Imagine driving along winding roads, past stunning rock formations, castles that look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale, mystical lakes, and rolling green hills – this is what waits for you on a Scotland road trip.
We had very high expectations for our own Scotland road trip. After all, it’s the land of Hogwarts and Loch Ness, so the magic has to be everywhere, right? Our expectations were exceeded, and Scotland has since become one of our top 3 travel destinations in Europe. To help you experience the uniqueness of Scotland for yourself, today’s post features a route for your own Scottish road trip. This isn’t the well-known North Coast 500 that many tourists flock to, but our route will still take you to some of the most beautiful places in the country.
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Scotland Road Trip
In today’s blog post, we’re sharing a seven-day itinerary for Scotland, featuring some of the country’s classic highlights- While seven days isn’t nearly enough to see all of Scotland’s top spots – let alone the islands off the coast – this route will give you a great introduction to the country’s diverse landscapes. You will see a lot in a short time, with a focus on Scotland’s breathtaking natural beauty. We haven’t included time for cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow, which are great for a weekend trip. But if you have a couple of extra days, you can easily add one to your itinerary and explore your favorite city.
So, let the Scotland road trip begin!
Day 1: Your Scotland Road Trip Begins
At a glance
- 1 night in Inveraray
-
2.5-hour drive from Edinburgh, around 110 miles
1.5-hour drive from Glasgow, around 65 miles -
Kilchurn Castle
Inveraray Castle
Inveraray - The George Hotel
After arriving at the airport in Edinburgh or Glasgow and picking up your rental car, you’ll head straight out into the Scottish countryside.
Your first stop today is Kilchurn Castle, a stunning castle ruin on the shores of Loch Awe in the Argyll region. While you can’t currently enter the ruins due to the risk of collapse, the area around the castle is easily accessible. If you’re lucky, you might spot your first Scottish Highland cows grazing peacefully around the castle. However, please refrain from feeding or petting them.
- There are parking spots near the castle, and a short walk leads to the castle ruins.
From Kilchurn Castle, continue to Inveraray to check in to your accommodation for the night. Afterward, you can either walk or drive to visit Inveraray Castle. Unlike Kilchurn Castle, this one looks like a grand fairytale castle and is open for tours. For about 20 euros per person, you can explore the rooms and the gardens. The castle also has a small tearoom, but we recommend having dinner at one of the cozy restaurants in downtown Inveraray instead. Good options include Brambles Cafe, the restaurant at The George Hotel, or Ocho.
- There is free parking available right at the castle.
- You should definitely book your ticket for Inveraray Castle online in advance. This way, you can go directly to the castle entrance and avoid long lines. Additionally, the castle is currently only open from Thursday to Monday and remains closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which further limits ticket availability.
Where to Stay
Inveraray and its surrounding area are perfect for your first overnight stay. You’ll find many traditional Scottish inns, bed & breakfasts, and even some luxurious castle hotels. The George Hotel offers a refined experience with its own lovely restaurant. If you’re looking for something simpler and more budget-friendly, consider The Old Rectory or Inveraray Inn.
The Inverary Inn is located on the shores of Loch Fyne, just a 5-minute walk from the castle.
Day 2: Exploring Scotland’s Most Famous Valley
At a glance
- 1 night in Glencoe
- 1.5-hour drive, about 60 miles
-
Lagangarbh Hut
Glencoe Lochan
Glen Etive
The Meeting of Three Waters - Clachaig Inn
Today starts early with a drive to Glencoe. This name refers not only to a village but also to one of the most famous valleys in the Scottish Highlands. This picturesque landscape has been featured in films such as James Bond’s Skyfall, Highlander, and Braveheart. While you could easily spend several days exploring Glencoe, today’s focus is on a few key highlights.
One highlight is the drive from Glencoe to Lagangarbh Hut. The breathtaking views along the way are unmatched, and the little white house has gained almost cult status thanks to social media. It’s owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is primarily used by hiking groups following extensive renovations, so visiting the hut itself is not possible.
- The parking situation at the Lagangarbh Hut is a bit challenging. You can only park on the opposite side of the busy A82 and then carefully cross the road. On Google Maps, you’ll find the hut listed as Wee White House Glencoe.
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For a relaxing hike, we recommend the Glencoe Lochan forest area. This spot is often called a “miniature version of Lake Louise in British Columbia.” From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the Pap of Glencoe (though we don’t recommend hiking up there) and take a leisurely 45-minute walk around the small lake.
- Free parking is available nearby, and from there, you can follow the signposted route
Another highlight is the waterfall at The Meeting of Three Waters. Make sure to go behind the wall and walk down to the waterfall. It feels magical, especially when the sun breaks through the clouds. For a refreshing dip or to escape the midges, you can take a quick swim in the water.
Just a few meters up the road, a path leads to Glen Etive. Follow the signs at the parking area. The steep stone steps make you feel like you’re on your way to Hagrid’s hut.
- For the hike, you'll find a parking spot here. If you want to see the waterfall, it's best to leave your car here as well and walk along the road to the waterfall.
- Despite its popularity with tourists, Glencoe has managed to maintain its rugged charm. The hiking trails, parking, and signage are often not as well-developed or maintained as you might be used to in Germany. We had to cut our hike to the Pap of Glencoe short, like many others, due to poorly marked trails and dense underbrush. By the end of the day, we were covered in ticks and quite disappointed. But don’t let that hold you back - Glencoe is still absolutely worth a visit. The breathtaking landscapes, dramatic scenery, and unique atmosphere make it a truly unforgettable destination. So, embrace the adventure, and enjoy all the natural beauty Glencoe has to offer!
Where to Stay
Glencoe, like much of Scotland, isn’t known for budget accommodations. For a luxurious (and pricey) stay, consider the RiverBeds Lodges. If you’re looking for something more affordable, you can stay at Woodlands House or Clachaig Inn, where you can also enjoy excellent traditional Scottish cuisine.
Day 3: All Aboard the Hogwarts Express
At a glance
- 1 night on the Isle of Skye
- 3-4 hour drive, about 150 miles
-
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Optional: Eilean Donan Castle - Marmalade
If you’re a Harry Potter fan like I am, you’ll leave Glencoe this morning in search of a unique view of the real Hogwarts Express. Alternatively, you can spend the morning in Glencoe and take a more relaxed approach to the day.
The Hogwarts Express is actually the Jacobite Steam Train, which operates between March and October, running seven days a week between Fort William and Mallaig. It crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
You can either take the train ride itself, but be aware that tickets are in high demand and should be booked well in advance online, starting at £65 per person. If you want to enjoy the ride in a Harry Potter-themed compartment, you’ll need to book the morning train and reserve an entire compartment for 6 people at a hefty £400.
Alternatively, you can admire the train from a viewpoint over the viaduct. This is the option we chose. Since the train only runs twice a day, good planning is essential. Be sure to check the schedule online the night before and again in the morning, as departure times in Fort William can vary. Aim to arrive at the parking area about 60 minutes before the train departs from Fort William. From there, it’s about a 30-minute walk to the viaduct, giving you time to find a good viewpoint among the other spectators. The train crosses the viaduct approximately 30 minutes after departing Fort William.
- You can park your car at the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. Since this spot has been a pilgrimage site for Harry Potter fans from around the world for years, the early bird catches the worm.
- For many Harry Potter fans, seeing the “real” Hogwarts Express can be a magical experience. I was thrilled to watch the train pass through such a beautiful setting. However, keep in mind that this is a fleeting moment. You’ll spend several hours for just a few seconds of action. Also, there’s a chance of unexpected cancellations, which can make the effort feel like it’s not worth it. So, I’d suggest visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct only if you’re a die-hard fan. Otherwise, you might find it more worthwhile to explore Glencoe or Fort William, which is on the way to the Isle of Skye.
In the afternoon, continue your journey to one of Scotland’s most famous islands, the Isle of Skye. If you have time and the weather is good, consider stopping at Eilean Donan Castle. Alternatively, you can visit it on your way back from Skye. The route to the island takes you across the Skye Bridge, so there’s no need for a ferry. For more details on reaching the Isle of Skye, check out the “Getting There and Getting Around” in this blog post.
Where to stay
On the Isle of Skye, there are accommodations for every taste and budget. It’s best to book early, especially if you want to stay at a picturesque spot like Aurora rural. For the suggested itinerary, accommodations on the east side of the island, such as Duisdale House Hotel or those in and around Portree, are ideal. Portree is centrally located, making it easier to reach many of the places we’ll be exploring in the coming days. In Portree, consider staying at Marmalade or Coolin View. For a touch of luxury, check out the Skeabost House Hotel, a charming family-run boutique hotel just outside of Portree.
Day 4: Scotland’s Fairy Tale Island
At a glance
- 1 night on the Isle of Skye
- 1–1.5 hours, around 40 miles
-
Brother’s Point Hike
Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
Quiraing Viewpoint - Marmalade
Since you likely arrived at your accommodation late last night, today we’ve got some suggestions to help you take it easy and recover from all those miles you’ve covered.
- You can find our complete blog post about the Isle of Skye here. Below, we will only cover a few highlights.
The 3 km hike to Brother’s Point is perfect for today and is still somewhat of a hidden gem. The coastal views are stunning, and the hike itself isn’t too difficult. However, you should still be sure-footed and wear waterproof hiking boots, as many parts can be marshy. After heavy rain, we advise against the hike, as there’s a river crossing that can be tricky when the water level is high.
- You can park your car here. From the parking lot, walk a short distance along the A855 until you see a sign directing you. You will need to pass through two large gates (please remember to close them again) before descending a hill towards the coast. If you pay attention to the signage along the road, you can't miss the path.
Next, you can make a quick stop at Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls. Just don’t expect too much. While the waterfall is beautiful, you can only really see it by leaning over the railing a bit. Other than that, there’s not much to see or do in the large parking area, so we moved on after about 10 minutes.
- You can park your car here
If you’re looking for a cozy spot to grab a bite, we recommend The Hungry Gull, just a 5-minute drive from the waterfall. And if you’re up for one more spectacular view, just keep driving north towards Quiraing. The landscape there feels like something straight out of “The Lord of the Rings,” and you wouldn’t be surprised if elves or trolls suddenly appeared from behind the moss-covered rocks.
- You can park here – this viewpoint is very popular, so either come late for sunset or early in the morning to secure a spot.
Day 5: The Highlight of Your Scotland Road Trip
At a glance
- 1 night on the Isle of Skye
- 1.5 hours, 50–60 miles
-
Old Man of Storr
Dunvegan Castle
Optional: Talisker Distillerie - Marmalade
Today, you’ll reach what we consider a true highlight of your Scotland road trip: the hike to the famous Old Man of Storr. The view from the top is one of the most breathtaking we’ve seen in Europe. Many other visitors know this too, so the best times to hike are either at sunrise or sunset. The hike starts right at the parking lot and takes about 1.5 hours of steep climbing. It’s a challenging ascent, but the view you’ll get at the top is absolutely worth it.
- You can park your car here
For the rest of the day, we recommend visiting Dunvegan Castle. If the weather is nice, you can easily spend half a day here. The castle and gardens are stunning, but the real highlight is the boat trip to a seal colony that lives on the nearby rocks. Since you can’t reserve the boat trip in advance, head straight to the boat rental after arriving at the castle to secure your spot. The boat trip isn’t included in the admission price, but we think it’s well worth the extra cost.
- Free parking is available on the castle grounds.
Alternatively, you can visit the Talisker Distillery, famous for its world-renowned whisky. We took part in the one-hour Talisker Distellery Tour, but the distillery also offers a more immersive tasting experience. Keep in mind that Scotland has a 0.5 per mille blood alcohol limit, so if you’re driving, they provide small bottles for you to take your whisky with you to enjoy later at the hotel.
- The distillery offers parking for visitors.
Day 6: Scotland’s First National Park
At a glance
- 1 night in Callander
- 5 hours, around 200 miles
-
Hike Ben A’An
Optional: Eilean Donan Castle
- Ben A’an House
Today, it’s time to say goodbye to the Isle of Skye and gear up for a long drive. On your way back, you can make a stop at Eilean Donan Castle to stretch your legs. This fairy-tale castle is beautifully situated on Loch Duich and conveniently located on your route. We found the £12 admission fee a bit steep, so we opted just for a walk around the castle.
- You can park here
Since today is your last full day of your Scotland road trip, it’s time to start heading back toward Edinburgh or Glasgow. But there’s still a highlight left: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. You could easily spend several days here, but we recommend focusing on the sunset hike up Ben A’an. This short but steep hike offers a stunning view over Loch Katrine—a perfect finale for your trip.
- You can find the complete hiking guide, including start and end points and suitable parking options here
Ideally, stay overnight in Callander since it’s not far from the hike’s starting point. Recommended accommodations include the family-run Ben A’an House or the Lubnaig Guest House.
Day 7: The End of Your Scotland Road Trip
At a glance
- Departure from Edinburgh or Glasgow
- 1 hour, around 45 miles
- Optional: Boat ride on Loch Katrine
- Ben A’an House
If your flight is later in the evening and you still have some energy left, a relaxing 45-minute boat ride on Loch Katrine could be a lovely way to end your trip.
If you prefer to head straight from Callander to the airport, you’ll take home many wonderful memories and, most likely, some tired legs.
Best Time to Visit Scotland for Your Road Trip
Scotland isn’t exactly known for its sunny weather, but it has a bad reputation that it doesn’t deserve. In fact, you can enjoy plenty of mild and sunny days. The best time for your Scotland road trip is between April and September, with June to August being the peak tourist season. Ideally, plan your trip for May, September, or October. During these months, you’ll encounter fewer tourists, and the weather is still relatively stable. Regardless of when you visit, sturdy hiking boots and a rain jacket and pants should be on your packing list.
Getting to Your Scotland Road Trip
- For this route suggestion, Edinburgh or Glasgow airports are ideal. Glasgow is only about 1.5 hours away from the first stop in Inveraray, while Edinburgh is about two hours away. Just choose the airport with the better deal. You can get an excellent overview of the best flight prices at Skyscanner.
- You can easily rent a car at either Edinburgh or Glasgow airport. A good platform to get an overview of the best prices is rentalcars.com
- You want to explore Scotland by camper van? That’s a fantastic idea! However, there are a few things to consider when planning your trip. We’ve summarized our most important tips in this blog post
We hope you enjoy your Scotland road trip as much as we did. Scotland is a stunning country for nature lovers, and we hope this guide gets you excited for your adventure and makes your planning easier.
