scotland road trip 4 days

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Ultimate Scotland Road Trip Itinerary: What To See in Scotland in 4 Days

I am going to let you in on a little secret, I grossly underestimated Scotland’s beauty. Like throw away everything you thought you knew about Scotland. This place will truly leave you SPEECHLESS! Whether you are spending a few days here or a few weeks here, this Scotland road trip itinerary will cover some of the best there is to see.

This Scotland road trip itinerary will cover how to make the most of your 4 days in Scotland including hidden gems, the coolest accommodations and spots you simply cannot miss on your Scotland road trip! I’ve got the BEST Scotland road trip itinerary that I can guarantee will make all your Scotland dreams come true!!

Stay until the end, because I have included a printable itinerary to make your travels much easier!

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary (VIDEO)

We were totally blown away by Scotland and loved every minute of our road trip through this beautiful country! We visited in late November, and managed to catch a glimpse of the last remaining fall colors. I can confirm that Scotland is a whole new level of stunning!!! Don’t believe me? Just check out the video below!

@herjoliejourney Visit herjoliejourney.com for full travel guide! #scotlandtravel #scotland #traveldiaries #beautifuldestinations ♬ Simply The Best by Billianne - Billianne

What is the Best Way to Get to Scotland?

Looking to go to Scotland without breaking the bank? No need to swim across the ocean, just hop on a plane! You can choose from three major international airports: Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen. Rumor has it that Glasgow takes the cake for the most nonstop flights from North America, while all three offer a wide range of flights within Europe. Plus, you’ll avoid getting pruney fingers from swimming across the Atlantic.

*We flew in to Edinburgh, and that is where this Scotland road trip guide begins.

How to Rent a Car in Scotland As An American

Driving through the Scottish mountains was unbelievably amazing and definitely a major highlight of our trip! I have to confess driving a car in Scotland as an American can be quite the challenge. But I am sharing some quick tips on how to rent a car in Scotland and what to expect. 

To save you from the chaos of renting a car in the city center, the best place to rent a car is from the airport, even if you aren’t arriving in Scotland by plane.

You’ll need a valid driver’s license that you’ve had for at least a year. Most rental companies will ask for some ID and a credit card for identification. Don’t worry though, if you’ve got an active license back home, you can legally drive on the Scottish roads for up to a year. 

Keep in mind, you will need to get use to driving on the left-hand side of the road and have the steering wheel on the right side of the car. That’s a total reverse from the norm. And I highly suggest splurging for an automatic car. Trust me; it’s worth the investment, especially when driving in unfamiliar territories on the opposite side of the road.

And you can rest assured there are no tolls or pay-bridges in Scotland. 

Need a ride with infinite options? Look no further than this site. With 800+ car providers across 60k locations, it’s my go-to for rental needs. Trust me, I use it every time. Check out the options here . 

How to Use My Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

This guide starts and ends in Edinburgh. I have included details on driving distance and the time recommended at each stop. Keep in mind that the time alloted to drive to each spot is subject to change based on when you visit. You’ll need at least 4 days for this Scotland road trip itinerary and you’ll want to start early. We hit the road by 8 am. Let’s dive in!

*We traveled to Scotland in late November, so our window of daylight was very limited. We managed to cover as much ground as we could, so don’t get discouraged if you are visiting late in the season.

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary In Four Days at a Glance

Day 1: edinburgh, day 2: craigievar castle, braemar and inverness, day 3: isle of skye, day 4: glenfinnan viaduct, trossachs woollen mill and culross, day 1: helping you tackle edinburgh in one day.

Scotland’s capital city is bursting with SO much to see! You won’t be able to conquer it all in just one day, but I’ll give you a sneak peek of the top must-see sights. Trust me, walking around the city beats driving any day — not only do you get to avoid the hassle of parking, but you’ll also get your steps in for the day.

I’m about to help you squeeze every drop out of your day! Check out the exciting lineup of stops I’ve got for you below.

• Circus Lane
• Dean Gardens
• Dean Village
• Princes Street Gardens
• Edinburgh Castle
• Victoria Street
• The Writer's Museum

Keep reading to find some secret stops I have included in the descriptions below!

Explore Edinburgh’s Most Charming Street: Circus Lane

This charming street has everything a fairytale lover could dream of – cobblestone paths, picturesque homes with lush foliage, and enough whimsy to make you feel like you’re walking into a storybook. Bring your camera because you’ll want to snap a shot at every corner. In just 30 minutes, you can escape the city’s hustle and bustle and step into a magical world.

• ESTIMATED TIME: 15 Minutes

BONUS: There is a cute home off of Circus Lane that has steps lined with beautiful potted plants, 33 NW Circus Pl

Look For Hidden Gems in Dean Gardens

Stroll through the fabulous gardens nestled along the Leith waters and discover some hidden gems en route to Dean Village. This scenic path is the ultimate spot for a leisurely walk filled with awe-inspiring views.

• ESTIMATED TIME: 15 minutes

Take a Peek at the Iconic Dean Village

Forget reality, step into a fairytale at Dean Village – where the stone houses will make you feel like you’re dwelling in a storybook. Explore the cobblestone streets and admire the picturesque views; you might even spot a unicorn or two!

And do we even need to mention that enchanting little bridge over the river? Too cute for words! The best part? It’s only a hop, skip, and jump away from the city centre! Whether you’re a local or a tourist, make sure to add Dean Village to your must-see list or you’ll regret missing out on this magical gem! And if you’re in the area on Sunday make sure to visit the Stockbridge Market nearby. 

• ESTIMATED TIME: 30 Minutes

Don’t Miss the Pretty Fountain in Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens is the beating heart of this city and trust me when I say, it’s anything but ordinary. It’s like the Mona Lisa of public parks. Oh, and have you seen Ross Fountain? It’s beyond beautiful – it deserves its own Instagram account. So take my advice, add Princes Street Gardens to your itinerary and prepare to be wowed.

• ESTIMATED TIME: 20 Minutes

Book a Memorable Meal At The Dome

Think Gossip Girl with a sprinkle of Harry Potter, this restaurant screams both luxury and magic. Although enchanting all year round, the Dome is truly magical at Christmas time. Make a reservation in the Georgian tea room in advance, it’s absolutely stunning and the food is divine! The price is reasonable for the quality and quantity.

• ESTIMATED TIME: 1 Hour minimum

See What All the Fuss is About At Edinburgh Castle

I have a confession, I didn’t step foot inside this castle. We had some local friends as our tour guides and we were told by multiple sources it’s not worth the admission price. I had to include it on this list, because it’s both iconic and provides amazing views of the city!

Bonus: Pop into the Witchery if you want to experience an unforgettable dining experience. Reservations are highly encouraged. 

Catch The Best Views of Edinburgh Here: Vennel

Looking for a charming, mysterious and enchanting alleyway in Edinburgh that’ll leave you spellbound? Look no further! It’s hidden away for those who seek adventure, and the best part is the breathtaking view that’s worth every step. Make sure to count your way up and don’t miss out on the beauty that awaits you on the 50th step, where you can catch the most stunning view of Edinburgh castle that’ll knock your socks off! This little alley is not your regular spot and is surely the definition of “hidden gem.”

You can locate this spot through google maps or here .

Bonus: You will find the CUTEST ice cream shop just around the corner from this alleyway. Everything found inside Mary’s Milk Bar is locally made daily and the flavors change both daily and seasonally!

Do Some Shopping At Royal Mile

This cobblestone street was once graced by royalty through Scotland’s history, so it’s no wonder it’s the most famous street in Edinburgh! The mile begins at Edinburgh Castle and ends at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Pop into St. Giles Cathedral and admire all the history found there. 

• ESTIMATED TIME: 1 hour minimum

Catch a Glimpse of Diagon Alley: Victoria Street

Get ready to be charmed by this burst of colors on this street that will undoubtedly steal your heart away! It has a rich history, and to top it all off, it’s connected to Harry Potter films! You won’t be able to handle the cuteness of shops that adorn the street, and did we mention it’s where Diagon Alley got its inspiration? Yup, you read that right! You’ll find loads of Harry Potter themed shops, but the one that takes the cake is Diagon House. Don’t miss out on this magical experience!

If You Have Time Visit The Writer’s Museum

A cute little museum for all you lit fans out there. They’ve got the big guns on display, from Rabbie Burns to Sir Walter Scott to R.L. Stevenson. And let me tell ya, this place has got more old books and manuscripts than you can shake a quill at! If you’re in the market for a brainy adventure, this hidden gem is the real deal. The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. 

• ESTIMATED TIME: whatever time you have left over

Bonus: Additional spots we wish we would have had time to visit in Edinburgh: 

• Calton Hill
• The Elephant House
• Arthur's Seat
• Greyfriars Bobby's Bar

You can find my full Edinburgh Travel Guide here . 

Day 2: Prepare to Explore the Cutest Towns and Castles

As soon as we hopped on that Scotland-bound flight, I could practically feel the adorable spots calling my name. And let me tell you, this road trip was chock-full of cuteness, I almost couldn’t handle it! I mean, seriously, every single place we saw was just downright amazing. I kinda felt like shouting “OMG IS THIS REAL LIFE?!” at every stop, but you know, I didn’t want to freak anyone out. All in all, it was a day to remember and takes this Scotland road trip itinerary to a whole other level!

Although the list may appear small, there is a lot of ground to cover and you will want to start early! 

• Kincardine O'Neil
• Craigievar Castle

Perfect Pit Stop on the Way: Kincardine O’Neil

This cute little town is a true hidden gem and is a perfect little pit stop on the way to the Craigievar Castle! You’ll find some cute shops, a cemetery with graves that date as far back as the 1700’s and a charming little church. We spent about 30 minutes here exploring and picking up some lunch. 

• ESTIMATED TIME: 30 minutes

Discover Scotland’s Pink Castle: Craigievar Castle

This castle is closed for renovations until 2024. Craigievar Castle is said to be the inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella Castle and it is just as dreamy in person as it is in photos! Although not originally pink back in 1576, this cream colored castle has turned pink overtime.

• ESTIMATED TIME: 1 hour

During normal operating hours, the interior of the castle is open to the public from April to October. Sadly, we missed that window visiting in November but we still enjoyed visiting the beautiful grounds! You can book tickets here . 

You Will Not Recover From the Cuteness of Braemar

This little slice of heaven, nestled near the Cairngorms National Park, is easily one of the prettiest villages in all of Scotland.

Its claim to fame? Oh, just the world-famous annual Highland Games, no biggie. You may even catch the Royal Family in attendance. The Highland games take place every first Saturday of September, not to mention the best of the best when it comes to pipe bands, pipers, Highland dancers, and athletes.

Go Hunting for the Loch Ness Monster

Iconic for a reason, and popular since the alleged sighting of a long neck monster in the 6th century Loch Ness has become the most popular Loch in Scotland! You can easily spend an entire day here exploring, but if you explore anything make sure to stop at Urquhart Castle . 

• ESTIMATED TIME: 30 minutes minimum

Get a Good Night Sleep in Inverness

We stumbled in after dark, too exhausted to even contemplate exploring Inverness. Inverness is considered the perfect home base for exploring some seriously stunning Highland scenery. And let’s not forget its array of iconic castles, majestic mountains, and unique wildlife. Trust me, you won’t be bored. Check out this list of things to see and do in Inverness, just in case you need some inspiration.

Day 3: Prepare to Be Blown Away By Isle of Skye

This is the best part of the post, so listen up! Isle of Skye is absolutely MAGICAL and you are going to want to squeeze every last minute out of the day exploring the most stunning area of Scotland! You can also check out my full Isle of Skye travel guide here . 

Scotland’s Celebrity Castle: Eilean Donan Castle

Located just 34 miles east of Isle of Skye and one of the most recognizable castles in Scotland. It has even been featured in several films ! You can explore the grounds for free or pay an admission price to go inside. We wanted to get to Isle of Skye ASAP, so this was a quick pit stop. 

Most Adorable Cafe in Scotland: Manuela’s Wee Bakery

Looking to live out your fairytale fantasies? Look no further than Manuela’s Wee Bakery! This hidden gem, nestled in the shadow of Eilean Donan Castle, is run by a family of German bakers who fell in love with Scotland’s charm (and food!). In 2013, they created a foodie haven that sounds like something straight out of a storybook.

And let me tell you, the baked goods, pizza, and hot chocolate are worth writing home about! Don’t just take my word for it; the rave reviews speak for themselves. Trust me, you don’t want to skip out on this charming bakery.

• ESTIMATED TIME: 20 minutes

First Stop in Isle of Skye: Old Man of Storr

I live for a good photo, which is why I wanted to head here first because it’s one of the most photographed landscapes in the world! You may be wondering how it got its name? The iconic rock pillar found here is said to resemble an old man. 

Here are some tips for Old Man of Storr:

• The hike is 3.8km (2.4mi) and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is rated as medium in difficulty. We spent closer to 2 hours here taking photos and admiring the views.
• We were here in November and the weather was less than ideal, making the hike just a little more difficult with high winds, rain and mud but we still enjoyed it! Don't let rain deter you from going on this hike.
• Parking lot can be found just in front of the trail marker, but it fills up fast in the summer so get here early if you can!

Don’t Miss the Stunning Mealtfalls

The second I laid eyes on this place I went into a state of instant shock, because this waterfall was a dream! It’s a quick pit stop, and when I mean quick I mean we spent about 15 minutes here but it was totally worth the stop!!

This waterfall is definitely a crowd-pleaser and conveniently accessible making it an easy pit stop through Isle of Skye. With a 164-foot plunge and a concrete platform for safety, you can’t deny that this spot is a winner. So, why settle for an average waterfall view when you can savor the breathtaking Mealt Falls?

Isle of Skye’s Most Scenic Route: Quiraing

Another popular spot in Isle of Skye that provides breathtaking views! I have a feeling you’re going to faint when you see this incredible landscape and no amount of photos can do it justice.

There is a parking lot located at the highest part of the single track road ( you are going to want to remember that, because google maps does not take you there ). Follow the single track road all the way up to the top where you will see a parking lot. 

• ESTIMATED TIME: 20 minutes minimum

A 4.2 mile hike can be found here and takes 2 hours to complete with no stops. Given the weather conditions and the time of year we were here we just stopped to enjoy the spectacular views!! 

Wander the Mystical Fairy Glen

A magical little place known for its folk tales about fairies Legend has it fairies are hidden in the crevices of these rocks! It can be challenging to find Fairy Glen, because there are no signs to get to this spot.

IMPORTANT: Google maps will take you to a parking lot that is not conveniently located near Fairy Glen. Instead continue to drive and you will pass a pond on the right. You will want to park right past the pond on the north side. You will find a trail to the right of the pond and it will take you to Fairy Glen. Keep in mind we visited in November and did not have to deal with crowds, so there is a possibility parking will not be an option here if you go during the peak of summer. 

The Colorful Capital of Isle of Skye: Portree

The Isle of Skye may be small in size but it’s big on charm, especially with its major town Portree. This village, born from humble fishing roots over two centuries ago, has got it all – from colorful facades to quirky shops, and oh-so-tasty food joints making it the perfect way to end your day!

Other places we wish we could have visited in Isle of Skye:

• Fairy Pools
• Neist Point Lighthouse
• Armadale Castle
• Dunvegan Castle
• Coral Beach

Day 4: Harry Potter, Highland Cows and Historical Towns

Feeling some type of way now that this trip is coming to a close, but day 4 is filled with some truly amazing spots to wrap up this Scotland road trip itinerary in the best way possible. There is a lot of ground to cover, and the driving time between each stop can be quite lengthy so don’t hit snooze on that alarm and get an early start! 

Home to the Fabled Hogwarts Express: Glenfinnan Viaduct

If you are a fan of Harry Potter you will immediately recognize this spot famous for the Hogwarts Express. Located 100 feet off the ground this train track is still used today. If you are visiting Scotland between April and October you don’t want to miss taking the Jacobite Steam Train through these tracks. Details can be found here . 

Pet Some Highland Cows at Trossachs Woollen Mill

This place was highly recommended by locals in Edinburgh, so we knew we had to check it out for ourselves! If you’re wondering what makes this place so popular, let me introduce you to this cute guy:

That’s right, these cute fuzzy cows can be found here! Highland cows are an iconic symbol of Scotland. Trossachs Woollen Mill lets you feed and interact with three beautiful Highland Cows. You will also find a cute gift shop and restaurant here. 

*IMPORTANT: These cute cows are not found here year round, so make sure to check before you visit!

Roam The Beautiful, Historical Culross

This quiet little seaside town is located 24 miles north of Edinburgh and is the closest thing to a 16th century time capsule dating back to the 1500s. The National Trust for Scotland has poured a lot of resources and effort into restoring and caring for this little village and it shows. 

We made our way back to Edinburgh to catch our flight the following morning, but here are some additional spots we wish we would have had time to visit:

• Castle Stalker
• Drummond Castle and Gardens
• Duntrune Castle
• Benmore Botanic Garden
• Loch Lomond

I hope this Scotland road trip itinerary helps you make the most of your time to see in Scotland in 4 days.

I have included a printable Scotland road trip itinerary below to make your travels much, much easier! Fill out the form below to get this free itinerary delivered straight to your inbox!

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A Perfect Itinerary for 4 Days in Scotland

Categories Scotland , Scotland Itineraries

I spent just 4 days in Scotland on my first trip here.

Table of Contents

While this may sound like a short amount of time, it is often the way when you have limited holidays and want to fit in a visit to other countries in the UK and Europe.

The truth is, you can see and experience a lot with just 4 days in Scotland. And it may be comforting to know that your first trip to Scotland will not be your last.

I am living proof of this- after my first 4 day trip to Scotland I moved to Edinburgh two years later!

This 4 day Scotland itinerary is a replica of my first trip here.

I’ve made some amendments [I know Scotland a whole lot better now] but 80% of this itinerary is where I went and what I did. This itinerary includes a little bit of everything: castles, historic buildings, lochs, street art, a whisky distillery, a drive through the highlands and more!

So if you’re looking for inspiration on what to see in Scotland in 4 days read on for my tried, tested and refined 4 day Scotland itinerary!

>> Read more: The ultimate guide to planning a trip to Scotland

4 days in Scotland: An Itinerary

Where to stay.

For this itinerary you will spend 2 nights in Edinburgh and 2 nights in Glasgow. Here are a few of my accommodation recommendations:

• Budget: Castle Rock Hostel
• Mid-range: The Dunstane Houses
• Bed and breakfast: JustB
• Luxury: The Witchery by the Castle

Glasgow: 

• Budget: Glasgow Youth Hostel
• Mid-range: Ibis Styles George Square
• Luxury: Kimpton – Blytheswood Square Hotel

Day 1: Explore Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh

• Edinburgh Castle
• The Royal Mile
• National Museum of Scotland

After starting your day with a hearty breakfast [you’ll need it] you’ll first head to Edinburgh Castle to explore Scotland’s most famous castle [grab your skip the line ticket here – it’s quicker and cheaper to buy online]. Inside Edinburgh Castle you’ll see pieces of Scotland’s history such as Mons Meg , St Margaret’s Chapel , the Stone of Destiny and the Scottish Crown Jewels .

Afterwards you’ll walk The Royal Mile , which is actually a Scottish mile. There are plenty of touristy shops to satisfy your needs, as well as pubs and restaurants.

Here’s a tip- shops on The Royal Mile are a lot more expensive, so if you want to buy souvenirs I recommend buying them away from here and Princes Street.

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

There is so much to see on The Royal Mile and you’ll find yourself diverting from it to explore closes [narrow residential streets with through access] and side streets.

Make sure you check out Victoria Street , a gorgeous winding street that is located a short detour from The Royal Mile.

After lunch I recommend you spend a couple of hours in my favourite museum, the National Museum of Scotland . Here you’ll have the opportunity to see ancient Pictish carvings , the Cramond Lioness [a rare Roman sculpture that was found in Edinburgh] and the Lewis Chess pieces – one of the best archaeological discoveries in Scotland.

If you still have some time before dinner I recommend walking up Calton Hill for magnificent views on the city.

Read more: The best things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle, in spring!

Where to eat in Edinburgh

For breakfast I recommend The City Cafe.  My favourite lunch spots include Black Medicine  and Black Ivy . There is a fabulous juice bar and cafe on Victoria Street called Hula that I recommend either for lunch or a healthy snack.

For afternoon tea I recommend The Witchery by The Castle or  Mimi’s Bakehouse .

For an atmospheric dinner I recommend The Witchery by The Castle [fine dining- reservations required], the Caley Picture House [a Wetherspoons brand in a huge old picture theatre- cheap food and drinks!] or Howies on Victoria Street.

SCOTLAND RESOURCES ✨ On a budget? Grab my Scotland Bucket List Planner ✨ Organising a big trip? Grab my Ultimate Scotland Planner ✨ Want to tick off all the must-sees? Grab my Must-See Scotland Essential Travel Planners ✨ Have a question about travelling around Scotland? Join my Facebook groups Scotland Travel Tips and Scotland Travel Tips for Locals ✨ Love podcasts? Listen to my Scotland podcast Life in Scotland ✨ Want more Scotland? Join my exclusive Scotland community Secrets of Scotland to unlock bonus content

Day 2: Take a day trip to Falkirk

The Kelpies

• Callendar House

On the second day of your 4 day trip to Scotland, you’ll ride the train from Edinburgh to Falkirk. From here you’ll catch a bus to The Kelpies , the world’s largest equine sculptures. There is a lovely gift shop and a cafe next to the sculptures.

Afterwards you’ll catch the bus again to Callendar House , a mansion in Falkirk set in beautiful grounds with an incredible history. Entry is free and there is a cafe upstairs.

Part of Antonine’s Wall is also located within the grounds. Antonine’s Wall was built after Hadrian’s Wall as a barrier to raiding Caledonian tribes. Ask the people at the information desk to point you in its direction- the wall isn’t actually a wall anymore, but a ditch.

You’ll then catch the bus back to the Falkirk train station, and ride the train back to Edinburgh.

Day 3: Drink whisky and be merry in Glasgow

• Visit a whisky distillery
• See Glasgow street art
• Glasgow Cathedral
• Experience the colourful nightlife in Glasgow

On day three of my 4 day Scotland itinerary you’ll catch the train from Edinburgh to Glasgow Central or Glasgow Queen Street [whichever is closest to your accommodation].

My first visit to Glasgow didn’t go all that well, you can read my post about why I didn’t like Glasgow but why I love it now. I’ve revised my itinerary for this day to show you some of the best parts of Glasgow that I missed on my first visit.

Read More: 50 Travel Tips for Scotland

After dropping your luggage off you’ll then catch a taxi or an Uber to Auchentoshan Distillery for a tour of the single malt whisky distillery. They have a 60 minute tour for just £12, which includes a tasting, or a 90 minute tour with 4 tastings for £35.

You’ll make your way back to the city centre for lunch, and then explore Glasgow on foot. The walk to Glasgow Cathedral takes under 30 minutes, and there is lots of street art to see along the way on the Glasgow City Mural Trail .

You can find a map of the street art here .

After exploring the beautiful cathedral, be sure to go for a wander through the Glasgow Necropolis , an old Victorian cemetery, located just behind the cathedral.

You’ll wander back into the city centre to experience one of my favourite things about Glasgow: it’s vibrant nightlife. Have some dinner and sample a few of the pubs and fantastic cocktail bars the city has to offer. I love Revolution on Mitchell Street  for a meal and cocktails.

Just don’t get too carried away because you’ve got a big day ahead of you tomorrow!

11 secret places in Scotland

How to trave l scotland on a budget, what to pack for a trip to scotland.

Admiring Glasgow Cathedral from the Necropolis

Day 4: Go on a road trip to Glencoe

• Loch Lomond
• Shopping in Luss
• Drive through Glen Coe
• Hike Glencoe Lochan
• Falls of Falloch

On the final day of your 4 days in Scotland you’ll hire a car for a road trip to Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands . Today you’ll get a taste of one of the most dramatic parts of the Scottish Highlands as you drive through Glen Coe !

You’ll pick up your rental car from Glasgow [I recommend hiring a car from Auto Europe ] and drive to Luss , a wee village on the banks of Loch Lomond .

Stretch your legs and take a stroll to admire Scotland’s largest loch; there are also some cute gift shops in Luss where you can pick up unique Scottish gifts.

You’ll continue on, passing The Green Welly Stop in Tyndrum. The Haggis loves pointing out the giant green gumboot painted on the building every time we drive past. It’s a good snack stop!

After you pass through Tyndrum the scenery will begin to open up and you’ll be greeted by mountains and forest.

Before long you’ll spot Buachaille Etive Mòr [commonly called ‘The Buachaille’] which is one of Glen Coe’s most dramatic mountains. Be sure to look out for the iconic ‘ Wee White House ‘ on your left; photographs of this building with the iconic backdrop of Buachaille Etive Mòr grace many biscuit tins and Scotland guidebooks. There is parking so you can pull over to take a snap yourself.

As you continue on you’ll pass The Three Sisters , three beautiful mountain peaks. Pull into the Three Sisters Car Park to take in the three peaks and visualise The Lost Valley nestled between two of the sisters. If you had more time you could hike to the valley, however you’ll continue on to Glencoe village for something to eat.

I recommend having lunch at the Clachaig Inn , one of the best pubs in Scotland , which is nestled in the heart of Glencoe, surrounded by magnificent views of the mountains.

You’ll then have another chance to stretch your legs when you go for a walk around Glencoe Lochan . The lochan is surrounded by peaceful woodland and easy waymarked trails. It was landscaped to look like the Canadian Rockies, and the lochan looks like a miniature Lake Louise!

On your way back to Glasgow I recommend visiting the Falls of Falloch before stopping for dinner at The Drovers Inn , a traditional Scottish hotel with a restaurant and pub that was established in 1705.

The Wee White House in Glen Coe

Did you know that my husband and I provide private driving tours in Scotland? We can take you on this exact tour! We also have a range of itineraries you can choose from our range of itineraries or we can take you wherever you want to go! Visit our website Kiwi and Haggis Tours for more information.

With just 4 days in Scotland you can see plenty; my 4 day Scotland itinerary is a busy one, however on my first trip to Scotland I was keen to experience as much as possible and I had zero regrets.

There is so much more in Scotland to see, but hopefully this gives you a taste and leaves you wanting to come back explore more of this amazing country!

Read more: The Ultimate 10 Day Scotland Itinerary

Have you tried my 4 days in Scotland itinerary? Leave me a comment below- I’d love to hear what you think!

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4 day travel to scotland

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@Indu garg,

Hi Yvette, I would like to take the ferry from Glasgow to Dublin. Thoughts?

4 Day Driving Itinerary For Scotland (+ Lake District Stopover)

If you’re wondering how to see the very best of Scotland in 4 days, then I hope you find plenty of inspiration and advice in this road trip itinerary.

In just 4 days, you’ll see:

• Loch Lomond
• Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Fort Augustus and Loch Ness
• Isle of Skye

Plus, if you’re travelling from the south of England and want to break up the driving a bit, then we’ve also tacked on an additional day to suggest you spend a one-night stopover at the Lake District on the way, on the way back, or both!

That’s how we did our own Scotland road trip a few years ago, but we also learned a lot during that trip too.

This itinerary is a combination of what we experienced and how we’d do things differently now that we’re older and more experienced when it comes to travel and weekend getaways.

Here’s how it looks at-a-glance:

And here’s how the itinerary looks in full…

Day 1 – Southern England to Lake District

Scott and I were very new to the world of road trips when we decided to embark on our mini adventure.

We’d never done a road trip before and this would also be our first time camping together (we were also on a financial budget).

We knew that many hours of driving would have taken its toll on us so we wanted to break up the drive a little bit with a stopover at the Lake District, which was well worth doing!

You could also stopover at the Lake District on the way back if you prefer. Or maybe even both? There’s plenty to see!

Neither of us had been to the Lake District before and yet, we’d heard so many great tales about vast lakes, rolling hills and chocolate box landscapes. Given it was on the way, we thought “Why not?”

And boy, am I glad that we did stop here?! Just take a look at the view we had from our tent!

We set off in the early hours of the morning (6am) so that we could pitch up our tent at Ullswater in the Lake District by lunchtime.

With both of us sharing the driving and neither of us driving for longer than two hours at a time, the drive was actually spectacularly easy.

It was finding the campsite that was the hardest part.

We stayed at Gillside Campsite in Glendridding. It was such a lovely location by the side of Lake Ullswater, but w e must have driven past the entrance sign about four times.

Our GPS had stopped working in the depths of the Cumbrian countryside so we decided to explore on foot and find out where we needed to go.

Next, we found ourselves rumbling along a dirt track before finally reaching the campsite (bang on time for 12 noon).

£20 later, we were investigating the best spot for camping. After all, we hadn’t come all that way to not have a view of the lake when we awoke the next morning.

We found a perfect view of the lake from the tops of a small, grassy slope. In hindsight, we should’ve pitched our tent on a flat patch of grass instead as we kept sliding down our sleeping bag in the night.

But hey… the view from our tent was incredible and worth a bit of a sore neck in the morning!

Exploring Glenridding

Once our tent was ready, we started our hike around Ullswater. The lake is huge, so we only saw a part of it, but the views were unforgettable.

Once we’d finished admiring the views, we walked back towards the campsite in search of some food.

We stumbled across a traditional country pub called the Pooley Bridge Inn where we feasted on thick succulent sausages and cold English beer. We also played some pool together here.

All in all, the first day of our trip was incredible – and we hadn’t even arrived in Scotland yet!

Day 2 – Lake District to Edinburgh

We awoke early the next morning to catch one final glimpse of Ullswater before packing up our tent and making our way up to Scotland.

Edinburgh was our first stop, which took us about three hours to drive to from Ullswater. This relatively short drive meant we could spend the best part of the day exploring the sights of Edinburgh.

It made sense for us to start here because it’s in the southern part of Scotland and enabled us to see (and camp!) at lots of beautiful places as we headed northwest towards the Isle of Skye during the remainder of our trip.

Luckily we had thought ahead and realised our camping skills probably left a lot to be desired. So our one night in Edinburgh was at a locally-run bed and breakfast.

Despite Edinburgh being a large city, our drive through it to get to our accommodation was far more peaceful than either of us was expecting.

There weren’t too many cars around and all the main roads were well signposted. But it was a weekday morning (a Friday) when we drove up to Edinburgh, so that could have been why. A weekend day is likely to have been much busier.

Exploring Edinburgh

We left the car at the B&B and hopped on a tram, which was conveniently located behind the B&B. We found ourselves in Edinburgh’s city centre within about 30 minutes.

The first stop on our list of must-see highlights was Edinburgh Castle . With views across the city and plenty to learn about here, we enjoyed taking a relaxed wander around the castle with a tour guide.

Did you know that the Scottish crown jewels were lost in the castle for over 100 years?

The jewels were locked away in a chest and stored in the castle but had been forgotten about. A group of men, including Sir Walter Scott, set out to recover the jewels in 1818.

This was just one of many interesting facts and stories we heard during our tour of the castle!

Once we’d finished exploring the castle, we walked back through the city centre to go in search of Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park.

Our time in Edinburgh was mostly seen on foot but I have to confess that it’s quite a trek to Holyrood Park from the centre of Edinburgh. It took us about an hour to walk it.

A hike to Arthur’s Seat is also not for the faint-hearted as you have to climb a very steep hill.

But if you are able to climb to the top, then the views across the city are well worth it!

Our final stop before heading back to our B&B was to eat some traditional Scottish food . We ate at The White Hart Inn , which is supposedly the oldest pub in Edinburgh (it was established in 1516).

Once our feet started to ache from all of the walking we’d done, we decided to call it a night. We had to be up early again the next day to head to Loch Lomond, Glenfinnan and Loch Ness.

RELATED: Through The Eyes Of A Local: E dinburgh, Scotland

Day 3 – Edinburgh to Fort Augustus (Via Loch Lomond, Glencoe and Glenfinnan)

Scotland is a country made for road trips . Many of the popular locations are all perfectly dotted around the map, making road trips like this one super easy!

Stop 1: Loch Lomond

We drove from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond in just a couple of hours and enjoyed canoeing on the lake.

At the time, there was a little business by the side of the lake renting out canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. It also looked like a gorgeous place to go hiking!

As it was fairly early in the morning, we stopped off for some breakfast at Cafe Zest . It’s inside the Loch Lomond Shores shopping mall, which overlooks the southern part of the lake.

While we were here, Scott thought it would be a good idea to buy some scones and little pots of clotted cream and jam for later.

We’d be at Glenfinnan Viaduct (roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes away) at about lunchtime, so his idea was for us to tuck into scones while the Harry Potter train chugged past.

Oh, how very British of us ! I may just have fallen a little bit more in love with him right there and then.

Stop 2: Glencoe

You’ll likely pass through Glencoe en route, which is a prime spot for hiking should you have time.

Alternatively, Glencoe is also chock-full of sublime vistas and photo opportunities where you can pull up in a layby and do a little bit of exploring.

As we didn’t want to miss seeing the train at Glenfinnan, we just stopped off a few times en route to admire the views.

Stop 3: Glenfinnan Viaduct

Glenfinnan Viaduct is about an hour’s drive from Glencoe. If you want to spot the train crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct then you’ll need to calculate the time in advance.

We’d spent some time researching before our trip and had worked out that arriving in Glenfinnan for about 2pm would give us a bit of time to find a good spot for photos and patiently anticipate the arrival of the infamous train , which was due to go past at about 3pm.

This was just our experience!

The train times may well have changed by then, so take a look at the up-to-date ones here .

We parked at the visitor centre ( National Trust members can park for free! ), then we had a little look around inside before heading up a small slope by the side of the visitor centre. This was a great spot for seeing the train and the incredible views behind us!

Right on time, we could hear the chugging of the steam train and suddenly the clicking of dozens of cameras going off around us. Just one more corner stood between us and the train and our excitement was bursting at the seams. Gasp! There it is!

For other Harry Potter lovers out there, this is a must-see. The films are really brought to life for you at that moment.

Now add in a couple of scones to the mix and you will be a very happy person indeed!

RELATED: Harry Potter Filming Locations & Magical Things To Do

Stop 4: Fort Augustus & Loch Ness

Once we’d finished taking photos of the train and had eaten the last of our scones, it was time to get back on the road and set up camp at Fort Augustus near the southern part of infamous Loch Ness.

We stayed on a lovely little campsite, which sadly, looks like it’s closed down since our trip.

However, there are plenty more hotels, B&Bs and campsites in this area. Take a look at a few of your options here.

While staying here, we saw part of the lake. But we also got the opportunity to drive past it the next day, while en route to the Isle of Skye.

Of course, you could spend longer here if you wish.

Days 4 & 5 – Isle of Skye

Although it’s possible for you to drive around the Isle of Skye in just one day, we’d recommend spending two days here.

Not only is there so much beautiful countryside and views to admire, but there are also historic sights to discover.

The island’s largest town is called Portree and it makes for an excellent base for sightseeing around the island.

There’s a lovely viewpoint and some old castle ruins in Duntulm, which is roughly 40 minutes north of Portree. So definitely add that to your list of things to do!

Otherwise, you’ll likely want to spend as much time as possible outside; simply walking and taking in the views.

Looking for accommodation in Portree? You might like one of these hotels >>

Are you ready for a Scotland road trip?

We hope you’ve found this 4 day driving itinerary for Scotland helpful and inspiring.

After staying on the Isle of Skye, you’ll likely have a long drive back, so you might want to do another stopover in the Lake District.

Alternatively, you could also just do one day on the Isle of Skye and save the fifth day for a stopover.

Either way, you would’ve seen some of Scotland’s most famous and beautiful sights (plus a few bonuses!)

So, tell us, where are you most excited to see first? Let us know in the comments below…

Did you find this 4 day Scotland driving itinerary helpful or inspiring? Share it with a friend!

Justine Jenkins

Justine is one half of the married couple behind the Wanderers of the World travel blog. She lives in Bristol, UK and has travelled extensively within Europe and beyond since 2013. After her trips, she shares detailed travel itineraries, helpful travel guides and inspiring blog posts about the places she's been to. When she's not travelling overseas, you'll find her joining her husband, Scott on various day trips, weekend getaways and walks within the UK, which she also writes about on Wanderers of the World. Aside from travelling and writing, she also loves reading, crafting and learning about nature.

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You saw the train at Glenfinnan!! We didn’t research properly so we only saw the bridge lol. Great road trip and wish we had enough time to see the Isle of Skye.

We sure did!! Ha, yeah you have to look at train times ahead of time or you miss it, seeing as it only goes past a couple of times per day!!

I hope you’ll get to see Isle of Skye one day as it really is beautiful!

I sooo want to do this in Summer. I have been to Glasgow and Edinburgh few years back but we were mainly visiting attractions in the city. But your amazing pics got me all inspired to go to the green hills and blue waters?

Do it, do it, do it!! It is seriously beautiful up in the Scottish countryside – so beautiful in fact that you’re best seeing it yourself!! I hope you will soon! 🙂

Love your pictures!!! I think road is definitely the best way to explore. There’s so many little out of the way places that are amazing and you just need a car to get to them! Great suggestions 🙂

Thanks so much, glad you like them! I absolutely agree! I’m not a huge fan of driving but I definitely agree that there are so many hidden places to find when exploring by car/road. I’m actually off to Iceland soon and will be renting a car there… hope to see a lot! 🙂

Great post!! I’ve never been in Scotland (or UK), but I will come one day. My hubby started recently “talking” with no reason about Scotland LOL Road trips are definitely the best way to explore any country! I would be afraid tough to drive on the left side?

I really do hope you will be able to visit the UK soon Christie – there is so much beauty here! Yes, okay so I might be a little biased as it’s my home country… but only a little! 😉

I totally agree! I love a road trip and with smaller countries, you can see so much and go to some many places in a short space of time.

Ha! We recently drove across Iceland – we were terrified at the prospect of driving on the right side… but with quiet roads, an automatic car and many, MANY reminders to ourselves to drive on the right side, it turned out perfectly! 🙂

4-5 days in Scotland: recommended itinerary + my best tips

The ultimate 4-5 days scotland itinerary + where to stay.

You’re planning to spend 4 or 5 days in Scotland ? You’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared for you this 4-5 days Scotland itinerary. You will start by visiting Edinburgh , the capital, and then will go on a road trip in the Highlands .

For each stage of your trip, in addition to the best things to do , I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget . You will see, planning your itinerary will be super easy!

So, how to spend a 4 or 5 days in Scotland? Where to stay?

1) Edinburgh (2 days)

Where to stay in edinburgh, 2) the highlands ( 2 days ), where to stay in the highlands (fort william).

• 3) Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (1 day)

Traveling to Scotland: flight prices

Scotland tours: 4-5 days.

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

4-5 days in Scotland: the best itinerary

Let’s start your 4-5 day trip to Scotland with a visit to Edinburgh, the capital.

To visit Edinburgh in 2 days , the best is to devote one day to each part of the city.

• On your first day , you will visit Old Town , the medieval part of the city
• On your second day , you will discover New Town , the contemporary part of Edinburgh.

Old Town , the historic center of Edinburgh, stretches mainly around the Royal Mile : this famous streets runs from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

You can start by visiting the city’s iconic landmark, Edinburgh Castle . It stands at the top of an ancient volcano and dominates the town.

As it’s the most touristic monument in Scotland, you should really book your tickets in advance here. It will save you a lot of time!

Let’s face it: during your short 4 or 5 days stay in Scotland, it’s better to spend your time visiting rather than queuing for hours to get an entrance ticket 😅.

During your visit, you will be able to discover both the inside and outside of the castle.

The famous Crown Jewels , the War Museum and the beautiful gardens are a must see. From the castle grounds, you will also be able to enjoy one of the best views of Edinburgh .

After your visit to the castle, you can head to one of the oldest tourist attractions of Edinburgh: the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions .

This original and unusual museum is a great place to visit if you’re traveling with your family. There, you will discover numerous optical illusions as well as a 360° animated panorama of the city.

You can find more information about the Camera Obscura on the official website. To avoid queuing at the entrance, you should also buy your tickets in advance by clicking here.

On the way out, continue down the Royal Mile, wander in the alleys of the old town and admire the medieval architecture.

Here are the main monuments to see on the Royal Mile of Edinburgh:

• The Saint Gilles Cathedral , the oldest Gothic religious building in the city
• Canongate Kirk , a quiet small church
• The Real Mary King’s Close , to visit the underground streets and houses
• Dunbar’s Close Garden , a small, quiet and charming garden
• White Horse Close , a picturesque group of houses
• Scottish Parliament House , the seat of the Scottish Parliament

If you love history and want to learn more about Edinburgh , you should definitely visit the 2 following museums:

• The Museum of Edinburgh
• “The people’s Story” Museum: This interesting museum will allow you to learn more about the working-class people of Edinburgh from the 18th century to the present day.

They are both located near the Royal Mile and are free of charge .

After all these visits, you will deserve a sweet break 😄.

You can for example go to Clarinda’s Tearoom , one of the best tea rooms in the city: British atmosphere guaranteed with flower tablecloths and porcelain dishes! Address : 69 Canongate Street, almost at the end of the Royal Mile.

It’s now time to visit the city’s second most popular tourist attraction: The Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Once the residence of Mary Stuart and now one of the queen’s second home, you will for sure love discovering its art galleries, state apartments, gardens , and the abbey ruins.

Here also, the best way to save time is to buy your tickets for the palace in advance by clicking here.

At the end of your visit, you can climb up Arthur’s Seat hill located nearby . The view over Edinburgh from the top of this ancient volcano is breathtaking!

At nightfall, to end this first day in Edinburgh with a typically Scottish visit, you can go Greyfriars cemetery. It’s reputed to be one of the most haunted in the world!

To get there, the best is to join one of the guided tours organized every evening. It needs to be booked here.

If you want to learn everything about Edinburgh’s Old Town , the best is to opt for a guided tour.

During your tour, you will have the chance to learn more about the city’s historical sites such as the Castle, The Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Parliament.

This guided tour of Edinburgh can be booked directly here:

For the second day of your 4-5 day itinerary in Scotland , you will discover New Town , the contemporary part of the city.

This district organized around 3 main streets (Princes Street, Queen Street and Georges Street) is characterized by large squares and typical Georgian architecture .

Here are the best places to see in New Town, Edinburgh:

• Princes Street Garden: stroll through the alleys and enjoy the beautiful views over the medieval city.
• Charlotte Square, where the official residence of the Prime Minister is located.
• Calton Hill: from the hill, you can enjoy a panoramic view over the historic center (Old Town) up to the sea.
• The Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery , 2 free museums, perfect if you’re an art lover!
• Dean Village, a former milling village. You can reach it in 15 minutes on foot from the center of Edinburgh.
• The Royal Botanical Gardens, among the most beautiful in the world.

At the end of the day , if you’re up for more ghost stories and haunted places after visiting Greyfriars Cemetery, you should go on a Ghost Tour . Hop on a black double-decker bus and tour the the creepiest places of the city, where torture and executions took place. It needs to be booked here!

To learn more about the best things to do in Edinburgh, you should read my detailed article: Edinburgh: the definitve guide.

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

For the second part of your 4 or 5 days trip to Scotland, you will spend 2 days to visit the Highlands.

For this road trip, you will need to rent a car (unless you came to Scotland with your own of course!). Personally, I always use Rentalcars.com website , for several reasons:

• You can easily compare all the car rental agencies prices at a given location
• You can get their “full protection” insurance. It’s the best way to be fully refunded in case of an accident or theft. Tested and approved, they have already refunded me more than 1300 euros!
• You can modify or cancel your booking free of charge.

If you know your travel dates, your should really compare the rates and rent your car as soon as possible. It’s the best way to get the best price (car rental prices only go up with time).

Voyage Tips - Advice If you don’t want to rent a car, the other solution is to opt for day trips from Edinburgh.

The big advantage is that you won’t have to take care of anything! Your guide and driver will take care of everything 😊.

To make it even easier for you, I have selected the best day trips from Edinburgh. Simply click on the orange links below to book them and for more information:

• From Edinburgh – Loch Ness, Glen Coe and Highlands: spend the day in the countryside to admire the scenery of Loch Ness and the Highlands. A Loch Ness cruise is also included!
• Edinburgh – Visit Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and Stirling Castle: Visit Stirling, pass by Doune Castle, walk through the Trossachs Park and finish the day with a cruise on Loch Lomond.
• From Edinburgh – 1 day tour of the Highlands, Stirling Castle and whisky: a day trip by minibus with a visit to Stirling, a tour of the Trossachs Park and a visit to a whisky distillery, including of course a whisky tasting. If you are not a whisky lover, you can choose to visit Doune Castle instead.
• Highlands tour with the Hogwarts Express train! – The best tour for Harry Potter fans 😉
• Excursion to discover the lakes and castles of Scotland: visit in small groups (maximum 16 persons) of Doune castle and Argyl castle, stop in front of Stirling and Kilchurn castle. You will also pass by Callander, Loch Luibnaig, Loch Fyne and Loch Lomond.
• From Edinburgh – St Andrew’s and the fishing village of Fife: visit the historic and picturesque villages of the kingdom of Fife and the medieval town of St Andrews where Scotland’s oldest university is located. Discover Falkland, one of the most beautiful villages in the country.
• From Edinburgh – Outlander-themed excursion: visit the filming locations of the Outlander TV show, adapted from the novels written by Diana Gabaldon.
• From Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel and Scottish Borders: day trip to discover the Rosslyn Chapel (a filming location of The Da Vinci Code movie) and the remarkable Melrose Abbey founded by the Cistercians.

If you have chosen the road trip option:

Once you have picked up your car, head for Glencoe , about 3 hours drive from Edinburgh .

The village is the starting point for many hikes in the Highlands. There are hikes available for everyone, so you can just choose the one that suits you the best depending on its length and difficulty.

The easiest are the Lochan Trails: these short forest walks take about 1 hour to complete.

If you’re up for a longer hike, the Pap of Glencoe , is clearly the best choice! This 4 hours round trip hike will take you to the top of the mountain of the same name. The view from the summit is just superb!

And if you’re looking for something in between, the Lost valley hike is quite nice too. It takes around 3 hours round trip.

When you will arrive, you should ask at Glencoe Visitor Centre for more information about the various hiking trails available.

Spend the night towards Fort Williams, 25 minutes from Glencoe.

On the next day, you will go to one of Scotland’s most famous places: the Loch Ness!

The Loch (the second largest in the country) is located between Inverness and Fort Augustus , an hour and a half drive from Fort William.

In the morning, you will thus head to Fort Augustus, the starting point of Loch Ness cruises.

During your cruise, you can try to catch a glimpse of Nessie, the famous monster!

After the boat trip and a good lunch break, head to the village of Drumnadrochit (40 minutes by car). Here, you can visit Urquhart Castle , a medieval castle built on the banks of the Loch.

To combine the 2 best things to do at Loch Ness (the cruise and the visit to Urquhart Castle), you should opt for a combined tour: it’s only €25 per person! It includes a 1 hour boat trip on Loch Ness and the visit to the castle. You need to book it in advance here.

If you’re not too tired and have some time left, you can then go to Inverness , the capital of the Highlands. Its castle is worth a visit.

On your way back, you can make a stop in Dores , a cute village offering a beautiful view of Loch Ness.

Return to Fort William for a second night in the Highlands.

For more information about the Highlands, you should read my detailed article: The 20 best things to do in the Highlands

Here is another option for your second day in the Highlands:

Instead of going to Loch Ness, you can go to Glenfinnan , 30 minutes from Fort William. The place is especially famous for it 21 arch viaduct that has been featured in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” movie!

Every morning around 10:30 and in the afternoon around 15:00 , you can see the Jacobite Express steam train (Hogwarts Express’s real name) passing by. A great moment for all Harry Potter fans 😄.

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

3) Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (1 day )

That’s already the fifth day of your 4 or 5 day Scotland tour!

Today you will have to think about getting closer to Edinburgh. The best is thus to go to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park . Both the national park and the Loch are the largest in the country.

The place is really beautiful, and you will probably see a few sheeps during this day!

On your way through Trossachs Park, you’ll first reach Tarbet (1 hour 40 minutes from Fort William), where you can take a cruise on loch Lomond.

Then continue to Luss (southwards), a village known for its view of the Loch, and pass through Balloch . It is a 15 minute drive between the two.

In the afternoon , you should really hike to the top of Conic Hill (about 3 hours round trip). It offers panoramic views over Loch Lomond and the entire east coast, it’s really superb!

Before heading back to Edinburgh, pass by Doune Castle , and don’t forget to make a stop to visit Stirling Castle , one of the largest in Scotland. You should buy your skip the line tickets here.

From Stirling you will still have to drive for around 1h to reach Edinburgh.

If you’re planning only 4 days in Scotland , you can spend 1 day in the Highlands instead of 2.

Or, if you don’t want to drive so much , you can also spend 2 full days at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park , and don’t go to the Highlands.

In addition to the cruise and the Conic Hill hike I talked about, there are many others hikes to do there, so you will for sure find something to do! The advantage is that Loch Lomond is only 1h45 from Edinburgh, whereas the Highlands are 3 hours away from the capital.

As I suggested a bit earlier in this guide, you can also stay in Edinburgh for the 4 days and do day trips. The list of the best ones is just here (click here)

Flights prices to Scotland vary widely, so it is a good idea to compare them as soon as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner . It’s the best way to pay the best price!

If you need help to plan your 4-5 day itinerary in Scotland , don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located below.

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

However, if you prefer to book a 4-5 day Scotland tour with a travel agency , I recommend you to check the 10 best Scotland tours by clicking the button below:

Scotland travel Guides

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

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

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

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

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

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4 Days in Scotland Itinerary: Castles, mountains & mythical creatures

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Desperate to visit Scotland but completely lost on where to start? Check out our 4 days in Scotland itinerary, with multiple options to help you plan your trip. 

Scotland is known as a country of rolling hills and breathtaking landscapes. From the rugged highlands to the picturesque lochs, Scotland is a country of beauty and adventure. When visiting this country, you can explore its vast array of historical sites, take in its majestic scenery, and sample delicious whisky at the distilleries.

Use this thought-out Scotland itinerary 4 days (or one of the extra options) to help you plan your own trip to this charming country. 

4 Days in Scotland Itinerary: At a glance

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The main attraction in this gem of a country in the United Kingdom is the many castles located throughout the country. From Edinburgh to Stirling, there are plenty of opportunities to take in their history and stunning architecture. 

Scotland is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with an abundance of activities on offer. These include sailing on lochs like Loch Lomond or climbing Ben Nevis – Britain’s highest peak.

The country offers ample possibilities, from exploring world-class museums, hiking through stunning glens, or visiting some iconic whiskey distilleries. 

Can you do this all in 4 days? Probably not. But here’s a quick look at how you can fit in as many of the highlights as possible. 

• Day 1 of 4 days in Scotland itinerary : Spend your first day exploring attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland in Old Town. In the evening, visit some of Edinburgh’s many pubs for live music and drinks. 
• Day 2 of 4 days in Scotland itinerary : Spend the morning taking a guided tour of Loch Ness and other stunning sites within the Scottish Highlands. End your day at Fort William for dinner and an overnight stay. 
• Day 3 of 4 days in Scotland itinerary : Explore some of Glasgow’s top attractions. Get a taste of traditional Scottish food with dinner at one of the local restaurants or pubs in Glasgow. 
• Day 4 of 4 days in Scotland itinerary : Take a short drive or train ride from Glasgow to Stirling before heading back to Edinburgh to catch your flight home.

Getting to Scotland

The best way to get to Scotland depends on your location and budget.

If you’re coming from the United States, your most cost-effective option is flying into Edinburgh or Glasgow International Airport. It is possible to find good flight prices in the off-season, or you can sign up for Wayaway for a cashback.

From the airport, you can either pick up a car rental or book an airport transfer here . 

You can also take a ferry from Northern Ireland’s ports of Larne or Belfast to Cairnryan in Scotland. 

If you’re traveling from Europe , then you have a variety of options, including trains, buses, and flights. Train services run from London, Paris, and Amsterdam directly into Scotland and take around 6-8 hours. 

Buses are also available from various European cities, with the duration of travel ranging between 10-14 hours.

Where to stay in Scotland? 

Scotland offers a variety of accommodation options for travelers, including hotels, B&Bs, self-catering apartments and cottages, hostels, and camping sites. 

Hotels can be found in all major cities and towns throughout Scotland, with some of the most popular being located in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Here are our top hotel picks:

• Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge (Edinburgh): Affordable luxury in the heart of the city with spacious rooms, a cool lobby, and close to tourist attractions. Book your stay at the Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge
• Sherbrooke Castle Hotel (Glasgow): This is a 4-star hotel in Glasglow offering free Scottish breakfast and cozy nice rooms for your stay. Check room prices and availability here

For a more local experience staying in a B&B or self-catering accommodation can be especially enjoyable, allowing you to get to know the locals while having all the comforts of home. Camping sites are also popular with travelers looking for a more rustic experience when on a road trip!

Perfectly planned Scotland itinerary for 4 days: Road trip option

Even though most of the itinerary below can be done using public transport, it’s a whole other experience to do it in your own car (or a rented one). Driving yourself means you have full control over your schedule.

Reserve your vehicle early, to save money on car rental prices.

Reserve Car Rental: Prepare Ahead

If you need a car rental, we recommend comparing and checking prices on Discovercars.com to book yours.

Day 1 of your 4-day Scotland itinerary: Discover the capital city

You’ll most likely fly into Edinburgh International Airport, so starting your itinerary here is an obvious choice. There are quite a few important Scottish landmarks and attractions in the capital city, so be ready for a full day in Edinburgh. Here is our one day in Edinburgh itinerary.

Visit Edinburgh Castle 

Situated on a majestic volcanic rock, this castle can be seen from all over the city and serves as a prominent reminder of its history. 

Edinburgh Castle has a rich and varied past, having served as a royal residence since the twelfth century. It also held army barracks during the warring years and is now one of Scotland’s most important tourist attractions.

As you walk along Princes Street to approach the main entrance of Edinburgh Castle, you’ll notice its dominant presence in the skyline above you. Once you’re on the castle grounds, take time to marvel at its majestic walls and turrets that have overlooked Edinburgh for centuries. 

Tip: Take a guided tour to save time and energy.

Take a stroll down The Royal Mile

One of the oldest streets in Edinburgh, the Royal Mile runs from Edinburgh Castle at one end to Holyrood Palace at the other, connecting many of the city’s most important landmarks.

Along its cobbled length are iconic buildings, shops, and restaurants, as well as vibrant pubs and bars. 

Edinburgh castle is on one end of this street, and your next stop, Holyrood Palace, is on the other. 

Enjoy a guided tour of Holyrood Palace 

Holyrood Palace served as the home of the British monarchs in Scotland for centuries and is now open to the public. The palace features various state rooms and galleries with stunning décor and furniture, including works by artists such as Rembrandt and Rubens. 

A guided tour of the palace allows you to learn more about its history and get an insight into the life of royalty from centuries ago.

Check out Arthur’s Seat 

Take in panoramic views of Edinburgh from this ancient volcanic peak in Holyrood Park. The hill can be seen from miles away. Of course, the best way to take in this breathtaking view is to hike up to its peak. 

The route can be quite steep and challenging at times, but it is worth it for the panoramic scenery that awaits you at the top. 

Explore Greyfriars Kirkyard 

Take in more than 400 years’ worth of history with a visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard, said to be one of Scotland’s most haunted places!

This graveyard is home to some of the most important figures in Scotland’s history, including George Heriot – founder of Heriot’s School, and James Gray – author of the popular children’s book ‘Greyfriars Bobby.’

Stop by Calton Hill 

Get sweeping views of Edinburgh’s skyline from this iconic hilltop park located near Waverley Station. This historic landmark was once home to the Scottish Parliament and is now a great place to take in views of the city. Especially for a sunset. 

From this position, you should be able to spot Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Palace, and even Salisbury Crags. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the Firth of Forth.

Day 2 of your 4-day Scotland itinerary: Keep an eye out For Nessie in the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish highlands are a breathtakingly beautiful region of Scotland known for their majestic mountains, deep-blue lochs, and lush green glens. Getting to the Highlands is about a 3.5-hour drive from Edinburgh, with gorgeous little towns and rolling hills along the way. 

See the mystical Loch Ness from Fort Augustus

If you don’t see Loch Ness, did you even visit Scotland? Possibly, but we wouldn’t suggest you leave this off your Scotland itinerary. 

While the lake is notoriously known for its mysterious inhabitant, the Loch Ness monster, it is also home to some of Scotland’s most breathtaking views and stunning countryside. 

Tip: Book a Loch Ness cruise to see the surrounding area from the waters. 

Walk the ​​Allt na Criche Trail

The Allt na Criche walk in Scotland is an incredible experience for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. 

Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, this gorgeous mountain trail provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, from rolling hills and lush valleys to rugged peaks and crystal-clear lochs. 

Take a moment at ​​Invergarry Castle

Jumping in the car again, drive toward the banks of Loch Oich. Invergarry Castle is a historical castle built in 1602. It’s been left to weather the elements on its own and is now a shell of the opulent building it once was. 

Parking a little away from the castle, you can walk the short trail to where the ruins stand against the stunning background of Loch Oich.

Stop for a stretch in ​​Laggan Locks

This small village is an ideal lunch stop on your way through the Highlands. There’s a small cafe to refuel at and an array of fantastic walking trails to stretch those legs.

See the Laggan Parish Church and take some time to admire the locks themselves. 

Taste whiskey at Ben Nevis Distillery in Fort William

Located at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis Distillery offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional whisky-making process. From stills to barrels to bottling, each step of the whisky-making process can be viewed and explored by visitors. 

A guided tour will take you through the entire distilling process and explain exactly how whisky is made. 

Discover West Highland Museum

Visiting the West Highland Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon. The museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits that bring history to life. 

All while providing visitors with an in-depth look into the culture and history of this beautiful region of Scotland. 

Day 3 of your 4-day Scotland itinerary: Soak in the true Scotland feel in Glasgow

Driving from Fort Williams, you’ll reach Glasgow in about 2 hours and 50 minutes. Again, the drive is so magnificent that this will seem like a much shorter trip. 

Admire Glasgow Cathedral

Start off your day at Glasgow Cathedral, located just across the Clyde River from Kelvingrove. Enjoy exploring this historic landmark with its stained glass windows and beautiful architecture.

The exterior of the cathedral features traditional Gothic architecture: pointed arches, ribbed vaulting, flying buttresses, and two tall spires that rise above the building’s roofline. 

Inside, you’ll find a variety of stained glass windows depicting saints’ lives and other religious stories, along with an elaborate pulpit and carved stone sculptures. 

Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Head over to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It is a popular attraction in Glasgow and one of the most visited museums in Scotland. It’s also completely free to visit. 

Spend time exploring the permanent collection and visiting one of their temporary exhibitions. Make sure to take a stroll through the nearby Kelvin Grove Park. 

Take a breather at Glasgow Botanical Gardens

Glasgow Botanical Gardens is a beautiful park located in the heart of Glasgow, Scotland. The gardens are home to a variety of plants and flowers from around the world and feature some of Scotland’s most iconic species. 

Here, you can stroll through the gardens while taking in the fresh air and sights of the city. The grounds are also home to an array of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, ducks, and even frogs.

Browse The Riverside Museum

Glasgow Riverside Museum celebrates the city’s rich history and culture. The museum features interactive exhibits and displays about the area’s maritime history, science and technology, transport, local industry, and more. 

Explore stories from the city’s past through multimedia presentations, hands-on activities, and evocative displays. 

Learn more about whiskey at Clydeside Distillery

Visiting the Clydeside Distillery is a must for any whisky enthusiast. Located in Glasgow, Scotland, the distillery offers an immersive experience of the whisky-making process from start to finish. 

From grain selection to mashing and fermentation, you’ll get a close-up view of how truly special Scotch whisky is made.

The knowledgeable guides provide detailed information on how each step of the whisky-making process works and why it’s so important. You can even purchase bottles straight from the stills. 

Day 4 of your 4-day Scotland itinerary: Dive into the history of Stirling before heading home

Stirling is just under an hour from Glasgow and a little over an hour to Edinburgh, so it’s a great bonus stop before you leave. The city’s history dates back to the 11th century when King Malcolm III built a castle on its site. 

Today, Stirling remains one of Scotland’s most enchanting locations, boasting a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy. 

Stirling Castle

Start your day off with a visit to Stirling Castle, the largest and most impressive of Scotland’s renaissance castles. Take a self-guided tour of the castle to explore its rich history and stunning architecture. 

Afterward, you can stop by the Church of the Holy Rude for a look at the church where King James VI was crowned in 1567.

Doune Castle

Spend the afternoon at Doune Castle, which was used as Winterfell in Game of Thrones and Monty Python’s Holy Grail. Explore the grounds and admire the 14th-century architecture before heading back into town. 

Baker Street

Take a stroll down Stirling’s main street, Baker Street, to get a feel for traditional Scottish life. 

Then enjoy great food. Have dinner at one of the many pubs or restaurants along the way before making your way back to your accommodations for some much-needed rest after an exciting day exploring Stirling!

Scotland Itinerary Option 2: Scottish Highlands Itinerary (With Isle of Skye)

This second Scotland itinerary option focuses more on the stunning wilderness that Scotland has. It can also be done as a fun Scotland road trip, but Harry Potter fans may opt to rather book most of the trip on the Hogwarts Express (AKA Jacobite Steam Train) . 

Day 1: Visit Inverness

Spend your first day in the Highlands shopping in Inverness, enjoying delicious local cuisine, or exploring more of the historic sites that surround Loch Ness. 

Be sure not to miss Inverness Castle. This is a good start since you can take the train from Edinburgh to Inverness in about four hours.

Day 2: See Isle of Skye

A two-and-a-half-hour drive from Inverness will see you arriving on the Isle of Skye. Explore dramatic coastlines, wander through rugged landscapes, and take in the beautiful views of magical Quiraing. 

Day 3: Find The Loch Ness Monster

Take a boat trip from Kyleakin on the Isle of Skye to Plockton and explore the Cullin Mountains before heading out to explore Loch Ness.

Spend the day searching for Nessie, or visit one of the many monster-themed attractions like the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. 

Day 4: Discover The Wonders at Cairngorms National Park

On your last day, head to Cairngorms National Park and explore its stunning landscapes.

Visit some of Scotland’s most iconic mountain peaks like Ben Nevis and Lochnagar, or soak up some culture at a local whisky distillery. 

Scotland Itinerary Option 3: Day Tour or City Day Trips From Edinburgh

Another great way to see Scotland in 4 days is by staying in Edinburgh for the entire trip and organizing a day trip on each day. You can get to most of the best Scottish towns and cities within just a couple of hours. 

Day 1: Start The Day With a Visit to Edinburgh Castle

Take a guided tour and learn about Scotland’s history. Check off the famous castle and beyond. 

Afterward, enjoy a leisurely walk through the Royal Mile, an iconic street lined with cobblestone streets and historic sites. 

Visit the Grassmarket and sample some delicious Scottish dishes for lunch. Then stroll up Calton Hill for incredible views of the city below. 

End the day by exploring Edinburgh’s unique underground Vaults.  

Day 2: Drive out to Stirling to explore two of Scotland’s most famous Castles – Stirling Castle and Doune Castle

Enjoy lunch at one of Stirling’s many cafes or restaurants and take in some of its traditional architecture along the way. 

Return back to Edinburgh for dinner before heading off for an evening ghost tour around town.

Day 3: Head North to Inverness 

Next morning, spend some time viewing the loch from Urquhart Castle, followed by a cruise on the loch itself with breathtaking views of the surrounding Highlands hillsides. 

Enjoy lunch at one of Inverness’ many pubs before driving back south towards Edinburgh in time for dinner in the city center. 

Day 4: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park 

Start at Loch Lomond, which is the largest expanse of freshwater in Great Britain.

Here you can enjoy stunning views of mountains, forests, and lochs. You can also take part in activities such as hiking or water sports like kayaking or canoeing. 

Afterward, head over to The Trossachs National Park, where you can wander through ancient woodlands dotted with lochs and beaches. Keep an eye out for red deer and other wildlife that inhabit the area.

4-Day Scotland Itinerary Map

Scotland Tours

If you do not wish to do a lot of planning and driving for your 4 day Scotland itinerary, then consider joining one of the small group tour companies to make the most of your visit.

3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour:

This 3 day Highlands tour is perfect to add to your overall Scotland itinerary 4 days. As part of the excursion you will get 

• Round-trip transportation (accommodation charges are extra)
• Popular tourist attractions on this guided tour include the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Ness, Glencoe, and The Highlands
• Plus you get to appreciate the stunning scenery while relaxing in a comfortable minivan
• You can also check out filming locations used in James Bond, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and Outlander
• Click to find more information about the 3 day tour

2-Day Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express :

Fan of Harry Potter movies, this 2 day tour from Edinburgh is a great addition. To best utilize this guided tour we recommend staying in the capital city for 2 days, and exploring the entire city for 1-2 days before embarking outside. 

The 2-day tour includes the following,

• Round-trip transportation and bed and breakfast accommodation
• Enjoy a nice and quick in the Highlands at Dunkeld
• Go on a ride on the famous Jacobite Steam Train
• Admire the natural beauty of Glen Coe
• Book this tour here

Tours in Edinburgh:

In addition to the recommended tours above, you can also add sightseeing excursions with a local guide to explore more of Edinburgh. Most of these tours require you to get to the city centre and then join the group. 

Here are some of our favorite tours,

• Real Mary King’s Close Guided Tour (Royal Mile)
• Late-Night Underground Vaults Terror Tour (90 minute tour)

Scotland Itinerary Tips

• Pack for all weather conditions, as the Scottish climate can be unpredictable. Make sure you have rain gear, but also clothes for walking in warmer weather. 
• Make sure to sample the local cuisine — haggis, whisky, and shortbread are must-haves.

• Bring your best walking shoes ! Scotland has plenty of great areas for exploring on foot. 

Is 4 Days in Scotland Enough?

Four days in Scotland is enough to get a taste of the country and its culture. But if you can spend longer there, you should definitely do so in order to fully experience all that Scotland has to offer.

What Month is Best for a Scotland Itinerary?

Scotland is a beautiful country to visit at any time of year. However, some people prefer to visit during the warmer months (May-September), when the days are longer and there is less chance of snow and ice. 

Others may want to tour Scotland during the cooler months (October-April) when the landscape is often covered in snow, and there is a festive atmosphere around Christmas and New Year.

What is The Best Way to Explore Scotland?

The best way to explore Scotland is to go on a road trip. This way, you can see the country at your own pace and make sure that you don’t miss anything. You can also stop at different places along the way to explore them more thoroughly.

However, if you’re not a fan of driving or can’t for whatever reason, the country has a sophisticated train system that will take you almost anywhere you want to go.

Guided private tours also offer a more structured kind of road trip to the wilderness and through the cities. 

Final Thoughts on The Ultimate Scotland Itinerary

After spending 4 days in Scotland, you too will have a newfound appreciation for the country’s beautiful landscape and rich culture. From the rolling hills of the Highlands to the vibrant cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, there is something for everyone in Scotland. 

The locals are friendly and welcoming, and there is plenty to do and explore. The food is delicious, and there is no shortage of activities to keep you busy. 

Scotland is an unforgettable journey, one that you will look back on with fond memories for years to come. Just don’t be surprised if you start planning your next visit as soon as you’re home.

Read more of our United Kingdom travel guides below:

• Bath one day itinerary
• Cotswolds Itinerary 3 days
• London Itinerary 4 days
• Things to do add to your London bucket list

Visiting Ireland? Read our 4 days in Ireland itinerary

Pin: Scotland Travel Itinerary 4 Days

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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Scotland Sampler: 4 Days Scotland Itinerary (with Edinburgh Itinerary)

My mom and Ed are coming to Scotland and asked me to make some recommendations for a Scotland itinerary 4 days long. Now clearly, 4 days in Scotland is not nearly enough for all the “must sees” in Scotland, but I think you can get a good sampler.

If you are like mom and Ed, and doing the London to Scotland drive before catching a cruise to Iceland or skirting off to somewhere else, this itinerary will show you what to see in Scotland in 4 days.

This 4 day Scotland tour will take in all the things Scotland is famous for: Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, castles, Royal palaces, Highlands, whiskey, the Loch Ness monster, and Loch Lomond National Park. I’ll even throw in a ghost tour. This Scotland road trip makes a big loop around the center of the country, touching the edges here and there.

Driving in Scotland

If you are planning to road trip Scotland, I hope you already know that they drive on the left hand side of the road over here. Even with nearly 20 weeks of left-side driving under my belt, I still chant “Left! Left! Left!” at every intersection and round about. And occasionally Henry has to remind me to get out of the right lane. Go slow and plan ahead.

It costs a little more to get an automatic, but if you aren’t comfortable driving a manual anyway, this is not the place to practice. I drove a manual around the UK and Ireland a couple years ago and it was fine, but the shifter is in your left hand and it’s one more thing to think about.

4 Day Driving Itinerary — Scotland

Day 0 – arrive in edinburgh, day 1 – explore edinburgh.

• Day 2 – Edinburgh to Inverness Tour: Royals, Highlands, and Whiskey 
• Day 3 – Inverness to Fort Williams: The Great Glen
• Day 4 – Fort Williams to Edinburgh: Loch Lomond National Park and Castles

What To Do in Scotland in Four Days

A 4 day tour of Scotland needs to start in Edinburgh, right? My guess is that when you were planning a trip to Scotland, it was at the top of the list, and rightfully so. It’s a cool city.

If you fly to Edinburgh, take the tram from the airport to downtown Edinburgh. It’s easy to use – walk out from baggage claim and turn left. You get to the tram before the rental car area.

If you drive from London to Edinburgh (a little over 7 hours) you probably want to go straight to your hotel and park. Make sure the place you are staying has free or low cost parking. It is both expensive and challenging to park in the city. When Jen and I spent a weekend in Edinburgh and stayed on the Royal Mile we had parking in a garage below the hotel, and it was still interesting navigating the streets of Edinburgh to get there.

Public transportation and Lyft/Uber work great, so park your car and use ride sharing or public transportation – or walk.

Depending on what time you arrive in Edinburgh, you likely won’t have a whole lot of daylight left, but if you do, one of the best things to do in Scotland is walking up Calton Hill to get a view of the city. It’s an easy walk and not much of a hill climb.

If you aren’t too jet lagged, another must see in Scotland is a ghost tour of Edinburgh. It sounds cheesy, and some of them are, but the tour Jen and I took was more like a history tour. It was a little scary and dark, but mostly fun and interesting. We went with City of the Dead Tours on their Double Dead Tour since they are the only ones who go into the Covanter’s Prison.

Edinburgh Hotels

We stayed at the Radisson Blu on the Royal Mile. It was nice, super convenient to Old Town Edinburgh, and offers parking. I’ve also stayed at the Holiday Inn Express at the base of Calton Hill. I loved this location, too. It’s close to Edinburgh Old Town, but also some off-Royal Mile shops and restaurants. 

All trips to Scotland should include some time in Edinburgh. I wish you had more time here (I’ve spent over two weeks in Edinburgh and still want to go back), but this is a 4 day itinerary of Scotland and I am already cheating a little by using your arrival day as a 5 th day.

Edinburgh Castle

Get going early and start at the Edinburgh Castle at the end of the Royal Mile. This place gets crowded, so you want to arrive as soon as it opens, if possible. Edinburgh Castle is widely considered one of the best castles in the world .

Travel Tip: If you are planning on going to several places managed by Historic Scotland , you should consider getting an Explorer’s Pass (5 or 14 days) before you leave your home country. Or buy your tickets online for a lower price and “skip the line” entry. Not all castles are managed by Historic Scotland — some are managed by the National Trust for Scotland. Each has its own payment system and pass system. 

Free Edinburgh Walking Tour

After exploring the castle, catch the 11 am free walking tour of Edinburgh with Sandeman’s New Europe. Since you only have a day, this is a great way to get an overview of Edinburgh while visiting Scotland. We took the free tour of Edinburgh a few years ago and were both entertained and educated. You’ll see the Royal Mile, Greyfriar’s Kirkyard (home of Greyfriar’s Bobby and inspiration to JK Rowling), the Grassmarket, and the historic streets of Edinburgh.

Tip: You need to reserve tickets online and don’t forget to tip! There is a break at a coffee shop if you need caffeine or a snack.

Where to Eat in Edinburgh

By now, you are starving! There are a lot of great places to eat in Edinburgh, but we are picking somewhere close to the end of your walking tour and the start of your next activity.

For a nice lunch in a trendy-Scottish pub and restaurant, try The Devil’s Advocate . For quick, healthy take-away, we like Pret-a-Manger on North Bridge . Or, just walk around until you see something.

Real Mary King’s Close

Learn about the city’s past as your tour underground streets on this living history-type tour. There is a lot of entertainment wrapped up in this one as you meet characters from the 17 th century, but you will learn a lot, too.

Tip: Book your tour online . Jen and I tried to show up and were turned away and that was in April, not even the busy season. It fills up!

Scottish Storytelling Centre

It’s worth seeing what’s on at the Scottish Storytelling Centre while you are there. They have storytelling, music, dance, exhibitions and more.

Wander Edinburgh

If you aren’t exhausted, I think it’s always a good idea to just wander around the streets of Edinburgh and see what you find. You might also check into some of the things Jen and I did on our two days in Edinburgh:

• Things To Do on a Girls Weekend in Edinburgh, Day One:  Eat vegan food, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Royal Mile self-guided tour, Witchery by the Castle, Spa Services, Hike Arthur’s Seat, Graveyard Tour
• Things To Do on a Girls Weekend in Edinburgh, Day Two:  Best Brunch in Edinburgh, Royal Botanic Garden, Water of Leith Walkway, Dean Village, Panda Speakeasy

If you are traveling with kids (or are a kid at heart), be sure to check out my post on the best things to do with kids in Edinburgh . In the video and the post, you’ll see Edinburgh Castle, the Free Walking Tour, and Calton Hill, which are mentioned in this article. 

We stayed at the Radisson Blu on the Royal Mile. It was nice, super convenient, and has parking.

Find current prices and the best deals on Edinburgh hotels here .

Day 2 – Edinburgh to Inverness Tour

Today is about Royals, Highlands, and whisky! Plus, a fair bit of driving. While there are day trips from Edinburgh that go to Inverness, you miss a lot that you can see when driving yourself. There is more than one Edinburgh to Inverness drive, but I am going to take you the most scenic way, in my opinion. It takes about 4.5 hours to drive from Edinburgh to Inverness on this route, provided you don’t make any stops, but of course you are going to stop.

Holyrood Palace

With another earlyish start, you can visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse , the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history. The Palace is at the opposite end of the Royal Mile as the Edinburgh Castle. I might skip this in order to have a full day driving to Inverness, but if you want to see something Royal (and Balmoral Castle isn’t open), make it a priority to get there when it opens.

Cairngorms National Park

In just under two hours, you will arrive at Cairngorms National Park. This place will blow you away, or at least that’s how we felt the first time we visited. There isn’t a visitor center or anything on this route like you might see in US National Parks. Plus, there are little towns and villages and commercial areas in the park. Stop along the way for photos and to stand in the wind and the heather.

Spittal of Glenshee

If you don’t have a picnic lunch, you can stop at the small Gulabin Café in the Spittal of Glenshee. Aren’t Scottish names great? The Spittal of Glenshee is where several small streams come out of the Grampian Mountains and form the Shee Water.

Balmoral Castle

If you are one of the people that travel to Scotland means palaces and castles, you may want to stop at Balmoral Castle , about 2.5 hours from Edinburgh. It is only open from April through July as this is where the Queen likes to hang out. You can visit the gardens, grounds, and a few exhibition rooms. If you are visiting at a different time of year, try to fit Holyroodhouse into your itinerary.

Scotland is known for its malt whisky, and they’ve created a Malt Whisky Trail to help you taste them all. Personally, I don’t like whisky, so I am happy to report that gin is also quite popular in the area. In fact, one bartender I spoke with said gin is surpassing whisky in popularity.

Whisky still has a deep history in Scotland, especially in the Highlands. If you are interested from a historical perspective or just like to drink, take a detour to The Glenlivet Distillery . We took Henry there for his birthday a few years ago and enjoyed walking around the rural roads and eating in the café while he was on the tour (no under 18s allowed on the tour). Book your tour at The Glenlivet online or take a chance and see if they have openings. 

If you prefer a gin tour, book a tour at Caorunn Gin at Balmenach Distillery near Grantown-on-Spey. I wouldn’t try to fit both The Glenlivet tour and the Caorunn tour into your journey, but that’s up to you, of course. You can book a gin tour online . 

You’ve finally arrived at Inverness- the capital of the Highlands! You don’t have much time if you spend your day driving through Cairngorms National Park, so walk up to Inverness Castle (now an administrative building) to get a good view of the River Ness and much of town. You can walk along the river or explore the shopping area in the most historic part of town. Inverness should be on your list of must-sees in Scotland.

Again, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, but we recommend the White House for lunch or dinner and ordering the “It’s Not a Buffalo, It’s a Bison” cocktail. 

Inverness Hotels

The Best Western Palace Hotel and Spa has a great location where you can walk to just about anything in Inverness. If you splurge, you can get views of the River Ness and the castle from your room.

Find current prices and the best deals on Inverness hotels here .

See our trip through the Highlands to Inverness and back along Loch Ness in this video:

Day 3 – Inverness to Fort William:

The great glen.

You may have a little more time in Inverness this morning to explore Leaky’s Bookshop , Scotland’s second-largest secondhand bookstore, or stroll through the Inverness Botanic Gardens . Then set out to for one of the best places to visit in Scotland – the Great Glen.

The Great Glen runs for 62 miles from Inverness to Fort William.

Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition

It’s just 30 minutes from Inverness to the Loch Ness Centre. We stopped here because I thought it would be a cheesy roadside attraction and I love those kinds of places. It turned out to be a great museum that uses the tale of the Loch Ness Monster to explain the history and science of Loch Ness and the surrounding area. It’s definitely worth a stop at the Loch Ness Center and you even learn a little about Nessie. If you are up for it and the weather is nice, you can book a cruise on Loch Ness.

Urquhart Castle

From the Loch Ness Center it’s only seven minutes to Urquhart Castle . Maybe it was because we were here on a beautiful day, but this was one of the highlights of our Great Glen tour.

Urquhart Castle is a ruin on the shores of Loch Ness. It’s one of Scotland’s largest castles and has seen a lot of conflict in its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Be sure to watch the movie in the visitor center before walking out to the castle.

Tip: You can use the Explorer’s Pass you purchased for Edinburgh Castle here.

Fort Augustus

Another 30 minutes of driving will take you to Fort Augustus, a village on the south end of Loch Ness. You can take a boat tour of Loch Ness, walk along the Great Glen Way, admire the locks leading to and from the Loch, check out the shops, or just have a drink and take in the sights.

Fort William

Back in the car for 50 minutes and you are in beautiful Fort William. Fort William is the gateway to Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the U.K., and one that I will walk up one of these days. The West Highland Museum explores Highland life and history and Neptune’s Staircase is a historic set of locks on the canal.

EDIT: I did walk up Ben Nevis at the end of walking the West Highland Way ! 

There is a huge range of outdoor activities for every level. You can walk out to 120-meter Steall Falls and back in just 2.25 miles. It’s a lovely walk to the 13-century Inverlochy Castle on the banks of the River Lochy.

Fort William Hotels

Nevis Bank Inn is a modern hotel across the street from the River Nevis. Restaurants and shops are easily walkable from the hotel. We stayed at the Alexandra Hotel in Fort William for a couple of nights after walking the West Highland Way and it was a lovely, historic hotel.

Day 4 – Fort William to Edinburgh: Loch Lomond National Park and Castles

I think the best place to visit in Scotland is Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. This may be because we spent a month in Callander, a small town in the park. We were able to really explore this area and fall in love with it.

You, however, have part of a day, so let’s get going!

The drive south from Fort William must be one of the most scenic drives in Scotland, which is saying a lot because Scotland is a beautiful country. You’ll follow Loch Eil for a bit and then pass through Glencoe in about 30 minutes. This glacially carved, steep-side valley sits at the mouth of the Great Glen. Glencoe has served as the backdrop for a bunch of movies including, Braveheart , Rob Roy , Harry Potter , and Skyfall . You could stop at the Glencoe National Nature Reserve visitor center to get an overview of the area.

In another 45 minutes, you will arrive in Crianlarich. Here you could go south to Loch Lomond, but it’s quicker to head east and you still get to drive through the park.

Mohr 84, Balquhidder

I recommend stopping at Mhor 84 in Balquhidder for lunch or tea (1 hour 15 minutes from Glencoe). It’s a cozy café with great food – much of it locally sourced. You might want to book online if you are traveling during a busy time. You aren’t far from where Rob Roy is buried in a little cemetery outside a stone church.

From Mohr 84, it’s just 20 scenic minutes to the cute town of Callander. If you didn’t stop at Mohr for snacks, there are several restaurants and pubs in Callander. We like the Riverside Inn for pub food and a lovely view of the river. We spent many a sunny afternoon on the deck with a pint. You can walk from the pub along the river on easy trails to shake the car feeling off.

Doune Castle

Skip to 5:37 in the video if you just want to see the castle and not the hike.

Another 20 minutes in the car and you arrive at Doune Castle. Doune Castle was built as the home of Regent Albany, “Scotland’s uncrowned king.” His rich taste can be seen clearly in the architecture of the medieval courtyard castle. Doune Castle was used in the filming of Monty Python and the Holy Grail , Game of Thrones, and Outlander .

Tip: Get the audio tour and let Terry Jones ( Monty Python ) or Sam Heughan ( Outlander ) show you around. We even got coconuts at the entrance to make clopping horse sounds like they did in Monty Python.

Tip 2: You can use the Explorer’s Pass you bought at Edinburgh Castle here.

Stirling Castle

In my opinion, Stirling Castle is one of the best places to visit in Scotland, in terms of castles. I like it better than Edinburgh Castle. Fitting this in at the end of the day may be a little much, but if you can do it, it’s worth it. It’s 20 minutes from Doune Castle.

We were struck by the castle on our approach – it’s perched on the top of Castle Hill and looms over the surrounding area. Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most impressive castles in Scotland and has an important historical role. The Hunt of the Unicorn tapestry is a must-see, Scotland has the unicorn as its mascot.

Mary Queen of Scots was crowned at Stirling Castle and it served as much as a palace as a fortification.

Tip: Buy your tickets online for a better deal. Or you can use the Explorer’s Pass you bought at Edinburgh Castle here.

It’s about an hour’s drive back to Edinburgh where our trip ends. Hope you enjoyed it! Let me know in the comments what you would do differently.

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8 thoughts on “Scotland Sampler: 4 Days Scotland Itinerary (with Edinburgh Itinerary)”

What month did you travel in the videos?

We were there in April in this video.

I liked your Scotland videos. A lot of useful information and beautiful visually. But if I may, the music is so intrusive. I constantly had to turn the volume up and down. Up to hear you speak (can’t hear you at low volume) and down when the music suddenly blared. Some weren’t too bad, but the synthesizer type music is hard to take. I was interested in the video about Doune Castle but could barely make it through because of the awful music that was much too loud and at too many intervals. It was painful to listen to and ruined the video for me. Sorry for the criticism but I can’t be the only one feeling this way. I think filmmakers often don’t realized how irritating it is to have to keep adjusting the volume every few minutes as so many of them keep blaring the music in between the talking. It certainly turns me away from watching more of them, which is too bad because I otherwise really enjoyed the content.

Thanks for your comment. I’ll pass it along to the filmmaker. Hope you have a great day!

This is a super helpful itinerary. I can’t wait to make my trip. thank you for all of your efforts and suggestions!

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

This is great! Thanks for including the drive times, suggestions for places to stay and eat in a compact write up. Perfect.

Thanks for your comment! I hope the post is useful and you are planning an amazing Scotland trip!

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

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

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

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

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

JUMP AHEAD TO...

Scotland Road Trip- why visit?

Put simply- Scotland is just magical.

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

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

Did I mention the scenery?

The problem is there is SO MUCH to see.

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

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

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

How to plan a Scotland Road Trip

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

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

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

The Wandering Bird Scotland Road Trip Planner

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

You’re in luck!

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

Planning a trip to Scotland?

We’ve done the hard work for you!

Grab our complete Scotland travel planner and get:

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

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

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

Where should I go on a road trip in Scotland?

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

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

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

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

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

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What is the best road trip in Scotland?

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

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

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

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

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

How long does it take to road trip Scotland?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to travel around Scotland?

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

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

Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip?

These might help:

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

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

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

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

When is the best time to visit Scotland?

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

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

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

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

Scotland Road Trip Map and Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

Our Scotland Itinerary planner:

Scotland itinerary ideas- day one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Driving in Edinburgh

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

No. Really.

Let me repeat that so it sinks in.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay

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

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

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

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

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

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

Loch Lomond National Park

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

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

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

Don’t believe me? See it for yourself:

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

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

Wild camping in scotland.

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

Find out more about wild camping in Scotland here

Road Trip Scotland DAY 3- Oban and Fort William

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scotland Itinerary DAY 4- Harry Potter Time!

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

Glenfinnan Viaduct

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

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

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

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

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

Dumbledore’s Grave

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

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

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

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

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

As long as it’s not raining!!

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

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

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

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

Eilean Donan

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

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

DECISION TIME

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

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

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

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

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

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

Driving Tips for Scotland

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

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

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

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

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

John o’Groats

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

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

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

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

Duncansby Stacks

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

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

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

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

Dunnet head.

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

Day 9 – One day trip to Orkney

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

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

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

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary Day 10- Dunrobin Castle and Aviemore

Dunrobin Castle

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

Aviemore & The Cairngorms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Perfect Scotland Itinerary idea

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the best month to visit Scotland?

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

When is peak tourist season in Scotland?

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

Where is the most beautiful place in Scotland?

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

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

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

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

What is the best way to travel around Scotland?

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

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

How far are the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh?

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

How long does it take to drive to Scotland?

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

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

How long does it take to tour Scotland?

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

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

How else can I help you today??

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

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

See all our Scotland tips and ideas

See all our UK travel itineraries and tips

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

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

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

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

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28 comments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

really awesome posts about Scotland travel

Thanks so much- glad you enjoyed it.

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

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

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

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4 Days in the Scottish Highlands Itinerary

Last updated on August 14th, 2023

Heading to the Scottish Highlands? Keep on scrollin’ to see our 4 day Scottish Highlands itinerary + guide full of tips for your trip, where to stay, where to eat, and the best hikes! During our United Kingdom adventure this summer we spent 3 magical days in the Scottish Highlands , specifically Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, and Glencoe. And every single minute that we spent there took our breath away. The lush green grass, the rock formations, coastal views, lakes, and mountains are absolutely stunning! We saw as much as we could in those 3 days, but we wish we could’ve spent more time exploring. There’s so much to see on a Scottish Highlands itinerary!

Our 4 day Scottish Highlands itinerary includes all of our favorite spots from our trip, but spread out among 4 days instead of 3 so you’re able to enjoy things at a more relaxed pace than we were able to. You’ll get to experience local foods, a variety of hikes, scenic towns, castles, and more! If you have less time, or aren’t planning to visit all of these areas, you can easily break up this guide by region to fit your overall trip itinerary. Since this guide requires a bit of road tripping around the Highlands and you’ll be in different locations most days, we decided to put our suggestions of where to stay under each day/region. We hope this Scottish Highlands itinerary helps you plan your own adventure! If you have any questions, please let us know! 🙂 Visiting Edinburgh? Check out our 1 Day in Edinburgh guide !

When to visit the Scottish Highlands

Getting to the scottish highlands, tips for your scottish highlands itinerary, scottish highlands itinerary, day 1: inverness + loch ness, day 2: isle of skye, day 3: isle of skye, day 4: fort william + glencoe, add to your scottish highlands itinerary, planning a trip to the scottish highlands.

Before embarking on your adventure, please review the  Leave No Trace principles  to ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come! These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in!), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. 

We visited the Scottish Highlands in August , which is the peak time, and it was amazing! Although we did experience some rain and had to skip a couple things, we had pretty good weather the entire time we were in this region. May through September are the most popular months to visit Scotland, as the weather tends to be a little warmer, less rainy, and the days are longer (more time for exploring!). Even though we visited during the peak season, we didn’t find the crowds to be too bad at all. Starting your days early will definitely pay off! This Scottish Highlands itinerary is catered towards the peak season, as that’s when you’ll have the best chance to do everything on this guide.

When we visited the Scottish Highlands, we arrived from Edinburgh , where we had spent the previous day. While we walked or took the bus (super easy!) in Edinburgh , we opted to rent a car for the Scottish Highlands and it was 100% worth it! Driving was a bit scary at first (especially the traffic circles), but once we got out of the city, it was much better! If you’re visiting Glasgow during your Scottish Highlands itinerary, that can be another great starting point for your Scottish Highlands adventure! While we didn’t visit Glasgow, we hear great things. 🙂 The drive from Edinburgh to Inverness and Loch Ness was about 3.5 hours and was beautiful! Driving from Glasgow to Inverness and Loch Ness is just a tad farther at 3 hours and 45 minutes. Your final option is to fly into the Inverness Airport , which has flights around Scotland and also to other destinations in the UK and Europe. This would put you right at the start of this Scottish Highlands itinerary. You would still need to rent a car to get to the other spots on this guide though.

Before we jump into our Scottish Highlands itinerary, we wanted to share a few things to know before you go, to hopefully make your trip as smooth as possible!

• Buy an  adapter before you go! Also, make sure your hair dryer and straightener (and other electrical items) are dual voltage. We took this hair dryer and this straightener with us during the trip and they worked great!  
• Get Pound sterling from your bank before you go. It’ll save you from having to find a place to exchange money and save you fees!  
• The weather changes often, so pack layers! During our hike at the Old Man of Storr alone we experienced sunshine, rain, winds, clouds, and rainbows. It was wild!  
• Similar to the rest of the UK, restaurants seem to open later, so if you’re early risers like us, be prepared to wait a little bit for breakfast and coffee!  
• There aren’t many gas stations on the Isle of Skye (we almost ran out of gas…oops!) so keep an eye on your fuel gauge! Their hours can also be a bit weird, so make sure you check the hours and plan accordingly.  
• Trails are not marked very well (compared to here in Washington) and we found that a lot of hikes had multiple paths you could take to “choose your own adventure.” This was fun, but it definitely made us uncertain at times if we were going the right way.  
• Similar to our trip to London and Edinburgh , 10-15% seems to be the standard when it comes to tipping and some restaurants add on a 12.5% service charge (make sure you review your bill!). We had a couple situations where there was no tip line on the receipt and we had to use cash if we wanted to leave a tip.  
• We highly recommend getting an international phone plan, it’s worth every penny. We purchased AT&T’s International Day Pass in advance, but hoped to not use it most days and rely on Wifi instead. Although we tried our hardest, it was much easier to get around using data and saved us a lot of headaches!

In this Scottish Highlands itinerary we’re sharing all of our favorite sights, places to eat, and things to do in the Scottish Highlands. While there is so much more to see than what is on this list, we hope it’s a good starting point for you to plan your own adventure. Looking for more ideas? Check out our “if you have extra time” section at the end of this guide!

• Head to the town of Inverness , which is 3 hours from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. We recommend heading out right after breakfast so you get there in time for lunch!  
• Grab lunch and coffee at Velocity Cafe & Bicycle Shop , which as the name implies, is a super cool cafe and also a bicycle shop. They make good coffee and also have a small food menu with sandwiches, soups, etc. The food is delicious!  
• After lunch, walk around the town of Inverness and along the River Ness before heading to Loch Ness!  
• While driving along Loch Ness, stop at Urquhart Castle . To fully enjoy this castle, you’ll need to pay £9.00, but you can also view the castle for free from the parking lot (however, the view is somewhat obstructed by trees).  
• Continue driving along Loch Ness until you reach the southern end of the lake and the cute little town of Fort Augustus . There is a great viewpoint of Loch Ness here–can you spot Nessie? There’s also a multi-level lock system , where you can watch boats go through if you’re lucky!  
• Have dinner in Fort Augustus at The Lovat Brasserie or Moriston Restaurant .

WHERE TO STAY

We recommend staying the night in Fort Augustus. Here are a few lodging options to check out:

• VRBO #1 : 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom room inside of a real life castle
• VRBO #2 : A 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom lodge house
• The Lovat Hotel
• Glengarry Castle Hotel

• Enjoy breakfast at Redburn Cafe on your way to the Isle of Skye. While you’re there, make sure you visit and feed the Hairy Coos!  
• Continue the drive to the Isle of Skye . The drive from Fort Augustus to the Fairy Pools is a little over 2 hours, but the is drive is absolutely gorgeous and you’ll want to pull over frequently to admire the beauty!  
• Explore the Fairy Pools , an easy to access spot with small waterfalls and beautiful mountain views. The walk to the pools is very quick, but you can continue on if you’d like to Coire na Creiche , which makes the hike a total of 5 miles.  
• Grab  lunch in Portree at   The Isle of Skye Baking Company and walk around the town.  
• While in Portree, pick up groceries for the rest of the week. We recommend packing lunches most days and making dinner if you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen.  
• Head north of Portree to Fairy Glen , an enchanting little area with a very cool landscape.  
• Visit  Rha Waterfall , a beautiful waterfall in Uig. To get to this waterfall, park on Park Terrace and walk back to the bridge on A855. You’ll see a gap in the stone wall and that’ll take you down to the falls. It’s a quick walk and when we went we had it all to ourselves!  
• Cook a homemade dinner at your VRBO or enjoy dinner at The Ferry Inn in Uig.

There aren’t a ton of lodging options on the Isle of Skye. We stayed at The Cowshed in Uig and LOVED it! While it’s technically a hostel, we rented one of the pods , which had a bed, mini kitchen, couch, table, bathroom, and porch. It was incredible! You also have access to the bunkhouse, which has a full kitchen you can cook meals in. Here are some other options of places to stay for Day 2 and Day 3 :

• VRBO #1 : A 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom house in Portree
• VRBO #2 : A 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment in Portree
• Cuillin Hills Hotel

• Kick off the morning with breakfast in Portree at Cafe Arriba . This was Adam’s favorite black pudding of the trip!  
• Hike at The Old Man of Storr , one of our favorite spots of our trip! There are great views along the entire hike and you can go as far as you’d like and still be satisfied.  
• Enjoy great coastal views from Brother’s Point and enjoy a picnic lunch . This spot is a bit hard to find, but worth looking for! The parking lot is small and will be on your left side when coming from The Old Man of Storr. After you park, turn right on the road and walk down a little ways until you see a road and small wooden sign on the left side of the road. Follow that path along some houses and you’ll eventually make your way to Brother’s Point!  
• Make a quick stop at the Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls overlook.  
• Take a break from hiking and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee at Single Track Coffee . This awesome coffee shop is in a cool building and has amazing views. The owners are wonderful as well! Note : it’s only open Sunday-Thursday from 10:30 AM-4:00 PM.  
• Head over to Quiraing for more hiking and breathtaking scenery. This is another spot where you can “choose your own adventure” and decide how much or how little you’d like to hike. If you’re low on time, don’t worry–some of the best views are at the beginning of the trail!  
• Enjoy dinner in Portree at either Sea Breezes (only open April-October), The Lower Deck , or Scorrybreac (pricier!)

Want to get 30% off an AllTrails+ membership ? Use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)! We use AllTrails+ on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.

There aren’t a ton of lodging options on the Isle of Skye. We stayed at The Cowshed in Uig and LOVED it! While it’s technically a hostel, we rented one of the pods , which had a bed, mini kitchen, couch, table, bathroom, and porch. It was incredible! You also have access to the bunkhouse, which has a full kitchen you can cook meals in.

Here are some other options of places to stay (the same as Day 2):

• Have breakfast at The Red Brick Cafe in Portree, which is inside a hardware store. Don’t let that deter you, they have great food!  
• Visit the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle . You can either pay £7.50 to go inside the castle or just admire it from outside. The great thing about this castle is that you can get very close to it just from the parking lot!  
• Continue driving to Fort William , a super cute town located about 2.5 hours from Portree.  
• Walk around Fort William and make sure to grab some coffee and lunch at The Wildcat . This vegan cafe is incredible and we love their mission to be waste-free!  
• Lost Valley Hike –2.5 miles/4 km and 1,099 ft/335m elevation gain.
• Falls of Glencoe –a quick roadside stop with a waterfall and mountain backdrop.  
• End the day with dinner in Fort William at Garrison West or Blas .

After hiking in Glencoe you can either stay the night in Fort William or head to wherever your Scotland adventures take you next! If you choose to stay in Fort William, here are a few lodging options:

• VRBO #1 : A charming 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment
• VRBO #2 : A 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom chalet
• Nevis Bank Inn
• Torlinnhe Guest House

If you have extra time…

• Rocpool Restaurant (Inverness)
• Cafe Artysans (Inverness)
• Glen Rowan Cafe (Loch Ness)
• The Old School Restaurant (Dunvegan-Isle of Skye)
• Inverness Coffee Company (Inverness)
• Little Bird Coffee House (Inverness)
• Caora Dhubh Coffee Company (Carbost)
• Harry’s Coffee Shop (Kyleakin)
• Neist Point Lighthouse   (Isle of Skye)
• Dunvegan Castle (Isle of Skye)
• Jacobite Steam Train (Fort William)
• Glenfinnan Viaduct (Fort William)
• Summit Ben Nevis , the highest mountain on the Britain Isles (Fort William)
• Steall Waterfall (Fort William)
• Go to the Scottish Highland Games !

Pin this 4 Days in the Scottish Highlands itinerary to help plan your trip!

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8 thoughts on “ 4 days in the scottish highlands itinerary ”.

Breathtakingly beautiful! Can’t even image how much more beautiful it is in person!!!

It felt like a fairytale! SO much green!

Thank you for your recommendations. We’re heading there in one month!

You’re so welcome! Prepare to have your breath taken away…it’s an AMAZING place! ?

Thank you so much for making this list and including such beautiful photos.

Of course! 😀 Thank you for reading!

This is exactly what I needed! Can I get it in excel format? haha thanks so much you’ve made planning way easier 🙂

Yay! We are glad this helped! We actually have a Google Sheet travel itinerary doc that may help you format it into an excel doc: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/130RDdmcyMieGJH2TZoNQrwIRQVYRHJD_QRfl_g5jJUk/edit?usp=sharing

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A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 4-Day Scotland Itinerary for Edinburgh and the Highlands

Today I want to share my 4-day Scotland itinerary with you. This road trip from Edinburgh to the Highlands will take you everywhere from the Scottish capital to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Glen Coe, Oban, and the Isle of Eriska. It’s a great travel itinerary if you want to discover the best of Scotland’s cities, islands, castles, and dramatic mountain scenery in one trip. I’ve included a map, too.

4-Day Scotland Itinerary

I’m traveling to Scotland with a friend. We’ve planned our itinerary to cover the highlights of this part of the UK, and we’re excited to see a broad overview of what it has to offer.

We’re traveling independently, but I’ve done similar tours in the past with Rabbie’s Tours . They offer great small-group tours of Scotland that provide transport but still let you explore destinations on your own. You can see their tour offerings here .

We start our 4-day Scotland itinerary by traveling from London to Edinburgh by train. After taking in historic cathedrals, hilltop castles, and stunning coastline on the 4.5-hour journey, we alight at Edinburgh Waverley station in the heart of the Scottish capital.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

From the station it’s an easy 15-minute walk to our accommodation, Stewart by Heeton Concept . It’s a boutique aparthotel in the New Town conveniently located near Princess Street, the West End, Stockbridge, and Dean Village.

Our apartment features an open-plan living room with a fully-equipped kitchen, a bedroom, and a bathroom. It’s a great place to stay for 1 day in Edinburgh .

Things to Do in Edinburgh

After dropping off our bags, we start the first leg of our 4-day Scotland itinerary by seeing the highlights of the city.

We start at Princess Street Gardens, where there are great views of Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Monument, which is dedicated to Sir Walter Scott. It’s the second largest monument to a writer in the world.

From there we pass the Scottish National Gallery, one of the best museums in Edinburgh , and head up the hill to the Royal Mile. We walk from the castle down to the Palace of Holyrood House, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.

Along the way we take in everything from St Giles’ Cathedral to Bakehouse Close, a filming location for Outlander . There are pubs, shops, and restaurants galore, and we love peeking out over the narrow stairways leading down the hill.

From the Royal Mile we walk down to The Devil’s Advocate, a bar tucked away in a former Victorian pump house in the Old Town.

We settle in for a tasting of three of their 300+ whiskeys, enjoying one of the most famous Scottish drinks as we soak up the historic atmosphere.

After the tasting, we walk around New Town, taking in Princes Street, George Street, and Charlotte Square before having a pre-dinner drink at The Oxford Bar.

Conveniently located right next to our accommodation , this hidden spot has connections to Ian Rankin, one of the most famous Scottish fiction writers. The pub has featured in his Inspector Rebus novels as John Rebus’ favorite pub in Edinburgh.

After a drink with the locals, it’s a short walk to dinner at Forage and Chatter in the West End.

This restaurant is known for locally-sourced and foraged produce, and we enjoy a multi-course meal of fresh salads, monkfish, and chocolate mille-feuille. The service is excellent, too.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

The following morning we’re up early to start the next leg of our 4-day Scotland itinerary. We begin with a quick Persian breakfast of Turkish coffee and yogurt at KONJ Cafe. The food is so good and the owner so friendly we can’t help lingering for a while.

Afterwards we pick up our rental car and hit the road. The drive offers great views of The Kelpies sculptures, Stirling Castle, and the Wallace Monument as we make our way to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Once there, we stop for a quick snack in Callander, a town at the gateway to the park, before continuing our drive.

As we make our way deeper into the national park, we stop at places like Loch Lubnaig and the Glen Ogle Viaduct to admire the scenery. It’s beginning to feel a lot like the Highlands.

Just before leaving Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, we stop for lunch at The Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum. Heaping plates of fish and chips go down a treat as we sit by the fireplace.

Kilchurn Castle

After lunch, we continue our 4-day Scotland itinerary by driving west to the coast. But before we get there, we notice a castle on a loch out the window.

We pull over, park in the lot, and walk out to Kilchurn Castle. It’s a 15th-century ruin and former Clan Campbell stronghold with views over Loch Awe. It’s beautiful with the Highland scenery and hairy coos around it.

Isle of Eriska

Back in the car, we make our way to the final stop of the day: the Isle of Eriska. This tidal island at the entrance to Loch Creran is home to the Isle of Eriska Hotel , a five-star luxury hotel with a spa and golf course.

We check into the historic property, admiring the sumptuous furnishings in the lobby lounge and bar before heading up to our room. We have a king-size bed, a contemporary bathroom, and views across the lawns outside.

Our first stop is at the spa, where we soak in the hot tub above the large swimming pool. Afterwards we relax in the sauna and steam room. It’s the perfect start to our stay.

Leaving the spa, there’s just enough daylight left for an hour’s walk around the island. The coastline is breathtaking, and we love the Inner Hebridean views across Loch Linnhe and the Isle of Lismore from the beach at Otter Point.

When darkness falls, we head into the bar at the Isle of Eriska Hotel for pre-dinner cocktails and champagne. It has great ambiance with dark wood paneling and bookshelves.

After drinks we go to the dining room to try the hotel’s renowned cuisine. We enjoy a delicious 3-course meal complete with everything from Scottish langoustines to local produce, then retire to the bar for a wee dram before bed.

The next morning our 4-day Scotland itinerary continues with a full Scottish breakfast at the hotel and a 25-minute drive to Oban.

This town on the Firth of Lorn in Argyll and Bute is a popular place for people to catch ferries to the islands in the Inner Hebrides (and it’s where I left on a couple of amazing trips to go sailing in the Hebrides ).

We spend some time shopping and exploring the waterfront, then pop into the Oban distillery, which dates back to 1794. From there it’s a quick drive up to McCaig’s Tower on Battery Hill, where we take in sweeping views of Oban below.

Back in the car, we continue our 4-day Scotland itinerary with a 45-minute drive to Glen Coe. We’ve booked a room at The Isles of Glencoe Hotel in Ballachulish, and we can’t wait to take in the stunning mountain scenery.

We check into our room, which has views across Loch Leven and the mountains around it. There’s a spa and restaurant on the ground floor, and we take a quick look at both before heading out to explore the Highlands.

Pap of Glencoe

Given our love of country walks , our first order of business is to hike to the top of the Pap of Glencoe . This cone-shaped mountain in Glen Coe is situated at the western end of the Aonach Eagach ridge above the meeting point of the River Coe and Loch Leven.

It’s a popular place to hike, and we spend the next 5 hours trekking our way to the top and back. We’re rewarded with spectacular views over Glen Coe at the summit and spectacular sunshine on the descent.

Where to Eat in Glen Coe

That evening we reward ourselves for our hiking efforts with a seafood feast at the Fish Restaurant in The Ballachulish Hotel . Its “loch to plate” philosophy focuses on local, sustainable produce, and the result is delicious.

The Hot Shells Platter is a 2-person seafood extravaganza. We tuck into everything from lobster to langoustines, oysters, mussels, scampi, and scallops. It’s the perfect way to end our third day in Scotland.

Glen Coe and Glen Etive

The next morning our 4-day Scotland itinerary continues with a drive through Glen Coe. We pass the Coe River Waterfall, stop to admire the mountain scenery at the Three Sisters Viewpoint, and drive by The Meeting of Three Waters.

Soon we turn off on a one-lane road into Glen Etive, where the Highland scenes from the James Bond movie Skyfall were filmed. It’s amazing to see the stunning scenery from the silver screen, and we drive down to Glen Etive Bridge to take it all in.

Glen Coe to Edinburgh

From there we continue our 4-day Scotland itinerary by making our way back to Edinburgh. We drive past the Glencoe Mountain Resort and through beautiful Highland scenery before finding ourselves back in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

We stop for a quick lunch at Fat Jacks Diner in Callander, then continue past Stirling Castle and The Kelpies to Edinburgh.

Once in the Scottish capital, we return our car and make use of our last couple hours in town by walking over to colorful Victoria Street and Grassmarket. From there we head up to the Royal Mile and down to Waverley Station to catch our train back to London.

As we journey south, I can’t help being amazed by how much we’ve seen and done in 4 days. It’s been a great trip, and a fun way to see Scotland.

Scotland Itinerary Map

If you want to follow our route, you can see where we went on the map below.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this 4-day Scotland itinerary. If you want more inspiration, take a look at my Scotland road trip itinerary , my blog post about the best islands to visit in Scotland , and my Scottish Highlands tour itinerary . Happy travels!

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VisitScotland

Scotland's road trips.

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

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

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

Scotland Road Trip: 8 Incredible Routes for an Epic Trip

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The Best Scottish Road Trips

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

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

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

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

Scotland Road Trip Map

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

Scotland’s Top Eight Road Trips

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

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

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

The North Coast 500

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top 16 Highlights

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

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

2 Week Motorhome Itinerary Scotland

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

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

The North East 250

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top 10 Highlights

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

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

The South West Coastal 300

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

• Distance: 302 miles
• Drive Time: 8 hours

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Argyll Coastal Route & Loch Ness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top 11 Highlights

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

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

Borders Historic Route

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Distance: 232 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top 13 Highlights

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

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

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

• Distance: 115 miles
• Drive Time: 5 hours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scotland Practicalities

When to take a scottish road trip.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scottish Outdoor Access Code

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

Getting to Scotland

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

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

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

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

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

Driving in Scotland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scotland Road Trip Options

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

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

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

5-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

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

Your five-night Scotland itinerary looks as follows:

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

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

Day 1 – Arrive in Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

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

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

Find other places to stay in Edinburgh:

Day 2 – Edinburgh Royal Mile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Eat in Edinburgh

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

Day 3 – Drive to the Isle of Skye

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye

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

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

Find other places to stay on the Isle of Skye:

Day 4 – Isle of Skye

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Eat in Portree

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

Day 5 – Glencoe

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Glencoe

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

See more places to stay near Glencoe:

Return to Edinburgh

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

7-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 – 2 – Edinburgh

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

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

Day 3 – Drive to Inverness

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Inverness

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

• Kingsmill Hotel
• AC Hotel Inverness

Find more places to stay in Inverness:

Where to Eat in Inverness

• The Kitchen
• The Mustard Seed

Day 4 – Inverness and Loch Ness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5 – Drive to the Isle of Skye

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

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

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

Day 6 – Isle of Skye

Follow the itinerary from day 4 of the itinerary above.

Day 7 – Glencoe

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

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

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

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

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

10-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

Days 1-4 – Edinburgh and Inverness

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow day six of the one-week itinerary above.

Day 7 – Isle of Skye

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 8 – Drive to Glencoe

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 9 – Glencoe

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

Start with stops at some scenic viewpoints, including:

• Glencoe Visitor Center

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

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

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

Day 10 – Glasgow

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

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

A few “must sees” in Glasgow include:

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

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

Where to Stay in Glasgow

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

Find more places to stay in Glasgow:

Where to Eat in Glasgow

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

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

Drive to Edinburgh

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

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

Scotland Driving Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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5 of the best road trips in Scotland

Mar 6, 2024 • 7 min read

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

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

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

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

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

1. An Isle of Skye driving loop

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

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

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

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

2. North Coast 500

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

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

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

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

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

3. North East 250

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

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

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

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

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

4. Borders Historic Route

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

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

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

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

5. Clyde Sea Lochs and the Argyll Coast

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

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

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

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

Tips for driving in Scotland

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

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

This article was first published Jun 9, 2021 and updated Mar 6, 2024.

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Best Scotland road trip itinerary (10, 14 & 18 day options)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: September 9, 2023

Planning a Scottish road trip? Our detailed Scotland road trip itinerary includes many of the most popular destinations, scenic routes , landmarks and sights when touring Scotland . Over 18 days explore cities, Highlands, islands and part of the popular North Coast 500 route. Options to reduce to a 10 day or 14 day Scotland road trip itinerary are also included.

As road trips go one destination you are sure of an epic road trip is Scotland! In this article, we have shared our own epic Scotland road trip itinerary which includes some of our favourite destinations across the country.

The itinerary starts and ends in Edinburgh and includes our recommended route, highlights to see every day plus where to stay and travel tips along the way.

If you are planning to visit Scotland our ultimate Scottish road trip itinerary is an off-the-peg plan which means you can use as-is or if you prefer simply adapt it to suit your own interests and needs. Although planned for 18 days it is possible to shorten the itinerary to 10 days, 14 days or whatever length you require.

If you are planning to hire a car in the UK we recommend reading our practical guide to car rental (and driving in the UK) which has essential information, tips and points to consider.

Prefer to travel by train? Check out our best of Scotland by rail itinerary ! Everything you need to know to plan your Scotland rail adventure.

📝 What to see in Edinburgh

🏨 where to stay in edinburgh, 🚗 day 4 – edinburgh to callander (via the kelpies and stirling), 🏞 day 5 – day trip to killin & pitlochry, 🚗 day 6 – callandar to oban via the trossachs and loch lomond, ⛴ day 7 – tour to mull, iona and staffa (day trip), 🚙 alternative itinerary for those prone to seasickness, 🚗 day 8 – oban to fort william, 🚂 day 9 – the jacobite, ⛴ day 10 – fort william to skye via mallaig, 🏞 days 11/12/13 – exploring skye, day 13/14 – ullapool (1 night), day 14/15 – durness & tongue (1 night), day 15/16 – orkneys (1 night), 🚗 day 17 – inverness, day 18 – edinburgh, where to next, what is the best road trip in scotland, how long is a road trip around scotland, how many days do you need to tour scotland, plan your trip to scotland, scotland road trip map & itinerary – overview.

Click for our Scotland road trip map (Google maps)

SCOTLAND ITINERARY AND ROAD TRIP ROUTE

• Days 1/2/3/4 – Edinburgh
• Days 4/5/6- Callander
• Days 6/7/8 – Oban & Islands
• Days 8/9/10 – Fort William
• Days 10/11/12/13 – Isle of Skye
• Days 13/14 – Ullapool (North Coast 500)
• Days 14/15 – Durness/Tongue/Skail (North Coast 500)
• Days 15/16 – Orkney
• Days 16/17/18 – Inverness

Days 1, 2, 3 & 4 – Edinburgh 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (3 nights)

On Day 1 arrive in the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh, via train. If you are staying in London and plan to take a road trip around Scotland it is quick and easy to take the train between the two capitals. Read more about how to get from London to Edinburgh .

👍 Good to know – Journey time is around 4½ to 5 hours so if you leave London at 9 am you should get into Edinburgh at around 1 pm – 1.30 pm which is the perfect time to head to your accommodation to check-in.

Arriving in Edinburgh early afternoon leaves a decent amount of the day for sightseeing, particularly in summer. Day 2/3 days to explore Edinburgh. Below are the main highlights we recommend including in your itinerary.

Read our guide to things to do in Edinburgh which also includes suggested itinerary ideas.

✅ The Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus stops at the main attractions and landmarks and is a great way to get around the city – book your tickets here .

✅ If your itinerary includes visiting Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Palace of Holyroodhouse we recommend purchasing a city card that includes entry to all 3 royal attractions plus the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour for 48 hours. (Note that Holyroodhouse is closed Tues/Wed).

• Edinburgh Castle – Tour and skip-the-line ticket
• Palace of Holyroodhouse (The Palace of Holyroodhouse is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) – Buy your ticket here
• The Royal Mile – start at the Castle and walk down to Holyroodhouse
• Scott Monument
• The Real Mary King’s Close and Underground Vaults Tour – One of the most haunted places on earth apparently! 👻

• £ – Elder York Guest House – This is our choice of accommodation whenever we stay in Edinburgh – excellent breakfast, near the train station and nice rooms. * Note there are stairs to the accommodation so this is not suitable if you have any mobility issues.
• ££ – Ibis Syles Edinburgh St Andrews Square – With 24-hour reception, a bar and restaurant and free WiFi.
• £££ – The Balmoral Hotel – Edinburgh’s most famous luxury hotel offers guests a Michelin-starred restaurant, a pool and a gym.
• £££ – The Witchery – Lavishly furnished suites display gothic touches and 4-poster beds. Ideal location near Edinburgh Castle.

⭐️ Find more accommodation options in our guide to where to stay in Edinburgh

Days 4/5/6 – Callander (2 nights)

On day 4 travel from Edinburgh to Callandar. We recommend picking up your hire car at the point you are ready to leave the city to avoid any unnecessary parking expenses (or difficulties)

• Car hire options in Edinburgh include picking up at Waverley Train Station or Edinburgh Airport.
• The drive from the centre of Edinburgh to Callander takes just over 1 hour. Distance is 52 miles (83 km) via the M9. This route will take you past Falkirk and Stirling.
• The Kelpies
• The Falkirk Wheel
• Bannockburn
• National Wallace Monument
• Stirling Castle

🚗 Logistics

• Distance – 22 miles (35 km)
• Journey time – 35 mins
• Distance – 23 miles (36 km)
• Journey time – 38 mins (stop off to admire the views)
• Distance – 15 miles (24 km)
• Journey time – 25 mins
• Distance – 68 miles (109 km)
• Journey time – 1 hour 44 mins

⭐️ Highlights of the day

• Falls of Dochart
• Drive along the banks of Loch Tay
• The scenic beauty and picturesque views (don’t forget to charge your phone, pack memory cards for your cameras etc!)
• Blair Athol distillery
• Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder walk
• Afternoon tea at Crieff Hydro Hotel (Beautiful views)

Good to know – Highland cows can be seen in a field on the right-hand side of the road as you drive north out of Callendar .

🏨 Where to stay in Callander

• £ – Callander Hostel
• ££ – Highland Guest House
• £££ – Roman Camp Country House Hotel

🏞 Day 6/7/8 – Oban (2 nights)

Day 6 is a day spent exploring the Trossachs National Park, Loch Lomond National Park and Loch Katrine (Callander is located on the edge of the park) before heading for 2 nights in Oban.

Take a picnic and enjoy the views and scent of the forests. Head to the village of Balloch (a 45-minute drive from Callander) for a boat trip across Loch Lomond.

Oban is a 1 hour 45 mins drive from Balloch where you will check into your accommodation for the next 2 nights. If you wish to visit one of Scotland’s most beautiful castles at Inveraray it is possible to take a slightly different route via A83 and A819 which only adds around 10 minutes to the journey time.

• Mileage Callander to Balloch is 28 miles (45 km)
• Mileage from Balloch to Oban is 74 miles (119 km) on the A82
• The mileage from Balloch to Oban via Inverary Castle on the A83 is 77 miles (125 km).
• Loch Lomond (the Queen of Scottish lochs)
• Loch Katrine
• Scenic views
• Boat trip across Loch Lomond from Balloch ( Island Discovery 2-Hour Cruise )
• Inverary Castle

🏨 Where to stay in Oban

• £ – Oban Youth Hostel
• ££ – Greencourt Guest House
• ££ £ – No.26 By The Sea

Day 7 drive from your accommodation in Oban to join the 3 Isles tour of Mull, Iona and Staffa . This is an all-day tour departing from Oban at 9:55 and returning at 20:05.

Notes – If you are prone to seasickness this may not be for you as the trip from Mull to Staffa and then Staffa to Iona is in a small boat. There are no toilets on Staffa.

• Ferry to Mull and road trip of the island
• Duart Castle
• Iona and Iona Abbey
• Boat trip to the Isle of Staffa to see Fingal’s Cave

If one or more of your party decides they don’t want to do the day trip to the islands there is an alternative. As Doug gets seasick this is what he did when I was over exploring the islands.

Drive up the coast road A828 towards Ballachulish / Glencoe. This is an alternative route to the way you will drive to Glen Coe on day 8 but is an equally pretty drive.

Highlights along the way include

• Dunstaffnage Castle
• Castle Stalker
• Port Appin (tiny port)

Days 8/9/10 – Fort William (2 nights)

Today we drive from Oban to Fort William via Rannock Moor and Glen Coe on the A82. In our view, the drive through Glen Coe is one of the most spectacular drives in Scotland (if not the world) Rannock Moor is a barren and rugged landscape and is one of the most remote places in Britain.

Stop at the Rannock Moor viewpoint and enjoy the views over this incredible place.

Read – Fort William Travel Guide & Ultimate Guide to things to do in Fort William

• Distance – 83 miles (133 km)
• Journey time – 2 hours (but do plan to stop off and enjoy the views along the way)
• Rannock Moor Viewpoint at the Bridge or Orchy
• Glen Etive (James Bond Skyfall drive)
• Three sister’s car park
• Buachaille Etive Mòr car park
• Views of Ben Nevis (the UK’s highest peak)

Tip – Stop off at the Green Welly shop located between Tyndrum and Crianlarich.

🏨 Where to stay in Fort William

• £ – Garrison Cells
• ££ – The Garrison
• £££ – Victoria House B&B

Read – Area and accommodation guide for Fort William

🚂 Logistics

Riding the Harry Potter train (or the Jacobite to give it its muggle name) is every Harry Potter fan’s dream and is one of the most popular train journeys in the UK.

Read – How to ride the Harry Potter train in Scotland

⭐️ Highlights of the day 🪄

• Riding the train across the Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Observing the train from the Glenfinnan viewpoint crossing the viaduct later in the day
• Glenfinnan Church
• Neptune’s Staircase
• Read – Things to do in Fort William

Day 10/11/12/13 – Isle of Skye (3 nights)

Drive from Fort William to Mallaig which takes around 1 hour. Distance 43 miles (69 km) via A830. Cross over from Mallaig to Armadale on Skye via the CalMac ferry.

The ferry takes 30 mins. There are a number of departures per day. Book asap as this is a very popular route.

On arrival at Armadale, you will head to your accommodation. We recommend staying around Portree and exploring the island from there as your base.

Drive time from Armadale to Portree is around 1 hour via the A851 and A87. Distance is 42 miles (62 km)

• Scenic views on the drive from Fort William to Mallaig
• Ferry crossing
• Drive to Portree (depending on crossing time you can stop and enjoy the scenery along the way)

🏨 Where to stay in Skye

• £ – Sonas, Dundans
• ££ – Loch Eyre House
• £££ – Raasay House Hotel
• Guide to where to stay in Skye (areas and accommodation)

You have 2 full days to explore the Isle of Skye.

Drive the western driving loop on Day 10 and the northern driving loop on Day 11.

Many of the roads in Skye are narrow single-file lanes and you will need to pay attention to other road users (and animals!) as you drive.

Tip – Make reservations at restaurants prior to arrival as they can be busy and you may struggle especially during the summer months. We recommend the Edinbane Inn.

⭐️ Highlights of each day included

• Dunvegan Castle
• Neist Point Lighthouse
• Talisker Distillery
• The Fairy Pools
• Sligachan Old Bridge

• Old Man of Storr
• Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
• The Fairy Glen

Read – One-day itinerary for the Isle of Skye

Read – How to get to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh

Check out from accommodation today and drive across the Skye bridge to the mainland and the Kyle of Lochalsh. The distance from Portree to the Kyle of Lochalsh via A87 is 50 mins – 34 miles/55 km.

The destination for this evening is Ullapool but there are a couple of places worth exploring along the way.

1. Plockton – 14 minutes from Kyle of Lochalsh (6 miles/ 10 km)

2. Eilean Donan Castle – Drive from Plockton to Eilean Donan Castle is around 20 minutes via A87. (11 miles/18 km)

Tip – Manuela’s Wee Bakery is only a few minutes drive from Eilean Donan and is a must-visit for a tasty snack!

The last leg of the journey today is from Eilean Donan Castle to Ullapool. This takes around 3 hours via Poolewe on the A890 and A832.

Distance is 120 miles (193 km) You are now driving the famous North Coast Scotland route.

• Plockton – Beautiful village famously featured in the Hamish Macbeth TV series
• Eilean Donan Castle – £10 admission charge for adults
• Manuela’s Wee Bakery
• Driving over the famous Bealach Na Ba road from Kishorn to Applecross!

🏨 Where to stay in Ullapool

• £ – Dacama House
• ££ – Broomview Cottage B&B

• First leg – Ullapool to Durness via Scourie on the A835, A894 and A838. Distance – 67 miles/109 km. Time – 1 hour 45 mins.
• Second leg – Durness to Tongue on the A838 Distance – 29 miles/47 kms. Time – 1 hour

Accommodation for the night is in Skail (23 miles from Tongue) which adds another 30 mins to the day’s driving time but accommodation is available in Tongue too.

Plan longer for each leg due to stopping to enjoy scenic views, unscheduled delays such as traffic/wildlife/sheep and rest stops.

• Clachtoll Beach
• Clashnessie Beach
• Golden Eagle Zipline

🏨 Where to stay in Durness or Tongue

• £ – Wee Hoose Glamping Pod
• ££ – Farr Bay Inn
• £££ – Altnaharra Hotel

Drive from your accommodation to catch the ferry from Gills Bay to Mainland Orkney. The journey takes around an hour and arrives at St Margaret’s Hope.

There is enough time to explore some of the main highlights of the island. Make sure to book tickets for popular places such as Skara Brae and Maeshowe.

• Dunnet Head Lighthouse (the most northerly point of mainland Britain)
• Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar
• Maeshowe Chambered Cairn

Read – What to do and see on Mainland Orkney

Day 16/17/18 – Orkney to Inverness (2 nights) via John O’Groats

Catch the ferry from Orkney back to Gill’s Bay. Head south via John O’Groats to the last stop in the Scottish Highlands – the city of Inverness.

• Journey time from John O’Groats is 2 hours 40 mins via A99 and A9
• Distance from John O’Groats is 119 miles (192 km)

🏨 Where to stay in Inverness

• £ – Alba B&B
• ££ – Heathmount Hotel
• £££ – Bunchrew House Hotel

Read – Where to stay in Inverness (Area and accommodation guide)

Logistics of the day

Today is spent exploring the main sights and landmarks in and around Inverness. The itinerary for today includes visiting Culloden, the Clava Cairns, Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness.

Read – Day trips from Inverness

• Culloden Battlefield
• Loch Ness and cruise – there are a few companies that offer boat trips on Loch Ness or you can take a day tour from Inverness if you prefer
• Castle Urquart

Today drive back to Edinburgh from Inverness to return the rental car. The drive time is dependent on the option you choose. The 3 options are

• A9 3 hours – 156 miles (250 km)
• A9/M9 3 hours 30 mins – 179 miles (288 km) This goes via Stirling
• A93 4 hours – 171 miles (275 km) through the Cairngorms National Park and down via Perth to Edinburgh

If you have time we recommend option 3 through the Cairngorms as this is a beautifully scenic route.

Once back in Edinburgh you can connect with onward travel via the train station or airport.

For example, you could take the Caledonian Sleeper back to London which is a great way to get back to the UK capital and save time (as it is an overnight service) or you could take the train to York !

Frequently asked questions about planning a road trip in Scotland

The most famous road trip in Scotland is the North Coast 500 but there are many fantastic road trips in Scotland to choose from.

These include

• South West Coast 300 – Through Dumfries & Galloway and southern Ayrshire.
• North East 250 – Includes the Malt Whisky Trail, the Cairngorms National Park Aberdeen and the Moray Firth Coast
• The Borders Historic Route

As you can see from the above road trips they can vary. Some of Scotland’s road trips can be as little as 90 miles (the Snow Roads Scenic Route in the Cairngorms) to 500 kms for the North Coast 500.

We recommend planning at least a week for your road trip – longer if you can! There is so much to see from historic castles to stunning coastlines, fishing villages, lochs and Munros, to islands and more!

Take your time – stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way!

Read more in our extensive guides to Scotland

• Scotland Travel Guide
• UK road trip planner
• 7 UK road trip itineraries
• Guide to the different regions of Scotland
• 19 beautiful places to visit in Scotland
• Guide to Scottish Islands
• Books to read about Scotland (or best movies set in Scotland )
• Best Outlander Tours in Scotland 2022

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:

9 Best Day Trips from Inverness

The Perfect 1 or 2 Days in Fort William & Glencoe Itinerary

Glasgow or Edinburgh: Which Scottish City to Visit?

About Maggie Turansky

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

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

Hope you have a great trip!

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

Hope you have a lovely trip, Beth!

Thank you very much, very informative/

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

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

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NC500 Scotland 4 Day Itinerary

Whilst planning our NC500 Scotland 4-day itinerary, it was proving difficult to find a post that listed accommodation and the best things to see all in one place. There’s so much about the famous Scottish Highlands road trip to cover, and most websites involved a lot of scrolling and jumping from page to page. In this post, I’ve tried to break our NC500 route down into days, whilst including the accommodation we used along the way.

This article has links to places and services we visited and enjoyed, which we may make commission from.

Need North Coast 500 accommodation only? Head straight to my blog, The Best Hotels on Scotland’s North Coast 500: Accommodation Guide

NC500 Scotland Route Planner

So, the big question first, “Which way to go?” Although most people go West to East, we went East to West (starting in Inverness and working our way up). Despite the popularity of the West to East route, every local we spoke to agreed that the East to West drive was better. The thought behind this was that the East is a lot easier and a lot less dramatic. Those starting with the West tend to have tired and miss out a lot of the East, following a hard drive at the beginning. I stand by our decision.

How long does it take to do the NC500?

“I’m doing the NC500, how many days should I put aside?”The simple answer to this is, “How long is a piece of string?” We did our journey in 4 days (not including getting to the start point in Invenress). I strongly recommend you don’t cut it any lower than this. The following itinerary was doable in 4 days, but involved 8am starts and 10pm finishes. You could, of course, cut out some of the sightseeing locations, however, the drive (especially on the West) is still quite intense.

It’s also worth noting that, in Summer, the NC500 is a popular route. The locals were keen to reiterate that (during peak times) the mostly single-track roads were nose to tail caravans and could take hours. Google maps will not factor in the time you have to continuously take to pull in and out of passing places to let other go by.

NC500 hotels and accommodation

Within this post, I’ve included some extra detail about our accommodation at the end of each day’s sightseeing spots. However, below is a quick list of the places we stayed (including price and accommodation type). I can’t stress enough how quickly Highland accommodation books up, many people will book summer season stays a year in advance to secure a spot. My tip: If the availability is there, get in fast!

Night 1 – North Star Glamping (Lybster). Self -catering, £100 for the cabin.

Alternatives: Royal Marine Hotel, Brora or Royal Golf Hotel, Dornoch

Night 2 – Bettyhill Hotel (Bettyhill). Breakfast included, £100 for 2

Alternatives: Newton Lodge

Night 3 – Riverside Guest House (Ullapool). Breakfast included, £95 for 2

Night 4 – Pammy’s Family Annexe (Garve). Breakfast included, £95 for 2

What to pack for the North Coast 500

As with any Scotland road-trip, it’s important to remember two things:

• NEVER trust the weather report
• You’re not going for a fashion show, take walking boots and waterproofs!

We were forecast rain for every day of our trip, right up to the day we left. We only got 1 day of rain. AND, not only that, we got such beautiful weather that I only wore a jacket once! However, this is a rarity, and I recommend you pack the following as basics:

• A sturdy waterproof jacket
• Walking boots (I say boots rather than shoes as they’ll give your ankles more support)
• Thick walking socks (your feet will most likely get wet)
• A towel (to dry off in the car/on the beach)
• Waterproof trousers
• Swimwear (on the off chance that you fancy a loch/beach dip)
• Clothing you can layer (it’s common to see all 4 season in one day in Scotland. Be ready to add/remove layers)
• A water bottle (stay hydrated folks!)

Day 1 – Inverness to Lybster

By far the easiest length of road in the trip. The A9 takes you right up the coast, is relatively straight and offers a single-carriageway (meaning no pulling over to let people past).

Fyrish Monument

Around a 50-minute drive North of Inverness, we arrived at the car park for Fyrish monument at 10am. The walk (known as Jubilee Path) is a 2 mile uphill hike and walking boots are advisable. In total, it took us a 2 hours to go up and down, allowing plenty of time for photos

The unusual stone monument was built by under the instruction of a native lord to the area in 1782. It’s told that it was built to keep the locals in labour whilst the Highland Clearances took place.

Dunrobin Castle

Unlike a lot of Scotland’s castles, Dunrobin Castle is still privately owned; home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland. The original building dates back to the 1300s, but its beautiful gardens were added in 1835. We spent most of the time exploring the exterior and enjoying the views from the fountain and flowerbeds ( I took way too many photos here!). The entry to Dunrobin is a package deal, so if you want to see the gardens, you’re also paying for a good recce around its interiors. We made the most of it and spent a good couple of hours here checking everything out.

Cairn Laith Broch

These little Iron Age ruins on the edge of the coastline were a last minute stop, after a recommendation by one of the team at Dunrobin Castle. You’ll find it about 2 miles up the A9 from the cute little village of Golspie and the broch is thought to have been built between 500 BC – 800 AD. It’s worth a quick stop to soak in a extra bit of history (it’s one of the few excavated brochs on the Scottish mainland with surviving outbuildings).

Lunch/Dinner at the Sutherland Inn

I can’t rave about this place enough! We’d pulled over to have a drink here on a whim due to it’s outdoor seating and inviting front. After perusing the menu and concluding there was nothing on it for vegans, the lovely man at the bar questioned, “What’s wrong with our menu?”, as I handed it back. After explaining my problem, he told me they’d make me whatever I wanted, offering to send their team out to get the ingredients they’d need. I’m not sure I’ve ever been anywhere that’s been so keen to make sure I was catered to! We enjoyed beers and enormous freshly-made burgers in the sun on their outdoor tables, whilst watching over the bustling little main street of Brora. Check them out the Sutherland Inn .

Whaligoe Steps

After dropping our stuff off at our accommodation in Lybster (below), we took the car for a final spin a few more miles up the coast to check out the Whaligoe Steps for sunset. You’ll get two sights for the price of one here: an enormous cave harbour accessed by descending a 365 step walkway, and the 250ft Whaligoe falls. At the top of the cliff, the path forks: right leads you to the steps, whilst left will take you across a (slightly treacherous) walkway along the cliff to catch a glimpse of the falls. Both routes require sturdy footwear as they are slippery, steep and have no barriers to prevent falls.

Read more about how to how to find the Whaligoe Steps and Falls in my dedicated post.

North Star Glamping Scotland

Our first night-time stop on our NC500 4-day itinerary was North Star Glamping in Lybster. The luxury pods are owned by a lovely lady named Maggie, who has truly thought of everything (from fluffy towels and wineglasses to coffee machines and playing cards). The pod was perfect for up to 4 people and felt super cosy on account of the underfloor heating.

There are only 2 pods on the site, so be sure to book in advance!

Day 2 – Lybster to Bettyhill

As with day 1, a lot of this road is relatively easy to navigate (with a lot of it still being part of the A9). We spent most of it around the Duncansy Stacks and John o’ Groats area, so I’d recommend that where you focus a lot of your time. We picked up a junk-food lunch by the John o’ Groats car park, and stopped for a refuel (and Tesco meal deal) in Thurso.

Duncansby Stacks

The drive from Lybster to Duncansby Stacks took around 45 minutes, and is a fantastic stop on the side of John O Groats. Getting to the viewpoint is relatively easy, cutting a mile or so across a grassy path from the car park. I’d really recommend a walk along the coastline past the stacks, as the pathway offers up some incredible views (and some surprising angles). We made more time for this than John o’ Groats itself, after being warned there isn’t much there besides the signpost and pretty coloured accommodation.

Bay of Sannick – White beaches in Scotland

The beach at the Bay of Sannick was another impromptu visit – you can see the bay from the Duncansby Stacks car park. You can leave the car at the stacks, or drive down to the make-shift pull-in spot for an easier journey. The beach is small, however, it was (by far) the best beach we visited on the NC500 (even with numerous recommendations and others on our list). Despite the glorious weather we had, this beach was empty when we arrived, giving us a crystal water paddle to ourselves. It’s worth noting that the wade in to the water here is deceivingly rocky, and I really wish we’d had some swim shoes to make the most out of it.

John O’ Groats

I don’t think I’m speaking out of term here when I say that there’s not really a lot to do in john O’ Groats itself. The tiny village is famous for being one end of the longest distance between two inhabited points on mainland Britain. We pitched up to get our token photo with the popular signpost and grab a bit of lunch. Vegans will be delighted to learn that the little fish and chip van serves up huge chip butties (with or without mushy peas), fried in sunflower oil.

Whilst you’re there, grab a snap of the colourful Nordic-style blocks of The Inn at John o’ Groats . They look like big happy Lego houses and are available to book as part of the NC500 accommodation offering.

Dunnet Head – The most Northerly point of mainland Britain

Our last stop before heading across the North coast to our accommodation was Dunnet Head. The peninsula is the most Northerly point of mainland Britain and the little coastal drive up to it is stuffed with pretty little lochs and mini viewpoints. At the main point, you’ll find a lighthouse, 360 panoramic views across to the Orkney Islands and an impressive glimpse of the Northern cliff edge. Don’t miss it, it would be a shame to come all this way and not be able to truly claim that you hit the top!

Bettyhill Hotel

The further North (and West) you get on the NC500, the tougher it is to find last-minute accommodation (or in some cases, accommodation at all). We booked into the Bettyhill Hotel , for night 2 – the most expensive of our 4 nights accommodation. The hotel sits proudly on a hill overlooking a larger beach and comes with views at breakfast. Of all our stays, it’s probably the one I was least delighted by, despite the team being friendly and the hotel being clean. My vegan experience was a little ropey; I had a wonderful huge curry for dinner, but was served dairy ice-cream (despite the menu stating the cheesecake desert option was vegan). It’s frustrating to have to re-iterate and keep asking if things (that are labelled for dietary requirement) actually are – especially when you’re sat with non-vegans. Similarly, breakfast was dry toast, mushrooms and tomato.

The hotel is a good location stop point, but pricey for what you get (when compared to our other stops).

Day 3 – Bettyhill to Ullapool

To pack all of day 3’s itinerary in, you’re going to need an early start! Its at this point that the North Coast 500 road starts to become intense, with lots of hills, windy roads and single track systems. The stops we made on this day were also the ones that required sturdy boots and waterproof clothing.

Smoo Cave was one of my top things to see on our NC500 trip. The enormous sea-cave is thought to have got its name from the Norse word ‘smjugg’ or ‘smuga’, meaning a hole or hiding-place. The cavern has two chambers: one formed by the sea and one formed by a fast-flowing 66 ft waterfall. The first part of the cave can be accessed on foot, whilst the back chamber requires a little boat journey that only runs in the summer. If you’re lucky enough to catch the boat (it wasn’t running the day we arrived) you might be luck enough to catch a photo with the beam of light that shoots into the cave from the hole above.

Kylesku Bridge

Whizzing down the West coast towards Ullapool, you’ll drive over the Kylesku Bridge. You don’t need long there, but there’s a viewpoint on either side (we caught this photo from the North to South side) and it’s worth pulling over to admire the design.

Wailing Widow Falls

I can’t stress how much you need to add this point to your NC500 itinerary. I came across it by chance whilst digging through locations on Instagram, and need to give full credit to Merlins_Mind for the details on how to get there. Check my Wailing Widow Falls blog post on how to find it, where to park and how to make the most of the stop. Wailing Widow Falls has two viewpoints: the aerial view across Loch na Gainmhich (above) and the falls view (below).

Getting to the aerial view involves a rickety crossing over the stones of the river before the drop (or a much longer, boggy walk around the full loch). You’ll then need to scramble up the marshy hillside. Fashion trainers will NOT do the job!

The direct falls view is accessed by a slippery footpath that starts further down the hill (there are car parks to both these points). The path here is unstable and rocky and getting into the mouth of the falls involves skipping over the large stones in the river below.

If you want to stay in this area for longer, I thoroughly recommend a stay at Newton Lodge . Located only a 5-minute drive from the waterfall, I’ve stayed here twice now and I’d go as far as to stay it’s my favourite accommodation on the NC500.

Achmelvich Beach

Often hailed as one of Scotland’s ‘tropical beaches’, Achmelvich beach was the last stop of our 3rd day. Getting to it after Wailing Widow falls involves doubling back to the turn off for it, or missing our some of the nc500 route and cutting down the main road and then turning out to the West. Unlike the Bay of Sannick, Achmelvich beach has a full camp site right on its doorstep, making it a lot busier than our little paradise beach on day 2. Its waters are crystal clear and the sands are just as white, but the gloomy weather took the shine off. Its worth noting that jellyfish are a regular occurrence on Achmelvich, so be sure to watch where you tread/swim.

Ardvreck Castle

An unofficial stop – Speeding past Loch Assynt to Ullapool, we pulled over to have a quick look over the ruins at Ardvreck Castle. The ruins date back to the 16th century, and the castle is popular with photographers and wild campers.

Riverside Guest House Ullapool

Finding accommodation down the West coast gets tricky (and expensive). There’s only one hotel in Applecross, so Ullapool is the last main stop to offer you a selection. The Riverside Guest House is run by an adorably cheerful gent named Charlie, who welcomed us with lots of chat and information as soon as we set foot in the door. I felt like I was stepping into my own house. All of the rooms were kitted out with new carpets and cosy bed sheets, and Charlie was keen to make sure he’d checked all the ingredients of my vegan breakfast. We loved the atmosphere of this hotel, and I’d definitely be back if I decided to try take on one of the Munros in the area.

Book the Riverside Guest House

Day 4 – Ullapool to Inverness

This part of the road is definitely the most tiring of the 4 days! It’s predominantly single track, very hilly and often described as treacherous. Nervous/new drivers should reconsider the road from Applecross over Bealach na Bà in favour of the safer route. However, despite all these warnings, this is by far the most spectacular part of the road in terms of viewpoints, mountain ranges and general Scottish Highland feels.

We picked up a wee lunch bags in Ullapool so that we didn’t need to worry about finding somewhere to accommodate my diet.

Gruinard Beach

Just after the bay, the road turns up onto a hill with a stopping area and viewpoint. In my opinion, the views from above are even better than the ones from the beach itself.

Tollie Burn, River Ewe

It took us a good bit of digging to identify this secret little stop – you don’t spot the burn (stream) from the road. We pulled over to check out the view of the hill (Slioch Hill) from a little pass on the left-hand side of the road. Getting to the burn is easy, there’s a little worn out path that leads straight down from the parking spot.

Bealach na Bà – Pass of the Cattle

So, before you dismiss this photo as one of the WORST of all time, I urge you, go Google this location! Rising to 626m above seal-level, this curvy mountain road is hailed as one of the toughest in Scotland. It’s tight twists and turns demand full concentration and rivers who don’t feel really confident about reversing are urged to take a different path. So why bother? Well, for the trouble of it’s dangerous narrow bends and 20% gradients, you’re rewarded with some of the most magnificent mountain views in Scotland. From the top viewpoint, you take in the zigzagging road as it works its way down the hillside and (on a clear day) this make for some incredible photo opportunities. Like I said, please go Google it!

Rogie Falls

Ever seen salmon jump up stream? No? Neither had we! After reaching our accommodation for the night (see below), we learned that this waterfall was a only 10 minute drive along the road. We also learned that, in the Summer, salmon return here to make the difficult swim back up the falls to spawn. The roaring waterfall is huge, and after waiting patiently on the bridge across the river, we were treated to sights of the fish making death defying jumps up the rocks.

Pammy’s Family Annexe

Pammy’s lovely wee BnB sits neatly to the side of the road overlooking Loch Luichart. Pammy was there to greet us on arrival, and told us just to shout on her if we wanted to make use of the fire pits in either the front or back garden. She was warm, friendly and keen to make sure we had everything we needed on our last night. Had the weather been on our side, this would have been a wonderful last stop to sit and sip a glass of wine and reflect on our trip.

Book with Pammy 

Bonus stop – Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery

On our way back down the road to South Scotland, we were invited to go visit the Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery near Pitlochry. Set right in the heart of the countryside, this beautiful big distillery has been producing Scottish whisky since 1898. Our tour included a detailed explanation of how the team create their unique Aberfeldy Single Malt, the history of the distillery, sampling of an exclusively aged whisky, tours of the grounds and whisky cocktail tastings. It was the perfect way to end our road trip and break up a long drive home.

The Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is now re-open for tours. You can book yours on the Dewar’s website .

And finally … Vegan food on the North Coast 500

I’m going to be honest, I thought finding vegan food and accommodation on the NC 500 was going to be an absolute nightmare. There are actually a good few vegetarian/vegan hotels on the North Coast 500, however, only one of them had re-opened after Covid when we took our trip (and it had been fully booked).

As mentioned above, most places we stopped were keen to accommodate for main meals. However, breakfasts left little to the imagination (vegetarian sausages on offer all had egg in them and there was no milk alternative). I recommended vegan travelers itching for a milky coffee fix take a cartoon of their own milk to the Scottish Highlands. I also took some snacks and Pot Noodles for self-catering emergencies.

Lunches were relatively easy, but uninspiring. We came across multiple Tescos and Co-Ops on our Scottish road trip, meaning we were able to pick up budget-friendly sandwich meal deals. The UK’s vegan offering for these deals has grown significantly in the last year, and flavours include pumpkin falafel, Plant Chef Hoisin duck and chick’n with herby sage stuffing and cream slaw. My top vegan tip: Prepare like nobody will feed you!

Still have questions about your NC500 Scotland trip? Drop a message in the comments or try my other North Coast 500 blogs:

• The Best Hotels on Scotland’s North Coast 500: Accommodation Guide
• How to climb Fyrish Monument on the NC500
• How to get Smoo Cave Scotland: Visitor guide and FAQs
• How to find the Whaligoe Steps and Waterfall – North Coast 500
• How to get to Wailing Widow Falls, Loch na Gainmhich

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Travel writer, marketing adviser and blogger based in Edinburgh, with a focus on budget and vegan travel. 39 countries to date, with extensive knowledge of travel within Asia, particularly within Thailand.

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14 comments.

Alan Crosbie

Such an awesome trip!

Enjoyed reading about your trip, especially the NE area as I am planning to visit there this autumn. Your itinerary sounded pretty great to me. If you ever return to the NW I would highly recommend visits to Balnakeil Bay, and just off the NC500 Sandwood Bay and Oldshoremore 👍🏻🌊 @velvetnightskygordy (just to note that Ardvreck Castle is at Loch Assynt 😉)

Hi Gordon! Thank you for the lovely message (and the correction!). Google maps was really rubbish for location tracking, didn’t give me and mountain names and told me we were in Loch Maree. 😭 I’ll defo check out those spots if we go back to the NW – in all honesty, I wasn’t do fussed about all the beaches/bays at the weather started to turn (it really made such a difference), and we were truly exhausted by the end of this itinerary 😂

Bulent Yalcin

Hi Sarah, How can i get the printable version of your NC500 itinerary please?

Hi Bulent 🙂 I’ve sent you an e-mail.

Lidia Lids Li

Hi hun, could I have a copy to print too, please 😁 Starting to plan for August, hope I’ve not left it too late to book accommodation 😬 thinking of 6 days instead of 4, so should be a bit easier on the driving (I’m most likely going solo)

Ho Sarah! Great read! Is it possible get to get a printable copy of version of your itinerary please?

Hi Craig 🙂 After the first comment, I sent an e-mail to the user who had all kinds of demands for layout. I’m afraid to say that, at this point, I just didn’t have time to build new downloadables to that level for free – and never got round to producing one. Most people have told me they just printed the page instead. Sorry!

Hi can you please send me a printable version please. Thank you

Hi 🙂 After the first comment, I sent an e-mail to the user who had all kinds of demands for layout. I’m afraid to say that, at this point, I just didn’t have time to build new downloadables to that level for free – and never got round to producing one. Most people have told me they just printed the page instead. Sorry!

I’m absolutely delighted to have found this itinerary … we’ve booked all our accommodations and bookmarked all the sights on Google maps and look forward to leaving in 7 weeks time, after the school holidays.

Thank you so much – this comment has made my day. I hope you have a wonderful time 🙂 x

Jenilee Fletcher-Davies

That’s sounds perfect and wonderful write up. How do I go about getting a copy of the itinerary. Also just a quick one what do you think about this journey with a dog are there many pet friendly hotels.

Hello! I actually used to have a downloadable copy here on the site with a small 31 fee to cover my plugi costs, but I wasn’t getting any so I scrapped it. All of the Highland Coast hotel hotels on here are dog friendly, with dedicated rooms for pups 🙂

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Find Your Tour

3 - 5 days in scotland.

If you Google “ 3 days in Scotland ” you will find lots of Travel Bloggers claiming to have the “Ultimate” 3 day Scotland itinerary

It’s all a load of baloney!

Because  your ultimate 3 to 5 days in Scotland is really dependent on what you want to experience and how you like to travel.

Some people will want to rush around ticking off a bucket list of famous places such as Edinburgh Castle, Culloden, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan, Glen Coe and Skye.

Others will want a slower pace of travel so they can connect with the land and its history.

For this reason, we have crafted a range of 3 - 5 day itineraries for different interests and paces of travel.

3 - 5 Day Tours from Edinburgh

Express explorer east to west.

This tour plan is aimed at the first time visitor that wants to do a “bucket list” tour of Scotland in a short time. It could be condensed for a 3 day itinerary, but we would recommend that you allow at least 4 days in Scotland and pace the tour as follows.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Explore Edinburgh
• Day 2 - Edinburgh to Inverness
• Day 3 - Inverness to Skye
• Day 4 - Skye to Glasgow or Edinburgh

Highland Explorer East to West

This itinerary is similar to the Express Explorer but it adds in a night (or 2 if you wish) in the Pitlochry area. This allows you more time to meander and explore back roads on the way from Edinburgh to Inverness. If you have 5 days in Scotland , this itinerary could be paced like:    >>> READ MORE

• Day 2 - Edinburgh to Pitlochry
• Day 3 - Pitlochry to Inverness
• Day 4 - Inverness to Skye
• Day 5 - Skye to Glasgow or Edinburgh

Whisky Taster

If you only have 3 days in Scotland, you could condense this Whisky Trail itinerary to fit. But we recommend you schedule it as a 5 day itinerary so you can relax and enjoy the distillery tours. The focus is on Speyside and Highland malts, but you can visit Glenkinchie and thus tick off a Lowland malt too.   >>> READ MORE

• Day 3 - Pitlochry to Speyside
• Day 4 - Speyside to Royal Deeside
• Day 5 - Royal Deeside to Edinburgh

Romantic Scotland

We recommend this itinerary if you wish to tour Scotland in 3 to 5 days at a more relaxed pace. This itinerary keeps the driving times short and features lots of pretty villages, woodland walks, and romantic settings. If you start with a half-day in Edinburgh and then drive to Pitlochry, you could condense this itinerary for 3 days in Scotland.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Explore Edinburgh / drive to Pitlochry in Afternoon
• Day 2 - Pitlochry to Inveraray via Loch Tay
• Day 3 - Inveraray to Glasgow via Loch Lomond

Alternatively, have a relaxed 5 days in Scotland by doing this:

• Day 3 - Pitlochry to Inveraray via Loch Tay
• Day 4 - Day trip from Inveraray to Oban
• Day 5 - Inveraray to Glasgow via Loch Lomond

Castle Explorer

In 5 days you can explore lots of Scotland’s most iconic castles. This itinerary features the castles of Edinburgh, Stirling, Doune, Blair. Balmoral, Crathes, Dunnottar, Glamis and lots more you’ve probably never heard of. There is enough in the guide to fill 11 days, but you could pace it over 5 days as suggested below.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 2 - Edinburgh to Pitlochry via Stirling
• Day 3 - Pitlochry to Royal Deeside
• Day 4 - Royal Deeside to St Andrews
• Day 5 - St Andrews to Edinburgh

3 - 5 Day Tours from Glasgow

Express explorer west to east.

Our most popular tour itinerary for 3 days in Scotland , the Express Explorer from Glasgow is a fast paced road trip around Loch Lomond, Skye, Loch Ness, Culloden, Stirling Castle. We recommend allowing longer, but if you are constrained to a 3 day tour it can be paced as follows.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Glasgow to Skye via Loch Lomond and Glencoe
• Day 2 - Explore Skye then drive to Inverness via Loch Ness
• Day 3 - Inverness to Edinburgh via Culloden and Stirling

Highland Explorer West to East

This itinerary is a variation on the Express Explorer. It features a stopover in Pitlochry so you have time to explore quieter roads away from the tourist crowds. If using this itinerary for a 5 day Scotland road trip  we would suggest a schedule as below.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Glasgow to Skye
• Day 2 - Tour Skye
• Day 3 - Skye to Inverness
• Day 4 - Inverness to Pitlochry
• Day 5 - Pitlochry to Edinburgh

Argyll Coastal Trail

An ideal itinerary if you only have 3 to 4 days in Scotland and want a relaxed tour. The Argyll Coastal Trail features the Highlands & Islands, Castles & Standing Stones, fishing villages and world-class seafood restaurants. The route can be driven in 3 days, but we include several day trip options so you could extend this tour over 7 days.   >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Glasgow to Loch Fyne
• Day 2 - Loch Fyne to Oban
• Day 3 - Day trips from Oban
• Day 4 - Oban to Edinburgh

3 to 5 Day Tours from Inverness

Essential highlands.

This tour starts and ends in Inverness so that you can make the most of your time in the Highlands. To really take in the scenery, we recommend you pace it as a 5 day itinerary and schedule the tour as below.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Inverness to Gairloch via Ullapool
• Day 2 - Gairloch to Skye
• Day 3 - Tour Skye
• Day 4 - Skye to Fort William / Glencoe
• Day 5 - Fort William to Inverness

Northern Highlights

This itinerary follows the most scenic sections of the NC500 and is ideal if you want to see the “Highlights” of this famous road. If you are in a rush, it could be done in 3 days, but we’d recommend you take it slower and allow at least 5 days.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Inverness to Skye via Loch Ness
• Day 3 - Skye to Gairloch
• Day 4 - Gairloch to Ullapool
• Day 5 - Ullapool to Inverness via Dunrobin
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Edinburgh & Glasgow in 6 Days: A Journey Through Scottish Splendor

April 22, 2024 · 4 min read

Embark on a 6-day exploration of Scotland's most iconic cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow, with a curated itinerary that promises an immersive cultural experience. Begin your journey at the majestic Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on Castlehill, offering a glimpse into Scotland's military past. Stroll down Princes Street and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of this characteristic neighborhood. Spend the latter half of your first day wandering through the Edinburgh New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its neoclassical and Georgian architecture. Day two introduces you to the rich flavors of Scotland at The Scotch Whisky Experience before ascending Calton Hill for panoramic views. Don't miss the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in Scotland. The Royal Mile awaits you on day three, leading to the awe-inspiring St Giles' Cathedral and the treasure trove of the National Museum of Scotland. As you transition to Glasgow on day four, conquer Arthur's Seat for breathtaking city vistas, then explore the esteemed University of Glasgow and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Day five delves into Glasgow's history at The Tenement House, followed by a visit to the iconic George Square and the spiritual serenity of Glasgow Cathedral. Conclude your Scottish escapade on day six at Celtic Park, home to passionate football culture, the innovative Riverside Museum, and the tranquil Pollok Country Park. This itinerary is designed to ensure you experience the heart and soul of Edinburgh and Glasgow, all with the ease and expertise of Trip.com.

• Day 1: Enchanting Edinburgh - Castles, Culture, and Cobblestones

Edinburgh Castle

Kickstart your Edinburgh adventure with a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress that dominates the skyline of the city from its position atop Castle Rock. Spend a couple of hours exploring this symbol of Scottish military might, where you can delve into the country's rich history, marvel at the Crown Jewels, and soak in panoramic views of Edinburgh. Located at Castlehill, it's the perfect starting point for your 6-day journey through Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Attraction Info

• Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
• Open from 03/29-09/30,9:30am-6:00pm;Open from 10/01-12/23,9:30am-5:00pm;Closed from 12/25-12/26;Open from 12/27-12/31,9:30am-5:00pm;Open 9:30am-4:00pm on 12/24;Open 11:00am-5:00pm on 01/01;Open from 01/02-03/28,9:30am-5:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Princes Street

After immersing yourself in the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle, take a leisurely stroll down Princes Street. This bustling thoroughfare is the heart of the city's shopping district, where you can spend an hour or so indulging in retail therapy or simply enjoying the characteristic Edinburgh neighborhood vibe. With its blend of high street fashion and Scottish charm, Princes Street offers a delightful contrast to the morning's historical escapade.

• Edinburgh, UK
• Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour

Edinburgh New Town

Conclude your first day with a half-day exploration of Edinburgh's New Town. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of city planning, boasting neoclassical and Georgian grandeur. Wander through its well-preserved streets, admire the elegant architecture, and discover the cultural treasures that lie within this characteristic neighborhood. Edinburgh's New Town is not just a feast for the eyes but also a testament to the city's historical and architectural significance.

• Suggested tour duration: 0.5 day
• Open 24 hours

Where to Stay Tonight

Mono suites new town, destiny scotland - q-residence.

• Day 2: Savoring Spirits and Scenic Splendors in Edinburgh

The Scotch Whisky Experience

Kicking off the second day with a spirited start, The Scotch Whisky Experience awaits. Nestled at 354 Castlehill on the famed Royal Mile, this immersive attraction offers a golden opportunity to delve into the world of whisky. Over the course of an hour, visitors can enjoy a barrel ride through a replica distillery, learn about the nuances of Scotland's national drink, and even savor a dram of Scotch. It's an essential Edinburgh experience for both connoisseurs and curious travelers alike.

• 354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2NE
• Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
• Open from 10:00am-5:00pm，Except for Christmas Day (December 25), the store is open from 10 am every day. The specific business status is subject to the opening conditions on the day.

Calton Hill

After toasting to Scotland's whisky heritage, a scenic stroll leads to Calton Hill, a site that promises panoramic views of Edinburgh's skyline. With a couple of hours at your disposal, there's ample time to explore the hill's collection of historic monuments and absorb the city's architectural beauty from above. It's a perfect spot for photographers and daydreamers to capture the essence of Edinburgh's enchanting atmosphere.

• Edinburgh EH7 5BN, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 2 hour

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Concluding the day's journey is a visit to the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Located at Canongate, this grand palace is steeped in royal history and boasts exquisite apartments, stunning gardens, and a rich collection of art. Spending two hours here allows visitors to wander through the stately rooms and perhaps even uncover some of the palace's most intriguing tales.

• Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, United Kingdom
• Open from 11/01-03/31,Mon, Thu-Sun,9:30am-4:30pm;Closed from 09/30-03/31,Tue-Wed;Open from 04/01-05/15,Mon, Thu-Sun,9:30am-6:00pm;Closed from 04/01-05/15,Tue-Wed;Closed from 05/16-05/25;Open from 05/26-06/26,Mon, Thu-Sun,9:30am-6:00pm;Closed from 05/26-06/26,Tue-Wed;Closed from 06/27-07/05;Open from 07/06-09/30,9:30am-6:00pm;Open from 10/01-10/31,Mon, Thu-Sun,9:30am-6:00pm

Cheval Abbey Strand Apartments, at Holyrood

Destiny student - holyrood (brae house).

• Day 3: Exploring Edinburgh's Historic Heart

Begin your third day with a stroll down the iconic Royal Mile, the bustling artery of Edinburgh's Old Town. This historic stretch connects the grand Edinburgh Castle with the regal Holyrood Palace. As you wander through this characteristic neighborhood, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, with street performers, local shops, and historic buildings lining the way. Allow yourself an hour to soak in the essence of Scotland's capital, capturing the spirit of the city that has been the stage for many of its most pivotal moments.

• Edinburgh EH1 1QS, United Kingdom

St Giles' Cathedral

Just a short walk from the Royal Mile, you'll find the spiritual heart of the city at St Giles' Cathedral. With its distinctive crown steeple piercing the Edinburgh skyline, this church is a masterpiece of religious architecture. Spend an hour exploring the ornate interior, where stained glass windows cast colorful patterns across the ancient stone, and history whispers from every corner. It's a place of tranquility and reflection amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

• High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE, United Kingdom
• Open on Sun,1:00pm-5:00pm;Open on Mon-Fri,10:00am-6:00pm;Open on Sat,9:00am-5:00pm

National Museum of Scotland

Conclude your day's journey at the National Museum of Scotland, a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits that tell the rich story of Scotland, from its geological beginnings to the present day. Plan to spend about three hours delving into collections that span science, technology, natural history, world cultures, and Scottish history. The museum's diverse array of exhibits ensures that there's something to pique the curiosity of every visitor, making it a memorable end to a day filled with exploration and discovery.

• Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 3 hour
• Open from 10:00am-5:00pm

Museum Apartments

No1 apartments edinburgh - george iv bridge.

• Day 4: Edinburgh's Natural Majesty to Glasgow's Academic and Artistic Splendor

Arthur's Seat

Begin your fourth day with a morning ascent to Arthur's Seat, the main peak of the group of hills in Edinburgh that form most of Holyrood Park. This ancient volcano and site of a well-preserved fort offers panoramic views of the city, making it a perfect spot for those looking to capture Edinburgh's beauty from above. Allow yourself an hour to soak in the vistas and the fresh Scottish air before heading off to Glasgow for a day of intellectual and artistic enrichment.

• Edinburgh EH15 3PY, United Kingdom

University of Glasgow

After the invigorating start at Arthur's Seat, transition to the prestigious grounds of the University of Glasgow. Spend about three hours exploring the second-oldest university in Scotland, marveling at its stunning architecture and vibrant student life. As you stroll through the historic quadrangles and cloisters, you'll feel the academic legacy that has been nurtured here for centuries.

• Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Conclude your day with a visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, one of Glasgow's most beloved attractions. Dedicate a couple of hours to wander through the impressive collections of this art gallery, which boasts everything from Renaissance art to modern masterpieces. The museum's grandeur and the breadth of its exhibits will provide a perfect cultural capstone to your day's journey.

• Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8AG, United Kingdom
• Open on Fri, Sun,11:00am-5:00pm;Open on Mon-Thu, Sat,10:00am-5:00pm

The Alamo Guest House

Boutique 50.

• Day 5: Time Travel in Glasgow's Heritage

The Tenement House

Begin your fifth day stepping back into early 20th-century Glasgow with a visit to The Tenement House. Nestled in the heart of the city at 145 Buccleuch St, this historical gem offers a glimpse into the everyday life of Glaswegians of the past. Preserved with authentic furnishings and decorations, the museum encapsulates the essence of the era. Spend an hour here to soak in the atmosphere of a bygone age, marveling at the resilience and simplicity of the urban working class.

• 145 Buccleuch St, Glasgow G3 6QN, United Kingdom

George Square

Next, immerse yourself in the civic heart of Glasgow with a leisurely stroll to George Square. Just a short walk from The Tenement House, this grand square is the city's urban centerpiece, adorned with statues and monuments commemorating Scotland's most notable figures. Allocate a couple of hours to explore the surrounding architectural marvels, capture photos of the impressive City Chambers, and enjoy the vibrant pulse of Glasgow's public life.

• Glasgow G2 1DH, United Kingdom

Glasgow Cathedral

Conclude your day with a serene visit to the Glasgow Cathedral, a mere stone's throw from George Square. This majestic church stands as a testament to Glasgow's medieval history, with its imposing Gothic architecture and storied past. Dedicate an hour to wander through its hallowed halls, absorb the tranquility, and admire the stunning stained glass windows that have illuminated the cathedral for centuries.

• Castle St, Glasgow G4 0QZ, United Kingdom
• Open from 3/29-9/30,Mon-Sat,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 3/29-9/30,Sun,1:00pm-5:00pm;Open from 10/1-3/28,Mon-Sat,10:00am-4:00pm;Open from 10/1-3/28,Sun,1:00pm-4:00pm

Cathedral House

Moxy glasgow merchant city.

• Day 6: Glasgow's Grand Finale - From Celtic Pride to Riverside Wonders

Celtic Park

Kicking off the final day of our Edinburgh-Glasgow adventure, we start at the iconic Celtic Park, a bastion of Scottish football and a must-visit for sports enthusiasts. Spend about 1.5 hours immersed in the electric atmosphere of this legendary gym. Located at Janefield St, Glasgow G40 3RE, United Kingdom, Celtic Park is not just a stadium but a symbol of passion and history, where the cheers of countless fans have echoed throughout the years.

• Janefield St, Glasgow G40 3RE, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 1.5-3 hour
• Open on Mon-Thu, Sun,9:30am-5:00pm;Open on Fri,9:00am-12:30pm

Riverside Museum

Next on our Glasgow goodbye is the Riverside Museum, a mere 2-hour journey into innovation and design. Nestled at 100 Pointhouse Rd, Govan, Glasgow G3 8RS, United Kingdom, this museum is a marvel of master architecture housing a treasure trove of transport and travel artifacts. The Riverside Museum promises a captivating experience that chronicles the rich industrial heritage of Glasgow, all wrapped in a cutting-edge, modern structure that's a feast for the eyes.

• 100 Pointhouse Rd, Govan, Glasgow G3 8RS, United Kingdom
• Open on Mon-Thu, Sat,10:00am-5:00pm;Open on Fri, Sun,11:00am-5:00pm

Pollok Country Park

To wrap up our six-day sojourn, we retreat to the tranquility of Pollok Country Park. This city park, located at 2060 Pollokshaws Rd, Bellahouston, Glasgow G43 1AT, United Kingdom, offers a serene escape with its lush landscapes and peaceful ambiance. It's the perfect spot to reflect on the week's adventures and relax amidst nature's beauty before we bid farewell to the vibrant cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

• 2060 Pollokshaws Rd, Bellahouston, Glasgow G43 1AT, United Kingdom
• Open from 10:00am-6:00pm

Charming 3-Bed Oasis-free parking

Sherbrooke castle hotel.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Amazing Scotland Itinerary: 7 Days in Scotland

S cotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. From stunning mountains to lovely lochs and glens, prettiest castles to popular movie locations, world-famous whiskies to thousands of years of fascinating history – there is so much to see and explore in this small country. We would recommend spending at least seven days to see the best of Scotland and are sharing our recommended 7 Days in Scotland Itinerary with you.

Late spring to summer is the best time to visit this country when the weather stays pleasantly warm and dry, and the days are longer. However, the Scottish weather is very unpredictable – you can get rain any time of the year.

Our 7-day itinerary starts and ends in Edinburgh. It has an international airport and is well-connected with the rest of the world. Glasgow Airport is also not too far from Edinburgh. It’s easier and more convenient to travel by car to follow our itinerary, but it is also possible to do it by public transport.

Day 1 Scotland Itinerary – Edinburgh

What better way to start your journey than visiting the Scottish capital city of Edinburgh? This ancient city’s Old Town and New Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Narrow winding streets, imposing churches, medieval buildings, world-class museums, and art galleries – there is an abundance of  things to see and do in Edinburgh .

The first stop is at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, sitting dramatically over an extinct volcano, Castle Rock. Dating back since the 11th century, it has seen many invasions and sieges throughout history. Inside, you will find the National War Museum, the Royal Palace and the Scottish Crown Jewels. Also, you will get an excellent panoramic view of the city from the castle.

After visiting the castle, head down to the Royal mile to see the Holyrood Palace – the royal home of Her Majesty the Queen in Scotland. You can explore the ornate state apartments, throne room, and the ruins of the Holyrood Abbey within the palace garden. Get an audio guide from the reception and listen to the riveting history of the palace.

Did you know that Edinburgh has a close connection with the beloved young wizard, Harry Potter? In a small cafe in the Old Town, author J K Rowling wrote the early books of that series, drawing inspiration from many nearby historical places in the city. Potter fans would love visiting the Elephant House, Greyfriars Kirkyard, Victoria Street – Edinburgh’s Diagon Alley. End your day with some traditional Scottish food. Pop into Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House at Old Town and try Haggis – the national dish of Scotland.  Where to Stay – Edinburgh

Day 2 Scotland Itinerary – Stirling via Falkirk + Loch Lomond

Today, you will visit a medieval castle, an iconic Scottish heritage site, and a scenic lake surrounded by stunning mountains. Grab a cup of coffee before hitting the road. Leaving Edinburgh behind, drive towards Stirling, with a pit stop to see the Kelpies in Falkirk. Marvel at the two gigantic, metal horse-head sculptures representing the mythical creature (kelpies) from Scottish folklore. Built to remind visitors about the horse-powered industrial heritage of Scotland, they are the tallest equine sculptures in the world. Also take a look at the Falkirk Wheel, a Scottish Canal with a very futuristic design.

Your next stop is Stirling, a city steeped in thousands of years of history. Visit Stirling Castle, one of the largest and best castles in Scotland. Built in the 15th century, this medieval castle was once the primary royal residence in Scotland. It is also one of the most besieged castles in Scottish history. Wander around the Great Hall, Royal Chapel, and the gardens. The breathtaking panoramic view of the countryside, the National Wallace Monument, and the surrounding hills from the castle promenade is not to be missed. 

Next on today’s itinerary is Loch Lomond, which without a doubt, is one of Scotland’s most popular attractions and a favourite sight amongst locals and tourists. It is the largest freshwater lake by surface in the whole of Britain. Take a boat trip and explore the beautiful villages and islands across the lake. Luss is one such charming village with cute flowery houses. It is considered one of the  prettiest villages in Scotland . If you are a fan of water adventures, you will find several options like kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding. Where to Stay – Balloch

Day 3 Scotland Itinerary – Glen Coe + Fort William

Driving through Glen Coe – a mountainous valley in the Scottish Highlands is one the most scenic road trips in the UK. It takes about 1.5 hours to get here from Balloch, Loch Lomond. Be prepared to get captivated by the wind-swept wild landscapes on your way. In addition to this picturesque route, take a short detour via nearby Glen Etive. James Bond movie Skyfall was filmed here. 

At the end of your journey, you will reach Fort William – the outdoor capital of the UK. The mighty Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain, towers over the town. There are plenty of fun things to do in Fort William. Pay a visit to the West Highland Museum and learn about the fascinating history of this region, wander around the ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle and visit Neptune’s Staircase on the Caledonian Canal.

But the main attraction of Fort William is the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train, which runs between Fort William and Mallaig. Popularly known as the Hogwarts Express, it was featured in the Harry Potter movies. This 41-miles long train journey is widely considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the World. You will be mesmerised by the postcard-perfect sceneries of the surrounding landscape. One of the highlights of your journey would be crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct – an iconic architectural marvel. The train terminates at Mallaig, a picturesque small port village.

Spend some time relaxing at the harbour. If you are feeling hungry, grab some delicious lunch at the nearby restaurants and cafes before returning to Fort William. Where to Stay – Fort William

Day 4 Scotland Itinerary – Isle of Skye

Of course, a Scotland itinerary is not complete without a visit to the Isle of Skye. Skye is an incredibly beautiful island in the Inner Hebrides, famous for its rugged landscapes. There are two ways to reach Skye from Fort William. You can either drive through the Skye Bridge or catch a ferry from Mallaig to Armadale, a village on the southern fringe of Skye.

Your first stop on the island is the magical Fairy Pool, one of the most visited and best tourist attractions on the Isle of Skye . It is a web of small waterfalls in the backdrop of the majestic Cuillin Mountains. If you are visiting here on sunny summer days, you can take a dip into the clear turquoise water of the pool. You can easily spend a few hours here admiring the breathtaking view.

Today our next stop is the Talisker Distillery, the oldest working distillery on this island. Regardless of whether you are a whisky fan or not, visiting a distillery is a must for any trip to Scotland. There are options for guided tours and tastings. You will learn a lot about the history of the distillery and the process of making their whiskies. The guided tour lasts for around 45 minutes. 

Just about 30 min drive from the distillery is our next destination – Dunvegan Castle and Gardens. It’s the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. Take a tour of the castle, and wander around its beautiful gardens. You can also go on a boat trip across Loch Dunvegan to visit the Seal Colony. Where to Stay – Portree

Day 5 Scotland Itinerary – Isle of Skye

Portree is a picturesque town on the Isle of Skye. This vibrant town has a beautiful harbour with an array of colourful houses. It is a great place to base and explore most of the attractions on the Isle of Skye. Just drive for about 12-minutes from Portree to visit the Old Man of Storr on the Trotternish peninsula. The iconic pinnacles are one of the best-known rock formations in the whole of Britain. Go on a two hours hike to get close to the mighty Storr – It’s not a very tough walk. If you don’t fancy this walk, you can still get a marvellous view of this imposing mountain on your way to the next destination.

Next, visit the famous Kilt Rock, a 180 ft tall cliff with Mealt Falls flowing down to the sea. Head to the nearby An Corran beach at Staffin to find old dinosaur footprints that date back to millions of years ago. We bet you did not expect to see this in Scotland. They are only visible during low tide.

Pop inside the Staffin Dinosaur Museum to learn about the dinosaur fossils found in this area. Not too far from here is the Quiraing – one of the most dramatic landscapes in Skye. It consists of a large grassy surface (table), a sharp pointy pinnacle (needle), and a unique rock formation that looks like a medieval keep. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic views from here. You can hike the entire Quiraing circuit in a couple of hours.

Must be tired and hungry after all the hikes? Portree has a fabulous seafood scene. You will find award-winning chip shops, many seafood restaurants, and pubs at the heart of this town. Where to Stay – Portree

Day 6 Scotland Itinerary – Eilean Donan Castle + Loch Ness + Inverness

Today you will say goodbye to the magical Isle of Skye and drive to the mainland. If you plan to visit any castle in Scotland, you must include Eilean Donan Castle during your seven days in Scotland. It’s one of the most photographed castles in Scotland and appeared in many movies and TV series. Book a tour of the castle to learn about its fascinating and colourful history.

No visit to Scotland is ever complete without visiting the world-famous Loch Ness. Spanning over a length of around 37 Km, it is the largest freshwater lake by volume in Britain and the home of the mythical Loch Ness monster, Nessie. There are plenty of things to enjoy here. Step inside the magnificent ruins of Urquhart Castle, overlooking Loch Ness. It has an intriguing history of over 1000 years. The perfect way to appreciate the beauty of this loch is by hopping on a boat cruise. Boat leaves from many different places on the shore of the loch. Sit back, relax and admire the stunning surrounding landscapes. There are a few beautiful small, charming villages dotted around the loch. Fort Augustus is one of them. Take a stroll along the beautiful Caledonian canal here.

Next, head towards the last stop of the day – Inverness. Popularly known as the capital city of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is a vibrant and historic city of Scotland. River Ness flows through the heart of it. Admire the view from the imposing Inverness Castle, shop at the Victorian Market, and marvel at many of the city’s stunning churches. End the day at a traditional Scottish pub with live music. Where to Stay – Inverness

Day 7 Scotland Itinerary – Drive back to Edinburgh: Stop at Aviemore and Pitlochry

Well, today is the last day of the 7-day Scotland Itinerary. Take a leisurely walk around the Inverness City Centre. Pop into Inverness Museum and Art Gallery before heading towards Edinburgh. Inverness to Edinburgh takes around three hours by drive. We will stop at a few beautiful places on the way. The first stop would be at Loch Morlich near Aviemore at the heart of famous Cairngorms National Park – about 40 min drive from Inverness.

Enjoy the stunning view of the lake surrounded by beautiful mountains. You can also do kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding if you are into water sports. The next stop is at Pitlochry, a pretty town in Perthshire. Take a walk around the Faskally Woods (especially in autumn), soak in the breathtaking scenery from the Queen’s View.

If you still have time and energy, take a tour at Blair Athol Distillery. There are plenty of independent shops and cafes in the Pitlochry town centre. Buy souvenirs and gifts for your friend and family before the final leg of the journey.

Edinburgh is about 1.5 hours’ drive from Pitlochry. On your way, reminisce all the beautiful memories you have created over the past few days. Hope you will be back again to explore more of this bonnie part of the world.

Moumita and Sankha of Chasing the Long Road are travel bloggers living in Edinburgh, Scotland. They have been extensively travelling in Europe and the UK since 2014 and are very passionate about exploring the world, discovering local cultures and cuisines, and capturing the travel moments. Moumita is an award-winning travel photographer. Follow them on Instagram , Facebook , and Pinterest .

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