Welcome to our Scotland Road Trip Itinerary!
In this Scotland road trip itinerary, we will tell you about our route, with suggestions on things to do and what to see on each day, where to eat, our chosen luxury hotels and even the car rental. Also, note that not everything you plan you will do, so we will share with you our planned days vs. what we eventually did. Our 10 day Scotland itinerary includes our suggested 10 day route with 3 optional extra days. This ultimate Scotland road trip itinerary includes maps, pictures and lots of recommendations on all the must-visit places in Scotland.
Scotland was on our bucket list for a long time and finally, it happened! And WOW if we knew that it is so beautiful, we would’ve gotten there much sooner! It has some of the more unique sceneries, so much nature and pure beauty, along with lots of history and castles, castles and more castles.
Note that all photography on this guide (and throughout our website) was shot by me (Alina) and if you wish to purchase any, some are available at my Etsy shop.
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Map of Our Recommended Scotland Road Trip: 10 Day Scotland Itinerary (with 3 optional extra days)
- Day 1 – Edinburgh
- Day 2 – Edinburgh
- Day 3 – Edinburgh (optional extra day)
- Day 4 – Edinburgh to Inverness
- Day 5 – Inverness
- Day 6 – Inverness to Isle of Skye
- Day 7 – Isle of Skye
- Day 8 – Isle of Skye
- Day 9 – Isle of Skye to Glencoe
- Day 10 – Glencoe
- Day 11 – Glencoe (optional extra day)
- Day 12 – Glencoe to Glasgow
- Day 13 – Glasgow (optional extra day)
But before we dig into our Scotland road trip itinerary, let’s review some logistics information: How to get to Scotland? When is the best time to travel to Scotland? What car rental company to choose?
How to get to Scotland?
BY FLIGHT – Scotland has several international airports – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen. We started our Scotland trip in Edinburgh and highly recommend starting there.
BY SEA – Direct ferries to Scotland run from Northern Ireland. An idea here – if you have plenty of days, you might consider combining 2 trips together – Exploring both Ireland and Scotland. You can check out our suggested itinerary to Ireland and Northern Ireland.
BY TRAIN – Another way that might be cheaper but less comfortable is to get to England and take a train from London or Manchester to Edinburgh. We did that because we traveled during COVID and preferred a direct flight, and the closest to Scotland was Manchester from which we took a 3.5-hour train to Edinburgh. After doing that we would not recommend it because of the hassle, we had to wait long hours for the train at night.
We think the best way is by flight to Edinburgh or Inverness, or staring at one city and getting back from the other to save some time. But note that generally, the flights are cheaper to and from Edinburgh.
When To Visit Scotland?
In general, in Scotland, the weather can be unexpected but as the old Scottish saying goes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes!”.
But when it comes to the temperature, there is a big difference between the seasons, as you can see in the chart below.
SPRING – We traveled in late March – early April and it was perfect, we had some rainy days and some light snow in the Highlands but it was a bonus for us.
SUMMER – Is the warmest season with long daylight but the busiest with higher prices.
AUTUMN – As Spring, has fewer crowds and beautiful yellowing trees.
WINTER – Is the coldest with lots of snowfall!
Note that not all attractions are open all year and usually from the first of April till late October, so check each attraction for operating months before travel.
MIDGES– small little buggers that are a huge nuisance for the Highland tourists. It’s a tiny insect with a painful and itchy bite. Their season is from June through October, with a peak in the summer months of July and August. If you are traveling the Highlands during the Midge season, we recommend gearing up with a repellent such as Smidge.
We recommend traveling in Spring or Autumn due to fewer crowds, no Midges, and lower prices.
Car rental in Scotland
Our Scotland itinerary is basically a road trip and you will have to rent a car. We always prefer to choose a local car rental as they are usually cheaper than international brands with more free add-ons. Of course, it’s important to check those companies for their Google ratings and to read reviews.
On our trip, we chose Celtic Legend and they work with Arnold Clark for the rental itself and we were super pleased. We booked a Group 10 car and got a brand-new BMW 320i Sport. The price was affordable for this luxury car and it was similar to the smallest and simplest car in other companies.
We recommend adding an Excess Waiver/ Super CDW / Full protection, or in other words, having a zero excess, for a more relaxed mind.
Considering campervanning instead of a car? Visit this guide on van life in Scotland.
Our Recommended Scotland Road Trip: 10 Day Scotland Itinerary (with 3 optional extra days):
Hotel in Edinburgh
We chose Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel and absolutely loved it! It’s a 5-star hotel, located in the heart of Edinburgh, within walking distance from the main points of interest and the train station. We took the Essential Double Room which was luxurious and modern. The breakfast area was beautiful, it is basically an indoor garden!
Scotland Road Trip: Day 1-2 – Edinburgh
Now let’s begin our Scotland road trip itinerary! This is our suggested 2-day Edinburgh itinerary. Since we only stayed one night in Edinburgh, we chose the most important sights for us and squeezed them into one day. It is possible but we do recommend staying at least 2 nights and doing this route in 2 days for a more relaxed experience.
A – KIMPTON CHARLOTTE SQUARE HOTEL – Walk from the hotel to the main beautiful Princess St. overlooking Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle. If you have time, you can relax and walk through the gardens.
B – SCOTT MONUMENT – A tall gothic monument built in honor of the Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. It was temporarily closed during our visit but it’s beautiful from the outside. When it reopens, you can climb to the top of the tower (287 steps) for views. Check this website for price and opening hours.
C – CALTON HILL – Continue on Princes Street and climb up to Calton Hill. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lots of iconic Scottish monuments. It took us about 2 hours to explore the beautiful gardens and monuments while enjoying the panoramic views.
D – THE ROYAL MILE – It runs through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, from the Palace of Holyroodhouse, leading to the magnificent Edinburgh Castle. Its length is 1.8 km which is approximately one Scots mile long, hence the name. We started it from the corner of North Bridge and High Street and walked through lots of pubs, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
E – ST GILES’ CATHEDRAL – or the High Kirk of Edinburgh is a medieval parish church. Stunning architecture, we did not enter but there are guided tours available.
F – THE HUB – Formerly Tolbooth Kirk church, that functioned as the meeting place of the General Assembly. Today it is home to Edinburgh International Festival and has a café onsite.
G – EDINBURGH CASTLE – The highlight of Edinburgh and a MUST visit! It stands on top of Castle Rock and it’s part of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. It took us 2 hours to explore. We recommend buying tickets online and reserving a specific hour since they sometimes sell out. Edinburgh Castle is featured in our guide to the Best Castles in Scotland.
H – WATER OF LEITH WALKWAY – It’s a walking and cycling 20 Km long route along the river which runs through the heart of the city. It begins in Balerno to the west and runs all the way to Leith in the northeast. We didn’t do the whole route, it’s just too long, but we visited its part at the Dean Village which was beautiful! The route is maintained by The Water of Leith Conservation Trust, check their website for updates on path closures.
Restaurant in Edinburgh
We had a delicious dinner at the Amber Restaurant, it’s part of The Scotch Whisky Experience so you have a huge variety of drinks to choose from. As for the dinner, we had Duck breast and Chicken stuffed with haggis and it was one of the best meals we’ve had in Scotland.
Scotland Road Trip: Day 3 – Edinburgh (optional extra day)
If you have time for an extra day in Edinburgh, here are some suggestions for a third day of our Scotland road trip itinerary. We did not have that extra day, but we had plans for more sights in case we have spare time and we will share them with you.
A – THE ROYAL MILE – On this day you can continue the Royal Mile from the north Bridge, where we began on the first day.
B – SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT BUILDING – There is a free entrance and you can admire its architecture inside and out.
C – PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE – It stands at the end of the Royal Mile and it is The Queen’s official residence in Scotland. The palace is the home of Scottish royal history, with many rooms to explore. You can check out opening hours and book entry tickets here.
D – ARTHUR’S SEAT – It’s located in Holyrood Park and provides beautiful panoramic views of Edinburgh. There is a bit strenuous hike to the top so you need to consider that. There are several routes to reach the top and you need to allow 2-3 hours for that. Not comfortable hiking alone? book a guided Arthur’s Seat hike.
E – CAMERA OBSCURA – The oldest attraction in Edinburgh (since 1853), where you can experience interactive exhibits and enjoy the rooftop terrace for views.
Scotland Road Trip: Day 4 – Edinburgh to Inverness
Moving on to the 4th day of our Scotland road trip itinerary and we are making our way to the Highlands! The road to Inverness is about 300 km long and we planned a few stops along the way. Note that you will need to start this day EARLY to have enough time to visit every stop along the way (because we did not).
A – FORTH BRIDGES – Right before leaving Edinburgh, there is a must-stop to view the three iconic bridges:
1. Forth Bridge – To the east, a beautiful red railway bridge, built in 1890 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Forth Road Bridge – In the middle, a motorway with a walkway for pedestrians.
3. The Queensferry Crossing – To the west, a new cable bridge which is a motorway.
We found a couple of viewpoints on the bridges:
A – On Newhalls Rd right next to the Forth Bridge there is a public parking.
B – FORTH BRIDGES – Port Edgar – next to the Forth Road Bridge there is a parking (paid).
Another option – North Queensferry Light Tower (marked on the map) – on the other side of the bridges. (We didn’t have enough time to get there).
C – THE KELPIES – Huge 30-meter-high majestic horse head sculptures, located at the Helix Park, A MUST. Built in 2013 by the artist Andy Scott as a tribute to the heavy-working horses of the Scottish industry in the late 18th century. However, the name itself – Kelpie, derives from the Scottish Gaelic word ‘cailpeach’ or ‘colpach’, which means heifer or colt. It refers to a mythical shape-shifting aquatic spirit that lives inside the waters of Scotland and haunts them.
The City of Stirling, is definitely worth a visit, especially if you like to step back in time during your holidays, with several points of interest, filled with Scottish history:
D – STIRLING CASTLE – One of Scotland’s most important castles, due to its strategic position guarding a key crossing point on the River Forth. The castle offers nice open views, as it sits on a high volcanic rock. Explore this beautiful castle for a couple of hours (it took us 1.5 hours). We recommend booking tickets in advance on their welbsite.
E – OLD STIRLING BRIDGE – A medieval stone bridge that crosses the River Forth and is one of the most important crossing points in Scotland. The bridge has played important roles in key moments of Scottish history, one of them was the battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 and also it played a part in the Jacobite Rising of 1745. The bridge is easily accessible through Bridgehaugh Rd where you can park.
F – THE NATIONAL WALLACE MONUMENT – A 67-meter tower overlooking Stirling. The monument has a 246-step spiral staircase and a few halls to discover the story of the famous Scottish warrior, Sir William Wallace, who became a National Hero. The top offers panoramic views in all directions. You park your car for free at the parking lot and then you can take a free shuttle uphill to the monument (a few minutes drive), or you can do the hike by foot (about 25 minutes and mind that it is a strenuous hike up the hill). You can book your tickets on their website.
G – BLACK LINN WATERFALL – Right on the way to Inverness we planned to stop at this waterfall, since it was late, we decided to continue to the next stop. But we recommend visiting the waterfall if you have time as it looks nice and it’s right on the way.
H – QUEEN’S VIEW VISITOR CENTRE – The lovely views overlooking Loch Tummel are a part of Tay Forest Park. The viewpoint has been named after Queen Victoria, following her visit in 1866. The visitor center and the café were closed during our visit, you can check their website for reopening information. Note that the viewing point is open at all times with parking and toilets on site.
Hotel In Inverness
We chose Ness Walk Hotel, a luxurious 5-star hotel and it was an amazing stay! With a perfect location, right on the banks of the River Ness. We booked Laurel King’s room, it was big and modern and we loved it. There is parking on site but you will need to prebook it for a fee (15£). We woke up to a snowy morning which made our stay even more special.
Restaurant in Inverness
A well-reviewed restaurant happened to be right at our hotel, we prebooked our dinner at Torrish Restaurant at Ness Walk and it was delicious! We had Halibut and Lamb and both were great dishes. The breakfast was served here as well and it was abundant and tasty.
Scotland Road Trip: Day 5 – Inverness
Moving on to the 5th day of our Scotland road trip itinerary. Unfortunately, we only had one night in Inverness, which is obviously not enough, so we definitely suggest spending at least 2 nights in Inverness. Therefore, this day is our suggested itinerary for a full day in Inverness and the northern Highlands that we planned but did not do (that’s why there are no photos). We just needed to leave something for our return.
In general, there are many places in Scotland to further explore, one of those places is the northern Highlands. There is a whole road trip just for this area – North Coast 500, why 500? Because it’s just over 500 miles long. You will need a good few days to fully explore the northern Highlands. Since it’s not a Highland-specific itinerary, but an ultimate whole Scotland itinerary, we did not include NC500 in it. However, if you have more days, we definitely recommend adding NC500 to your itinerary. If you don’t have the extra days, you can use this day (day 5) of our Scotland itinerary to do a nice part of the NC500.
We recommend starting this day early because of the long mileage (350 km) planned for this day. Also, we think that it’s best to start this day with the farthest location first (and the highlight of the day in our opinion) – Castle Sinclair Girnigoe and make your way back to Inverness, exploring the city at the end of the day.
A – CASTLE SINCLAIR GIRNIGOE – It comprises the ruins of two castles: the 15th century Castle Girnigoe and the 17th century Castle Sinclair. With free admission, you can explore the ruins and enjoy the beauty of the dramatic scenery. Before you visit, learn more about the history of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe.
B – CASTLE OF OLD WICK – Ruins of a castle from the 12th century that sits on a spine of a rock, surrounded by sea cliffs. The ruins are small but the location is breathtaking!
C – WHALIGOE STEPS – The steps are zig-zag steps down the cliffside to a fishing harbor. The steps offer nice views of the surrounding cliffs. Note that the steps are exposed so it’s not for the faint of heart. Also, you will need to get back the same way, meaning, climbing all those steps uphill.
D – DUNROBIN CASTLE & GARDENS – Dunrobin Castle is the historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, with the earliest part of the building dating from around 1275. You can tour the castle through the state rooms and gardens, visit the museum, and watch a falconry display. It’s open from 1st April to 31st October. For prices, opening times, and falconry display hours, visit their website.
The next stops are in Inverness, you can walk around the city visiting the main points, or opt for a guided walking tour.
E – ST ANDREW’S CATHEDRAL – Inverness Cathedral is a full-working cathedral, it’s free to enter and is open all year.
F – GREIG STREET BRIDGE – A pedestrian suspension bridge in the middle of Inverness, built in 1880 and offers nice views of the city and the Free North Church.
G – INVERNESS CASTLE – Beautiful castle that sits on the highest point in Inverness, overlooking the city and the river Ness. Note that the Castle has been closed for refurbishment for a while now, but you can admire its beauty from the outside. For better views, go to the opposite bank of the river Ness.
Have more time in Inverness and love Whiskey? Consider taking a Distillery tour at the famous Speyside Region:
Scotland Road Trip: Day 6 – Inverness to Isle of Skye
A beautiful day ahead with nature at its glory on our 6th day of our Scotland road trip itinerary. We will be making our way to the Isle of Skye!
B – URQUHART CASTLE– A MUST! The ruins of Urquhart Castle offer panoramic views overlooking Loch Ness. The ruins date from the 13th century and have been home to centuries of key events in the history of Scotland, such as the war of Scottish independence in the 14th century. Before you walk towards the ruins, you can watch a video about the full history of the castle. There is a nice gift shop on site.
C – ROGIE FALLS – The falls are a series of waterfalls on the Black Water River. The walk towards the falls from the car park takes about 10 minutes and the path itself is beautiful with huge trees from each side. The suspension bridge was closed during our visit, but there were still nice views of the falls from the main path. During the summer months, you might see wild salmon leaping upstream. We loved the snowfall we had during our visit, check out our video below.
D – BLACK WATER FALLS – Nice waterfalls in a forest scenery. There is a parking (Silver Bridge Car Park) right at the falls, roughly a minute’s walk towards Silverbridge from which you see the falls.
E – GLEN DOCHERTY VIEWPOINT – Wow what a view! It was an unexpected stop for us as we saw it on the way and had to stop for a picture and a snack with a view. We featured this viewpoint in our Guide to the Best Scenic Drives in Scotland.
F – LOCH CLAIR VIEWPOINT – There is no marked viewpoint here, just a beautiful point to stop along the A896 road. The A896 road itself is narrow (and bumpy) with only one lane for two-way traffic, and you can stop at the ‘PASSING PLACE’ sign. The coordinates for this exact spot are 57.56666, -5.35069.
G – LOCH TORRIDON VIEWPOINT – A nice place to stop with parking, just walk ahead a few steps for the viewpoint on Loch Torridon.
H – APPLECROSS PASS AND BEALACH NA BA VIEWPOINT – Ok this is definitely the highlight of this beautiful day! On A896 road you will see a sign ‘Applecross’ to the right, here the magic begins! Just follow the road uphill until you reach Bealach Na Ba Viewpoint. Note that the road itself along the mountains is the deal here and not the viewpoint at the summit, which is just nice. Once you reach the viewpoint you return the same majestic way back to the A896 road. Look for deer along the way, as we saw lots of them here!
Be careful along the A896 road and the Applecross Pass Road as there are lots of potholes. We got there a flat tire, luckily, Lochcarron Garage was close by and they had the right tire for our rental car. So, keep in mind that there is a garage nearby.
I – STROME CASTLE – Ruined castle on the shore of Loch Carron with nice views. We did not have the time to stop there due to our flat tire issues, but it is well recommended if you have the time.
Eilean Donan Castle – This beauty is not planned for this day and will be specified in detail later on (day 9). However, it’s just on the way to the Isle of Skye and if it’s sunset time, you can stop for a stunning photograph:
Hotel In Isle of Skye
We chose Cuillin Hills Hotel, a 4-star deluxe hotel with spectacular views over Portree Bay! We booked a standard double room and it was very spacious with a huge bathroom. The views from the breakfast area are exceptional! The breakfast itself was very tasty with lots of options to choose from (we especially loved the waffles). There is free parking, usually, it was pretty full but we always found a spot. We loved the hotel! Great location to explore the Isle of Skye with an amazing view!
Restaurants in Isle of Skye
We book the restaurants in advance for each evening:
West Pier Restaurant at Skeabost House Hotel – We had a nice dinner here, we had duck with gnocchi and mushroom risotto, both were nice dishes.
The Rosedale Restaurant – Delicious dinner, we had fish risotto and Langoustines and loved it.
Dulse and Brose – We had Crab and leek croquettes and roasted cod and enjoyed it.
Scotland Road Trip: Day 7 – Isle of Skye
On the 7th day of our Scotland itinerary, we will be exploring the northern part of Isle of Skye, which was our favorite. It was a snowy day and we loved it, however, because of the weather we decided to visit the main attractions and skipped a few waterfalls. We’ve included them in the map so visiting them is up to your time and weather conditions.
B – THE FAIRY GLEN & CASTLE EWEN – Not to be missed! A beautiful landscape with cone-shaped hills that gave the glen a mystical vibe and its name. The highest hill in Fairy Glen has a unique top that resembles a castle ruin, called Castle Ewan. It is possible to climb to the top for views of the glen, although it is a bit tricky climb. There is a paid parking and it is quite small, also there are no toilets. It was snowing during our visit there, which made the glen even more beautiful! It took us about one hour to explore.
C – THE QUIRAING WALK – Our favorite and most scenic place to see in the Isle of Skye and is a total MUST! Quiraing Walk is featured in our guide to the 6 Best Hikes in Isle of Skye. There is paid parking and no toilets (note that the walk takes time). The walk itself is generally easy and flat except for some steep areas and some risky passings, so be careful.
There are a few trails:
- The Quiraing Circuit – Full loop trail, 6.3 km long, allow at least 3 hours! We recommend it for more experienced hikers (due to its difficulty and total length). Furthermore, weather conditions may lower visibility and make the path even more dangerous, so we recommend doing it only in clear weather.
- The Prison Walk – About half of the full circuit, 4.3 km long, out and back trail. We did that walk and believe it lets you see the most of Quiraing. It took us 2 hours to complete. You walk towards The Prison which is a pyramid-shaped peak, then you do a loop around it from the right side. You can see in the picture on the right, follow the green arrow around The Prison, follow a steep climb near the fence, and come back to the main path (red arrow).
- A third option for those who don’t want to do the hike is merely to walk a few meters from the parking along the trail for the jaw-dropping scenery of The Quiraing.
D – KILT ROCK & MEALT FALLS – One beautiful viewpoint for both Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls. Mealt waterfall, which is fed from nearby Mealt Loch falls over sheer cliffs and drops roughly 55m to the rocky shore below. North of the Mealt Falls, there is a rock formation that looks strikingly similar to the pleated folds of a traditional Highland kilt, hence the name Kilt Rock. By the way, the view to the south is beautiful as well (right picture below). The free parking is right at the viewpoint, which is super convenient.
Kilt Rock/Isle of Rona Whale Trail by Stardust Portree Boat Trips: We booked this boat trip but it was canceled because we were the only ones who booked it (off-season or just bad luck). We love wildlife so everywhere there is a chance for any wildlife sightings, we are there. That’s why we booked this boat trip. The trip takes place on a RIB boat, which is an experience in itself, it’s a fast rigid inflatable boat that can take you pretty close to the cliffs and wildlife. Also, it is a great way to see the Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls from the water.
E – LEALT FALLS – Lealt Waterfall is a dramatic waterfall on the River Lealt. It has parking nearby, with a few minutes walk you can view the falls, and if you walk further there are beautiful ocean views. Unfortunately, due to the weather conditions, we did not visit, but we do recommend visiting since it’s right on the way and it looks beautiful. We do regret not stopping by, since the viewing platform is right at the parking.
F – OLD MAN OF STORR – The highlight of Isle of Skye. The parking is paid and there are toilets. The path starts through the gate near the back of the car park, note that the path is pretty steep uphill but except for the tough climb and lots of stairs, the path itself is not the hardest. There are several trails, the main one goes to the Old Man of Storr. Then, beyond the Old Man stands the Needle Rock (the way it looks from the side), also known as the Cathedral (the way it looks from behind), which has some “windows” through it near the top. After you reach the Needle Rock, there is an option to continue uphill on a path until you reach a hill from which you can view the whole scenery. This trail is 4.7 Km long.
We had snowy weather and the whole trail from the Old Man of Storr and forward was covered in snow, which was magical. However, we could barely see the trail itself. Furthermore, it was quite late and we were among the last visitors, that’s why we finished the trail at the Needle Rock and went back the same way (marked yellow on the map). It took us an hour and a half to get to the Needle Rock and back to the car. But we do recommend continuing the trail until the hill for the most magnificent views! We truly regret not getting to the end, one more reason to come back.
G – BRIDE’S VEIL FALLS – Right on the way from the Old Man of Storr there is a nice waterfall. It was pretty dark by the time we finished the Old Man of Storr trail, therefore we gave it up. However, this roadside waterfall is worth a photo stop in our opinion.
Scotland Road Trip: Day 8 – Isle of Skye
Moving on to the 8th day of our Scotland road trip itinerary. This is our second day exploring the beautiful Isle of Skye and we have lots of plans for this day so make sure you start the day early.
B – DUNVEGAN CASTLE – This castle was first built in the 13th century, sitting on an elevated rock overlooking an inlet on the eastern shore of Loch Dunvegan. It has been the home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. You can tour the castle and the gardens, and also there is a boat trip onto Loch Dunvegan to see the seal colony. Unfortunately, there was no seal trip on the day we visited. You can check availability and operational hours on their website.
C – NEIST POINT – Neist Point is the westernmost part of the Isle of Skye and it’s absolutely beautiful! A stunning cliff scenery with a lighthouse at the tip. There is a trail that goes up to the lighthouse, the path itself is paved but is considered moderate due to some elevation areas, especially the end of the trail – going up those stairs that you went down at the beginning of the trail. The trail is 2.7 km long and it takes about an hour to complete.
We didn’t do the trail because we felt that the best view is actually from the mainland and this point is not on the trail itself. You can find this viewpoint on the map on the right, marked 1 – Neist Point Viewpoint. You can see our pictures from there below. Another point of interest that we recommend is located along the trail and is called Neist Cliff Viewpoint. It is marked 2 on the map, it’s located on a hill off the path. If you are doing the trail, this point is not to be missed. You might notice some sheep with adorable baby lambs in the area and along the road up to the parking. The parking is free and there were no toilets.
D – TALISKER BAY BEACH – A beach surrounded by impressive cliffs with a waterfall that plunges into the sea from the cliff edge. The distance from the parking lot deterred us from going there, having a busy day already (about 1.5 Km a 20-minute easy walk). But we definitely recommend including this beach in your itinerary if you have the time.
E – FAIRY POOLS – The iconic Fairy Pools is a very popular attraction in Skye and is not to be missed. A series of beautiful pools with crystal clear water and waterfalls at the foot of the Black Cuillin Hills. This out-and-back easy 3.7 km trail took us about 1.5 hours to complete. Just walk from the car park towards the mountains along the River Brittle until you reach the big fairy pool (wide but shallow falls).
Unfortunately, we reached the cave (waterfall with orange markings) and stopped there because it was rainy and getting late (only to find out later that the big fairy pool was a few steps further along). You can see in the map on the right, 1 is marking the cave (the picture below the map), but continue just a bit along the path to reach the big fairy pool. The car park is paid and there are toilets, however, they were closed during our visit.
F – GLEN BRITTLE WATERFALLS – A few minutes’ drive from the Fairy Pools parking lot, just stop at the Glenbrittle Youth Hostel and the waterfall is right there. It’s not the most impressive one, so you can skip it. There is a path towards the mountains, you can walk towards the waterfall for a closer look and there are more waterfalls along the path.
G – SLIGACHAN WATERFALLS – On the way to Sligachan, on road A863, right next to the sign “SLIGACHAN” there is parking on the left, and the path to the waterfalls is on the right. After about 200 meters, you will reach a small wooden bridge that goes over the waterfall. Seeing lots of waterfalls already, we decided to pass and go to the next stop in Sligachan. The whole scenery in this area is absolutely beautiful with the Black Cuillin on the right and the Red Cuillin on the left. The first photo below, of the Black Cuillin, was taken on the A863 road about 1 Km from Sligachan. The second photo, of the Red Cuillin, was taken further on the A863 about ½ Km from Sligachan, close to the Sligachan waterfalls parking.
H – SLIGACHAN OLD BRIDGE – The Old Sligachan Bridge was built between 1810-1818 by engineer Thomas Telford. It was replaced by the new bridge next to it, and the old bridge is open to pedestrians only. There is a legend behind the Sligachan Bridge, that if you dip your face in the river below for 7 seconds and then let it dry naturally, you will get eternal beauty. So, if you believe in legends, keep in mind that the water is freezing cold!
Scotland Road Trip: Day 9 – Isle of Skye to Glencoe
On the 9th day of our Scotland itinerary, we’ll be saying goodbye to Portree and leaving the Isle of Skye today. By the way, if you are not staying in Portree or not dining there, it’s worth a visit as it is beautiful!
B – ELGOL & LOCH CORUISK – Elgol is a small village on Loch Scavaig, it offers one of the best views of the majestic Cuillin Ranges. The road B8083 to Elgol from the main road (A87) is quite long (22 Km) and takes about half an hour drive. The road is narrow and very bumpy, especially near Elgol, so be careful. However, it’s totally worth the views along the road and in Elgol itself.
We were hoping to encounter the iconic fluffy Scottish Highland Hairy Cows in Isle of Skye, and now at the end of our Isle of Skye trip, we’ve come to terms with the fact that we probably won't see them. But suddenly, on the B8083, near the road to Drinan, there they were!
If you love wildlife, consider taking a Wildlife Watching Tour in the Isle of Skye.
MISTY ISLE BOAT TRIPS – Since our boat trip from Portree was canceled, we searched for a last-minute boat trip just before we left the Isle of Skye. Luckily, we found Misty Isle Boat Trips and it was AMAZING! The boat trip is to Loch Coruisk, which is basically the other side of the Black Cuillin! The only downside was that we did not see any seals, which was unusual. We took the 11 AM Standard trip, which is a 3-hour trip with 90 minutes ashore at Loch Coruisk. There is a round-trip trail around Loch Coruisk, however, it’s 7 km long and it would take around 3-4 hours, which you don’t have. So, the best option is to walk along the southwestern side for about 45 min and to head back. If you want to do the whole round trip, you will have to take the Maxi trip that includes 7 hours ashore. For prices and inquiries check out their website.
C – EILEAN DONAN CASTLE – A Must-See! The iconic Eilean Donan Castle, which we already encountered on day 6 for a beautiful sunset picture. Today we will visit this picturesque castle. The castle sits on a small island where three lochs meet: Loch Alsh, Loch Duich, and Loch Long. It’s connected to the mainland by a footbridge constructed in the early 20th Century.
First, some history, the name Eilean Donan means ‘Island of Donan’, named after a Celtic saint, Bishop Donan who came to Scotland in the 6th century. The castle was built in the early 13th century as a defense from the Vikings. Since then, over the centuries, the Eilean Donan Castle was involved in many raids and sieges until it was destroyed to ruins in the 18th century during the Jacobite risings, with a series of rebellions and endless battles. For over 200 years, the ruins remained abandoned until John MacRae-Gilstrap, a British Army officer from the famous Black Watch regiment bought the island in 1911. He was behind the reconstruction of the castle, which was finished in 1932 and opened to the public in 1955.
Inside the spectacular Eilean Donan castle, you will walk around its various rooms: the kitchen, inner courtyard, banqueting hall, and the main keep. For opening hours and admission prices, visit their website (and check out their live webcam).
A nice viewpoint on the Eilean Donan Castle, near All The Goodness Coffee & Bakeshop:
Now there is a quite dramatic tide difference which totally eliminates the water near the castle. You can see in the photos below (the one on the left was taken on day 6 at sunset, and the one on the right was taken on the day of our visit at about 2 PM). As you can see, the picture is totally different. If it’s important to you, you can check this website for tide information.
D – RATAGAN PASS VIEWPOINT – A spectacular view of Loch Duich and the Five Sisters. The viewpoint is right on the road.
Now a long drive ahead to our next stop -> Glencoe!
Glencoe, WOW, simply beautiful! This is absolutely our favorite place in all of Scotland! Such a unique scenery, everywhere you look you are surrounded by majestic mountains. No wonder there are endless trails in Glencoe, it’s hikers’ paradise! This is our favorite scenic drive in all of Scotland, and it is featured in our guide to the 11 Best scenic drives in Scotland.
We’ll start with the dark history of Glencoe. In 1692 took place the Massacre of Glencoe in which over 30 members of Clan MacDonald were killed by the Scottish government forces. The reason behind the massacre was their failure to pledge allegiance to the new monarchs, William III and Mary II.
Now let’s address a nomenclature problem. The name Glencoe is mistakenly referring to the valley. But actually, Glencoe is the name of a village at the foot of the valley, and Glen Coe is the actual name of the valley itself. Despite that, we will continue to call the valley Glencoe, for convenience reasons.
Next, let’s get to know the mountains on both sides of the valley. Aonach Eagach Ridge which means ‘notched ridge’, travels along the northern side of Glencoe and is probably the most famous ridge in Scotland. On the southern side stand the three peaks of Aonach Dubh, Gearr Aonach and Beinn Fhada which are together known as the Three Sisters of Glencoe, also known as Bidean Nam Bian. Further along, there is Buachaille Etive Beag ridge and afterward, the famous Buachaille Etive Mor which means ‘The Great Herdsman of Etive’, as the mountain stands like a guardian at the head of Glencoe.
As noted earlier, Glencoe is known for its’ trails, there are dozens of them with different difficulty levels. Yet, the majority of them are considered hard challenging routes up the mountain ridges. For us, a short easy hike is best as we are a bit lazy 🙂 nevertheless we are willing to make the effort and do a longer, moderate-difficulty hike in places that are worth it. But here in Glencoe, considering the difficulty of most of the trails, along with some bad weather, we did not do any of the trails. However, you can definitely admire Glencoe’s beauty from the viewpoints along our Scotland itinerary and it is more than enough if you are not the hiker type.
Hotel & Restaurant In Glencoe
We spent quite some time searching for a hotel in Glencoe. We couldn’t find something that fit just right, and we were about to give up and book some random hotel. But then, we decided to search outside the usual travel websites and luckily, we found this gem –Kingshouse Hotel!
You can only book directly through their website. It was recently renovated the reopened and it looks modern, but the amazing VIEWS are the highlight!!! Just can’t say enough about the scenery, by far the hotel with the best views is Glencoe! And… there is a huge bonus – there are frequent encounters with Red deer right near the hotel! We took the Guest King room. We had breakfast and dinner at Kingshouse restaurant and it was nice.
Scotland Road Trip: Day 10 – Glencoe
Moving on to the 10th day of our Scotland road trip itinerary. We spent 2 nights in Glencoe, but since there is so much to see and it is so unique and beautiful, we recommend spending at least 3 nights here. In addition, an important tip for Scotland in general. If you are driving along a viewpoint that is planned for another day and there is nice weather, just stop for a picture. For 2 reasons, first, the weather is unpredictable sometimes, especially in Scotland. It would be a shame to miss a sunny picture. Second, the landscape during the day can change dramatically due to the different sun positions, especially at sunset and sunrise, and you will get totally different pictures.
We are so happy we did that in Glencoe, we drove the beautiful A82 several times and stopped along the viewpoints, and the next day we had bad weather and it didn’t look the same at all. Now let’s start the day:
A – KINGSHOUSE HOTEL – If you are not staying in this hotel, just go there for the beautiful scenery and the Red deer (more chances to see at dusk). Below you can see the view from the hotel, on the left is the majestic Buachaille Etive Mòr and River Etive passing by.
B – ALTNAFEADH VIEWPOINT –A nice viewpoint on all of Glencoe.
C – GLENCOE VIEWPOINT – The most scenic viewpoint in Glencoe! Just park and take a small path south of the road, walk a few meters, and enjoy the breathtaking 360° views! We’ve visited twice, during the day and at sunset – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! In the first picture below, you can see it at sunset, with Buachaille Etive Beag on the left. In the last picture you can see Buachaille Etive Mòr from the road, notice how different it looks from this angle. Lots of parking spaces (free), however, it is pretty popular so it might get crowded.
D – THE MEETING OF THREE WATERS – Also known as The Glencoe Falls. As the name suggests, the falls are formed from 3 different sources forming the River Coe which flows into Loch Achtriochtan. The viewpoint on the waterfall is right on the A82 road, there is a small parking along the road, east of the waterfall. Be careful when crossing the busy road!
E – THREE SISTERS VIEWPOINT – The stunning Three Sisters of Glencoe (Bidean Nam Bian) are the three peaks of Aonach Dubh, Gearr Aonach, and Beinn Fhada. There is a huge free parking lot, right at the viewpoint.
F – LOCH ACHTRIOCHTAN –Wow! What a beautiful stop! It’s not for nothing that this is the main picture of this Scotland road trip itinerary. There is a bridge that goes over River Coe, just cross the bridge and walk up to the lake that sits at the foot of the Three Sisters. There is free parking near the bridge.
G – CASTLE STALKER – An offshore castle, belonging to the MacDougalls built around 1320. There is a possibility to visit the castle on certain days, but you need to prebook it. You will find more information about dates and bookings through their website. We didn’t visit, but we did have a nice view of it from a path near Castle Stalker View Cafe & Giftshop. Besides, it was a nice stop for coffee and dessert. In our opinion, as it is quite far, it is not a must, particularly if you are tight on schedule.
H – BUACHAILLE ETIVE MÒR VIEWPOINT – A beautiful viewpoint of Buachaille Etive Mòr from River Coupall. You can admire it from the bridge, or you can take a few steps along the river for some nicer shots of the river flowing over the stones.
I – JAMES BOND SKYFALL ROAD – A 20 Km long road that leads to Loch Etive (the next viewpoint J). A beautiful, scenic road along Glen Etive. We have stopped along the way many times, as it is nature in its full glory. Look out for Red deer along the way, we saw a big group just walking in the Glen.
The road itself is paved but it is a narrow single lane for two-way traffic and it can get quite busy so you might need to use the passing places a lot. This specific spot was featured in the 2012 Bond’s Skyfall movie. Many try to recreate the same scene, including us. 😊 The exact coordinates are 56.619482, -4.930830.
J – LOCH ETIVE – There is a free small parking right near the gorgeous Loch Etive. This is the endpoint of the road. If you are lucky and the water is flat you will get the perfect picture with the mirror reflection of the mountains. We weren’t that lucky as it was raining, nevertheless, it was beautiful!
Scotland Road Trip: Day 11 – Glencoe (optional extra day)
As we noted earlier, we had only 2 nights in Glencoe but we believe it would be better to have another day. However, if you don’t have that extra day, you can manage to see the main points and leave something for the last day. That’s what we did, the first 2 stops on this day we actually did on our last day, heading to Glasgow. The other attractions for this day are merely a recommendation as we planned them but did not have the time to do. This is our recommended itinerary for the 11th day of our Scotland road trip itinerary.
B – GLENFINNAN VIADUCT – A must! Especially for Harry Potter fans! The Hogwarts Express from Harry Potter is actually The Jacobite Steam Train operated by West Coast Railways. It goes from Fort William to Mallaig, a 135 km long route. The train crosses the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct which overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument. The Viaduct is the most famous Harry Potter filming location you can visit in Scotland. The die-hard fans might want to check out more Harry Potter locations in Scotland.
It runs from early April till late October. You will need to figure out the exact time it will pass through the Viaduct. The train passes the Glenfinnan Viaduct about half an hour after departing Fort William. As of 2023, the morning service departs Fort William at 10:15 and the afternoon service departs at 12:50. Hence, you will need to be at the viewpoint at 10:45 or 13:20. Another option is to catch the train going back from Mallaig. It will pass the Viaduct half an hour before reaching Fort William. As of 2023, the morning service will arrive at Fort William at 16:03 and the afternoon service will arrive at 18:52. Hence, you will need to be at the viewpoint at 15:30 or 18:20. Please check the exact timetable on their website. We were there on the first day of operation in April at 10:45, and it passed at 11:00.
Mind that it is VERY popular and we recommend getting to the viewpoint at least half an hour before to catch a good spot. It was an amazing experience and it’s not only for the Harry Potter fans. Check out our video of the train below.
On the map on the right, you can see the Viaduct in red, the viewpoint circled in blue, and ‘P’ means parking, which is paid. You will not miss the big signs marking the way to the Viaduct. here is a 1 Km walk up to the viewpoint (takes about 15 min) and the viewpoint itself is up the hill. Just hike uphill until you find an unobstructed view of the Viaduct.
Once you’ve seen the train go from the viewpoint and if you have time (which we didn’t), there are 3 options (marked on the map above):
- Glenfinnan Station Museum – You can continue the hike east for some nice Loch Shiel views until you reach Glenfinnan Station Museum (about 1.5 Km from the Viaduct Viewpoint). It is also open during the trains’ operation months (April till October) from 9am-5pm, 7 days a week. For more information check out their website.
- Glenfinnan Viewpoint – Head back to the parking lot and go towards Glenfinnan Visitor Centre (which is great for coffee and toilets). On the left of the Visitor Centre, there is a small path uphill to Glenfinnan Viewpoint that offers nice views over Loch Shiel.
- Glenfinnan Monument – Located right near Loch Shiel, just cross the road carefully.
If you have a few hours to spare, you can take a ride on the train itself! The ride takes about 2 hours and you will have 1.5-2 hours of free time in Mallaig before heading back to Fort William. We did not take the train, because the train itself is so impressive on the outside, especially while it goes through the Glenfinnan Viaduct. But as an extra it's nice. Check out the dates, prices, and timetable on their website.
C – NEPTUNE’S STAIRCASE – Near Fort William at Banavie, at the end of the Caledonian Canal, lies the longest staircase lock in the UK. Designed by Thomas Telford, the staircase comprises 8 locks that direct boats through the staircase to the open waters of Loch Linnhe and back.
The next stops on this optional day we did not do as we didn’t have this extra day. Therefore, no photos, but here is all the information about those places.
D – NEVIS RANGE MOUNTAIN GONDOLA – The Gondola reaches 650 meters high up the slopes of Aonach Mòr, Scotland’s eighth-highest mountain. This is UK’s only mountain gondola and the journey takes around 15 minutes. Up the mountain, you can do beautiful scenic mountain walks and there is a restaurant and coffee place. For tickets and opening hours visit their website.
E – LOWER FALLS – If you are going to see the next stop (Steall Falls), then these waterfalls are right along the way. There is a bridge over the rocky falls of River Nevis, there is parking right nearby.
F– STEALL WATERFALL – Beautiful trail is considered of moderate difficulty. It takes about 2 km to reach the stunning Steall Waterfall, so the whole trail might take more than 1 hour. Note that the trail might be slippery and uneven going over rocks. But the waterfall looks worth the hike! The map on the right shows the out-and-back trail from the parking to the waterfalls (circled blue).
G – INCHREE FALLS – Another moderate difficulty trail leading to a waterfall. This is a circular 5.3 km woods trail that might take about 2 hours to complete. Route map below.
H – GLENCOE LOCHAN – A beautiful lake with several short trails around it. On the map below you can see one of the trails, an easy 1.8 km loop route around the lake, that might take around 50 minutes.
Scotland Road Trip: Day 12 – Glencoe To Glasgow
Well, our Scotland road trip itinerary is coming to an end. Today we will be leaving the beautiful Glencoe and making our way to Glasgow. There are a few ways to get to Glasgow, we chose this route below, with the most interesting places along the way.
B – LOCH TULLA VIEWPOINT – Beautiful scenery of Loch Tulla and the surrounding mountains. There is a big parking lot.
C – KILCHURN CASTLE VIEWPOINT – At the tip of Loch Awe sits one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. Built in the mid-1400s by Sir Colin Campbell. Over the years, the Castle was used as a government garrison during the Jacobite Rebellions, until it was abandoned in the 1700s. Currently, there is no visiting option, just admiring it from the outside. There is a nice viewpoint on it from road A819. There is a small parking, you need to walk through the gate until you reach Loch Awe.
D – INVERARAY CASTLE – Beside Loch Fyne, located this majestic gothic Castle. Designed by William Adam and Roger Morris, and built in the 1700s. The Castle is the family seat of Clan Campbell, the Dukes of Argyll, and it is still the family’s home that parts of it are open to the public. Do a self-guided tour through the luxurious rooms of the castle and don’t miss the Armoury Hall. Check their website for admission tickets and opening hours.
E – REST AND BE THANKFUL VIEWPOINT – On road A83, just after Loch Restil, there is the Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint, that offers beautiful views of Glen Croe. In the valley, runs the old military road that was built by soldiers in the 18th century following the Jacobite rebellion. With the completion of the construction of the road in 1750, a stone was erected with the words Rest and Be Thankful. There is a large parking lot and sometimes there is a snack van.
F – INVERUGLAS PYRAMID – AN CEANN MÒR – A pyramid-shaped structure on the banks of Loch Lomond. The name An Ceann Mòr means Large Headland in Gaelic. This 8-meter-high pyramid was built in 2015 as part of the Scottish Scenic Routes pilot project. It offers panoramic views over Loch Lomond and the mountains Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps. Since it was raining heavily at that time, we went straight to Glasgow and passed this spot, but the views are amazing and we do recommend getting there.
Hotel in Glasgow
We chose the Radisson Blu Hotel due to its convenient central location near the Glasgow Central Station, since we had a train the next morning. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend this hotel. Although the hotel itself looks modern and the breakfast was nice, the room we had was not up to our standards. Having the rooms renovated (since we stayed in 2022) will totally cancel our dis-recommendation. But there are so many other accommodation options, check out the best places to stay in Glasgow.
Restaurant in Glasgow
We ate at La Lanterna, which was close to the hotel. We definitely
enjoyed our meal in this superb Italian restaurant. We always admire Italian
restaurants that make hand-made pasta. We had Spaghetti alla Carbonara and Ravioli Carne. Great food and service.
Scotland Road Trip: Day 13 – Glasgow (optional day)
We are coming to the last day of our Scotland road trip itinerary. Arriving in Glasgow, we had such high expectations, loving Edinburgh so much. Unfortunately, it left us underwhelmed. It is very different from Edinburgh and gave us a more gloomy, industrial feel along with some sketchy areas. That’s why we address this day as an optional day. Nevertheless, Glasgow has some gems, maybe we just needed to look at it with a different pair of eyes than the rest of Scotland.
This is a walking route itinerary in Glasgow. The whole route is about 8 km long which is a bit long. If you want to shorten the route, walk up to Glasgow Necropolis (3 km from the center), and take a taxi to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the University, since they are located quite far from the center. That way you can save Sauchiehall Street shopping for last.
B – SHOPPING ON BUCHANAN STREET – One of the busiest shopping thoroughfare streets in the UK, it’s renowned for its variety of high street shopping. Even if you are not interested in shopping, just stroll through this pedestrian-only street and enjoy its architecture, restaurants and bars.
C – GEORGE SQUARE – An iconic central city square named after King George III, is home to the magnificent City Chambers (Glasgow City Council).
D – GLASGOW CATHEDRAL – The breathtaking medieval cathedral, known as the High Kirk of Glasgow was built in the 12th century. It is the oldest mainland cathedral and the oldest building in Glasgow. It is thought to have been built on the site of St Kentigern’s tomb, known as Saint Mungo, the first bishop of Glasgow. The admission is free.
E – GLASGOW NECROPOLIS – Head uphill to the beautiful Glasgow Necropolis, a 37-acre Victorian cemetery set upon a hill offering great views over the cathedral. It is estimated that about 50,000 burials have taken place there but with only 3,500 tombs. There are free guided walking tours in the Necropolis.
F – SHOPPING ON SAUCHIEHALL STREET – Another nice street for shopping, it is probably Glasgow’s most famous thoroughfare. It runs from Buchanan Street in the east to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in the west.
G – KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM – This is one of Scotland’s most popular free attractions, it features galleries full of art, natural history, arms and armor, science, and technology. The building is an attraction in itself with its stunning architecture. The museum is free to visit.
H – UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW – Is one of the world’s oldest universities with absolutely beautiful courtyards. It’s also assumed by many to be the inspiration for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Harry Potter, with its Gothic-revival style. However, it has never been officially determined but the inspiration was probably the George Heriot’s School in Edinburgh.
Lastly, there are guided walking tours in Glasgow for your comfort:
Well, that’s it! This was our ultimate Scotland road trip: 10 day Scotland itinerary with 3 optional extra days. We hope it helps you plan the best Scotland road trip!
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