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Scotland Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 1, 2024

Partially conquered by the Romans, Scotland is a land with a turbulent past. It was invaded countless times by the English during the Middle Ages before the Treaty of Union in 1707 united the continent (an unpopular move at the time). Since then, it’s been a part of the United Kingdom (though there is a growing movement for independence).

While Scotland may be a small country (only 5.4 million people call it home), it’s had a huge impact on the direction of the world. Economist Adam Smith, inventor of the telephone Alexander Graham Bell, novelist Robert Louis Stevenson (he wrote Treasure Island ), philosopher David Hume, ecologist John Muir — the list of famous Scots goes on.

I love visiting Scotland. The people, the jovial spirit, the landscape, the booze — Scotland never disappoints (ok, maybe a little with the food). It’s an incredible destination for road trips so make sure you get out of the cities and into the highlands with their rich jagged landscapes. And be sure to head west to the islands of Islay, Jura, and Mull.

This travel guide to Scotland can help you plan where to go, what to see, how to save money, and everything in between!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Scotland

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Top 5 things to see and do in scotland.

1. Explore the Scottish Highlands

Visit the highlands of Scotland for moody mountains, rugged terrain, glaciers, lochs, and kilt-clad Scotsmen. While the land may be harsh and unforgiving, you haven’t really seen Scotland until you’ve been here. Don’t miss Glencoe, Cairngorms National Park, Inverness, and the Isle of Skye.

2. Visit Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a glorious city filled with medieval cobblestone streets, lots of green space, free museums, a huge castle, and maybe even some ghosts. There’s a lot to do here so be sure to spend a few days. It’s an amazing place.

3. Celebrate Hogmanay

Hogmanay is one of the largest New Year’s celebrations in the world, attracting over 100,000 people for the two-day festival. The modern iteration has musical acts, a torchlight procession, multiple fireworks displays, and a large street party.

4. Drink whisky in Islay

Whisky has a long history on Islay . It’s been made there since the 16th–century — first in backyards and then, starting in the 19th-century, in big distilleries. Over the years, whisky from the island came to be considered a specialty and is famous around the world.

5. Visit Inverness

Besides the historic buildings in the Old Town, there is a great selection of places to eat and drink, Inverness Castle, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, and a Victorian Market. Plus, it is close to Loch Ness (it’s less than a 30-minute drive away), a bunch of distilleries, and a few golf courses.

Other Things to See and Do in Scotland

1. try to find nessie.

Loch Ness is one of the most famous lochs (lakes) in Scotland. It’s the alleged home to Nessie, aka the Loch Ness Monster, a creature said to live in the loch. The first “sightings” date back to the 1870s, though there is no definitive proof that any such creature exists. Nonetheless, the myth perseveres, making Loch Ness a popular destination to visit. While here, you can take a cruise, hike in the nearby hills, and enjoy some of the smaller nearby towns and villages like Dores or the nearby ruins of Urquhart Castle. The best way to get here is to travel to Inverness, from which Loch Ness is close enough to take a day trip to (it’s just a 25-minute drive from Inverness to Lochend, the top of Loch Ness).

2. Wander around Glasgow

Glasgow is a busy and bustling city, home to a youthful population (there is a university here) and a picturesque downtown. With plenty of parks, historical monuments, and museums, there is plenty to do here if you’re on a budget. It’s also a vegan and vegetarian hotspot too! Don’t miss the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, relaxing in Glasgow Green, seeing the cathedral, and day-tripping to the nearby Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

3. See the cathedrals

The cathedrals in Scotland are marvelous with their unique Gothic architecture and imposing heights. A few of the top cathedrals to visit are Dunfermline Abbey and Palace in Fife, St. Magnus Cathedral in the Orkney Islands, St Giles in Edinburgh, and Melrose Abbey in the Borders. Also, don’t miss the Glasgow Cathedral, which was built in 1136 and is the oldest building in Glasgow. Admission is free though donations are encouraged.

4. Puzzle over Rosslyn Chapel

This historic chapel near Edinburgh is ripe with intricate artwork and symbolism that has spawned many conspiracy theories (not to mention books). (Like why is there corn on the wall if corn wasn’t discovered until centuries later?). it was featured heavily in The Da Vinci Code and is located just an hour outside Edinburgh. Admission costs 9.5 GBP.

5. Play golf

The Scottish invented golf in the 15th century. If you’re not lucky enough to play a round at St. Andrews (the most famous course in the country) there are plenty of other immaculate and challenging courses to keep any golf player happy. Try to play during the low season (between November and March) if you want the lowest prices (St. Andrews, for example, costs 220 GBP to play in high season, versus 98 GBP in low season). Castle Stuart (Inverness), Royal Dornoch (Dornoch) , and Muirfield (Gullane) are some other great courses worth playing.

6. See the Cuillin

This dramatic mountain range dominates the Isle of Skye. There are two main ridges (the red and the black), which can be visited as a day trip or a longer two-day hike. Much of the mountain range, which stretches 14 kilometers (8.6 miles), can be hiked, though some peaks require more technical climbing skills. There are campgrounds and a hostel nearby in Glenbrittle as well. Some of the most popular trails are Rubh’ an Dùnain (3-5 hours, easy), Coire Lagan (2 hours, moderate), and Sgùrr Alasdair (6-8 hours, hard).

7. Visit Ruins of Melrose Abbey

Robert I (also known as Robert the Bruce) was the King of Scotland from 1306 until his death in 1329. Legend has it that his heart is buried in the ruins of Melrose Abbey. The abbey, founded in the 12th century and located in Melrose, was repeatedly destroyed by the English in the 14th century. You can still see marks on the surviving walls from cannonballs during the English Civil War. The abbey ruins (which is only a ruin of its former self, composed of several standing walls and arches) are decorated with intricate artwork carved into the remaining stone walls. Admission is 6 GBP.

8. Explore Dundee

Dundee is a lively student city along the coast with a lot of interesting museums. It’s a UNESCO City of Design and is the sunniest spot in the country too. Don’t miss a visit to Discovery Point to learn about the famous Antarctic expedition that launched from here in 1902 on the RSS Discovery (which you can board at the visitor center). Also, be sure to take in the great street art, the Vaults (a series of underground tunnels that date back to the 1750s), and The McManus Art Gallery as well.

9. Visit the Mystical Smoo Cave

The sleepy town of Durness, located 193 kilometers (120 miles) north of Inverness, is the access point for Smoo Cave , a coastline cave complex that can be explored independently or on a tour. Evidence from charcoal samples shows that it may have been inhabited over 4,000 years ago. The cave is free to enter but guided tours, which take you deeper into the cave, are 10 GBP. You get to see a lot more on the tour than you would if you just visit independently. Tours last around 20 minutes.

10. Head to the Isle of Arran

Located 2.5 hours west of Glasgow, this isle is a popular tourist destination for its charming scenery of jagged hills and rugged coasts, walking trails, and historic villages. Visit Brodick Castle, go for a hike, keep a lookout for seals and golden eagles, and enjoy the remote scenery. Don’t miss the Machrie Moor Stone Circles (which are sort of like Stonehenge) — they date back almost 5,000 years!

11. Explore the Cairngorms

Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK, spanning 4,528 square kilometers (1,748 square miles). Located two hours from Edinburgh by car, it makes for a great getaway for anyone looking to get out and see the highlands. The park is dotted with beautiful B&Bs in historic stone buildings and there are several campgrounds available for anyone traveling in a camper van or with a tent. Wild camping is also permitted, providing you do so responsibly. The park offers lots of hiking trails too. Don’t miss Ryvoan Pass (easy), Dalraddy to Ruthven (moderate), and Ben Macdui (difficult). If you visit in the winter, you can also go skiing on Cairn Gorm Mountain. If you’re lucky, you may spot some of the reindeer that call the park home (it’s the only herd in the British Isles). Admission to the park is free.

12. Attend the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world’s largest arts festival. It usually lasts three weeks and takes over the entire city of Edinburgh. There are tens of thousands of performances including plays, musicals, live music, puppet shows, and much more! There are literally thousands of different shows held and hundreds of venues around the city. It’s a massive festival and brings in upwards of 3 million visitors. It’s a zany, inspiring, and entertaining festival and one that shouldn’t be missed. Just make sure you book your tickets and accommodation in advance as things fill up fast.

13. Tour the Isle of Skye

This popular island off the northwestern tip of the country is a scenic place to take a road trip. The island offers sweeping views over the rugged coastline, hiking trails, castles, waterfalls, and quaint villages and B&Bs. While most people just visit for a day, I suggest spending a few days driving around and getting off the beaten path. You can visit by bus if you don’t have a car, however, having your own vehicle will give you much more freedom. Don’t miss Dunvegan Castle, the Old Man of Storr rock formation, and brother’s point.

  For more information on cities in Scotland, check out these guides:

• Edinburgh Travel Guide
• Glasgow Travel Guide

Scotland Travel Costs

Accommodation – Most 6-8-bed dorms in Scotland cost 18-22 GBP per night, though prices rise a few pounds in the summer and drop a few in the winter (you can find hostels for as little as 12 GBP in the off-season). Free Wi-Fi and lockers are standard, and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Private rooms in a hostel cost around 40-65 GBP per night.

Budget hotels cost around 55-75 GBP per night with standard amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and coffee/tea makers. Some include free breakfast.

Airbnb is widely available in Scotland and is especially useful in the smaller towns and villages where there are fewer traditional hotels and hostels. A private room generally costs 25-30 GBP per night while entire homes/apartments start at 55 GBP per night, though most options are 70 GBP and above.

If you want to camp, expect to pay around 17 GBP per night for a basic plot (a small flat space for a tent without electricity). Most campgrounds close for the winter so availability is limited come late October/early November. If you’re in a car or campervan, you can use the app “park4night” to find paid overnight parking, free overnight parking, and campgrounds.

Food – Scottish food is hearty, heavy, and filling. Seafood is abundant, and popular traditional dishes include blood pudding, minced beef, fish and chips, smoked herring, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes), and of course haggis (a dish composed of minced sheep’s organs and spices inside a sheep’s stomach casing). Porridge is a common breakfast choice, though a larger breakfast of sausage, eggs, beans, and bread is not uncommon either. Sticky toffee pudding is a favorite dessert, and of course, you can’t visit Scotland without sampling some scotch.

Expect to pay around 10-12 GBP for a basic meal (like a Scottish breakfast). For pub food like a burger or fish and chips, prices are usually between 12-20 GBP for a meal. For a full three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant, prices begin around 27 GBP.

A pint of beer is around 4 GBP while a glass of wine is around 5.50 GBP. A latte or cappuccino is around 2.70 GBP.

If you’re looking for fast food (think McDonald’s), expect a combo meal to cost around 6 GBP. A classic fish and chips from a no-frills takeaway spot is around 6 GBP, while Chinese takeaway is around 8-10 GBP. Street food (like from a food truck) costs around 6-8 GBP. Eat near the universities for the cheapest food options.

A week’s worth of groceries costs around 40-60 GBP. This covers basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat. The cheapest supermarkets to look out for are Aldi, Lidl, Asda, and Tesco.

Backpacking Scotland Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Scotland for around 55 GBP per day. On this budget, you’re staying in a dorm room or camping, cooking all of your meals, using local transportation, sticking to mostly free activities (like hiking, museums, or free walking tours), and limiting your drinking.

On a mid-range budget of about 105 GBP, you can stay in a private Airbnb room, eat out at cheap local restaurants for a few meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting castles or doing a whisky tasting.

On a “luxury” budget of 210 GBP or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for every meal, drink what you want, take the train between cities or rent a car, and visit as many museums and attractions as you’d like. This is just the ground floor for luxury though — you can easily spend more if you want to splash out!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

Scotland Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While Scotland is expensive, there are lots of ways to lower your costs. Here are some tips to help you save money in Scotland:

• Get the Edinburgh City Pass – If you’re planning to explore Edinburgh, get the City Pass. For 45 GBP, you get access to 22 attractions as well as free transportation to and from the airport. There is also a two-day pass for 55 GBP and a three-day pass for 65 GBP.
• Eat in a pub – The best food is often in the pubs at a fraction of the price compared to a proper restaurant. Also, pubs generally give you a true taste of Scottish culture. Scotland is pub-land – they’re everywhere.
• Eat during lunch – Many cafes, bakeries, and chains offer lunch deals for as little as 3-5 GBP.
• Visit the free museums – The public museums in Scotland are free so take advantage! Free museums include The National Museum of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
• Use buses – If you need to go anywhere, buses are by far the cheapest way to reach the widest range of places on a regular schedule. You can even find tickets for just 1 GBP from Megabus if you book far enough in advance.
• Avoid eating and shopping in the city centers – Both Glasgow and Edinburgh get significantly more expensive the closer you get to the city center. There are plenty of good restaurants and quirky shops outside of the center, so go for those. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
• Use apps to get food deals – On the app Too Good to Go, participating eateries sell severely discounted meals/groceries/baked goods at the end of the day. You just sign up, see what is being offered near you, and pick up your cheap food at the end of the day. It has good coverage all across Scotland, particularly in Edinburgh. For discounts on takeout try the app Secret Takeaways which supports local restaurants in Edinburgh and Glasgow by cutting out the delivery app middleman (and their high fees).
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is the best way to save on accommodation in Scotland. You’ll not only save some money but get access to a knowledgeable local who can help point you to some of the country’s hidden gems. It may not be fancy, but you’ll get a unique experience and learn far more about the destination than if you stayed in a hotel!
• Take a free walking tour – If you want to understand more about the history, architecture, and people of Scotland then be sure to take a free walking tour. They usually last a couple of hours and are a great introduction to the city. New Europe has a great free tour in Edinburgh and Visit Scotland offers one in Glasgow.
• Cook your own meals – Eating out in the UK isn’t cheap. Save yourself some money and cook a few meals for yourself. It may not be as fancy as eating out, but your wallet will thank you!
• Rent a campervan – If you’re planning to get out of the city, rent a camper van. You can get them for as little as 30 GBP per day. They come with basic self-catering facilities so you can cook your food and have somewhere cheap to stay. There are lots of free places to park around the country. Just use the app park4night to find them.
• Use BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing app you can use to travel in between cities. It’s faster than the bus and usually just as cheap. You have to find a ride, which can sometimes be hit or miss, but the profiles are verified and reviewed so it’s quite safe. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with other locals/travelers.
• Use discount websites – Groupon, Wowcher and Living Social have good deals on accommodation, attractions, and dining out.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Scotland

Accommodation in Scotland isn’t cheap, but there are nevertheless lots of great hostels to stay at to help you meet people and save money. Here are my favorite hostels in Scotland:

• Castle Rock (Edinburgh)
• Edinburgh Backpackers (Edinburgh)
• Kick Ass Grassmarket (Edinburgh)
• Glasgow Youth Hostel (Glasgow)
• Euro Hostel Glasgow (Glasgow)
• Broadford backpackers (Isle of Skye)
• Stirling Youth Hostel (Stirling)

How to Get Around Scotland

Public Transportation – Public buses and trams cost around 1.50-2 GBP for one-way ride. For a single-day pass, expect prices to start at 4 GBP per person. In Glasgow, a 7-day public transportation pass costs 17 GBP.

Only Glasgow has a subway system and the tickets for the bus and metro are not interchangeable as they are operated by two different companies (though prices between the two are comparable).

Airport shuttles cost around 6-8 GBP each way.

Flying – Flying around Scotland is both inconvenient and expensive. There are very few direct flights, making it slower to fly than to take the bus. I would avoid flying and just take the bus or train.

Bus – Buses are a popular and affordable way to get around the country as they link most destinations in the country. Scottish Citylink, Stagecoach, Megabus, and National Express are the four main companies that operate here. Tickets can be found for as little as 1 GBP via Megabus, though they’re usually around 10-25 GBP.

Edinburgh to Glasgow, for example, is a one-hour bus ride that costs 8 GBP while the three-hour journey from Glasgow to Inverness costs around 20-30 GBP. The sooner you book your ticket, the lower the price, so always try to book in advance. The coaches here are modern and comfortable with bathrooms and Wi-Fi as well.

Train – Trains connect all the major cities in Scotland (as well as the towns and villages they pass through). When purchased in advance (12 weeks out is the sweet spot), tickets are only a little more expensive than the bus. For example, Inverness to Glasgow takes about as long as the bus and is only 30 GBP while Edinburgh-Glasgow is 30 minutes faster than the bus for just 1-2 GBP more. Just be sure to book early to get the best prices. Last-minute tickets can be expensive!

Car rental – Scotland is a great road trip destination. You can get cars for 20 GBP per day and campers for 30 GBP per day. Just remember that traffic flows on the left. Most vehicles are manual transmissions as well. Renters need to be at least 21 years of age.

Rideshare – Ridesharing apps like Uber are a reliable but expensive way to get around in cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. Skip them if you can.

For longer distances, use BlaBlaCar. It’s a ridesharing app that pairs you with drivers who are traveling to other cities. They have profiles and reviews (similar to Airbnb) so it’s quite safe. It’s usually not as cheap as the bus, but it’s faster and more comfortable.

When to Go to Scotland

Summer is the most popular time to visit Scotland. In July and August, there’s warm weather and minimal rain, with temperatures reaching highs of around 20°C (68°F). This is also the busiest time of the year, so expect crowds in the cities and lots of people out enjoying the national parks. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes place in August, which is a huge multi-week festival. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance if you’re visiting during this time.

September is a rather wet month, though in October there’s incredible fall foliage. Overall, October is a great time to visit — especially if you plan on renting a car or camper and heading into the Cairngorms (Scotland’s biggest national park). Seasonal businesses and accommodations start to close in mid-October so be sure to keep that in mind when planning. Expect October temperatures to hover around 12°C (55°F) during the day.

The spring is a great time to visit, with April and May offering minimal rain and no crowds. There’s still snow and cool temperatures in the highlands, but the cities are lively without being crowded.

Winters in Scotland are cold and dark. December is relatively dry, with temperatures dipping below 0°C (32°F). It’s nevertheless a popular time to visit, with many tourists coming to Edinburgh for the huge Hogmanay New Year’s Eve celebration (one of the biggest New Year’s festivals in the world). Book your accommodation well in advance if you plan to attend.

By February, snow is common so keep that in mind if you plan on renting a vehicle. Unless you’re coming to engage in winter sports, I’d avoid a winter visit unless you don’t mind the grim and grey atmosphere of the country.

How to Stay Safe in Scotland

Scotland is a safe country, even for solo travelers, and even for solo female travelers. Like in all cities, stay vigilant when you’re in crowded tourist areas or on public transportation as that is when pickpockets usually strike. If you keep your valuable secure, however, you shouldn’t have any issues.

Additionally, solo female travelers don’t need to worry in Scotland, however, women should take the standard precautions when traveling alone at night (don’t travel alone intoxicated, keep an eye on your drink, etc.).

Keep in mind that traffic flows on the left here. Most vehicles are manual transmissions and have the gear shift on the left (which is opposite to most other countries). Driving might take some getting used to so drive carefully — especially in cities and when going through roundabouts.

If you are hiking, make sure you have the appropriate equipment and notify your accommodation of your plans just in case as the weather can change quickly in the highlands.

While scams here are rare, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here if you’re concerned.

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

If you don’t do it at home, don’t do it in Scotland!

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Scotland Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Edinburgh Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Scotland and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hostels in Edinburgh

10 Scotland Road Trip Tips You Need to Know Before You Go

The 6 Best Hotels in Edinburgh

The Best Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Where to Stay in Edinburgh: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Ghost Tours in Edinburgh

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• Travel blogs on Scotland

Here you will find all my blogs on Scotland

With its rugged mountains, vast heaths and beautiful cliffs, Scotland is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. The beautiful cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh are reminiscent of London but are many times quieter and smaller. Perfect for a weekend getaway. I also find the rich culture and history of the Highlands and Clans very interesting. A visit to Culloden is therefore really a must. Scotland has stolen my heart, so it is not strange that we have visited this beautiful region twice in less than six months.

I wrote quite a few blogs about Scotland. Blogs with practical tips and information, but also diary blogs about our time here. You can find all these blogs on this page. If you have a question, please let me know!

The ultimate itinerary for the highlands of Scotland!

Below you will find the ultimate itinerary for a two-week road trip through the highlands of Scotland. This itinerary is for a round trip by car, but can also be done partly by train.

This two-week itinerary for the highlands of Scotland is as follows: Edinburgh – Cairngorms – Inverness – Fort Rose – Loch Ness- Wester Ross Coastal Route – Isle of Skye – Fort William – Glencoe- Ben Arthur- Glasgow – Edinburgh

All of our blogs on Scotland

We wrote a lot of blogs on Scotland. Scroll down to see them all or read the most popular ones here:

• Scotland budget : How expensive is a road trip through Scotland?
• The ultimate Scotland itinerary for a road trip of 2 weeks!
• All you need to know about road tripping and camping in Scotland !
• Travel guide Isle of Skye

Facts about our trip through Scotland

Period:  December and April Who: Ries en Charlotte Favourite hotels:  click here for the Scotland hotel guide !  

Flight deals: click here  for the most actual flight deals to the United Kingdom! Ferry: click here to book tickets for a ferry to Newcastle from which you can take the bus/train to Edinburgh! How long: 3 days and 2 weeks  

Mega budget tip: book your campervan last minute at Spaceships and get 10% discount on your booking! Click here for more information!

All my blogs on Scotland

Isle of skye travel guide: our experience + tips for isle of skye in scotland, scotland budget: costs and prices of a road trip through scotland., best hotels in scotland: castles, hotels and b&bs in the scottish highlands, a weekend getaway to scotland: glasgow and glencoe, road trip scotland: itinerary for 10 days and two weeks in scotland, diary blogs: dolphins in scotland loch ness and the wester ross, diary: cairngorms national park and a whisky distillery in scotland, all about camping in scotland and a road trip through the scottish highlands, diary blog: sunny edinburgh, start of our road trip through scotland, diary blog: ben nevis, ben arthur and more of scotland.

The Chaotic Scot

SCOTTISH TRAVEL BLOG

Hello! I’m Kay, the ‘chaotic’ lass behind the blog.

If you’re looking for Scottish travel inspiration, you’re in the right place.

The Chaotic Scot website is packed with personality, travel tips, and destination inspiration.

I hope that my writing will entertain & inspire you, and that my photos will make you want to be there – or make you hungry!

I’ll show you how to explore Scotland on public transport and how to hop around the Scottish Islands. I’ll also highlight where to find quirky accommodation and amazing local eateries along the way.

Scotland is my homeland and the love of my life. I’ve devoted my career to promoting it full-time and I’m excited to share it with you.

The Scottish islands are my favourite place in the world, and I’ve visited 67 so far. There is so much more to come. Watch this space!

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Wayfaring Kiwi

A kiwi lass living in Scotland, taking you on her wild adventures

I’m Yvette

I’m originally from New Zealand but I now live in Scotland with my Scottish husband, the Haggis, and our dog, Angus. After selling all my belongings and going on an around the world adventure, I followed my ancestry to Scotland – a country I’ve always felt a strong connection with. On this blog, I share my adventures and travel secrets so that you can plan the best trip ever.

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New Zealand

From its awe-inspiring landscapes, tranquil native forests and golden sandy beaches, to the colourful wildlife, distinctive Maori culture, and relaxed way of life – New Zealand is a country that should be on everyone’s bucket list. I travel to New Zealand regularly and love being a tourist in my home country. I’ve written a series of travel guides from a locals perspective to help you plan your travels, get off the beaten path, and create memorable experiences in beautiful Aotearoa!

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I’m an American driven to explore every corner of Scotland, from the highlands and islands to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the lowlands with my trusty camera, pen, and a whisky-fueled fire in my belly. Have a look around, read my story, and learn how I help people plan their trips to Scotland.

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The best of scotland in one week: an epic 8-day scotland itinerary.

Scotland might be small, but there are a lot of destinations on your average Scotland travel bucket list. How will you possibly manage to visit Edinburgh, Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye in a mere 8 days? My Classic Scotland Itinerary for Scotland in one week should give you an idea of how to see the major touristy spots in Scotland without having to sweat it!

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Scotland is the kind of place where you could travel around for weeks and weeks and you still would not have seen all the highlights and only scratched the surface of understanding what’s going on in a Scot’s head. And that is even though the country is so small.

But there is no denying that you don’t always have months to spare to travel a place, so finding a way of squeezing as much of Scotland as possible into a week or two becomes a skill for many people planning a trip to Scotland.

Download my free Scotland Trip Planning Checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything important !

Dreaming of Scotland? Listen to my immersive travel podcast Wild for Scotland !

While after three years in Glasgow I am still far from ‘having done it all’ I have been on several trips with visiting friends and family to see some of the essential must-dos that Scotland has to offer – the classic Scotland itinerary, so to say.

Loch Ness, Edinburgh, Skye – these are only a few places you must not miss on your first trip around Scotland, so I thought a little one-week itinerary based my own experience could be a great start for your own research! Prepare for a tour de  force  through Scotland!

Need help finding cheap airfare to Scotland? Check out my tips for booking flights to Scotland .

How to get around Scotland

This itinerary is written with a rental car in mind – you can follow my route through Scotland by public transport as well, but you might have to cut a few stops due to time limitations, or simply because the bus or train won’t stop everywhere.

I always find the best deals at AutoEurope because they compare prices from a variety of rental car agencies, find the best price and add affordable carefree-insurance on top! I recommend renting with internationally renowned agencies, like Sixt, Europcar or Avis (all of which I’ve tried and had great experiences within Scotland), or with local brands such as Arnold Clark.

Nervous about driving? Learn about UK traffic rules & etiquette with the useful online guide by Tripiamo .

Read my full practical guide to hiring a car in Scotland !

You can also do this itinerary on public transport – it just requires a few adjustments. Use this public transport itinerary to plan your trip.

You can find more info on how to get around Scotland in my guide to everything you need to know about planning a trip to Scotland , and some tips for driving on the left-hand side in my Scotland driving tips .

You might also like: What’s the best time to visit Scotland?

8-Day Scotland Itinerary Map

Day 1: Arrive in Glasgow

Whether your plane actually lands at Glasgow airport or in Edinburgh, hardly matters because the cities and their airports lie so closely together and are so well-connected by bus, that it is easy to start your trip around Scotland in the one city even if you land in the other. To save you some driving on your way up to the Highlands I recommend to base yourself in Glasgow for the first night.

If you have some daylight left, who not hop on board the City Sightseeing Bus  ( read my REVIEW ) to get an overview of the city, and then head for dinner and drinks in town to get a feel for the city.

Not sure if this is the best itinerary for you? Find out how to choose the ideal Scotland itinerary !

Glasgow Travel Essentials Where to Stay in Glasgow | Hotels are super affordable – I summed up my favourites for all budgets here . Getting around Glasgow | Glasgow is a very walkable city, but you can get buses or the subway for longer distances between different quarters. Traditional black taxis can be a bit expensive, so I suggest to use private hire companies like  Network Private Hire  or the Uber! Things to Do in Glasgow | Check out this One-Day Itinerary and my  50 Travel Tips for Glasgow ! On a budget? Here are 45 free things to do in Glasgow. Looking for nature? Try one of these brilliant walks in Glasgow . The best restaurants in Glasgow  | There are more restaurants in Glasgow than sand on the beach. For Scottish food try Two Fat Ladies in the City , the Red Onion (vegan menu available) or Gandolfi Cafe . I also love Sarti  and  Paesano (both Italian), Nippon’s Kitchen (Japanese, sushi) and Ranjit’s Kitchen  (Indian curries). For a great food market, check out Platform , which is open every Friday to Sunday and is located in the Arches underneath Central Station. The best pubs in Glasgow | Glasgow’s pubs deserve a city trip in itself. Try Sloan’s , The Pot Still , The State Bar or Babbity Bowster for a taster – and a dram!

Day 2: Loch Lomond, Glen Coe & Fort William

Leave Glasgow right after breakfast to make your way north. You will be happy to have the entire day at your disposal because even if the drive from Glasgow to Fort William theoretically takes less than 3 hours, the scenic stops along the way and the windy roads will slow you down significantly.

Stop 1: Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is Scotland’s largest lake (or loch , as the Scots call them) and it’s southernmost end lies only 45 minutes drive from Glasgow. Most tour buses will stop either in Balloch or in Luss, but I personally prefer the scenic points further north along the Loch, particularly the car park in Inveruglas.

Either way, wherever you stop along Loch Lomond, make sure to take in the stunning views. Maybe you can even spare some time for a short cruise starting in Tarbet.

Stop 2: Glen Coe

Glen Coe is the kind of place that dreams are made of – or James Bond films. You chose which one you prefer. Driving through Glen Coe is like travelling back in time; there are so many stories to be told about it.

It is one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes, a valley surrounded by some of the country’s roughest peaks and most popular hikes, such as the Three Sisters , the ridge of  Aonach Eagach or Buachaille Etive Mòr . 

Pressed for time you won’t manage to actually climb any of these mountains, but a quick stroll to Scotland’s most photographed cottage,  Lagangarbh Hut at the foot of Buachaille Etive Mor, is a scenic little walk to stretch your legs.

Alternatively, you could stop at Glencoe Lochan for a quick walk around the loch.

You might also like: The most scenic stops between Glasgow and Fort William

Stop 3: Fort William

Fort William is not so much exciting as a town, but rather for its surroundings. This is where the famous West Highland Way ends (key: plenty of outdoor equipment shops) and where the highest mountain range of the UK begins: the Nevis Range .

It takes only 15 minutes to drive from Fort William to the car park of the Nevis Range Mountain Resort from where a gondola  brings you further up the mountain Aonach Mor, right beside Ben Nevis. With too little time for the strenuous hike up Ben Nevis (this is not a tourist trail!) this is the next best alternative to climbing the UK’s highest peak.

Find out what else to do in my Fort William travel guide !

Fort William Travel Essentials Where to Stay in Fort William  | Fort William offers tons of accommodation options. I’d recommend Minaig B&B a little bit before you reach the town centre, or Muthu Fort William Hotel in the middle of Fort William. Restaurants around Fort William | For lunch on the way you could stop at the Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum for fish & chips, or at the Clachaig Inn in Glen Coe for an excellent pub meal! In Fort William, I’d recommend Crannog Seafood , because the chef is happy to whip up a vegan meal for you, but alternatively, you can also get good service and great food at The Grog & Gruel . There is also a new vegan cafe in Fort William, called The Wildcat . Things to do in Fort William | If you decide to spend more time in Fort William by adding an extra day to this itinerary, here are a few things to do: West Highland Museum , to learn about Highland culture and history; Ben Nevis Distillery , to have a dram and learn how it’s made; Neptune’s Staircase , to watch boats go through the locks of the Caledonian Canal.

Note:  Depending on the time of the year, you might not be able to fit in long stops at all three locations in just one day – chose wisely where to spend more time!

Day 3: Road to the Isles & Isle of Skye

The road from Fort William to Mallaig is a highlight, not only for Harry Potter fans. Although, if you are already here, head to the tourist office in Fort William to find out at what times the famous Jacobite Steam Train will be crossing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct and plan your road trip accordingly.

Read my story of what it’s like to ride the Harry Potter train !

The Road to the Isles is one of my favourite road trips in Scotland and the views you get from the passenger seat are absolutely stunning! Make sure to visit the Glenfinnan Monument and climb to its top for even better views of Loch Shiel.

Once you have arrived in Mallaig get your ferry ticket sorted (you should book this in advance, especially during the busy summer months) and kill some time with a takeaway of fresh fish & chips – but beware of the seagulls at the harbour!

You might also like: The most scenic road trips in Scotland

The ferry from Mallaig to Armadale on the Isle of Skye only takes around half an hour but offers a stunning vista of Skye and the Small Isles called Rum, Eigg, Canna and Muck.

Once you have arrived on Skye, stay and explore the southern part of the island. You could make your way to Glenbrittle, where you will find the famous Fairy Pools , which make for a great walk underneath the peaks of the Cuillins mountain range.

Or, you could head for Elgol, from where you can join a boat tour to one of Scotland’s most remote lochs, Loch Coruisk . Alternatively (especially if it rains) visit the Talisker Whisky Distillery in Carbost to learn everything about Scottish Single Malt Whisky and get a taster too!

Check out this post with more highlights on the Isle of Skye !

Isle of Skye Travel Essentials Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye | Accommodation on the Isle of Skye can book up far in advance, so make sure you book your B&B as early as possible – especially if you visit during the summer months or local holidays. We booked a B&B far off the beaten track to get some peace and quiet:  Fineviews B&B in Carbost – to be more central I’d recommend staying in Portree ! Places to Eat on the Isle of Skye  | The Isle of Skye might be big, but most villages are rather small and don’t have too many dining options. You will find the greatest variety of restaurants in  Portree , but we also had a lovely meal at  Taigh Ailean Hotel in Carbost.

Day 4: Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye requires more than a day, especially if you want to visit such iconic places as the Old Man of Storr , Dunvegan Castle or the lighthouse at Neist Point . The earlier you can start your day, the better – it will be a long one.

But first – if you struggle to find accommodation on the Isle of Skye, or if you’d like to go off the beaten path, check out these Skye alternatives for your itinerary.

Stop 1: Trotternish Peninsula

The Trotternish Peninsula alone could take up a whole day because this is where some of Skye’s most popular landmarks are located. The peninsula lies north of Portree, and I recommend following my route suggestion anti-clockwise. In this area, you will find the  Old Man of Storr , Kilt Rock , Mealt Falls and the moon-like landscape of the  Quiraing .

All are worth a stop, but if you want to stop anywhere for a longer walk, I recommend either the Old Man of Storr (plan 2 hours) or an easy walk in the Quiraing! No matter where you walk, make sure you roam responsibly  and adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code!

Stop 2: Dunvegan Castle

While Dunvegan Castle is often left out of traditional Skye itineraries, I think it is an absolute highlight, especially if you are into landscape gardening and wildlife watching.

Two things you must not miss while you’re visiting this castle: wandering the beautiful castle gardens and seeing everything in full bloom, and joining an official guided boat tour to the local seal colony !

If you’re into wildlife tours like this, you might also enjoy  this post about where to see Scottish wildlife .

Stop 3: Neist Point

Scottish lighthouses are there to impress (well, and to guide boats obviously) and Neist Point lighthouse  is no exception. While I haven’t been lucky to see this lighthouse on a clear and dry day yet, I will keep trying and so should you!

Follow these suggestions or use my Ultimate Skye Itinerary to build your own day on Skye!

Day 5: Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness & Inverness

Leaving Skye behind early in the morning and making your way off the island across the bridge, you come past the gorgeous  Eilean Donan Castle – how could you not stop for a few photos?

Now, you make your way east to one of Scotland’s most legendary places: Loch Ness . Hardly any other place has had scientists and wannabe-scientists wonder about the local wildlife as much as this lake – and who could resist the myth of Nessie.

I like to picture her as a friendly dinosaur-like creature that hides away until this world is finally friendly enough to welcome people/animals/creatures that are different. Until then, the myth lives on!

While I’m not one for the two (!) Nessie museums in Drumnadrochit, I can only recommend going on a monster-hunting cruise on the loch! Another highlight in Drumnadrochit is a visit to the castle ruins of  Urquhart Castle from where the views over the loch are particularly beautiful.

The final stop for the day is the town of Inverness , the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Base yourself here for the night, for a pole position for your way back south on the next day. If you have time today or tomorrow, explore with my guide for spending one day in Inverness .

You might also like: 10+ Day Trips from Inverness [Self-Drive & Guided]

Loch Ness Travel Essentials Where to Stay at Loch Ness | To save yourself some time on the road, base yourself in Inverness , but both times I visited I actually stayed in Drumnadrochit , close by Urquhart Castle. Restaurants in Inverness  | Options in the smaller villages and towns are limited – apart from Drumnadrochit. Even if you don’t stay in Inverness, it’s worth the drive there for a Scottish meal at the Castle Tavern !

Day 6: Blair Castle, Pitlochry & Edinburgh

The drive from Inverness back down to Edinburgh takes just around 3-3.5 hours – but who wants to spend time on the motorway?  Here are a few stops to make on your way down.

Stop 1: Loch Morlich

The Cairngorms National Park is worthy of a whole separate holiday, but if you only stop here, for one thing, make it Loch Morlich near Aviemore. It is arguably one of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs and you can either take a walk or try some water activities.

Stop 2: Blair Castle

While I’m not one for endless castle tours, the forest and gardens surrounding Blair Castle are worth the ticket and make for a great pit stop to stretch your feet after a couple of hours in the car.

Stop 3: Pitlochry

A quaint and picturesque town, Pitlochry is a very popular weekend getaway for many Scots. One highlight in the town is the Edradour Whisky Distillery , one of Scotland’s smallest!

Stop 4: South Queensferry

One final stop before you arrive in Edinburgh should be South Queensferry . From here you get a great view of the iconic Forth Railway Bridge that connects the Scottish capital with the region of Fife!

You might also like: 10 ideas for fun day trips in Fife

Stop 5: Arrive in Edinburgh

What better way to end your tour of Scotland’s highlights than in its capital: Edinburgh . Considering that you will probably arrive here in the late afternoon, give yourself a break and relax for a little while!

Have a leisurely dinner and a sunset stroll up Calton Hill , maybe grab a drink in the Old Town, but other than that don’t stress yourself.

Edinburgh Travel Essentials Where to Stay in Edinburgh | Hotels in Edinburgh can be quite expensive and hard to come by – especially in the summer months and even more so during festival season in August. I’ve summed up my favourite hotels in Edinburgh for every budget here . Getting around Edinburgh | Edinburgh is a very walkable city, but you can get buses for longer distances. Taxis can be a bit expensive, but there is also Uber! Things to Do in Edinburgh | Edinburgh has a lot to offer! Some of my favourite activities include the Camera Obscura, the Royal Botanical Garden, climbing Arthur Seat and visiting the National Museum of Scotland. Check out  my Edinburgh articles for inspiration! My favourite restaurants in Edinburgh  | There are so many restaurants in Edinburgh’s Old Town, it can be quite tricky to tell the real gems from the tourist traps. Some of my favourite restaurants (which all offer vegan options) include Civerinos , Holy Cow , Harmonium , Hula Juice Bar and Casa Angelina . Bars & Pubs in Edinburgh  | Some of my favourite pubs in the Old Town are Whistlebinkies and the Halfway House , one of Edinburgh smallest pubs!

Day 7: Edinburgh

There is much to see in Edinburgh, you could easily fill a week. Luckily many of the highlights are within walking distance from each other so that you can easily get a good overview in one day.

Note that if you want to visit multiple museums, the castle and other attractions you should consider adding one or two full days to your itinerary.

Here are some suggestions on how to fill your day in Edinburgh:

• Go on a guided walking tour around Edinburgh to learn about the city from a local. There are some of my favourite city tours in Edinburgh .
• Did you know that many people who originally owned buildings in Edinburgh’s New Town, benefitted from the transatlantic slave trade? Find out more about this here  or join a  Black History Walking Tour  of Edinburgh with Lisa Williams.
• Visit Edinburgh Castle and save time with a fast-track entrance ticket !
• Visit the National Museum of Scotland and make sure to go all the way up to its viewing platform.
• Escape the crowds by visiting the glasshouses in the Royal Botanic Gardens .
• Shop all the vintage you can find in and around the Grassmarket and the Stockbridge area – check out my ethical shopping guide for Edinburgh here !
• Patrol the Royal Mile and count how many bagpipe buskers you can find.

Book your advance tickets for top attractions and save time!

More Edinburgh recommendations Lunch & Coffee in Edinburgh | My top two cafe’s in Edinburgh must be Lovecrumbs  and Hula Juice Bar  in the Grassmarket area. For really nice falafel head to Palmyra Pizza close to the National Museum of Scotland. Dinner in Edinburgh | Time to branch out and head to The Kings Wark in Leith, right by the shore of Leith Water. The fully vegan restaurant Harmonium lives up to its raving reviews too. And finally, try Aurora – tiny restaurant in Leith for fantastic contemporary cuisine. Cocktail time  | The ultimate cocktail bar in Edinburgh is called Panda & Sons , a little speakeasy bar in the basement of a (fake) barbershop. Try to find it!

Day 8: Goodbye Scotland!

After an eventful week, it is time to say goodbye again and make your way back to the airport. While you’ve some beautiful places all over the country, it is really impossible to see the whole of Scotland in one week, Next time you visit, make sure you bring a bit more time with you!

Visit my shop to get a detailed version of this itinerary incl. a map, accommodation suggestions, driving times and more!

You could easily fill two weeks with this itinerary and do everything in a more relaxed manner, spend more nights in each location or add a few days in other destinations such as  Oban , the Isle of Mull , the Cairngorms National Park , the Royal Deeside , Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire  or St Andrews – to name just a few.

For more inspiration check out my post about 20 things to do in Scotland for first-timers  and find out what to bring on a Scotland trip by consulting my packing list .

Have you ever been to Scotland? What was your favourite experience or place to visit?

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175 thoughts on “ The Best of Scotland in One Week: An EPIC 8-Day Scotland Itinerary ”

Hello again!

I was also going to ask you how we could fit in Dunrobin Castle? We have 9 days and will be there in May!

Hi there, you could add a second night in Inverness and visit Dunrobin Castle from there! ☺️

I would love to follow this guide, however, I was wonder how I would fit in the Harry Potter train around day 3. I would love to ride it, but I know with the car we will still have to drive to Mallaig. What is the best way to alter the schedule to fit in the train ride and making it over to Mallaig in the rental car? I hate that we would have to come right back to Fort Williams to then drive back to Mallaig (where we just came from).

Unfortunately I don’t see another way if you have a rental car. Unless one person in your party doesn’t mind missing the train ride and drives the car to Mallaig, you have to go back for the car. Note also that the steam train only sells return tickets, so you have to pay for both directions even if you don’t intend to use the return journey to Fort William. There is also the regular train which uses the same tracks and is cheaper (no steam train though). It’s operated by ScotRail and on that you can buy a one-way journey ticket. But you’d still need to get the car somehow.

Pingback: 'Road to the Isles' - From Fort William to Mallaig - Wild for Scotland

Hi Kathi, thanks for such a detailed itinerary! could i check for the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale, if i were to drive from Glasgow all the way to Mallaig, is there a car ferry that would bring my car over to Armadale so i can use the same car to sightsee Isle of Skye? or would I have to park my car somewhere and come back for it.

Thanks in advance!

Hi Dickson, thanks for your question! You can bring your car across to Skye on the ferry – it’s quite a big boat. But you must book this in advance as it is a very popular crossing. Hope this helps!

Love this! Thank you! Question, should I book a ferry back from skye to mallaig on day 5 on the way to Inverness? Or is there another route that we would take that we don’t have to book the ferry? Thanks!!

Hi Cyndi, it’s the ferry over on day 3 and then leaving the island via the Skye Bridge on the way to Inverness – it’s faster and you see something different! ☺️

Hi Kathi, thanks for putting this together, it looks awesome and my partner and I have just booked to do it in November! We’ve substituted one day to go to Islay and do a whisky tour, but otherwise have copied it and are really excited. Thanks again for putting it together. We’ve also used your referral code. We’ll let you know how the trip goes!

Hi Will, that fantastic – glad you found the itinerary useful as a base for your trip! Would love to hear what you thought (esp doing it in autumn/winter)! Have a great trip. And if you post any pictures on Instagram use the hashtag #WildAdventuresScotland to share your pics with me! Kathi

Hi Kathi. We hope to visit Scotland in September and this is a great itinerary, although having been to Edinburgh previously we may choose a different final destination – maybe Sterling? We would like to fit in the following activities if possible and wondered if you could suggest the best places for each along this route? Kayaking/Paddle Boarding, Quad Biking, 1-2 hour circular bicycle ride. Can’t wait to visit -COVID19 permitting! Thank you

Hi Karen, if you want to skip Edinburgh and do all these activities, I’d probably suggest adding a night in a location already on the list (i.e. Fort William or Inverness) to make space for the activities, and then spend the last night around Stirling. You can find some of my recommended outdoor activities in this section of my blog: https://watchmesee.com/adventure-travel-scotland/ and if you sign up for my Wild Adventures Scotland Handbook (linked on that page), you’ll get a PDF with some recommended activity providers and regions. I don’t have experience with quad biking, but for kayaking/paddle boarding I’d recommend the Glencoe/Fort William area and for cycling check out options around Fort Augustus on Loch Ness. Hope that helps!

Thank you so much for your suggestions Kathi, that’s really helpful. You have a really great site here! Very excited for our trip 🙂

I have been to Scotland. How were you able to move there? It seems like immigration is quite strict.

I’m Austrian and moved here when the UK was still a member state of the EU. Any EU citizen can live and work in any other EU member state – it’s amazing! It’s much more difficult for non-EU citizens, although there are ways. The UK Home Office website is the best source of info on this!

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Hi Kathi! First of all I just need to tell you that your blog is like my go to for tips for my own vacations. You have no idea how many times you’ve “saved” my life in stress like conditions while organizing my trips xD Anyway, me and my boyfriend are planning an 8 day and 7 night trip to Scotland. We do love to do a bit of hiking and we would rent a car to make it easier to go around. I was planning on arriving in Glasgow and staying for the night there. I probably wont have a lot of time to spend in Glasgow and we would leave for Fort William in the morning to enjoy the trip. Would you recommend a quick easy hike, enough to stretch our legs and to allow us to better enjoy the scenery? Then we would stay in Fort William for the night to leave early in the morning to Mallaig catch the ferry and visit to Skye. You said 1 day is not enough for Skye and I would very much like to spend 2 days there, probably staying in Portree for the night. The thing is… I’m not quite sure how to split the island in such a way to allow me to visit in a more balanced way, specially since in the second day we would be driving for Inverness. Do you have some tips on that matter? In inverness we would stay for the night and travel to Edinburgh in the morning. I’m not sure if it’s worth it to spend a morning in Inverness or if its better to just start driving to the capital and spend there the last 2 days, counting with some stops along the way for photos. I think we are left with one day (the 8th) with the trip back home around 17h00. So I guess we would only have the morning to enjoy the last of Scotland.

I understand that only 8 days is not enough to visit everything and I have to be realistic. I dont want to arrive home more tired than before my vacations, but I do want to enjoy my trip and see the most I can in a responsible way. Can you give me some tips on making this plan a bit more realistic and down to earth?

Thank you so much for your blog!!! <3

Thanks for your questions! There are many little walks in Glencoe and near Fort William – you might enjoy walking at Glencoe Lochan or to Steall Falls in Glen Nevis.

I recommend a minimum of 2 nights on Skye because it’s a big island. With two nights you can see some sites in the south as you arrive on the island, spend a full day discovering the north, and then see some more sites on the way off the island. I would not recommend going if you only have one night as you’re going to spend more time in the car than out exploring. There are many other beautiful sites between Fort William and Inverness that you can visit for epic mountain views – for example, Glen Affric!

I also recommend not driving straight from Inverness to Edinburgh without stops. There are many things you could do in Inverness – at least climb up to the Castle viewpoint – and so many beautiful stops along the route (see Day 6).

There is never enough time to see absolutely everything – my no 1 advice is always: Sometimes less (mileage) is more! You won’t be missing out if you don’t see some of the most hyped sites – everywhere in Scotland is beautiful 🙂

Happy trip planning!

This is a great itinerary! You get to see so much in such a short period of time. Love it. Thank you so much for sharing.

It’s pretty packed – not much time to rest, but you get to see a lot!

Hi Kathi, thanks for the amazing ideas and resources you have put into this site. We have 5 nights / 4.5 days in Scotland in late June before heading to London. We fly into Edinburgh and want to experience a few of the highlights in our first visit. After reading much of your site, there are too many amazing places from which to choose for a short visit!

So my question is, what areas would you target from your list of favorites? We are assuming 2 days in Edinburgh to start, and then renting a car to provide some flexibility. From your blog posts, my initial thought is that Skye would be a bit ambitious (unless that’s all we did), and so we are looking at Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, Fort William, Glenfinnan with overnight in the area, and then perhaps Isle of Mull or Bute on our way back through Glasgow for train or flight to London.

We would appreciate any advice on what destinations you might pick for a well-rounded experience outside of Edinburgh. Best regards.

Hi Brian, thanks for your comment + question! To be honest, with so little time, I’d try to spend even less time in the car and more exploring a destination. You could go a bit north over the Forth Road Bridge and explore Fife – Lomond Hills Regional park, Dunfermline, Falkland, St Andrews, Fife coast and fishing villages; it’s stunning! Or head to the Isle of Arran – it offers everything Scotland is famous for, but is much much closer and so beautiful. You could spend one night on Arran, then head on via the small ferry to Kintyre and drive back via Inveraray and Loch Lomond, maybe spend a night along that route and then back to Glasgow for a night. I hope this helps and gives you some ideas that are maybe a bit more off the beaten track – but still stunning 🙂

Thanks for the thoughtful feedback Kathi. We definitely would like an Isle experience, and did not realize Arran had so much to offer. I assume you recommend it over Bute or Mull because of the diversity? We are excited to visit my families homeland.

I think Arran is the best choice – it’s closer than Mull, so easier to visit with limited time, and just a bit more varied than Bute – even though Mull and Bute are also great islands to visit! But on Arran, you definitely get a very multi-faceted view of Scotland!

Very nice and useful blog!

My girlfriend and I are planning a 7-night/8-day trip to Scotland this July. There’s more that I want to see than I could possibly fit into that timespan, so I’ve culled it down to this, but I’m still worries it’s overly ambitious:

2 nights/days in Edinburgh 2 nights in Mull 2 nights in Skye 1 night in Inverness, then back to Edinburgh for a red-eye out of Scotland (to our next destination).

Thinking of doing a rough clockwise tour that would include visits to (but not overnight stays in) Stirling, Glencoe, Fort William (+ Jacobite steam train to Mallaig), Iona, Trossachs/Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, and some Speyside distilleries.

What we like: picturesque towns/villages, local color, beautiful landscapes, history (castles/churches), museums if they’re noteworthy/interesting What we’re not after: weekend warrior type stuff: no kayaking, no sailing, no golfing, no intense hiking, no camping

I’m hoping to avoid a too-frenetic pace. We love nature and wildlife, but won’t be packing binoculars or bird lists. I’m basically looking to go from one Hobbiton to the next, with scenic, beautiful drives in between, if that makes sense? I’m concerned that the above itinerary will have us spending too much time driving. Is that itinerary nuts?

Hi Chris, to be honest – it’s a pretty full-on itinerary.

Especially getting from Mull to Skye in one day is intense – it’s not far in terms of miles, but you do have to take at least one ferry and there are A LOT of pretty sites en route.

If you want to ride the Jacobite train you need at least a night in/near Fort William; if you just want to see it, you need to time your arrival at the viaduct with the train times.

I’d consider dropping one location – Skye or Inverness – and slow down the itinerary a bit to have more time outside the car. Check out my bespoke itinerary planning services if you need any help with your route: https://watchmesee.com/watch-me-see-scotland-travel-consultation/

I am in love with all your articles! Is making a lot easier my planning for my family trip to Scotland this year. Thank you so much for being so informative and detailed!! I have a question: we are planning on spending 6 days in Scotland and 4 days in England. I can figure out how to adjust this awesome schedule to make it for 6 days. What could you recommend we can skip in this route to make it on schedule?

Hi Mayra, thanks a lot for your comment – I’m glad my articles are making your trip planning easier! I would either skip Skye (because you really want to take your time to visit this island) and stay on the mainland; or skip going north to Inverness and go from Skye straight back to Edinburgh. I’d personally prefer the former option because the drive to Skye is far and you’d spend a lot of extra time in the car. Hope this helps!

If you’d like any more hands-on support with your itinerary, check out my itinerary services: https://watchmesee.com/watch-me-see-scotland-travel-consultation/

Thank you for the 7 day Scotland itinerary. We planned our trip using the route given by you and I must say we were able to cover the most essential parts of Scotland in 9 days. I traveled with my wife and my 5 year old son. We arrived in London and took a train to Edinburgh. From there we hired a car and went to Glasgow to start our trip. Our route was Glasgow, Fort Williams, Isle of Skye, inverness and Edinburgh. As a history lover Scotland was a real treat for me and the Edinburgh castle was the icing on the cake. We loved the whole trip and would comeback again to see more parts of Scotland. Your blog made it so easy for me to plan the journey. Again a big thank you to you!!!… with love from Sri Lanka.

Hi Migara, thank you so much for coming back here to share your Scotland story! I’m so glad you found this itinerary useful and had a fab trip based on my suggestions. I hope you get to come back one day and see even more of Scotland! All the best half-way across the world to Sri Lanka!

Awesome, I shall plan it

I went to Scotland with my dad back in August and basically followed your entire itinerary, including hotels and food, and I must say that it was the trip of a lifetime for both of us! Thank you for taking the stress out of planning for me and creating such a wonderful adventure. Every time we stopped at the sites you recommended, I would think to myself “Wow, I wouldn’t have seen this/be doing this if it weren’t for that blogger lady (sorry I couldn’t remember your name while we traveled).” My dad would like to especially thank you; this was his first trip out of the country (it took A LOT of persuading to get him to go), and it was a spiritual awakening for him, to say the least. All of your recommendations were spot on, and I will definitely be coming back to your blog if I ever plan a trip to Scotland again!

You just made my day! Thank you very much for making the effort to come back to my blog and telling me about your successful trip. I’m so happy to hear that you found my itinerary and recommendations useful! Good that your dad enjoyed his first international trip – hopefully, there will be many more to come 🙂 I have lots of other Scotland itineraries on the blog which will get you more off the beaten track. And I offer customised travel consultation, if you want to create an even more special trip. Haste ye back!

Th itinerary looks great. Just wondering if we could start it and end it in Edinburgh (as we fly in and out of Edinburgh.) we have exactly seven days to do the this trip.. would it be feasible.. ? how many nights in each city. Thinking of inverness, Glencoe, Isle of Skye and Fort William .. then return to Edinburgh.

Hi Mary, I think if you have less time than 8 days – so only 7 days / 6 nights, I’d stick to the mainland instead of driving all the way to Skye. It relaxes your itinerary and gives you more time out of the car than on the road! Don’t worry, you will still find many beautiful mountain views, sea lochs and coastlines to marvel at! Cutting 2 nights on Skye gives you one additional night to play with, which I should spend in the Glencoe/Fort William area (2 nights in the same place) or around Oban if you want to move on every night. Have a fab holiday!

This is so informative. Thanks a lot for the detailed write-up. I just need one advice from you.

1. I’m planning for a week trip (Oct 2-10). One option is to join any group as I’m a solo traveller so that it will be economical (I believe, pls correct me if I’m wrong) Would you pls suggest an agency or travel company (Affordable)

2. I heard that landscape of Scotland and a friend of mine suggested to do more hiking and camping. I’m not sure if there will be any groups which do only hiking and camping in Scotland. In case if you know, could you pls help me with details. If not, any suggestions?

There are lota of companies that run walking holidays in Scotland (I.e. WalkaboutScotland), but I’m not aware of any companies that combine more leisurely hikes with sightseeing and road tripping. My personal fave would be Rabbie’s – they’re a local company and only use 16-seater buses, so all small groups. Their drivers always try to include a couple of shorter hikes/walks in their itineraries! Other great options are Timberbush Tours, Haggis Adventures or Highland Explorer Tours.

We are planning for a road trip from Glasgow to Edinburgh. Just thought of checking if hiring a car from Enterprise or Alamo is safe/preferred/advisable. I note that you had mentioned your preferred ones (Europcar, Avis and Sixt) but right there are not too many deals on any of the 3. A quick response will help as we will be landing on Sunday, 22nd Sept, 2019.

Just to add, I am also looking at National, apart from Enterprise or Alamo. Please let us know if it safe/preferred/advisable to go with any of these.

Hi Lalit, I’ve not personally hired from National or Alamo before, but since they are big international companies, I would not worry about it – I’m sure they are fine! I hired from Enterprise last month and it was great! have a fab trip!

I will plan for the Scotland tour 2 days on December 2019. After I read the articles am going to extent my tour days and visit the places you have mentioned. Thank you..

I’m glad to hear that my blog could convince you to extend your stay! I’m sure you won’t regret it – 2 days would not be enough 🙂

…I forgot to add that castles are my favorite thing to see…so perhaps another popular one or so? Thanks!

I am planning a solo trip for May 2020 and I am so happy I found your site, thank you so much for all your effort. I am going to follow your itinerary and add on 3 days so I can see a Highland Games. Assuming that just adds on 1 day somewhere in there, where would you recommend I spend the extra 2 days? I will rent a car based on your advice…hopefully I will adjust quickly like you said. Thanks!!

Usually, I’d say Oban on the west coast – but with your love for castles, I think you should spend time in Aberdeenshire and explore the Scottish Castle Trail! Definitely Dunottar Castle by the coast, but there are tons of beautiful castles in the area, such as Craigievar or Fraser! Lots to choose from!

That sounds amazing, I can’t thank you enough!! I’m super excited.

If I pack very lightly would I have trouble finding places to wash my clothes?

Hm, I’m not sure actually. Some hotels would have laundry service, but you might also find laundrettes in bigger places like Fort William or Inverness. I’d definitely google that though to be prepared!

Hi Kathi, I am so happy to find your blog.. I am planning to spend 7 days in Scotland, with one stop in Edinburg and Glasgow…Coming solo I was a bit uneasy about it, but I realized that 6 days tours would be about 800-900 pounds approx., which I think is a lot..Now I am tailoring my own trip and would kindly ask you for an advice…What do you think if I take a Scotish railway pass for 8 days?. I know I will be slower… does it really mean that I can use some bus lines as well? that would be great thing to have on Skye… also, do I need to book the train fares, or I just show up? Is there a good tour operator that you can recommend if I am to do some longer trekking? thanks!

Hi Lidija, Thanks for reading the article and your questions. I’m glad you’re finding the info here useful!

Railway passes can be a great way to travel around by public transport, but I would definitely compare it with buying train and bus tickets individually – the passes can be restrictive as to how many days/times you can travel, so I’d do the maths to make sure it’s worth it. https://www.scotrail.co.uk/tickets/combined-tickets-travel-passes

I use Trainline to buy individual train tickets, https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l46JV , and Citylink for most intercity bus routes. Megabus also has some bus routes in Scotland and can be very cheap. Booking in advance can be cheaper, especially on longer routes and you definitely have to purchase tickets before you board the train (at ticket machines or shops in the stations).

You will definitely be slower on public transport and I recommend focussing on a smaller radius, maybe using one or two homebases to explore the country from there.

I don’t have any personal experience with organised hiking holidays in Scotland – I always go by myself – but Walkabout Scotland is a great company, https://www.walkaboutscotland.com/ , and Girls on Hills is perfect for guided day hikes, https://www.facebook.com/GirlsOnHills/ .

I hope you have a great trip!

All the best, Kathi

Really appreciate your recommendations! We’re thinking going all the way to Skye is too ambitious for our family, but we would like to fit in some hiking. Where would you recommend?

Oh, so many other great places! I highly recommend the website walkhighlands.co.uk for route descriptions and info. You could hike in the Trossachs national park – around Loch Lomond – or in Glencoe; there is also lovely hiking around Pitlochry and Aberfeldy. Lots of options 🙂

Love the detailed post! We are planning to start from London – LHR from 14th Sept(Saturday) and return on 20th Spet(Friday) we are planning to take the train. Could you tell what would be the best location to return to LHR(or near by) on 20th ?

Thanks, Chai

Hi Chai, thanks for your message! I’m not sure I fully understand your question – are you asking for a good place to base yourself near London Heathrow? I’m sorry, but I don’t know the south of England very well, so I would not be able to recommend anywhere. In terms of Scotland though, I highly recommend relaxing the itinerary if you have only 7 days including travel to and from London – otherwise you’ll spend more time on the road, than actually enjoying the destinations. If you are not driving in Scotland either, I also recommend relaxing the itinerary as it’s written with a rental car in mind. I hope you have a great trip! All the best, Kathi

Hi, we are planning to do this tour from the 25th of September to the 4th of October. Can you tell us if this is a high peak season? I am asking because we are unsure if we need to book B&Bs in advance or we can do it day by day.

Another question… I know that weather in Scotland is impossible to forecast, but can you tell us if you think it will always rain or we will have some sun?

Thank you in advance and compliments on the web site and the tour organisation! It’s brilliant! Luca

Hi Luca, thanks for your comment and questions!

The end of September/early October is not peak high season anymore, but depending on the areas you want to see and stay in, it might still be advisable to book ahead (i.e. Fort William, Skye, Loch Ness). Popular areas can still be very busy.

Regarding the weather, you answered you own question 😉 It is impossible to tell. You might have some sunshine, you might have some rain. I’ve had both on different trips at that time of the year. I’d pack wisely and prepare for any weather.

Have a fab trip! Kathi

We just did this itinerary and it was awesome. July 19 – 25, family of four, Saint Lucia WI.

Hi there, thanks a lot for your feedback and taking the time to come back here after your trip! I’m glad you had a fab trip and found this information useful 🙂

Dear Kathi,

Really appreciate the hard work you have done ! I am planing a trip for 6 days in Scotland end of Dec 19 Starting from Edinburgh route going up to Inverness then Isle and then coming back to Glasgow. I was a little curious as I am travelling with my family in Winter can I cover something more or do you think this good ?

thanks a lot for your help 🙂

Hi Vishal, thanks for your question! In the winter, days are much shorter and you might have to leave out a few things on this itinerary. You could even leave out stops along the way or cut a destination in order to spend more time in the other places. I don’t recommend adding even more as this is already a very packed itinerary during the long summer days! I hope you have a great trip! All the best, Kathi

Loving this itinerary and want to actually go ahead with this but I would like to squeeze in Doune castle would you recommend us doing it when we get to Edinburgh? I would also like to see coos and wild ponies, do you by any chance know where we could come across these at the stops you have shown on this itinerary? or any other isle we could go to without staying in glasgow and driving straight to Oban and taking a day trip to isle of rum or mull? We would be arriving to Edinburgh from London at 8:30 am on the 1st of August and leaving on the 7th of August at 6:00 pm

Would really appreciate your recommendation!

You could visit Doune Castle on the way from Pitlochry to Edinburgh. I’m not sure about ponies, but I’m sure you find Highland cows along the way – some hotels keep them nearby too!

Regarding other islands, even if you go straight to Oban, I’d recommend staying there 2 nights in order to spend a full day on an island (or take evening ferries and spend one night on an island). Mull is the closest from Oban and there’s a lot to do/see. There are also boat trips available from Oban. Rum can only be reached from Mallaig and you have to walk or cycle on the island as you can’t bring your car across.

It sounds like you’re trying to squeeze in a lot in those 7 days you’ve got – the itinerary is already very packed, so if you add something you’ll have to take something else away.

I hope you have an amazing trip!!

Thanks you for taking the time to share all of this information. I am planning a trip with my wife in September. This was a great start to our information gathering. My wife and I are of Scottish decent and are really looking forward to tracing our roots. I am so thankful for your restaurant help, in notating the places that serve vegan options!! It seems as though you’re vegan and that information is relevant to you, or Scotland might be on trend. Either way, kudos for that m8. I loved the entry. Thanks again for getting us started.

Hi Dallas, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Glad you found the post useful! It’s a bit of both – I’m vegan, but Scotlans is also just really on board with that as a whole. Lots of restaurants and pubs now cater to a variety of dietary requirements and usually you will find something pretty much anywhere 🙂 Have a great trip! Kathi

Hello! Great blog! My husband and I are visiting Scotland for the first time next month from the US. Staying 3 nights in Glasgow, two nights in Inverness and 4 nights in Edinburgh. We’re taking the train to get to Inverness and then to Edinburgh. While we’re in Inverness we want to see Culloden , Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle and possible Portree but that may be a stretch. My question to you is that we probably need to rent a car to accomplish this and I’m wondering how difficult the drive is in the Highlands. My husband is very weary about driving there but I just don’t see how else we could see the sights we want to without a car rental. I need some first hand knowledge/experience/advice on thoughts of driving in the Highlands for people from the US (that drive on the other side! LOL). Can you please help put our minds at ease? Any advice you could offer is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Hi Jill, glad you’re enjoying my model itinerary!

You can visit Culloden by using local public transport – there’s a bus that goes there as far as I know. I’d use Google Maps to find out the best route.

If you are nervous about driving, I recommend getting a guided tour. Rabbie’s does different 1-day tours from Inverness that include things like Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye! Skye, in particular, is a long drive and day if you want to do it all independently! You can check out their tours here .

Driving on the left is a bit weird in the beginning, but you get used to it pretty quickly. It’s the narrow roads that are more difficult for drivers who are used to wide American roads. It will tire you out and needs a lot more concentration, especially if you do single-track roads. If I only had a few days, I would probably prefer leaving the driving to someone else, so I can relax, look out the window and soad it all up.

Hope this helps! All the best, Kathi

Thank you for all the info! Is there a way to get a pdf or easier format for the 7 day tour? Also, If you spent the first 2 nights in Glasgow, what would be the best way to tweak the tour? Flying in to Glasgow from US, getting there around 2 so plan to take it easy that day and start Day 1 on Day 2 of our trip. Thanks in advance. Actually sending my husband for a sabbatical, I know he will love it!

Hi Lauren, thanks for your comment! You make me want to create an e-book for this itinerary… Until I have time for that, feel free to print the blog post or create a spreadsheet based on it – I love spreadsheets for travel planning! To your itinerary question: If you spend 2 nights in Glasgow that leaves you with 5 nights for the rest of the itinerary. To be honest, I’d probably take out the two nights on Skye and re-distribute the free night you get by doing that . to either somewhere between Glasgow and Fort William (maybe a detour to Oban) or spend two nights in Fort William. If you’d like any more help with your itinerary, check out my travel consultation service: https://watchmesee.com/watch-me-see-scotland-travel-consultation/ I hope you have a great trip 🙂 ALl the best, Kathi

Thank you so much! Just to make sure I am reading it correctly, this itinerary suggest 2 nights in Portree or somewhere close by?

Yes, I always recommend spending at least 2 nights on Skye. Portree is a good option, because there is a lot of infrastructure (tours, shops, restaurants), but places like Dunvegan or Uig (in the north), Broadford (central) or Carbost (west) are also nice options! I’m talking more about options on Skye in this post: https://watchmesee.com/blog/things-to-do-isle-of-skye/ Have a great trip!

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Hi Kathi, I just wanted to say thank you SO MUCH for this blog. My husband and I live in the UK after moving from Australia and my father-in-law recently arrived for a visit. His big request was to see Scotland and so I set about planning a 7 day road trip. How excited I was when I found this blog. I’m happy to report that just two days ago we returned from our wonderful trip and I followed your itinerary exactly! Everything is so well thought out and I even used your other blogs to plan sections of each day. Thank you so much!!! My father-in-law had a blast seeing all the top spots and I was so glad that I had an expert in my pocket during our trip.

Hi Sigourney, thank you so much for taking the time to comment and also the shout out in your blog post! I’m so glad you discovered Watch Me See and found the right inspiration for your Scotland trip. Your photos look lovely – I hope you had a great time and don’t let too much time pass before you return for more of Scotland 🙂 Take care!

I will be going SOLO, am healthy fit retired gal, and will not rent a car. At first Kathi said one could get around Scotland without a car, but somewhere I missed how that is done. She mentions subway and buses to use in Glasgow but after that it seems one has a car. I would greatly appreciate knowing about the getting about without a rental car.

Hi Valerie, as I say fairly early on in this post this itinerary is written with a rental car in mind. In the city there is no need to drive yourself though because it’s easier to walk, take public transport or use taxis b3cause parking and one-way systems can be a nightmare for new arrivals. I don’t have a similar itinerary post for public transport, but you can find out more about different ways to get around Scotland here: https://watchmesee.com/blog/plan-a-trip-to-scotland/ Hope this helps! All the beat, Kathi

Hi Kathi! I wanted to tell you a short, kinda funny story! My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Scotland in July and we recently booked our Airbnbs. I still enjoy perusing blogs for new ideas of stops along the way and came across your seven day itinerary, so it perked my interest since that was the time we have planned. Your itinerary is the exact opposite one I have planned based on the sites we are wanting to see! Starting in Edinburgh, traveling to Inverness, Isle of Skye, Fort William, and finishing up in Glasgow, enjoying as much of the sites as we are able in between!

Is there a reason you have your itinerary set from Glasgow to Edinburgh?

Thanks! Kate

Hi Kate, that’s funny – but just proves that this really is a Classics itinerary 😉 I live in Glasgow which is why I have started this loop there in the past – I don’t see a reason why you couldn’t do it in reverse! I hope you have an amazing trip!!

Great itinerary!!! We followed and had great fun!! Tranks for sharing it!

Glad you enjoyed it!!

Hi, we are going to holiday in Scotland this summer and I love your itinerary! We would really like to bring our dog with us, are there many dog friendly places to stay? Many thanks

I’m sure you will find plenty dog-friendly B&Bs – it’s just a matter of availability for this summer 😉 The VisitScotland accommodation search tool has a filter for pet-friendliness: https://www.visitscotland.com/holidays-breaks/pet-friendly/ Hope this helps!

We are thinking of touring with a caravan is this a good idea

Hi Julia, lots of people explore Scotland in a camper. As long as your comfortable driving a large vehicle, I don’t see why not 🙂

Hi Kathy..ur site is very useful.. we are a group of 15 pple travelling to scotland in May..

we have booked 3N in an Airbnb in Kirkhill , Inverness. Can you plz suggest what all we can cover in 3 days from Inverness..we really want to do Isle of Skye and what all can be covered in 3 whole days.. due to time and leaves contraint we have only 3days.. how can we make the most of it..as last 1N we have in Edinburg… Thank u in advance

Hi Kartiki, oh there is a lot to see in the Inverness area. It depends a lot on what you’re interested in, how you plan to get around and how much time you want to spend on the road/out of the car at attractions. Skye is a long day trip from Inverness with lots of driving. There are also many organised day trips leaving from Inverness. If you drop me an email at [email protected] I’m happy to send you info regarding my itinerary consultation services! All the best, Kathi

Love your site . We are planning a trip to Scotland in Oct. We have first 2 nights booked in Edinburgh and our last 2 nights booked in Glasgow (where fly out from). Leaving 3 nights in between that we were thinking from Edinburgh we would drive to Glencoe, Portree, Oban (spending one night in each ) then landing in Glasgow for last 2 nights. Does the 3 night road trip in between our time in Edinburgh & Glasgow sound too aggressive? Wanted a quick taste of Highland and islands between cities. Thanks!

Hi Dave, many thanks for your comment! Personally, I wouldn’t go as far as Portree if I only had one night on Skye. My recommendation would be to do a night in the Glencoe area and two in Oban. From there, do a day trip to visit some of the nearby islands (Mull, Iona, Kerrera, Lismore etc.) – that way you’ll get the best of Highlands and Islands without having to spend too much time in the car! Hope you have an amazing trip!

Hi Kathi, your itinerary and suggestions seem fantastic.I will be travelling to Scotland end of June for a week. I was wondering if after the Jacobite – we could do Islay instead of the Isle of Sky?

Was thinking of taking a ferry to Port Ellen.

Thanks Vipul

Hi Vipul, it depends on how much time to have – Skye is more or less on the way north to Inverness, Islay is a significant distance away from Inverness. So if you wanted to continue with the rest of this itinerary north, it would probably be easier if you have a few extra days. If you’re keen to see Islay within this time frame, check out my Argyll itinerary which you could expand by adding Islay: https://watchmesee.com/blog/itinerary-argyll-road-trip/ I hope this helps! All the best, Kathi

Hi I would like to visit Scotland from 27th to 31 May from London and would like have some advice on B&B for four (4) people along the routes on a daily basis. I will be grateful if you can advise. Many thanks

Hello, this is something I usually offer as part of my consultations service ( https://watchmesee.com/watch-me-see-scotland-travel-consultation/ ), but I’m afraid at the moment I am fully booked. Here are two colleagues who might be able to help: https://www.adventuresaroundscotland.com/itinerary-planning.html and https://www.thechaoticscot.com/scotland-itinerary-planning/ . All the best, Kathi

Hello Kathi, Loved you blog post. You help many people with these tips (like me – it will be my 1st time to Scotland). We will arrive to Edinburgh airport late at night. So I was thinking if it’s better to start next morning our journey by driving to Inverness, and actually follow your 7-day itinerary, but the other way around (then to Isle of Sky, then Glasgow, and back to Edinburgh). What do you think?

Hi Vasilis, I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t to it in the reverse direction! If you land late, definitely spend the night in the airport area before heading out the next day – better get some rest before such a long drive 🙂 Have an amazing journey!

Hi! I’m planning a trip to Scotland for June/July 2020. I’m mostly sticking to your itinerary, but have one question. I understand to get the Isle of Skye, take the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale, but coming back from Skye to the mainland (on to Loch Ness) where should I catch the ferry? Thank you!

Hi Julia, there is a bridge from Kyleakin on Skye to Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland! You dont have to take the ferry, I just recommend it in my itinerary so you don’t drive the same road twice and see something different instead! Have a great trip!

Hi Kathi. Hope you can help in determining how to spend two days….leaving Inverness Saturday morning in May and needing to be near Edinburgh airport Sunday night. We’d like to ride the gondola near Fort William and do one of the walks at the top. Anything else like this and where would be a good place to stay overnight? It seems a shame to miss Loch Lomond, but not sure best way to navigate and spend our (very short) time in that area. We will already have seen Stirling. We are a party of 5 with 3 teens in tow. Thanks!

Hi Suzanne, happy to give some advice! I’d stay in the area around Glencoe. Saturday – drive along Loch Ness, gondola & walks at Nevis Range and potentially some light walking at Glen Nevis. Sunday – light hiking in Glencoe (see suggestions here: https://watchmesee.com/blog/things-to-do-in-glencoe/ ) and drive to EDI airport via Crianlarich and Callander; I think that’s the quickest way! You could also book a half-day activity around Fort William or Glencoe on Sunday morning before driving to the airport! Have a fab trip! 🙂

Hi Kathi, I’m really enjoying your site. I’m heading to Scotland for the first time in March. My cousin is getting married in Ayrshire. I’ve been a bit disappointed to read that many of the attractions aren’t open until April, such as the steam train and numerous castles. In your experience, is it still worth a visit to see the outsides even if the castles themselves are closed in March? Any other recommendations for that time of year? Thanks in advance!

Hi Roxy, personally I wouldn’t be too worried about attractions not being open yet. To me, the main attraction is the landscape and that never closes! Visiting castles when they are closed can still be absolutely worth it to take photos and see how grand they are! Some have a gate, so you can’t get to then, but others you can get right up close! Hope you have a lovely trip!

Is your google map for this itinerary still available? I saw a comment mentioning it, but couldn’t find a link.

Hi Andrew, I’m not quite sure what had happened to the Map, but it’s embedded now again at the end of the post! You can also access it here !

Hi Kathi, This is Bansari from India. I just loved ur itinerary. I am travelling to Scotland in May with my husband and 7 year old daughter. But we are not comfortable driving abroad so can u suggest places or ur itinerary itself where i can use public transport and take tours where public transport is inaccesible. I know by taking public transport would mean missing out many things but would really love if you could help me with similar itienerary by public transport and take tours wherever necessary…. Thanks !

Hi Bansari, I’d be happy to help you with your itinerary. Please take a look at my consultation page and get in touch if you are interested: https://watchmesee.com/watch-me-see-scotland-travel-consultation/ You can do a similar route by public transport and with day tours – I’d be delighted to help you put this together! All the best, Kathi

Thanks for that awesome itinery! I’ve looked at different itinerys but this one seems to include so much more! I do have one question though: all of the itinerys I looked at seem to start by going north via the western route (Lomond, Fort William, GlenCoe) towards Skye and are coming back down via the Eastern Route (Pitlochry). Is there a specific reason for that? Or could one just as easily start East and end West? Thanks so muchc!

Hi Miriam, it’s a packed itinerary for sure! Depending on the time you visit (and length of days then), you might have to cut a few things, or you maybe decide to spend more time on one place over the other. Also, if you can add a night or two, I always recommend more time around Glencoe/Fort William and around Inverness too. There is so much to see 🙂 I don’t see a reason why you couldn’t do it anti-clockwise either! Let me know how you get on! Cheers, Kathi

Hi Kathi! Thanks for your advice! Since we arrive in Edinburgh and leave from Glasgow I am planning to go anti-clockwise now. We will be doing Edinburgh – Cairngorms – Portree – Glencoe/Ft William/Oban – Glasgow. I am not sure yet about how to spend and divide our time between portree and glencoe/Ft William/Oban. We do have in total 4 nights to spend on this part, meaning we can either drive up to Skye, stay for 3 nights and enjoy 2 full days before driving down and spending 1 night around Glencoe/Ft William/Oban before driving down to Glasgow. OR we could drive up to Skye, stay for 2 nights and enjoy 1 full day only, but therefore have 2 nights to spend in the Glencoe/Ft William/Oban area. What would be your suggestion? Thanks!!!

Hi Miri, thanks for your question! First of all, I’d say there is no wrong decision here 😉 I’d recommend that if you do the 3-1 split, that Oban might be out of your reach if you want to make stops along the way. You can see a lot of Skye on one full day as well, especially if you visit during the summer. I’d lean towards the 2-2 split, and spend the next two nights in two different places. That way you can maybe also squeeze some new Skye sites in on the day you leave the island again! Hope this helps!

Hey there! Thank you so much for this. Just thought I’d let you know that I used most of this to build my own week-long itinerary in Scotland two weeks ago. I’ve not found any similarly useful or detailed travel itineraries out there. You’re truly one of the best! Unfortunately the weather didn’t want to cooperate with me while I was in Skye, so I didn’t get to do the hikes (Old Man of Storr & The Quiraing), but I still managed enough to make it worth it, to include the Tallisker Distillery. I’d definitely like to get back when there’s snow and I can do some train journeys. Seriously, thanks again so much!

Hi Kyle, thank you very much for your comment – it means so much to me to hear from readers who find my advice useful and plan their trips based on my ideas! I’m glad you had a great time and even though it’s a shame the weather wasn’t great on Skye, it wouldn’t be Scotland if it was all sunshine all the time 🙂 It took me three attempts to get topnotch weather on Skye 🙂 I hope you get to come back too one day! All the best, Kathi

Hi Kathi We are planning to take Scotland trip from 28th Oct – 3rd Nov by car along with two children 5 and 7 yrs. Your itinerary seems great.

We will have 7 days with us. Please advise will it be better to start from Glasgow or Edinburgh? Which stops can be left without regret although every place you mentioned is beautiful and worth seeing. Will we be able to cover so many stops in Oct given that the days will be shorter and it becomes difficult to leave early morning with kids.

Are the hostels good for family accommodations? Looking for budget accommodation. Shall I book the stays now or shall wait for the prices to come down?

will appreciate your response.

Hi Sam, thanks for your comment! I feel like you kind of answered your own question – I think with the shorter days and travelling with kids, you might be better off slowing down and doing fewer destinations in a more relaxed manner. It depends on your usual travel style though – but it is a lot of driving to do this itinerary in 7 days. For accommodation I don’t see why you wouldn’t book already – I doubt that prices will drop as most places have fixed rates. As for hostels, again, it depends. There are party hostels in Edinburgh, where you’d probably not want to stay with kids, but there are also hostels that are quieter and family-friendly. If you’d like to work with me to create a good itinerary based partially on this, but taking into account the needs of your family, please take a look at my travel planning service and get in touch via email: https://watchmesee.com/watch-me-see-scotland-travel-consultation/ All the best, Kathi

Thank you for the itinerary, as I found it very informative.. My husband and I are planning a 7 day trip, flying into Edinburgh, over the Christmas holiday. Knowing the weather may be changeable, do you think that it would be possible to visit the Isle of Skye and the surrounding areas as mentioned in your post? Thanks.

Generally yes, but you might have to cut out some of the stops since the days are shorter – around Christmas and up north, you probably have only about 6-7 hours of daylight. One thing I’d be careful about are cancellation policies. It’s not super common, but just in case there is heavy snowfall and you have to change your route through the Highlands, you’d want to book accommodation that you can cancel on fairly short notice. I love Scotland in winter – the mountains are so beautiful in the snow!! Have a great trip!!

Hi Kathi, I stumbled on your site while planning my Scotland trip this Oct. This is such a great site and I’m enjoying reading your posts in addition to using it as a source to plan my trip. We will be renting a car and driving around but would also like to take the famous Jacobite steam train/ West Highland train past the Glenfinnan Viaduct. However, we are driving as well so does this mean we will have to leave our car at Fort William and take the return train trip to Malliag and back and thereafter, drive from Fort William to Malliag to continue with your itinerary? Sounds like there must be a better solution then going back and forth Fort William and Malliag! Would appreciate your help 🙂

Hi James, Unfortunately, I can’t think of a better way of doing this – ideally you could add a day to my 7-day itinerary which you spend in Fort William and do the Jacobite train as a day trip activity. Unfortunately, there is no way of transporting your car on the train… Driving the Road to the Isles is also a fantastic experience without the train though, and you can stop along the way and take photos of the train (e.g. when it crosses Glenfinnan Viaduct). I hope you have a fab trip!!

As far as the scenery goes…do you think it’s preferable to go clockwise…or do you think it does not matter?

I don’t think it really matters, to be honest 😉 But if the sun is shining, I’d want it in my back when driving through the Highlands, thus I’d stick with clockwise!

Thanks for this great post! My husband and I will be visiting Scotland at the end of August and plan to follow your itinerary since you do such a wonderful job laying it all out. I do have a few questions— if I rent a car in Glasgow, is it easy to drive in the city? Also, does the ferry to the Isle of Skye involve taking the rental car with you or do you have to leave the car and get a new rental on the Isle? Thank you!

Thanks for your questions! It’s easy enough to drive in the city, e.g. from the airport to your hotel or a car park nearby; however, for sightseeing I’d walk and take public transport or the hop on, hop off bus to save yourself the hassle of inner city traffic. And for the ferry from Mallaig to Skye you have to take the car across with you – I suggest buying the ticket in advance to get the time you want! It’s a busy crossing!

To continue on this post, to go back to Mallaig, do you take the ferry back or did you mention a bridge?! Thanks for all the info in this itenary. We’re planning a holiday for April with two young kids, and I think this will be too much for them,which places would you suggest to cut down from this itenary? Thanks 🙂

Hi Maria, thank for your question! We took the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale on Skye and then the bridge off to continue to Loch Ness. It really depends on what you’re interested, how many days you have, how old they are etc. Take a look at my travel consultation packages https://watchmesee.com/watch-me-see-scotland-travel-consultation/ and drop me an email if you’d like me to help with your itinerary! Cheers, Kathi

Hi there! We’re a family of 5 Aussies (3 adult kids) attempting a first-timers’ week in Scotland in late June. All of us are keen but feeling a bit daunted and time poor. Your detailed and varied itinerary, with multiple options and suggestions, gave me real enthusiasm and hope that we can actually achieve something! So excited that I immediately sent them your site link. I’ll let you know how we go following many of your suggestions! I appreciate all the time that’s gone into this.

Hi Roz, thank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely comment! I really appreciate it and it means a lot to hear your feedback! I’m happy my post brought the fun back into planning for your trip. I’m sure you will have a fantastic time in Scotland – it’s almost impossible not to 😀 I’d love to hear how you get on!! Cheers, Kathi

thank you so much for this! my brother and I will be visiting in 2 months! you are amazing!

Thank you for your comment! I hope my blog posts are useful for your trip 🙂 Have a lovely holiday!!

This is great! Just today decided we’d like to try to plan a trip in August. Will be traveling with our 20- and 17-year old kids. Any recommendations for teen/young adult highlights?

Hi Kim, thanks for your question! Of course, it really depends on what they’re generally interested in. There are many shorter walks in the areas I mention in the itinerary (walkhighlands.co.uk) is a great resource for that). I really like the gondola up the Nevis Range, and seeing the Harry Potter train crossing the Glenfinnan viaduct is always a highlight. I also highly recommend the boat tour on Skye from Dunvegan Castle to the seal colony. Doing a small cruise on Loch Ness is a lot of fun and on Loch Lomond you could rent kayaks. You could look into companies like Vertical Descent or Nae Limits to see if they offer any activities along the route! Hope this helps and you all have a fun trip!!

This is all so great! I am landing in Edinburgh so do you recommend just taking transport from Edinburgh to Glasgow and follow the same plan? should I make any stops along the way?

Hi Katie, thank for your question. The itinerary is written with a rental car in mind, so if you land and depart from Edinburgh I’d get a car there and add the 45 minutes it takes to drive to Glasgow. It’s not far!

lovely Itenary. We too plan to visit Scotland end July .Would like to follow a few places from ur Itenary Loch Lomond, Glen Coe & Fort William.Which place would be easy to stay in order to make day trips to “Loch Lomond, Glen Coe & Fort William” also we would have one more complete day to move around and than plan a stay over at Edinburg

I’d probably base myself in the middle – so around Glencoe – and do day trips from there! Crianlarich might also be a good option. Have a great trip! If you have an additional day, I’d just spend it in one of the destinations you wanted to see anyway – there’s always more to do, and it takes the stress out a little bit!

Hi Kathi Your seven day itinerary is really great!! Just wanted to know whether i can squeeze in St Andrews somewhere??

Hi Ramji, honestly, you’d have to take something else out – like instead of spending time at Loch Ness and staying over night in Inverness, driving straight from Skye to St Andrews in one day. It’s a long drive, so I wouldn’t recommend taking the detour to Loch Ness on the same day. You can only fit so much into 7 days in Scotland, and it’s already a very tightly packed itinerary…

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A Big Thank you for helping many travelers like me with exciting details about Scotland. I’m planning for a 5-Day Scotland trip during Easter holidays (31st March – 4th April) along with my family which includes 4 month old daughter 🙂 . I have sent you an email with our sample plan . However would need your suggestion on this as our main criteria to go to nice scenery places that are easy to commute by Car.

Thanks in Advance Harish

Hi, you have an amazing scotland itinerary. I will be visiting from UK, hence i will be taking a bus to either edinburgh or glascow. I will be traveling for 5 full days and I want to see the main attractions. could you give me recommendations or a good 5 days itinerary in scotland.

cheers, anthea

Hi Anthea, you could cut this itinerary down to 5 days by either cutting out destinations or making fewer stops along the way. If you would like to have concrete suggestions for shorter itineraries, have a look at my travel consultations services and drop me a line: https://watchmesee.com/watch-me-see-scotland-travel-consultation/ Cheers, Kathi

Hi Kathi, Finished planning our road trip today with accommodations booked! We decided on 1st night in Glasgow, then Oban, Fort William, 2 nights on Skye, Inverness, Pitlochry and 2 night in Edinburgh. I know its a lot to fit in, but figured it would give a good overview, then we can decide what areas to spend more time in on another trip. Thanks so much for your blog. I didn’t know how to begin planning this, so I found it so helpful!

Great itinerary – you will have a such a beautiful and diverse trip through Scotland! And as you say, there is always a next time to see even more 🙂 Let me know how you got on!!

Enjoyed looking at your classic Scotland Itinerary which we plan to follow. We are heading to Scotland in May and have 9 days. Trying to decide what to add in to fill the 2 extra days. Was contemplating a night in Oban. But then would also like to check out Balmoral Caslte and St Andrews. Is this all too much to try to fit in?

Distance-wise you could probably also do the Royal Deeside for Balmoral Castle or a night in St Andrews on your way from Inverness to St Andrews, but it’s almost like opening a new cookie jar and then only eating half a cooke with only 2 nights… To be honest, I’d probably try to add more nights within the itinerary – Oban is a good call, or another night in Fort William, especially if you’d like to do some hiking in the Glencoe area! Hope that helps 🙂

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. Definitely plan to add a night in Oban after reading your post about it. The 2nd night, still not sure ….will need to do some more thinking about that. Just wish I had more time! Thanks for your great blog. it’s been so helpful in planning this trip.

You’ll love Oban – it’s such a pretty town and the scenery around it is amazing! Unfortunately there is never enough time to see everything – but that’s a good reason to come back 🙂 Hope you find a nice place to stay for that last night – would love to hear how your trip went!

Still trying to decide the extra night. Plan to either book a 2nd night in Fort William/Glencoe area or book a night in Pitlochry after leaving Inverness. This would allow more time in the Cairngorms before heading back to Edinburgh. Wondered if you had an opinion on this.

Oh yeah, that’s a great call! Aviemore area or Pitlochry area – both really beautiful 🙂

This seems like the perfect itinerary for us! I’m so happy I found it. After planning we realized we have one more day to just take it easy, so where would you suggest we spend a little extra time? Thanks!

Hi Becca, happy you found my itinerary helpful! I would suggest to either spend two nights in the Fort William or one in Glencoe, one in Fort William to allow more time for Glencoe and Ben Nevis area! If you wanted to squeeze another destination, spend Day 2 driving from Glasgow along Loch Lomond to Oban (my favourite coastal town and a great wee road trip through Argyll), and on Day 3 drive through Glencoe (definitely do the detour of driving through the valley) to Fort William! Cheers, K

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Hi Kelly – Great info. We are staying in St. Andrews for a week in october for a golf trip. Do you have any recommendations as far as food/pubs go? Any must sees in St Andrews besides the golf? This will be my first trip to Scotland so I want to be sure I get the most of it! Thank you!

There’s loads to do – have you seen this post? http://watchmesee.com/blog/quick-guide-st-andrews/ Let me know if you need any more assistance!

I love this itinerary! My mom and I will be going in October, but we were hoping to actually be able to do at least one of the hikes (maybe the three sisters, though a recommendation would be appreciated) and visit St. Andrews for a day, as well as see the isle of skye and glen coe. We have 7 days – do you think this is possible? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Hi Joanne, I also got your email and will respond there with some suggestions 🙂

I read your itinerary and found it pretty exciting. However, me and my husband from India would be travelling in October 1st week but we have already finalized our stay at all places starting from Edinburgh to Inverness to Glasgow. Can you help us further with the best places we can cover in a week accordingly? It would be great if you can provide me with your email id to discuss it further. Thanks.

Hi Surbhi, I’d be happy to help with suggestions! If you send me your itinerary (like how many nights of accommodation you’ve booked where and your mode of transport) I can come up with some ideas. It’s [email protected] Cheers, Kathi

Thanks for your reply. I have mailed you the details. Let me know if you need more info. Thanks, Surbhi

Hi! This post is perfect as I’ll be traveling to Scotland in a couple weeks. I’m traveling alone from the US and was a little worried about driving (left side, being alone, stopping on the side of the road for pictures, where to get gas, etc.). Do you have any tips for the solo traveler? Or maybe suggestions on attempting this itinerary on public transport?!

You would definitely be able to do this itinerary by train and bus, but it would mean that you might have to leave out a few sights and stopping along the road for photos would be harder/impossible. I’d still suggest a rental car, and simply taking it slowly until you’re used to the left-side traffic – happens faster than you’d think. There are always plenty of lay-bys for photo stops and people are used to tourists on the roads – you won’t be the only one 🙂 There are petrol stations in most towns and villages along this route, and distances aren’t so far, that you’d run into trouble if you drive for a whole day without filling up. I hope this helps you gain some confidence and go for the rental car – it’s simply the most flexible mode of transport!

I did the same itinerary about a month ago, in a little bit different order. I’d spend more time in Skye hiking the coast lines and Glen Coe hiking the other trails there. I can agree with your comment on Ft. William. Spent one too many days there, that I wish I would habe spent on Skye instead. There’s always next time!

Sounds like you had a great time in Scotland! Any additional day for hiking is a winner 🙂 Where did you hike in Glencoe?

Hi Kathi, my fiance and I just finished a trip to Scotland following your 7-day itinerary, and I just wanted to say a big thank you! Each day’s drive had so much to see and covered enough ground, which made the whole experience a lot of fun. We also may not have stopped by Blair Castle if not for your recommendation, which would have been a shame; it was simply stunning! My fiance is a big whisky fan, so before we left Inverness, we took a small detour to take in a little of the Malt Whiskey Trail and check out some distilleries. Overall, it was such a great experience. Thank you so much for posting such a detailed guide and Google map, complete with food stops and ideas. It was super appreciated! Much love from Canada!

Hello Ada, thank you so much for your feedback! Sometimes I feel like this blog is taking up so much of my spare time, I doubt whether I spend too much time on it – comments like yours prove me wrong 😀 I’m glad you had a fantastic trip and managed to see so much of Scotland! The whiskies from Speyside are probably my favourites, but I’ve never visited a Distillery up there – which one dod you go to?

Hi, I am coming to Scotland in May, thanks for putting otgethere such a comprehensive itinerary, thislooks amazing. I arrive Saturday around 10am and leave the following Friday so It seems like if I follow this itinerary I will have one day to do either Glasgow or Edinbourgh. Any advice on which to skip? or another place you would cut out instead? Also, any advice on how to do this or a similar itinerary without a car?? Thank you so much!

Thanks for your comment! Instead of spending a night in Fort William and taking the ferry to Skye via Mallaig, you could drive on after Fort William and head to Skye via the bridge which is faster and cheaper. That already save you a night. You could also instead of spending a night around Loch Ness, visit the Loch/Castle ruins on your way from Skye to Edinburgh – that can easily be done in one day of driving! Another night saved. Hope this helps! Cheers, Kathi

Thank you so much! I was also wondering if you have any distillery suggestions

I have by far not visited all of them, but I really liked the Edradour distillery in Pitlochry as it’s tiny – I think the smallest operating one in Scotland – and they had delicious whiskey liqueur, which tasted like Bailey’s but better. There is also Talker on Skye, which is great for a rainy day activity, and Glengoyne near Glasgow which is the southernmost distillery in the Highlands and has a great 18 year old to try! There is also a distillery in Fort William, Ben Nevis, but I’ve not been yet!

Great post! We are motorhoming around scotland in June and I have taken note of your suggestions to plan our amazing itinerary!

That’s so cool – I’ve always wanted to do that! How much time do you have! If you need any help planning your itinerary, let me know!

Hello Kathi, We will be in Scotland for a week and we would like to assume your classic one week itinerary. We will arrive to Edinburgh airport in the night and we will sleep in a hotel in the airport, so our first day will start there. Do you advice to spend all the first day in Glasgow or maybe to begin/finish the day somewhere else? Thank you, David

Hi David, I think Glasgow would be a great day 1 – it’s such a great city that gets overlooked way too often. It’s also a great starting point to drive up north from, as it’s so close to Loch Lomond and the Highlands. If you have a rental car you could also spend the day exploring Stirling Castle, the Kelpies and or the Trossachs – and then spend the evening in Glasgow and go to a cool pub 🙂 Let me know if you need any more help planning!

Hi Kathi, Thank you for your response. How much different are the Trossachs from Loch Lomond area? Do you think that it is possible to visit the Trossachs for the first half of the day and then have enough time for the shopping areas in Glasgow? We will have a rental car and it seems to be an hour drive from Edinburgh Airport to the Trossachs and an hour from there to Glasgow. Thank you, David

Hi David, well the Trossachs are basically the hills east of Loch Lomond. The drive from Callander to Aberfoyle via Loch Achray is gorgeous – you could easily do that in the morning and then drive down to Glasgow for some shopping in the afternoon!

Hi Kathi, Are the Three Sisters, the ridge of Aonach Eagach and Buachaille Etive Mòr possible to see in a one week Itinerary? you mentioned that we will not have time to climb any of these but will it be possible to stop somewhere near road A82 and visit these places? Thank you, David

Hi David, absolutely! Buachaille Etive Mòr lies just at the entrance of Glen Coe – just before actually – and there’s a carpark from where you get a great view; the other two can both be seen from the same carpark in the glen a little further down the A82. The views are gorgeous and most travelers stop at these carparks to get some photos 🙂

This is a great itinerary! I’m definitely going to save it and break it down into some weekend trips from London. We’ve been meaning to see more of Scotland, but it’s so hard to decide where to start! Isle of Skye seems so far out and complicated to get to, so I like your ideas of stopping at places along the way so it doesn’t seem so bad.

Hey Kelly, yeah, for Isle of Skye is not really something I’d recommend for a weekend trip – it’s just too far to drive (although there are busses). I guess its biggest advantage is that you can reach it over a bridge and you’re not bound to specific ferry times necessarily! Either way, I hope you enjoy your weekend trips to Scotland – there’s so much to see 😀 Thanks for your comment!

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Europe , Scotland , Travel

Perfect scotland itinerary.

Scotland is an Incredible, Wild, Historic, Mystical Country that Just Begs to be Visited. If Scotland is Calling you, I’ve got the Perfect Scotland Itinerary for You.

The perfect scotland itinerary – discover the best things to do in scotland on this incredible road trip.

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You’re Going to Scotland!!!

So you’ve been bitten by the “Scotland Bug” and you’re ready to plan your trip! Great choice! Scotland is an incredible country with a deep, rich history, culture, and loads of whisky distilleries! You’ll be able to see hundreds of historic sites, abbeys , castles, sheep, highland cows, and even more stunning scenery. Although a relatively small country, there are so many places to see in Scotland, that it can seem overwhelming. But fear not, I have broken down this Scotland itinerary into seven days of pure Scottish awesomeness! If you’re wondering what to see in Scotland, but feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Half the fun of visiting somewhere new is planning what you’ll see, do, eat and wear. But it’s also overwhelming. Be sure to read through this itinerary and it’s accompanying posts on the Isle of Skye , Edinburgh , Inverness , and Glasgow to give you an idea of what you want to see, where your priorities are and a few options on what you want to include or exclude from your personal Scotland itinerary.

Scotland Itinerary – Wanderlust Guide

If you want to visit Scotland, but would rather take the work out of planning your trip, consider using my Wanderlust Guide Scotland Itinerary. It takes the stress out of planning and takes you day by day through the highlands and lowlands of Scotland, showing you as much of the country as possible while leaving plenty of time to enjoy your trip. 

Planning a Trip to Scotland

You’re ready to start planning your Scotland trip, great! Let’s talk about what to pack, where to go in Scotland, and where to stay. 

Packing for Scotland

Scotland is a gorgeous country…love it to death, but can we talk about the weather ? You’re not going to Hawaii ok, so plan accordingly!

The weather in Scotland can be…unpredictable, at best! I would pay no mind to any weather forecast you have previously looked at. The skies can change on a dime and surprise you for better or worse. Chances are, no matter what time of year you go to Scotland that you will have rain and it will be chilly during some part of your trip. Having layers and waterproof gear is essential.

Follow this   Scotland Packing List to be sure you have the best gear!

What to wear in Scotland:

• Waterproof Shoes
• Blanket Scarf

Planning Your Route

One of the best ways to see Scotland is by car or having your own vehicle. Taking a tour is great and stress-free, but Scotland self drive tours can be economical and a ton of fun. The country is easy to navigate, and it just takes a bit of planning and effort.  Try to stay organized when planning your Scotland Itinerary. I love using Google Maps, or Phone Apps like TripIt or Roadtrippers to plan out my itinerary and driving route before I leave. This is especially helpful if you won’t have cell service or have bad service, which is entirely likely in Scotland, especially as you get to the highlands. It’s great to have an offline option for keeping your trip organized. It helps to keep all your flight itineraries, rental car confirmation numbers, driving directions and hotel addresses all in one place and looking tidy. It’s great if you have to go back and log expenses as well!

Getting to Scotland

The cheapest flights into Scotland can usually be found to Edinburgh or Glasgow, but be sure to check other, smaller airports such as Aberdeen, where some budget airlines might fly into. Find out how I get insanely cheap flights to Europe ALL the time! 

Driving in Scotland

If you’re renting a car, there are two companies we prefer to use: Rental Cars and Expedia Cars. We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available.

If you want to really see Scotland, you’ll have to rent a car. Coming from the US or mainland Europe, driving on the left can sound really scary, but it doesn’t have to be.  Here are a few tips:

• Think Left, Left, Left: Repeat the word “left” in your mind or out loud several times before you drive and while you’re starting out. Close your eyes and visualize yourself on the left. These seem kind of silly, but they will really help as you prepare to completely flip your usual driving autopilot brain backwards!
• When in doubt, follow the car in front of you.
• Roundabouts: Scotland and Europe, in general, is full of roundabouts. They are fantastic things that really help with the flow of traffic. In Scotland, they will curve to the left. Most of the time they consist of several lanes. be sure to follow the arrows or signs for which lane you need to be in. There can be anywhere from 2-6 or more exits on a roundabout and they can get pretty tricky. Just pay attention and you will be fine.
• Narrow Roads : Scotland is full of narrow roads with stone walls on either side. It’s an effort, but be sure to stay in your lane and not grazing the side of the wall or hedges.
• One Track Roads: You may come across quite a few one track roads, especially on the Isle of Skye. This means that there will be one lane shared by two directions of traffic. You will see “passing places” along all the roads where you must pull over and wait for cars to pass if you see them. Always pull over to the left. Never cross the road to pull into a passing place located on the right.
• Watch for animals: There’s nothing more magical than being in a sheep traffic jam! Just be sure to give them the right of way and pay attention. Also, look out for deer!
• Insurance: With all of the narrow roads, stone walls, hedges, small parking spaces and new left driving orientation, I always recommend that you get the full insurance on a rental car.Alternatively, look into your credit card as some cards, such as Chase Sapphire offer full rental car insurance in foreign countries. Be sure to bring along proof of this for the rental car company.

One Week in Scotland Itinerary

There’s never enough time to explore Scotland and it could honestly take you a lifetime, but most people who write to me asking for advice only have around one week in Scotland. I’ve configured this itinerary for you to be able to see the best of Scotland in a week. 

Now that you’ve done all you can to prepare for getting to, driving in and packing for Scotland, it’s time to talk about where you’ll be heading! I’ve arranged these 7 days in Scotland to begin and end in Edinburgh , where most flights will take you to in Scotland, but you can start this itinerary from anywhere on the map, or skip, add, change direction and alter to your heart’s content!

Map of the Perfect Scotland Itinerary for 7 days

I’ve created this interactive map of your 7 days in Scotland with directions between cities included.

Get your free Scotland Travel Planner

Day one: edinburgh.

Edinburgh will most likely be your starting point on your journey around Scotland, if it’s not, feel free to skip ahead! Edinburgh is a beautiful city full of rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious food! What I think I love most about Edinburgh is that old-world feel mixed with a quirky vibe that’s hard to describe.

There are some amazing Airbnb apartments right in the historic center of Edinburgh. When we stayed there we booked a very affordable place which had a patio overlooking Edinburgh Castle. It was incredible and a highlight of our trip! My kids said they loved being able to look at “Hogwarts” haha! You can find that apartment here. 

Here is a list of affordable apartments in Edinburgh for families of 4-6! 

You could spend weeks wandering the streets of Edinburgh, but I’ve given you two days here, so get busy!

Here is a great detailed list of what to do in Edinburgh.   But here is a quick list to get you started:

• Edinburgh Castle
• Elephant House Cafe
• Victoria Street
• Calton Hill
• The Royal Mile
• St Giles Cathedral
• Scott Monument
• Grass Market
• Malt Whisky Trail

Day Two: Edinburgh & St. Andrews

Spend the night in Edinburgh, wake up and explore the city for about half a day. Finish up your Edinburgh list:

• Hike Arthur’s Seat for sunrise
• Holyrood Palace

Now that you’ve finished seeing Edinburgh, head to St. Andrews, it’s about an hour away from Edinburgh, known as a golf mecca and home to St. Andrews University which was founded in 1413, making it the 3rd oldest university in the UK, following only Oxford and Cambridge.

• St. Andrew’s Cathedral: Once the largest church in Scotland, St. Andrews Cathedral was a place of pilgrimage for Catholics during the medieval ages. It is in ruins now, but you can climb St. Rules tower and take in the views from the top.
• St. Andrews Links: Even if you’re not a golf enthusiast (I certainly am not), take a stroll along the cart paths and appreciate the famed course for its beauty and views.
• Blair Castle: This beautiful castle was just featured on an episode of Victoria and it’s right off the motorway, so stop if you have the time!

When you’ve had a taste for St. Andrews, begin your drive to Inverness. On your way, consider stopping at

Day Three: Inverness

Known as the capital of the highlands, Inverness is an ancient city with a long history. Home to Shakespeare’s infamous Macbeth and the stage for the Jacobite uprising and final defeat, Inverness will allow you to connect with the past like nowhere else.

I recommend stopping here for at least one night and giving yourself a full day to explore the surrounding areas. There are plenty of Airbnbs in the area, or you can even rent a camper van to hunt for Nessie yourself! 

Here is a list of affordable houses in the Inverness area

You should be able to see all of this in one day, but you can stay one more night here and finish in the morning, because you’ve got a big drive ahead of you tomorrow to the Isle of Skye . Read this in depth article about what to do in Inverness.   But here is a quick list:

• Culloden Battlefield
• Clava Cairns
• Urquhart Castle
• Cairngorms National Park

Day Four: Inverness and Drive to Isle of Skye

Finish up anything you missed in Inverness and begin the drive to the Isle of Skye . I prefer taking the northern route because it is the highest north that you will get in the highlands. If you’re there in the spring you will get a beautiful show from the purple heather blooming on the rolling hills. Just before you get to the Isle of Skye , stop at:

• Eilean Donan Castle

Take your time getting to Skye , but try to arrive before dark as you’ll be driving on one track roads at times, which can be tricky come nightfall, and riving over the Skye Bridge is something you’ll want to do in the daylight.

I recommend staying in Portree for the night as it is the capital of Skye and has great food and accommodations. This will be a great location for everything you’ll be doing tomorrow.

Day Five: Isle of Skye

Located on the west coast, The Isle of Skye, while becoming increasingly popular, is truly worth the drive! You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time once crossing the bridge onto the island life. While the island is small, there is much to see. I recommend staying here for at least two nights to give yourself a full day and maybe even two half days here. There are some fantastic Airbnbs on the Isle of Skye. Most of the homes are old shepherd cottages that are just adorable. We stayed in an old shepherd cottage near the Museum of Highland Life that had the most incredible sea view! I honestly didn’t want to leave. You can find our Airbnb here. 

Here is a list of affordable houses on the Isle of Skye

Wherever you stay, I HIGHLY recommend getting up at sunrise for your day on the Isle of Skye. The sunrise views just cannot be beat!  Read my Guide for Visiting the Isle of Skye . Here is a quick list of what to do:

• The Quiraing (catch the sunrise here!)
• Old Man of Storr
• Neist Point
• Dunvegan Castle
• Fairy Pools
• Flora MacDonald Memorial Grave

You’ll probably want to spend another night on the Isle of Skye, since you’ll have a really full day and you don’t want to drive out of here at night!

Day Six: Isle of Skye and Drive to Glasgow

Wake up and finish anything on the Isle of Skye that you missed yesterday and start your journey to Glasgow. On your way there, stop at Glencoe and take in the beautiful scenery.

Day Seven: Glasgow

Spend half the day exploring Glawgow. Follow this Glasgow Local’s Guide . Then head to Stirling Castle and back to Edinburgh! I hope you fall in love with Scotland as much as I have and I hope this perfect Scotland itinerary will help you plan the perfect day trip! I’m always happy to help with trip planning. Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram if you need help! And check out The North Face on Zappos to get your Campshire gear ready for your trip of a lifetime to Scotland!

Scotland Itinerary FAQ

If you really want to explore Scotland, then anywhere between 7-10 days would be ideal. There are so many amazing places to visit and activities to do that you won’t want to miss out. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just someone looking for an amazing experience, Scotland has something for everyone.

7 days can give you enough time to see some of Scotland’s highlights, but if you have the opportunity to stay longer it is highly recommended. Some places in Scotland you may want to allocate more time for include: Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, and Edinburgh.

Scotland offers something different all throughout the year. However, May is the best time to go in terms of weather. But if you’re looking to experience festivals, then August and September are great times to visit.

Wanderlust Crew

16 thoughts on “ perfect scotland itinerary ”.

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Hello, Any accommodations you would recommend in Scotland? We are looking at a week in the summer and have just started looking. If we spend a few nights in Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Isle Of Skye, and Inverness, did you book Airbnb’s in each place? Thanks, Kate

Hey Kate! We mostly stayed in Airbnbs but we stayed in an amazing hotel in Edinburgh. Our room was bigger than my house! There were two big bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a huge kitchen and living room. I booked it with my hotel points but it was only about $175/night in downtown Edinburgh which I thought was awesome. You can find it here: https://booki.ng/2H9IOqH

When we went to Edinburgh again, the hotel was booked so we stayed in this Airbnb which was also awesome https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/23706638 a lot smaller though!

On the Isle of Skye, Airbnbs will be your best bet. There are quite a few. I’ve stayed in several and also several hotels there, but this is by far my favorite airbnb. We didn’t want to leave. the views were incredible! https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/21872504

We stayed here near Stirling Castle https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/9815972

I hope this helps!

Absolutely stunning! Thank you on a detailed impressive guide!

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The Ultimate 10-Day Scotland Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

Last Updated on December 4, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

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

Mapping out the ideal route for a Scotland trip 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 bed and breakfast has several 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 options in the city. Aside from having multiple dorms of different sizes, they also have private rooms 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 has 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 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 budget option with a couple of dorms to choose from. It is located close to the Smoo Cave and several fantastic hiking routes.

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 charming guesthouse with a range of rooms to choose from including singles & doubles.

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:

The Perfect Loch Ness Day Trip from Edinburgh

An Alternative 5 to 10 Days North Coast 500 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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One Week in Scotland | Travel Itinerary and Guide

7-Day Scotland Travel Itinerary and Travel Guide

Isolated. Rugged. Beautiful. The vast and barren landscape of Scotland is famous throughout the world for its incredible, natural beauty. If you are taking a trip to Scotland and are wanting to experience the solitude of the highlands, as well as learn the fascinating history and culture of the locals, then this is the perfect 7-day itinerary to Scotland.

Starting the journey off in the vibrant capital of Edinburgh, this Scotland road trip takes you north through the ancient forests of the Cairngorms, along the still waters of Loch Ness and onwards to the dramatic skyline of the Isle of Skye, which is also one of the Most Scenic Road Trips in Europe . From here, we head south along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and finish off the trip in Scotland’s cultural capital, the city of Glasgow.

An adventure filled with learning the history and mythology of the land, tasting a few drams of Scotland’s whisky and marvelling at the dramatic and ancient landscape of the highlands. This 7 Day trip to Scotland is going to be a trip to remember, so let’s go!

PS – Before you head to Scotland and discover the beauty of the Top Sights and Attractions in Scotland,  during your 7 Day Scotland Travel Itinerary , as  listed below, check out these 20+ Travel Hacks and Resources , that will elevate your Travel experience to a different level all together.

Edinburgh Castle

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What better place is there to start this road trip than a day out in Edinburgh ,  Scotland’s capital city. Filled with some of Scotland’s most significant, historical buildings and stories, the capital is a buzzing metropolis that will leave you begging for more.

Kicking off our epic Scotland road trip in the vibrant, buzzing and historical city of Edinburgh, let’s begin with a sunrise at one of the Most Famous Landmarks in Edinburgh – the Edinburgh Castle. If you walk along the Royal Mile to the foreground of the castle you will be treated to magnificent views over the surrounding city and countryside. 

The castle itself is open from 9.30am on most days, so if you are an early bird you might want to head back into town to grab a bite to eat before returning to learn the fascinating history of the castle. We recommend the Hula Juice Bar, which can be found just 5-minutes away at the bottom of Victoria Street.

Once the castle is open you can take a full tour of the fascinating history and the stories it has to tell. Entrance will cost a fee and includes a free, 30-minute guided tour of the castle and the grounds. We recommend that you buy tickets online, as they are a couple of pounds cheaper than at the gates.

The next stop from the castle is just a 5-minute walk away and is one that you may have already visited. Incredibly photogenic and lined with quirky and interesting shops to browse, the sloping road of Victoria Street is actually the most photographed street in Scotland. Featured in movies such as The Avengers, this street is constantly bustling with tourists browsing the shops and attempting to get a photo. 

If you do wish to get an isolated photo on this street, your best bet is to head here first thing in the morning, otherwise, you can visit at any time of the day and check out the shops. It is believed that this street and the tiny, quirky shops are the main inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. 

It may be for this reason then that there is a full shop dedicated to the magical world, selling a huge range of HP souvenirs and trinkets. Browse the shop and decide which magic wand is the best fit for you before we move onto our next stop. 

Head back to the top of Victoria Street and take the quick walk along to the statue of Grefriar’s Bobby. This small statue is dedicated to the memory of the fiercely loyal Skye Terrier, whose partner was a man named John Gray. The story of this small dog is a real tear-jerker and is the inspiration of many children’s movies across the world.

When John Gray passed away in 1858, it is said that his faithful companion spent the next 14 years of its life guarding his grave. This little dog then sadly passed away in 1872 at the old age of 16 and was forever cemented in history with the story of this love and dedication.

It is believed that if you give the dog’s nose a gentle tap it will bring you good luck, however, due to people rubbing too hard the statue is losing its coating on the nose. When you visit the Greyfriar’s Bobby be sure to protect the statue by only touching the nose lightly.

It is time to finish off your first day in Edinburgh at the city’s most stunning sunset point, Calton Hill. Situated right in the centre of Edinburgh, Calton Hill is a UNESCO Heritage Sight , complete with museums and monuments to Edinburgh’s rich history. 

The panoramic view from the top of Calton Hill provides a fantastic view of the city centre of Edinburgh, as well as a view reaching as far as the sea on the eastern coast of Scotland. This is a very popular sunset spot in Edinburgh and is a fantastic way to rub shoulders with tourists and locals alike. 

Relax at the top of Calton Hill and enjoy a sunset to remember to finish off your first day of this Scotland road trip. Don’t stay up too late, however, as we have another long day tomorrow!

There is a huge range of accommodation choices in Edinburgh, so no matter what your taste of comfort is there will be something for you. Our top recommendation, in this Scotland Travel Guide , for a mid-range and comfortable place to stay will be the Haymarket Hub Hotel , which is located just a 15-minute walk west of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.

Day Two – Stirling 

Heading north from Edinburgh across the famous Forth Road Bridge, our next stop, in this 7 Day Scotland Itinerary, will be the heartland capital of Stirling. This historical city was once the main trading point between the northern hills of the highlands and the lowlands of Scotland. 

Visit the historical Stirling Castle and enjoy the stunning views of the town centre of Stirling and the surrounding countryside. Entry to the castle will cost a fee, which allows you to explore the internal structure of the castle walls and learn about the many kings and queens that once lived here. 

From Stirling Castle, head to the outskirts of Stirling town centre and visit the towering Wallace Monument. This beautiful structure was built in the 19th century in memory of the historically significant figure, William Wallace. 

This 11th-century soldier played a huge part in the Wars of Scottish Independence and was responsible for the huge victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, where he used tactics and wit to defeat a much larger English army.

You can enter the monument itself and climb to the top, visiting the multiple exhibitions along the way, and enjoy the best view of Stirling from the top. If you do not wish to pay another entrance fee, the walk to the top of the hill is completely free and has information points along the way as well. 

Next, it is time to head back into the town centre of Stirling and visit the ancient Church of Holy Rude. Dating back 900 years, this is one of the oldest buildings in Scotland, however, we are here to enjoy the view that lies behind the church in the graveyard. 

As you walk through the peace and quiet of the graveyard, head to the highest point and discover the best sunset spot in Stirling. There is a bench here for you to sit and enjoy the stunning view of Stirling Castle and the distant mountains of the Scottish highlands. That is tomorrow’s destination, but for tonight it is time to relax and get some rest.

The best place to rest your head in Stirling that is both affordable and comfortable is at the Lost Guest House in Stirling’s town centre. This is just a short walk from the bars and restaurants of this vibrant and student orientated town.

Day Three – Cairngorms National Park

Continuing our journey north, we enter the mountainous region of the Scottish highlands and the ancient forests of the Cairngorms National Park, which is also one of the Best National Parks in the UK . The main point that we will be basing our day’s adventures from will be the central hub of Aveimore. 

This small village has expanded rapidly over the last few years as it is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to base themselves and explore the surrounding countryside. 

Driving 30-minutes out of Aviemore towards the Cairngorm mountains, you will reach the large body of water known as Loch Morlich. This is a hugely popular spot for all kinds of watersports, from kayaking to sailing, to simply going for a swim (if you are brave enough). 

It is up to you if you wish to brave the cold, fresh waters of the loch, or if you simply want to enjoy a walk along its peaceful shoreline. There is a watersports hub that lies on the beach at the far end of the loch from Aveimore, which rents out watersport equipment and even has a cafe with a view. 

Continuing past Loch Morlich away from Aviemore, you will eventually begin the climb up the winding road to the Cairngorm Ski Centre. In the winter, this is the perfect spot to come and enjoy a range of snowsports, from skiing and snowboarding, to wild ice climbing and even sledging. 

The view from the car park is the main reason we are visiting today, sitting high above the ancient Rothiemurchus forest below. Park up here and you can either sit and admire the view, or if you have the appropriate hiking equipment (map, compass, and experience using them), you can head to the hills and enjoy a walk. 

Once you have finished in the great outdoors of the Cairngorm mountains, head back into the village of Aviemore for your next stop, the Cairngorm Brewery. Situated at the northern side of Aviemore, we recommend you drop your vehicle off at your accommodation and walk to the brewery. This will allow you to enjoy the tasting sessions that are included in the tour. 

The brewery tour is a paid experience that must be booked in advance. It involves a guided tour of the brewery process, as well as an in-depth tale of the brewery’s history and story by an experienced and passionate worker. The tour then finishes with a tasting session, where you can try all of the different ales and lagers that are made and bottled fresh in the brewery.

Once you have tasted the local produce, we recommend you head to the nearest pub and have a couple more of your favourite bottles of beer at the Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore’s centre. This is also our top recommendation, in this Scotland Travel Blog, for accommodation in Aviemore, being comfortable, central and not overly expensive.

Day Four – Inverness and the North

Continuing north from Aviemore, our next destination, on this 7 day Scotland Itinerary, is the city of Inverness , the final frontier before the remote highlands of North Scotland. Its a day of whisky tasting and monster hunting for us.

No trip to Scotland is complete without trying its world-famous produce, Scotch Whisky. As you head north from Aviemore, the first distillery you encounter is the remote and rugged Tomatin Distillery.

Out of all the whisky tours we have done, it is here that our favourite has been. This is partly due to the raw and unaltered process tour you receive, unpolished and more realistic compared with others, but also because of the history and remoteness that the distillery enjoys. 

As you walk around the dusty and rugged process, smell the ingredients and imagine what life would have been like working here in the 19th-century.

The tour finishes as per usual on distillery tours, with a tasting sample of the finished product of the distillery. If you are driving you should obviously not taste it, however, if you bring a hip flask you can decant it to try later. 

Upon reaching the small city of Inverness, the most prominent feature you will see is the red-stone Inverness Castle that sits on the banks of the River Ness. This castle is not open for public admission, however, there is a viewing platform at the top that is accessible to the public. 

With increasing pressure from the public to open the castle to visitors, this may well change in the coming years. 

As we swing west and begin our journey along the banks of Loch Ness, now is the perfect time to keep your eyes peeled for this mystical beast. In case you haven’t heard, the Loch Ness Monster is a fabled sea monster that is believed to hide in the depths of this sea loch. With many reported (yet mostly all debunked) sightings over the years, no one truly knows if this giant exists. Maybe you can catch a glimpse of the monster and go down in history?

The most photographed castle in Scotland is our next stopping point on this Scotland road trip. The castle of Eilean Donan sits at the meeting point of Loch Duich, Loch Alsh, and Loch Long, and has been the set of multiple Hollywood movies , such as James Bond. 

The history of the castle stems back to the times of the Vikings when this area was used as a stronghold to defend against Viking invasions. Today, it is a very popular tourist attraction and can be rented out for special occasions such as weddings. 

You can explore the grounds and internals of the castle with a paid admission, or you can admire the view of the castle and the surroundings for free from the car park at the “All the Goodness” coffee shop that lies on the other side of the bridge.

For tonight we will be heading on to the small harbour town of Portree on the Isle of Skye, ready for a bright and early start tomorrow. We recommend the cheap, cosy, and central accommodation of the Portree Hotel.  

Day Five – Isle of Skye 

As the small town of Portree comes to life, we recommend you pack a hot drink and head down to the colourful harbour to watch the world come to life. Fishing boats will begin to head in and out and the morning sun will slowly bring the world to life. A very peaceful spot to start off an exciting and busy day.

Driving north onto the Trotternish Peninsula of Skye , our first stop is just outside the small village of Uig at the mystical Fairy Glen, which is one of the best things to do in Isle of Skye . We recommend driving along the northern coast of the island and admiring the coastal views all along this route. The roads are small and winding, so take your time and enjoy the view. 

The Fairy Glen is situated just outside Uig and can be reached by either driving or catching a local bus. There is limited parking, so you may need to catch the bus if you are not early. 

The Fairy Glen is named after the magical and other-worldly landscape that it has and not to do with any fairy folklore. This dramatic and sweeping glen is actually the result of an ancient landslide that happened here thousands of years ago. 

When you visit the Fairy Glen we ask that you are conscious of where you walk and do not venture from the path. The footsteps of the thousands of tourists that visit this beautiful part of Skye every year has had a devastating effect on the natural landscape. In order to prevent further erosion, it is important to stick to the path and DO NOT move rocks or stones. 

Leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but memories.

As you drive back towards the eastern coast of the Trotternish Peninsula, there is a shorter route that takes you across the mountains instead of around the coast. This route is only open during good weather conditions and is not suitable for large vehicles. 

The Quiraing is another example of an ancient landslide shaping the dramatic landscape of Skye. Once you reach the sharp drop of the Quiraing pass, park up your car ad take the quick walk across to the viewpoint. Take care here as the path is slippery and the drop is steep with no safety barriers. 

Our last stop on the Trotternish Peninsula and the Isle of Skye , is the hike to see the Old Man of Storr . This pretty trek, although only 45-minutes to an hour-long, is pretty demanding, as it ascends steeply up the mountainside. 

The car park for the Old Man of Storr is the noticeable area on your right-hand side as you head south to Portree. From here, there are two viewpoints for the Old Man of Storr, one around 45-minutes from the car park and a higher up one around 1 ½ hrs from the car park. If the weather is good, the view from the upper platform is simply spectacular, spanning all the way across to mainland Scotland.

The Old Man of Storr is once again the result of an ancient landslide that shaped the mountainous region of Skye. Over thousands of years, the harsh climate of Skye has shaped and moulded the mountainside to form a collection the standing stones that you see today. The Old Man is the largest of the stones and gets its name from the face-like features it has that are said to resemble an old man’s.

Heading south from the Old Man of Storr, the best place to spend tonight is once again in the small harbour town of Portree. We recommend spending another night at the Portree Hotel before we begin our journey south tomorrow morning. 

Day Six – Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

We begin our journey south by passing through one of our favourite places in the world: the isolated wilderness of Glencoe and Rannoch Moor. As you drive through these deserted glens you are truly in the presence of giants, with towering mountains all around and a sense of real mythology about the area. 

Our first stop is at the Three Sisters viewpoint, where you can get out and stretch your legs. As you walk from the car park and down the steep hill into the glen, think about how the surrounding beauty came to be millions of years ago. 

The Three Sisters are the trio of mountains that lie before you on the right as you drive through Glen Coe. These are three extinct volcanoes that played a massive role in how the landscape of today was formed.

Pulling in on the left towards the grand outline of the Kingshouse Hotel, it is time to introduce yourself to some of the locals in this region. One of the most unique experiences, that you will have in your Scotland road trip awaits!

The Kingshouse Hotel is a popular stopping off point due to the herd of friendly deer that tends to spend time in this area. These deer are so accustomed to human contact that they will come right up to you to say hello. 

Sadly, this comfort comes from the years of humans interfering with wildlife and feeding the deer of this area. This has happened so much that these deer are now completely reliant on humans for survival and depend on us feeding them and their fawn.

It is too late for these deer, however, please let this be a reminder as to why we should not interfere with wildlife and why we should not feed wild animals.

As you reach the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, our first stop is roughly halfway down its western coast so admire the view and take care of the winding roads. At the Inveruglus Visitor Centre , just before the hydro station on your right, pull in and get out to stretch your legs. This is the spot of Loch Lomond’s most epic viewpoint, the Inveruglus Pyramid, which is also known as An Ceann Mor.

This 8-metre tall viewing platform was installed in 2015 and offers the finest view of Loch Lomond from the top. The platform has a free-to-use telescope at the top and custom fitted seats for people to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Scotland’s largest loch.

As the sun begins to set, it is up to you whether you wish to relax on the banks of Loch Lomond or continue down to Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow. It is here we will be spending the night, ready to get up nice and early for our final day in Scotland. 

For your first night in Glasgow, you are once again spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation. For a reliable, cheap and comfortable stay, we recommend Motel One , which is located right beside Glasgow Central Station and is perfect for getting around the city.

Day Seven – Glasgow

It’s our last day of this Scotland road trip and we are back to the buzz of the big city. Not to worry, this final day in Glasgow’s city centre is sure to be one to remember, so let’s get going!

Kicking the last day off, of this 7 Day Scotland Travel Itinerary, with our last sunrise in Scotland, it is time to discover Glasgow’s best sunrise spot: the Queen’s Park Flagpole. You can easily reach here by either catching the first train from Glasgow Central to Queens Park, or by making the 45-minute walk south from the centre.

As the smoking chimneys and towering abbeys of the city slowly come into view, the city begins to buzz into life. Chill out here for a little while and enjoy the view over Glasgow and prepare yourself for the final day of this epic one week trip to Scotland.

Once the day has well and truly began, it is time to head back into the city centre and discover the many beautiful street art murals that are spread around the city. In total, there are currently 29 different murals across the centre of Glasgow , a list that is constantly changing and growing. 

If you wish, it is possible to pay for a guided tour of the city’s street art , or you can simply follow the official map of the current mural trails and discover them for yourself.  

Rounding off our Scotland road trip with a bang, it is time to check out Glasgow’s best panoramic viewpoint , which is situated right in the centre of the city. Just off Buchannan Street is a small exhibition centre known as The Lighthouse. Mainly featuring the work of Scotland’s best architects, The Lighthouse has an ever-changing exhibit of different pieces of work. 

Once you have browsed the multiple exhibitions, head to the Charles Rennie Mackintosh exhibit and climb the spiralling staircase to the top of the tower. Here you can head outside into the narrow balcony and walk around the circular tower to admire the beauty of the city centre from all directions. 

This is our favourite place to admire the sunset or late evening in Glasgow and is the best place not only to finish off your final day in Scotland, but also be the last destination on this One Week Scotland Travel Itinerary.

Day 1 – Trip Starts in Edinburgh | Edinburgh City Tour

Day 2 – Edinburgh – Stirling | Stirling Castle | Wallace Monument

Day 3 – Stirling – Aveimore | Cairngorms National Park

Day 4 – Aveimore – Inverness | Castle of Inverness | Scotch Whiskey Distillery Tour

Day 5 – Isle of Sky | Old Man of Storr

Day 6 – Three Sisters Viewpoint | Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Day 7 – Trip Ends in Glasgow

Tips and Recommendations for Your Scotland Road Trip

Before you set off on your Scotland adventure, following this 7 Day Scotland Travel Itinerary , here are some  tips and Travel Hacks that you should know to make your One Week Trip to Scotland a little smoother. 

Scotland is a country that is famous for its weather (or more specifically, lack of GOOD weather). As you head north to the mountainous region of Scotland, the humid Atlantic winds precipitate easily over the highlands and rain is a very common occurence. On average, it rains in Scotland 250 days of the year. 

That being said, the period of time when it is LEAST likely to rain is during the late Spring months of May and June. During this time, the warmer weather begins to show and the native bugs have not quite come out to bite yet. It is for this reason that we suggest that Spring is the best time to visit Scotland .

As mentioned before, Scotland is famous for its rain, so the most important item of clothing you pack is a good waterproof jacket (and possibly trousers). As for temperatures in Scotland, it rarely ever reaches above 25 degrees Centigrade, so warm clothes are recommended. The average seasonal temperatures can be found below:

Spring (March, April, May) – 5-10 degrees C

Summer (June, July, August) – 15 degrees C

Autumn (September, October, November) – 5-10 degrees C

Winter (December, January, February) – 0-5 degrees C

The best way to pack for this variation of temperatures is by packing plenty of light clothing that can be worn as layers. This will allow you to layer up or strip off as necessary.

If you are touring the highlands of Scotland and plan on sticking to this One Week Scotland Travel Itinerary, then the only real way to navigate these remote regions is in a private vehicle. The best part is that you can rent a car very easily, as all you need to do is check out the best rental car suitable for you on Discover Cars , or RentalCars.com . There are transport links connecting most of Scotland, however, these will not be adequate for reaching remote locations and will take much longer than by private vehicle.

Renting a Car 

The first and cheapest method of transport we recommend is to rent a car for the duration of your trip. Cars can be rented from a number of different UK based car rental companies, such as Hertz or Europcar. A car rental will cost you roughly £10-30 per day , depending on the cover and vehicle you choose. 

If you wish to be a little more adventurous and save money on accommodation then a motorhome might be the best choice for you. Motorhomes are hugely popular when exploring the highlands and there are therefore plenty of companies to choose from. 

We have personally used the motorhome rental company Bunk Campers and can recommend them as friendly, cheap and reliable. A campervan will cost you from £45 a day and will vary depending on your choice of van and the season in which you book it.

If you are visiting Scotland and only have limited time to explore its amazing history and scenery then this 7 Day Scotland Travel Itinerary is perfect for you. There is so much more to see and do in Scotland and you could spend months exploring the bonnie lands, yet still have room for more. 

There is no doubt that once you set foot in the highlands of Scotland and feel the fresh breeze, you are going to fall in love with the beauty of Scotland. It will only be a matter of time before you are back again for more, and when you do, you will be welcomed back with open arms. 

We hope you found this 7 Day Scotland Travel Itinerary , to be of help to you, as a reliable Travel Resource for planning your Trip to Scotland . Don’t forget to Pin these images, and save this One Week Scotland Travel Itinerary, for future travel planning.

If you enjoyed reading this 7 Day Scotland Itinerary and Travel Guide , you might want to check out some other 7 Day Travel Guides and Itineraries , as well.

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Gemma and Campbell are two Scots on the run from a 9-5 lifestyle.   After years of planning, they finally quit their jobs and set out to find their place in this beautiful world.

Currently in Australia, they are living in a camper van and touring the epic Australian coastlines , which shows just how much they love adventure travel. They love promoting this kind of travel to their fellow wanderlusters on their blog.

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The Northern Lights viewed from Oban

© VisitScotland / Oban and Lorn Tourism Alliance / Sheila McIntyre

The Ultimate Scotland Itinerary

Venture across Scotland, exploring some of the most popular attractions and locations in this 14 day Ultimate Scotland Itinerary.

From the well-known scenic landscapes, famed attractions, iconic monuments, and breathtaking locations that have made cameo appearances in TV and Films - Scotland is a must-visit destination. Come and uncover the best of Scotland, which will leave you in awe and itching to come back to explore everything else on the map.

• Distance 548 Miles 877 km
• Transport Bus
• Main theme Sightseeing

Day 1 Edinburgh

Where better to start off your journey than in the Scottish capital?  Edinburgh  is one of Scotland's much loved cities and is home to world-renowned summer festivals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as bags of  history  to uncover.

Explore historic monuments, lovely green spaces, top-class dining experiences, fantastic shopping locations and much more in all the nooks and crannies across the city.

Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh - City Centre

Edinburgh Castle in the sunshine

Time your visit just right so you're there to witness the firing of the famous One o'Clock Gun. 

Just walking up the esplanade on approach, you know you're about to step into one of Scotland's most special historic buildings. Take in the views across the city and learn about the dramatic events which have played out between these ancient walls as you explore great halls, royal chambers, monuments and dungeons. To avoid disappointment, make sure to book your tickets far in advance for guaranteed entry.

• On Public Transport Route
• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
• Level Access
• Cafe or Restaurant

Arthur's Seat Edinburgh - City Centre

Salisbury Crags by Arthur's Seat

Why not take a picnic to enjoy whilst you soak up the views of the city from the top of Arthur's Seat?

Probably not many city getaways involve climbing an extinct volcano, but we think the more adventurous of you are going to love it, especially on a clear day! Head to Holyrood Park, located near the bottom of the Royal Mile, and take in the best views of the city from the top of Arthur's Seat. You'll get incredible panoramas over Edinburgh and beyond, across the Firth of Forth to the majestic Kingdom of Fife.

Calton Hill Edinburgh

Scottish National Monument.

© Kenny Lam, VisitScotland. All rights reserved.

The short walk up Calton Hill is a great place to begin and get your bearings. The whole city can be admired in all directions from the top of this hill, including key landmarks - Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Castle and the Three Bridges. There are views across the Firth of Forth in one direction and the Pentland Hills in the other. The good news is, it's a really quick wander, so you can have the rest of the day to explore the city.

Day 2 Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway

Journey southwards from Edinburgh to the glorious  Scottish Borders  and picturesque  Dumfries & Galloway . From the rolling hills and moorlands that inspired Sir Walter Scott, to the friendly towns and glorious green countryside of Dumfries & Galloway - there are miles upon miles of  landscapes  in  southern Scotland  to explore.

Melrose Abbey Melrose

Melrose Abbey

We're very lucky to share with you wonderful stories of Scotland's historic past, and Melrose Abbey is no exception. Originally founded by David I in 1136 for the Cistercian Order, the abbey is believed to be the final resting place of Robert the Bruce's heart. Although largely destroyed by Richard II's English army in 1385, you can take an audio tour around the site and see its striking architectural details up close. A few significant features to spot include hobgoblins, cooks with ladles and even a bagpipe playing pig. The question is, can you find them all?

Why visit one Borders abbey when you can visit another three, you're on holiday after all! Discover the magnificent ruined abbeys of Dryburgh, Jedburgh and Kelso along  The Borders Abbeys Way . This 103 km walk takes you on a colourful journey through history dating back to the 12th century. Admire the picturesque scenery as you stop off to explore the pretty towns and villages or if you're looking to catch a bite, head to the River Tweed and River Teviot for a bit of morning fishing.

Caerlaverock Castle Glencaple

Caerlaverock Castle

Surrounded by its own moat and built in an unusual triangular shape, kids and adults alike will have a blast exploring the ruins of Caerlaverock Castle. There are multiple levels within the castle to explore as well as a short nature walk through the woods to the site of the old castle.

Day 3 Glasgow

The day starts bright and early as you travel north west to the cultural hub of  Glasgow . Here you can explore a whole host of attractions and gems that capture the true personality of the city.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum Glasgow West End

Exterior of the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Glasgow's trendy West End is home to Kelvingrove, a free museum packed with over 8,000 intriguing objects and artefacts. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of art, from the Dutch Old Masters and the French Impressionists, to perhaps its most famous piece, Christ of St John of the Cross by Salvador Dali.

• Hearing Loop
• Accessible toilets

Riverside Museum and Tall Ship Glasgow City Centre

Riverside Museum

The Riverside Museum is a visual feast - the building itself is one of the most striking modern buildings in Scotland. Inside, the museum houses all kinds of exhibits related to transport. Vehicles, bikes, and locomotives dating from different periods can be found. In addition, you can also explore the Clyde-built Tall Ship, which is berthed alongside the museum.

Day 4 Falkirk

Up next is  Falkirk . Head north east from Glasgow to experience outstanding attractions, modern wonders, and historical treasures, as well as great shopping centres, award-winning boutiques,  restaurants  and more. Nearby, don't miss The Kelpies , the largest pair of equine sculptures in the world.

The Falkirk Wheel Falkirk

The Falkirk Wheel

The Forth & Clyde and Union canals are linked together by The Falkirk Wheel, an impressive piece of engineering, which opened in 2002. Learn about and ride a canal boat on the world’s only rotating boat lift and enjoy activities by the canal, such as cycling, walking, canoeing, segway rides and playing in the water park. You can hire canoes, bikes and electric boats, so there’s no excuse for not taking to the water! Here you’ll also find a walk to see the remains of the Antonine Wall, which was created from earthen mounds in Roman times.

• Pets Welcome

Stirling Castle Stirling

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's most historically important sites and was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations at the castle. Meticulously restored, today you can meet costumed characters in the roles of bodyguards, court officials, maids of honour and servants who will bring the world of Scotland's 16th century court to life.

Day 5 Stirling

Stay in the area a while longer and explore the gems of  Stirling . It's a wee city with a big history, fascinating attractions and spectacular scenery to enjoy. Don't forget to explore the many places to shop, eat and drink as well as experience lively events throughout the year.

National Wallace Monument Stirling

The National Wallace Monument

An outstanding landmark and one of Stirling’s most striking visits - commemorating the life of Sir William Wallace.

Bannockburn Stirling

Robert the Bruce Statue at the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre

The Battle of Bannockburn changed Scotland's history forever in 1314. Scotland's great warrior king, Robert the Bruce, led Scotland to victory against King Edward II and the English army. The visitor experience puts you at the heart of the action with cutting-edge 3D technology.

Day 6 Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

This extraordinary national park is home to wild scenery, thrilling history and superb local  food and drink .  Loch Lomond  is one of our most beautiful and iconic locations that has inspired love songs, as well as tales and stories throughout the years. At the heart of the park you can find Loch Lomond itself.

Did you know, the park is home to 21 Munros, 19 Corbetts and 22 large lochs?

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Loch Katrine

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is a hiker's paradise, with stunning vistas in every direction. Lace up your boots and explore the  Luss Heritage Trail , a lovely short walk around a quaint loch-side village. Or, why not spend another day here and challenge yourself to something a little more strenuous? The most southerly Munro  Ben Lomond ,  Ben A'an , and  The Cobbler  are all rewarding climbs nearby.

Inveraray Castle Inveraray

A view of the Castle from the South-West.

Feel like you're in a fairytale and visit one of Scotland's most romantic castles. Visitors will be able to view historic pieces of armoury, a fine collection of china, silver, tapestries and much more. If you fancy staying longer, the expansive estate offers first-class holiday accommodation to help you get a good night's rest.

Day 7 Fort William

Start your day bright and early with a scenic journey northwards to  Fort William . Here you can conquer  Munros , taste some of the finest Scotch  whisky , enjoy loch-side wanders, take a trip aboard the steam train that took Harry Potter to Hogwarts and much more.

Ben Nevis Fort William

The River Lochy with Ben Nevis

You’ve arrived at Fort William, part of the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’, so it’s time to get active! Keen hillwalkers will relish the challenge of scaling Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland, which stands at 4,406 ft (1,343 m). Make sure to visit  Walk Highlands  for detailed maps, difficulty levels and walking advice before you climb.

Day 8 Glenfinnan

From Fort William, make your way along to  Glenfinnan  at the head of Loch Shiel to see stunning scenery and experience the magical atmosphere for yourself. Here you can see the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct up close, which also transports the famous  Jacobite Steam Train  from Fort William to Mallaig. Glenfinnan has also been the scenic backdrop for many scenes in the famous  Harry Potter  films and you can even hop aboard the real Hogwarts Express that was used in the films for an atmospheric journey across the viaduct.

Glenfinnan Monument Glenfinnan

Glenfinnan Monument & Visitor Centre

While you’re here, make sure to snap some pictures of the nearby Glenfinnan Viaduct – it’s a famous filming location from the  Harry Potter  movies.

Stretch your legs and breathe in fresh Highland air as you visit the Glenfinnan Monument on the banks of Loch Shiel. Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Jacobite flag here in August 1745 (beginning the final Jacobite Rising), after arriving on the mainland from the  Outer Hebrides .

Climb the monument for views out across Loch Shiel and pop into the visitor centre to learn more about the 1745 Rising.

Day 9 Loch Ness

Shrouded in mystery, myths and legends,  Loch Ness  is home to the famed creature that is the Loch Ness Monster. The loch is the UK's largest body of water and is around 700 ft. deep, so finding Nessie herself may take a while. Loch Ness is the perfect place for quiet, scenic walks, afternoon picnics and taking in the natural beauty around you.

Urquhart Castle Loch Ness

Urquhart Castle viewed from Loch Ness

St Columba is said to have worked miracles here in the sixth century.

The magnificent Urquhart Castle is located on the banks of the famous Loch Ness. Stand and soak in a thousand years of history - it has witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters in Scotland's past where clan rivalries saw bloody raids carried out in the 15th and 16th centuries. You might even witness a historic event yourself, should you spot the elusive Nessie, Loch Ness's most famous resident.

The Loch Ness Centre Drumnadrochit

View of Loch Ness from Urquhart Castle

In Drumnadrochit, find out more about the legends of Nessie, all the sightings - real or not - and find out where the stories and tales stemmed from all those years ago, at the Loch Ness Centre.

Stay in one of the local cottages, B&Bs or hostels and complete your stay by enjoying some delicious local food, and even try a dram or pint of some traditional Scottish drinks.

Day 10 Sutherland

It's an early start as you set off to Sutherland, near Lairg, for spectacular, sweeping landscapes, fantastic attractions, stunning  gardens , scenic views, and traditional Scottish  wildlife  in every corner. 

Dunrobin Castle Golspie

Dunrobin Castle

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, and was home to the Earls and, later, the Dukes of Sutherland. 

The magnificent Dunrobin Castle is the largest house in the Highlands. Crowned with a myriad of fairytale towers and turrets, Dunrobin is unique for resembling a vast French château rather than the baronial stronghold typical of the Highlands. It has a whopping 189 rooms, making it one of the biggest homes in the country.

Its lavishly furnished interior, sprawling formal gardens, and grounds which stretch as far as the sea, are nothing short of breathtaking. It's even said to have a ghost...

Aviemore Aviemore

Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel

© Hostelling Scotland

Spend time in the picturesque town of Aviemore set in the north west corner of the park. Surrounded by spellbinding scenery, it makes an excellent base for exploring the park and offers easy access to an incredible range of outdoor activities. Nearby is the  Highland Wildlife Park  where you can get tantalisingly close to Scotland’s rarest indigenous species including the Scottish wildcat and elusive capercaillie. 

Day 11 Cairngorms National Park

The  Cairngorms National Park  is a haven for wildlife, dense woodland, picturesque lochs and miles upon miles of forest trails to explore. Twice the size of the Lake District, this national park has more mountains, forest paths, rivers, lochs, wildlife hotspots, friendly villages, and distilleries than you can possibly imagine.

Did you know that the Cairngorms is where the majority of Scotland's wildcats call home? So make sure you keep your eyes peeled!

Day 12 Aberdeen

Aberdeen  is shrouded in fascinating history, boasts streets lined with astounding architecture, all while featuring a picturesque coastline and harbour. Explore rolling hills, open farmland and towering mountains in the splendour of  Aberdeenshire .

Balmoral Castle Ballater

Balmoral Castle

You'll recognise this iconic castle which featured in the Oscar-winning film  The Queen , a 2006 portrayal of HM The Queen, Elizabeth II.

Royal Deeside is home to the famous Balmoral Castle, a firm favourite with the Royal Family. The estate has been in the family since 1848, after it was purchased by Queen Victoria. Enjoy a stroll around castle gardens, visit the ballroom and special exhibitions or relax with a drink in the coffee and gift shop.

Day 13 Perth

Head south to the wonderful city of  Perth . Here you can explore fabulous city gems, glorious parks and green spaces, historically-significant attractions and much more, all with bustling markets and quirky shops to browse too.

Scone Palace Perth

Scone Palace, Scottish Visitor Attraction, Historic House, Palace, Castle

© Scone Palace

Scone Palace was the crowning place of Scottish kings where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II were once crowned.

Scone breathes history like nowhere else in Scotland. It is the family home of the Earls of Mansfield and the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings on the stone of Scone. See where the Stone of Scone, known as the Stone of Destiny, once stood at Moot Hill. It now resides at the new Perth Museum .

Day 14 Dundee & Fife

The east of Scotland is a gem in itself, featuring picturesque coastline trails, world-renowned city hotspots, scenic hills and glens to explore and much more. Get ready to uncover the unique city of  Dundee  and the glorious region of  Fife  in the final stop of your tour.

RRS Discovery Dundee City

Purple sunset over Discovery Point and RRS Discovery in Dundee. Reflection of RRS Discovery on the water.

Hop on board the ship which has travelled to the ends of the earth and back! Captain Scott and his hardy crew reached the then undiscovered polar region of Antarctica in the early 1900s in one of the most significant expeditions to have ever been undertaken. Wander through the ship, see objects that belonged to Scott and his men, and discover their brave tales of seafaring and difficulties in the Antarctic. At this family attraction, there's plenty of engaging things to see and do that kids will really enjoy.

St Andrews Cathedral St Andrews

St Andrews Cathedral

A ‘must-see’ for any visitor, explore the remains of St Andrews Cathedral, which was once the largest church in Scotland. The cathedral’s museum houses an outstanding collection of medieval sculptures and relics which were found on the site. Make sure to climb St Rule’s Tower, which dates from the 12th century, to see amazing views across St Andrews and Fife.

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How to Plan the Perfect Scotland Vacation

From fairy-tale castles to charming small towns, the Scottish countryside is every bit as spectacular as you've heard.

Best Times to Go to Scotland

Best things to do in scotland.

• Getting to the Scottish Highlands

Where to Stay in Scotland

With its stately castles , glass-like lochs, and voluptuous glens, Scotland has always been a showstopper. The country's magic extends from its quaint small towns to the snow-capped peaks of its romantic, rugged Highlands to its dynamic modern cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. It's home to some of the best national parks in the U.K. and more than 900 offshore islands with extraordinary wildlife like regal red stags, majestic golden eagles, humpback whales, and massive salmon (not to mention the fabled inhabitant of Loch Ness, too).

The raw, poetic beauty of this ancient land — formerly known as Caledonia — is difficult to overstate. If you're hoping to head to the U.K.'s ravishing northern nation, read on for our guide to planning the perfect Scotland vacation.

The bad news is that, like the rest of the U.K., Scotland's weather is far from reliable, even at the height of summer. But as long as you're prepared to accept that and pack a raincoat for the odd shower or two, then you'll be fine from May to September. The smart money is on visiting in June and the first two weeks of July, when Scotland basks in seemingly endless summer evenings (the sun doesn't set until 11 p.m. in some parts of the Highlands) and the British school holidays have not yet begun, so prices remain low.

For winter travelers, Scotland has the U.K.'s best ski resort at Cairngorm Mountain , while the capital, Edinburgh, hosts one of the world's biggest New Year's Eve parties, Hogmanay .

If you like the great outdoors, you'll love Scotland. It's an ideal place for hiking, biking, and generally embracing the wildly beautiful landscape. You can summit magnificent Ben Nevis in a day (the tallest mountain in the U.K., at 4,413 feet), take a ferry out to explore the Hebrides archipelago and its stunning white-sand beaches, tour scores of castles, including the Queen's favorite holiday home, Balmoral (open to the public every April through July), and dive into a quirky food scene encompassing dishes like haggis (an offal and oatmeal combo, which tastes significantly better than it sounds), deep-fried mars bars, and juicy scallops, langoustines, and mussels.

Scotland is also a mecca for both golfers ( St. Andrews Old Course is the headline act) and whisky lovers , with some of the world's best distilleries available to tour, including Johnnie Walker on Edinburgh's lively Princes Street, Glenlivet near pretty Ballindalloch, and the legendary Macallan on a sprawling country estate in nearby Aberlour.

8 Best Small Towns in Scotland — From Bucolic Islands to the Rugged Highlands

If you enjoy driving, you'll find some of the U.K.'s emptiest, most dramatic roads here, too, (as driven by James Bond in "Skyfall"), including the latest official addition, the North Coast 500 , an action-packed 500-mile route (516 to be exact) featuring mind-boggling coastal scenery, jaw-dropping beaches, rolling hillside, quaint fishing villages, and multiple hidden gems.

And if you prefer your challenges on foot, check out the magnificent West Highland Way , the country's best-loved long-distance walking route. Snaking its way from Milngavie to Fort William, it covers some of Scotland's finest scenery over 96 miles and is normally completed from south to north.

Meanwhile, history buffs will also be agog on any visit to Scotland, thanks to its 3,000-plus castles ( Castle Sween in Argyll is the oldest, dating back to the 1100s), as well as plenty to check out in the winding wynds (narrow lanes) and twisted staircases of Edinburgh's enchanting Old Town. ( Edinburgh Castle , towering over the city, is arguably the grandest in the country, too.)

If you can, make time to visit Perth, the former Scottish capital where kings were crowned on the Stone of Destiny and infamous Glen Coe, a beautiful valley full of waterfalls and deer, also known for the brutal clan massacre of 1692 (which inspired the Red Wedding in George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones ).

Where are the Scottish Highlands — and what is the best way to get there?

Jess Macdonald/Travel + Leisure

The clue is in its name: the Highlands are the mountainous upper half of Scotland, covering 10,000 square miles of picturesque scenery. The region's lively capital is Inverness , which sits centrally and is a superb base from which to explore, while other highlights include mysterious, misty Loch Ness, majestic Cairngorms National Park , and idyllic Isle of Skye , which has been connected to the mainland via a road bridge since 1995.

The easiest way to reach the Highlands is to fly into Inverness Airport from London or elsewhere in the U.K., or rent a car and drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh. However, the way to arrive in style is on the Caledonian Sleeper train from London Euston, a chugging time machine where you can fall asleep to the sounds of black cabs and bustle of the British capital and wake up among the red deer and magical glens of the Highlands. Regularly nominated as one of the world's best train journeys , the scenery gets truly spectacular after Fort William, as the route skirts a dramatic chain of lochs before descending into lush glens and crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter films. For the ultimate Hogwarts experience, steam locomotives work this route during the summer months, so check in advance for these special departures.

The major cities have an abundance of hotels for every budget, headlined by Glasgow's Kimpton Blythswood Square , a boutique property in the former headquarters of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, and The Dunstane Houses in Edinburgh, a pair of beautifully renovated 19th-century townhouses.

Scotland arguably does traditional country house hotels and rustic lodges better than anywhere else in the world, with Fife Arms in Braemar and Gleneagles in Perthshire being particular treats (the latter, nicknamed the "Glorious Playground" boasts three championship golf courses, its own dedicated train station, and the only restaurant in the country with two Michelin stars).

Scotland is, of course, peppered with castles, and many have been converted into hotels and B&Bs in recent years, with some of the better fortified accommodation options including Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire, Inverlochy Castle in Fort William, Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry, and Stonefield Castle Hotel on Loch Fyne.

Wherever you stay, you'll get a warm welcome — not to mention a hot bowl of Scottish porridge or a plate of bacon, eggs, and haggis to start the day in a spectacularly scenic country.

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Ready to travel around Scotland?

Whether you’re simply looking for inspiration on where to travel to or you’ve already started planning your trip, these Scotland travel blogs will help you kickstart your Scottish adventure.

If you’re wondering why it’s a great place to travel, here are 32 reasons to visit Scotland .

If you can’t decide when to visit, take a look at our guide to the best time to visit Scotland . It gives you suggestions based on the different seasons, weather and special events across the country.

Scotland is an amazing destination when it comes to accommodation. From airships and treehouses to stunning castles, you’ll love these unusual places to stay in Scotland .

Love a tipple? Check out the best gin distilleries in Scotland . Keen to get out and explore? How about planning a trip to the Ben Nevis .

Or if you just fancy a bit of fun, take our Scotland quiz and see how much you know about the country.

We hope you have a great time exploring Scotland.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phew! That got them gingers off my tail.

Essential Scotland Road Trip Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Use caution with Google Maps

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

Day 1 – Edinburgh

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

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

Soak up Scottish history at Edinburgh Castle

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

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

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

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

Visit length: 1.5 - 2 hours.

Marvel at the beauty of St Giles’ Cathedral

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

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

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

Visit length: 30 minutes

Introduce yourself to Scotch whisky at Whiski Rooms

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

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

Hours: 10am to 1am, daily

Visit length: 1 hour

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

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

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

Hours: 9:30am – 6pm (summer hours)

Visit length: 1.5 hours

Watch the sunset from Arthur’s Seat

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

Visit length: 2 - 2.5 hours

Have a picnic at Calton Hill

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

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

Day 2 – Edinburgh to Inverness

Driving time: 3.5 hours

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

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

See the UNESCO heritage listed Forth Bridge at Queensferry

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

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

Grab lunch by the river in Dunkeld

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

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

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

Visit length: 2 hours

See your first Scottish waterfall at the Falls of Bruar

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

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

Check into your B&B in Inverness

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

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

Day 3 – Loch Ness

Driving time: 2 hours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit length: 80 minutes

Explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle

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

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

Cruise along Loch Ness from Fort Augustus

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

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

Visit length: 3 hours

Wander alongside the Falls of Foyers

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

Return to Inverness for dinner and drinks

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

Day 4 – Inverness to Ullapool 

Driving time: 3 hours

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

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

Walk along the pebbly Ardmair Beach

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

Admire the soaring Stac Pollaidh

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

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

Have lunch at the only restaurant in Achiltibuie

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

Stretch your legs at Achmelvich Beach

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

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

Walk out to the ruins of Advreck Castle

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

Check into your B&B in Ullapool

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

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

Day 5 – Ullapool to Isle of Skye

Driving time: 5 hours, 45 minutes

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

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

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

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

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

Visit length:1 hour

Wander through church ruins before lunch in Torridon

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

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

Try to spot highland coos on the road to Applecross

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

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

Check into your B&B on the Isle of Skye

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

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

Day 6 – Isle of Skye

Driving time: 2.5 hours

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

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

Drive along Loch Fada to the Old Man of Storr

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

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

Look out over Brothers Point

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

Quickly admire Kilt Rock

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

Lunch in Staffin

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

Walk among dinosaur footprints at An Corran Beach 

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

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

Marvel at the Quiraing

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

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

Stop for a coffee break

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

Saunter among the ruins of Duntlum Castle

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

Wander through the Fairy Glen

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

Dinner in Portree

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

Day 7 – Isle of Skye

Driving time: 2 hours 45 minutes

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

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

See the ruins of Trumpan Church involved in clan disputes

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

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

Visit a seal colony from Dunvegan Castle

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

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

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

Visit length: 90 minutes

Lunch at The Dunvegan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 8 – Isle of Skye to Kyle of Lochalsh

Driving Time: 2.5 hours

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

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

Walk alongside cascading waterfalls at the Fairy Pools

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

See more waterfalls at Silgachan

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

Visit length: 30 minutes  

Lunch at the Silgachan Hotel

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

Tour the Talisker Whisky Distillery

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

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

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

Find cute highland coos

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

Visit length: 15 minutes

Visit one last waterfall before leaving the Isle of Skye

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

Check into your last B&B

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

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

Day 9 – Kyle of Lochalsh to Edinburgh

Driving time: 6 hours 15 minutes

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

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

Explore Eilean Donan Castle

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

Lunch in Fort William

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

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

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

Stop at the Glencoe Visitors Centre

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

Visit the roaring Falls of Falloch

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

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

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

Drive to Edinburgh

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

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

The Bottom Line

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

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

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

Oh wait, nah, I’ve already done that.

True story.

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Reader Comments...

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

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My Love Affair with Scotland

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The question I get more often than any other is, “So what’s your favorite place?”

Truth? I understand why people ask me this question, but I hate this question. Most other travel bloggers hate it, too. It’s not just that we get asked it constantly, it’s that it’s impossible to boil down years of travel and hundreds of destinations into just one place and to cap it at one is a disservice to your travels and life.

But if you tell people that, they get disappointed. They just want to hear a place.

So I’ve come up with a scripted answer that is both truthful and satisfying for the listener: “Well, my favorite countries are Croatia, Italy, South Africa, Japan, and Thailand. And one place that is very special to me is the island of Koh Lanta in Thailand.”

But that answer is incomplete. It leaves out how much I love the food of Emilia-Romagna, Italy. It overlooks the joy of summer in Finland, the quiet paradise of Little Corn Island in Nicaragua, the outstanding natural beauty of Montenegro, the feeling when you watch a sunset from Boracay in the Philippines. It even omits mentions of my favorite city in the world for 16 years running: Paris.

Worst of all, it overlooks Scotland.

Oh, I love Scotland. I love it FIERCELY. It is a destination that brings me endless joy, no matter where I’m going. And I really need to talk about it more for that reason.

I love the cities. Edinburgh looks like a fairy tale and it’s one of my favorite cities on the planet, and Glasgow is a lot of fun, too.

I love the natural beauty. The mountains, the lakes, even the beaches.

I love the people. Scots are so warm and friendly and welcoming. And the accents are out of this world!

I love the castles. They’re everywhere and they vary so much! My favorite ruined castle to photograph is Dunnottar Castle on the East Coast, not too far north from St. Andrews.

I love the food. Haggis is great. Fried Mars bars are…an indulgence. But go to a nice pub that uses local ingredients and you’ll delight in a real Scottish meal. The single best thing I ate in Scotland was an Arbroath smokie (smoked fish) that came right off the smoker. I ate it like an ice cream cone.

There’s only one thing that I don’t love — the whisky. Sorry, guys. I’ve tried whisky (as the Scots spell it) dozens of times, sometimes at outstanding distilleries in the Scottish countryside. And it always tastes like feet to me. I’m a gin girl , I’m afraid.

(My friend Peter even brought a bottle of whisky to Leipzig last week for the Video Summit and had me take a sip. Nope, still tasted like feet.)

The First Trip: An Introduction to Edinburgh

I first set foot in Scotland in September 2011 — a weekend in Edinburgh to visit my friends Kash and Anthony  and check out  Haggis Hostels , which had just opened back then (and is still going strong — congrats, guys!).

Turns out this was somewhat of an atypical visit. Temperatures were around 30 degrees celsius — 86 fahrenheit — an almost unheard of heat wave. Everyone was lying out in the sunshine! It was crazy — on Anthony’s advice I had packed warm clothing, including tall leather boots, and I went to H&M and Zara to buy sunglasses, only to find out that they sold none!

But I fell for Edinburgh SO hard. The beauty, the friendliness, the walkability, the castle perched on a hill. This was my place.

There were a few late nights at clubs. There were haggis quesadillas (at a place that has sadly closed since). There was a crazy dancing man on the Royal Mile. But above all, this visit lit the spark for everything that came after. I look back at this weekend as a truly happy time in my life.

Quintessential Scotland Experience: Trying haggis for the first time and realizing that it’s delicious as long as you don’t think about what you’re eating!

The Second Trip: Shetland, Up Helly Aa, and the East Coast

The second trip to Scotland was one of the greatest things I have ever done: Up Helly Aa. This Viking fire festival takes place in the remote Shetland Islands, adrift between Scotland and Norway.

I did the Haggis Adventures Up Helly Aa tour  — it was so good, three of my readers booked the same tour the following year! (Worth noting: the tour they run today includes an extra day in Shetland. Excellent!)

After traveling up the coast, we took an overnight ferry to the islands and explored the ruins and the landscape. Shetland is phenomenally beautiful and even has a double beach!

The next day, the Up Helly Aa celebrations began with a parade and Vikings yelling, “Yarrr!” before breaking into the Broadway standard “Enjoy Yourself, It’s Later Than You Think.” We posed for photos with the Vikings and I was even filmed for BBC Scotland!

That night began the burning. Men and boys dressed up in fancy Viking costumes were paraded down the street in a beautifully lacquered Viking boat made for the occasion. Following them were lines and lines of Shetland dressed in various costumes — drag! Marvel villains! Chicken suits! — and holding flaming torches.

The boat was pushed to a field, the Vikings got out…and then EVERYONE THREW THEIR TORCHES INTO THE BOAT AND LIT IT ON FIRE. That beautiful boat had served its purpose.

Next, everyone moved to parties and danced all night long to traditional Shetland music in between performances from the various squads of Shetlanders. They had costumed routines to “Moves Like Jagger” and “Party Rock Anthem.” (I still think of Shetland whenever I hear those songs.)

Our guides taught us all the dances and soon we were whirling around with the kilted locals. And the best part of Up Helly Aa? It goes ALL NIGHT LONG. Seriously. We danced until 8:06 AM and just skipped sleeping that night, falling into bed at around 9:00 PM on the ferry home.

It’s been more than four years and I still consider Up Helly Aa one of the best things I have ever done on my travels. You can read all my posts about it here. Bonus: I’ve stayed close with many of my Up Helly Aa friends and we’ve had reunions in London, New York, Sydney, and even Hvar, Croatia!

Quintessential Scotland Experience: Dancing to traditional music until delirious at 8:06 AM. I will never forget it.

The Third Trip: A Luxurious Return to Edinburgh

I was delighted to return to Edinburgh at the invitation of the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa to check out their new offerings. While this isn’t the kind of trip that I’d do today, at the time I had a wonderful overnight with several of my blogger friends.

And finally I got to experience typical Scottish weather — lots of gray rain!

Quintessential Scotland Experience: Swimming in the outdoor spa at the Sheraton as fierce rain pelted down.

The Fourth Trip: Yet Another Edinburgh Trip

Can you tell how in love with Edinburgh I am yet? With another opportunity to return for a blogger meet up, another opportunity to hang out in Edinburgh with my friends, of course I took it!

This time I got to overturn a new stone: exploring the Water of Leith, a path winding through quiet parts of Edinburgh. Kash and I explored it through the rain, getting soaked before the sun came back out once again — it’s the Scottish way!

Also memorable from this trip is the meetup. It was mayhem, in a nutshell, and I still laugh over the resulting pictures.

Quintessential Scotland Experience: Taking a long, rainy walk along the Water of Leith and warming up with a cup of tea at a cafe afterward.

The Fifth Trip: Glasgow 

Because I can’t keep going back to Edinburgh every time, on my next trip I went to spend a few days in Scotland’s largest city: Glasgow.

One of my favorite ways to travel is to go to a new city for a few days and pretend I live there. I do my thing: I take long walks, I go to cafes, I people-watch. Whether it’s Helsinki or Bogotá, I like to carve a Kate-sized shape in the city. And I think that was the best way to explore Glasgow.

Glasgow may not have the overwhelming beauty of Edinburgh, but you know what it has? Beauty all its own. Lots of culture. Cool small shops and businesses. Incredibly friendly people. And it has several friends of mine, including Emma , who is an authority on all things Scotland travel.

Quintessential Scotland Experience: finally getting to love Irn Bru, the bubblegum-esque bright orange soft drink, and trying my first-ever deep fried Mars bar.

The Sixth Trip: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the Highlands

Scotland is world-famous for its New Year’s celebrations: Hogmanay! I was invited to cover the festival for New Year’s Eve 2012, and I was happy to take part in the traditions.

My favorite part was the torchlight procession the night before New Year’s, joining Scots and visitors from all over in marching up the hill, flaming torches in hand. (Yet another moment in Scotland where I thought, “This could never happen in America.”)

New Year’s itself was a giant party with a concert and much revelry. Personally, I preferred the calm torchlight procession to the party night itself — it gets WILD! Also, I saw a girl walking home in bare feet. In Scotland. IN WINTER.

After the trip, our group went on a Haggis Adventures tour of the Highlands , and this is where I felt a connection to Scotland like never before. My Scottish roots on my mother’s side come from Inverness and the Isle of Skye.

What really affected me was hearing about all the tragedies of the Highlands and how difficult life was here. So many wars, deaths, betrayals, massacres. Thinking of my long-lost relatives and how they could have been victims was deeply moving.

The Isle of Skye was the true highlight of the Highlands for me, and I’d love to go back and explore it more.

Quintessential Scotland Experience: Learning that there’s no colder winter than a Scottish winter. It’s the dampness that gets you. Even after a scaldingly hot shower, the chill remained within me.

The Seventh Trip: Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival with Mom

Traveling with my mom, we went to Edinburgh as part of our genealogy trip . The timing was perfect: August was the time of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival!

This festival features nonstop performances, both paid and free, in the street and in theaters. The Royal Mile in particular is chock full of these performances. I ended up seeing several terrific shows and one truly bad show, roughly half of them paid and half of them free.

The most memorable show, Sing For Your Life! , was a puppet show musical using taxidermied animals for puppets. It was weird and wonderful and hilarious.

During this trip, we stayed with my mom’s friend Sandra, and the two of them often went off while I did my own thing, including hosting my first Edinburgh meetup. I love having alone time in Edinburgh — it gives me time to revisit my favorite places, like The World’s End for a bowl of cullin skink (smokey fish chowder) and a dark beer.

Quintessential Scotland Experience: Waiting in line for a taxi next to a thickly brogued, kilt-wearing Edinburgh tour guide as he told me about guiding: “The German tourists, they look angry. They look like a constipated Woody Harrelson. As the tour continues, you think they’re not enjoying it. Then at the end, they come up, shake your hand and say, “That tour was the greatest experience of my life. I will name my grandchildren after you.”

The Eighth Trip: Inverness and Loch Ness

Finally, last month I returned to Scotland for the Social Travel Summit and hit up a new destination: Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands.

Unfortunately, between a late arrival, being busy with the conference, and being worried over lost luggage, I didn’t get to enjoy the region as much as I could have — but I still had a great time. And just like my first trip, we had some very un-Scotland-like weather: clear blue skies!

I did get to experience a lovely cruise on Loch Ness past Urqhardt Castle, a dressed up soirée at nearby Achnagairn Castle , and the local Inverness nightlife: and by that, I mean some crazy nights at Hootenanny , capped off by some locals asking me to dance.

Quintessential Scotland Experience: Becoming fast friends with the taxi driver who took me to the airport to pick up my luggage. And then I find out he has the same last name as my relatives from Inverness! We posed for a selfie that I sent my mom. (Her response: “He doesn’t look like a [name] but he looks very nice.” LOL!)

Image: iknow-uk

What’s Next? My Scotland Travel Goals

I know a lot of Scotland travel experts will look at this list and say, “Psssh, you didn’t even go to the best spots!” Oh, believe me, I know that! There’s so much more to see.

The following destinations are particularly high on my list:

St. Kilda. This remote archipelago on the far northwest of the Outer Hebrides has some of the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland.

Lewis and Harris. People say that the further north you go in Scotland, the more beautiful it gets. These islands in the Outer Hebrides are home to long, white-sand beaches with crystal-clear water. That picture above is Harris! How crazy is that?!

Loch Lomond. This lake is great for adventure activities and one of the most popular destinations in the country, yet I’ve always missed it.

Orkney. Whenever I mention that I’ve been to Shetland but not Orkney, Scotland lovers lose their minds. Ornkey is home to some incredible archaeological wonders.

Shetland Folk Festival.  I’ve got Shetland fever! If the traditional music I heard at Up Helly Aa was any indication, this festival will be a rollicking good time.

Choose Scotland

I feel like Scotland is one of the best all-around destinations in the world. Here’s what makes it great:

It’s perfect for solo female travelers. Scotland is one of my top choices for solo female travelers because of the ease of travel, the variety of things to do, the friendly people, the relative safety, the pub culture (great for dining alone), and the lack of language barrier for English speakers, on top of being an overall wonderful destination.

There’s enough variety to customize your trip.  Do you want to be in the throes of a festival or have an isolated getaway? Do you want to have an active hiking, biking, and canoeing trip or would you rather visit historical sites? Do you want to drive or take the train? Go solo or with a group? Do you want a foodie adventure or do you have a limited palate? There are endless options.

It’s much cheaper now. The fallout of the pound has caused lots of financial damage to my friends and me (as some of my clients pay me in GBP), which is no laughing matter. But this is good news for tourists to the UK, who now get more for their money than ever before.

The only place where Scotland falls short is the weather. One of my Scottish friends likes to say, “Scotland would be the best country in the world if it had better weather.” Nope, you’re not going to lie around in a bikini here, but if you make peace with that, you’re going to have a great time. I guarantee it.

Have you been to Scotland? What do you love about it?

65 thoughts on “my love affair with scotland”.

Scotland is the most beautiful place in the world (biased, I know!)

It’s true that the further North you go, the more beautiful it becomes..if you are lucky enough to see some Sunshine!

I am from Lewis but can definitely vouch for the above picture – If you go to Lewis and Harris – Luskentyre is the beach you want to visit!!!

Lovely to see someone in love with Scotland as much as me. You have so much more to explore. Give me a shout if you want some off beat recommendations next time you are here 🙂

Love this post! I went to Edinburgh earlier this year and really enjoyed it. I thought haggis was great, the Scottish people were so friendly, and the city itself was awesome. It definitely piqued my interest to return again for a Highlands trip.

I’ve actually never been to Scotland, but your photos and posts always make me think that it needs to get higher on my list! I’m totally in love with the nature photos (those beaches!), and Edinburgh sounds like such a fun photo. David LOVES whiskey, so that might be reason enough to go for him 🙂

Wow! So much of Scotland in one post! I simply cannot contain my excitement. Shetland seems incredibly beautiful. Thanks for the information. Happy travels 🙂

I’m hoping to get to Scotland for the first time in the spring. I really want to walk the West Highland Way, get to the Isle of Skye and the far northwest of the mainland. I love that you’ve been to the Shetlands. I’d love to get there too, but something tells me that like you, Kate, I’ll make that first visit but it won’t be my last! Thanks for sharing this. I’m inspired!!

I went to Scotland for the first time in April and it was absolutely magical. I only had three days in Edinburgh but I just remember being deliriously happy the entire time I was there, even though the weather was crap (it somehow managed to be brilliantly sunny and snow at the same time). I really want to go back and explore it properly, especially the Highlands, Shetlands, and Hebrides!

I went to scotland several times for Workaway and Woofing and must admit that I did not have the best time over there (it’s incredible how one or two persons can spoil a whole region….). Your post and the pictures are beautiful though. I will definitely return and look at Scotland with new eyes 🙂

Scotland is one of my favourite places. After my studies in 2010 I decided to travel around the world. Instead I got stuck at my first destinations: Edinburgh. I’ve lived there happy for three years and never regretted it! It’s been more than a year since I’ve been back for a visit and I miss it!

I totally agree with you, I’ve been living in Glasgow for the past year and although it is soooo beautiful the weather can sometimes get to me! However, the people, the environment and the outdoors is well worth it. I can’t believe you don’t like whisky though! ;D

I have never been to Scotland but it somewhere I have dreamed of going for as long as I can remember. Everything looks so beautiful and I LOVE grey rainy weather. I think I would fit right in 🙂

Also, that cat picture! Love it

My husband and I go every almost year since he’s from there and his family still lives near Edinburgh. It’s become a second home to me. Your pictures inspire me want to book a flight (and I just went in June!). Next year we’re planning a birthday trip to the highlands…your description of Shetland, along with the TV show with the same name, makes me want to include it on the itinerary. Thanks for posting!!

My family is from the Loch Lomond area and yet I’ve never been! It’s on my (increasingly long) list of places to visit and this post makes me want to go explore Scotland even more.

Hi Adventurous Kate,

I found your blog on Scotland very interesting. Edinburgh is without a doubt the best city in Scotland. The costal towns & cities can also offer their wonderful seafood etc but for me it has to be the areas of Highland Perthshire & Cairngorm National Park. It is here where my heart is. Have you ever tried the small town of Pitlochry. Check it out, you will not be dissappointed. The town has everything to offer (even a gin distillery). Have a look at http://www.pitlochry.org & http://www.torrdarach.co.uk This has to be one of the best small towns in Scotland. Try it out for yourself, G

Wow! Looks amazing!

How do you decide when to return to a place you love versus go somewhere new?

You know, that’s always tough! I think it’s best to play it by ear and do what feels right at the time.

My daughter, who is a surgeon, will soon work in Edinburgh. So, I’m really excited to visit Scotland. And with all your enthusiasm, I’m really looking forward to be there soon. And I have a great excuse – I want to visit my daughter!

I did a two week trip to Scotland last spring- Edinburgh, Inverness/highlands, and the Isle of Skye. If you haven’t been to Skye, I HIGHLY recommend it- GREAT hiking (and I am not even a huge hiker) and spectacular views. I did some water trips as well (canoeing, kayaking) and hung out in portree. There are also a lot of castles around there as well for rainy days.

I have also been to Scotland quite a few times by now, and actually share a lot of your Scotland bucket-list goals! I have been to concerts in Glasgow and Inverness, went for a drive with a local guide around Skye and been to Edinburgh, Aberdeen and St. Andrews and I still want more! Scotland is truly addictive 😛

Some of these photos are absolutely breathtaking! The closest I’ve been to Scotland is London. I loved it, and am looking forward to exploring more of the British Isles in the future (hopefully sooner rather than later!).

I have only ever been to Glasgow and Loch Lomond, but I absolutely adore Scotland too! It must be said how fierce Glaswegians are. While there, I stayed at an inner city airbnb with three other female friends, and upon arrival our 6ft burly man of a host told us that if we had any problems in the city AT ALL, to call him. He would take care of it, no questions asked. It was like the Scotland Sopranos.

Oh, I LOVE Glaswegians, but I wouldn’t want to get on their bad side! 😛

Well, I’ve always wanted to travel to Scotland, but now, this makes me even more eager to go there!! It looks so beautiful and fun! My boyfriend has Scottish ancestors from his father’s side, maybe it’s time to look that up?

Scotland was the place that made me fall in love with travelling over 6 years ago. It’s still one of my favourite places in the whole world.

I can’t wait to go back some day and explore the highlands more.

Am planning a trip to Scotland next September. Great article and stories about your travels. As always, thanks so much for sharing. Love your blog and especially your snaps!!

Ahh, Scotland! 🙂 My ultimate goal is to move to Edinburgh eventually. I have so much more to explore in the country though, and I grew up here! In fact, I grew up in Orkney but I’ve never even been to Shetland – funnily enough your adventure at Up Helly Aa has really made me want to go for that. 🙂

P.S. I’m trying to figure out what the hell is going on with that cat HAHA!

I’ve only been to Scotland once (Edinburgh), and that was waaaay back in 2003. But my colleague recently went to the Shetland Islands and couldn’t stop raving about it. After seeing all her pictures, it’s definitely on my travel wish list now too!

Love Scotland! I went first back in 2009 during a study abroad trip to Oxford. Just went back again last year and drove up through the Isle of Skye and Highlands. Amazingly beautiful and definitely a place I can’t wait to get back to again. Thanks for sharing your experiences there!

I’ve been dying to go to Scotland ever since I finished the Outlander series earlier this year! I know I want to the hit the Highlands but this post has given me so many more destinations to add to my list! Thanks for always sparking my wanderlust 🙂

With that dread of whisky, you’ll be very glad to know about the amazing craft gin revival going on in Scotland. So many to try. You can tour the country tasting gin from Harris to Edinburgh and lots more.

Yes! I actually did a trip on that last year — gin distilleries are popping up throughout the UK. Scotland has the most, of course, but my colleagues and I split up and covered different regions. I covered northwest and central England.

I just returned from a short trip to Scotland and I am already thinking of when I can go back. Enjoyed reading your post!

Love, love, love Scotland and glad to see you do as well Kate!

Brilliant post, Kate! It was very nice to learn a few previously unknown facts. Thanks for sharing! I look forward to reading more posts like these! Cheers

Scotland looks quite before and is on my list in the near future. It reminds me of Ireland quite a bit and i loved that!

The fire festival, Up Helly Aa, looked immensely fun as well. In my opinion, festivals and nation wide celebrations (i.e the Thai New Year) are some of the most fun events you can attend while traveling. Although it is pricier to be there during that time, you will not regret it.

Cheers to the great post.

Scotland’s nature looks really impressive and majestic. Finally got my visa going so its definetely our next destination on the bucket list! Great article, thanks!

I still haven’t made it to Scotland, even though I have been so close to it in England. I would really like to visit someday, particularly the stunning scenery of the highlands. Also, those accents! 😉

Maybe most people dying to get there, Scotland is really a sophisticated country. Its remind me to Sherlock, Lochness and the Train of Jacobite. The nature is so wonderful so people will be mesmerize if ever visited it. That Viking festival is totally awesome Kate, Thanks for sharing

I so much love Scotland as well! It’s a great country, I had a great time there! I’m like you, I hate the question “what’s your favorite country?” I usually answer “All of them, for different reasons” 🙂

Thank you for this post. Scotland is a great place to visit – I often find you don’t actually have to travel to the other side of the world, to find new experiences. Edinburgh is a beautiful city, and I’d recommend visiting when there’s an event on – like the fringe festival for example.Over the summer, the Edinburgh festivals bring a wave of colour and soaring excitement to the city. Eight spectacular festivals proudly serve up the most incredible smorgasbord of culture you could ever imagine, filling the city’s performance venues and event spaces in late June, July and August. Attend a star-studded film premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival and listen to top class live music when incredible musicians from all over the world roll into town for the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival.

Yes, I totally agree! Scotland stole my heart as well. I just spent 3 months living in Edinburgh this summer and have fallen for the city. Also the highlands and lowlands are incredible as well. I am both a gin and whisky girl but I get what you mean, some whisky’s can be really pungent!

Your photos looks amazing ! I live in London so don’t really have any excuse not to go there! Hopefully I can plan something soon ! Thanks for sharing your story! love It

I love Scotland! Been to many places far, far away, but still Scotland is my nr. 1!

Scotland is soooooo pretty! Definately on my bucketlist, pity its so darn far away! Where woudl you recommend to stay eg: a nice luxury hotel thasts central? Haha! Love the viking shots.

I like the post. If you are lucky with the weather then Scotland has some of the best coastline and beaches in the world.

Thank you for sharing your story! Love it. I’ve been to Scotland but it was just one day trip, so I didn’t really get to explore this beautiful place. I am definitely planning another trip to Scotland now!

Scotland is #1 on my travel wish list – a dream I hope to realize with a week-long getaway in 2017. I am already excited about a food tour in Edinburg, castles and cliffs, and horseback riding in the highlands.

Scotland is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in the world. The architecture is unbelievable – you’re right, it looks like something out of a fairy tale book!

I love Scotland! Lots of fond memories from two very formative years living there. I would’ve stayed longer if my visa hadn’t run out.

Ah, Kate! Your photos take me on a journey of my own love affair with Scotland. It’s funny, my first visit was just after yours (October 2011). I stayed in the cheapest hostel I could find (the Belford) and met my future husband just a few dorm beds away lol. Then I came back for a year to study. I went to Glasgow and saw that exact same canopy of lights. Incredible!

It is such a gorgeous place with wonderful people. What can I say, I’m here now and staying with my friend’s parents—such a hospitable folk! I love haggis. I love the highlands. I even love the rain. Scotland is amazing, and I hope your post inspires more people to visit this magical land!!

I also loved Scotland when I visited. If you love castles though, northern England also has some amazingly beautiful ones. I actually lived in Alnwick Castle when I studied abroad in college!! The Northumberland area has so many great things to see.

I got to do a trip with my cousin to Scotland in April of 2015. We did a 6 day Rabbie’s tour of Lewis, Harris and Skye. By far my favorite part of our trip. Everyday I would think that it couldn’t get any more beautiful and everyday it did! Would love to go back in the summer when it’s a little warmer, but really worth seeing anytime.

Hey Kate, Thanks for sharing this! Scotland is a great country. We went on a road trip there and we absolutely loved EVERYTHING. Yes, even the weather 🙂 Do you believe that it was sunny for 3 days in a row? The Isle of Skye is one of our favorite places in the entire world.

Happy traveling! Enri & Zuz

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The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Scotland

A guide for ness walk hotel guests.

When planning a luxurious escape to the Scottish Highlands, particularly to our hotel Ness Walk in Inverness, the key to a smooth trip starts with packing. While much of Europe faces scorching heatwaves in the summer months, Scotland offers a pleasantly mild climate, where the green, lush countryside is dotted with lochs, rivers and abundant natural beauty. Packing for Scotland may seem daunting due to its famously changeable weather, however, we are known for our coolcations, so with a bit of planning, you’ll be perfectly prepared for every Highland experience. Here’s your essential packing list to ensure you enjoy your five-star stay in comfort and style.

Clothing for your Scottish Highland adventure

Packing for Scotland requires a blend of style and practicality. The weather can change quickly, so layering is essential. Picture yourself basking in the warm summer sun or enjoying a magical snowy evening at Ness Walk Hotel, each season offers its charm. To make the most of your Scottish adventure, here are some ideas of what to pack.

• Casual Clothing: Pack a mix of shirts, trousers, skirts, t-shirts and shorts for daytime comfort.
• Dressier Items: Include a few evening outfits for those nights when you dine in style at our fine-dining Torrish restaurant .
• Coat: Depending on the season of your visit, a coat is essential, especially if you are following the northern lights in the winter months.
• Waterproof Jacket: A good waterproof jacket with a hood is perfect for staying dry. It’s pretty warm here at the moment, but we do get the odd rain shower.
• Warm Jumper or Fleece: Layering is key, so bring a warm jumper or fleece for cooler evenings.
• Footwear: Waterproof and comfortable footwear, perfect for exploring Inverness and the surrounding lochs and countryside.
• Swimwear: If you plan to take a dip in a river or loch for an open-water swim, don’t forget your swimsuit.
• Nightwear and Essentials: Pack your nightwear, socks and underwear to ensure you’re comfortable throughout your stay.

Accessories for all weather conditions

For a successful trip to Scotland, ensure you pack these accessories.

• Waterproof Travel Bag: Protects your belongings while on your Scottish adventure.
• Day Trip Backpack: Useful for carrying essentials during daily excursions and exploring Inverness.
• Sunglasses: So you don’t miss the staggering beauty on a sunny day.
• Sun Cream and Midge Repellent: Necessary in summer and to deal with midges if you go out into the glenns exploring the wilderness.
• Scarf, Hat, and Gloves: Important for warmth in autumn and winter .
• Thermos Flask and Water Bottle: Keeps you hydrated and provides hot drinks on the go.

Travel essentials for the Scottish Highlands

If you are planning on travelling to remote areas of the Highlands, technology might not always be reliable. To stay prepared, consider packing the following.

• UK Power Adaptor: To keep your electronics charged.
• Phone and Camera: For capturing the landscapes and important moments.
• Battery Pack: Provides extra power for your devices.
• Binoculars: Useful for seeing wildlife and scenery.
• Map and Compass: Essential for navigating less accessible areas.
• Travel Documents: Ensure you have your tickets, passport and money (pound sterling £).

Book your stay at Ness Walk Hotel, where luxury and comfort come together seamlessly. Our 47 spacious and stylish en-suite rooms , including three accessible options, offer everything you need in one place. Each room provides stunning views of either the serene courtyard and river or our lush, green gardens. Filled with natural light, the rooms are designed with bespoke touches, featuring bespoke elements, such as carpeting resembling the River Ness as it approaches the riverbank. As one of Scotland’s leading luxury hotels, Ness Walk invites you to experience Inverness and Loch Ness at their 5-star finest.

With your packing list complete, you’re ready for a stay at Ness Walk Hotel. After a day exploring the Highlands, return to your suite, enjoy a whisky in our bar or relax in the comfort of our five-star accommodation . Book your stay today and check out our special offers for a memorable Highland experience.

The trees on the grounds of Ness Walk have given name to our luxurious rooms and suites –  Laurel ,  Cedar   Oak ,  Rowan and Wellingtonia.  We also offer luxury  accessible rooms . We’ve designed our luxury Inverness accommodation with meticulous attention to detail. The interiors reflect the seasonal landscape with a flow of soft colours and textiles. Our rooms come with:

• King Size Bed or Twin Beds
• 42’ Flat Screen TV with Chromecast
• Double lock and spy hole.
• Bluetooth Audio System
• Air Conditioning
• Complimentary WIFI
• Complimentary mineral water
• Environmentally-friendly luxury toiletries
• Illy Coffee Machine
• Electric Car Charging

Browse Our Special Offers

Ness Walk Hotel is a luxury 5-star hotel, sitting right on the banks of the River Ness with a spectacular view upriver to Inverness Castle. Offering beautiful accommodation  in 47 spacious ensuite hotel rooms and suites. Plus, elegant  fine dining in the heart of the city.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend break, a romantic escape or a last-minute getaway, we’ve put together some fantastic offers for you to choose from. Our packages change with the seasons, so you can make the very best of your stay, be it spring, summer, autumn or winter.

Explore our Inverness hotel offers.

Explore Our Virtual Rooms Tours...

You may also be interested in..., celebrating a special wedding anniversary, ness walk hotel reviews, sustainable holidays at ness walk, get ready for a five-star festive season.

The final week… we have a favour to ask!

We absolutely love what we do – delivering exceptional customer service and a truly warm welcome to the Scottish Highlands. Ness Walk would love nothing more than to be selected as Best for Service at the upcoming Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence. With initial voting closing on 1st September, we could really use your support!

Have you stayed with us and been blown away by the warmth of our service?… If so, please take a moment of your time to vote for us, we will be very grateful. Click here to vote for us…