The Good Scotland Highway Journey Itinerary for 7 or 10 Days

Scotland is one among my very favourite international locations in all the world. It is small however mighty by way of landscapes, tradition, and distinctive issues to do. Whether or not you are into historical past or nature and even whisky, Scotland has one thing that you’ll love.

I’ve spent months touring round Scotland on greater than a dozen journeys there. And whilst you *can* positively get round Scotland by prepare, bus, or guided tour (I’ve achieved all of them!), a Scotland highway journey is the easiest way to see the nation with full freedom.

After many journeys to Scotland and some highway journeys of my very own, I’ve lastly distilled (no pun meant) every little thing I’ve realized down into what I think about to be the final word Scotland highway journey itinerary. I’ve written this so it may work for both 1 week or 10 days, relying on how a lot time you’ve gotten.

---

What to know earlier than a Scotland highway journey

To start with, let’s discuss highway tripping in Scotland. Sure, that is the UK the place they drive on the left facet of the highway whereas sitting on the precise facet of the automotive. For those who’re coming from North America or mainland Europe, this would possibly sound extremely daunting – however I promise that your mind adapts fairly quick, and general it is not troublesome to drive in Scotland.

For this specific Scotland itinerary, you actually do want your personal automotive. (I’ve dubbed it a highway journey itinerary for a purpose!) You *can* get round elements of Scotland utilizing trains, ferries, and buses, however to essentially have the liberty to go to all of the locations steered right here, you will must lease a automotive.

Renting a automotive in Scotland

I at all times use Auto Europe to seek for and e-book automotive leases within the UK. Take into account that automated automobiles shall be barely costlier to lease, however if you cannot drive a handbook nicely already, lease the automated. Consider me.

You will additionally need to lease the smallest automotive that can accommodate your group and your baggage. It is going to make the left-hand-drive studying curve simpler, and can make among the slim, one-lane roads you would possibly encounter much less scary.

Seek for rental automobiles in Scotland right here.

Driving in Scotland

---

When to highway journey in Scotland

You’ll be able to highway journey in Scotland any time of 12 months, however the climate is usually the most effective throughout the summer time months. (And also you additionally get TONS of daylight throughout the summer time months; up north, the solar does not even set till after 10 p.m. throughout a lot of the summer time.)

July and August are the busiest months in Scotland (with August being competition month in Edinburgh), which many individuals choose to keep away from. I have been to Scotland a number of instances in July-August, although, and so long as you intend forward it is actually tremendous.

Personally, although, I believe June and September are the most effective months for a Scotland highway journey. However Might and early October can be nice! So, mainly, this itinerary goes to be good any time from Might-October.

And sure, you are able to do this itinerary within the winter, too, although you would possibly run into some closures (particularly of eating places and smaller museums/sights) exterior of the foremost cities throughout off-season.

---

7-day Scotland highway journey itinerary

Okay, let’s get into this itinerary! It is primarily based on a number of Scotland highway journeys I’ve personally taken, each with associates and with my husband Elliot. (Elliot and I even have achieved a whisky-focused Scotland highway journey, too.)

(Notice: I do not suggest choosing up your rental automotive till Day 3 of this itinerary; you do not want a automotive in Edinburgh, and it is annoying to attempt to discover parking there anyway!)

---

Day 1: Iconic Edinburgh

Highlights in the present day embody: A fort go to, the Royal Mile, an (optionally available) whisky tasting, Victoria Road, and a ghost tour.

I am not exaggerating after I say that Edinburgh is one among my favourite cities on this planet. It is lovely and historic, and is a real metropolis with out feeling too overwhelmingly huge. You’ll both be arriving early this morning and might want to maintain busy with the intention to fight jetlag, or you’ll have arrived yesterday and subsequently be well-rested for exploring in the present day!

Both method, in the present day you are going to give attention to Edinburgh’s Outdated City, which is certainly the oldest and most historic a part of the town.

Begin on the Royal Mile within the Outdated City, which is the touristy road that runs from Edinburgh Fortress on the high to the Palace of Holyroodhouse on the backside.

I do suggest visiting at the least one among these – my choose is Holyroodhouse, which I believe is extra attention-grabbing than Edinburgh Fortress because the former remains to be used as a royal residence every time the King is on the town. You’ll be able to view the State Residences (that are nonetheless used), in addition to the previous chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots.

For those who do go for Edinburgh Fortress as an alternative (which is residence to the Scottish Crown Jewels), e-book a skip-the-line ticket that features a guided tour.

After your fort go to, you may both stroll up (from Holyrood) or down (from Edinburgh Fortress) the Royal Mile. You’ll be able to skip the infinite memento outlets, however do cease to observe some road performers, and cease in to St. Giles Cathedral if it is open (it is free, and the Thistle Chapel alone is value seeing).

There are many locations alongside the Royal Mile to seize lunch – simply verify Google evaluations earlier than choosing one; there are many pubs, cafes, and fast-casual spots which can be legit good regardless of being in a touristy space.

On the Royal Mile close to Edinburgh Fortress you will additionally discover the Scotch Whisky Expertise. Even in case you do not love whisky, that is one thing value doing within the afternoon.

You’ll be able to take a tour that guarantees that will help you “turn into a ‘one-hour-whisky-expert,’” and in addition see a assortment of greater than 3,300 bottles of Scotch whisky. The tour comes full with a scratch-and-sniff card to stroll you thru various kinds of whisky, in addition to one tasting.

(Ebook a guided whisky tour right here, which is nice for first-timers. You will be taught loads!)

I additionally suggest strolling down among the widespread Outdated City buying streets, together with Cockburn Road (residence to the Insta-famous Milkman espresso outlets) and Victoria Road, my favourite road in Edinburgh which will or might not have impressed Diagon Alley in Harry Potter (it is even acquired some Harry Potter-inspired outlets on it).

For those who stroll down Victoria Road, it is going to take you right down to the Grassmarket, which as soon as was once a livestock market however now could be a stunning place to sit down out on a patio and revel in a drink.

This night, in case you’re feeling awake sufficient, you may want to join a historic metropolis tour after darkish. Edinburgh has a really lengthy historical past – and never all of it’s good. There are numerous excursions you may take to discover the darker facet of the town, from nighttime ghost excursions to after-dark historic walks.

---

Day 2: Edinburgh New City

Highlights in the present day embody: Princes Road Gardens, Dean Village, Calton Hill

In your second day in Edinburgh, enterprise away from the Outdated City into the newer elements of the town (that are nonetheless tremendous lovely and historic!).

Begin your morning with a stroll by way of Princes Road Gardens, that are technically two adjoining gardens within the heart of Edinburgh, simply down the hill from the fort. The Gardens have been created within the 1820s, after the Nor Loch was drained.

Right this moment, they seem to be a beautiful place for a stroll, particularly within the spring and summer time when numerous issues are in bloom! (For those who’re visiting between mid-June and early July, maintain an eye fixed out for the purple thistle blooms, as that is the one time of 12 months you will see them.)

After a morning backyard stroll, you might cease into the Nationwide Galleries of Scotland subsequent (a free artwork museum positioned on The Mound beneath Edinburgh Fortress), or maybe climb the Scott Monument.

The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic construction devoted to Scottish creator Sir Walter Scott that sits on the sting of Princes St Gardens. It is one of many largest monuments to a author wherever on this planet – you positively will see it.

It is not a straightforward climb (it is 287 steps up, and consists of some extraordinarily slim passages), however climbing to the highest of the Scott Monument will get you among the easiest views of Edinburgh. You should buy a ticket proper on the entrance.

RELATED: 25+ Superior Issues to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland

Subsequent (or just as an alternative of doing that climb), head to George Road, which is one among Edinburgh’s primary buying streets. Not solely are you able to do some buying right here if you need, however there are additionally many good eating places and pubs alongside this road for lunch.

It is time for a stroll by way of the New City on foot subsequent to go to one among my favourite spots in Edinburgh: Dean Village. This little neighborhood is characterised by colourful historic homes and the Water of Leith operating by way of it.

Strolling round Edinburgh already seems like stepping again in time, but it surely particularly seems like that right here.

To seek out Dean Village, take Bell’s Brae down beneath the Dean Bridge, solely a few 10- or 15-minute stroll from Princes Road. You are free to discover the neighborhood, however remember that these are peoples’ houses, so do be respectful.

Head again into city for dinner (maybe cease in to the Balmoral Lodge for a dram at their SCOTCH bar), after which for sundown (which is likely to be earlier than or after dinnertime, relying on what time of 12 months you are visiting), stroll as much as Calton Hill.

Calton Hill is on the east finish of Princes Road, and is residence to varied monuments (just like the Nelson Monument and Robert Burns Monument) and a few extra unbelievable views out over Edinburgh. It is a widespread spot to observe the sundown within the metropolis.

---

Day 3: To Inverness

Highlights in the present day will embody: A cease in a cute city, the beginning of the Highlands, and arriving in Inverness

Choose up your rental automotive this morning and bid farewell to Edinburgh! Although I really like this metropolis to dying, there’s a lot extra of Scotland to see, and with solely every week you will should squeeze your Edinburgh sightseeing into simply 2 days.

Upon getting your automotive, you are going to begin heading north in the direction of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.

Right this moment shall be a little bit of an extended driving day, so you will seemingly need to break up the drive a bit. There are a number of locations to cease between Edinburgh and Inverness, relying on what your pursuits are, the route you’re taking, and how briskly you need to get there.

Relying on the route you need to take and the way lengthy of a day you need, you might positively slot in a couple of cease.

For instance, you might go to the Kelpies and Stirling Fortress after which head as much as Inverness, or you might cease in Pitlochry and go to Balmoral Fortress. Or you may be happy to combine and match all or any of them – simply remember that you will need to enable 1-2 hours at a few of these stops (and particularly the castles).

No matter the place you make stops, you will drive by way of a part of Cairngorms Nationwide Park in your method to Inverness, which is able to begin to really feel like “the Highlands” you’ve got seen photographs of.

While you arrive in Inverness, you would possibly need to head into city for a stroll and dinner. For those who arrive within the afternoon, take a stroll by way of the Victorian Market and go to Leakey’s Bookshop. For dinner, I like to recommend River Home or The Mustard Seed, after which head to Hootananny for reside music.

---

Day 4: Culloden and Loch Ness

Highlights in the present day will embody: Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, and Loch Ness

Have breakfast at your resort and get an early(ish) begin this morning so you may go to Culloden Battlefield very first thing. This battlefield is the place Bonnie Prince Charlie (Charles Edward Stuart) and his Jacobite military (individuals who supported the exiled King James’ claims to the throne of Scotland) confronted off in opposition to British authorities and loyalist troops on April 16, 1746.

The temporary and bloody combat was the final hand-to-hand battle to be fought on British soil – and the utter defeat of the Jacobite military marked the top of conventional Highland tradition in Scotland. It is a vastly essential spot in Scottish historical past.

(For those who’re an “Outlander” fan, that is the battle Claire thinks Jamie dies in in each the books and TV present.)

The battlefield is now managed by the Nationwide Belief for Scotland, and has a wonderful customer heart with museum displays that designate not solely the battle, however the historical past that led as much as it. Permit at the least an hour within the museum, after which as much as one other hour to stroll the strains on the battlefield. (You’ll be able to both discover the battlefield by yourself, or be a part of a guided battlefield tour.)

From Culloden, it is a very brief drive to the Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age burial web site. This unbelievable web site within the forest dates again roughly 4,000 years and consists of partially intact burial chambers and standing stones.

For the “Outlander” followers, the Clava Cairns might have partially impressed Craigh Na Dun in Diana Gabaldon’s books due to how shut they’re to Inverness. (So do not be shocked to see folks taking photographs with the standing stones…)

RELATED: The Finest Outlander Areas to Go to in Scotland

From Clava Cairns, it is a few 40-minute drive to the village of Drumnadrochit, which is residence to the Loch Ness Centre, in addition to some cafes and galleries.

You’ll be able to have lunch right here at a spot like Fiddlers Highland Restaurant. Or, in case you plan forward you might have afternoon tea at Drumbuie Farm B & B and Quila Cridhe Tearoom, which additionally affords an cute “Furry Coo Meet & Greet” for simply £5. (Extra data right here.)

If in case you have time afterwards I’d try the Loch Ness Centre, and maybe cease in for a gin tasting on the Nice Glen Distillery, which is the smallest craft distillery in Scotland! (And their gin is superb.)

After which within the late afternoon you may head to Loch Ness, as a result of no go to to this a part of Scotland can be full with out taking a cruise on the lake to search for Nessie herself!

There are a number of completely different cruises to select from, however I personally would select the “Freedom” cruise with Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises. This 2-hour cruise leaves from Clansman Harbour (just some minutes’ drive from Drumnadrochit), and features a 1-hour cruise on the lake, plus an extra hour to discover Urquhart Fortress, which is an iconic construction on Loch Ness.

Even with out the Nessie legend to entertain you, Loch Ness is a reasonably attention-grabbing and particular place. It is one of many largest lakes in Scotland – and in reality incorporates the biggest quantity of freshwater in Nice Britain!

The Freedom cruise sails at 2 p.m. every single day, with further sailings at 3 p.m. on sure days in the summertime. Superior reserving is beneficial!

Afterwards, you may head again to Inverness for the remainder of the night. Try Uilebheist Distillery & Brewery to attempt some native craft beer.

---

Day 5: To Isle of Skye

Highlights in the present day will embody: Eilean Donan Fortress, the Fairy Swimming pools hike, and Portree on the Isle of Skye

It is time to bid the Highlands farewell (for now!) and head west to Scotland’s most well-known island: the Isle of Skye. Skye is a part of the Internal Hebrides archipelago, and is thought for having among the easiest surroundings in all of Scotland.

And, regardless of it being an island, you may drive to the Isle of Skye!

Hit the highway this morning and make a cease on the picture-perfect Eilean Donan Fortress on the confluence of three completely different lochs (lakes). You’ll be able to go to the thirteenth century fort itself (tickets required), benefit from the views, and cease in to the cafe, which is definitely very nice.

Then it is time to drive over the ocean (bridge) to Skye!

For those who want a pick-me-up or lunch when you get onto the island, the Lean To Espresso Skye Cafe is beautiful, or you may seize a pizza at Cafe Sia. Each of these are on the way in which to your first sightseeing cease at Eas a’ Bhradain waterfall, which is a stunning waterfall simply off the freeway (there is a parking space simply previous the waterfall).

From there, you may make a cease on the Sligachan Outdated Bridge, simply off the A87. This bridge was once the primary method to cross the River Sligachan, and makes for a terrific photograph cease with the Black Cuillin Mountains within the background.

This bridge is a part of a neighborhood legend that claims the mountain-fed waters that run beneath it are enchanted by fairies (this may turn into a development you will discover as you journey round Skye!). In accordance with the legend, in case you maintain your face within the water for a full seven seconds, you will be granted everlasting magnificence.

By now it is going to in all probability be late afternoon, which means it is a good time to go to the Fairy Swimming pools. The Fairy Swimming pools are a sequence of small waterfalls and shallow swimming pools fashioned because the River Brittle flows down from the Black Cuillin mountains, and climbing to them is among the hottest issues to do on the Isle of Skye.

There is a devoted parking space on the Fairy Swimming pools that does price £6 to park at (be ready for this throughout Skye!), after which it is roughly a 1 mile stroll from the parking space to the “greatest” sections of waterfalls. You’ll be able to stroll up the river so far as you need, however most individuals will hike about 2.5 miles round-trip on a gravel path.

You have maybe seen photographs of individuals swimming in shallow turquoise swimming pools right here, however I would let you know to mood your expectations a bit; the swimming pools are solely turquoise-looking on the sunniest, blue-sky days. BUT, the location remains to be extremely lovely and definitely magical feeling, whatever the climate.

(Talking of the climate, on Skye it may change very abruptly. So even when it is sunny while you begin this hike, I’d suggest nonetheless packing a raincoat, simply in case. Equally, even when it is raining while you begin the hike, there’s an opportunity the climate will change.)

Afterwards, it is a few 45-minute drive to Portree, the primary city on the Isle of Skye. Test into your resort, have a stroll round Portree, after which for dinner you may both seize take-away at a spot like The Chippy or Pizzaway, or make a reservation prematurely at a spot like Cuchullin, Dulse and Brose, or Scorrybreac.

---

Day 6: Isle of Skye

Highlights in the present day will embody: the Outdated Man of Storr, Quiraing, and Fairy Glen, with an optionally available go to to Dunvegan Fortress and Neist Level

Right this moment you will have a full day to spend on the Isle of Skye, and you may make it as jam-packed or as relaxed as you need! If you are going to have a extra laid-back morning, have a leisurely breakfast at your resort or at a Portree spot just like the Birch Cafe or Cafe Arriba.

You are going to spend a very good quantity of in the present day on the Trotternish Peninsula, which does not have an entire lot of eating places. So that you would possibly need to choose up a picnic lunch earlier than you permit Portree. Each MacKenzie’s Bakery and Relish Portree are good spots to seize issues to go (and MacKenzie’s makes among the greatest shortbread in Scotland!).

Driving counter-clockwise across the Trotternish Peninsula, the primary cease I like to recommend making is on the Outdated Man of Storr. The Storr is a giant slab of rock with a lone, tall pillar of stone at one finish. This pillar is the “Outdated Man.”

There are a bunch of various legends about “The Outdated Man of Storr.” One suggests it is the thumb of a large buried beneath the cliff. One other says it is truly an outdated man whose “want” to remain on the hill overlooking the ocean to recollect his spouse was granted by a mischievous fairy king. No matter you imagine, it is a very iconic spot on Skye.

IF you get fortunate sufficient to even see the Outdated Man (he can typically be shrouded in clouds/fog), there are a number of locations to park alongside the highway with the intention to get a very good view.

There’s additionally a hike right here that can take you all the way in which as much as the rock formation. This hike begins at a parking space simply off the A855 and is somewhat over 3 miles spherical journey. Simply remember that the hike does have some steep uphill parts, and might get muddy on the high. (You too can hike simply a part of the way in which and nonetheless get some cool views, although.)

Persevering with on across the Trotternish Peninsula, the following cease I would make is at Lealt Falls. There is a devoted parking space right here and a viewing platform that gives up glimpses of the higher and decrease sections of a waterfall referred to as Lealt Falls.

For those who’re feeling as much as it, it’s also possible to hike right down to the decrease part of the waterfall. The hike (which is about .7 miles roundtrip) will take you on a gravel path down the facet of a grassy cliff with beautiful coastal views. On the backside, you may stroll proper as much as the waterfall. Simply be aware that though this hike is brief, it is robust and steep in elements on the way in which again up.

RELATED: 19 Magical Issues to Do on the Isle of Skye in Scotland

This subsequent cease is a 2-for-1 deal, as you may see each Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls from the identical viewing space. Kilt Rock is definitely a complete cliff of basalt columns that rises 90 meters (295 ft) out of the ocean, and appears a bit just like the pleated kilt of a large. Proper close to the rock is a waterfall referred to as Mealt Falls that plunges into the ocean.

While you close to the highest of the Trotternish Peninsula, there is a slim, almost one-lane highway that cuts throughout the peninsula. It is referred to as the Quiraing Highway, and it traverses by way of among the greatest landscapes on the Isle of Skye.

The deep valleys and craggy cliffs on this a part of Skye have been fashioned thanks to very large landslips, and there are rock formations with names like The Needle and The Desk and The Jail. The Quiraing may be extremely windy and moist, but it surely was right here that I initially fell in love with Skye – and also you would possibly, too!

Make for the Quiraing Automotive Park (a big paid parking zone), and from there you may both simply benefit from the views out over the Quiraing space, or you may go for a stroll alongside a devoted climbing path. The whole loop hike is about 4.3 miles lengthy and difficult in elements in case you do the entire thing, however you may get wonderful views even simply from the beginning of it.

I beneficial bringing lunch together with you in the present day, however in case you’d relatively exit someplace, your greatest choices are both The Hungry Gull (earlier than the Quiraing) or The Galley Cafe & Takeaway (earlier than going to the Fairy Glen).

I am saving my private favourite spot on the peninsula for final: the Fairy Glen. The Fairy Glen is thought for its bumpy hills fashioned by and years of livestock traversing its little hills and valleys, and general otherworldly vibe.

To achieve it, you will park in a small (paid) parking space (marked as Fairy Glen Parking) not removed from the city of Uig, after which observe a brief path into the “fairy glen” itself.

The glen is extremely inexperienced throughout the spring and summer time months, and the jaunty hills positively really feel like they might be residence to fairies. There’s even a rock formation referred to as “Fortress Ewan” for its resemblance to fort ruins.

(The stone “fairy circle” under Fortress Ewan, nonetheless, is NOT a pure a part of the panorama right here, and is often eliminated by locals; please do not stack or prepare rocks or depart cash or items for the Fae right here.)

The stroll as much as the Fairy Glen may be steep and muddy in sections, but it surely’s a brief (lower than 20 minutes) stroll, and positively value seeing. (That is the one “hike” on Skye that I do actually suppose is value doing, even in case you’re not a lot of a hiker.)

For those who’ve achieved all of the hikes alongside the Trotternish Peninsula in the present day, then you definately’re in all probability prepared to go again to Portree to loosen up and have dinner.

However, in case you skipped all or a lot of the hikes I discussed and simply stopped for photographs (which is completely tremendous!), then it may not even be lunchtime but!

If you wish to see much more of Skye and you’ve got the time, you may drive about 45 minutes from the Fairy Glen to Dunvegan Fortress.

Situated on the northwestern facet of Skye, Dunvegan Fortress is the oldest constantly inhabited fort in Scotland. It was the seat of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for greater than 800 years, and in the present day is open to guests.

You’ll be able to discover the within of the fort on a self-guided tour, which incorporates the prospect to see fantastically furnished rooms, art work, and clan treasures just like the Fairy Flag (a tattered banner that’s stated to have been given to the MacLeods by the fairies and that, when raised in battle, would at all times make sure the clan’s victory). You will additionally discover clothes gadgets worn by Flora MacDonald, and a lock of hair stated to have belonged to Bonnie Prince Charlie.

A ticket for Dunvegan Fortress additionally will get you entry to the acres of formal fort gardens, that are additionally extremely lovely. The Walled Backyard is my private favourite, however they’re all beautiful!

From Dunvegan Fortress, it is also doable to drive out to Neist Level all the way in which on the far western tip of the Isle of Skye.

Neist Level is among the most dramatic places you may go to on the island, although I will not lie: the roads you need to drive to get out to Neist Level (the B884, after which two un-numbered roads) may be nerve-wracking to drive. They’re paved, however they’re solely vast sufficient for 1 automotive in most elements, and are crammed with blind hills and curves. Take your time, be aware of lay-bys the place you may let different automobiles go, and do not be afraid of tooting your horn at hills and curves.

To get the enduring photographs of the Neist Level Lighthouse on the peninsula, park your automotive after which stroll alongside the cliffs to the precise of the peninsula (initially of the path, flip proper *earlier than* the steps that go down in the direction of the lighthouse).

You too can stroll all the way in which out to the lighthouse, however remember that there are a bunch of steps to stroll down (and naturally again up!) with the intention to do it. If in case you have time, although, it is a good stroll.

Again in Portree, I like to recommend making dinner reservations at a spot like The View (on the Cuillin Hills Lodge), Scorrybreac, or Dulse and Brose.

---

Day 7: Glenfinnan and Glencoe

Highlights in the present day will embody: the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Glencoe

Whereas the Isle of Skye is difficult to high, there’s nonetheless a lot to see within the Scottish Highlands!

Get an early begin in the present day to make your method again to the mainland. And whilst you *can* drive again the way in which you came to visit the Skye Bridge, you may truly save time by taking a ferry as an alternative!

You’ll be able to drive to Armadale close to the southern tip of the Isle of Skye (about an hour from Portree), the place there is a automotive ferry that crosses over to Mallaig on the mainland. The ferry is operated by CalMac, prices lower than £20 for a automotive, and takes 30-45 minutes. It is a actually fairly crossing – however you do need to e-book prematurely.

From Mallaig, it is a 40-minute drive to the well-known Glenfinnan Viaduct at Loch Shiel, made well-known within the Harry Potter movies. You may merely go to the Glenfinnan Customer Centre, stroll as much as the perspective behind it, and see the Glenfinnan Monument on Loch Shiel. However in case you’re a Harry Potter fan, you may also need to plan your day round seeing the “Hogwarts Categorical” cross over the viaduct.

The Hogwarts Categorical is definitely the Jacobite Steam Prepare, a vacationer prepare that travels between Mallaig and Fort William, crossing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct a complete of 4 instances a day throughout the excessive season.

For probably the most iconic view, you will need to catch the scarlet prepare because it’s touring west-bound from Fort William to Mallaig. These trains depart Fort William at 10:15 a.m. and 12:50 p.m. every single day from Might-September (and solely within the morning in April and October). They cross over the viaduct roughly half-hour after departure from Fort William, which means you need to be on the viewing space earlier than both 10:45 a.m. or 1:20 p.m.

The precise instances the trains are anticipated to cross are posted on the Glenfinnan Customer Centre every day.

It is truly beneficial you get to the Glenfinnan parking space nicely prematurely (like, an hour or extra prematurely throughout July and August) with the intention to get a parking spot. There’s additionally a brief stroll to the primary viewing space that you simply need to enable time for. Think about bringing a picnic lunch in the present day!

For the beneficial view, you will observe a clearly marked path from the parking space alongside the River Finnan and beneath the arches of the viaduct itself. You will need to flip LEFT and climb a small hill to the viewing space. (Simply observe the group; you will not be alone.)

After viewing the prepare (or in case you actually do not care about it), you may proceed on to Glencoe, a well-known valley within the coronary heart of the Highlands.

It is best to have sufficient time to cease in on the Glencoe Customer Centre if you need, in addition to among the most well-known close by viewpoints like Three Sisters Viewpoint and The Assembly of Three Waters.

There are plenty of strolling and climbing trails all through Glencoe, too, if you wish to stretch your legs this afternoon/night.

---

Day 8: Again to Edinburgh

If that is the top of your Scotland journey, you may get again to Edinburgh in about 2 hours and 45 minutes and will conceivably fly residence this afternoon or night in case you drop your automotive off on the airport.

For those who aren’t leaving fairly but (or in case you’re maybe persevering with your journey within the UK by automotive or prepare), you may take a extra leisurely drive again to Edinburgh. Cease at extra viewpoints in Glencoe and thru the Highlands, just like the Rannoch Moor Viewpoint and Loch Tulla Viewpoint.

I like to recommend taking the marginally longer route that can take you alongside Loch Lomond inside Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Nationwide Park. You’ll be able to cease within the very fairly village of Luss for lunch (The Village Relaxation is an effective guess) and a few sightseeing earlier than persevering with on east.

And, in case you did not cease to see The Kelpies in your method out of Edinburgh, you will be driving proper previous them in your method again into the town.

---

Learn how to make this a 10-day Scotland itinerary

Have extra than simply 7-8 days to spend in Scotland? Nicely, nice information! You’ll be able to simply lengthen this itinerary and see much more of this lovely nation.

The above 7-night itinerary would keep the identical, however I’d add an additional night time in Inverness (making it 3 nights complete in Inverness), after which on the finish as an alternative of driving again to Edinburgh, I’d head to Glasgow for two nights.

Here is extra element on what I would add:

Day 5: Moray Coast + Speyside

Highlights in the present day will embody: Bow Fiddle Rock, the Malt Whisky Path in Speyside, and Ballindalloch Fortress and Gardens

Whereas it is true that there is extra to do in Edinburgh than in Inverness, Inverness makes a wonderful base for seeing a lot in northern Scotland! With an additional day within the area, I’d counsel exploring a little bit of the Moray Coast and dipping into the well-known Highland whisky area of Speyside.

Begin your morning with a drive (about an hour) to the city of Elgin, which is legendary for its cathedral. Elgin Cathedral dates again to the 1200s, and though it is in ruins now, they’re very well-preserved ruins.

Proceed on alongside the Moray Coast to the village of Portnockie, the place you may go to cliffs with a coastal path that provide up views of the extraordinarily picturesque Bow Fiddle Rock. One of many trails leads right down to a rocky seashore for even higher views; that is such a reasonably spot!

From Portnockie, it is a fast drive to Cullen, a seaside village residence to solely 1300 folks. There is a seashore right here that is good for a stroll, plus the village itself is cute. You’ll be able to cease for an early lunch at a spot like The Rockpool Cafe to attempt Cullen Skink, a creamy fish soup that this village is legendary for.

And this units you up for a day in Speyside!

Speyside is one among Scotland’s most well-known whisky-producing areas; there are roughly 50 distilleries in Scotland’s Moray Speyside area alone (a area centered across the River Spey). A number of are alongside the official Malt Whisky Path, which was the primary path of its form on this planet when it was established within the Nineteen Fifties.

Even in case you do not love whisky (hello, it is me!), I’d nonetheless extremely suggest at the least one Speyside distillery tour. Scotland’s whisky distilleries have such attention-grabbing tales, and the excursions listed here are all actually attention-grabbing.

A pair I personally suggest that make sense from an itinerary perspective for in the present day embody:

• Glenfiddich – Glenfiddich is residence to the world’s most-awarded single malt whisky, remains to be family-run by the Grant household, and was the primary Speyside distillery to supply excursions within the Sixties. This can be a good tour in case you’ve by no means been to a distillery earlier than.
• The Macallan – Typically known as “Malt Disney” by locals, The Macallan has a flashy, state-of-the-art customer expertise that opened in 2018. It is not like the extra “conventional” distillery excursions you could find on this a part of Scotland, which makes it enjoyable.
• Strathisla – Strathisla is the oldest working distillery within the Scottish Highlands, relationship again to 1786. It’s, in my view, the prettiest distillery I’ve visited and has the coziest tasting room. The whisky produced right here largely goes into Chivas Regal blends.

You do need to pre-book excursions every time doable! Most final 60-90 minutes, and embody whisky tastings.

For those who solely do one distillery tour (or in case you decide to skip the distilleries altogether), one other spot value visiting in Speyside is Ballindalloch Fortress and Gardens. Ballindalloch Fortress is owned by the Macpherson-Grants, who’ve referred to as the fort residence since 1546.

That is one other lived-in fort, which in my view makes it far more attention-grabbing to go to than a historic fort with numerous vintage furnishings that nobody’s used for lots of of years. The fort tour is self-guided, and there are additionally acres of gardens and grounds you may discover, too.

Notice that the fort is barely open Sunday-Thursday for guests (Easter by way of the top of September), and also you need not pre-book tickets.

And from there you may head again to Inverness in your third night time and proceed on to the Isle of Skye tomorrow.

---

Day 9: To Glasgow

Highlights in the present day embody: Loch Lomond and exploring Glasgow

From Glencoe, you can begin making your method out of the Highlands and in the direction of the Lowlands once more. You might have some additional time now, although, so be happy to cease in any respect the viewpoints, and perhaps even slot in one other stroll or hike round Glencoe.

You may additionally cease on the Glencoe Mountain Resort, which operates as a sightseeing chairlift that affords unbelievable 360-degree views of Glencoe.

Your drive will take you alongside Loch Lomond inside Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Nationwide Park. You’ll be able to cease within the very fairly village of Luss for lunch (The Village Relaxation is an effective guess) and a few sightseeing earlier than persevering with on to Glasgow.

Glasgow is definitely the biggest metropolis in Scotland, so it might be a disgrace to skip it! It has numerous Victorian structure, unbelievable road artwork, and among the nicest folks in Scotland (referred to as Glaswegians).

Test into your resort, after which head to the town heart for a wander. Try George Sq., stroll alongside Buchanan Road, and remember to catch the statue of the Duke of Wellington on Royal Trade Sq., who’s normally sporting an orange site visitors cone as a hat.

For dinner tonight, attempt to get a reserving at The Ubiquitous Chip, probably the greatest eating places within the metropolis on Ashton Lane.

---

Day 10: Glasgow

Highlights in the present day will embody: Kelvingrove Artwork Gallery and a Glasgow tour

Right this moment is all about exploring extra of Glasgow, which usually does not get as a lot love as Edinburgh, however is simply as nice of a Scottish metropolis.

Begin your morning on the Kelvingrove Artwork Gallery and Museum in Glasgow’s West Finish. This free museum is among the hottest in Scotland, and has a mix of artwork and historic artifacts. There are 22 completely different galleries to discover, and you’ll see every little thing from works by Dali to Egyptian mummies to a WWII-era Spitfire aircraft.

Or, if the climate is additional good and also you’d relatively be exterior, you would possibly decide to go to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens as an alternative this morning. The 27-acre backyard options Victorian glasshouses and many beautiful strolling paths.

This afternoon, I like to recommend one among two issues: both a historic strolling tour of Glasgow, or a Glasgow meals tour!

Personally, I at all times go for the meals tour, as meals excursions embody a mix of meals AND historical past, and are an effective way to get to know a area or tradition. Within the case of Glasgow, this foods and drinks tour is a superb method to discover Glasgow by way of its meals.

On this meals tour, you will go to a wide range of locally-owned eating places and pubs in Glasgow’s Service provider Metropolis, having foods and drinks pairings at most stops. You will attempt haggis and whisky and steak and far more! Ebook this meals tour right here.

The meals tour (which lasts about 3.5 hours) will certainly fill you up for lunch, and probably for dinner, too!

This night you may both have a chill night time in, or maybe a chilling night time out if you wish to slot in another tour. This Glasgow ghost tour is an effective one, although it is solely provided 4 nights every week.

And now you may say you’ve got had a style of Glasgow, too – each actually and figuratively!

And now THAT is really my thought of the proper Scotland highway journey! You’ll be able to both fly residence (or take a prepare) from Glasgow, or drive the 1 hour again to Edinburgh to finish the place you started.

---

Who’s able to plan a Scotland highway journey?