gorge with a view down Glen Nevis on your way up. This is a great one to fit in when you want to fit in a short 1-2 hour walk on a showery day. More   info on the walk here . 

Fancy climbing the highest peak in the UK? The start for the route is from Fort William and it’s a very rewarding but long climb. There is a relatively easy but tiring tourist path up (called the pony track) with   more details here .

If you are an experienced walker and want to try a more spicy route then why not take the CMD Arete route up via The North Face car park? This is a grade 1 scramble and offers an amazing view over the craggy north face of the Ben. More   info here .

Arisaig is a must for beach lovers. It has white sands and stunning blue seas. It is on the far west coast and is accessed easily from Fort William. There are plenty of campsites in the area to stay and a few park up’s where overnight stays are tolerated.

If you like kayaking then you are in for a real treat here – the little islands that are dotted around are gorgeous and great for exploring and you are bound to see plenty of sea life including seals whilst out paddling.

Torridon is an absolutely beautiful spot full of mountains and wildlife. I adore the sandstone mountains which have eroded layers to them and they are really craggy too so make beautiful photos. It’s absolutely jam packed with beautiful park up spots but I warn you - getting one with signal can be tricky!  

The midges can also be pretty bad here so make sure you have plenty of midge spray and nets! Don’t let that put you off though - it really is stunning!  

Here are some amazing things to do in the Torridon area: 

Beinn Alligin Hike

This is a fantastic hike which on a good day gives you stunning views all over the Torridon mountains. It's only 6.5 miles so not a massive day out either but gives you the views and some airy scrambling if you decide to take the alligin horns on direct! You can avoid them by taking a traversing bypass path which skirts around them but the scrambling isn't too tricky if you have a good head for heights. More info on the walk here . 

Beinn Eighe Hike

If you are looking for something a bit easier and shorter than the alligin scramble then this 4 mile walk is perfect! It's noted as the only waymarked mountain route in the UK so is very easy to navigate although the terrain is still very rocky so you still need decent kit! 

It has super views and is a very pretty walk despite it's modest distance. More information on the walk here . 

Applecross Pass  -  Bealach na Bà

This is a fantastic single track mountain road which really feels like the mountain passes you get in the Alps. It's absolutely stunning and if you are a confident driver then you will no doubt enjoy it. It takes you the scenic route up and over to Applecross which is another place to stop and explore. 

It is a single track road with passing places and it also has a hair pin bend section so only attempt it if you are a confident driver and used to the size of your van. It may be closed in the winter as it would be treacherous in the snow too - best left for a nice clear day so you appreciate the views! 

Explore Applecross  

Applecross is a lovely little village next to the sea which has some nice cafes, pubs and galleries to explore. There used to be a lovely cafe opposite the public toilets/main car park and fuel station which if it's still there having the coffee and cake was lovely. Also make sure you go up the Applecross gallery which has some beautiful photographs available to peruse and buy. 

There is a tap outside the public toilets so you can also fill up your water tanks/carriers. When I was there 2 years ago a stag jumped over a fence onto the main road through the village and then just casually just wandered about. Here he is next to the pub garden on the beach! Apparently this is quite normal in Applecross! 

Assynt is another place jam packed with beautiful views of mountains and seascapes. These mountains look  different from the relatively nearby Torridon mountains. The Assynt mountains look like they come straight out of the sea with flat plateaus in-between them and seem to be much darker stone with a lot more green on them. 

The signal seemed better here generally and if the weather is bad you can always have a wander around Ullapool and have a cafe and cake day!  

Here are some amazing things to do in the Assynt area: 

Suilven Hike  

This is one of my favourite hikes in Scotland. If you haven't seen the film Edie then you need to as it will fill you full of inspiration to climb Suilven. 

It's 12.5 miles with most of it being relatively flat until you reach the base of the mountain - that's when you climb up steeply and really feel the burn! Suilven is such an iconic mountain shape - it looks rather like a snail and rises up from the wilderness on it's own. The easiest route up starts from just outside Lochinver and you can park overnight in the carpark which has an honesty box (which is tiny - so it's worth getting there early or parking overnight). More  info on the walk here.  

Ullapool is one of the biggest towns in the far north west and has a good amount of shops, cafes and pubs to explore. Great for a rainy day in between exploring other areas.  

Stac Pollaidh Hike

This is another fantastic hike in Assynt which is a good half day hike being only 2.75 miles as a whole circuit. Stac Pollaidh looks scary to climb but actually has a relatively easy path up to the top. It does require an airy and tricky scramble to get to the true summit but even if you don't do that bit it's an awesome hike. More information on the hike here . 

Clachtoll Beach and/or Achmelvich Bay

If white sandy beaches and clear blue waters are more your bag then you must go and spend some time and Clachtoll beach and Achmelvich Bay. They are both stunning and Clachtoll Beach has a great little campsite next to it so you can park up with a beach view. 

Isle of Mull

Isle of Mull? What about Skye I hear you say! We much preferred touring Mull than Skye. There were miles of open quiet roads, beautiful beaches, big mountains and some stunning islands to visit like Staffa. We found Skye busy, park ups and campsites full and the weather was pretty foul! Yes it’s got some amazing places but it is always busy in peak season with coach loads of people visiting attractions.  Skye is also quite far north so it's a long way to go on a 5-7 day tour. 

What I would say is - if you plan to include Mull in your itinerary maybe think about skipping one or two of other areas out from your trip so you have plenty of time to explore. You could easily spend 5 days on Mull alone. 

To get to Mull you need to catch the ferry from Oban which is easily combined with a visit to Glencoe and Fort William en-route.

With beach park ups like this why would you want to go anywhere else?

Calgary Beach

You will think you are in the med on this beach – the sand is so white and the water so clear and blue it’s simply stunning. Combine a visit here with a trip to the cute little town of Tobermory.

Fingals Cave & Staffa

Staffa is a fascinating island to visit and worth every penny of the trip cost.  The island is formed from huge basalt hexagonal columns and is a great place to spot puffins. Fingals cave is located on staffa which is famed for it's natural acoustics and the eerie sounds it makes with the crashing waves that flow into it. 

Eas Fors Waterfall

The parking is right next to the waterfall and within a 5 minute walk you are at the top of this absolutely amazing waterfall. If you have a drone – take it, you will no doubt get some stunning shots.

In Summary  

I always want to stress to people the important of taking things slowly when doing campervan travel. The above places would be a rush to fit in 10 days. I would recommend picking a few of the above and spending plenty of time exploring that particular place. It can be tempted to try and fit everything in - indeed, many do by ticking off routes like the NC500 but we have heard so many times people actually haven't had time to enjoy anywhere because they just ended up driving loads. it's better to explore places thoroughly and use it as an excuse to go back up to explore a new area on another trip. 

The good news is our 14 day Scotland Guides can help you plan a slightly longer trip to fit more in so be sure to check those out. 

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7 Day Motorhome Itinerary Scotland: Roaming the Highlands: A Memorable

• by Travel Spry
• February 23, 2024 February 23, 2024

7-Day Motorhome Itinerary Scotland: Roaming the Highlands: A Memorable

7-Day Motorhome Itinerary Scotland: Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the stunning landscapes of Scotland with this carefully curated 7-day motorhome itinerary. This comprehensive guide will take you through a week-long journey, highlighting the best destinations, attractions, and experiences along the way. From the rugged mountains of the Highlands to the picturesque shores of Loch Ness, this itinerary is designed to provide you with a perfect balance of nature, history, and culture. Get ready to explore Scotland in the comfort and flexibility of a motorhome, making memories that will last a lifetime.

7 Day Motorhome Itinerary Scotland

Preparing for Your Journey

It’s necessary to be well-prepared before begining on your 7-day motorhome adventure in Scotland. Proper planning will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, allowing you to make the most of your time exploring this beautiful country.

Choosing the Right Motorhome

Preparing for your journey starts with selecting the right motorhome for your trip. Consider factors such as the size of your travel group, the amenities you require, and your budget. Whether you opt for a compact campervan or a spacious RV, make sure it meets your needs for comfort and convenience on the road.

When choosing a motorhome, also think about the type of driving you’ll be doing in Scotland. If you plan to navigate narrow and winding roads, a smaller vehicle may be more practical. Conversely, if you prefer more space and amenities, a larger motorhome could be the better choice for your comfort.

Essential Items to Pack

Journeying through Scotland in a motorhome requires careful packing to ensure you have everything you need for a week on the road. Essential items to pack include bedding, towels, toiletries, cooking utensils, and provisions. Don’t forget to pack warm clothing and waterproof gear, as the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable.

A first aid kit, flashlight, and extra batteries are also crucial items to have on hand for emergencies. Additionally, make sure to pack maps or a GPS device to help you navigate the Scottish roads with ease. Being prepared with the right gear will enhance your travel experience and give you peace of mind throughout your journey.

Navigational Tips and Considerations

When traveling in a motorhome, navigating Scotland’s roads can present unique challenges. Familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules and regulations, especially regarding parking and overnight stays. Plan your route in advance, taking into account the size of your motorhome and any height or weight restrictions on certain roads.

• Be mindful of narrow roads and sharp turns, especially in rural areas.
• Take breaks to rest and refuel, as driving a motorhome can be tiring.

With these navigational tips and considerations in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the challenges of driving a motorhome in Scotland. The key is to stay alert, plan ahead, and embrace the adventure of exploring this stunning country on wheels.

7-Day Motorhome Itinerary Scotland: Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: edinburgh to stirling.

• Start your journey in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, where you can explore the historic Edinburgh Castle, stroll along the Royal Mile, and soak in the lively atmosphere of the city.
• After exploring Edinburgh, drive towards Stirling, a city known for its rich history and stunning architecture. Visit Stirling Castle, a magnificent fortress that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
• Spend the night at a nearby campsite or motorhome park and enjoy the tranquility of the Scottish countryside.

Day 2: Stirling to Loch Lomond

• Depart from Stirling and head towards Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s most beautiful and iconic lochs. Explore the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, where you can hike along scenic trails, take a boat trip on the loch, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning views.
• Set up camp at one of the campsites near Loch Lomond and spend the evening enjoying the peacefulness of the area.

Day 3: Loch Lomond to Glencoe

• Leave Loch Lomond behind and make your way to Glencoe, a place of dramatic beauty and breathtaking landscapes. Drive through the stunning Glen Coe valley, surrounded by towering mountains and cascading waterfalls.
• Take a hike in the Glencoe area, exploring the famous Devil’s Staircase or the hidden Lost Valley. Don’t forget to capture the awe-inspiring scenery with your camera!
• Park your motorhome at a campsite in Glencoe and spend the night under the starry Scottish sky.

Day 4: Glencoe to Isle of Skye

• Today, embark on a journey to the magical Isle of Skye. Cross the Skye Bridge and explore the rugged landscapes, fairy-tale castles, and mystical rock formations that make Skye a photographer’s paradise.
• Visit the famous Fairy Pools, hike the Quiraing, and marvel at the majestic Old Man of Storr. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste some delicious seafood at one of the local restaurants.
• Find a campsite or motorhome park on the Isle of Skye and enjoy a peaceful night surrounded by nature.

Day 5: Isle of Skye to Inverness

• Leave the Isle of Skye and head towards Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Along the way, stop at Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding Loch Duich.
• Explore the historic city of Inverness, visit the impressive Inverness Castle, and take a stroll along the banks of the River Ness.
• Park your motorhome at a campsite near Inverness and enjoy a cozy evening in the heart of the Highlands.

Day 6: Inverness to Cairngorms National Park

• Today, venture into the Cairngorms National Park, a vast wilderness of mountains, forests, and rivers. Explore the park’s hiking trails, spot wildlife, and visit the picturesque village of Aviemore.
• Take a ride on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, or visit the Highland Wildlife Park to see native Scottish wildlife up close.
• Find a campsite or motorhome park in the Cairngorms and spend the night surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Day 7: Cairngorms National Park to Edinburgh

• On your final day, make your way back to Edinburgh, but not before stopping at the historic town of Dunkeld. Explore the charming streets, visit Dunkeld Cathedral, and take a walk along the banks of the River Tay.
• Return to Edinburgh, where you can explore any attractions you may have missed at the beginning of your journey or simply relax and reflect on your incredible Scottish adventure.
• Park your motorhome at a campsite or motorhome park near Edinburgh and bid farewell to the stunning landscapes of Scotland.

Additional Tips and Activities

Unlike guided tours, traveling in a motorhome gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and detour whenever something catches your eye. Take full advantage of this flexibility by incorporating spontaneous stops along your route. If you’re looking for more ideas on how to structure your journey through Scotland, check out 6 – 8 Days in Scotland Itinerary Ideas .

• Plan your route ahead of time but stay open to new destinations
• Make use of Scotland’s many campsites for a true outdoor experience
• Engage with locals to discover hidden gems off the beaten path

Perceiving Scotland’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage from the comfort of your motorhome is an experience like no other. Embrace the sense of adventure and let Scotland’s beauty captivate you on this unforgettable journey.

Must-See Stops Along the Way

An imperative stop on your motorhome itinerary is the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. Nestled on a small tidal island where three lochs meet, this medieval castle offers a glimpse into Scotland’s history and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Don’t miss the chance to capture this picturesque sight and explore its fascinating interiors.

Another must-see destination is the mystical Isle of Skye, known for its rugged landscapes, ancient castles, and dramatic seascapes. Take a scenic drive around the island to marvel at the Quiraing rock formations, the Fairy Pools, and the Old Man of Storr. Immerse yourself in Skye’s enchanting beauty and discover why it’s a favorite among travelers seeking adventure and natural wonders.

Scottish Cuisine to Try on Your Journey

Your Scottish adventure would not be complete without tasting some of the country’s traditional dishes. Indulge in hearty Scottish breakfasts featuring haggis, black pudding, Lorne sausage, and tattie scones to start your day on a flavorful note. Savor a comforting bowl of Cullen Skink, a creamy seafood chowder, or sample some delicious Scotch broth to warm you up on chilly evenings.

Cuisine in Scotland goes far beyond the classics, with modern twists on traditional ingredients and innovative culinary creations. Be sure to try local specialties like Aberdeen Angus beef, Arbroath smokies, and Cranachan, a delectable dessert made with raspberries, cream, honey, and oats. Let your taste buds guide you on a gastronomic journey through Scotland’s diverse and delicious food scene.

Cuisine in Scotland showcases a blend of fresh local ingredients, time-honored recipes, and creative culinary techniques. From traditional favorites to contemporary delights, there’s something on the menu for every palate. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the flavors of Scotland and discover why its cuisine is a highlight of any motorhome adventure.

Exploring Scotland by motorhome for 7 days is a fantastic way to experience the diverse landscapes and rich culture of this beautiful country. From stunning lochs and rugged mountains to historic castles and charming villages, there is something for everyone to enjoy. By following this itinerary, you can make the most of your time in Scotland, ticking off must-see destinations while also leaving room for spontaneous adventures. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this itinerary promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting to come back for more.

1. What is the best time of year to embark on a motorhome adventure in Scotland?

The best time to visit Scotland for a motorhome adventure is during the summer months, from June to August. During this time, the weather is generally milder, and the days are longer, allowing for more time to explore and enjoy the scenic landscapes. However, Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to pack layers and be prepared for changing conditions.

2. Can I wild camp in Scotland with a motorhome?

Yes, wild camping is legal in Scotland, which means you can park your motorhome in designated areas and spend the night surrounded by nature. However, it’s important to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and respect the environment. Leave no trace, dispose of waste properly, and be mindful of local communities and wildlife.

3. Are there any tolls or road charges in Scotland?

No, there are no tolls or road charges for driving on public roads in Scotland. However, there are some bridges, such as the Skye Bridge, that have tolls. Make sure to check the specific routes you plan to take and budget accordingly.

4. Can I drive a motorhome on single-track roads in Scotland?

Yes, you can drive a motorhome on single-track roads in Scotland. However, it’s important to be cautious and familiarize yourself with the rules of driving on these narrow roads. Be prepared to use passing places to allow other vehicles to pass, and always drive at a safe and appropriate speed.

5. Are there any restrictions on driving a motorhome in city centers?

Some city centers in Scotland may have restrictions or regulations regarding motorhome access. It’s advisable to check the specific rules and regulations of the cities you plan to visit. In general, it’s recommended to park your motorhome in designated parking areas or campsites outside of city centers and use public transportation or walk to explore the cities.

With this 7-day motorhome itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant cities of Scotland. Remember to drive safely, respect the environment, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this beautiful country. Happy travels!

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Small Group Tour of Scotland: A Perfect 7-Day Itinerary 2024

This tour of Scotland is an activity level 4. Click here for terms, conditions, and cancelation policies.

*Subject to change. Updated January 9, 2024.

October 21, Monday Day 1:

Welcome to Edinburgh and the start of your Small Group Tour of Scotland! I’ll pick you up at the airport and take you to our hotel. Your room will be ready when you get there if you wanna take a nap or freshen up. The rest of the day is all yours.

Meet in the hotel lobby to walk over to The Devil’s Advocate for our Welcome Dinner! Dinner and a drink are on me!

October 22, Tuesday Day 2:

After breakfast (which is included all week), we’ll be heading to the Royal Mile.

Starting at the top, we’ll spend our morning at Edinburgh Castle . Everyone will get an audio guide and I will set you all free to tour at your own speed. We’ll meet back up for Afternoon Tea (included) in the castle restaurant.

Heading down the hill to the bottom of the Royal Mile, next up is Holyrood House Palace. Everyone will have an audio guide again to take in the Palace at their own speed.

The rest of the day is free for your own plans. Personalized suggestions can be made for what to do with your time.

October 23, Wednesday Day 3:

An optional early morning hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat for sunrise is available for anyone interested. We’ll meet up in the lobby later to head out for sightseeing and an Instagram-worthy photo tour of Edinburgh.

Lunch is at your own expense but I can make several suggestions. The evening will be at your leisure.

Add on Excursion: Consider adding on an exceptional evening at The Scotch Whisky Experience. We’ll be heading over to the Scotch Whisky Experience for a whisky pairing dinner after taking their tour of how whisky is made. This will be a very fun night!

October 24, Thursday Day 4:

We’ll be heading out early for a full day on a private tour with Rabbie’s (my favorite tour company…ever).

From their website:

“You leave the cobbled streets of Edinburgh and travel past Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle.

This region is soaked in history, so sit back and relax as your driver-guide entertains you with the tales of Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, and Scottish folklore.

If you keep a lookout, you can catch a glimpse of the Kelpies. These 30-metre tall horse head sculptures need to be seen to be believed.

Your driver-guide takes you to their favourite stop within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park where you can grab coffee and enjoy the views.

After this stop, it’s time to get your camera ready. Because as you travel north into the Highlands, the landscapes suddenly become more provocative.

Shimmering lochs, rugged mountains, forest filled glens: it’s all so beautiful that it’s easy to forget these were once battlegrounds for fiercely territorial Highland clans.

You stop in Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide may reveal to you the tragic tale that’s haunted this valley for over 300 years.

You then enter the glacial valley known as the Great Glen and pass under the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain.

After this visual feast of mighty inclines, you arrive in Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. At 23 miles long and over 700ft deep, Loch Ness is the largest loch by volume in Scotland.

You have around one hour and a half here. You can search for the infamous monster on a relaxing boat cruise,* wander around the shores of the loch at your own pace, and grab a bite to eat.

Meals will be at your own expense at various stops throughout the day.

October 25, Friday Day 5:

Another fabulous day out on a private tour with Rabbie’s…this time we will focus on Outlander filming locations. Rest assured though, if you aren’t an Outlander fan…you’re still going to LOVE this tour. I’ve never seen an episode of the show but I’ve been on this tour three times and its incredible!!

“You leave Edinburgh and begin following the trail of film locations featured in the Outlander TV Series. First, we travel to the place that needs no introduction: Midhope Castle, known as Jamie’s lovely home Lallybroch.

We then journey through the charming countryside to Blackness Castle. It’s an impressive fortress that’s known as the ‘ship that never sailed’ because it resembles a giant stone boat. You have time to walk along the ramparts and explore the fictional headquarters of Jack Randall.

The next stop is Linlithgow Palace, otherwise known as Wentworth Prison.

Unfortunately, the palace is undergoing some refurbishment and you can’t explore the interior. But you’re still able to admire the structure and enjoy the surrounding settings.

Heading north, we journey past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument to Doune Castle, or as it’s called in Outlander, Castle Leoch. This formidable building represents home to Colum Mackenzie and his clan in the 18th-century episodes.

Travel back in time once more as your driver guide takes you to Culross. This virtually unchanged 16th-century village overlooks the sea and poses as the fictional town of Cranesmuir.

From there, we head back to Edinburgh, where we arrive in the late afternoon.”

Lunch will be at your own expense at various stops throughout the day.

After our day trip, we’ll go to the Old Chain Pier Restaurant for our Farewell Dinner, where we can exchange stories and pictures from our epic stay in Edinburgh! Dinner and a drink are included with my gratitude to you for letting me show you one of my favorite cities in the world.

October 26, Saturday Day 6:

This morning, we’ll be packing up and heading out of Edinburgh. We’ll be making our way to Waverley Station to start our journey north. We’ll then settle in on the train for a four hour long journey watching the gorgeous countryside go by as we head into the Highlands.

Upon arrival, we’ll drop our luggage off at the hotel and I’ll take you on a walking tour of Inverness before giving you the rest of the evening with plenty of recommendations for dinner and things to do.

October 27, Sunday Day 7:

Today, we’ll be going over the sea to Skye (sorry I couldn’t help myself with another epic tour with Rabbies.)

“After an early start, you leave the city and travel along the Great Glen Fault Line toward Loch Ness. You’ll continue through dramatic Highland scenery to the west coast and Eilean Donan Castle.

The moment you’ve been waiting for, because it’s over the sea and onto the Isle of Skye. You travel up the island’s east coast through the stunning Red Cuillin Mountains to Sligachan, where you stop for a photo of the clear mountain waters.

You’ll explore some of the most famous scenery of the island at the Trotternish

Peninsula. The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing are all unforgettably beautiful.

You venture to Kyleakin for a chance to view the dramatic ruin of Castle Moil or the Skye Bridge and Eilean Ban. Traveling over the bridge, you journey back to Inverness. The route you take back is different from the morning, so you get even more opportunities to enjoy the Highland scenery.

This will be a long but PHENOMENAL day. Meals will be at your own expense at various stops throughout the day.

October 28, Monday Day 8:

Sadly, we will all go our separate ways today (unless you’re coming with me to Ireland ! ) but I can point you in the right direction if you’re going to the airport or back to the train station to go back to Edinburgh and beyond.

Slàinte Mhath (cheers) and safe travels as you head home! Until we meet again!

Included in your small group tour of Scotland

• Airport transfers
• Seven nights in a Premier Inn
• 7 hot breakfasts at the hotel
• 1 entree, a side, and one alcoholic beverage or dessert
• Sharing platters for the table at both restaurants
• 1 afternoon tea
• Edinburgh Castle
• Holyroodhouse Palace
• Any entry tickets needed on day trips
• Loch Ness and Glencoe
• Outlander Filming Locations
• Isle of Skye
• Walking photo tour of Edinburgh
• Walking tour of Inverness
• Hike up to the top of Arthur’s Seat for Sunrise
• Cab back to the hotel after Farewell dinner
• One guide who is a text away if you need her (that’s me!)
• Brighter Things Amenity Kit mailed to you before the trip to make your flight more comfortable
• For example: flying internationally if this is your first time.
• A swag bag waiting for you in your hotel room full of fun stuff.

NOT Included in your small group tour of Scotland:

• Public transportation or cabs used during free time Meals not included:
• Any meal not listed above
• Meals and snacks during day trips
• Meals and snacks purchased at M&S for the train ride
• Entry tickets to places suggested for free time
• Train ticket back to Edinburgh if you choose round trip flights instead of multi-city.

*Subject to change. Updated January 9, 2024

This tour is an activity level 4. Click here for terms, conditions, and cancelation policies.