driving tour of scotland

The Best 7 Day Scotland Road Trip For First-Timers (2024)

Interested in taking a 7 day Scotland road trip? You won’t be disappointed!

Scotland is my favorite place in the whole world.

I know that’s a pretty bold statement considering I haven’t seen the whole world, not even close.

But there’s just something about the country that makes me feel like I’m home and I never want to leave.

The fog and mist while driving through the Highlands, the friendly people, the wildlife, the history, and the folklore – all of it bundled together makes Scotland like nowhere else I’ve ever been.

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While Scotland deserves as much time as you can manage, you can easily get a good feel for the country in just 7 days.

From the magical city of Edinburgh to the mysterious Loch Ness to the mesmerizing Isle of Skye , this self-drive tour of Scotland will get you around to a lot of the highlights and more!

Here’s the map and route and a breakdown of the best one-week Scotland road trip for first-timers:

• Day 1 – Edinburgh

Day 2 – Edinburgh to Stirling to Pitlochry

• Day 3 – Pitlochry to Cairngorms to Inverness

Day 4 – Inverness to Isle of Skye

Day 5 – isle of skye, day 6 – isle of skye to glencoe.

• Day 7 – Glencoe to Loch Lomond to Edinburgh

Are you getting excited? Let’s dive in!

PPST! Looking for an easy way to reference all this great info? I’ve got a free, summarized version of this itinerary available to download so you can refer back to it at any time!

Best 7 day scotland road trip for first-timers.

Today you’ll be exploring my favorite city, Edinburgh. Ideally, you’ll either be able to arrive the night before or early this morning so you can make the most of your day here.

Edinburgh is insanely beautiful and has so much history and character. There is so much to explore, so you’ll have to pick and choose what to see based on your interests, but if you only have one day, this is what I’d recommend.

Arthur’s Seat

If you arrive the night before, I’d highly recommend getting up early and hiking up Arthur’s Seat for sunrise.

Arthur’s Seat is a grassy hill that is the remnants of an ancient volcano. It offers one of the best views of the city and is not to be missed if you enjoy hiking. It is the highest point in Holyrood Park.

The hike up to the top isn’t long, but it can be strenuous, so you should be prepared before you make the hike.

If the weather is very windy, foggy, or rainy, you should probably skip this as the views won’t be good and the rain will make the route very slippery. This is definitely a hike that should be done in decent weather to get the most out of the experience.

You can start and end the hike at various places within Holyrood Park, but I’d recommend beginning by St. Margaret’s Well in the northwest part of the park and taking the path by Saint Anthony’s Chapel Ruins before making your way up to the top. You can then hike back down the way you came or take another path to explore a different section of the park.

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile lies in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. This is where many of the attractions, museums, and shopping opportunities are located. It starts at the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the east and stretches to Edinburgh Castle to the west.

You should spend the majority of your day in this section of the city. There is so much to see and do in this part alone that you would need several days to really see it all.

Assuming you are coming from Arthur’s Seat, you’ll be starting your exploration of the Royal Mile from the eastern side by Dynamic Earth and Holyroodhouse , but if you skipped this, you could start anywhere you wish.

St Giles’ Cathedral

Take a few minutes to explore this stunning cathedral that predates most of the Old Town of Edinburgh. Step inside and appreciate the beautiful stained glass and architecture.

Victoria Street

Any other Harry Potter fans out there? If so, you probably know that Victoria Street is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley, and you can definitely see why! There’s even a Harry Potter-themed store here, which is worth checking out!

Even if you aren’t a Harry Potter fanatic, this two-storied colorful street is fun to explore and do a bit of window shopping – or actual shopping!

Greyfriars Kirkyard & Greyfriars Bobby Statue

More Harry Potter trivia! It is said that J. K. Rowling spent time wandering around Greyfriars Kirkyard and came up with some of the characters’ names here, like McGonagall, Scrimgeour, and Thomas Riddell. Spend some time wandering around and see how many you can find!

A little ways away from the kirkyard is the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier who became famous for spending 14 years guarding the grave of his deceased owner.

National Museum of Scotland

There are so many museums to visit in Edinburgh, but if you only have time for one, I recommend the National Museum of Scotland .

It has a little bit of everything here, and the building itself is quite stunning. You could easily spend all day here, so I’d recommend finding the exhibitions you are most interested in and concentrating on those first.

I especially liked the Kingdom of the Scots and Scotland Transformed, as well as Dolly the sheep, who was the first cloned mammal.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

I didn’t get a chance to do this when I was in Edinburgh, but if you like scotch or are interested in learning more about the process, this would be a great option for you.

There are various tour options available, and I’d highly recommend booking your tour in advance as they do often sell out.

Edinburgh Castle

If you only have time for one activity, this is the one you should do. Edinburgh Castle is the highlight of the entire city , perched on top of a rocky hill and can be seen from just about everywhere.

Tickets must be bought in advance, so keep this in mind when planning.

Bonus: Calton Hill

If you aren’t too tired and want a nice location to watch the sunset, Calton Hill is a great choice.

Wander around the various monuments and enjoy the panoramic views of the city.

Other Options

For more options of things to do in Edinburgh if you have additional time or would like to swap out some of the previous suggestions, read this post:

Free and Cheap Things To Do In Edinburgh

Where to Stay

While it will be more expensive to stay near the Royal Mile, if you want to get the most out of your time in Edinburgh, it’s probably going to be your best option.

We actually opted to stay at an apartment at Tytler Gardens which is near Holyroodhouse and it worked out really well for us. It no longer is available, but this apartment is similar and in the same location.

Some other highly rated budget options include CoDE Pod – The CoURT , ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge , and Aparthotel Adagio .

Total Distance: 102 miles Length of Drive: 2.5 hours

Pick up your car this morning and head out of Edinburgh towards Stirling. Your first stop will be Linlithgow Palace.

Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace is the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and was the residence of the Stewarts for centuries. While now in ruins, it’s a fascinating place to explore and learn more about the Stewarts.

Spent an hour or two here and then continue to the Kelpies.

The Kelpies

The world’s largest horse sculptures are impressive and well worth a quick stop for a few pictures.

If you are interested, there are also tours that go inside the statue heads. We were content just walking around them and snapping a few photos.

This would also be a nice place to take a break and have a picnic if you packed a lunch. There is a cafe on-site as well if you want to get a quick bite to eat here.

Stirling Castle

I almost think I liked this castle better than Edinburgh’s…gasp! It’s hard to compare the two really, but Stirling Castle is a must-see regardless.

With its imposing position on the hill and sprawling grounds, you can spend a lot of time here exploring the castle inside and out.

Continue driving to Pitlochry where you will stay for the night.

Places to Stay

When we went to Scotland in 2017, we went during my 30th birthday. As my birthday treat, we stayed at Fonab Castle Hotel which was a highlight of our trip. It was luxurious and it was there I had the best meal of our entire trip.

If you want to splurge on a castle stay during your Scotland 7 day itinerary, I can’t recommend Fonab Castle enough. Or at least eat at the restaurant. It’s pricey but it’s worth it.

For budget stays, I’d recommend McKays Hotel Bar & Restaurant or Fisher’s Hotel .

Day 3 – Pitlochry to Inverness

Total Distance: 106 miles Length of Drive: 2.5 hours

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

Start off your morning with a visit to the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre.

I had a blast here. We took a hill trip, which basically means we walked out to where the reindeer were and got to walk with them, feed them, and pet them while learning all about reindeer and the herd.

I felt like a little kid and had so much fun feeding them and snapping a bazillion photos. This was one of my favorite things during our entire trip.

If this doesn’t sound like something you’d like, I’d recommend taking some time to drive around  Cairngorms National Park . I wish we would have had more time to do so when we visited. The area is beyond beautiful.

Old Pack Horse Bridge, Carrbridge

This is a fun little attraction on your way out of the area. This post-medieval bridge over the River Dulnain is intriguing and worth a quick stop to take a few photos.

Clava Cairns

The Clava Cairns are bronze-age cairns, which are basically prehistoric burial grounds that consist of standing stones and rings of rocks.

It’s pretty fascinating to see something so old that is so well preserved. We wandered around the grounds for a while, taking photos and just marveling.

Culloden Battlefield

For any of you Outlander fans out there, the Culloden Battlefield is a must-see. The tragic end of the Jacobite uprising occurred here in 1745, and you can walk in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought.

Check out the visitor center first to get the lay of the land and see artifacts and a reenactment of the battle, and then wander the grounds, viewing the monuments and the clans.

Wrap up your day by checking into your accommodations in Inverness and then heading downtown for dinner and some shopping.

Where to stay

Your best bet is to find a place in Inverness or nearby. THE KEMPS Guesthouse and Darroch View B&B are highly rated budget options.

Total Distance: 113 miles Length of Drive: 2.5 hours

Urquhart Castle / Loch Ness

Drive along Loch Ness from Inverness to Urquhart Castle.

Urquhart Castle was my favorite castle ruin to explore. It sits right along the shores of Loch Ness and is incredibly picturesque. I loved climbing around the ruins and getting fantastic views from just about every angle.

Take some time to walk along the loch and see if you can spot Nessie!

Afterward, jump back in the car and head toward the west coast of Scotland and the Isle of Skye. You’ll probably want to stop and take loads of photos on the way, so go for it!

Eilean Donan Castle

Right before you cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye, you’ll come across Eilean Donan Castle. This is another highly photographed castle that you’ve probably seen loads of times.

It’s not a very big castle, but I thought it was worth taking the time to tour. The surroundings are what makes this castle so special, so even if you don’t want to go inside, take a few minutes to take some pictures.

If you want the best view of the castle, head up to the Eilean Donan Lookout. You’ll find it by taking a left out of the castle parking lot, and then taking the first right, and then the first right again. The road will take you up to an amazing viewpoint where you can see the castle and the stunning lochs and hills around it.

Once you’re finished at Eilean Donan, continue to the Isle of Skye and Portree. Take your time and stop at anything that strikes your fancy along the way.

If you’ve got some extra time once you reach Portee, take a walk around the town to see the colorful houses by the harbor.

If you’re up for a walk, hike the Scorrybreac Trail near the boathouse for some beautiful views of the boats and the loch.

Get to bed early tonight – you’ve got an early morning and a long day tomorrow!

Portree may be the main town on the Isle of Skye, but it’s still small and places to stay fill up fast, especially in the summer. Prices are a lot more expensive here too for that reason.

A few budget options include Tongadale Hotel and The Bosville . Renting a place with VRBO is also a great option.

Total Distance: 151 miles Length of Drive: 4.5 hours

Today is going to be the longest driving day, simply because if you only have one day to explore the Isle of Skye in your itinerary for Scotland, you will want to see as much as possible. You’ll want to get a very early start and will probably be out late.

I mean, if you’re going to tour Scotland, see everything you can, right?

But if this sounds like too much driving for you, feel free to cut out any of my suggestions that don’t strike your fancy. This is your trip, after all! But if you want to see as much of the Isle of Skye as you can in one day, this route should do the trick.

Fairy Pools

Aim to arrive at the Fairy Pools right around sunrise. We went first thing in the morning and had the place to ourselves for almost an hour!

The Fairy Pools are made up of blue, crystal-clear rock pools of mountain water that are fed by streams and waterfalls from the River Brittle.

It is an incredibly beautiful area to take a walk and maybe take a dip if you are brave enough – the water is frigid, even in the summer!

NOTE: If you have the time on Day 4, you could go to the Fairy Pools before heading to Portree for the evening. This would cut off about an hour of driving on Day 5 and might be a better option if you’d rather do the Fairy Pools than walk around Portree.

The Fairy Glen is a unique hilly landscape with various rock circles and outcroppings. It’s a beautiful place to take a walk and enjoy the scenery.

You will see lots of cairns and rock circles in the area. Please don’t add to them or create more…the locals try to keep the area clear of them and maintain the natural beauty.

The Quiraing is a famous landslip that is a great place to take a hike. You will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding area.

The 3.9-mile circuit hike will take you about 2 hours to complete. Since this itinerary is pretty packed, I’d recommend only doing one hike on this day, either the Quiraing or Old Man of Storr (see below).

The day we did this drive, it was very rainy and cloudy, so we did not do any hiking. This hike would only really be worth it on a clear day since you won’t get the views otherwise.

If you aren’t interested in hiking, you can skip the Quiraing and continue to Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls.

Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

Kilt Rock is a pleated rock formation along the cliffs, and Mealt Falls is the waterfall that plunges into the ocean over Kilt Rock.

It’s a neat location along the cliffs that’s worth a quick stop and a few photos.

Old Man of Storr

The Old Man of Storr is a famous rock formation on the Isle of Skye that you can either hike up to or simply admire from below (if it’s not too cloudy!).

As I mentioned earlier, your itinerary is pretty packed today, so if you’d like to hike, I would choose only one, either this one or the Quiraing.

The Old Man of Storr hike is 3 miles and will take about 1.5 hours to complete. As with the Quiraing, if it’s too rainy or cloudy, you might want to skip the hike since you won’t be able to see much. Also make sure you have good, sturdy shoes since the rocks and the incline can be slippery.

Neist Point

After admiring the Old Man of Storr, drive about 1.5 hours and head to the westernmost point of the Isle of Skye to Neist Point and its lighthouse.

Neist Point is a wonderful location to catch the sunset , so if you are able to make it here around that time, all the better.

Take the trail down to the lighthouse first, wandering among the sheep and exploring the area around the lighthouse. Be careful of the wind – the day we went it was insanely windy and we got blown around like crazy!

After, head up to the lighthouse viewpoint and admire the scene. It’s located up the hill to the right of the car park. Somehow I missed this spot on our trip and am kicking myself! Oh well, there is always next time!

You can either head back to Portree tonight or you can book a place closer to Neist Point so you don’t have as long of a drive.

We ended up staying at an Airbnb in Dunvegan (which is unfortunately no longer available) and thought the location and the room were nice. There aren’t many options though, so keep that in mind. Your best bet is probably Airbnb or VRBO .

Total Distance: 152 miles Length of Drive: 5 hours

Take the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig

The best way to get to Glenfinnan and Glencoe today is to drive to Armadale and take the ferry to Mallaig.

CalMac is the company that operates this ferry and many of the other ferries in the country.

Depending on the time of year you visit, there may only be one or two ferries a day, so check the ferry timetable to determine if this option will work for you.

We went in early December and had to take the 9:25 am ferry because the only other ferry was in the late afternoon. There are more options in the summer months (late March to late October) but just check ahead of time.

We enjoyed taking the ferry across the loch, even if the water was choppy and it was raining. It was still a great experience! You can buy ferry tickets on the CalMac website.

Once you get off the ferry, it’s only a short drive to Glenfinnan.

NOTE: If you cannot or do not want to take the ferry, it will take you approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to drive from Portee to Glenfinnan, so take that into consideration when planning.

St Mary & St Finnan Church

Take a few minutes to stop and peek into this tiny and beautiful church located just down the road from the Glenfinnan Visitor Center.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Made famous by the Harry Potter movies, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is an amazing railroad structure that carries the famous Jacobite steam train and other trains from Fort William to Mallaig.

While the Jacobite steam train only runs in the summer months, if you are visiting at another time of year, you can try to catch another train crossing as we did, or just hike along the trail and enjoy the viaduct from several viewpoints.

Glenfinnan Monument

Take a quick walk across the street from the visitor center to see the Glenfinnan Monument, which was erected as a tribute to those who lost their lives fighting during the Jacobite cause.

I don’t think I could pick between Isle of Skye or Glencoe which is more beautiful and breathtaking.

This national nature reserve is the epitome of the Scottish Highlands. Dramatic scenery, loads of wildlife, and wonderful hiking all combine into one of my favorite places in Scotland.

Take your time here. Drive slow, soak up the beauty, and take lots of photos.

Our favorite place in Glencoe is Glen Etive , a stunning area that has been featured in several movies and is home to curious red deer.

There are also multiple hikes in the area if you have the time and want to get out and stretch your legs. A few options include Lost Valley, Buachaille Etive Beag, and Signal Rock.

You’ll have the best luck finding accommodations in the Fort William area. A few good choices include Loch Leven Hotel , The Garrison , and Highland Croft .

Day 7 – Glen Coe to Loch Lomond to Edinburgh

Total Distance: 140 miles Length of Drive: 3 hours 15 minutes

On your last day in Scotland, take it easy and explore Loch Lomond .

Walk along the loch and breathe in the fresh air. Pack along a picnic and eat along the banks. Soak up your last day in Scotland.

Stop by the adorable village of Luss and walk around. If you haven’t gotten to visit a distillery yet, check out Glen Luss Distillery.

In the mood for some hiking? Consider Devil’s Pulpit, a stunning gorge with a waterfall.

Rather spend the day in Glasgow? There are plenty of things to do there as well. We only had a few hours when we went and only had time to see the Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis , but it was beautiful and well worth it.

If you love museums, there are plenty of great ones in Glasgow. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a popular one as well as the Gallery of Modern Art.

I know you don’t want to, but you’ll have to eventually head back to Edinburgh to drop off your car and catch your plane. If you can, try to catch a flight for the next morning so you don’t have to rush, but a late evening flight tonight could work as well.

If you plan to drop off your car at the airport, pick a place near there to make it easier. If you are returning the car to a location in the city, you might want to stay downtown and then catch a bus or taxi in the morning to take you to the airport.

Want a downloadable version of this itinerary? I’ll send it right to your inbox!

If you have less than 7 days for a road trip in scotland….

If you don’t have a full week to road trip in Scotland, here are a couple of alternative itineraries so you can still make the most of your time.

3 Day Scotland road trip Itinerary

With 3 days, I’d recommend you stay based in Edinburgh and spend more time in the city. There is so much to see here that you won’t run out of things to do!

If you don’t want to spend all 3 days in Edinburgh, you could take a bus or train to Glasgow and spend one day there to see how different the two cities are.

I like to use Rome2Rio to find the best options when using public transportation.

If you want to get out and see the Highlands , consider a day trip with a group tour. It will be the easiest and most relaxing way to experience the wilds of Scotland.

I highly recommend finding your tour on Get Your Guide . You can find the highest-rated options for good prices, and I’ve had nothing but good experiences with them.

4 Day Scotland road trip Itinerary

If you have 4 days, use the first 3 days of the 7 day Scotland itinerary, and then on the fourth day, drive from Inverness back to Edinburgh via Glencoe.

5 Day Scotland road trip Itinerary

With a five-day itinerary, I would do something like this:

• Day 2 – Edinburgh to Isle of Skye (It’s about a 5.5-hour drive so stop and see a few things along the way if you’d like, such as the Kelpies and Eilean Donan Castle , or head directly there and spend more time on the Isle of Skye.)
• Day 3 – Isle of Skye (use the Day 5 itinerary)
• Day 4 – Isle of Skye to Glencoe (use the Day 6 itinerary)
• Day 5 – Glencoe to Edinburgh (use the Day 7 itinerary)

6 Day Scotland road trip Itinerary

If you have 6 days, skip Day 3 and drive directly from Edinburgh to Inverness. I’d recommend trying to see Stirling Castle and Culloden Battlefield along the way.

If you have more than 7 days for a road trip in Scotland…

Woo hoo! You’ve got more than a week for your epic road trip! There are so many ways you can extend this itinerary to explore some of these areas even deeper.

• With one extra day, you could choose to add an additional day in Edinburgh or the Isle of Skye, whichever one sounds more enjoyable to you.
• With 2 or 3 extra days , I’d do additional days in both Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye.
• St. Andrews (if you love golf)
• Glasgow (if you love cities)
• Oban & The Isle of Mull (if you love scotch or want to explore another isle)
• The North Coast 500 (This could be a whole separate trip, but if you have the time, I’d add this drive! This is on our list for our next visit!)

You can also check out this 10-Day Scotland Highlands road trip itinerary that includes time in Oban & The Isle of Mull plus two full days in Skye. Or, if you want to see more of the UK, here are 11 fantastic UK road trip itineraries for you to explore.

Best time to road trip in Scotland

In my opinion, there is never a bad time for Scotland travel! Each season has its pros and cons. Here are a few things to consider in order to pick the season that’s best for you.

Summer (July to August) is by far the most popular season to visit Scotland. The weather is the warmest, most attractions will be open, and you have really long days (the sun doesn’t set until after 9:30 pm for most of the season!). There are also lots of festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Highland Games .

The downside is that things can get CROWDED. Everyone wants to take road trips to experience the beauty of a Scotland summer, so attractions will be packed and you’ll have lots of cars on the narrow country roads. Accommodations will be more expensive and harder to come by unless you book out months in advance. You also will have to deal with a higher chance of rain and the pesky midges (biting insects).

Spring (May-June) and Fall (September-October) are the shoulder seasons and are a fantastic time to experience Scotland. There are fewer crowds, prices are reasonable, and many attractions are open. There is also a lesser chance of rain.

There aren’t many downsides to visiting this time of year, other than the fact that the days are shorter than the summer and the weather can be a bit chilly and unpredictable. If you wanted to do any swimming, you probably wouldn’t want to come during these seasons.

Winter (November-April) is the low season for Scotland. Many attractions and accommodations are closed, it can be cold and snowy, and the days are quite short.

However, there are definitely some advantages to traveling to Scotland in the winter. You can experience the wonder of the Christmas markets in Glasgow and Edinburgh and see the country covered in the beautiful snow .

There is also the opportunity for skiing in the Highlands, and there are hardly any people at the attractions.

We went to Scotland in late November / early December and loved it so much. While we couldn’t see everything we wanted because certain things were closed, the places we did get to see were practically void of people. We got to experience so many things without another person in sight!

Plus I fell in love with Edinburgh and its Christmas market. It was one of my favorite things to do in the city and I tried to make it there every night to enjoy the hot food and drinks and walk the stalls.

No matter when you visit Scotland, you are bound to have an amazing time!

How to get to Scotland

Most likely you will either arrive in Scotland by plane, train, or bus.

The two major airports in Scotland are Glasgow (GLA) and Edinburgh (EDI) . If you are flying, you will probably arrive at either one of these. Depending on where you are coming from, it may be cheaper to fly in/out of one versus the other.

When we went, it was cheaper to fly into Glasgow and then take a bus to Edinburgh, so that’s what we did. Check both options to see which works best for you.

I use Google Flights to check flight prices and track them so I can get the best deal.

If you are already in Europe, you can also arrive in Scotland by bus or train. I like Rome2Rio to help me find the best, cheapest public transportation options.

If you have your own car, you can also drive to Scotland, although if you are coming from mainland Europe, remember that in the UK, they drive on the left side of the road.

It may be better to rent a car in this instance as you will be sitting on the wrong side of the car for this kind of driving.

How to get around Scotland

Personal vehicle.

In my opinion, taking a road trip around Scotland is the best way to see the country.

You can stop and look at whatever beautiful landmark you want.

You can eat at that cute cafe.

You can stay an extra hour or 5 if you fall in love with a particular place.

Being able to control your own schedule is fantastic.

But there are definitely some things to consider before you decide to rent a car and drive yourself.

The biggest thing is that if you are from the Americas, mainland Europe, and many other places in the world, you will be driving on the opposite side of the road than you are used to.

That’s right: you’ll be driving on the left instead of the right.

If you are not a confident driver, this is something you should definitely think about before deciding if you should rent a car.

related: the best car for a road trip in Europe

However, don’t let it freak you out too much. I found that after the first day (which was, honestly, a little nerve-wracking) it wasn’t too bad. Since you are sitting on the other side of the car, I found myself almost automatically being drawn to the left side of the road.

Just take it slow and you’ll get the hang of it.

I use Discover Cars to find and book my rentals. They search all the rental companies for the best prices and you always get free cancellation.

NOTE: most cars in the UK have manual transmissions. If you do not drive a manual car as a daily driver, I’d highly recommend spending the extra money to rent an automatic. You don’t want to be trying to learn to drive on the other side of the road AND remembering how to shift (with your other hand, I might add).

Public transportation

If you would rather not drive yourself around Scotland, you can rely on public transportation. You’ll be more restricted on where you can go and your timetable, but it’s definitely doable.

There is a pretty well-connected bus and train system in Scotland that you can use to get around. You’ll have a harder time getting out to some of the more rural attractions and towns, but public transportation can still get you to a lot of places if you’d rather not drive yourself.

I use the website and app Rome2Rio for all my public transportation planning and to purchase tickets.

If driving your own vehicle and taking public transportation sounds like too much stress for you, then a tour will be more up your alley.

There are plenty of great tour companies out there that will cover every option.

If you want to piece together your own plans and take a day trip or two, consider a site like Get Your Guide or Viator to find day tours that suit your budget and desired itinerary. You can also find multi-day tours too that may work for you.

However, if you want a complete package where you don’t have to plan a thing, check out Tour Radar . You can search all the tour companies that offer trips to Scotland and compare prices and destinations.

What to pack for your Scotland road trip

No matter when you decide to visit Scotland, your packing list will be pretty similar. The weather is always changing there and it can go from being windy and rainy one moment to sunny the next.

Here are some items and travel tips you should consider when packing for your trip .

Plug adapter/converter

Scotland uses a type G power plug. If you aren’t from the UK, you might need an adapter. I’d definitely recommend a plug adapter that is also a power converter so you don’t fry any of your electronics.

This is a given, but you are going to be so amazed by all the beauty around you, you’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t have a good camera to capture it all.

A good phone camera would work well for most landscapes, but if you want to get some awesome closeup shots, you might want something with a zoom lens.

Hiking shoes & good socks

If you plan on doing any kind of hiking, I’d recommend hiking shoes or boots rather than sneakers. The socks you wear with your boots will also make a huge difference in how your feet feel. I like Cloudline wool socks, but there are lots of great brands out there.

Rain jacket

I guarantee you it will rain at some point while you are in Scotland. Don’t let the weather ruin your trip – pack along a good rain jacket so you can still enjoy your activities.

No matter what season you travel to Scotland, you are going to need to be prepared for all kinds of weather and temperatures. Pack a variety of options, ideally items that can be layered. That way you’ll be comfortable no matter the conditions.

It’s always a good idea to have a day pack with you when you travel. Whether it’s to throw all your kids’ stuff into it or to pack along lunches for a hike, it makes it so much easier to have a designated bag that is used exclusively for your day excursions.

Laundry detergent sheets

I never travel anywhere without laundry detergent sheets . They are so nice to throw into your bag in case you need to do laundry. I always keep a few of these in my suitcase so I don’t have to remember to bring them – they are always on hand.

A power bank is practically a necessity for travel these days. You always want to make sure your phone is charged so you can take photos, navigate, and double-check your Airbnb reservation address.

How many days do you need for a Scotland road trip?

The short answer? As many as possible!

But since the majority of us have a time limit for these sorts of things, spending months in Scotland is probably out of the question.

I’d say at the very least, if you want to get out of the cities and get a decent glimpse of the countryside, you would need a minimum of 4-5 days. This would give you the ability to spend a day or two in Edinburgh and/or Glasgow and then a couple of days in the Highlands.

However, if you can swing at least a whole week, you’ll be able to take full advantage of this itinerary and see a lot more of the Highlands and what makes Scotland so magical.

When we went to Scotland, we had two weeks and got to see so much, but it still felt too short. There is SO much more I want to see that I cannot wait until I get back!

Conclusion: The Best 7-Day Scotland Road Trip for First-Timers

And there you have it! A fantastic 7-day Scotland road trip for anyone wanting to see the best of Scotland for the first time.

Ready to book your trip right now? I know I’m itching to go back!

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Stefanie Henne is an experienced road trip travel blogger who specializes in helping others plan their dream vacation, no matter their budget or time restraints. Go here to read more about Stef's story. If you want to send Stef a message, visit her contact page here.

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Self-drive Tours in Scotland

Enjoy Scotland's treasures at your own pace. When the scenery is this incredible, you’ll love the freedom to take all the photo breaks you want. These Scotland self-drive tours include rental car, accommodation, maps and more, but the road trip music is up to you!

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About Your Driving Tour of Scotland

Explore Scotland independently, driving scenic routes through the country’s captivating landscape of lochs and glens. Immerse yourself in the local culture and soak up views of white sand beaches, ancient castles and heather-clad mountains as you go.

When you book a Nordic Visitor self-drive package, you can expect:

• An Edinburgh-based travel consultant who’ll arrange your tour • A tailored itinerary, route and hand-marked map with personal recommendations • 24/7 phone support during your adventure for peace of mind • Handpicked accommodation at your chosen price point • Car rental with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance • Special themed and seasonal tour itineraries crafted to suit your interests

To begin your adventure with Nordic Visitor, simply follow these steps:

1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour 2. Confirm your package 3. Check your confirmation email 4. Book your flights 5. Get ready for your trip

Why choose Nordic Visitor

Book With Confidence

Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our Cancellation Protection free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.

Trusted local travel experts

Nordic Visitor has been creating unforgettable travel experiences in Northern Europe since 2002. Every aspect of your trip to Scotland is carefully handpicked and vetted by our experts. Your dedicated travel consultant is based in Edinburgh will share their insider knowledge with you.

Car insurance included

Embrace the adventure of a road trip, knowing that you are protected when you book with us. Collision Damage Waiver insurance is included as standard on our trips so you can take the wheel with confidence. You’ll also benefit from unlimited mileage, and a rental vehicle from a tried-and-tested partner.

You are in good hands

You can reach us 24/7 if anything crops up during your trip. Whether it's an unexpected event or weather issue, we will update your tour arrangements while keeping you safe and informed. With help just a call away, you can take the wheel with confidence and enjoy a worry-free travel experience.

Great reviews

Our dedicated teams deliver excellent service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travelers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

Flexible tour options

Nordic Visitor packages are created to delight guests on their adventures and our travel experts can customise tours to suit your wish list. Whether you’d like some extra nights or a special diversion to a must-see attraction, we can change your travel itinerary the way you want.

Handpicked hotels

There’s nothing like a good sleep after a day of exploration, so one of our top priorities is providing the perfect home-from-home where you can recharge your batteries. We carry out regular inspections on hotels and guesthouses for all our tours. Rest easy knowing your accommodation is high quality.

Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your holiday arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

Our Self Drive Customer Reviews

Here’s feedback from our wonderful guests who have driven across beautiful Scotland.

Brittany United States

We had such an amazing time on our trip to Scotland. Our welcome bag had everything we needed and made us feel at... read more

We had such an amazing time on our trip to Scotland. Our welcome bag had everything we needed and made us feel at ease knowing we wouldn't miss anything. We are already looking forward to planning our next trip through Nordic Visitor because of how easy everything was!

Bethany United States

For our 50th wedding anniversary, we trusted Nordic Visitor to make our vacation a memorable one, and they made it... read more

For our 50th wedding anniversary, we trusted Nordic Visitor to make our vacation a memorable one, and they made it beyond special. Chris, our tour planner, did everything to accommodate our needs and answered our questions quickly. It was an absolutely perfect vacation!

Scotland Self-Drive Tour Highlights

Experience the best of Scotland on a road trip and you’ll discover romantic castles, rugged mountains and whisky distilleries aplenty. Soon you could…

• Explore the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town, walk the Royal Mile , and tour Edinburgh Castle
• Marvel at the Isle of Skye’s jagged Cuillin Ridge and enjoy fresh seafood in the colourful town of Portree
• Embark on the renowned North Coast 500 road trip, where remote mountains and white sand beaches await you
• Seek out the real-life locations of film classics, like Glenfinnan which features in Harry Potter and Braveheart
• Step back in time when you visit iconic Scottish castles, including Eilean Donan , Dunrobin and Urquhart
• Sail to Orkney   and Shetland , where you’ll find Neolithic settlements and plenty of Viking heritage
• Stroll along Luskentyre beach and visit the ancient Callanish Standing Stones in the Outer Hebrides
• Hike through forests and look out for the herd of resident reindeer in the Cairngorms National Park
• Take a distillery tour in Scotland's whisky capital of Speyside and find out how this iconic drink is made

Advice For Self-Guided Tours

Raring to go? Read over our driving and travel guides so that you’re prepared for the Scotland road trip of a lifetime.

Driving in Scotland

Read the rules of the road before you start your adventure

What kind of temperatures can you expect in Scotland?

What to bring

Come prepared for all seasons and activities with the right clothing

Health & safety

How to find pharmacies, medical help and emergency assistance in the UK

Frequently Asked Questions About Scotland Self-Drive Tours

You may have a few questions about your Scotland self-drive tour package, so we’ve collected and answered the most important ones for your peace of mind.

You'll find more information to help you prepare for your trip in our Scotland Travel Guide . If you’d like to learn about our processes and payment details, check out these  FAQs .

It’s good to know that when you choose Nordic Visitor, you can Book With Confidence , safe in the knowledge that your payments are protected.

1. IS IT EASY TO DRIVE IN SCOTLAND?

Yes, getting about by car in Scotland is simple thanks to the country’s good road network.

The cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow are connected to the Highlands via two main routes north. This means that you can easily combine city sightseeing with discovering Scotland’s more untouched regions.

To stay safe on your driving tour of Scotland, there are some rules and guidelines to be aware of:

• Remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road in Scotland, and the rest of the UK.
• Do not drink and drive as there are zero tolerance laws in Scotland.
• Wearing seatbelts is compulsory for the driver and any passengers.
• Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is illegal, but you can use your phone if it’s fully hands-free.
• The maximum speed limit is 70 miles per hour (113 kilometres per hour). In residential areas the speed limit tends to be 20-30 miles per hour (32-48 kilometres per hour).  

You can refer to this  guide to driving in Scotland for more information.

2. WHAT IS THE BEST ROAD TRIP IN SCOTLAND?

There are plenty of scenic driving routes waiting for you in Scotland. Take the wheel and you’ll soon be soaking up incredible views, whether you stick to the mainland or opt for an island adventure.

Our local travel consultants have driven around the country and have added their favourite routes to each package. Here are some of their top road trip recommendations:

• North Coast 500, Northern Highlands
• Glen Coe, Central Highlands
• Trossachs National Park, Southern Highlands
• Deeside Tourist Route, Speyside
• Kilmartin Glen, Argyll
• Trotternish Peninsula, Isle of Skye
• The Golden Road, Isle of Harris  

You can get inspired for your journey by reading these blogs:

•  5 best Scottish road trips according to a local

•  Itinerary ideas for 7-day Scotland road trips

3. WHERE IS THE BEST SCENERY IN SCOTLAND?

Take the wheel on a self-drive tour of Scotland from Edinburgh or Glasgow and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views. After some time spent discovering the city sights, it’s time to explore Scotland’s captivating natural landscapes.

Imagine driving scenic Highland roads, strolling along golden beaches, and gazing out across island archipelagos. You’ll find some of Scotland’s most iconic views in these stunning locations:

• Cairngorms National Park
• Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
• Isle of Skye
• Orkney Islands
• Outer Hebrides
• Glenfinnan  

Find out what you can expect in some of the most beautiful places in Scotland  and check out the best Scottish beaches . Or start to plan your trip by checking out these recommended Scottish attractions .

4. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRIVE AROUND SCOTLAND?

The amount of time it takes to drive around Scotland depends on the sights and attractions you’d like to see along the way.

With 1 week in Scotland , you can experience some of the country’s most iconic places. For ease we recommend beginning your trip in Edinburgh before driving north to the Scottish Highlands.

When you leave Edinburgh behind, you could drive through the fishing villages of Fife and explore the Cairngorms National Park. You could visit the Isle of Skye and journey between Inverness and Fort William.

If you’ve got 2 weeks in Scotland , that’s even better. You’ll be able to see the top attractions at a more leisurely pace, or discover more beautiful scenery further afield.

2 weeks will give you time to combine Scotland’s renowned North Coast 500 (NC500) road trip with even more gorgeous locations. You could add stays on Scottish islands like the Isle of Skye, the Outer Hebrides and the Orkney Islands.

Otherwise, simply spend longer exploring the mainland, taking in everything from Edinburgh Castle to the untouched landscapes of Scotland’s far north.

If you’re lucky enough to have 3 weeks in Scotland , then you can enjoy driving around Scotland at a relaxed pace. You could even seek out far-flung spots like the Shetland Islands. Alternatively, opt for a holiday package to Scotland and Ireland .

5. WHAT IS THE FAMOUS DRIVE AROUND SCOTLAND?

The North Coast 500 (also known as the NC500) is Scotland’s answer to Route 66 and is the ultimate Scottish road trip. This popular route takes in around 830 kilometres (516 miles) of scenic roads in the wild landscapes of northern Scotland.

Scotland’s far north has so much to offer you, so why not head to the Highlands and experience them for yourself? Soon you could be soaking up views of rugged mountains, towering sea cliffs, and incredible west coast sunsets.

Read this guide to the North Coast 500 for tips and advice on this iconic road trip. Get inspiration for your trip by browsing our range of North Coast 500 self-drive holidays .

6. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRIVE ROUTE 66 IN SCOTLAND?

At 830 kilometres (516 miles) long, the North Coast 500, or Scotland's Route 66, could be driven in 2-3 days without stopping. That said, this would certainly not give you enough time to savour the journey or see the best of the region.

We recommend allowing yourself at least 1 week, so there’s time for you to appreciate the epic scenery and visit the top sights. For instance, you could see filming locations for The Crown along the way. Delve into this guide to Scotland's Route 66 for itinerary recommendations and ideas for things to see and do along the way.

7. WHAT IS THE LEGAL ALCOHOL LIMIT FOR DRIVING IN SCOTLAND?

Scotland has strict drinking and driving laws, with an almost zero tolerance policy. The legal blood alcohol limit for driving is up to 50 milligrams in 100 millilitres of blood. This low level means that we recommend not drinking any alcohol at all before driving.

Please check the Scottish Government’s advice for more information about the legal alcohol limit for driving in Scotland.

8. WHAT SIDE OF THE ROAD DO DRIVERS USE IN SCOTLAND?

When in Scotland, and the rest of the United Kingdom, you should drive on the left-hand side of the road. This means that you’ll be using a right-hand drive car, and changing gears with your left hand.

It’s also possible to rent an automatic car for ease of use, which we recommend if it’s your first time driving in the UK.

If you can, take advantage of our two-driver allowance. That way, you can both take breaks to enjoy the scenery as well as drive on some of the most stunning routes in the world.

9. DO I NEED AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVER’S LICENCE IN SCOTLAND?

Exploring by car is one of the best ways to discover Scotland at your own pace. But how do you know when you need an international driving licence (often referred to as an international driving permit or IDP)?

You don’t need an IDP if your national driving licence is valid and recognised in the UK. In this case you’ll be able to drive any small vehicle (including our rental cars) that’s listed on your licence.

If you’re visiting from the below places, and you have a valid driving licence, then you don’t need an IDP as your national licence will suffice:

• European Union or EEA
• India  

If your country’s driving licence is not recognised in the UK, then you can apply for an IDP. Please check your government’s website for up-to-date information on whether or not you need an IDP to drive in the UK.

10. CAN I DRIVE IN SCOTLAND WITH A US LICENCE ?

If you have a valid driving licence in the USA then you can drive any small vehicle (including all of our rental cars) in Scotland. Your US licence will also be valid in the rest of the UK.

It’s worth remembering that cars in the UK are right-hand drive, with the gear stick on your left-hand side. You’ll also be driving on the left-hand side of the road throughout your time in the UK.

Read this guide to driving in Scotland for more advice. Here you’ll find out how to get around Scotland by car, along with information on local driving laws.

11. ARE THERE ANY AGE LIMITS REGARDING CAR RENTAL FOR SELF-DRIVE TOURS IN SCOTLAND?

When you rent a car for your self-drive tour of Scotland with Nordic Visitor, there are some requirements that you should be aware of.

To rent a car in Scotland, you must hold a valid and full driving licence for a minimum period of 4 years. This reduces to 1 year if you are over 23 years of age.

Drivers aged 23 or 24 can take a self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, subject to a young driver surcharge of £25 per day. You can hire vehicles in our rental car groups A, B, C or F.

The minimum age to rent a car in Scotland is 21. So if you're aged 21 or 22, we would be delighted to arrange your tour and provide you with information on how you can arrange your own car rental with specific suppliers who can cater to those aged 21 and 22.

If you are aged 80 or above, you can rent a car in Scotland so long as you provide medical proof that you are fit to drive. Please note this should be issued no earlier than 4 weeks before your travel date. You can hire vehicles in our rental car groups A, B or C.

Learn more about vehicle groups and car rental in Scotland on our travel guide.

Alternatively, you could leave the driving to a local expert when you pick one of our privately guided trips or guided small group tours of Scotland .

12. WHAT IS COVERED WITH CAR RENTAL FOR MY SELF-DRIVE TOUR?

When you’re planning your driving vacation, factors such as insurance and mileage can come to mind. We’ve got you covered, though, as all the car hire essentials are included in our Scottish self-drive tour packages. Read our rental information for the terms, conditions and full details.

In short, you receive a collision damage waiver (CDW), unlimited mileage and authorisation for 2 drivers. We don’t cover your road trip music: that’s all up to you!

13. CAN YOU DRIVE TO ENGLAND AND IRELAND FROM SCOTLAND?

You can indeed drive to England from Scotland and vice versa. But as Ireland is separated from Scotland by the Irish Sea, you would need to take the ferry to drive to Northern Ireland.

That said, you can easily combine Scotland and Ireland self-drive holidays by taking a short flight. This is included in your Nordic Visitor package and you'll have a dedicated travel expert to arrange it for you.

You can fly from Scotland’s two largest airports, Edinburgh and Glasgow, to the Irish capital, Dublin. Your flight would take around 1 hour.

In Dublin you'd pick up your rental car and set off on your self-drive adventure around Ireland.

With travel between Scotland and Ireland being so quick and easy, a combination tour is a great way to discover both Celtic countries in one trip. Get help from the experts, and let us plan an unforgettable journey to Scotland and Ireland for you.

14. WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO VISIT SCOTLAND?

Deciding when to go to Scotland depends on where you’d like to go and what you want to do on your trip. Scottish weather is often variable and can be described as “four seasons in a day”, so you can’t always rely on a clear forecast.

That said, from April to September, you can expect mild temperatures and the most sunshine, along with brighter, greener landscapes. Visit in August, and you can enjoy Scottish festivals such as the Fringe that bring the capital, Edinburgh, to life. Plus, there are plenty more things to do in Edinburgh year-round. 

Scotland is equally beautiful in autumn, from October to November, when you can appreciate the fiery autumnal foliage on the trees. If you’re more keen on brisk walks, frosted fields and snow-dusted mountains though, December to March are ideal.

If you decide to spend New Year or Christmas in Scotland , you can join in with special festive activities. Some of the most famous include Edinburgh’s Christmas Market and the Hogmanay street party.

Discover which of our tours suit you best by using our tour filters to choose packages by seasons or dates. Come rain or shine, you’ll enjoy all that Scotland has to offer.

Find out more about Scottish summer packages and winter breaks in Scotland by reading these helpful blogs:

• Best time to visit Scotland: your complete guide
• Summer in Scotland guide: what to do and where to go
• Scotland in winter: what to do and where to go
• Why you should spend next spring or autumn in Scotland  

15. DO PEOPLE TIP IN SCOTLAND?

Yes, people do tip in Scotland. Below you’ll find a summary of standard tipping practices:

• Eating out: it’s normal to tip around 10% of the food bill when you get table service at a café or restaurant.
• Bars: tips aren’t expected when you are buying drinks, as you’ll usually order at the bar.
• Taxis: you can round the fare up to the nearest pound, or give a bigger tip if you feel it's appropriate for a longer journey.
• Hotels: it’s common to tip your concierge, porter and house-keeping staff depending on the level of service.

You can find out more about tipping in Scotland, along with other useful information , in our Scotland Travel Guide .

16. CAN I STAY IN A CASTLE IN SCOTLAND?

Absolutely, Scotland has a few luxury castle hotels dotted around the Highlands where you can spend the night.

Get in touch with us to fulfil your dream of staying in a Scottish castle or to add a special touch to your romantic break. Your local travel expert will let you know where you can add a castle stay to your itinerary and make the arrangements for you.

Perhaps you don’t want to stay in a castle, but you’d like to visit as many as you can during your trip. In this case, you’ll find your perfect Scottish getaway in our range of castle tours in Scotland .

17. WHEN SHOULD I ORGANISE MY FLIGHTS?

We’d advise that you look over flights for timings and dates, but hold off on purchasing until you’ve booked your preferred tour. Once you’ve had a confirmation email from your personal travel consultant, you can then choose and pay for your flights.

Why? Once you’ve been introduced to your travel consultant, you’ll have all the information you need to make informed choices on timings. If you have any questions, you can always contact your consultant for advice.

18. CAN I CUSTOMISE MY SELF-DRIVE TOUR?

Our local experts have a wealth of knowledge to pass on to you, ensuring every sight or attraction you visit is one that you won’t forget. When creating packages, our consultants plan routes carefully with this in mind, so that you see the best of Scotland.

You can get in touch with us if you’d like to add something to your trip. For example, if there’s a particular attraction you’re keen to see, or a specific region you’d like to spend time in. We can also include extra nights at some of your overnight stops, so you can experience more of Scotland.

Alternatively, you can request a customised tour . Depending on the timeframe and things you’d like to do, your travel consultant will work with you to create your ideal road trip around Scotland.

If you would prefer to explore the highlights of Scotland while someone else does the driving then look into our guided small group tours . With a maximum of just 15 travellers on the tour, you’ll get to meet like-minded guests while benefiting from the knowledge of your guide.

Or you could opt for a private tour of Scotland . This way, you and your loved ones can make the most of your time with a personalised experience from your guide.

19. WHAT DO I NEED TO PACK FOR MY SCOTLAND ROAD TRIP?

In Scotland you could experience everything from glorious sunshine to rain, all in one day. As a result, it’s best to be prepared for every season when deciding what to pack for your trip.

So, no matter the season, we recommend that you bring:

• Walking boots or shoes with good grip
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm, insulated jacket
• Warm fleece or jumper
• Light base layers
• Warm hat, scarf and gloves
• Reusable water bottle
• UK plug adapter

You might also like to bring an umbrella, handy for city sightseeing on a rainy day. And, birdwatchers, don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars. For more information, read our useful packing guide for Scotland , complete with advice on what to bring depending on the season.

Get in touch if you have a question about our self-drive tours, or if we create a customised travel package for you. We’re happy to help so please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our Scottish phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Road trip articles

7-day scotland road trips: itinerary ideas from local experts, 7 of the best places to visit in beautiful scotland, 5 best road trips in scotland : a local expert's view, scotland's nc500 - your guide to the north coast 500 route.

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7-Day Self-Drive Tour of Scotland: Highland + Island Gems!

My husband and I still talk about our road trip through the Scottish Highlands, Lowlands and Islands. This country is a beauty! And it has something for every traveler. Rugged peaks, hidden beaches and seaside cliffs. Fascinating geological landmarks. Gritty historic sites, modern galleries, and excellent shopping. And lots of sheep!

You’re gonna LOVE it.

• MAP of Your 7-Day Self-Drive Tour of Scotland
• Best Places to STOP: Cities and Islands
• Things to SEE in the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands
• Best Time to GO

Can you drive around Scotland?

Yes! I’d argue that the BEST way to tour Scotland is by car, driving around yourself.

Now, you’ll be driving around Scotland on the LEFT side of the road. My husband and I did this just fine coming from Canada (where we drive on the right-hand side), but it definitely took some getting used to. 

If you’re nervous about this, check out our simple tips to safely driving on the left side .

How many days do you need to drive around Scotland?

You need at least seven days to drive around Scotland and enjoy it. Below is a suggested itinerary, with plenty of flexibility and suggested options to make it exactly as you imagine.

Best Road Trip in Scotland: Your 7-Day Self-Drive Tour of Scotland

On a 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland, you can weave together your favorite spots to see in the Scottish Lowlands, Highlands and Islands. Start your Scotland road trip in Edinburgh, head up to Inverness, and end in Glasgow. Fill in the rest with your must-do’s on your bucket list!

Below is a suggested itinerary for your Scotland tour by car, with lots of ways to make it your own. Pick a few favorite spots to spend two nights. And for the other days, leave early and spend the afternoon and evening enjoying the new spot.

My biggest tip: Take the backroads whenever possible. Roads are narrow and windy (and sometimes terrifying!), and give you the best taste of this beautiful country. Take along a GPS so you don’t get lost! (We still say our Garmin GPS saved our marriage on this Scotland road trip.)

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links to excellent travel-related products. If you use the links below to make a purchase, we’ll receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

MAP of 7-Day Self-Drive Tour of Scotland

Below is a map to visualize this 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland. To personalize it to your own trip, save a copy and add/delete/modify each layer to fit your plans.

Day 1: Explore Gorgeous Edinburgh

Historic Edinburgh is absolutely gorgeous. I love this city. Climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park for an incredible view and to get your bearings. And Calton Hill, with more views and neoclassical monuments. Wander through Leith, the busy waterfront district with seafood bistros, shops and the Royal Yacht Britannia. 

Spend plenty of time in elegant New Town shops, galleries and museums. And adjacent Old Town, with more museums, St. Giles’ Cathedral and Royal Mile pubs, under the watchful gaze of Edinburgh Castle.

And CASTLES! Of course there’s the imposing Edinburgh Castle right in the middle of town. It’s home to the Crown Jewels and the National War Museum of Scotland. But you’re also surrounded! To the north are Lauriston, Barnbougle, Midhope and Blackness castles. And in the south, Craigmillar Castle. Plus, Rosslyn Chapel, and many more castle ruins, too.

Where to STAY in Edinburgh

• Old Waverley Hotel : Stay in a gorgeous historic building with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, with onsite bar and restaurant. Includes wifi. Parking is at a nearby car park.
• House Rental : You’ll find so many lovely private house rentals in Edinburgh on Plum Guide. Discover your very own perfect space near Edinburgh Castle, like The Bay Tree.

Day 2: Drive from Edinburgh to Inverness

Day 2 of your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland will take you north to the pretty city of Inverness. 

There are three stops you should make just north of Edinburgh. First, the impressive Stirling Castle in all its historic significance. Then, Drummond Castle Gardens. And finally, Scone Palace in Perth, where Macbeth and Robert the Bruce were crowned. Driving along these three stops will take 2.5 hours, plus tour time. From Perth, there are two routes you might take.

Your first route option from Perth to Inverness is the A9 highway. This is the fastest, most direct route (just over 2 hours). It skirts along Cairngorms National Park, with lots of pretty hikes (check details on AllTrails ). And it takes you past Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery and Speyside Distillery.

Where to STAY in Inverness

• Heathmount Hotel : A beautiful boutique hotel in a central location. Inverness Castle is only a 10-minute walk. Rooms are classy and comfortable, complete with robes. Onsite restaurant, bar and delicious breakfast. Price includes wifi and parking.
• House Rentals : On Plum Guide, you’ll find a variety of lovely house rentals of various styles, sizes and locations. Like the cozy Lady Of The Ness, a pretty period home in a quiet neighborhood, but only 10-minute walk to restaurants and pubs.

The second route option from Perth to Inverness is through Aberdeen (4 hours). You might visit the two coastal cities of Dundee and Aberdeen, and many inland and coastal castles. The coastal Dunnottar Castle is my absolute favorite! 

Continue on to Inverness, or if you love Scotch as much as my husband, stop in Dufftown for two nights. It’s the perfect central location to visit 16 distilleries! You could easily spend a full day (or more!) touring your favorite Speyside Distilleries .

Where to STAY in Dufftown

• Dunvegan B and B : A pretty little inn in downtown Dufftown, only a 15-minute walk to Glenfiddich Distillery. Your room includes a seating area and private washroom. Price includes wifi, parking and breakfast.
• Conval House Bed and Breakfast : A warm, cozy B&B in central Dufftown, a 20-minute walk to Glenfiddich Distillery. Your king room has an ensuite and seating area. Price includes wifi, parking and breakfast.

Day 3: Drive North to Orkney or South to Skye

Day 3 of your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland is a great day to head to one of the Scottish Islands! You might continue north to the Orkney Islands or south and west to Isle of Skye. Both islands have stunning coasts, fascinating ruins and excellent distilleries.

Driving Route #1 to Orkney Islands

Option 1 is to head to the rugged and beautiful Orkney Islands. You can either fly from Inverness or drive to Thurso (2 hours), where you catch a ferry. If you drive, stop at Dingwall Castle and Glenmorangie Distillery (one of my favorite Scotches!) along the way. Highway A9 hugs the coast much of the way, so it’s a pretty drive.

Check AllTrails for the best hikes on the Orkney Islands.

Where to STAY on Orkney Islands

• Standing Stones Hotel : Located on a rolling property overlooking Loch of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, this quiet and comfortable retreat is only 5 minutes from the ferry. Onsite restaurant, garden and shared lounge. Price includes wifi and parking.
• Albert Street Apartment : This cozy private apartment is centrally located in Kirkwall, with shops and restaurants nearby. Twenty minutes from the ferry and highly rated by guests.

Driving Route #2 to Isle of Skye

If you’re not visiting Orkney Islands on this trip, option 2 is to head south along Loch Ness, and then west to Isle of Skye. This drive will take 2 hours, plus another hour to the town of Portree on Skye. As you near the island, stop at the remarkable 13th-century ruins of Eilean Donan Castle.

Plan your epic hikes on the Isle of Skye with AllTrails .

Where to STAY on the Isle of Skye

• Cuillin Hills Hotel : A classy boutique hotel with wonderful views over Portree Bay and the Cuillin Mountains. Rooms have seating areas to enjoy the views, or enjoy them from the award-winning restaurant and bar. Price includes wifi and parking.
• House Rental : My goodness, you can find such beautiful house rentals on the Isle of Skye through Plum Guide! Most have gorgeous views, like The Rock. Enjoy these views of the sea from pretty gardens, your outdoor terrace or oversized windows.

Day 4: Follow the Lochs to Fort William

Wherever you were on day 3 of your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland, today you’re heading south!

If you’re driving from Thurso in the north, you really should take the coastal route to Durness (2 hours). This stretch of road is known for its beauty, with plenty of rugged ruins and perfect beaches along the way. In Durness, visit the historic Balnakeil Chapel ruins, relax at Balnakeil Beach and breathe in the gorgeous Durness Bay. For the night, make your way back to Inverness (2.5 hours) or follow Loch Ness to Fort William (4 hours).

If you’re starting today in Portree on Skye, you have two route options. Either return to the A82 to reach Fort William (2.5 hours). Or, have a little fun with the road-less-traveled by taking the Armadale ferry from Skye over to Mallaig, and then you hug lochs all the way to Fort William (3 hours).

Where to STAY in Fort William

• Inverlochy Castle Hotel : A 5-star castle hotel on the lake, what could be better?? This award-winning luxury hotel and restaurant features wonderful mountain views, cozy rooms and onsite tennis, fishing and clay pigeon shooting. Price includes wifi and parking.
• Myrtle Bank Guest House : This warm guest house has a lovely garden and terraces overlooking the loch. Rooms are comfortable, some with lake views and all with a patio. Guests praise their breakfast. Price includes wifi and parking.

Day 5: Ascend Ben Nevis

Let’s take a breath on day 5 of your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland by taking in the views. Spend today experiencing the natural beauty of Ben Nevis and Glencoe Valley.

Ben Nevis is Britain’s highest peak, and takes up to 8 hours up and down. It’s a challenging, rocky path but rewards you with gorgeous valley and loch views along the way. I’m hoping your day 5 is sunny, ‘cause it’s common for clouds to steal the view at the top. Find the best hikes near Fort William on AllTrails .

If a hike sounds too intense, take the Nevis Range gondola to the top. Hike to one of the lookouts for spectacular views. Then, ride a mountain bike down!

Another great idea is to drive the Glen Nevis road to Steall Waterfall. You pass by the lush valley where the Braveheart village was filmed, and then have a moderate 6.5 kilometer hike to this 120-meter tiered waterfall. It’s the second tallest in Scotland.

End your day in Oban, Glencoe or Glasgow, depending how you plan to spend the next two days of your Scotland road trip.  

• Oban is a charming coastal resort community with ferry access to the Isle of Mull and Islay.
• Glencoe Valley gives you more gorgeous mountain scenery and historic sites to visit.
• Or, return your car rental to the Glasgow Airport and fly out to one of the islands. You can easily rent another car on the islands.

Where to STAY in Oban

• Oban Bay Hotel : An elegant 4-star hotel and award-winning restaurant, overlooking the Sound of Kerrera, Isle of Mull and Firth of Lorne. Onsite sunlounge, steam room, sauna and luxury thermal spa. Price includes wifi and parking (limited onsite plus nearby).
• No17 The Promenade : A gorgeous new hotel in Oban with fantastic reviews, featuring an onsite restaurant, bar and free bikes. All rooms have a seating area and cozy slippers, some with water views. Price includes wifi. Private onsite parking is 5 GBP/day.

Day 6: Explore Mull, Islay or The Trossachs

Day 6 of your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland is exploring the Isle of Mull, Islay, or Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Visit Isle of Mull

Isle of Mull has quirky rock formations and cool caves, best explored by boat. Visit the 13th-century Duart Castle ruins and Iona Abbey and Nunnery. And finish your day at the Tobermory Distillery.

Find the best hikes on the Isle of Mull on AllTrails .

Where to STAY on Isle of Mull

• Western Isles Hotel: Located in the pretty village of Tobermory and overlooking the Bay, this lovely hotel has a restaurant and bar onsite. Book a room with a view! Price includes wifi and parking.
• Iona Pods : In the far southwest, actually on the small island of Iona just off Mull, are these cute pods. You can walk to the Iona Abbey and Nursery, as well as two restaurants. Leave your car at the ferry and walk everywhere you need to here! (Or, get a taxi from the ferry.)

Visit Islay

Islay is all about the peaty Scotch distilleries. Even if you’re not into Scotch, you’ve likely heard of Bowmore, Laphroig and Lagavulin. And you’ll be charmed by their pretty fishing villages, whitewash buildings and lovely beaches. Plus, their sheep and Highland cows, with the best views in the world!

Now, Islay also has some gorgeous cliffs, bays and rock formations, too. Check AllTrails for the best hikes.

Where to STAY on Islay

• Lochside Hotel : This warm, cozy hotel features a fantastic restaurant and bar, overlooking Bowmore Harbour. It’s a 5-minute walk to Bowmore Distillery and central to visit the others. Price includes wifi. Parking is along the street (and plentiful, from what I remember).
• Machrie Hotel & Golf Links : A 4-star golf and spa resort, with preferred green fees at the 18-hole championship links course. Onsite restaurant, bar and afternoon tea in the lounge. It’s in Port Ellen on the southeast coast, near the Port Ellen, Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg Distilleries. Price includes wifi and parking.

Plan your itinerary with this post on Islay Distilleries .

Or, use Day 6 of your Scotland road trip exploring Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Check out AllTrails for the best hikes that match your interest, time and effort.

Day 7: Enjoy Glasgow

Wrap up your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland by enjoying Glasgow’s galleries and shops.

Top-rated galleries in Glasgow include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel, and Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Stroll the historic University of Glasgow and Necropolis, and finish it off at a cozy neighborhood pub.

Where to STAY in Glasgow

• Native Glasgow : This elegant 4-star historic hotel was once the headquarters for the Anchor Line Shipping Company and its decor is inspired by a 1920s ocean liner. Located in central Glasgow with onsite restaurant and bar. Book a penthouse apartment for a terrace! Price includes wifi. Discount on nearby parking. A 15-minute drive to Glasgow Airport.
• Dakota Glasgow : A luxurious 4-star hotel with rich decor, located in central Glasgow near shopping, museums and galleries. Onsite restaurant, bar and library. Rooms feature a monsoon shower. Price includes wifi. Discount on nearby parking. A 15-minute drive to Glasgow Airport.

Best Places to Stop on a 7-Day Self-Drive Tour of Scotland

Stop at these beautiful cities:.

• Edinburgh is where we recommend starting your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland. It’s an absolutely gorgeous historic city, well-worth sticking around for at least a full day.
• Stirling is home to the famous Stirling Castle that sits atop a plateau high above. Stirling Castle is a fascinating palace and city-within-a-city.
• Perth is another beautiful historic city, home to the famous Scone Palace, tree-lined river walkways, gardens and galleries.
• Dundee is most known for its naval and war history museums, with plenty to entertain history buffs at Discovery Point.
• Aberdeen sits on the eastern coast, and near the gorgeous ruins of Dunnottar Castle. The granite buildings weren’t that interesting to me, but the cobbled roads and historic university buildings of Old Aberdeen are picturesque.
• Inverness is picturesque, and the perfect spot to call home while exploring the Scottish Highlands. Explore historic Fort George military base. 
• Oban is a resort town right on the water, with ferry access to many of the Scottish islands. It’s surrounded by lush green scenery, and home to the excellent Oban distillery and historic McCaig’s Tower and Battery Hill.
• Glasgow is known for its excellent galleries, nightlife and shopping. Top-rated galleries include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel, and Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Stroll the historic University of Glasgow and Necropolis, and finish it off at a cozy neighborhood pub.

Stop at these SCOTTISH ISLANDS:

A 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland MUST include at least one Scottish Island. Each one is rugged and beautiful, with its own special features, historic sights and distilleries to thrill you!

Below are the top 4 islands to visit on your Scotland road trip.

1. Isle of Skye

This Scottish island is a natural wonderland and makes for epic travel pics. Isle of Skye is certainly the most popular of the Scottish islands, and it’s easy to see why. It’s dramatic and enchanting, with waterfalls thundering over oceanfront cliffs and mysterious rock formations and massive boulders scattered along rolling green hills.

Popular sights include the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, Fairy Glen, Kilt Rock and Trotternish Ridge. Plus the many castle ruins, like Dunvegan and Eilean Donan just off Skye. And Talisker Distillery, of course. Find the best hikes on AllTrails .

Accessible by bridge.

2. Isle of Mull

Dramatic scenery isn’t limited to the Isle of Skye. Isle of Mull has some incredible rock features of its own, and dramatic coastal cliffs and waterfalls, too.

Most famous natural landmarks on the Isle of Mull are the deep-sea cavern of MacKinnon’s Cave, rock formations at Dervaig and climbing Ben More. Then, there’s the 13th-century Duart Castle ruins and Iona Abbey and Nunnery. Iona is a small separate island accessible by foot ferry only. (Leave your car at the Isle of Mull port and get a taxi or just walk on Iona.)

Find the best hikes on the Isle of Mull on AllTrails . And don’t forget to visit the Tobermory Distillery!

Accessible by plane from Glasgow and ferry from Oban.

If you love peaty Scotch whiskies, you gotta come to Islay . This pretty island is home to nine distilleries, and if you time it right, you can visit all of them in only two days. You can also take a short ferry ride to Jura to visit their distillery, too.

I read some bad reviews on Islay’s scenery but was pleasantly surprised with its lovely coasts and rolling hills. And you can meet plenty of sheep and Highland cows! Find pretty coastal hikes on AllTrails .

Accessible by plane from Glasgow and ferry from Oban or Kennacraig Ferry Terminal. Map out your Scotch tours with this Islay Distilleries post.

4. Orkney Islands

Mainland Orkney is off the northern tip of Scotland, a hauntingly beautiful island to warm the hearts of those who venture this far. Think: rushing waterfalls and rugged cliffs that drop into the ocean. And rugged rolling green hills and quiet beaches. Find the best hikes on AllTrails .

It’s home to Orkney Brewing and Highland Park Distillery, which is one of our favorites. Check out the odd Ring of Brodgar from the Neolithic period and ruins at Corrigall Farm Museum.

Accessible by plane from Inverness and ferry from Thurso.

Things To See on Your 7-Day Self-Drive Tour of Scotland

Scottish lowlands highlights.

• Stirling Castle is certainly grand and impressive. It sits high above the city of Stirling, with fantastic views. Inside are well-preserved and reconstructed buildings from this city-within-a-city, including the Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Tapestry Studio and Regimental Museum. Home to Mary Queen of Scots. Simply walking the grounds and the walls reconnects you with history!
• Scone Castle is where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II were crowned. It’s home to the Earls of Mansfield and hosts high-profile events. Stroll the beautiful gardens and lush estate.
• Dunnottar Castle is a romantic and haunting ruined cliff top fortress, with the wild ocean at its feet. Cross the narrow land bridge, scramble through the underground vaults and climb the ruined towers for epic views. Dip your toes at the beach below. This historic castle played a part in the 18th-century Jacobite risings and is super fun to explore.

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS Highlights

• Loch Ness is a lovely inland lake that runs down the middle of Scotland, but it’s the legend of Nessie and the chance of spotting this lake monster for yourself that keeps your eyes peeled! Stop for a peek of the famous Urquhart Castle (but it’s crazy busy, so I suggest other, better ruins to see). Take a quick tour of Nessieland (a bit silly but fun, with great souvenirs). And dip your toes at the quiet Fort Augustus view point, and see if you can lure out ol’ Nessie.
• Nevis Range near Fort William, including the highest peak in the UK, Ben Nevis. Ski here in winter, or hike, bike or take the gondola up the Nevis Range. Lower Falls and Steall Waterfall are beautiful.
• Glencoe Valley is a beautiful area to explore, with wildflowers, waterfalls and peaks you can climb to gorgeous views. Hike up Buachaille Etive Mor or Bidean nam Bian. Visit the Glencoe Folk Museum thatch cottages from the 1700s and tribute to the 1692 Glencoe massacre.
• Loch Lamond and The Trossachs National Park is a lovely way to end your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland, just north of Glasgow. Your drive is nice, but the best way to see the park is to get out for even a short hike to a viewpoint. Check out AllTrails for inspiration and directions!

Best Time To Go on Your 7-Day Self-Drive Tour of Scotland

The best time for a 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland Highlands and Islands is summer, between May and September. These are the warmest months of the year, and winters in Scotland are COLD and snowy. Not super fun for road trips.

So, tell us about your plans! Please share your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland plans, highlights and tips in the comments below.

Enjoy this post? Share with your friends!

You may also like:

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• Whisky Distillery Tour Guides: Speyside and Islay

Featured photo credit (Isle of Skye): Joshua Earle from Unsplash

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Grand Road Trip of Scotland

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

Loch Lomond

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

Magical islands

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

Wester Ross

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

Malt Whisky Trail

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

Balmoral Castle Estate

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

The home of golf

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

The Ultimate Scenic Self-Drive Tour of Scotland

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

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

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

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

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

Suggested Itinerary

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

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

Day 1: Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

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

Day 2: Loch Lomond to Oban

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

Day 3: Oban Sightseeing

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

Day 4: Isles of Mull and Iona Sightseeing

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

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

Day 5: Oban to the Isle of Skye

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

Day 6: Isle of Skye Sightseeing

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

Day 7: Isle of Skye to Ullapool

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

Day 8: Ullapool Sightseeing

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

Day 9: Ullapool to Inverness

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

Day 10: Inverness Sightseeing

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

Day 11: Inverness to Royal Deeside

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

Day 12: Royal Deeside Sightseeing

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

Day 13: Royal Deeside to St Andrews

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

Day 14: St Andrews Sightseeing

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

Day 15: St Andrews to Edinburgh

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

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

Day 16: Edinburgh Sightseeing

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

Day 17: Edinburgh Sightseeing

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

Day 18: Depart Edinburgh

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

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

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

Your holiday doesn't include:

• Travel insurance
• Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All our packages include:

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

Intermediate

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

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Grand Tour of Scotland

• Discover Scotland in its entirety on a journey from the east to the west coast
• Historic St Andrews, home of golf and the oldest university in Scotland
• Picturesque Royal Deeside and Balmoral, the Queen's Scottish home
• Drive Scotland's Route 66 (the NC500) round the rugged north coast
• The wild west coast, Isle of Skye and atmospheric Glencoe

Your trip starts from Edinburgh, and if you have the time we highly recommend adding on additional nights in our vibrant capital city to make the very most out of your time in Scotland.

From Edinburgh, we recommend a scenic route via the Queensferry Crossing and the charming coastal villages of Fife to reach St Andrews, with a possible detour to Falkland Palace, adored by Mary, Queen of Scots. On arriving in this ancient town, home of golf and also Scotland's oldest university, take time to walk along its wide sandy beach (featured in the film Chariots of Fire), discover its impressive Norman cathedral, and enjoy a pint of beer in one of its traditional pubs. 

Driving Time:  Approx 2 hours

Doune House is a carefully maintained Victorian townhouse with many original features and modern comforts. The accommodation has been completely modernised to offer the highest quality of comfort and the rooms have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay. 

You can be assured a warm welcome at this small and friendly 3-star hotel. The first in St Andrews to be awarded the prestigious title ‘Townhouse Hotel’ by the Scottish Tourist Board. The quaint old building has a warm personality all of its own boasting many original features and 22 en-suite rooms. This is the perfect location for exploring the glorious town of St Andrews.

The Saint, St Andrews, is located in the heart of the picturesque town famed for golf. There are 4 comfortable ensuite bedrooms that are spacious and have been decorated in modern style. The restaurant serves high-quality food with a menu that combines contemporary and traditional dishes.

Head north to Highland Perthshire this morning. Explore the ancient town of Dunkeld with its beautiful Cathedral on the banks of the River Tay, and the bustling town of Pitlochry, where you can enjoy a short walk to the salmon fish ladder and dam, or enjoy your first sample of whisky at the Blair Atholl distillery. 

Continue to Royal Deeside, and walk in the footsteps of Queen Victoria who fell in love with this area, and is home to picturesque villages Braemar and Ballater, as well as the famous Balmoral Castle, the holiday home of the Royal family.  

Driving Time:  Approx 3 hours

The Alexandra Hotel offers a friendly service, comfortable accommodation and excellent meals. All rooms are en-suite with free Wifi, tea and coffee making facilities, satellite television and other essentials that go to make up everything you would expect of a quality family run hotel.

The Deeside Inn is known for its traditional Scottish hospitality and lively music scene as much as it is for its homely lounge, open fires and welcoming bar with quality homemade food. The lovely rooms have complimentary tea and coffee making facilities.

Stay in an early Victorian Scottish Free Church building that is set in the heart of Royal Deeside, within the Cairngorms National Park.

There isn't as far to drive today, which allows plenty of time to explore the region of Speyside & the Cairngorms. Speyside is famed for its delicious malt whiskies, and Glenlivet, Glenfiddich & Aberlour are just some of the well-known distilleries you can visit here. If you can drag yourself away from whisky tasting (you will need to designate a responsible driver!) we also recommend taking time to explore the Cairngorms National Park. There are some fantastic short walks to enjoy in the area around Aviemore and Rothiemurchus, which may help to burn off some of that whisky! 

Driving Time:  Approx 2.5 hours (allow extra for exploring more of the Cairngorms)

Ravenscraig has 14 bedrooms providing 4-star bed and breakfast accommodation in Aviemore. It is ideally situated on the main street just a short stroll from the town centre with its numerous shops, bars and restaurants.

Carn Mhor is a bungalow on the outskirts of Aviemore, providing light and airy accommodation with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.  Your hosts Adrian and Carol will make you feel at home and although this property is slightly off the beaten track, we assure you that the hospitality and breakfast are more than worth it!

Cairngorm Guest House is a 12 bedroom Victorian house located in the centre of Aviemore. All rooms are en-suite and the guest house enjoys amazing views across the Cairngorm Mountains. At night you can relax next to the log burning fire in the lounge as you reflect on your day. 

A scenic route from Aviemore leads you down to Fort Augustus, a picturesque town sitting on the Caledonian Canal and the most southern tip of Loch Ness. Watching the canal boats navigate the locks here is a fascinating experience, or take a boat trip on Loch Ness to see if you can spot Nessie herself! Continue up the scenic A82 road alongside the banks of Loch Ness, stopping off to visit the grand ruins of Urquhart Castle. 

Once in Inverness, there is plenty to discover nearby including the atmospheric Culloden Battlefield, where the Jacobite rising came to an end in 1746, and the 14th century Cawdor Castle with its literary connections to Shakespeare's Macbeth. 

Driving Time:  Approx 2.5 hours

Ballifeary Guest House is an impressive Victorian Villa with many original features. It has a large private car park for guests use and a secured shed for those with bikes. It is ideally located only a matter of yards from Eden Court theatre and a short walk from the River Ness where many restaurants, the Cathedral and Castle can be found. The rooms have been recently refurbished to a high standard offering every comfort you would expect.  

All rooms are equipped with high speed free wifi, USB charging ports, Smart TV, Scottish fine soap toiletries, and coffee & tea making facilities with yummy biscuits!

The house that this accommodation is located in was built in the mid-19th century by a local shipping merchant. It is full of character and still has the original fireplace. It is an approximate 8-minute walk from the city centre and a large choice of restaurants and pubs. The rooms are warm and cosy. 

Today you join Scotland's very own answer to Route 66, the NC500 route. Enroute to Thurso, visit Dunrobin Castle and the scenic Black Isle, where if you are lucky, you may even spot dolphins! Stopping off at John O'Groats it is possible to enjoy a short walk to Duncansby Head, a 5-mile round trip which leads you to the most north-easterly point of mainland Scotland with some incredible sea stacks. You will also pass the rugged peninsula of Dunnet Head, the most northerly point and home to some incredible birdlife including puffins, razorbills and guillemots. The fresh air and sea breezes mean you will enjoy a welcome rest in Thurso this evening! 

Driving Time:  Approx 3.5 hours 

Bed and Breakfast at 4 is a stylish townhouse centrally located in Thurso, Scotland's most northerly town. It is located within easy walking distance of shops, pubs, and restaurants. The rooms are all well-appointed with ensuite facilities and breakfast is served in a spacious conservatory.

The hotel retains much of its character with the thistles above each of the dormer windows and a cockerel above the main entrance. The restaurant uses locally sourced seasonal produce and has a warm and relaxed atmosphere, there is also a well-stocked bar area for you to relax in after a day’s sightseeing.

The seafront Marine B&B offers 5 superior en-suite rooms with outstanding views of the bay, Orkney Islands and Pentland Firth. Rooms are simply furnished and have all the amenities you need.

Continue on the NC500 right across the top of Scotland to reach Durness. The wild and rugged beaches along the way are the real highlight of today, so take your time to enjoy them! Melvich Beach with its sandy dunes and large areas of machair, Strathy Bay with its caves and sea stacks, and Torrisdale Bay, where you can spot seals and sea otters are just some of the untouched beaches which will entice you. The Smoo Caves, the largest coastal caves in the UK are another real highlight of this section, and you should be sure to take time to enjoy one of the geological tours here before finishing in Durness. 

Fiona and Robbie will welcome you warmly to their scenic retreat with every aspect of Highland hospitality. All seven bedrooms are individually decorated with their own unique style, offering total relaxation and comfort.

This small family-run hotel is situated in the east of Durness the most north-westerly village in Mainland Britain and was named after the famous Smoo Cave. Set in a tastefully extended traditional crofting house the hotel has developed with character and in keeping with its surroundings.

You will be guaranteed a warm welcome when you check into this accommodation. This guest house is a modern property and the guest rooms have all the amenities you require for a comfortable overnight stay.

Leaving Durness, the Kylesku Bridge takes you over the Atlantic to Scourie, where you continue south through Sutherland. Discover the white sands of Achmelvich beach, and then arrive in Assynt, a wild landscape of mountains and lochs. If you fancy getting your walking boots on, it is possible to climb the little, craggy hill of Stac Pollaidh, which offers a perfect viewpoint over Assynt. Finish in Ullapool, a pretty fishing village nestled at the head of Loch Broom. 

Harbour House is a family-run bed and breakfast situated on the shores of Loch Broom just a short stroll from the village of Ullapool. The comfortable and pleasantly furnished en-suite bedrooms have modern amenities and look out to either the loch or the rugged mountains. The spacious lounge with its panoramic view of the harbour, loch and hills, provides a place to relax and unwind.

The Arch Inn in Ullapool offers comfortable ensuite rooms with views over Loch Broom and the Fannich Mountains in the distance. It is also known as a great place for live music and the restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced products such as local scallops, langoustines, lobster and oysters. Meet the locals in the Drink Inn Bar before enjoying a night of restful sleep.

A warm and friendly welcome awaits at this family-run guest house that is perfectly located on the shores of Loch Broom with views out across the water. There are seven ensuite rooms and a delicious breakfast is served in the Conservatory overlooking the garden, Loch Broom and the Beinn Dearg mountain range.

Continue to wind your way through the mountains and lochs of the breathtaking landscapes of Wester Ross. Stop for a picnic lunch beside the island-strewn Loch Maree, widely regarded as the most beautiful in Scotland, and reputedly with its own monster! Or head right round the Applecross Peninsula, driving over the twisting Bealach na Ba mountain pass, and tucking into a freshly caught seafood platter at the Applecross Inn. From Applecross, drop down to the Kyle of Lochalsh. It is here you will find the 13th century Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland's most photographed castle and a true icon of the country. Once you have filled your camera with fantastic shots, drive over the Skye Bridge to the magical Isle of Skye. Depending on availability you may stay in either Broadford or Portree whilst in Skye.

As there is so much to see today, we suggest an extra night in Torridon or Applecross to make the most of your sightseeing today.

Driving time:  Approx 4-6 hours (depending on the route you take)

The Broadford is a 4* hotel that has been redecorated in contemporary style to offer a warm welcome and excellent service and food in beautiful settings. 

Independently owned and run, the proprietors pride themselves on the quality of service, food, high standards of cleanliness and the warmth of welcome! Each guest receives an individually tailored experience and you are assured a most comfortable and indeed very enjoyable stay at this splendid accommodation. Broadford House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in a selection of tastefully decorated rooms. The rooms all have television with tea and coffee making trays. The bed and breakfast cottage overlooks Broadford Bay with plenty of eating places nearby.

The Hebridean Inn is a simple small hotel with great views over Broadford Bay. Their comfortable en-suite rooms have all the amenities you require for a comfortable stay.

Quite rightly one of Scotland's most popular islands, there is plenty to do here to fill a day and in fact, if you have time, we highly recommend adding some extra nights if you can. Some highlights include the dramatic Nest Point lighthouse, the fairy pools below the jagged Cuillin Ridge and the dramatic landscapes of the Trotternish Peninsula including the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr. We will provide details of a couple of optional walks you can do, or take it easy and explore other highlights including Dunvegan Castle and the colourful town of Portree.

This B&B is located only a five-minute walk from the lively town centre, where there are parks, restaurants, pubs, shops and banks. All guest rooms are en-suite and have blackout curtains, complimentary toiletries and wifi.

Erisco is a most relaxing accommodation on the Isle of Skye, very close to the town centre attractions of Portree. Recently refurbished and renovated, all rooms are en-suite, comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay. Jessie and John will provide you with a very warm Skye welcome at this lovely property.

The Portree Hotel has recently undergone extensive refurbishment, now offering 24 redesigned en-suite rooms, with all the expected facilities including 32” flat screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryers and irons. The new Antlers Bar and Grill and West Highland Bar have also been tastefully refurbished, this includes wood burning stoves, which creates a cosy and comfortable atmosphere.

Leaving Portree drive south to a contrasting part of Skye, the green Sleat Peninsula. In Armadale enjoy a walk through the beautiful gardens of the ruined Armadale Castle and visit the Clan Donald museum before taking the ferry (1 hour) to Mallaig on the mainland.

Follow the "Road to the Isles" south along the white sandy beaches of Arisaig Sound before reaching the Glenfinnan Monument at the head of Loch Sheil, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the start of the Jacobite rebellion and the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct - where the "Harry Potter" steam train passes over daily. Take a short detour to pass by the mighty Ben Nevis and discover the atmospheric valley of Glencoe, famous for the tragic Massacre of Glencoe which took place in 1692. If you have the time recommend adding in an extra night in Fort William or the Glencoe area to give you more time for sightseeing. Continue to Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland and an attractive seaside town. 

Driving Time:  Approx 4 hours

Gramarvin B&B has been fully refurbished over recent years and is tastefully decorated throughout. The bedrooms are individually designed with a bright attractive colour scheme and each with private bathroom facilities. 

The Barriemore is a splendid example of a Victorian 3 storey town house. It is situated by the water on Oban’s sea front. With stunning views of the narrow shipping channel which passes alongside the patio at the front.

Elderslie Guest House is situated just on the outskirts of Oban. It is a quiet location with private parking. The local cycle track passes by and give an alternative route to town by foot. There is free internet access and garden area to relax in.

The islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa are easily visited from Oban on a short day trip. Mull is home to Tobermory, famous for its lovely multi-coloured houses lining the bay, Iona is a small crofting island known to be the "Cradle of Christianity" in Scotland, and Staffa, home to the spectacular Fingal's Cave, the inspiration for Mendelssohn’s Hebridean overture. If you would prefer to stay on the islands, we can arrange extra nights in Mull for you. 

Alternatively, you may wish to spend the day relaxing in Oban, enjoying one of the amazing seafood restaurants or perhaps visiting Dunollie or Dunstaffnage Castle. 

Gramarvin Guest House has been fully refurbished over recent years and is tastefully decorated throughout. The bedrooms are individually designed with a bright attractive colour scheme. There is a welcome refreshments tray, colour television, hairdryer and radio alarm provided in each bedroom. Free WiFi is available. The accommodation tariff includes a full Scottish breakfast or continental breakfast served in the dining room.

Either Glasgow or Edinburgh can be your final destination today. If heading to Glasgow, we recommend a route taking in the 18th century Inverary Castle, home of the Duke of Argyll, and then skirt the banks of Loch Lomond as you return to Glasgow, perhaps stopping off to enjoy lunch in the pretty lochside town of Luss on the way. Alternatively, if you would like to get back to Edinburgh, head round the northern edge of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park before taking in the Trossachs (home of the legendary Rob Roy), stopping to visit his grave in Balquhidder or the bustling little Trossachs town of Callendar is perfect for lunch. One last stopover in Stirling is a must to visit impressive Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument, a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of William Wallace.

We can arrange additional nights in either Glasgow or Edinburgh for you. Just let us know where you would prefer to finish up!

Driving Time:  Approx 2h 15 (to Glasgow) or 3 hours (to Edinburgh)

This trip has a carbon score of 11kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our greenest trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 11kg is equivalent to 2 Neapolitan margherita pizzas. Buon appetito!. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips .

Other Information

Never been to Scotland and would like the complete Scottish experience? Then this is the trip for you! You will discover everything from Highland castles steeped in history, to whisky distilleries brewing up the local dram, to beautiful white sandy beaches and rugged islands. Allow our local expertise to guide you on a hassle-free journey of cultural discovery around Scotland and experience Scottish hospitality at it's finest.

Discovery | Think of it as a ‘local’s guide’ to the best of the region. It includes a combination of activity and transportation to give you the freedom to explore and cover more ground at your own pace. We do all the research and organisation for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy!

Drive and Hike | Exploration of picturesque and remarkable destinations by car combined with walks that highlight the best of a country or region.

Solo Travellers

The minimum age for this tour is: 5 Years

You will stay overnight in hand-picked small hotels, B&B's and guesthouses, all of which have been chosen to ensure you experience warm Scottish hospitality at its best!  We regularly use the below properties but may accommodate you elsewhere if these are unavailable. 

Single Rooms

This holiday is available to solo travellers but as all our tours are priced per person based on two sharing there is a single supplement payable to cover the additional costs. If you require single rooms within your party we will, of course, try to accommodate your request subject to availability.

Breakfast is included each morning and normally consists of a continental buffet with tea and coffee, fresh fruits, yoghurt, cereals, eggs and bread with jams. Often also on the menu are cooked options like freshly made porridge, a traditional cooked Scottish breakfast and smoked fish with scrambled eggs. 

We don't include lunch and dinner so you are free to choose from the available options. Your information pack includes details and recommendations of convenient lunch stops, cosy cafes and restaurants along the way. A couple of decades ago the food scene in Scotland was somewhat lacking, but now you'll find a range of high quality, varied options with everything from award-winning fish and chips to intimate Michelin-listed dining experiences, and casual restaurant menus showcasing delicious locally-sourced produce. 

Additional Nights

You can add additional nights wherever you please on the route. Of course we highly recommend additional nights in the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow at the start/end of your trip!

Your information pack will include a day-by-day itinerary, with recommended driving routes between overnight stops, as well as recommended detours and must-see sights and attractions. You can use Google maps to navigate the route on your phone, or your car's sat-nav. If you are hiring a car we recommend adding on a sat-nav as internet signal in the Highlands isn't always reliable.

• Overnight in 3 and 4* B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
• Ferry ticket (car included) from Skye to the mainland
• Detailed information pack brimming with our local knowledge
• Our daily recommendations for places to see and visit
• Our daily recommendations for top places to eat and drink
• 24/7 emergency support from our UK office
• Car hire (available as an optional extra)
• Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
• Travel Insurance
• Personal equipment
• Accommodation in Edinburgh or Glasgow
• Entrance fees
• Additional nights

You can start this tour on any day of the week from March to October, subject to availability. The busiest times of the year are around Easter and May when accommodations fill up quickly, so book as early as possible if you are planning to travel then. If you travel before Easter, and after mid-October it is worth noting that some attractions may either be closed, have limited access (i.e. castle interiors may be closed but the gardens open), or may open later and close a little earlier in the day. We always recommend checking the links in our information pack for up-to-date opening times to avoid disappointment. 

During the shoulder season - March to early April and after mid-October - the Scottish weather tends to be more unpredictable and is often colder and rainier. It is worth keeping in mind that the driving conditions, particularly in the far north of Scotland, will also be more challenging at this time. However, attractions and popular viewpoints will generally be quieter. 

Scotland enjoys a temperate climate, meaning it's relatively mild all year, except in winter when temperatures occasionally dip below 0 degrees Celsius for short periods. The Highlands are renowned for variable weather so you should be prepared for everything; from 'dreich' days (a Scottish word for drizzly days that are a bit bleak) to days with beautiful blue skies and warmer weather. Whatever the weather it tends to be breezy so spare layers are always recommended.

From the end of April to October average daily temperatures vary from 9-15 degrees Celsius. Monthly rainfall varies from 10-16 mm per month on average. Generally, May to July is the driest and mildest months, but exploring later in the year from September to October is pleasant in cooler temperatures and the autumnal scenery is spectacular as the leaves begin to change colour.

Your trip begins in the well-connected city of Edinburgh. If traveling in your own car from across the UK, or Western Europe via the Channel Tunnel, you'll find the city is easily accessible and well-connected by the M8, M77, M74, and M6 motorways. If you are driving or traveling from further afield we recommend an extra night in Edinburgh at the start of your trip so you can make the most of your first day of sightseeing. 

By Road:  Edinburgh  is served by an excellent motorway network. It's a 1h 15m drive from Glasgow to Edinburgh on the M8 motorway.   Newcastle is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Edinburgh, and Manchester and Birmingham, 4 and 6 hours respectively.  London is 7.5 hr (via the M1 and A1), and if arriving in Folkestone from France (via the Channel Tunnel) it's an 8-8.5 hour drive via the M20, M11, and A1 roads. 

Alternatively, if arriving in Edinburgh by public transport and renting a car please see the excellent   Traveline   Scotland website for timetables and fares and more information regarding public transport in Scotland. Edinburgh is well-linked across the UK,  Europe, and beyond by flying into either Glasgow or Edinburgh international airports. Glasgow and Edinburgh are just over an hour apart by road and it doesn't take much longer to travel between the two by an express bus or train service. 

By Air:  Located 8 miles east of the city of Edinburgh, the international airport is served by routes from around the UK and the world. There are regular shuttle bus and tram services running from the airport into the city centre, with a journey time of around 30 minutes. There's also a taxi rank outside the airport to take people into the city centre. 

By Rail:  Edinburgh is also connected to central Scotland and England by good rail links. See the   Scot Rail   website for Scottish locations and   National Rail   for UK-wide locations.

By Bus:   Services from UK destinations are operated by   National Express . Services from Scottish destinations are operated by   Scottish Citylink . 

We don't include car rental in the cost of our discovery tours to keep things flexible as we realize many people may wish to use their own car. If you decide to arrange car rental through us, we have a partnership with Europcar and can arrange this easily for you. As standard, we would book an Economy category car (suitable for up to 4 people) with included comprehensive insurance and sat-nav. Prices are on a request basis, so please just add this on as an option if you would like to book car hire, and we will confirm the cost. 

If you have a preferred sailing time for your ferry journeys, please let us know at the time of booking. Once the ferry journeys are confirmed, we can't guarantee new amendments or changes to the sailing times.

Getting from Glasgow

By Road:  Glasgow is served by an excellent motorway network. It's a 1hr 15 min drive from Glasgow to Edinburgh on the east coast. Manchester is approx a 3.5 hour drive or Newcastle on the east coast is approx 3 hours. 

If dropping off a rental car and continuing your onward journey by public transport we recommend breaking the journey by adding an extra night in Glasgow or Edinburgh. For specific information regarding public transport in Scotland, please see the excellent   Traveline   Scotland website for timetables and fares. 

By Air:  Located 8 miles west of Glasgow, the international airport is served by routes from around Britain and the world. A regular shuttle bus service runs from the city centre to the airport. Or if you wish to drop your car off in Glasgow and enjoy some time there before heading back to Edinburgh, regular bus and train services link the two cities, taking approx 1 hour. 

For further information regarding public transport in Scotland, please see the excellent   Traveline   Scotland website for timetables and fares. 

By Rail:  Glasgow is also connected to central Scotland and England by good rail links. See the   Scot Rail   website for Scottish locations and   National Rail   for UK-wide locations.

On confirmation of your booking, you will receive a personalized itinerary and comprehensive information pack. This carefully curated pack, designed with our extensive local knowledge and expertise, will include recommended driving routes, personal recommendations for places and attractions to stop at en route, and our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink. 

We don't include car rental in the cost of our discovery tours to keep things flexible as we realise many people may wish to use their own car. If you decide to arrange a car rental through us, we have a partnership with Europcar and can arrange this easily for you. As standard we book an Economy category car (suitable for up to 4 people) with included comprehensive insurance, prices are on a request basis. Please just let us know if you would like to upgrade your car.

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

Your information pack will include a day-by-day itinerary, with recommended driving routes between overnight stops, as well as recommended detours and must-see sights and attractions. You can use Google maps to navigate the route on your phone, or we recommend using your car's sat-nav. If you are hiring a car we recommend adding on a sat-nav as the internet signal in the Highlands isn't always reliable.

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At Macs, we don’t do tour buses, groups, or guides. Instead, we give you the freedom and confidence to have your own self-guided hiking or biking adventure.

This is active travel led by you.

You choose your departure date and who you travel with, we do the rest.

We sort accommodation and luggage transfers and provide your route in an easy-to-use app.

We give you everything you need to travel independently but we're here 24/7 if you need us.

Getting from A to B under your own steam is intensely rewarding. With Macs, you'll see the world, and yourself, differently.

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The Ultimate Scotland Road Trip Itinerary You Should Steal

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

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

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

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

Begin Your Scotland Road Trip By Flying Into Edinburgh

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

Renting A Car For Your Scotland Itinerary

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

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

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

Stop 1:  Begin Your Scotland Road Trip in Edinburgh

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

Noteworthy Things to Do In Edinburgh

Hike arthur’s seat.

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

Visit Edinburgh Castle

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

Book Here:  Edinburgh Castle Ticket

Learn Scottish History at the National Museum of Scotland

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

Enjoy the Beautiful Royal Botanic Garden

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

Stroll Cute Streets

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

Take a Harry Potter Walking Tour

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

Book Here:  Edinburgh: Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

Stop 2:  Glasgow

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

Interesting Things to Do in Glasgow

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

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

Visit the Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis

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

Tour the University of Glasgow

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

Check out the City’s Street Art

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

Book Here:  Glasgow: Street Art Guided Walking Tour

Where to Stay in Glasgow

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

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

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

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

Stop 3:  Castle Hop Your Way North

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

Castles to See on Your Scotland Road Trip

Balloch castle.

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

Kilchurn Castle

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

Dunstaffnage Castle

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

Castle Stalker

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

Stop 4:  Bask in the Beauty of Glencoe Valley

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

Beautiful Sights to See in Glencoe

Coe river waterfall.

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

Loch Achtriochtan

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

The Three Sisters

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

The Meeting of the Three Waters

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

Etive Mor Waterfall

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

Where to Stay in Glencoe

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

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

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

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

Stop 5:  Hike to Steall Waterfall

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

Stop 6:  Discover Natural Wonders on the Isle of Skye

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

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

Top Attractions on the Isle of Skye

Eilean donan castle.

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

Fairy Pools

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

Old Man of Storr

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

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

Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls

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

Neist Point Lighthouse

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

Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye

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

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

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

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

Stop 7:  Enjoy Famous Loch Ness

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

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

How to Spend Your Time at Loch Ness

Try to spot nessie on a boat tour.

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

Book Here:   Loch Ness: 1-Hour Cruise

Visit the Splendid Urquhart Castle

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

Stop 8:  Inverness

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

Best Things to Do in Inverness

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

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

Book Here:   Inverness: Guided Walking Tour

Learn the History of the Culloden Battlefield

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

Book Here:   Culloden Battlefield Visitor Center Ticket with Audio Guide

Visit the Regal Cawdor Castle

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

Spot Dolphins from Fort George

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

Where to Stay in Inverness

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

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

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

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

Stop 9:  Drive Around Aberdeenshire on Your Scotland Road Trip

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

Cool Things to Do in Aberdeenshire

Visit all the castles you can.

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

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

Take a Tour of the Glen Garioch Distillery

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

Check Out the Aberdeen Maritime Museum

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

Stroll Through the Cute Fishing Village of Footdee

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

Where to Stay in Aberdeenshire

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

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

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

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

Stop 10:  Explore the Town of Dundee

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

What to Do in Dundee

Enjoy the glamis castle.

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

Discover the Victoria & Albert Museum of Design

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

Visit the McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum

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

Check out the Broughty Castle Museum

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

Where to Stay in Dundee

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

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

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

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

Stop 11:  Check Out the Cute Town of Perth

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

Top Things to Do in Perth

Walk through kinnoull hill woodland park.

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

Visit Scone Palace

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

Try Out a Scottish Golf Course

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

Where to Stay in Perth

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

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

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

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

End Your Scotland Road Trip in Edinburgh

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

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

Reader Interactions

February 10, 2023 at 10:57 am

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

November 5, 2023 at 12:12 pm

How long would you recommend roughly for this road trip?

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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!

FREE NC500 Road Trip Itinerary

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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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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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The Ultimate 10-Day Scotland Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

Last Updated on December 4, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Scotland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Around Scotland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10-Day Scotland Highlights Itinerary

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

Day 1 – Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

Where to Say in Edinburgh

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

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

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

Day 2 – Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

Day 3 – Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Loch Lomond

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

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

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

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

Day 4 – Loch Lomond & the Trossachs

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

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

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

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

Day 5 – Oban

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Oban

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

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

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

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

Day 6 – Isles of Mull & Iona

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 7 – Glencoe & Fort William

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Fort William & Glencoe

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

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

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

Day 8 – Fort William to Inverness

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Inverness

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

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

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

Day 9 – Loch Ness

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

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

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

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

Day 10 – Inverness

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

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

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

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

Have More Time?

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

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

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

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

10-Day Scottish Highlands & Islands Itinerary

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

Day 1 – Inverness

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

Day 2 – Loch Ness

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

Day 3 – Culloden Battlefield & Cawdor Castle

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

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

Day 4 – Cairngorms National Park

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in the Cairngorms

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

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

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

Day 5 – Speyside Whisky Region

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6 – Isle of Skye

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay on Skye

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

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

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

Day 7 – Isle of Skye

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

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

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

Day 8 – Isle of Skye

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

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

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

Day 9 – Skye to Fort William

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

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

Day 10 – Glencoe

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

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

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

10-Day North Coast & Orkney Itinerary

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

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

Days 1-3 – Inverness

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

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

Day 4 – Ullapool

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Ullapool

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

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

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

Day 5 – Scotland’s North Coast

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

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

Where to Stay on the North Coast

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

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

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

Days 6 to 8 – Orkney

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay on Orkney

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Tain

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Posts:

9 Things To Do In Oban: A One-Day Itinerary

13 Things To Do In Orkney Islands: A 3-Day Itinerary

Planning a Loch Lomond Day Trip from Glasgow & Edinburgh

About Maggie Turansky

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

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

Hope you have a great trip!

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

Hope you have a lovely trip, Beth!

Thank you very much, very informative/

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

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

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5 of the best road trips in Scotland

Mar 6, 2024 • 7 min read

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

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

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

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

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

1. An Isle of Skye driving loop

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

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

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

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

2. North Coast 500

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

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

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

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

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

3. North East 250

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

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

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

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

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

4. Borders Historic Route

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

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

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

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

5. Clyde Sea Lochs and the Argyll Coast

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

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

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

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

Tips for driving in Scotland

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

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

This article was first published June 2021 and updated March 2024

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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

Number of tours found: 32

Duration (days), popular places, film locations, browse our scotland tours.

It's simple to find the tour plan that suits you.

Just use the Filters  to

1. Select how many days you plan to stay in Scotland. 2. Tick the Places you want to visit. 3. If there are too many options, you can select a "Theme" of Scotland tour to narrow your choices.

The matching tour options will be displayed below:

OR... Request a Customised Tour

If we don't have a Tour plan that matches what you want, we can create you a Customised Tour itinerary.

Visit the Customised Tour page for more details.

Popular Places Tick as many as you like

Film locations tick as many as you like, themes tick as many as you like.

Express Explorer West to East

Price: £13.99.

Express Explorer East to West

Argyll Coastal Trail

Essential Highlands

Islay Add On

Highland Explorer East to West

Price: £14.99.

Highland Explorer West to East

Whisky Taster

Northern Highlights

Price: £15.99.

Romantic Scotland

Classic Scotland East to West

Price: £16.99.

Classic Scotland West to East

Famous Landmarks

Castle Explorer

Island Explorer

Whisky Explorer

Photographer's Scotland

Price: £17.99.

Historic Scotland

Classic Whisky

Price: £18.99.

North Coast 500

Island Adventure

Scottish Inspirations

Scottish Treasures

Price: £19.99.

Classic Castles

Island Odyssey

Price: £20.99.

Authentic Scotland

Price: £21.99.

Scenic Flexi East to West

Price: £22.99.

Scenic Flexi West to East

Best of Scotland East - West

Best of Scotland West - East

Grand Scenic Tour

Price: £23.99.

Grand Tour Borders to Orkney

Price: £24.99.

Testimonials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Holy Island Beach and dunes

Holy Island Beach

Spectacular Scotland | 14 Day Self-Drive

Scotland has all the essential ingredients for the perfect road trip - beautiful, ever-changing scenery, incredible attractions and welcoming towns and villages. All you need is a camera and great company.

Start your trip at Glasgow Airport where you will pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel. TThis is a city that flourished in Victorian times. See George Square with its ornate City Chambers and nearby Glasgow Cathedral. Visit Provand's Lordship, Glasgow's oldest house built in 1471, and step back in time to discover Glasgow's unique history. Overnight in Glasgow

Drive north along the banks of Loch Lomond and embark on a short cruise to appreciate the beauty of this famous loch. Then travel across the mountains to visit Inveraray Castle. Browse around the nearby town, planned by the Campbell family. Journey across mysterious Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe. Continue your drive to Oban on the west coast and visit Oban Distillery to see how whiskey is distilled. Overnight in Oban

Take a ferry ride from Oban to the Isle of Mull, which is one of the most beautiful of the Hebrides. After a scenic drive across the mountains of Mull take another short ferry ride to the peaceful Isle of Iona, the burial place of many Scottish kings. Visit Iona Abbey, where St. Columba founded Scotland’s first Christian settlement in the 6th century. Overnight in Oban

Travel the scenic “Road to the Isles”. Cross by ferry to the Isle of Skye, often called the “Misty Isle” due to the showers that drift across the mountains. Visit the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle to discover the history of the clans of the region. Overnight on Skye

Today spend the whole day touring the Isle of Skye. Travel to Dunvegan Castle, stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Drive alongside the dramatic Trotternish Ridge and stop at Lealt Waterfall and the Kilt Rock. Overnight on Skye

Tour and take photos of the romantic Eilean Donan Castle. It’s a very popular attraction and one of the most recognized castles in all of Scotland. Enjoy more Highland scenery as you drive to Inverewe Gardens. Travel to Ullapool, an active fishing and ferry port that was built in 1788. Overnight in Ullapool

Today explore a remote Highland area with huge tracts of bogland, rugged mountains and coastline. Stop in Durness, one of Scotland’s most remote hamlets and learn about the 18th and 19th century Highland Clearances. Overnight in Thurso

Take a ferry ride from the mainland to explore the largest island of Orkney. Visit Skara Brae, a 5,000-year-old village, to see remains of houses. View the Ring of Brodgar, a circle of prehistoric standing stones and see 12th century St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. Overnight in Thurso

Drive along the coast to John o' Groats, the most northerly village on the British mainland. Visit Dunrobin Castle, dating to 1275 but renovated in the mid-1800’s. Continue south towards Inverness. Stop and visit the picturesque ruins at Urquhart Castle. Overnight in Aviemore

Aviemore is a town in the Cairngorms National Park, in the Scottish Highlands. Check out the 17th Century Braemar Castle and learn of its exciting story. Lastly, end your day with a visit to the Royal Lochnagar Distillery where you will enjoy a guided tour of the distillery. Overnight in Aviemore

Today, drive south past the majestic Cairngorm Mountains and through mountainous countryside and to the east coast to St Andrews, the “Home of Golf.” Overnight in Edinburgh

The best way to explore Edinburgh is by one of its many walking tours. See the bustling Princes Street and the gracious, wide streets of the 200-year-old Georgian New Town. Overnight in Edinburgh

Drive towards the historic border town of Berwick-on-Tweed and cross the ancient Scotland/England border into Northumberland. Lindisfarne or Holy Island is a tidal island settled by Irish monks from Scotland circa AD 635. Bamburgh Castle is undoubtedly one of the most impressive fortresses in Britain. After a short drive, arrive at Alnwick Castle at lunchtime. This magical place is one of Europe’s finest castles and has been at the centre of many historical events. Return to Edinburgh through the charming and historic village of Etal. Overnight in Edinburgh

Return your car at Edinburgh Airport before your flight home.

Price on Request

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

January — December

Contact details

• +1 (617) 3274242
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Glasgow Airport
• Driver guide
• Food and drink
• Island Hopping

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Tour company information

Crystal travel & tours.

Crystal Travel & Tours is a tour operator based in Boston specializing in custom vacations to Scotland and Ireland. A family-owned business, Crystal Travel was founded in 1985 by Jim & Teresa Kelly and since that humble beginning it has grown into a trusted resource that has helped tens of thousands of people better enjoy their travel.

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Opening times

Mon - Fri | 8am - 6pm Sat | 9am - 5pm

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The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

Politics latest: MSP who could decide Humza Yousaf's fate appears to reveal price for her support

Scotland's first minister says he will fight a vote in his leadership and is "very confident" of winning. Listen to this week's episode of the Electoral Dysfunction podcast while you scroll through the latest updates.

Friday 26 April 2024 18:00, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• Yousaf tells Sky News he'll 'fight' vote of no-confidence and is optimistic of winning
• MSP who could decide his fate seems to have named price for her support
• Connor Gillies:  First minister must reset relations with very people he's burned bridges with
• Explained: How did we get here - and what happens next?
• Coming up on Sunday: PM sits down with Trevor Phillips
• Latest  Electoral Dysfunction podcast explores what next week's local elections will bring
• Sam Coates explains why they matter
• Live reporting by Charlotte Chelsom-Pill

Rishi Sunak  sits down this Sunday with Trevor Phillips for a wide-ranging interview ahead of the local elections.

With the Rwanda bill becoming law this week and the PM announcing a commitment to increase defence spending, there's been plenty to talk about.

You can watch it in full from 8.30am on Sunday .

Trevor will also be joined by Labour's shadow health secretary Wes Streeting .

Embattled Humza Yousaf has told Sky News he will not resign as Scotland's first minister.

Pressure has been building on  the SNP leader  after he tore up the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens - prompting a no-confidence motion in his leadership and a threatened knife-edge vote.

However, Mr Yousaf, on a visit to Dundee that was arranged at short notice after he pulled out of a speech in Glasgow, insisted he was getting on with the job and accused the opposition of "playing games".

He said he would be writing to the leaders of all Scottish political parties to seek talks on making a minority government work.

He told Sky's Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies : "I intend absolutely to fight that vote of no confidence, I've got every intention of winning that vote of no confidence.

"And let me say to the opposition for minority government to work in the interest of the people of Scotland also requires the opposition to act in good faith."

Humza Yousaf's future as first minister is hanging in the balance ahead of a motion of no confidence next week.

Now, as leader of a minority government, his fate may be hanging on just one vote - that of a former SNP leadership rival. 

We take a look at how:

The numbers

In the Scottish parliament, the SNP has 63 seats out of 129 , two short of an outright majority;

The Conservatives have  31;

Labour has 22;

The Greens have  seven;

The Liberal Democrats have four;

The Alba Party has one ;

There is also one presiding officer Alison Johnstone, who is both an MSP and Scotland's equivalent of the Commons speaker.

How the numbers are expected to fall

The motion of no confidence was brought by the Scottish Conservatives.

The Greens, Labour and the Lib Dems have all said they are backing the motion.

That would translate into 64 votes against the first minister versus 63 SNP votes.

So the one Alba vote is expected to be key.

How it may all come down to one ... Ash Regan

Once an SNP leadership rival to Mr Yousaf, Ash Regan defected to Alex Salmond's Alba Party last October. 

If she backs Mr Yousaf then that would mean both sides have 64 votes.

Ms Johnstone would then be expected to vote in favour of the status quo, so the first minister would survive.

But if Ms Regan votes against Mr Yousaf, then the opposition parties will have 65 votes against the SNP's 63, and the first minister would lose.

He wouldn't be compelled to resign in this situation, but he'd be under huge pressure to step aside.

More to come

And remember, Scottish Labour have lodged a separate motion of no confidence in the Scottish government. 

Alba have said it won't back that motion.

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf is battling to save his job as he faces a knife-edge no-confidence vote.

The SNP leader triggered a crisis at Holyrood after he dramatically brought the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens to an end.

The backlash has plunged Mr Yousaf's future into doubt, although party colleagues insist he will not resign.

How did we get here?

The Bute House Agreement - signed back in 2021 and named after the first minister's official residence in Edinburgh - brought the Green Party into government for the first time anywhere in the UK.

It gave the SNP a majority at Holyrood when the votes of its MSPs were combined with those of the seven Green members, and also made Green co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater junior ministers.

Without it, the SNP would need to have operated as a minority administration at Holyrood.

What caused the relationship to sour?

There had been mounting tensions between the largest party at Holyrood and their junior partners in government.

The Greens were angered at the SNP-led administration's recent decision to ditch a key climate change target.

That, combined with the decision to pause the prescription of new puberty blockers to under-18s at at Scotland's only gender clinic, resulted in the Greens announcing they would have a vote on the future of the power-sharing deal. 

Read more here:

The 2 May local elections will see more than 2,600 seats at stake across 107 English councils.

Labour's Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham are among the 10 mayors up for re-election.  

Those in Blackpool South will also be voting for their next MP after ex-Tory Scott Benton broke Commons lobbying rules, triggering a by-election.  

With the Conservatives lagging behind Labour in the polls, the outcome will offer some insight on how voters in England and Wales feel ahead of the general election.

On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by deputy political editor Sam Coates to discuss why the elections are so important for the prime minister's future and where the key political backgrounds are.

By Daniel Dunford , senior data journalist

There might not be a general election just yet, but there are important votes that will define how the areas around us are run for the next four years. 

See what's happening where you are here:

With the local elections less than a week away, deputy political editor Sam Coates explains why they matter and what they might tell us about the upcoming general election.

Ash Regan - the MSP who could decide the future of Humza Yousaf - has appeared to name her price for her support in next week's no-confidence vote.

She has said, in a letter to Alba Party members, that investment in the Grangemouth refinery will be a key condition of her backing the first minister.

The refinery is currently due to shut as early as next year and move to being an import and export terminal.

Alba has launched a a campaign to sustain jobs at the refinery.

"A sign of good faith would be a significant government investment, reinforcing the campaign to save the Grangemouth refinery from closure," she says in her letter.

"I am requesting the undertaking to produce such an initiative in the early course.

"I am hopeful that the first minister will commit to such an initiative in the near future as a sign of our shared dedication to Scotland's welfare."

Ms Regan was once part of the SNP and ran in the contest to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as leader last year, the contest Mr Yousaf won.

She defected to Alex Salmond's Alba Party in October. 

The battle for a town that no one there wants.

Sky News is reporting from Grimsby in the run-up to the general election as one of its Target Towns - a key constituency prized by both Conservatives and Labour - Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

But it turns out that Grimsby doesn't really want them.

It hasn't always been a town doused in apathy. 

In 2016, 70% of people here voted to leave the EU - one of the highest results in the country - and in the 2019 election, the constituency turned Tory for the first time since the Second World War.

But five years on, polling by Sky News found that since then, the number of people saying they "almost never" trust the British government to place the needs of the nation above the interests of their own party has nearly doubled - from 26% to 49%.

It's a stark but bleak view. Voters described both leaders as uninspiring and uninteresting.

When asked what they make of the current prime minister, words like "weak" and "performative" were used. 

Voters couldn't make their minds up about the Labour leader, saying they were unsure about him or his policies.

The lack of a clear dividing line between the two parties could be a problem in the general election, especially as both parties have been trying to show a bit more leg this week ahead of a fully-fledged election campaign.

Labour has shown a hint of more radical policies, with their announcement on aiming to nationalise railways within five years. 

But have they waited a bit too long to impress the people of Grimsby?

The Conservatives ratified their Rwanda policy into law, but voters here weren't hugely enthused by that either, with one member of the audience tonight proclaiming they care much more about housing and the environment. 

They asked - why is the centre of political debate about Rwanda and a policy we don't really care about?

Apathy might override this election.

By  Jennifer Scott , political reporter

Voters in Grimsby - one of Sky News's election Target Towns - have been offering their views on politics, politicians and "broken promises".

The electoral battle in Grimsby and Cleethorpes,  the Target Towns , will be fierce. Labour will need an 11.7 point swing to win this newly-merged constituency back from the Conservatives.

In 2019, residents in Grimsby voted Tory for the first time since the end of the Second World War. The old Cleethorpes constituency was always more of a bellwether, having voted Conservative since 2010.

However, it has shed some of its rural, Conservative-voting residents in the merger.

Speaking on the  Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge , small business owner Shannon said she might not vote in the next general election later this year as she "just can't trust anything anybody says".

She said she has felt this way since Brexit - something Grimsby was overwhelmingly in support of - because "we were promised 'x' and 'y' and it hasn't happened, so I'm just totally disengaged from it".

Asked whether local MPs on the panel - Conservative Lia Nici and Labour's Melanie Onn - could change her mind, Shannon said "possibly", but reiterated how let down local people feel.

"We're promised a lot, but it's never delivered," she said. "Talk of things happening... and then it doesn't happen and people are just fed up... have been told this is what we're going to get, but it doesn't actually happen. And that's why people have just lost faith."

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