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Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

A Woman in a black vest and sunglasses standing beside a calm loch in Scotland with mountains each side of the water

Updated on May 2nd, 2024

If you are looking for the best Scottish Highlands itinerary for a road trip, then look no further. This includes numerous castles, lochs & the Harry Potter train, the Trossachs, Fort William, Oban & Glencoe as well as the islands of Skye & Mull. It’s busy but the spectacular scenery will blow your mind!”


Where?

Starts & ends in Glasgow & includes The Trossachs, Oban, Isle of Mull, Fort William, Glencoe & the Isle of Skye.

Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & IslandsWhy?

Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

Due to the pandemic, all travel for me has been put on hold in 2020. Even now things have opened up in the UK I am reluctant to get on a plane just yet. When I had an offer to take on a road trip with my friend Manda to the Scottish Highlands however it seemed to be the perfect solution. It took some research for me to feel comfortable to get out into the world again, but it was well worth it for me to explore this region for the first time.

See Also:  Top Tips to Travel Safely During COVID 19  Travel During COVID 19 – How to Choose a Holiday Let

Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

We took my friends car & drove up to start & finish in Glasgow. This itinerary gives an opportunity for all sorts of exploration including hiking, steam train journeys, stunning beaches, castles, wild swimming, waterfalls & so much more. This Scotland road trip itinerary is all about the journey, not necessarily the destinations. Every road here is spectacular & I encourage you to stop in awe with your camera at the ready every single step of the way. I will be expanding on each section of the journey over the next few weeks so if you need more details, then be sure to return here for more!

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Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

I have made this itinerary for 10 days & it will start early & end late in Glasgow. If you would like to explore more & do additional hiking or boat tours, then you may need more time. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, many of the castles & attractions were still closed when we visited.

Love a road trip? Check out Ireland’s Beautiful Wild Atlantic Way in 5 Days – Kerry & Cork or Nashville, Memphis & New Orleans – A Music Roadtrip with a Twist. or Te Anau to Milford Sound in New Zealand.

Day 1 – Travel to Glasgow

However you get there, this is the perfect starting point for your journey.

Day 2 – Glasgow to Oban (The Trossachs)

Just an hour’s drive from central Glasgow, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park covers an area of 720 square miles of untamed landscapes.

Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

It is home to 21 Munroes (Scottish mountains over 3000ft) & over 20 lochs. This includes Loch Lomond, the largest expanse of freshwater in Britain. So, not a bad place to dive into this Scottish Highlands road trip!”

The National Park has handily constructed 4 art pieces that are strategically placed in some of the most spectacular viewpoints.

Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

To start with take Dukes Pass, a winding scenic road into the Trossachs & the perfect introduction to the trip. The first stop is then down a single track road to Loch Voil with its beautifully placed mirrored box. It reflects the spectacular lush green glen in between 2 lochs.

Then continue your journey to the Falls of Falloch. This is a great place for a dip, a picnic or for an adrenaline rush, you could opt for a leap off the 30-foot high waterfall. For refreshments, stop at the 300-year-old Drovers Inn, purportedly the 2nd most haunted pub in Scotland. From here make your way to beautiful Kilchurn Castle. Built in the mid-1400s, the best view of this atmospheric castle is from across Loch Awe. The final stop for the day is St Conan’s Kirk, one of the best-kept secrets of Argyll in a stunning location on the banks of Loch Awe. Go inside & explore.

Want to read more? See also Things To Do in The Trossachs – A One Day Road Trip

Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands
Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

Stay overnight in Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland. Enjoy your fill of mussels, scallops, langoustines, lobster & crab but don’t panic as you’re back tomorrow night too. The perfect bed for the night is The Perle Oban Hotel.

Day 3 – Isle of Mull

Do not miss Mull! For both of us, this was one of our favourite stops on this whole exploration of Scotland’s highlands & islands. If you are interested in stunning scenery, sheep, empty white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, cows, cliffs & more sheep, then you are in the right place!

Duart Castle standing solitary at the top of green manicured lawns under a blue sky


The important thing to note is that in Mull you cannot travel fast. Drive, stop, wonder & drive a little more before you have to stop in wonder again. I loved it!”

I advise you to execute the route in this direction as it takes you back to the ferry on the fastest road from Tobermory. Trust me, you will thank me!

Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

Starting on the early ferry at 6.45am will give you all day to explore. Head straight for Duart Castle. It is the ancestral home of the Maclean clan & perfectly situated overlooking the Sound of Mull. From here, take the road along the south of Mull to the beach of Uisken before discovering a little piece of the Caribbean near Fionnphort. Fidden Beach is an empty & idyllic stretch of white fine sand & turquoise blue waters…just a palm tree short of paradise!

Brightly coloured houses lining the edge of a picturesque river scene as two children play on the small beach on a sunny day

After retracing your steps, take the West Coast Scenic Drive to Calgary Beach. It looks like a simple road but be warned, on Mull everything takes longer than you expect. The journey took us over 2 hours but it was worth every second! From Calgary, the roads get faster & the final stop is the picturesque ‘capital’ of Tobermory. Here you can take your time, enjoy the shops & get some refreshments before the easy & quick (30 minute) drive back to the ferry. Stay for the 2nd night in Oban. We were treated to one of the most spectacular sunsets I have ever seen… & a rainbow!

Want to see more? See Top 10 Things to do on the Isle of Mull

Below are some tours of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh:

Day 4 – Oban to Fort William
Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands
Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

Today you can take advantage of a shorter drive as the rest of this Scottish Highlands road trip is full-on. We were hoping to get a boat to see the puffins but when we visited, they had literally just left! The lady at Staffa Tours was very helpful though. We had a slow start & headed for our first stop at Castle Stalker. This is potentially one of the most spectacular of all the castles we visited in Scotland, perched on an island offshore. The castle is privately owned but operates tours as long as you book ahead.

Love a castle? Check out 15 Reasons to Visit the Tower of London

Then, head for your first glimpse of Glencoe with its spectacular mountains, rivers & waterfalls. Wait for day 6 to explore the area further. For the next 3 nights, we stayed at Myrtle Bank Guest House which was perfect. It is a short walk to the town & the station with views over Loch Linnhe. It is also spotlessly clean. Although Fort William itself is not the prettiest place on this trip, it is perfectly situated for exploring the area. Fort William sits at the base of Ben Nevis & is known as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’.

Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & IslandsDay 5 – Glenfinnan, Road to the Isles & the Harry Potter train

I have not seen any of the films or read any of the books, but if you are a Harry Potter fan then this is the day for you! We start with a view of the ‘Hogwarts Express’ curving around the famous viaduct. We then discover yet another scenic drive, more idyllic beaches & finish with a ride on the iconic steam train itself.

A steam train passes across a large stone viaduct in picturesque mountain scenary

The first stop is the Glenfinnan Monument on the banks of Loch Shiel. This is where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard to rally the Jacobite clans in 1745. From here it is a short walk to the viewing point for the viaduct. Make sure you get here early as it gets very busy to see the steam train pass. It does so twice a day, 30 minutes after the train leaves Fort William. Therefore, ensure your spot well before 10.45am or 3.10pm. It would be such a shame to miss it.

The viaduct itself is spectacular but to see the steam train traverse the structure is very special, Harry Potter fan or not!”

A steam train passes across a large stone viaduct in picturesque mountain scenary

We were booked onto The Jacobite train for the afternoon journey, leaving at 2.40pm so had time to explore further along the famous Road to the Isles. Another day & another stunning road which will take you to more beautiful white sand beaches at Morar & Arisaig before heading back to make the train. If you’re lucky you may also make another connection with the steam train en route.

A steam train passes across a large stone viaduct in picturesque mountain scenary

The afternoon trip is perfect! It’s not every day you get to ride on a historic train, through mesmerising scenery. The journey takes around 2 hours to Mallaig, allowing 1 ½ – 2 hours there before returning. This gives you enough time to have lunch/brunch/discover Mallaig or take a boat trip.

For more details on the Jacobite steam train check out Everything you need to know to ride the Hogwarts Train, Scotland. For cycling along an epic railway line over viaducts & through tunnels read my post on the Monsal Trail, Peak District, UK.

Below are some tours of the Scottish Highlands from Glasgow:

 
Glencoe Three Sisters Fort William, Best Things to do in Fort William, ScotlandDay 6 – Glen Coe & Glen Etive Road

Glen Coe is jaw-droppingly beautiful & potentially one of the most dramatic landscapes you will ever visit. Driving along the road through the valley will take your breath away but you will need to park up & take a walk to truly appreciate the splendour of the ‘Three Sisters’.

Next, head a little further along the valley & onto the Glen Etive Road. This is mainly a single-track road that runs 12 miles down to the end at Loch Etive. But it is so much more than that!

The landscape was used as the backdrop for the house in the James Bond film ‘Skyfall’ & has been described as the prettiest glen in the country. It seems to change every mile from mountains & rivers to waterfalls & forests, ending at stunning Loch Etive.”

Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

I challenge anyone not to be in awe of the view at the end. If you’re lucky with the weather as we were, why not to succumb to a dip in these enchanting waters?

Clachaig Inn is the perfect stop on your way back to Fort William for some refreshments.

For more details, check out 18 Best Things To Do In Fort William

Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & IslandsDay 7 – Glen Nevis to the Isle of Skye
Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

After a hearty breakfast, it’s time for a hike before the drive to the Isle of Skye. In the foothills of Ben Nevis is Glen Nevis & it is a beautiful 1.5-mile walk through Nevis Gorge to 100m high Steall waterfall. When you reach the end of the valley, the adventure begins as you can cross to the waterfall itself via a precarious wire bridge. Test your balance if you dare!

Eileen Donan castle sits serene at the end of a small stone bridge in a blue loch with a purple mountain backdrop

Then it’s back into the car for another scenic drive to the Isle of Skye via yet another castle, this time in the guise of Eileen Donan Castle. It’s the perfect backdrop for a picnic or you can cross the evocative stone bridge to see this magnificent castle at closer quarters. Next, it’s not far before you reach the bridge over to the final stop on this Scotland self-drive itinerary, the jewel that is the Isle of Skye.

If you have time, I would thoroughly recommend a small detour en route to Portree by taking the road from Broadford to Elgol. Once again you will not be disappointed as you head off the beaten track to explore the sharp & intimidating Cuillin mountains. Along this road, you have 2 amazing panoramic views of the range, across Loch Slappin & at the end of the road above Elgol pier. It is best on a clear day but if I learnt anything during my 3 days on Skye it’s that a clear day on one part of the island could mean thick fog elsewhere!

Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

Portree is perfectly situated on the island & therefore makes a great location from which to explore. I stayed at Oronsay B & B which I would thoroughly recommend, within walking distance of the town.

Love a road trip? Check out my essential guide to solo road-tripping HERE.


Day 8 – Isle of Skye (Old Man of Storr, Trotternish Peninsula, Fairy Glen)

For many people, Skye is a day trip destination. However, I don’t believe in rushing these things, so we took 3! Day 2 on the island is time for your next hike, this time the iconic Old Man of Storr.

It was a mean & moody old man that we met that morning, hiking up in low cloud before reaching the top for a glimpse of the dramatic landscape in glorious sunshine.”

Then the weather gave us a confusing mixed message on the way down – with cloud on one side & blue skies on the other. It is a challenging uphill trek but well worth it. Up, down & a bit of exploring at the top will easily take you 3 hours.

Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

After the hike, continue to explore the Trotternish Peninsula around to Uig & the beautiful Fairy Glen. Anywhere you stop is a treat of waterfalls, scenic vistas & fossil hunting. Once you get to Fairy Glen, it’s hard to believe with the drama everywhere on this captivating island that it is also home to this gentle green oasis of rolling hills & grass circles. Finally, drive through the centre of the peninsula to see the Quiraing. Apparently, this is yet another spectacular display of rock formations that dominate the landscape. I can’t clarify as we drove straight from blue skies into the thick fog as we arrived. It’s always good to have a reason to return!

Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & IslandsDay 9 – Isle of Skye (Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point Lighthouse & Fairy Pools)

The final full day of this Scotland driving itinerary is yet more of this awe-inspiring island. First head to Dunvegan Castle, first built in the 13th century & home of the clan MacLeod. The setting is picturesque once again, especially on a still & sunny morning. Then take the road to Neist Point. It’s a good walk to get to the lighthouse itself but keep your eyes peeled out to sea. When we visited, there had been sightings of dolphins, Minke whales & basking sharks.

Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

Then it’s the final official stop & a trip to the Fairy Pools. Overall this takes around 90 minutes, to get down to the gorge & move through successive pools & waterfalls cascading in the shadows of the Cuillin mountains.

Don’t stop before discovering the small horseshoe falls towards the end. Take a dip, it is just magical!”

Brightly coloured houses lining the edge of a picturesque river as small boats pass by on a sunny dayDay 10 – Isle of Skye to Glasgow

The last day of this driving Scotland itinerary is another long journey back to Glasgow but it also gives you the chance to pick up on anywhere you may have missed along the way. You head back through the Isle of Skye, past Eileen Donan Castle, Fort William & Glencoe before re-entering the Trossachs for a drive along the length of Loch Lomond. Enjoy & soak it all up!

Below are some tours of the Scottish Highlands from Inverness:

 

Interested in the Isle of Skye? See Top 15 Picks for your Perfect Isle of Skye Itinerary. You may also like to check out 16 Fantastic Things to do on Lewis & Harris in the Outer Hebrides

I very much hope that you enjoy this 10-day Scotland road trip as much as I did. Taking this route truly made me fall in love with this spectacular country & the wonderful, friendly people who inhabit it. I will definitely be back & I look forward to sharing many more details with you on each part of the journey over the coming weeks. Watch this space…

I also have lots to share from my return trip to Scotland to explore the spectacular North Coast 500 route. I will keep you posted, but to whet your appetite, check out my walk to the wildest & most beautiful beach in Scotland – Sandwood Bay.

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41 Comments

  1. My husband and I have wanted to do a Scottish road trip for a very long time. I don’t the country very well so this itinerary is perfect for getting me started! Thanks for the detailed information!

    1. Thank you, Andi & glad I could help! I didn’t know where to start until I began my research but it was such an amazing trip – it was well worth it. Sue x

    2. Out-of-date; most of what “sue” suggests can be done greener, with CalMac/Scotrail combined Rail & Sail (w/Citylink bus) Pass. Some sites require a vehicle to access, so I suggest a bike, good boots, maybe an e-bike or kayak rental, more time taken and don’t forget to patronize local cabbies when that can matter most.

      1. Grant, thank you for your comments & these suggestions on how to do this trip greener & supporting the local cabbies. Always important & I will always support local businesses where I can. Unfortunately, when I visited we had limited time but your suggestions sound fantastic, especially the kayaking. I appreciate you taking the time to share these options. Sue

  2. Hi Sue
    This trip looks fabulous! I think my favourite part would be difficult to choose, but Castle Stalker looks (and sounds) amazing!

    PS I love the new look of your site!

    1. Thank you, Coralie! The trip was definitely fabulous, as was Castle Stalker. Really appreciate your feedback on my new site, I’m really pleased with it! Stay safe, Sue x

    2. A nice road trip but you actually missed a large chunk of the real highlands. The west coast north of Ullapool has the most spectacular scenery anywhere in Scotland and shouldn’t be missed!

      1. Thank you, Stuart, & I’m fully aware that there is so much to see in the Scottish Highlands. I loved our itinerary as it was very varied & a great taster of what Scotland has to offer with the limited time we had. I definitely plan to go back & will check out that area when I do. Much appreciated. Sue x

  3. We have only had a small taste test of Scotland. So definitely want to re-visit and enjoy the Scottish Highlands. Ten days sounds like a great amount of time to see these gems. And to enjoy the journey along the way. Some spots like the Isle of Mull were not even on our radar before reading this. I am keeping this post for when we can get this trip planned.

  4. Enjoyed reading your post! I am a bit familiar with part of this route via the Glenfinnan leading to Mallaig and Ardnamurchan. The Isles of Mull and Skye are so inviting! I must check out these in my next trip. Western Scotland has so much to explore! 🙂

    1. Thank you, Jan – it’s such a beautiful part of the world that I can’t wait to go & explore more! Sue x

  5. I haven’t really explored the Highlands (even though I am from Glasgow), but I hope to visit a friend in the Isle of Skye next month, so this is perfect for my trip up.

    1. Thank you, Larch & I’m excited for your trip to Skye next month (& a little jealous!). Have a fantastic trip & I’m glad I’ve been able to whet your appetite. Sue x

  6. Your photos are absolutely stunning! I have always been one for more city-focused travel, but so much has changed lately that I’m really leaning towards these kinds of beautiful, rural road trips for the future. I only wished I lived closer to Scotland to make this happen! I’m rather envious of the Harry Potter train experience as well!

    1. Thank you, Cate! we were so lucky with the weather which just made the scenery look even more spectacular. I hope you get to experience Scotland for yourself one day…& you would love the train too! Sue x

  7. I have wanted to visit Scotland for many (many) years, particularly the Isle of Skye. A wonderful itinerary to appreciate and enjoy such a beautiful and stunning landscape, along with seeing many of the historical highlights and moments with the natural beauty. ? ?

    1. Thank you, Marilyn! I hope you make it to Scotland sometime…& that my itinerary helps you see this amazing place for yourself someday;) Sue x

  8. Wow this trip looks amazing and I love such nature trips. I always had Scotland in my bucket list and was thinking from where to start, but it is good you have listed all worth visiting places here. Glenfinnan Monument is very famous and I would love to see it in person. Also taking a Jacobite train must be fun.

    1. Thank you, Yukti. It was an amazing trip with a little bit of everything & definitely lots of nature! The train is lots of fun – highly recommended. Sue x

  9. Awesome. I really loved the video too. We spent six days in Scotland, it was NOT enough and we really regretted not going out to the islands. So this itinerary is great. Fingers crossed we will be able to travel in 2021 and visit this great country again. Saving for then.

    1. Thank you, Laureen. I agree, 6 days is not enough. Fingers crossed for 2021 & your return visit. Safe travels then, Sue x

  10. Scotland is one of my favorite places in the world. You’ve hit some great places! I had wanted to see the fairy pools on isle of Skye but missed out so thanks for sharing your journey!

    1. Thank you, Heather. Sorry, you missed the Fairy Pools – they were amazing but also very busy when we were there as it was a hot day. Still, at least now you have a reason to return to Skye 😉 Sue x

  11. I’ve always wanted to visit the Scottish Highlands. The scenery seems perfect for nature lovers and landscape photographers. Thanks for making my life easier with this perfect itinerary! I hope to get there once things go back to normal again…

  12. This looks like an amazing trip Sue, and perfect for a getaway while we can’t fly anywhere. Plus there’s the marvellous Glenfinnan viaduct! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂

  13. I would love to fit in Edinburgh in that itinerary to, otherwise it sounds completly magical, The Jacobite train is a dream of mine!

    We have been talking, ALOT about doing a trip like this, starting from Inverness and finishing in Edinburgh, but since we are flying in from Sweden there’s a layover in Amsterdam… but I am good with that 🙂

    1. Thank you Ann & to add Edinburgh is totally doable. Your trip sounds perfect, despite the stopover in Amsterdam… could be worse 😉 You would love the Jacobite train too – amazing experience. Safe travels when you get to finally do it! Sue x

  14. Pingback: Checking Out Scotland's Highlights with Highland Explorer Tours - Exploring Kiwis
  15. What beautiful pictures, I need to see more of the Scottish islands. I think this might be on my list for the next 12 months rather than further afield. It’s easy to forget what’s on your doorstep.

    1. Thank you Nicole & I agree. If it wasn’t for the travel situation I would not have gone to Scotland & I loved it so much I’m hoping to return in the summer! Sue x

  16. Gosh ! You were very lucky with the weather, usually you get 4 seasons in one day. Although the Isle of Skye and the Isle of Mull gets the the most attention, there is another island which is very nice, the Isle of Arran, dominated by its highest mountain Goatfell, charming villages like Lamlash looking over to Holy Isle.

    1. Thank you, David. I hope to return a lot more to Scotland, next time I hope to head north for a road trip. We were very lucky with the weather & definitely not expecting the same! I visited Arran on a field trip for school. I remember it was beautiful but would be great to return, with a slightly greater appreciation for my surroundings. Thanks for the recommendation, Sue

  17. What do you think about this trip in November (first half) ? is it doable and enjoyable? or better to play it in a safer warmer month ?

    1. Hi May. The trip should be fine in November as long as you are not expecting fantastic weather. Scotland is stunning but expect rain at any time of year but in November it will definitely be colder. Just depends what you are hoping for. You may even get snow. And that could impact driving on the single track roads though. I am no expert as I have only been in the summer months.

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