travel scotland reddit

The 14 best places to visit in Scotland

Nov 19, 2023 • 10 min read

Pack your camping gear (and your rainproofs) and head to some of the best places to visit in Scotland © Robert Coppinger / Shutterstock

Some of the best places to visit in Scotland will be instantly familiar to anyone who’s ever gazed at a whisky label or shortbread tin. Think dramatic peaks, lonely glens, lochs, tartan and haggis!

From spectacular Skye and historic Edinburgh to the rolling rivers of Speyside, Scotland’s big sights are as glorious as you’d imagine. But scratch the surface of this proud nation and you’ll find a varied and engrossing place, dotted with prehistoric villages, wild clubs, rich seafood and ruined abbeys.

So, where to start? Once you've decided on the best time for your visit , you need to decide on the best places to go while you're there. Here is our pick of the best destinations in Scotland to get you started.

1. Edinburgh

Best place for year-round entertainment

Scotland's capital may be famous for its festivals, but there's much more to the city than that. Edinburgh is a place of many moods: visit in spring to see the Old Town silhouetted against a blue sky and a yellow haze of daffodils, or on a chill winter’s day for fog snagging the spires of the Royal Mile, rain on the cobblestones, and a warm glow beckoning from the windows of local pubs. With a world-class modern art gallery , top museums , spooky historic sites and a majestic 12th-century castle , there's plenty to keep you entertained whatever the season.

Local tip: Start your visit to Edinburgh with a climb up Arthur's Seat , an extinct volcano for panoramic views over the city.

2. West Highland Way

Best place for long-distance hiking

The best way to really get inside Scotland's landscapes is to walk them. Here, peaks tower over lochs and sea cliffs gaze over the wind-whipped sea, but there are short woodland trails and charming strolls through valleys dusted with purple heather, too. Top of the wish list for many hikers is the 96-mile West Highland Way from Milngavie (near Glasgow) to Fort William , a weeklong walk through some of the country's finest scenery, finishing in the shadow of its highest peak, Ben Nevis.

If you don’t have the time or energy for a long-distance trek, it's possible to do just a day's hike along part of the trail. For example, you could walk the section from Rowardennan to Inversnaid, returning to your starting point using the Loch Lomond waterbus . Whichever section you take on, pack waterproofs and midge repellent. Rail lovers should note that sleeper trains run south from Fort William all the way to London, making for an easy exit after a walk.

Detour:  The 1,345m (4,413ft) summit of Ben Nevis is within reach of anyone who's reasonably fit: treat the peak with respect and your reward (weather permitting) will be magnificent views that can stretch as far as Northern Ireland.

3. North Coast 500

Best place for a scenic road trip

Breathtaking views abound in the Highlands , but the far north is where things become truly awe-inspiring. This is the best place in Scotland to explore by car (you can also cycle it), with some of the finest roadside scenery in Europe.

The North Coast 500 starts and ends in the likable city of Inverness , and loops past the lochs, sand dunes and golf courses of the east coast before taking in the remote cliffs and beaches of Cape Wrath, the rugged peaks of Assynt and Torridon’s desolate beauty. These sights, and the nooks of warm Highland hospitality found in the region's classic rural pubs and old crofting villages, make this an unforgettable weeklong tour.

4. Isle of Skye

Best place for photographers

In a country famous for stunning scenery, the Isle of Skye takes the top prize. From the craggy peaks of the Cuillins and the bizarre pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing to the spectacular sea cliffs of Neist Point, there's a photo opportunity awaiting you at almost every turn.

Skye is also one of the best places in Scotland to see golden eagles, and you’ll find convivial pubs and top seafood restaurants if you can tear your eyes from the natural world. Of course, all this tourist appeal makes Skye one of Scotland's most popular destinations. The crowds tend to stick to Portree , Dunvegan and Trotternish – it’s almost always possible to find peace and quiet in the island’s further-flung corners.

Planning tip:  Come prepared for changeable weather – when it’s fine, it’s very fine indeed, but all too often it isn’t.

5. Loch Lomond

Best place for a lakeside hike

Despite being less than an hour's drive from the bustle and sprawl of Glasgow, the bonnie braes (banks) of Loch Lomond – immortalized in the words of one of Scotland's best-known songs – comprise one of the most scenic parts of the country.

At the heart of Scotland's first national park , the loch begins as a broad, island-peppered lake in the south, its shores clothed in bluebell-sprinkled woods before narrowing in the north to a fjord-like trench ringed by mountains.

Detour: The summit of Ben Lomond (974m/3,031ft) is a popular climb – follow the well-maintained path for a 7-mile round-trip on the popular Tourist Route (allow around 5 hours).

Best place for live music and pub culture

Scotland's biggest city may lack Edinburgh's stunning setting, but it more than makes up for it with a barrelful of things to do and a warmth and energy that leaves every visitor impressed. Edgy and contemporary, it's a great spot to browse art galleries and museums , and to discover the works of local design hero Charles Rennie Mackintosh .

Glasgow’s infectious vitality is best sampled via its lively pubs and clubs, which host one of the world's great live music scenes.

Local tip:  Check out upcoming (mostly alt-rock) acts at the Barrowland  (crowned the UK's best music venue by Time Out magazine in 2023), a legendary former ballroom, or try the Sub Club for house and techno, the Clutha Bar for roots and rock, or Nice N Sleazy , a classic indie dive.

7. Stirling

Best place for castle fans

With an impregnable position atop a mighty wooded crag – the plug of an extinct volcano – Stirling ’s beautifully preserved Old Town is a treasure trove of historic buildings and cobbled streets winding up to the ramparts of Stirling Castle . This fortress has seen serious action – it was bombarded by the Warwolf, a giant 14th-century English siege engine, and was besieged during the 1745 Jacobite rising, as well as sending troops to the battle of Bannockburn (the decisive battle celebrated at the end of Braveheart ), just a few miles south.

Today, views that stretch to the Highlands, glorious tapestries and juicy history make this Scotland’s best castle – and a great family attraction.

Planning tip:  It's best to visit in the afternoon; many tourists come on day trips, so you may have the castle almost to yourself by 4pm.

8. St Andrews

Best place for golfers

Scotland invented the game of golf, and the city of  St Andrews is still revered as its spiritual home by hackers and champions alike. Links courses are the classic experience here – bumpy coastal affairs where the rough is heather and machair (coastal grass) and the main enemy is the wind, which can make a disaster of a promising round in an instant.

St Andrews, the historic Fife university town, is golf's headquarters , and an irresistible destination for anyone who loves the sport. And if you're not so keen, well, the city has impressive medieval ruins , stately university buildings , idyllic white sands and excellent guesthouses and restaurants .

9. Skara Brae

Best place for lovers of ancient history

When visiting ancient sites, it can sometimes be difficult to bridge the gulf of years or build a connection with the people that built them, but Scotland’s superb prehistoric remains have an immediate impact. Few places offer a better glimpse of everyday Stone Age life than Skara Brae in Orkney  with its carefully constructed fireplaces, beds, cupboards and water cisterns.

This Neolithic village – which, at 5,000 years is older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids of Giza – lay buried in coastal sand dunes for centuries. Even today, it can feel as though the inhabitants have just slipped out to go fishing and could return at any moment.

10. Glen Coe

Best place for clan history

Scotland's most famous glen combines two essential qualities of the Highlands: dramatic scenery and a deep sense of history. The peace and beauty of this valley today belies the fact that Glen Coe was the scene of a ruthless 17th-century massacre, when the local MacDonalds were murdered by soldiers of the Campbell clan.

Some of the glen's finest walks – to the Lost Valley, for example – follow the routes taken by fleeing clanspeople, many of whom perished in the snow.

Planning tip:  Start at the Glencoe Visitor Centre for more information on this beautiful place and its tragic history.

11. Perthshire

Best place to enjoy nature's bounty

In Perthshire , the heart of Scotland, picturesque towns bloom with flowers, distilleries emit tempting malty odors and sheep graze in impossibly green meadows. There's a feeling of the bounty of nature that no other place in Scotland can replicate.

Blue-gray lochs shimmer, reflecting the changing moods of the weather; centuries-old trees tower amid riverside forests; majestic glens scythe their way into remote wildernesses; and salmon leap upriver to the place of their birth.

12. Shetland Islands

Best place for birdwatching

Close enough to Norway to make Scottish nationality an ambiguous concept, the Shetland Islands are Britain’s most northerly outpost. The stirringly bleak setting – recognized as a precious UNESCO geopark – still feels uniquely Scottish though, with deep, naked glens flanked by steep hills, twinkling, sky-blue lochs and, of course, wandering sheep on the little-trafficked roads. It's the birdlife, however, that really draws visitors here.

From their first arrival in late spring to the raucous feeding frenzies of high summer, the vast colonies of gannets, guillemots, skua, puffins and kittiwakes at Hermaness , Noss, Sumburgh Head and Fair Isle provide some of Britain's most impressive birdwatching experiences.

Local tip: Shetland is one of the best places in the UK to spot orcas (and the Northern Lights).

13. Speyside

Best place for whisky tasting

Scotland's national drink is whisky – from the Gaelic uisge beatha , meaning “water of life” – and this fiery spirit has been distilled here for more than 500 years. More than 50 distilleries are in operation in Speyside, Scotland's most famous whisky area, famed for fruity, lightly spicy flavors (head over to Islay for peatier varieties).

Ask at the Whisky Museum about the Malt Whisky Trail, a self-guided tour around the local distilleries. If you just have time for one, the Balvenie Distillery is a good bet as it still uses a traditional malting floor – the smell is glorious!

Planning tip:  Dufftown lies at the heart of the region and is host to the biannual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

14. The Scotland Borders

Best place for a country ramble

Many visitors to Scotland race up to Edinburgh and then hightail it to the Highlands, missing the Scottish Borders entirely . That's their loss. Once fought over by war chiefs and cattle thieves, the Borders region is rich in history and packed with good cycling and hiking routes.

There are grand country houses, too – Traquair House brews Jacobite Ale and has a concealed room that once hid Catholic priests – and a series of gorgeous ruined abbeys – Gothic Melrose Abbey is the best – plus birds and sea cliffs at St Abb’s Head. More active types can fish for salmon or thunder down the mountain bike trails at Glentress and Innerleithen.

This article was first published May 13, 2021 and updated Nov 19, 2023.

Explore related stories

Art and Culture

May 29, 2024 • 11 min read

From Glastonbury to Latitude plus boutique festivals like Secret Garden Party, here's your guide to the UK's best summer music festivals.

Mar 14, 2024 • 16 min read

Mar 6, 2024 • 7 min read

Feb 8, 2024 • 7 min read

Jan 30, 2024 • 19 min read

Jan 16, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 2, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 2, 2024 • 11 min read

Dec 28, 2023 • 9 min read

Dec 5, 2023 • 7 min read

Best Beaches

Scenic Road Trips

Top Castles to Visit

Glasgow Guide

Dundee Guide

Aberdeen Guide

Fort William Guide

Scottish Highlands

Amazing Islands

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Scotland's Airports

Places to Visit

One Week in Scotland

One Week in Scotland: The Perfect Itinerary

This seven-day Scotland touring itinerary has something for everyone, whether you're an urban connoisseur or a wilderness fan. Historic castles, legendary outlaws, and mythical sea monsters all vie for your attention. So does the seafood, fished from cold North Sea waters, as well as the water of life—more commonly known as Scotch whisky. Any short visit to Scotland is bound to leave you hungry for more.

This driving itinerary is organized day by day rather than hour by hour. It's meant to give you a good overview while providing enough freedom to allow you to pick and choose without losing the plot. As long as you end up in the suggested destination at the end of each day, you should have plenty of time to discover what makes Scotland special and especially loved by visitors.

Day 1: Edinburgh

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

Morning: Start your day in Edinburgh early, with a hearty Scottish breakfast at your hotel. Edinburgh is a very hilly city and you want to stoke up on carbs for all the walking. Don't pass up the oatmeal that's usually included in a Scottish breakfast. The pinch of salt they add makes it very special.

Then head for the bottom of The Royal Mile ; starting at The Palace of Holyrood House, this street climbs through Old Town and ends at Edinburgh Castle. Though most people walk down the Royal Mile, we think it works better in the opposite direction when you still have lots of energy.

The Palace of Holyrood House , the Monarch's official residence when she is in Scotland, is only partially open to the public. The self-guided audio tour will take you an hour or less.

Across the street, you'll find the Scottish Parliament. Controversial (it cost more than $506 million after an original proposal of $12 million) and architecturally interesting, you can see the key areas in about 15 minutes.

Afternoon: The Inn on the Mile is a handy place to stop for lunch, and is about three-quarters of the way up the Royal Mile .

When you're done eating, climb up to Edinburgh Castle for the spectacular views at the top. Unless you are fascinated by military history, skip the museums and exhibits; instead, walk down through Princes Street Gardens to the Scottish National Gallery on the Mound.

Evening: Sample any one of more than 300 brands of scotch whisky at the Bow Bar on West Bow in the Old Town. Then head for an early supper at Edinburgh's famous Italian deli, Valvona & Crolla , or a casual pizza at the popular La Favorita. If jet lag is starting to set in, order online and they'll deliver to your hotel room.

Day 2: Scotts View, Abbotsford, and Traquair

 Michelle Kelley Photography/Getty Images

Morning: Head out of the city and south into the Borders, a county punctuated by the meandering River Tweed and rich in history and literary connections. On your way, take a few minutes to stop at Scott's View . A favorite of novelist, playwright, and poet Sir Walter Scott, this spot gives you stunning views of the Eildon Hills , three distinctive volcanic plugs, and the Tweed Valley. There's a small parking area with an orientation table a historic marker.

Afterwards, pay a visit to Melrose Abbey . Built in the 12 th century, the abbey is believed to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart . There is a memorial stone marking the spot.

Make your way to Abbotsford House next. Sir Walter Scott almost bankrupted himself building this remarkable faux-medieval fantasy palace surrounded by beautiful gardens on the Tweed. After his death in 1832, the house immediately became a place of literary pilgrimage. It has been open to the public since 1833. Stop for lunch at Abbotsford before moving on to Traquair.

Afternoon: Traquair House is the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland and has been in the same family for 900 years. It is a fascinating place, connected to stories of political intrigue, Jacobites, secret Catholics, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and Mary Queen of Scots. You can even sample a bevy from Traquair's own brewery. The house and grounds can be visited daily between April and the end of October, and weekends only in November.

Evening: Return to Edinburgh and enjoy some fine dining in Leith, the city's waterfront district. Try The Kitchin or Restaurant Martin Wishart , both owned by celebrity chefs and spangled with Michelin stars. Book either online before you leave home.

Day 3: The Forth Bridges, Falkirk Wheel and Stirling Castle

Morning: It's just a 15-mile drive from Edinburgh to the Forth Bridges . When the first one opened at Queensferry in 1890, it was the world's biggest man-made steel structure and a marvel of Victorian engineering. About nine miles from Edinburgh, the historic railroad bridge is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, joined by two other remarkable bridges. When the Forth Road Bridge opened in 1964, it was the largest long-span suspension bridge outside the U.S. The Queensferry Crossing opened in 2017 and is the longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge in the world. There's a terrific viewpoint to see all three at Hawes Pier in Queensferry.

The Falkirk Wheel is the world's only rotating boat lift. It raises and lowers boats and their passengers—to a height of 115 feet—between the Forth&Clyde and Union Canals. Book ahead on the website and you can take a 50-minute ride on it. Have some lunch at the visitor center before moving on.

Afternoon: Plan on spending the whole afternoon at and around Stirling Castle , about 13 miles away. Sitting on top of an impressive volcanic rock and protected on one side by dramatic cliffs, the castle has long remained a symbol of Scottish independence with its strong connections to William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Mary Queen of Scots. It was first mentioned in 1110 when King Alexander built a chapel there, but in all likelihood it is much older. There are a range of guided and self-guided audio tours you can take to see the royal palace's great halls and kitchens, chapel, and regimental museum. From the castle walls, you can see Stirling Bridge, the site of William Wallace's 13 th -century victory over the English.

Just below the castle is Stirling Old Town . It is a virtually intact Medieval town and you should plan on spending some daylight hours walking around it.

Evening: Have dinner and spend the night in Stirling. There's a good selection of hotels and plenty of casual bistros, cafés, and pubs.

Day 4: The Cairngorms, Urquhart Castle, and Loch Ness

Morning: Fill up on fuel and water before leaving Stirling; you'll be passing through some of the emptiest areas and highest plateaus of Cairngorm National Park . First stop: Balmoral , the Queen's private vacation home. Built by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria, the Scottish Baronial estate is surrounded by beautiful woodlands and mountain views. You can only visit a small part of the house, but there is usually an interesting exhibition to see. The house is closed to the public when the Queen and the royals are in residence, from August through October. Tickets need to be booked in advance.

Note: If you're in the area when the Queen is in residence, visit Blair Castle on the Blair Atholl estate or Braemar Castle instead.

Afternoon: Heading north on a curving route from Balmoral, you'll enter an area that has recently been dubbed the SnowRoads . It includes the highest public road in Britain and the highest public road mountain pass. The scenery, though lonely and empty, is also spectacular. In the northwest corner of the Cairngorms is Speyside, one of Scotland's most important whisky-making areas. Stop in the little market town of Tomintoul to pick up a bottle or two for later.

Now's your chance to look for the Loch Ness Monster. Urquhart Castle offers a high vantage point over Loch Ness. Even though it's a ruin, the location makes this one of the best castles in Scotland.

Evening: End your day by driving to Invermoriston Falls, a spectacular series of rapids and waterfalls crossed via a historic, pedestrian-only 19 th -century bridge . The Glenmoriston Arms Hotel, across the parking lot for the falls, has decent food, traditional music, and comfortable beds.

Day 5: Eilean Donan and Glencoe

Morning: Leave Invermoriston for Eilean Donan Castle , probably the most quintessential image of an early medieval Scottish fortress. The drive there is unforgettable; you'll pass forbidding dark lochs through valleys of brooding mountains.

Originally built as a fortress to defend the mainland from the Vikings, Eilean Donan was destroyed in the  Jacobite rebellion of 1719 . It was rebuilt between 1911 and 1932 from surviving ground plans of earlier buildings. The castle occupies an island at the confluence of three great sea lochs, but you can reach it on foot via a stone bridge. Eilean Donan's re-enactors make this a fun visit.

Afterwards, drive over to Fort William , often called the gateway to the Highlands. The town—located underneath the shadow of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis—is a handy place to stop for lunch. There are plenty of quick food outlets and fish and chip shops, but if you're feeling adventurous, hop on a gondola for a mountain lunch at the Snowgoose Restaurant .

Afternoon: Glencoe is one of the most important landscapes in Britain and no visit to the Western Highlands would be complete without. Be sure to check out the  eco-friendly visitor center . Here you can start a short nature and wildlife walk on the edge of the glen, find out more about the epic adventure trails, and immerse yourself in the sad history of betrayal and murder that still haunts this valley.

Evening: In the nearby village of  Ballachulish , you'll find a range of accommodation, from hotels and guest houses to campsites. There are places to eat within a short distance of the visitor center as well.

Day 6: A Scenic Drive and a Loch Lomond Cruise

 Dennis Barnes/Getty Images

Morning: Take the short, scenic drive through Glencoe to the green, romantic hills of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park . It's an easy, quiet road, but take your time and stop whenever you see a place to pull over; the scenery is spectacular and the geology that formed it astonishing.

When you reach Loch Lomond, continue down its west bank to Tarbet or all the way to Balloch on the southern shore. Tarbet is a quiet village near a narrow part of the loch, with good tourist services and access to some fabulous cycling. Balloch is the main commercial tourism center for Loch Lomond. What you do for the rest of the day depends on how active you like to be.

Active Afternoon Itinerary: If you want to see as much as possible, head over to Tarbet and park in the public parking area near Tarbet Pier. After you explore the village, hire a bike from Cruise Loch Lomond . You can take the bike with you on the Waterbus to Inversnaid; from here, ride the four miles along the north shore of Loch Arklet to Stronachlachar.

At Stronachlachar Pier, board the Steamship Sir Walter Scott for a round trip cruise on Loch Katrine. When it's over, cycle back to Inversnaid and return to Tarbet Pier on the water taxi. Then make your way to Balloch for the night.

Relaxed Afternoon Itinerary: Want to take it much slower? Instead of going to Tarbet, drive to Balloch and climb aboard the " PS Maid of the Loch ," the last paddle steamer built in Britain. Afterwards, grab some souvenirs at Loch Lomond Shores, a nearby shopping center.

Take the Waterbus from Balloch Pier to Luss, a conservation village on the west bank of Loch Lomond. Most of the cottages in in this flower-bedecked village date from the 18 th and early 19 th centuries. There are several marked circuits ranging from an easy, 15-minute walk around the village to an hour-long Heritage trail.

Walk to the end of Luss Pier for good views of Ben Lomond. From Luss, you can take a short Waterbus trip to Inchcailloch, a secluded island just offshore with several good paths. Return to Luss, and from there, back to Balloch for the evening.

Day 7: Glasgow

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Morning: It's a mere 20 miles from Balloch to Glasgow, Scotland's liveliest city. When you reach the city, tour the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum . It's a huge late Victorian storehouse, featuring everything from Scottish and European paintings to dinosaur skeletons and stuffed animals. Don't miss Salvador Dali's remarkable "Christ of Saint John of the Cross," one of the museum's great treasures.

When you're done exploring the museum, check out Kelvinbridge. This part of Glasgow's already trendy "west end" (so hip the name is never capitalized) was recently voted one of the 50 coolest neighborhoods in the world. Shop for vintage and retro fashions, and buy a takeaway picnic at Roots, Fruits and Flowers —Glasgow's local answer to Whole Foods.

Afternoon: Climb the hill of Kelvingrove park—one of Glasgow's gorgeous green spaces—and enjoy your picnic there. Then check out the City Center Mural Trail . Made up of 25 murals, this trail of outrageous street art is all within an easy stroll of the city center.

Have your mind blown by an afternoon show at Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre . A permanent exhibition by a Russian emigré artist, this indescribable production combines kinetic sculpture, automata, music, and lighting effects.

Evening: Make your last meal in Scotland a good one. Dine in Finneston, the hub of Glasgow's somewhat macho foodie scene. Try The Finnieston , known for its top seafood and gin bar. Or chow down on amazing dry-aged beef and game at Porter & Rye.

Glasgow's nightlife is famous. For comedy, take your chances at The Stand . See new and emerging bands at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut or downstairs at Òran Mór, a multi-arts venue that also hosts comedy and theatre.

The 10 Best Day Trips From Edinburgh

The 10 Best Day Trips From Glasgow

The 16 Most Beautiful Natural Features in the UK

The Scottish Highlands: The Complete Guide

The Top 15 Places to Visit in Scotland

The 12 Best Road Trips in Scotland

Top 20 Most Popular UK Cities for International Visitors

Top 10 Castles to Visit in Scotland

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park: The Complete Guide

The Top 20 Things to Do in Edinburgh

The Best Time to Visit Scotland

The Top 20 Things to Do in the UK

48 Hours in Edinburgh: The Ultimate Itinerary

A Complete Guide to Every National Park in the UK

Top 10 Great Scenic Drives in Britain

Your Trip to Edinburgh: The Complete Guide

The best places to go in Scotland as Reddit launches staycation travel guide

The social media site is using Reddit users experiences to help pick the best places to go.

• 12:46, 13 JUL 2022
• Updated 10:34, 19 JUL 2022

A hugely popular social media site has teamed up with Airbnb to create an online staycation travel guide for people travelling around the UK.

Described as the "front page of the internet", Reddit brings users together based on their interests and hobbies. Now, the online community is turning its attention to travel using the experiences of its users to offer travel tips for people around the world.

And they've picked out the destinations in Scotland they think people should check out based on the experiences of the Reddit users who have been there.

Posting about the new guide, a spokesperson said: "The community makes Reddit a go-to hub for holiday-goers to chat and share real and unfiltered recommendations. Redditors are able to engage with other like-minded staycationers and ask hard-hitting questions about their potential trips... is it dog friendly? … suitable for little ones? … travelling alone?...what’s the food scene like?"

"We’ve huddled with some of the leading travel resources and platforms in the UK, including Airbnb, Rough Guides, and Trainline, to share the ultimate guide for underrated summer travel spots. Whether people are itching to get off the beaten path, looking for short trips, or have an upcoming unplanned bank holiday to take advantage of, Reddit has them covered."

Based on conversations on Reddit, here are the best underrated staycation spots this summer in Scotland as judged by Redditors - with some destinations also seeing search increases according to Airbnb.

The Highlands

The signature combination of mountains, glens, lochs and rivers, surrounded on three sides by a magnificently pitted and rugged coastline, guarantees wonderful moody views.

While you’re in the Highlands, try wild camping in the region - as this redditors puts it: ‘it doesn’t get much better than this!’ .

Lochinver Beach

Fort William

Fort William is gaining in interest – having seen an almost 130% increase in Airbnb searches over the past year. In line with that, according to Trainline data, Fort William has seen a 146% in train passengers over the past year.

Corrour Estate

If you’re hoping to recharge make sure to check out the Corrour Estate - this Redditor describes it as the perfect spot to disconnect as a solo traveller.

This week's top Scotland Now stories

The Orkney islands are a unique and fiercely independent archipelago, and features in the Rough Guides reader survey as the most beautiful places in Scotland. In fact, according to data from Airbnb searches for the Orkney Islands have increased by over 120% in the last year.

This wildlife enthusiast spent an entire week on the islands and was so chuffed they took 1600 pictures - you can take a look at some of their top snaps on Reddit .

It's here you can stay in this incredible converted kirk, and you can find the Airbnb listing here.

Orkney's history is inextricably linked with Scandinavia. If you’re into your ancient civilizations this Redditor, in particular, is raring to pay a visit and explore early Christian and late Druidic sites up there.

Don't miss the top culture and heritage stories from around Scotland. Sign up to our twice weekly Scotland Now newsletter here .

Family in awe after watching incredible orca pod hunt up close on Shetland

Incredible images show highline expert 'walk on air' at Scotland's most breathtaking spots

Loch Lomond Rescue Boat asks visitors not to abuse their team after busy weekend of call outs

• Staycations
• Scotland Now
• Most Recent

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » Scotland » 25 Best Things to Do in Scotland

25 Best Things to Do in Scotland

Consider Scotland, if just for a moment, and it’s more than likely you’ll conjure up images of the Loch Ness Monster, tartan kilted Highlanders, blaring bagpipes, magnificent scenery, shaggy Highland cattle, ghostly castles, and of course, the birthplace of golf.

All together, these things are part and parcel of the fabric that makes Scotland so unique. The country lends itself to travel and explore in many different ways.

You can walk around the castles and the fabled battlefields where the ferocious clans fought against the English. You can follow in the footsteps of illustrious kings and queens. Or you can track the literary trails which were trodden by the likes of Sir Walter Scot and Robbie Burns.

A further great attraction of Scotland is its solitude, together with its remote stretches of purple, heather-laden moors, secluded expanses of beaches, and wildly romantic mountains with their lochs and deeply-set glens, all waiting to be explored. Here are the best things to do in Scotland !

1. Castle Rock, Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle

The most famous fortress in Scotland, Edinburgh Castle has played a dominant role in the city’s skyline since the reign of King David I during the 12th Century. For good reason, it is the most popular national monument in the country.

Perched atop the plug of an extinct volcano, the spectacular castle offers terrific views over city landmarks, including Princes Street, the Royal Mile, and Holyroodhouse Palace, which lies at the far end of the Royal Mile.

Also see: Best things to do in Edinburgh .

To gain entrance to the castle, a drawbridge spans over an old moat which has its entryway from the broad Esplanade, the location for the much-famed Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which is held as an annual event in August. As you walk along the Esplanade, you’ll witness bronze statues of two Scottish heroes – Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, both of whom fought and defeated the English during the late 13th and early 14th centuries.

2. Inverness: Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

If you think of Loch Ness, near the small city of Inverness, you’ll likely picture the mythical monster, which, according to legend, has made a home of the loch for countless centuries. For a thoroughly detailed portrayal of the monster, there’s no place that does a better task of fueling the legend than that of Drumnadrochit Hotel’s Loch Ness Exhibition.

To add further allure to the loch, the much-photographed Urquhart Castle stands over the water as it sits on a strip of land which juts out into the loch. Irrespective the castle is now a ruin, it, together with the loch, remains among the most popular of tourist attractions within the country.

3. St. Andrews: The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews

The Scots are responsible for many inventions, including the postage stamp, tarmacadam, the steam engine, the bicycle, and not least, the telephone. Arguably one of their most abiding inventions is the game of golf. Among the country’s biggest visitor draws is that of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. Recognized as golf’s ruling body and founded in 1750, St. Andrews frequently plays host to the famed British Open. Worth a look is the British Golf Museum which relays the history of the “home of golf”, beginning in the Middle Ages and progressing to the present day.

4. Trossachs National Park: Loch Lomond

Situated about 14 miles (23 km) north of Glasgow, and part of the Trossachs National Park, lies Britain’s largest lake – Loch Lomond. With its plentiful supplies of salmon, trout, and whitefish, it serves as an extremely popular locale for anglers the world over. And surrounded by spectacular mountain slopes and streams, it’s also celebrated by hikers, day-trippers, and water sports enthusiasts.

For those with boundless amounts of energy, a stiff hike up Ben Lomond, the tallest peak in the area, which stands at 3,192 ft. (973 m), is well and truly worth it merely to take in the spectacular surrounding views. At the southern end of the loch, Cameron House makes for an excellent place to experience the wonders of a Scottish castle, take in the fresh loch air, and savor the expansive range of outdoor activities.

5. Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye, known as “Cloud Island” on account of the heavy mists that often blanket the isle, and also by the Viking name “Sküyo”, is the largest of the country’s inner isles. It’s an extremely popular destination among nature lovers, and the wild, amorous mountain scenery together with the lush green glens and caves, beautiful waterfalls, and sandy beaches, which are all packed into an island that is merely 50 miles (80.5 km) in length and 15 miles (24 km) in width (at the center), serve to add to the overall appeal.

Add to this the quaint little villages and the deep inlets, the island still offers some remnants of primeval oak forests, in addition to a variety of wildlife species, including seals, otters, and over 200 species of birds. Visiting the island can be achieved either by passenger ferry or by taking a short drive across the bridge that connects to the mainland.

6. The Northern Highlands

Stretching from the city of Inverness up to Thurso at the northern peak of the Scottish mainland are the magnificent Northern Highlands. The ancient fault line gave rise to the creation of the Caledonian Canal, which extends from Inverness on the east coast over to the Corpach near Fort William on the west coast.

Though much of the mountainous region is entirely uninhabited, making it an ideal location for biking and hiking adventures, the area is dotted with many beautiful small towns and villages. Perhaps the most charming is the little coastal town of Dornoch, which is noted for its castle and cathedral ruins.

7. Ayrshire: The Burns Heritage Trail

A super way to experience a little insight into the life and times of Robbie Burns’ – Scotland’s favorite poet – is to take the Burns Heritage Trail. Starting in Alloway on the outskirts of Ayr, at the Robert Burns Museum, you’ll witness a wonderfully preserved thatched cottage where the poet was born and where he remained for most of his childhood years.

Upon visiting other related landmarks, the tour heads to the town of Dumfries in the south and to Robert Burns House, where he remained for the final four years of his life until he died at a young age of 36, in 1796. His final resting place is a short walk away at St. Michael’s Churchyard.

8. Aberdeenshire: The Castle Trail

The Castle Trail mainly focuses on castles located in Aberdeenshire, where 17 of Scotland’s most dramatic and best preserved castles remain. The itinerary, which utilizes the city of Aberdeen as a base, is anything from a single day up to four days in duration. You’ll be treated to such marvels as the 13th century Drum Castle, the fairy-tale looking 16th century Crathes Castle, as well as the 15th century Craigievar Castle, together with its round oriental windows, delightful towers and gables, and its quaint conical roof tops.

The tour is also a magnificent way to enjoy the dramatic coastlines and majestic mountains within the Grampian Region.

9. Stirling: The Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle

Perfectly situated between Glasgow in the west and Edinburgh to the east, Stirling is famed for a number of bloody historic battles, including the Battle of Bannockburn which witnessed Robert the Bruce’s defeat of the English in 1314, and the Battle of Stirling Bridge, whereby the legendary William Wallace helped to secure Scottish independence from the English King Edward I.

Just outside Stirling at Abbey Craig stands the courtly Wallace Monument, a splendid 246-step tower, which offers sumptuous views over the entire area, in addition to being the home to a number of artifacts which are claimed to have belonged to Wallace. Then, there’s the 12th century Stirling Castle, which is reminiscent of Edinburgh Castle, sitting atop a volcanic crag close to the center of the city.

10. Isle of Mull: Reside in Glengorm Castle

Occupying a wonderful position and surrounded by the cobalt blue ocean and ruined stone circles, together with white sandy beaches with a dramatic backdrop of the dark rocks on Mull’s northern coastline, stands Glengorm Castle.

The castle was built in 1860 and offers the perfect location for patrons to the island whereby they can book a room and enjoy their stay under the auspices of the castle’s owner Mr. Tom Nelson. The castle sits within the heart of its 5,000 acre estate, making it the ideal location to marvel at the surrounding views during an energetic hike, or sit back and relax while enjoying a dram of the local whisky.

11. Orkney: Skara Brae

Skara Brae, a semi-subterranean village which is situated on the island of Orkney, is among the very best preserved villages from the Stone Age within Europe, and is estimated to have been built over 5,000 years ago. For centuries, it was completely covered by a sand dune, until, in 1850, a great storm revealed the site.

Almost immediately upon the site being abandoned, the dwellings were suffused by sand, thereby preserving the stone walls and ensuring their currently relatively unmarred appearance. Older than the Great Pyramids and Stonehenge, Skara Brae has been given the title of the “Scottish Pompeii” due to the outstanding preservation.

12. Loch Duich, Western Highlands of Scotland: Eilean Donan Castle

Connected to the mainland by way of a simple footbridge which was created during the castle’s restoration during the early part of the 20th century, Eilean Donan, which is situated in the western Highlands of Scotland, is a small tidal island perched where three lochs meet – Loch Duich, Loch Alsh, and Loch Long. The castle, which takes the same name as the island, was originally established in the early 13th century, and served as a defensive port against marauding Vikings.

Today, the castle is a popular venue for both film and weddings, and is one of the most photographed structures in Scotland. It has appeared in films such as James Bond (The World is Not Enough), Bonnie Prince Charlie, The New Avengers, and Highlander.

13. Princes Street Gardens/ Edinburgh Castle: Festival Finale Fireworks

Edinburgh’s Festival fireworks display takes place at the culmination of the Festival, on the 31st of August each year. It represents the world’s largest annual pyrotechnic display which is accompanied by live music, and is watched by around 250,000 revelers, which represents almost half the entire population of Edinburgh.

Among the best vantage points are Princes Street Gardens, Carlton Hill, Arthur’s Seat, and Inverleith Park, unless you have a room with a view up to Edinburgh Castle, in which case you’re in luck. The sight of 100,000 fireworks being set off by four metric tons of explosives is one not to be missed.

14. Loch Garten near Aviemore: Watch Ospreys in Close Proximity

At Loch Garten, about 10 miles (16 km) north west of Aviemore, you’ll have the opportunity to watch nesting ospreys in their natural habitat. Other than the fact that these are very beautiful birds, it’s estimated that there are less than 150 breeding pairs within the UK. Watching from a hide offers the very best opportunity of witnessing these white-bellied fish-eaters.

Besides the ospreys, the forest at Loch Garten is inundated with red squirrels, crested tits, and red deer, so it really is a nature lover’s paradise. Do note that the hide is open from April to August.

15. North West Highlands: Bag Seven Munros in a Single Day

Arguably, there are some 284 ‘Munros’ peaks that rise above 3,000 ft. or 915 m in Scotland. No less than seven of those are located on a single long ridge in Kintail, North West Highlands, above Glen Shiel. As such, for those with a passion for bagging Munros, this is indeed the Munro-baggers cricket score! The first Munro, Creag a’ Mhaim, which is the easternmost of the Munros located on Cluanie Ridge, is 3,107 ft. (947 m), makes for a stiff climb, even for an experienced hiker. Once the first has been victoriously ascended, the final six await!

All seven Munros can easily be completed in a day, albeit a long day, and the Cluanie Inn makes for a good starting point, as well as the ideal finishing point to rest those weary legs and enjoy some fine Scot’s ale.

16. Isle of Arran

Only 166 square miles (267 sq. km) in size, and being a mirror image of the mainland’s rugged landscapes, it’s for obvious reason why the little Isle of Arran is recognized as “Scotland in Miniature”. Just like the mainland, Arran boasts sandy beaches, majestic mountains, castles, moorland, a diverse array of wildlife, beautiful little fishing harbors, and extremely friendly people.

Even though the isle’s highlights, among them being Goat Fell Mountain and Brodick Castle, can be visited within a single day, it’s best to allow for a few days in order to explore this wonderful wee Scottish island.

17. Gairloch, Wester Ross: Live in a Lighthouse

If you’ve ever fancied staying in a lighthouse, now’s your chance. Rua Reidh lighthouse, not far from Gairloch in Wester Ross, is located at the very end of a single-track road which stretches 11.8 miles (19 km) and is merely used as an ambling pathway for sheep and deer. The lighthouse is perched atop the black rocks overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean and over to the Outer Hebrides.

Like all lighthouses in the UK, Rua Reidh is now fully automated and thus the keepers’ quarters have been transformed into en-suite bedrooms, bunkrooms, and a cosy living room together with a wood-burning stove. For more information, contact the lighthouse owner at www. ruareidh.co.uk

18. Outer Hebrides: Sea Kayaking Around an Archipelago

Paddling to an island that is entirely deserted and then having a BBQ on the beach might seem like something you can only achieve in a dream, but it’s perfectly possible to achieve in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland where almost all of the 200 plus islands are uninhabited. And the best way to experience the archipelago is to do so by boat. The surrounding waters are crystal-clear and the destination is prime territory for sea kayaking.

Fortunately, for those with little to no experience of kayaking, there are local professionals who will take you out. And if you are seriously committed, you can turn the adventure into a week-long camping expedition. To get started and pick up your kayak, visit the isles of Harris, Lewis, Barra, or Uist.

19. Pollok Country Park, Glasgow: The Burrell Collection

The Burrell Collection in Glasgow’s Pollok Country Park hosts everything from Rodin sculptures, ancient tapestries, Chinese ceramics, to Impressionist works by Cézanne and Degas. The collection, which was donated by Glaswegian shipping magnate and art collector Sir William Burrell, is open daily and entry is free of charge. Art lovers who have already witnessed the treasures on offer claim that the museum’s milieu and variety of art is almost beyond comparison.

20. Islay and Jura: Whisky at its Finest

The islands of Islay and Jura, both situated on the west coast of Scotland, play host to some of Scotland’s very best whisky distilleries, including Ardbeg, Jura, Bowmore, Kilchoman, Laphroig, and Lagavulin.

Although the distilleries can be visited at any time of year, for the whisky aficionado, the best time to go is during the weeklong whisky festival which occurs every summer. Besides the gargantuan quantity of whisky to be had, the festival includes ceilidhs (traditional Scottish dance), cooking-with-whisky evenings, Celtic music concerts, in addition to a charity whisky barrel ‘push’ across Islay. And on the final day, festival revelers are treated to a carnival held on Port Ellen Green.

21. Melrose: Melrose Abbey

Founded back in 1136 by Cistercian monks, Melrose Abbey was built on the behest of King David I of Scotland. Although it is now a ruin, you can still witness the lavish masonic décor which is considered to maintain the embalmed heart of David I’s great-great grandson, Robert the Bruce. The abbey represents one of Scotland’s most historically significant structural remnants.

22. Grampian Mountains: Climb Britain’s Highest Peak

If you have at least some hill-walking experience, don’t be tempted to take the Tourist Path in order to reach the summit of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, which stands at 4,409 ft. (1,344 m) above sea level. Instead, follow the far more adventurous and spectacular Carn Mór Dearg Arête, which is one of the finest ridges in the country, as it sweeps in an almost perfect arc over to the North Face. Once you reach the top, you’re welcome to join the masses of tourists as they make their descent along the main route, and at the bottom, take pleasure from a pint of real ale served at the Ben Nevis Inn.

23. South Harris, Outer Hebrides: Luskentyre Beach

Located on the breathtaking west coast of South Harris overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the Outer Hebrides, Luskentryre Beach offers a peaceful and timeless getaway for the intrepid visitor to the islands of Scotland. The beach is among the most beautiful coastal areas in Scotland, together with its creamy, white sands, blue-green seas, and vibrant green hillside which makes for the perfect backdrop.

24. Laggan, Kingussie: Go Mountain Biking

Scotland has the reputation as one of the world’s best destinations for those who like to partake in the sport of downhill mountain biking. And that’s a reputation that is well deserved as a plethora of dedicated downhill tracks now dot every part of the country. One that stands above the crowd is Laggan Wolftrax, located 1.25 miles (2 km) from Laggan, which is near Kingussie in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.

If you’re a teenage thrill seeker, there are a number of black runs (the most severe) available for you. For those who prefer a gentler jaunt around the woods, there are easier-going blue runs (moderate) as well as flat trails, and tea and cake await you in the caféteria at the end.

25. Aviemore, Cairngorms: Rothiemurchus Forest

The largest tract of ancient forest that remains in Britain is located about 2 miles (3.2 km) from Aviemore in the Cairngorms. The Caledonian pine forest provides a good way to escape from it all and enter a world that’s akin to a Lewis Carroll novel, as the pine trees twist and turn and spread their woody fingers over the surrounding juniper and heather.

For the best chance to witness capercaille, badgers, and pine martens, pay a visit to the hide which is heated and provides night-vision cameras.

25 Best Things to Do in Scotland:

• Castle Rock, Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle
• Inverness: Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
• St. Andrews: The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews
• Trossachs National Park: Loch Lomond
• Isle of Skye
• The Northern Highlands
• Ayrshire: The Burns Heritage Trail
• Aberdeenshire: The Castle Trail
• Stirling: The Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle
• Isle of Mull: Reside in Glengorm Castle
• Orkney: Skara Brae
• Loch Duich, Western Highlands of Scotland: Eilean Donan Castle
• Princes Street Gardens/ Edinburgh Castle: Festival Finale Fireworks
• Loch Garten near Aviemore: Watch Ospreys in Close Proximity
• North West Highlands: Bag Seven Munros in a Single Day
• Isle of Arran
• Gairloch, Wester Ross: Live in a Lighthouse
• Outer Hebrides: Sea Kayaking Around an Archipelago
• Pollok Country Park, Glasgow: The Burrell Collection
• Islay and Jura: Whisky at its Finest
• Melrose: Melrose Abbey
• Grampian Mountains: Climb Britain’s Highest Peak
• South Harris, Outer Hebrides: Luskentyre Beach
• Laggan, Kingussie: Go Mountain Biking
• Aviemore, Cairngorms: Rothiemurchus Forest

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

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.

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.

Related Articles

• WATCH ME SEE | A SCOTLAND TRAVEL BLOG
• Privacy Policy

• Itinerary Review
• Ready-Made Itineraries
• Bespoke Itineraries
• Planning Your Trip
• Scottish Regions
• Free Checklist
• Scotland Itineraries
• All Blog Posts
• Where to go?
• Scotland Resource Library
• Scotland Travel Journal
• Meine Schottland Bücher
• About Watch Me See
• Work with Me
• In the Press

Highlands , Itineraries

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!

This post contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission. Find out more here . All opinions are my own.

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 .

Table of Contents

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?

Pin this post for later: 

Planning a trip to Scotland?

Download my FREE Trip Planning Checklist

Join my Facebook group to find inspiration for big & small adventures

Listen to my podcast Wild for Scotland for lots of travel inspiration

Use my Scotland Travel Journal to document your trip

Make trip planning easier with my Scotland Resource Library

Save time and get one of my pick-up-and-go Scotland itineraries

Beat the overwhelm and hire me to plan a bespoke itinerary for you

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!

Pingback: 22 Best Road Trips in Europe To Take in 2020 - Every Steph

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!

Pingback: 7 Days In Scotland - Our Photo Story - Synesthesia Art

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…

Pingback: The Active Scotland Itinerary: One Week in Scotland

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

Pingback: How to Plan a Trip to Scotland | WatchMeSee.com

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!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Traverse With Taylor

| Helping You Experience Europe Easily

Is Scotland Worth Visiting? 17 Reasons You Need To Visit

I just recently returned from my second trip to Scotland, so I can confidently tell you that it is definitely worth a visit! It is one of my favorite places in Europe, and I travel there every time I get the chance! I swear I could live in Scotland- it’s that amazing!

⭐ THE ROUNDUP: TOP 3 REASONS TO VISIT SCOTLAND

✅ Edinburgh is an amazing, historical city. ✅Fairy Tales & Scottish Legends come to life! ✅Amazing Castles to Visit! (Like Edinburgh Castle!)

Is Scotland Worth Visiting?

While planning your next adventure, you might find yourself wondering: Is Scotland worth visiting? I found myself wondering this a few years ago when my husband and I were headed there for our first trip. I was obsessed with Outlander , and I had planned a trip for us to visit Scotland and Ireland together. On the eve of our trip, he (rather rudely) asked me “ What is so great about Scotland? What even is there to do in Scotland? Why are we going there?”

I couldn’t very well admit to him that we were basically going so that I could buy a kilt and chase the idea of Jamie Fraser all over the country. But, he had a point. Scotland isn’t like Paris or London . It doesn’t have a ton of flashy, popular tourist attractions. There’s no Eiffel Tower or London Eye. I’ll tell you, though. That trip to Scotland changed our lives forever . It is now my husband’s absolute FAVORITE place to visit, and we go back as often as we can. There is plenty to do in Scotland, and it is definitely worth a trip. What’s so great about Scotland? Let me tell you…

1. Edinburgh Itself Is Fantastic

Let’s get something straight… Edinburgh isn’t your average European capital city . It’s better.  Somehow, Edinburgh manages to have grown significantly in popularity in years of late while at the same time remaining unassuming, walkable, and charming. Between Old Town and New Town , there are plenty of things to see, do, and taste. There is a multitude of kid-friendly attractions in the city , and it is incredibly safe as well. 

Read Next: Best Places to Stay in Edinburgh: Where to Stay in 2024

2. You Can Actually Experience Scottish Fairy Tales (Like the Loch Ness Monster!)

Fairy tales come alive in Scotland. The Scots truly commit to their stories, and it makes exploring there so much more fun. Lore from historic Scotland lives on in live storytelling and traditions. This is one of the main reasons Scotland is worth visiting with kids , especially.

The Loch Ness Monster, the Kelpies & Greyfriar’s Bobby

Take a trip to the local Waterstones bookstore and buy the traditional Scottish fairy tale books about the Kelpies , the Loch Ness Monster , or Greyfriar’s Bobby .

Then, go make the fairy tales come alive. Walk up to Greyfriar’s Bobby.

Take a trip to Loch Ness and cruise around searching for Nessie. Or, head outside Edinburgh and see the Kelpies for yourself.

3. All the Wee Drams of Scotch Whisky (+ Distilleries!)

You can’t go to Scotland and not be awed by the Scotch whisky…it’s just not a thing. I don’t even like whisky. But in Scotland? You bet I do! Ha!

The Scotch Whisky Experience

I’d be a horrible person if I didn’t HIGHLY recommend that you visit Scotland for the Scotch Whisky. I mean, really.  The most popular place to do this is to tour the Scotch Whisky Experience , where you’ll learn all about the varying regions around the country. Each makes its whisky differently, and you’ll learn about the qualities that make each area unique. My personal favorite is the smoky peat-flavored whisky from Islay. Sounds crazy- but try it! This is the best place to try whiskys if you’re on a trip based in Edinburgh. Plus, whisky tasting is the perfect indoor activity in the finicky Scottish weather!

Other Whisky Distilleries Around Scotland

However, Scotch Whisky Distilleries all around the country are open for tours, and they all come with tastings (Heyo!!). Two of the most popular are the Glenfiddich and Glenlivet Distilleries. Let me tell you, Scotch whisky is worth it. You won’t regret spending time at any Scottish Distillery.

4. There are Always Exciting Festivals to Celebrate

Scotland is a country that finds any reason at all to celebrate…and what could be more fun than that? It’s a country full of locals ready to hype up for a great time. Some of the most popular festivals in the United Kingdom and Scotland draw more than 3 million people from around the world and are fantastic times to visit.

Try Visiting During These Edinburgh Festivals: ✔ Edinburgh Fringe & Military Tattoo:

Festival Fringe is said to be the largest arts festival in the entire world! During these three weeks in August, Edinburgh comes alive with performers and artists from all over the world.

✔ Edinburgh Book Festival :

A celebration of the written word that brings in hundreds of authors to share the love of reading and writing with people of all ages.

✔ Burns Night :

Scots even spend an entire night in January celebrating the famed poet Robert Burns with a “Burn’s Supper” of haggis, neeps and tatties, and drams of whisky.

5. Harry Potter is Basically Scottish

Where my Harry Potter people at? If you’ve seen a picture of me, you know I must be a Weasley.  I am shameless in saying that I. Am. Here. For. The. Harry. Potter. Which works perfectly since J.K. Rowling wrote much of her famed book series in Edinburgh.

In Scotland, it is Worth Taking a Harry Potter Walking Tour

There are tons of Harry Potter tour options in Edinburgh , and so many sites connected to both the books and the movies. You can visit the Elephant House Cafe, a place Rowling has said she wrote a lot, pay homage at Tom Riddle’s Tomb in Greyfriar’s Kirkyard , and walk Victoria Street , a famous street that supposedly inspired Diagon Alley. You can even stay at the Balmoral in the suite where Rowling famously finished the final book of the series and inscribed her victory on the wall.

Ride the Jacobite Steam Train! (AKA the Hogwarts Express!)

Finally, take a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train . This “greatest railway journey in the world” runs from Fort William to Mallaig. You’ll feel like you’ve transported yourself right into your own journey to Hogwarts as you ride over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. You’ll definitely recognize this famous place from the movies!

Taking the Harry Potter walking tour in Edinburgh is a great use of your time if you love the Wizarding World even the least bit.

6. You Can Go Island-Hopping (Over the Sea to Skye!)

Many people don’t associate Scotland with islands. However, the country boasts more than 900 of them. The Hebrides is a particularly large chain of islands (more than 120 islands- over half of which are uninhabited) , and many are only accessible by ferry ride. Most everyone has heard of the Isle of Skye, but try your hand at some of the lesser-known (and equally as beautiful and welcoming) islands such as Orkney or Islay. Just make sure you double-check which roads and ferries are operating if you’re traveling in the winter off-season as the weather can be temperamental!

7. Scotland Has Unique Animals

I had no idea the first time I visited that Scotland, along with everything else, has the coolest animals to see.

The Cairngorms Reindeer Herd

My favorite experience was visiting the Cairngorms National Park Reindeer Herd . The Cairngorms Reindeer is a free-range herd of more than 150 reindeer that you can visit with on the hill or in paddocks, and they are so adorable. Visiting the reindeer feels like you stepped into The Polar Express , except more realistic. Feeding them and doing the reindeer hike was the highlight of my entire last trip t0 Scotland! And the scenery in Cairngorms National Park was incredible. So worth the time!

You’ll Love Highland Cows

The country is also famous for its Heilan Coo (Hairy Coos) which you will see literally everywhere. No, seriously. On photos, shirts, keychains, greeting cards….you name it, there’s someone who has made it with a hairy coo on it. These people LOVE their hairy coos…and, I can’t even blame them for it. You can see for yourself why these guys are so dang popular and visit them .

8. It’s Easy To Get Around (Even in the Highlands)

All things considered, Scotland is a pretty easy country to move around in. This makes it a country worth visiting because you don’t have to stay in one place and can explore Scotland to your heart’s content. Most visitors fly into Edinburgh or Glasgow, as both are large city hubs. Plus, you can take the train to places like Inverness! However, renting a car in Scotland is totally doable, and you’ll avoid spending time waiting for public transport. The roads are well-signed, and the drivers are friendly. Even driving on the right-hand side of the car (if you’re from the US like we are) is manageable . It just takes a few minutes to get the hang of it. However, I highly recommend paying a little more to rent an automatic rather than a traditional manual car if you’re already going to be learning to drive on the opposite side. Learning to shift with the opposite hand while driving on the wrong side of the road for the first time is rather like trying to pat your belly and rub your head at the same time. If driving isn’t your thing, the network of trains and buses in Scotland is also top-notch and easy to understand.

9. You Can’t Go Wrong With Scottish Food (Yes, Try the Haggis!)

I basically only travel to places to eat their local foods . And, let me tell you, Scotland does not disappoint. I have never heard anyone screaming from the rooftops about how good traditional Scottish food is, BUT MAYBE THEY SHOULD! Seriously, Cullen skink, Neeps and Tatties, and deep-fried Mars bars are all incredible reasons to go to Scotland by themselves- lol.  And, people are lying to you. Haggis is freaking delicious. (Okay, we ate it fried in eggrolls the first time, so you probs couldn’t even taste the haggis, but….whatever).

10. The Bookstores

I am all about the cute bookstores. And Scotland has them in spades. Is there anything better than a cluttered, disorganized, utterly-charming used bookstore that smells, somehow, like home and an adventure all wrapped into one? (I’ll have you know that my husband just laughed and said…you mean smells like mothballs).

Some of the most traveled ones in Edinburgh, Armchair Books and Edinburgh Books , are fantastic places to step into an older world and find a hidden treasure. However, one of the largest used bookstores in the United Kingdom, Leakey’s Bookshop , is also worth a visit. It is located in Inverness in an old church and is absolutely stunning. I visited during the fall on a day when it was positively pouring outside, and, if you’re even a LITTLE bit emo like I am….it was glorious. I ducked inside and tucked away for hours!| It’s a must-visit!

11. Scotland Might As Well Be the Land of the Castles

Scotland has a castle just about everywhere you go.  In fact, it has more than 1500 of them.

The most popular castle, Edinburgh Castle , sits overlooking Old Town Edinburgh. However, other castles such as Inverness Castle in Inverness or Eilean Donan Castle are amazing places to explore as well. Drive down the road? Castle. Walk the Royal Mile? Castle. Take a cruise on a loch? You guessed it– a castle!  In fact, one of my favorite castles in Scotland, Urquhart Castle, lies on the banks of the famed Loch Ness. Scotland is worth visiting even if just to tour some of the castles and walk yourself back in time.

⭐ This tour is one of the best things we did while in Scotland. Take a boat ride on Loch Ness to search for Nessie on the way to Urquhart Castle. Then, explore the castle ruins before you head back onto the boat for your ride home!

12. Afternoon Tea is Where It’s At

One of the first places I looked up in Scotland was where I could have Afternoon Tea . This is such a typical Scottish (or British) thing to do and FOR GOOD REASON! My goodness, the tea and scones and pastries are so yummy. If I could, I’d have afternoon tea every dang day.  And in Scotland, perhaps you should.

Read About things to do in Edinburgh , including my Afternoon Tea Recommendations!

13. You Can Hike Scotland!

The wild landscape of Scotland offers so many different hiking experiences. Want to hike along a Loch? You can do that. Want to hike Ben Nevis? You can do that, too. Want to hike up to Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye? Oh- you can also do that! Perhaps the best hiking is the Scottish National Trail , a trail that runs the length of Scotland and takes approximately two months to hike!

14. You Can Watch the Highland Games

Ya’ll…I know you have images of Scotland in your head. Images of men throwing long beams or shotput while wearing a kilt as someone plays the bagpipes heartily in the background. And if that’s what you’re looking for, Scotland will oblige with the Highland Games. Multiple counties and clans have their own Highland Games. For a small fee, you can watch them in all of their Scottish glory. Check where the upcoming Highland Games are here .

15. A Road Trip on the NC500 is Spectacular

If you’re looking for a neat experience, you’ll want to grab a rental car and road trip on the NC500. This 516-mile route, also known as the North Coast 500 , begins and ends at Inverness Castle in the Highlands. This is the best way to see the beautiful coast of Scotland, complete with sandy beaches, off-the-beaten-path gems, and tiny local villages. Once you’re done there, take a separate road trip to the West coast of Scotland to explore more of this beautiful country!

16. Scottish Music

There is something about the sound of bagpipes that just does it for me. I can immediately picture myself on a hill in the Highlands just taking in the beauty all around me. Some people find bagpipes irritating (they’re loud, I get it), and others love them. But no matter which side you fall on, bagpipes are a great reason to visit Scotland. Between bagpipers on the Royal Mile to accordionists in shows, you’re bound to hear some amazing renditions of Scotland the Brave. Many bars and restaurants in Scotland have live music, too!

17. Kilts & Tartan

I don’t know what it is about the kilts and the tartan…but they are a thing in Scotland. Scotland is a brilliant place to see locals done up in their full dress kilt and peruse the many tartan items that make this country in the United Kingdom stand out. Somehow, before you leave, you’ll find yourself suddenly wanting to wear anything and everything plaid you can find (No, just me?).

FAQ: Is Visiting Scotland Worthwhile?

Here are answers to some of the most frequent questions I’m asked regarding visiting Scotland:

How Many Days in Scotland is Enough?

In order to experience the most of Scotland, you’ll need to spend 10 days there . This will ensure that you have time to dive into Edinburgh, but also take some trips outside the city to explore the Scottish Highlands, visit smaller towns like Pitlochry or St. Andrews, and really see the entirety of this amazing country. Scotland is a beautiful place. It has so many towns and attractions worth seeing all throughout the country. However, if you’re looking to just get a taste of what it’s like to explore Scotland, you can successfully spend some time in the Highlands and in Edinburgh with four days. Regardless of how long you plan to be in Scotland, make sure you leave some time to meander around. Don’t schedule yourself running from place to place constantly. The best part about Scotland is that there are amazingly unique things to experience around every corner. You’ll stumble upon something interesting on each block.

Is Scotland Safe?

Scotland is one of the countries I feel most safe in . Even as a woman walking alone in the city, I never once felt like I had to look over my shoulder at every turn. That being said, still use caution, be smart, and travel with others when you can.

Do People In Scotland Speak English?

Yes! English is the main language spoken in Scotland. In addition to English, many speak people from Scotland speak Scots and Gaelic in their own homes. I have never come across a person in Scotland who does not speak English, meaning that travel there is quite easy!

Is Scotland a Real Country?

Scotland is a country. However, although Scotland considers itself a country , it is not an independent country. This means that according to international law, Scotland is not a sovereign country, but is one of four countries that are collectively part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. All very complicated, really.

Is Scotland or Ireland Better?

Ironically, both times that I’ve been to Scotland, it has been on a trip where I also visited Ireland ON THE SAME ITINERARY! Can you believe it? Hands down, Scotland is ten times better than Ireland. While there are beautiful sights to see in Ireland and the people are lovely, there is something special about Scotland. I personally feel this way, and so did ALL 40 people in the last group I traveled with. Not one person liked Ireland more.

Conclusion: Is Scotland Worth Visiting?

There is no doubt that Scotland is worth visiting. It is one of my favorite places in the world to go– mainly because there is always something new to do, see, or experience. If you have the time, definitely spend some time in Edinburgh and Inverness. Though, in my opinion, you can skip Glasgow. There’s something about Scotland that just feels like home whenever you visit. I have visited many times and always feel like I can’t wait to get back. What is so great about Scotland? Take a trip to Scotland yourself and find out- you won’t regret it!

Traveling to Scotland Soon? Check Out These Other Helpful Posts!

✔️ Grab my 2 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary so you can plan out the BEST days in the city! ✔️ Need a Hotel? Here are ALL of the best places to Stay in Edinburgh . ✔️ AND All of the best Spa Hotels in Edinburgh! ✔️Is Scotland Even WORTH Visiting? Here’s what you need to know. ✔️ Wondering How To Get Around Edinburgh? (Hint: You can use Uber! ) ✔️ If You’re Traveling to Inverness, Make sure to Try the BEST Afternoon Tea Spots ✔️And… here’s how you’ll want to get from Inverness to Loch Ness (a can’t miss!)

Taylor Beal, owner and author of Traverse With Taylor, has been traveling in Europe for more than a decade and helps others explore Europe easily through amazing guides and itineraries. She has adventured through more than 20 countries, searching for the best experiences, must-try foods, and delicious beers! She spends a lot of time in Scotland and Amsterdam, two of her favorite places! Taylor is also a Holocaust educator focused on raising awareness around WWII historical sites.

Similar Posts

Top 10 Best Travel Accessories For Europe in 2024

15 Cities Near Amsterdam: The Best Dutch Cities to Visit

Is Scotland a Country? Or Part of the United Kingdom?

5 Best Loch Ness Tours From Edinburgh to the Highlands

How to Have a Perfect Weekend in Paris: 2 Magical Days in Paris

13 Best Concentration Camps & Holocaust Memorials to Visit in Europe

How to Tour Scotland by Train

Scotland has several train lines that are perfect for exploring the country, including the Kyle Line, the Far North Line, the West Highland Line, the Carlisle Line, the Stranraer Line, and the Borders Railway. Discover everything you need to know about how to tour Scotland by train in this ultimate guide, which includes information about the main train lines and an itinerary for an 8-day train tour of Scotland.

The Best Train Journeys in Scotland

Scotland doesn’t waste an inch of its landscapes when it comes to impressing visitors. From the dramatic coastal railway that runs between Stranraer and Glasgow to the stunning scenery of the West Highland Line, you’re never far from amazing experiences when you hop on board a train.

The sights you’ll see vary in each part of the country so you might consider combining a few routes into one holiday, or if you’re pushed for time maybe just choose your favourite line and base yourself somewhere along it.

A top tip here would be Edinburgh, where you’ve got city attractions on your doorstep and the Highlands just a couple of hours train ride away if you fancy a day in the mountains, with the Scottish Borders less than an hour away in the opposite direction. Alternatively, you could head over to the west coast and explore Glasgow before setting off south on the Carlisle and Stranraer lines, both of which offer vastly different scenery from the standard tourist hotspots in the Highlands.

Whatever you choose, whether it’s a visit to Loch Ness to see the monster , a tour of Scotland’s whisky distilleries or an excursion into the rugged scenery of the west coast, getting there by train makes it just that wee bit more pleasurable.

The following list of scenic railway journeys in Scotland will give you an overview of each line along with recommended places to stop and visit.

Map of Train Lines in Scotland

The West Highland Line

Start and end points: Glasgow to Mallaig. Journey time: 3 hours 50 minutes. Highlights: The Highland town of Fort William. Glenfinnan and the spectacular viaduct.

Download the route map from ScotRail .

The West Highland Line – or at least the section of it from Fort William to Mallaig – has gained legendary status among Scotland’s tourists.

Everybody knows the scene in the Harry Potter films where the Hogwarts Express transports the young wizard to the magical wizardry school across a multi-arched viaduct. But not everybody knows that this is actually set in the village of Glenfinnan which in addition to the viaduct features gorgeous views from the Glenfinnan Monument across the shores of Loch Shiel.

The section of the railway track as it winds its way north towards Mallaig has been repeatedly voted the best railway journey in the world, and having taken The Jacobite Steam Train myself I have to say it lives up to the title, and then some.

The Jacobite is a 1930s steam locomotive that puffs its way on the 84-mile return journey past a series of stunning Highland vistas. Unlike the other railways, which use modern diesel and electric locomotives with brand-new carriages, the Jacobite pulls restored 1960s carriages, which makes the whole experience feel very special indeed.

The line starts near Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in Britain) before heading towards Arisaig (the furthest-west train station), passing Loch Morar (the deepest freshwater loch) and skirting the River Morar (the shortest river in Britain) before arriving at Mallaig near Loch Nevis (the deepest seawater loch in Britain).

Once at Mallaig, you can take a boat trip around the coastline to see Britain’s largest birds – sea eagles – which hunt from the surrounding clifftops, or you can take a ferry over to the Isle of Skye and its extraordinary landscapes. Or, of course, you can just head back to Fort William on a return journey.

If you’d like to take this amazing train ride I recommend using Get Your Guide which is one of the biggest and best booking websites for activities and tours in Scotland.

The Borders Line

Start and end points: Tweedbank to Edinburgh. Journey time: 1 hour. Highlights: The Borders countryside. The mighty Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park .

The Borders Railway is one of the newest stretches of track in Britain and the first to be built in Scotland in over 100 years. This is a route that’s best used to explore Edinburgh and the Lothians, though I have to admit the Borders are a lovely part of Scotland as well.

The scenery isn’t mountainous and dramatic like you’ll find in the Highlands but it’s certainly picturesque, crossing lowland fields, woodland, and quaint country villages along the way.

Much of this line passes through former mining villages which admittedly don’t have much to offer visitors, but there’s a good tourist attraction in the town of Gorebridge that showcases one of the former mines with a guided tour. Having visited the mine myself I have to say it’s well worth the trip, so check out the National Mining Museum website for the current times and prices.

Once past Gorebridge, you’ll pass open farmland before stopping at Galashiels and Tweedbank. I’d personally give Galashiels a miss and get out at Tweedbank instead as you can take a short walk to visit Abbotsford House which was the ancestral home of Scottish author Sir Walter Scott.

Scott was one of the greatest writers of his time and was so revered that after his death the city of Edinburgh built the Scott Monument as a dedication to him.

You can’t fail to miss the Gothic masterpiece Scott Monument in Edinburgh’s Princes Street (it’s not far from Waverley train station) and it has to be one of the highlights of a visit to the city. The monument is the largest ever created in the world for a writer, and it features an internal winding staircase that allows visitors to look at the cityscape from several viewing platforms

Sticking with the Scottish Borders, another attraction not far from Tweedbank is the historic market town of Melrose which is a lovely quaint wee place that’ll give you a good taste of rural Scotland. It’s also home to Melrose Abbey which is a fascinating ruined abbey close to the River Tweed.

The only negative I have about the Borders railway is that it gets incredibly busy with Edinburgh commuters at peak times which means there’s often standing room only, but travel outside those hours and you’ll have a very relaxed journey.

The Carlisle Line

Start and end points: Carlisle to Glasgow. Journey time: 2 hours 30 minutes. Highlights: Gretna Green , home of untold marriage proposals. Glasgow and its fantastic shopping malls and restaurants.

Just like the Borders Line, the Carlisle Line starts in the countryside of the Scottish Borders, only this time it’s on the other side of the country and finishes in Glasgow instead of Edinburgh.

The similarities between the railway lines continue along the length of this journey as it’s mostly low-lying farmland broken up by the occasional country town, but it does have a couple of stages that make it stand out from the other lines in this list. The first of these has to be Gretna Green which is the second stop after Carlisle.

If you’re an international visitor and are unfamiliar with this place it’s one of the most famous villages in Britain where tens of thousands of young couples fled to get married after England tightened marriage laws in the 1700s.

There’s a decent tourist attraction at the Gretna Green Blacksmiths Shop – the original site of those impromptu marriages – that includes a restaurant, museum, shops and a lover’s maze, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re romantically inclined or looking to surprise your other half with a proposal.

After Gretna Green, you’ll pass the town of Dumfries a little further up the track which is a historic market town with a lovely river cutting through it (the River Nith) and a museum dedicated to Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns . It’s worth spending extra time in this area as a little further away lies Caerlaverock Castle and the Solway Firth which are both great places to visit, especially if you’ve got children in tow.

Continuing along the Carlisle Line takes you through rolling countryside which is nice enough but not exactly jaw-dropping, but it does at least finish in Glasgow which in my opinion is one of the most exciting cities in Britain.

Glasgow has way too many attractions to list in this article so you might like to check out The Best Places To Visit in Glasgow for a few ideas on what you can do in Scotland’s biggest city. The museums are fantastic and there are more parks, galleries, restaurants, and shopping malls than you’ll ever be able to fit into a single visit, with the bonus being that all the best attractions are completely free to enter.

The Far North Line

Start and end points: Inverness to Wick. Journey time: 4 hours 30 minutes. Highlights: The historic town of Wick. The photogenic Dunrobin Castle.

Possibly the remotest railway in Scotland, the Far North Line runs from the city of Inverness to the (almost-but-not-quite) most northern point of the country at Wick.

Wide-open and desolate, much of the scenery that glides past the window is barren grassland interspersed with the occasional mountain, and it’s not surprising that this part of Scotland is one of the least inhabited regions in Europe outside of the steppes of Russia. But that’s not to say the journey isn’t worth making as there are several sights that more than make up for the apparent desolation.

Starting in Inverness the line sweeps up the northeast edge of Scotland in a gently sweeping arc, crossing the Cromarty Firth and Invergordon along the way. To be honest, I’d give Invergordon a miss, but the Cromarty Firth is lovely in the summer and makes a great starting point for cyclists keen to follow the tourist road up the NC500 towards John O’ Groats .

If cycling isn’t your thing you can continue the train ride to Tain (home of Glenmorangie whisky) and Dunrobin Castle which is arguably the finest castle in Scotland. The train station is just a short distance from this historic attraction so you may as well stop and visit it as it’s a real gem with stunning architecture that faces a drop-dead gorgeous coastline.

The Far North Line continues past Dunrobin for the majority of its journey along the northeast coast till it finally makes a diversion west to Thurso before doubling back on itself at Wick.

Thurso is an ok town and while I’ve only visited it once it was raining so it came across as being a bit… grey. Wick isn’t that much better on the looks front but it has a lot of history to be proud of because at one time it was one of the biggest herring fishing ports in the world.

They’re certainly proud of their heritage in Wick which is clearly displayed in the excellent Wick Heritage Museum that’s hidden away at the far end of the harbour. It’s an absolute Tardis in there so don’t get put off by the unassuming frontage as you’ll easily spend a couple of hours exploring the exhibits.

Finally, no train journey on the Far North Line is complete without taking a short detour to Scotland’s most northerly point at John O’ Groats . This is quite a busy little attraction that looks out across the sea to Orkney in the distance, and a selfie in front of the famous signpost is an absolute must if you’re visiting the area.

My advice after wandering around the (slightly gimmicky) tourist area is to take a short walk up the coastline to see the mighty Duncansby Stacks, which are enormous rock formations set against the backdrop of very dramatic cliffs.

The Stranraer Line

Start and end points: Stranraer to Glasgow. Journey time: 2 hours 30 minutes. Highlights: The beach at Ayr. The city of Glasgow.

I’d say the Stranraer Line is probably the least-used by visiting tourists, mainly because this corner of southwest Scotland doesn’t have as many attractions as the rest of the country. While the Solway Firth to the south draws visitors from far and wide who admire its attractive bays and nature reserves, the stretch of coastline further north tends to go a little unnoticed, even though it gets more attractive the further north you go.

This railway branches off at several points, but the main line from the fishing port of Stranraer to Glasgow is the focus of the journey, with the coastal towns of Ayr and Troon offering a pleasant contrast to the farmland that so inspired the poet Robert Burns .

Both towns have decent enough beaches but not much else, although Ayr is notable for the river running through it and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum . Troon, meanwhile, is worth visiting for the views across the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran and Royal Troon, which is a large golf course that regularly hosts the Open Championship.

The town is also a quick 5-minute train ride from Prestwick International Airport, so if you’re visiting and have a few hours to kill before the next flight, it makes a decent place to get some fresh air before getting onboard that stuffy plane.

From Troon, the track curves inland past Lochs Semple, Barr, and Kilbirnie before sweeping further inland past Paisley and onwards into the heart of Glasgow. One attraction you might like to visit before the final stop in Glasgow city centre is Pollock Country Park .

This is the largest park in Glasgow and features lots of woodland and riverside walks, play parks and walled gardens, and as it’s just a few minutes bus ride from the Cardonald train station you can easily get there if you fancy a break from the busy city.

The Kyle Line

Start and end points: Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Journey time: 2 hours 40 minutes. Highlights: The Torridon Peaks, Achnashellach Forest, Ben Wyvis.

The Kyle Line stretches across North Scotland from Inverness – the capital of the Highlands – to Loch Alsh on the west coast. This is one of the most scenic train journeys in this list and it’s a firm favourite with visitors thanks to the stunning scenery.

You’ll start your journey in Inverness which is easily reached from all the main stations in Scotland, though it might take a little while to get there as the country’s other cities are either located on the east coast or much further south. Expect the train ride from Glasgow and Edinburgh to take around 4 hours to reach Inverness and around 2 hours from Aberdeen.

From Inverness, the train passes the Beauly Firth (a body of water that connects the River Ness to the Moray Firth) and Dingwall where you’ll see the hulking mass of Ben Wyvis. This sprawling mountain dominates the landscape and it’s a recommended hill-walking destination, with the undulating ridge running 3 miles to its highest point at Glas Leathad Mor which has an elevation of just over 3,400 feet.

From Dingwall, the line passes through a mountainous Highland region near Loch Garve where you’ll see the peaks of Torridon before entering a region of thick forest as the track makes its way to Loch Luichart.

There are several points on this journey where the rail track closely follows a relatively busy road (the A835) but once it gets near the loch it runs alongside much quieter roads to the final destination at the Kyle of Lochalsh. From there, you’re just a stone’s throw from the Isle of Skye so you may as well hire a car and cross the Skye bridge to explore this famous west coast island.

There’s a car hire company close to the Kyle Line end terminal if you want to extend your journey and if you do I suggest you take a short drive (about 10 miles) towards the spectacular Eilean Donan Castle while you’re in the area. This stunning castle is situated at the meeting point of lochs Long, Duich, and Alsh (one of the prettiest viewpoints in Scotland) and it’s an absolute must-do if you’re visiting the area.

One-Week Scotland Train Tour Itinerary

Now that we’ve looked at the main railway lines in Scotland, you might be wondering how to put it all together for an extended tour of the country. A quick look online shows lots of opinions about where to go and in what order to see each region, but almost all itineraries involve visiting Edinburgh, Glasgow, The Highlands, and the Isle of Skye.

Concentrating on those areas will show you the best of Scotland – from historic cities to wild mountainous landscapes – on a tour that should take around one week to complete.

Rather than just regurgitate what every other travel writer says, in the following section I’m going to show you the same train tour I took a couple of years ago which I’ve no hesitation in saying was one of the best experiences of my life.

To begin, I bought a Spirit of Scotland rail pass (details further down this page) that gave me unlimited rail travel across the country for 8 days and pre-booked hotels in the middle of each area. I then used each hotel as a base and either took public transport or hired a car to go sightseeing.

By booking everything myself I managed to get the total cost down to around £800, which admittedly isn’t the cheapest holiday in the world but it’s a lot cheaper than most of the specialist package holiday dealers are asking (£2000+ for a week-long train tour of Scotland. Ouch!).

Day 1: Edinburgh

Edinburgh needs no introduction as it’s one of the most-visited tourist cities in Europe and is full of so many world-famous attractions it simply has to be included in a train tour of Scotland.

A single day really isn’t enough to see all of Edinburgh, but because the city is so compact you can walk between the top attractions without ever feeling like you’re getting lost. To start your day I recommend walking from Waverley train station in the city centre to Princes Street Gardens which is home to The Scott Monument and the National Galleries of Scotland.

From the gardens, head to Edinburgh Castle (be aware you could easily spend most of the day at this single attraction), and then soak up the atmosphere of The Royal Mile before taking a look inside St. Giles Cathedra l. If you have time, continue down The Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace , or perhaps stretch your legs in Holyrood Park where you can climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat for unparalleled views of the city.

To be honest, you’ll never fit all of that into a single day unless you fly around everything, so you’ll have to pick what interests you most. I recommend Edinburgh Castle (a must-do), The Royal Mile and the cathedral, followed by Holyrood Palace and Holyrood Park if you have any time before the sun sets.

As far as getting around the city goes, you could walk and hope to stumble across all the main sights, but I can tell you from personal experience you’ll have a much more enjoyable time by using a hop-on hop-off tour bus to visit the top attractions.

Day 2: Central Scotland

Day 2 centres around Fife, Perthshire, and Angus in Central Scotland. This is a less-visited part of Scotland but it features the gorgeous east coast, the forests of Perthshire’s ‘big tree country’, and the possibility of exploring the historic St. Andrews and Scone Palace.

On my tour, I based myself in Dundee, saw the city in the morning, and then took a train ride to Perth in the afternoon. Dundee is a historic city that borders the estuary of the River Tay and the North Sea, and it has a couple of very good attractions in the city centre.

My recommended itinerary is to book accommodation near Dundee train station and walk to the V&A Design Museum and the RRS Discovery, or get a taxi to the superb McManus Museum . Alternatively, take a train to Leuchars (20 minutes) and then take a bus to St. Andrews which is an exceptionally pretty historic town that has a lovely beachfront with a castle, St. Andrews Aquarium , and St. Andrews Cathedral .

From Dundee it’s another short train ride (20 minutes) to the city of Perth which offers lovely riverside walks along the River Tay, the Black Watch Castle and Museum, and the stunning Scone Palace (you’ll need to book a 20-minute taxi from Perth city centre to get to it). If you don’t feel like heading to Perth, another very good historic attraction is the 600-year-old Glamis Castle, which is a 30-minute taxi ride from the centre of Dundee.

Day 3: The Cairngorms National Park

From Dundee, it’s a 2-hour train ride to Aviemore which will take you into the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. The park is situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands and is the largest national park in the UK, so if you’ve any interest in exploring the wilds of Scotland this is your best opportunity.

Aviemore is often called the gateway to the Highlands and you’ll no doubt find yourself sharing the experience with lots of walkers, cyclists, and skiers thanks to the Cairngorm Mountain Centre which is a 20-minute taxi ride from the town centre.

The centre allows visitors to walk partway up Cairn Gorm mountain where they’ll have breathtaking views across the Highlands landscape at the Coire Cas viewpoint, or they can take the easier option on a funicular railway that glides up and down the mountain slopes.

Other attractions in the area are Loch Morlich (home to the highest beach in Britain), the beautiful Glenmore Forest Park, and the wonderful Cairngorm Reindeer Centre where you can say hello to the UK’s only herd of wild reindeer.

If you have time, a 20-minute drive south of Aviemore takes visitors to The Highland Wildlife Park which features a mini safari around enclosures that house some of the animals that live in the world’s remotest cold regions (including polar bears!).

This is a fantastic tourist attraction and is highly recommended if you have children with you, as is the beautiful Rothiemurchus Estate which offers fun activities in the Highland landscape including pony trekking, quad biking, mountain biking, and white water rafting.

Day 4: Inverness and Loch Ness

This is a short train ride at around 45 minutes but it’s very pretty, so keep your camera at the ready.

Once in Inverness (the unofficial capital of the Highlands), you’ll find lots of attractions in the surrounding area, but the one essential place to visit has to be Loch Ness . Inverness sits at the northern end of the loch, where it transitions into the River Ness, which opens out onto the Beauly Firth.

A search on Get Your Guide will bring up lots of tour operators that run excursions to the Loch, or alternatively, hire a car as you’ll be able to explore the loch in your own time (try Travel Supermarket for good car hire deals).

Highlights of Loch Ness are visiting the historic Urquhart Castle and taking a boat tour to see the loch from the water (it’s the best way to see the infamous Loch Ness monster).

To get to either you’ll need to travel along the A82 which is very scenic and presents several spots to pull the car over and admire the body of water with a picnic in hand – but make sure Nessie doesn’t steal your sandwiches.

Heading back to Inverness you’ll find it’s a rather attractive city but there aren’t many attractions in the centre. However, a short (30-minute) taxi ride will take you to Fort George which is a huge 18th-century military base that overlooks the Moray Firth.

The fort features museums, a military chapel, barrack blocks, a munitions depot and much more, but the highlight has to be standing on the gunnery platform and looking across the sea to Chanonry Point which is home to Britain’s only permanent resident dolphin pod.

Day 5 and 6: The Isle of Skye

This part of the tour sees visitors hopping back on the train and heading to Dingwall before swapping onto the Kyle Line which finishes at Kyle of Lochalsh.

Before heading to Skye, I recommend heading to Eilean Donan Castle which is located a 15-minute taxi ride from Kyle of Lochalsh on the A87. The castle is one of, if not the , most picturesque castles in Scotland, so if you haven’t been to a castle by this point Eilean Donan is the place to go.

After the castle, it’s time to cross the Syke Bridge to spend time on the stunning Isle of Skye, though be aware that even two days is not enough time to see all of the island. If you do, you’ll find a hire car (Travel Supermarket) is an absolute necessity, as although it’s possible to use buses and taxis on Skye, they’re few and far between.

A car, meanwhile, means you can drive to stunning places like the Fairy Glen (a natural landscape of strange earthworks), the Fairy Pools (a series of pools and waterfalls), and the Quiraing (a dramatic landscape formed by an ancient landslide).

Other highlights of Skye are Dunvegan Castle on the island’s northwest tip, the pretty village of Portree, and the huge rock landmark of the Old Man of Storr . There are also lovely beaches surrounding the island, lots of walks into the Black and Red Cuillin mountains, and ferry trips over to the secluded Isle of Raasay.

There’s a lot to see, so if you do find yourself wondering where to go I recommend at least the Fairy Pools, Portree, the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and Dunvegan Castle. After finishing your sightseeing tour you’ll need to travel down to the southwest tip of the island to Armadale and then catch a ferry to Mallaig on the mainland where you can continue your journey on the iconic West Highland Line.

Day 7: The West Highland Line and Glasgow

I already covered the West Highland Line earlier in this article so I won’t repeat myself here, other than to say it is, without doubt, the most scenic railway in Scotland.

By far the best way to experience the route is on the restored Jacobite steam train which runs from Fort William to Mallaig and back in a single day, but sadly the train doesn’t offer one-way tickets so you can’t join it from Mallaig. Instead, visitors can clamber aboard the regular ScotRail carriages to make this journey which isn’t as historic but is certainly quieter and comfier.

The entire journey from Mallaig to Glasgow takes 5-6 hours depending on the time of travel, but there are a couple of places to break it up if you’d like to add an extra day onto the itinerary.

The first is the town of Fort William which is a superb place to base yourself for hikes up nearby Ben Nevis. Climbing Britain’s highest mountain is a dream of many people, but as the return route takes 7-8 hours on average it needs a full day to plan, complete, and recover from. The second place to take an extra day on the West Highland Line is Oban which opens up opportunities for exploring the western isles.

Depending on the ferry times I recommend sailing from Oban to Craignure on Mull as the crossing takes less than an hour and there are usually at least 3 ferries every day.

Returning to the West Highland Line and its endpoint in Glasgow, you probably won’t want to do too much sightseeing when you arrive, but there are plenty of nighttime activities to enjoy thanks to the city’s unmatched collection of bars, restaurants, late-night shopping malls and cinemas.

The best place for families to go on an early evening outing is the city centre around Queen Street and Argyll Streets as there are dozens of family-friendly places to eat, but couples might prefer to head to the Finnieston Strip which is livelier and has more traditional bars.

Highlights have to be the Riverside Museum of Transport on the River Clyde, The Tall Ship (a restored sailing ship) that’s moored outside, and the Glasgow Science Centre that’s located almost directly opposite.

History lovers will no doubt enjoy wandering around the grand Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis (a vast Victorian cemetery), while anyone who enjoys museums will have a blast at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum and the Hunterian Museum at the University of Glasgow .

Day 8: Edinburgh and the Borders Line

Following a busy day of sightseeing in Glasgow, it’s now time to return to Edinburgh with another train journey that takes less than an hour door to door. The bonus here is that you’ll have plenty of time to see everything you couldn’t fit into day one of this train tour, or alternatively, you could venture outside the capital.

If that interests you I have two options to recommend.

The first is to book yourself onto a Get Your Guide tour that will take you to fascinating places like Rosslyn Chapel , and the second is to take a ride on the Borders Railway. This train line opens up the pretty countryside south of Edinburgh where quaint villages and enormous medieval abbeys appear to lie around every corner.

The Scottish Borders is a very underrated region in my opinion, and watching it glide past the window in a train carriage is, without doubt, the nicest way to see it.

My advice for places to visit on the Borders Railway is to ride it to the last station at Tweedbank and then take a taxi to Abbotsford House which is a stunning Victorian mansion set in an incredibly scenic location. The house was built by famed Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott and is full to the brim with collections of books, artefacts from Scott’s travels, curios, and vintage books, while the extensive grounds outside offer pleasant walks through manicured gardens.

The Borders Line takes an hour each way from Edinburgh to Tweedbank and Abbotsford House has enough things to see to keep visitors busy for around 4 hours, making this wee adventure a nice relaxed end to a busy week of touring Scotland by train.

Resources for Scotland Train Tours

The Trainline : The Trainline is the UK’s favourite train ticket booking service, mainly due to the fact they make the process so easy.

Once you’ve registered you can enter your credit card details and book your tickets online with the minimum of fuss, and being able to reserve a ticket when you’re late is an absolute godsend. Not only that but you’ll usually get a big discount by purchasing your ticket through them – sometimes up to 60% or more compared to buying at the station.

ScotRail : ScotRail is Scotland’s main train operator that provides the majority of the routes detailed in this article. While you’ll frequently hear weary commuters complaining about the service, I have to admit I’ve never had any problems using any train in Scotland whether it’s been for work or pleasure.

As a whole the carriages are clean and they’re usually on time. Not to Japanese or Swiss ultra-efficient standards or anything, but never more than a few minutes deviation from the stated time (again, this is purely based on my personal experience here in Edinburgh).

ScotRail gets top marks for its website which seems to offer more and more information the deeper you delve into it. It’s a great resource for rail travel in Scotland and it’s a website that you should definitely bookmark if you’re a new visitor to this country.

Traffic Scotland : Where would the humble commuter be without Traffic Scotland ? Probably gnawing their steering wheels in frustration at being stuck in yet more roadworks I’m guessing, or seething at the fact the fast lane has been closed for repairs AGAIN.

Traffic Scotland distributes real-time information about closures, delays, accidents, and general annoyances on the country’s road network, but it also provides information on the rail network.

It’s not the easiest website to navigate admittedly and the design looks like it’s straight out of 1995, but the information is reliable nonetheless. For rail travel, click the Further Travel Information > Travel information Links section in the sidebar and then the ‘Are you interested in air, rail…’ link at the top of the next page.

You’ll find links to all the main train stations in Scotland along with details of any line closures and whether the next train is on time or not.

Traveline Scotland : The one website I go back to time and time again when planning a train journey is Traveline Scotland . This website has a very useful journey planner that you can access from their homepage which allows you to enter a beginning and endpoint along with a departure time, after which it displays the travel time and train route on a big map.

It really helps to be able to see the journey you’ll be taking and makes it a breeze to see which attractions are located around each station – which is essential when planning a whistle-stop tour of Scotland. Take my advice and bookmark it ASAP.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to see on a train tour of scotland.

The Borders Line : The Borders countryside and Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park . The Carlisle Line : Gretna Green and Glasgow city centre. The Far North Line : The historic town of Wick and Dunrobin Castle. The Stranraer Line : The beach at Ayr and Glasgow city centre. The Kyle Line : The Torridon Peaks, Achnashellach Forest, Ben Wyvis. The West Highland Line : Fort William and Glenfinnan.

Which train tickets can I buy in Scotland?

Off-peak  tickets are restricted for use between the morning and evening peak times. Anytime  tickets are valid for use at any time of the day and are usually more expensive than off-peak tickets. First-class  tickets are more expensive than the other two types but offer a higher standard of service, including free Wi-Fi and refreshments.

Which railcards can I use in Scotland?

Two Together Railcard : Gives a third off all rail travel on off-peak journeys for any two people over the age of 16 when they travel together. 26-30 Railcard : Gives a third off all rail travel on off-peak journeys for people aged between 26 and 30 years. Senior Railcard : Saves a third off train fares for anyone aged over 60 years. Highland Railcard : Offers a 50% discount for people who live in the Scottish Highlands.

What are the best rail travel planning websites?

The Trainline is the UK’s favourite train ticket booking service. ScotRail is Scotland’s main train operator and operates the majority of the lines in the country. Traffic Scotland distributes real-time information about closures, delays and accidents. Traveline Scotland has a journey planner that displays the travel time and train route on a map.

What is the best train journey in Scotland?

The most beautiful train journey in Scotland is The Jacobite from Fort William to Mallaig which has been described as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world.

What is the nicest way to travel to Scotland by train from London?

The most luxurious train journey is the Caledonian Sleeper train to Scotland which operates overnight between London and multiple destinations between Edinburgh and Inverness. It is called a sleeper train because it has sleeping compartments where passengers can sleep while the train is in motion. Some of these compartments have double beds and en-suite bathrooms.

Related Posts

A Guide to Scotland’s Winter Weather

How Much Should You Tip in Scotland?

How to Save Money on Train Tickets in Scotland

How to Prevent Tick Bites in Scotland

A Guide to Giant Hogweed in Scotland

Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

• Scotland Tourism
• Scotland Hotels
• Scotland Bed and Breakfast
• Scotland Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Scotland
• Scotland Restaurants
• Things to Do in Scotland
• Scotland Travel Forum
• Scotland Photos
• All Scotland Hotels
• Scotland Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Scotland
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Visiting Scotland in May for six full days. Some help? - Scotland Forum

• Europe    
• United Kingdom (UK)    
• Scotland    

Visiting Scotland in May for six full days. Some help?

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• United Kingdom forums
• Scotland forum

I realize a million messages get posted along these lines, and I've read the forums and captured as much information as I can as regards sites to see, routes to take, etc.

But, I'd like some specific-to-my-trip tips/ideas if anyone is willing to take a moment to help out. If so, I truly appreciate it!

2.) I'll be flying in on the evening of day one, spending six full days in Scotland , and flying out on the morning of day eight. I can add a day or two if needed.

3.) My interests include mountains, cliffs, rivers, lakes (lochs), castles, beautiful natural scenery, very old or very quaint villages/towns, lochs, abbeys. and rural drives.

4.) I'd like to stay mostly in Bed and Breakfasts, cottages, castles, with hotels being last on my list.

I want to take a relatively leisurely pace (trips between sites/cities lasting no longer than one- to two-hours, and I realize rural roads can take twice as long as a "normal" drive. However, I am completely okay with taking the FULL day to travel/tour/enjoy. I also realize the days are long in May and June.

A few points of interest, but not REQUIRED: (I have not researched these locations geographically, so I understand they may not be possible in six days)

1.) Tour the West Coast

2.) Train Travel -- Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh route

3.) The border abbeys

4.) Edinburgh

5.) Moffat (for its toffee shop)

6.) The Isles (?)

My budget is $5000 - $6000 for two people, to include airfare , rental car , train fare, lodging, and food, but this is flexible. I was able to do this same-length trip, staying in Bed and Breakfasts and even two five-star hotels in Ireland last May; is a trip to Scotland a similar-cost endeavor?

Thanks again in advance for ANY tips!

We are flying out of Texas and so far with airfare , lodging, car and additional expenses (like whisky and ale), we will be close to $5k for both of us (maybe a little over, but who's counting!) I am still researching all of our "points of interest" and the list is continually growing.We hate to be rushed around so we're keeping our itinerary light and easy!

Hope this helps a little!

<<< I'd like some specific-to-my-trip tips/ideas >>>

But you don't say what your trip is!?

If it resembles your points of interest, then I can't see how you can do that at a leisurely pace.

I think you need to prioritise what you want to see and do. See what the top 3 are, and work around those. Anything else is a bonus.

That does help, thanks! I'm flying out of Georgia, US.

I wanted to add to my Original Post a sample itinerary for the GREAT, well-informed folks on here to critique for me.

Thanks in advance, everyone!

Isle of Skye

Wester Ross (Inverewe gardens)

With possible offshoot train trips:

Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh route, and/or

Fort William to Mallaig

I realize some of these locations overlap a bit, or might be "too far," and that's the feedback I'd LOVE. Note that a few of the places can just be pass-throughs or lunch-stops.

I think Peterscot said it pretty well above - pick your priorities and then focus around those. That's what I'm trying to do. I figure that anything else that I see along the way is going to be an added bonus. It sounds like you have a pretty good attitude though and don't plan to drive around like a maniac to see everything on your list! I've heard and read extensively that the local cows and sheep have a way of throwing a wrench into the best made plans! :)

Oh, yes, I am very laid back.

So, I'm for sure going to narrow my list down--hopefully with the help of this forum, and prioritize everything.

I'm really not sure what you are looking for?. Your list of places includes some lovely spots, but I can't say if they are too far or whatever, as I don't know much about the duration of your trip.

Why not group the places in terms of what you hope to see EACH DAY? How long are you planning to stop at each place? Or, if you are just going with the flow, then fine..

This was what I was thinking, based SOLELY on Google maps. I do realize that rural roads take MUCH longer to travel than A roads, but I'm not sure if Google takes that into consideration with its travel times.

Here is a more detailed itinerary:

Explore Edinburgh (Two or three sites)

Glasgow (pass through)

Kintyre Peninsula 3 hours from Glasgow - kILLean Estate or Oatfield house while on the peninsula

Fort William (pass through)

Plockton (pass through)

Stromeferry

Wester Ross

Inverness (Take a train to Kyle and back again)

Fly out of Edinburgh in the morning

This looks totally unrealistic to me.

Day 4. You can see a bit of Skye in one day but why not slow down and see ab it more of the island. 2 nights would be far more practical.

Day 6. Again, you'll only glimpse these places through a windscreen

Ok, that's the kind of feedback I need.

A couple of notes and a question or two:

2.) I really would like to spend two days in Skye . Where should I cut from the rest of the trip to add this day? What's the least interesting on my list?

3.) What should I cut from Day 6?

Thanks a lot!

• Campsite for motorhomes 12:42 am
• Stops to make on way to Skye 8:13 pm
• Pros and Cons of The Spirit of Scotland Travel Pass? 8:01 pm
• Food and Whisky Tours of Edinburgh 7:04 pm
• I am a single golfer & want to play Old Course on 09/14/2024 6:09 pm
• September Trip 4:34 pm
• Murryfield Taylor Swift 4:18 pm
• Our upcoming trip. Please help :) 1:05 pm
• Credit Cards vs Cash yesterday
• half a day in glencoe using public transportation yesterday
• Is Tron Kirk Market Still Open? yesterday
• Response to your lies yesterday
• Pubs open on Xmas Day yesterday
• Shisha cafe yesterday
• What are the most beautiful places to go in Scotland ? 14 replies
• Most Scenic Drives In Scotland 15 replies
• Tipping in Scotland 70 replies
• Scotland for 9 or 10 days 9 replies
• Train Travel from St. Andrews (Leuchars) to Glasgow Airport 9 replies
• winter in scotland 21 replies
• 7 days in Scotland where to go? HELP!!!!!!! 11 replies
• Car rental liability insurance question 12 replies
• Must pack items for Mid-September to early October trip? 16 replies
• When does heather bloom? What are the Fall length of days? 5 replies

Scotland Hotels and Places to Stay

• Warning!! Read this before you hire a car
• Trip Reports
• Driving in Scotland
• One foreign visitor's perception of Scottish Roads
• Scottish top 5
• What can I do in 'wild' Scotland?
• The forgotten corner of Scotland which everyone passes by..?

We've refreshed our website design so things may look a little different if you've been here before. We'll be making more improvements soon so watch this space.

Royal Dornoch, Championship Course

Welcome to Scotland

Scotland is a place of epic natural landscapes, engaging cities and rich cultural heritage. Start your adventure and discover our hidden gems to create memories with friends and family. But don't just take our word for it. National Geographic has just included Scotland in their Best of the World 2024 list, and Far North Scotland has been named as one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel destinations for 2024! 

Whatever you need right now, let's make it a reality. We can’t wait to share Scotland with you. 

Inspiration for your trip

Things to See & Do in Scotland

Discover a wealth of things to see & do in Scotland.

Scotland's Landscapes, Scenery & Nature Spots

Explore our ancient pine forests, arctic landscapes, coastal meadows and more.

Events & Festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Unusual Accommodation in Scotland

Fancy staying somewhere a little different? From castles to lighthouses, teepees to brochs, there's lots of unusual choices.

Scottish Culture & Uniquely Scottish Things

Discover the culture and stories that make Scotland special. 

Scottish Food & Drink

Get a taste for Scotland and discover the country's mouth-watering food and drink.

Uncover Scotland's regions

Map of Scotland

Where will you explore?

From the rugged coastline to sparkling city lights, the ancient Caledonian forests of the Highlands to the rich history of the Lowlands, there are plenty of places to start your Scottish adventure. 

Browse our travel blog

Not sure where to start? Check out our list of what's new to spark your imagination. 

13 Taylor Swift Inspired Trips In & Around Edinburgh

Create your own Love Story in Edinburgh and beyond with these Swiftie trip ideas.

6 Rebus Filming Locations in Scotland

Explore these Rebus filming locations across Edinburgh, from Grassmarket to the Oxford Bar.

10 tricky Scottish place names and how to pronounce them

With this list you’ll get the hang of these 10 tricky Scottish place names in next to no time!

9 Places To Enjoy An Afternoon Tea In Scotland

Discover places to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in Scotland. Including Maryculter House, Garvock House Hotel, The Willow Tearooms and more!

10 Stunning Pub Walks In Scotland

Discover these stunning pub walks in Scotland. Including Lerwick Explorer to Douglas Arms, Gullane to Bonnie Badger and more!

11 Reasons Why You Should Visit Scotland In 2024

Discover reasons why you should visit Scotland in 2024. Including Arbroath Abbey, Caithness and Sutherland, Perth Museum and more!

Start planning your seasonal break

Whatever time of year you're coming, Scotland's got you covered. Immerse yourself in each unique season.

Summer Holidays & Breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Autumn Breaks

Christmas & Winter Breaks

Spring Holidays & Breaks in Scotland

Top tips for travelling to scotland.

Driving an Electric Vehicle in Scotland

Everything you need to know about driving, or hiring, an electric vehicle in Scotland.

Scotland's Weather, Climate & Average Temperature

What's the weather in Scotland? Find out about weather across Scotland's different regions.

Passports, visas & customs

Coming from overseas? Check the passport and visa requirements for visiting Scotland.

Travelling to Scotland

Plan your journey to Scotland by train, bus, car, plane or ferry.

Accommodation in Scotland

Find the perfect accommodation for your break to Scotland.

Holiday Carbon Calculator

Discover the impact your holiday in Scotland will have on the environment using our carbon calculator.

Your pictures of Scotland

Cookies are needed to see social media images from this place.

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Find experiences

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see this product search form. You can turn this on in your browser settings.