Planning a visit to Scotland? Making an attempt to determine the place to go and what to do throughout your go to? This is your excellent Scotland itinerary for street journeys and self-drives from 7-10 days, though you’ll be able to combine, match or prolong as you want! Do not forget to take a look at our different posts on Scotland too, that can assist you create your excellent itinerary.
Do not forget to seize your free information to the very best locations to see on a Scotland street journey below- that can assist you plan your journey.
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Scotland Highway Journey- why go?
Scotland is magical.
It is a kind of unbelievable locations the place you flip nook after nook and every is extra breathtaking than the final! (Precisely the identical as Norway). Anticipate to say ‘wow’ lots and cease incessantly to take 1,000,000 images of the surroundings. And cows. And sheep.
The issue with locations like that’s there’s SO MUCH to see.
Planning a Scotland street journey might be DAUNTING. Making an attempt to squeeze a rustic into only a few days is hard, but it surely IS attainable to plan a Scotland journey itinerary with the very best locations to go to, in addition to some locations away from the principle vacationer areas.
On this publish, we’ll present you the greatest scenic routes & driving roads in Scotland, lochs, castles, cities you NEED to see, plus the best way to go to the Scottish Highlands. Whether or not you are touring Scotland by automobile on a self-drive vacation, motorhoming or campervanning in Scotland or exploring by motorcycle (or some other automobile!), our map of the route we drove round Scotland will assist you plan your individual journey.
plan a Scotland Highway Journey
So, how DO you slender down all of the ‘must-visit’ locations into an inexpensive itinerary, particularly in case you solely have 7-10 days to your Scottish street journey?
Do you give attention to visiting lovely cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, seeing the historical past of Scotland (which is fascinating!), HARRY POTTER websites (so price it!), mountaineering within the Highlands, having fun with the views of the lochs? Or a little bit of every little thing??
On this Scotland Itinerary, we have included a little bit of every little thing to let you create the proper Scottish Highway Journey and take advantage of your time on this breath-taking nation. As you’ll be able to see, it is a HUGE publish. If you wish to obtain it (free), simply pop your e mail into the field beneath.
How lengthy does it take to tour Scotland?
Our itinerary takes 10 days, however there are some bits you’ll be able to miss in case you solely have 7 days to your journey. Likewise, if in case you have longer, you’ll be able to both journey extra scenic routes round Scotland (particularly on the Highlands vacationer route), see extra unbelievable locations, do some extra excursions round Scotland or simply take your time and linger some time over your favorite locations.
After all, if you wish to do one thing particular, like drive the North Coast 500 in a motorhome, it would take about 7 days simply to try this route. Make certain to not plan an excessive amount of in, as most of the roads are slower and you will not be capable of journey as far or as quick as you would possibly anticipate.
When is the very best time to go to Scotland?
If you wish to street journey Scotland (which we extremely recommend- there are some INCREDIBLY scenic roads in Scotland), then the very best time to go is both late Spring/ early Summer season (Might or June) or in early Autumn (September/ October). This fashion, you keep away from the excessive crowds AND the midges, that are principally round in July and August.
Need some extra concepts for locations to see in Autumn? Listed here are 27 of the greatest locations to expertise Autumn in Europe.
Planning a visit to Scotland?
We have accomplished the laborious give you the results you want!
Seize our full Scotland journey planner and get:
- 80+ concepts for locations to go to
- Maps and itinerary solutions
- Routes and issues to see alongside the best way
- Suggestions, customs and far way more!
Obtain this Scotland Itinerary and take it with you!
It is a LOOOOOONG publish) almost 4000 phrases!) Why not obtain it so you’ll be able to preserve it with you and use it for planning your individual Scotland itinerary. Yep, you’ll be able to obtain this complete publish and take it in your Scottish street journey with you.
Whether or not you are travelling by motorhome, camper, automobile or public transport, you can adapt it to make use of to your personal schedule and necessities.
Scotland Highway Journey Map and Itinerary
The map beneath exhibits our 10-day driving route for our tour of Scotland. We travelled from the Isle of Skye to John o’Groats utilizing the principle driving roads (that are faster), however in any other case, we tried to take scenic roads the place attainable (though that is not at all times straightforward in a Motorhome!)
Our Scotland Itinerary is round 800 miles (1300km), with round 23 hours of precise driving over a ten day journey. The map begins on the west coast of Scotland, however, after all, you are able to do the drive in reverse in case you desire.
The place ought to I’m going on a street journey in Scotland?
As you may see beneath, there are lots of (many!) lovely locations to go to in Scotland. Your actual itinerary can be created from the belongings you take pleasure in. We plan our UK street journey itineraries like this and it isn’t allow us to down but!
For us, we desire to keep away from large cities after we’re travelling in our motorhome and as a substitute give attention to areas like nationwide parks, nature reserves, mountains, waterfalls… you get the concept. ‘Scenic Scotland’ doesn’t disappoint- we have seen a few of the most breathtaking locations on our journeys to Scotland, which I share with you on this itinerary. (In case you’re searching for extra breathtaking areas, try 11 of essentially the most lovely locations in Norway!)
So, let’s get began in your Scotland Highway journey!
Scotland Highway Journey DAY 1- LOCH LOMOND and the Trossachs Nationwide Park
We’ll begin our Scotland tour in Glasgow, on the west coast of Scotland. It is a good sufficient metropolis though, personally, I desire Edinburgh.
(That sound you hear is me being skinned alive… one in all my greatest buddies comes from Glasgow. Sorry hon xx)
There’s PLENTY of issues to see and do in Glasgow and you may simply spend a few days having fun with town earlier than you set off in your driving vacation.
TOP TIP– In case you’re not from the UK and you do not actually perceive soccer (soccer!), do not point out soccer. The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers followers (each golf equipment are based mostly in Glasgow) is HUGE and brazenly supporting the fallacious one might finish in tears- for you. Completely different pubs assist totally different groups and it incessantly will get… heated.
Embrace your vacationer facet and keep neutral. The identical is true in Liverpool and Manchester too in case you enterprise additional south. Locations like London do not care a lot.
Loch Lomond Nationwide Park
Okay, now that you have loved a couple of days in Glasgow, let’s head up into the ‘actual’ Scotland. Loch Lomond is one in all my favorite spots, and is unquestionably one of many must-visit locations in Scotland.
Loch Lomond is definitely a part of the Trossachs Nationwide Park, which has 22 lochs! Loch Lomond is the most important. You may kayak, paddleboard, canoe and even rent jetskis in the summertime. There are 30 islands on Loch Lomond alone to explore- lots to maintain you occupied if you wish to keep for a number of days.
The loch is totally breathtaking, particularly in case you’re fortunate sufficient to see it on a sunny day.
Do not imagine me? See it for your self:
WATCH VIDEO of us at Loch Lomond (and seeing the Harry Potter websites!)
Wild Tenting is forbidden inside the Trossachs Nationwide Park, so watch out the place you park up for the night time in case you’re in a camper. We selected to drive out of the Nationwide Park and camped in a layby on the best way as much as Loch Ness.
Highway Journey Scotland DAY 2- Oban and Fort William
In case you have time whilst you’re touring Scotland, detour to Oban. I LOVE this town- it has the prettiest harbour and in Summer season you are able to do a ferry tour out to a few of the islands- properly definitely worth the journey on a peaceful day.
We stayed right here a number of years in the past and the views had been spectacular- particularly at night time. I bear in mind standing exterior our log cabin and gazing up on the stars in absolute amazement- they had been so vivid and clear. Magical.
One other detour definitely worth the effort is to Satan’s Pulpit– a hidden waterfall between the rocks. Full instructions might be discovered right here.
Fort William is called ‘the gateway to Ben Nevis’, which is the UK’s highest peak. It is also near Steall Falls– the second highest waterfall in Scotland at 120m and the waterfall in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Hearth, in case you are questioning!! (Take a look at these different lovely waterfalls in Europe)
Getting there’s a few 2.5 miles stroll and takes about 1.5-2 hours relying on how usually you cease. It is good for youths, as you’ll be able to learn right here.
Scotland Itinerary DAY 3- Harry Potter Time!
Scotland is filled with locations used within the Harry Potter movies. We visited a number of of them, all on the best way to Mallaig (the place the ferry is for the Isle of Skye. In sooner or later we noticed:
Glenfinnan Viaduct
That is the viaduct made well-known within the Harry Potter movies. You may stroll proper as much as the bottom of it. You can too journey on the Jacobite Steam practice, which is the one used for the movie and which matches straight over the viaduct! The practice goes from Fort William to Mallaig and does get booked up properly prematurely, so you’ll want to guide early! We obtained our favorite journey drone out and took some wonderful pictures of the viaduct and Loch Sheil, as you’ll be able to see within the video above.
Loch Shiel
That is the loch used as Hogwarts Lake, together with Loch Morar. That is the place Buckbeak dips a contented toe (claw?) within the waters in Prisoner of Azkaban.
We parked within the customer centre on the shores of Loch Shiel, which additionally allowed a stroll up the slope for unbelievable views of the viaduct, even within the rain!
Dumbledore’s Grave
Loch Eilt, alongside the identical street because the viaduct and Loch Shiel, is the place the little island of Eilean na Mòine lies, which performed the starring function as the positioning of Dumbledore’s Grave.
We despatched the drone as much as get an image of this lovely island… however alas, Mr WB is NOT a die-hard Harry Potter fan (boo!) and due to this fact had no concept which island he was meant to be filming. Bless him, a minimum of he tried!
It is about an hour drive from the western finish of Loch Ness to Mallaig, which is the place the ferry to Skye goes from. You can too drive over the bridge to the Skye- but it surely’s a lot additional north.
Do not forget, you’ll be able to obtain this complete itinerary, free of charge, right here:
Scotland Highway Journey Itinerary DAY 4 & 5- Isle of Skye
Search “Isle of Skye” on Google and you will get pages and pages of weblog posts and itineraries, all waxing lyrical about the great thing about Skye. They usually’re right- it’s lovely. And there’s hundreds to see and do. So long as it isn’t raining!!
Our Isle of Skye itinerary incorporates issues to do within the sunshine, but in addition issues to do within the rain- because it rained for 48 hours after we visited!
We’re not ‘hike regardless of the climate’ individuals and we actually do not take pleasure in getting soaking wet climbing a mountain when there is not any view anyway, so that you would possibly discover that itinerary helpful too.
Having stated that, Skye is gorgeous and properly price a visit in case you’re touring the west coast of Scotland.
Driving Scotland Day 6- Eilean Donan Fortress, Loch Ness and as much as Thurso
Eilean Donan
This was one in all our longest driving days- about 5 hours and 350km. Depart Skye and head up in direction of Thurso, stopping on the unbelievable Eilean Donan Fortress on the best way. We did not go inside, as we knew we had a protracted day forward of us, but it surely’s lovely from the surface. There’s additionally a little bit cafe on the carpark right here which does a terrific espresso!
Loch Ness and Urquhart Fortress
You may’t come to Scotland and never cease to see Loch Ness- it is one other of the should go to locations in Scotland. Loch Ness village itself is VERY touristy. It is okay for younger children, but it surely’s fairly costly, so in case you’re on a price range you would possibly wish to preserve driving and cease at one of many many laybys alongside the loch.
You can too go to Urquhart fort, that are spectacular ruins alongside the shore of Loch Ness. There’s parking right here, however it may be restricted for Motorhomes, so be ready to must park a ways away in excessive season. Alternatively, why not deal with your self to a ship journey on Loch Ness and be taken there in type!!
Planning a visit to Scotland?
We have accomplished the laborious give you the results you want!
Seize our full Scotland journey planner and get:
- 80+ concepts for locations to go to
- Maps and itinerary solutions
- Routes and issues to see alongside the best way
- Suggestions, customs and far way more!
Driving Suggestions for Scotland
Concentrate on your gasoline ranges on this a part of the trip- we handed only a few gasoline stations. We did debate going throughout the western edge and finishing the NC500 (there are some lovely campsites on the North Coast 500), however we solely had 10 days for touring Scotland, so we determined to chop throughout to avoid wasting time, plus see Loch Ness and to flee the rain on the Isle of Skye!
Did we miss some lovely views and locations by reducing via the center? Completely- however with solely simply over every week to discover, we had to decide on what labored for us. In case you have the time, take the gradual scenic route within the Highlands.
We used the A87, which passes down the facet of Loch Clunie, a hydroelectric dam. It is a phenomenal place for a picnic if the climate is nice. In case you have time, Inverness is unquestionably price a go to. Once more, we made a compromise and selected to go to Orkney instead- guess we’ll simply must do one other journey to Scotland!
Highlands Highway Journey Day 7 – John o’Groats and Duncansby Stacks
John o’Groats
John o’Groats is a kind of locations which has been on our bucket record for years! It was additionally one of many most important causes we drove to Scotland- to tick it off the record!
It was nice to make it and see the well-known publish, however, I will be sincere, the place is a little bit underwhelming! There are a number of vacationer retailers, a harbour and a snack shack- that is about it!
We waited for the publish to be clear so we might take images with our motorbikes… after which we felt a little bit confused about what to do subsequent.
That is the weirdest factor about travelling- whenever you lastly get to your vacation spot, it may possibly generally really feel a little bit hole. However we had been blessed with INCREDIBLE climate at John o’Groats- undoubtedly made up for the distress of Skye!
Duncansby Stacks
While we had been at John o’Groats, we noticed a postcard of the Duncansby stacks, which had been apparently simply down the street! We might by no means heard of them earlier than, however they seemed fairly, so we determined to pay them a go to.
They’re a little bit tough to search out however properly definitely worth the effort! Mainly, head for Duncansby lighthouse and park proper subsequent to the lighthouse. Then stroll (with the lighthouse in your left) over the sector and preserve going- you may see them from the underside of that area. PLEASE watch out with children and canines… it is a sheer cliff and a protracted drop.
This is the primary EVER video the place we flew our drone over the ocean… the views of the shoreline and the rocks are unbelievable.
Dunnet Head
We stayed at Dunnet Bay campsite close to John o’Groats for a few nights, which allowed us to journey our motorbikes and depart the motorhome someplace secure. In case you’re searching for a phenomenal spot to remain, we extremely suggest this campsite- pretty wardens, nice little store and gorgeous location proper on the seashore!! Simply take a look at this view!!
Day 8 – Orkney mainland
We did not plan to go to Orkney throughout our tour of Scotland- and we undoubtedly did not plan to go to Orkney on our motorbikes.
Nonetheless, the day after we visited John o’Groats, the climate was nonetheless lovely and we learnt we might get to Orkney by ferry for simply the day- so we did! It’s a lovely place, though VERY busy in July and filled with vacationers.
Nonetheless, if in case you have the time, it’s best to attempt to add Orkney into your itinerary. In case you do not wish to drive, there are coach excursions which go all day, so guide your self onto one in all them.
Scotland Highway Journey Itinerary Day 9- Dunrobin Fortress and Aviemore
Dunrobin Fortress
Dunrobin Fortress is probably one in all our favorite castles. It is a few 90-minute drive south from Thurso. It is the biggest fort within the Northern Highlands- and set in essentially the most breathtaking surroundings! You may pay to stroll the gardens, however we determined to press on and head south earlier than the rain closed in. Nonetheless, we did cease for a fast drone shot (watch out to not fly over anybody’s property in case you’re flying drones- keep properly clear and if attainable, keep over the ocean.)
Aviemore
We drove to Aviemore for the night time, which was one other hour or so south. Aviemore is within the Cairngorms Nationwide Park and is Scotland’s winter sports activities mecca, however there’s lots to do in the summertime too, together with a go to to the well-known Speyside Distilleries.
Eating places and retailers had been open, as had been many out of doors actions for all ages. The Aviemore web site is a good place to search out out extra.
Scotland journey Day 10- Edinburgh
Sooo… earlier than we go any additional… DO NOT DRIVE YOUR MOTORHOME INTO THE MIDDLE OF EDINBURGH.
No. Actually.
Let me repeat that so it sinks in.
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR MOTORHOME INTO THE MIDDLE OF EDINBURGH!!!
We tried it. With a Bike trailer on the again. It didn’t go properly. There are NO Motorhome parking areas close to the Metropolis Centre. And the streets are slender and never designed for lorries, not to mention Motorhomes! You’ll not be standard!!
We stopped in Edinburgh for a number of hours and, actually, the one factor we did was see Edinburgh Fortress- which is gorgeous however left us wanting extra. I used to be gutted as I might already deliberate a self-guided Harry Potter tour of Edinburgh– sure, actually.
We’re already planning a visit again up someday… simply not with the motorhome!! However from what we noticed, there are a minimum of 3 days price of actions in Edinburgh if in case you have the time.
In case you take pleasure in food- you are in for an actual treat- Edinburgh has some FANTASTIC consuming locations. Listed here are 10 vegan-friendly eating places in Edinburgh for everybody to take pleasure in.
The Good Scotland Itinerary
As you have seen, this Scotland driving itinerary might be tailored to go well with all tastes, talents and durations. It can be suited to all automobiles (though in case you’re loopy sufficient to do it on a pushbike, it’ll take some time longer!
Some issues you might want to find out about Scotland earlier than you go.
- Scotland is a part of the UK, in order that they communicate English *I actually wish to insert a nasty Scottish joke right here… however I will be good! ;)*
- British Pound is the foreign money. Don’t be concerned in case you get notes saying ‘Financial institution of Scotland’ as a substitute of Financial institution of England- they’re all Pound Sterling (though some locations in England get humorous about taking Financial institution of Scotland notes- there is not any cause for this; it is completely authorized tender.)
- There’s one other language in Scotland known as Gaelic (pronounced GAH-LICK) which is technically the Nationwide language, however just one% of the inhabitants communicate it. You would possibly see some indicators in Gaelic across the nation, however there’ll at all times be an English model too! (It is the identical in Wales- see our Wales street journey itinerary concepts right here)
- Driving in Scotland is not any scarier than anyplace else with mountains. They drive on the left, identical to the remainder of the UK.
- There is no such thing as a correct border between Scotland and England, so you’ll be able to discover Scotland from England with out taking a passport. We drove proper up after our England Highway Journey
- Scotland has an incredible regulation known as Proper to Roam. It permits you way more freedom to wild camp in your automobile (with sure restrictions after all.)
Climate in Scotland- is it appropriate for a driving vacation?
For us, it rained solidly for 3 days on the west coast- the Isle of Skye was a whole washout, even in July, however up at John o’Groats it was lovely weather- so we detoured and went up there as a substitute!
My suggestion is to plan your itinerary on Google Maps, after which be as versatile as attainable to work across the climate. That is clearly simpler in case you are touring Scotland in a camper, as a substitute of driving in a automobile and utilizing resorts, however do the very best you’ll be able to.
The climate in Scotland can change in a short time, so please costume appropriately and take appropriate clothes if mountaineering and so forth.
What’s the greatest month to go to Scotland?
In case you’re driving in Scotland, the very best months to go to are April- October. Roads ought to be freed from snow then and the temperature is heat sufficient to take pleasure in out of doors actions. Our favorite time to go to Scotland is June or October. (Need extra concepts for October journey? Listed here are 15 of the greatest locations to take pleasure in Europe in October)
Planning a visit to Scotland?
We have accomplished the laborious give you the results you want!
Seize our full Scotland journey planner and get:
- 80+ concepts for locations to go to
- Maps and itinerary solutions
- Routes and issues to see alongside the best way
- Suggestions, customs and far way more!
When is peak vacationer season in Scotland?
UK college holidays are July and August. I might attempt to keep away from these in case you probably can.
The place is essentially the most lovely place in Scotland?
There are too many to choose only one and lots will depend upon the climate. Personally, I beloved visiting Loch Lomond and likewise Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan viaduct- however that was as a result of I am a Harry Potter nerd.
The Scottish highlands are at all times breathtaking- you might want to embrace them in your Scotland street journey! Do not forget to seize our free record of 57 greatest (and secret!) locations in Scotland!
What’s one of the best ways to journey round Scotland?
For my part, a street journey vacation is one of the best ways to see Scotland- and by that I imply a self-drive vacation, not a tour. Having your individual automobile permits you to set your individual itinerary, plan your visits, choose the very best roads in Scotland and customarily be extra in management. Have a motorhome or campervan will additional enhance your flexibility and let you select the scenic route based mostly on climate or curiosity, not on resorts you have booked.
How far are the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh?
Do you know there’s really a spot known as Highland within the Scottish Highlands?? Driving time from Edinburgh to Highland is 3 hours and quarter-hour (157 miles)
How lengthy does it take to drive to Scotland?
Properly, this clearly is determined by the place you are ranging from (!) however driving to Scotland (from London to Edinburgh) takes about 7 and a half hours.
In case you’ve been street tripping in Cornwall and wish to drive from Lands Finish to John o’Groats, it would take you about 15 hours continuous.
How lengthy does it take to tour Scotland?
So long as you have- or so long as you let it!! 🙂 In case you are fortunate sufficient to have longer than a few weeks to discover Scotland, there are LOADS of locations to go to you’ll be able to add into your itinerary.
Have you ever visited Scotland? The place was your favorite place? If you have not, the place would you wish to go first?
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