The Excellent Scotland Highway Journey Itinerary for 7 or 10 Days

Scotland is one among my very favourite nations in the complete 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 will love.

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

After many journeys to Scotland and some street 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 last word Scotland street journey itinerary. I’ve written this so it could possibly work for both 1 week or 10 days, relying on how a lot time you could have.

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What to know earlier than a Scotland street journey

Initially, let’s discuss street tripping in Scotland. Sure, that is the UK the place they drive on the left aspect of the street whereas sitting on the proper aspect of the automobile. If you happen to’re coming from North America or mainland Europe, this may sound extremely daunting – however I promise that your mind adapts fairly quick, and total it isn’t troublesome to drive in Scotland.

For this specific Scotland itinerary, you actually do want your individual automobile. (I’ve dubbed it a street journey itinerary for a motive!) You *can* get round elements of Scotland utilizing trains, ferries, and buses, however to actually have the liberty to go to all of the locations prompt right here, you will have to lease a automobile.

Renting a automobile in Scotland

I all the time use Auto Europe to seek for and e-book automobile leases within the UK. Remember that automated automobiles will likely be barely dearer to lease, however if you cannot drive a handbook effectively already, lease the automated. Imagine me.

You will additionally need to lease the smallest automobile that may accommodate your group and your baggage. It’s going to make the left-hand-drive studying curve simpler, and can make a number of the slender, one-lane roads you may encounter much less scary.

Search for rental cars in Scotland here.

Driving in Scotland

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When to street journey in Scotland

You possibly can street journey in Scotland any time of yr, however the climate is mostly the perfect 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 many of the summer time.)

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

Personally, although, I feel June and September are the perfect months for a Scotland street journey. However Could and early October may also be nice! So, mainly, this itinerary goes to be good any time from Could-October.

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

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7-day Scotland street journey itinerary

Okay, let’s get into this itinerary! It is based mostly on a number of Scotland street journeys I’ve personally taken, each with buddies and with my husband Elliot. (Elliot and I even have finished a whisky-focused Scotland road trip, too.)

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

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Day 1: Iconic Edinburgh

Highlights immediately embrace: A citadel go to, the Royal Mile, an (non-compulsory) whisky tasting, Victoria Road, and a ghost tour.

I am not exaggerating after I say that Edinburgh is one among my favourite cities on the earth. It is stunning 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 hold busy in an effort to fight jetlag, or you should have arrived yesterday and due to this fact be well-rested for exploring immediately!

Both method, immediately you are going to deal with 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 feel is extra attention-grabbing than Edinburgh Fortress because the former remains to be used as a royal residence at any time when the King is on the town. You possibly can view the State Flats (that are nonetheless used), in addition to the previous chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots.

If you happen to do go for Edinburgh Fortress as a substitute (which is residence to the Scottish Crown Jewels), e-book a skip-the-line ticket that features a guided tour.

After your citadel go to, you may both stroll up (from Holyrood) or down (from Edinburgh Fortress) the Royal Mile. You possibly can skip the limitless 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 price seeing).

There are many locations alongside the Royal Mile to seize lunch – simply examine Google evaluations earlier than choosing one; there are many pubs, cafes, and fast-casual spots which might 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 price doing within the afternoon.

You possibly can take a tour that guarantees that can assist you “turn out to be 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 several types of whisky, in addition to one tasting.

(Book a guided whisky tour here, which is nice for first-timers. You will be taught rather a lot!)

I additionally suggest strolling down a number of the well-liked Outdated City purchasing streets, together with Cockburn Road (residence to the Insta-famous Milkman espresso outlets) and Victoria Road, my favourite road in Edinburgh that will or could not have impressed Diagon Alley in Harry Potter (it is even acquired some Harry Potter-inspired outlets on it).

If you happen to stroll down Victoria Road, it’ll take you all the way down to the Grassmarket, which as soon as was once a livestock market however now’s a beautiful 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 aspect of the town, from nighttime ghost excursions to after-dark historic walks.

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Day 2: Edinburgh New City

Highlights immediately embrace: 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 stunning and historic!).

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

As we speak, they are a pretty place for a stroll, particularly within the spring and summer time when a lot of issues are in bloom! (If you happen to’re visiting between mid-June and early July, hold an eye fixed out for the purple thistle blooms, as that is the one time of yr 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 the earth – you undoubtedly will see it.

It isn’t a straightforward climb (it is 287 steps up, and contains some extraordinarily slender passages), however climbing to the highest of the Scott Monument will get you a number of the perfect views of Edinburgh. You should buy a ticket proper on the entrance.

RELATED: 25+ Awesome Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland

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

It is time for a stroll by means 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 working by means of it.

Strolling round Edinburgh already seems like stepping again in time, nevertheless it 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 yr 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 well-liked spot to observe the sundown within the metropolis.

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Day 3: To Inverness

Highlights immediately will embrace: A cease in a cute city, the beginning of the Highlands, and arriving in Inverness

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

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

As we speak will likely be a little bit of an extended driving day, so you will possible 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 are 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 undoubtedly 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 permit 1-2 hours at a few of these stops (and particularly the castles).

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

If you arrive in Inverness, you may need to head into city for a stroll and dinner. If you happen to arrive within the afternoon, take a stroll by means 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 dwell music.

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Day 4: Culloden and Loch Ness

Highlights immediately will embrace: Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, and Loch Ness

Have breakfast at your lodge 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 towards British authorities and loyalist troops on April 16, 1746.

The temporary and bloody battle 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 massively vital spot in Scottish historical past.

(If you happen to’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 middle with museum reveals that specify 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 traces on the battlefield. (You possibly can both discover the battlefield by yourself, or be part of a guided battlefield tour.)

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

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

RELATED: The Best Outlander Locations to Visit 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 possibly can 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 provides an lovely “Bushy Coo Meet & Greet” for simply £5. (More info here.)

If in case you have time afterwards I’d take a look at 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 great.)

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 could be full with out taking a cruise on the lake to search for Nessie herself!

There are just a few 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 a further 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 fairly attention-grabbing and particular place. It is one of many largest lakes in Scotland – and actually comprises the biggest quantity of freshwater in Nice Britain!

The Freedom cruise sails at 2 p.m. daily, with further sailings at 3 p.m. on sure days in the summertime. Superior reserving is really useful!

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

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Day 5: To Isle of Skye

Highlights immediately will embrace: 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 Inside Hebrides archipelago, and is understood for having a number of the perfect surroundings in all of Scotland.

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

Hit the street this morning and make a cease on the picture-perfect Eilean Donan Fortress on the confluence of three completely different lochs (lakes). You possibly can go to the thirteenth century citadel 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!

If you happen to want a pick-me-up or lunch when you get onto the island, the Lean To Espresso Skye Cafe is gorgeous, or you may seize a pizza at Cafe Sia. Each of these are on the best way to your first sightseeing cease at Eas a’ Bhradain waterfall, which is a beautiful 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 principle technique to cross the River Sligachan, and makes for an excellent photograph cease with the Black Cuillin Mountains within the background.

This bridge is a part of an area legend that claims the mountain-fed waters that run beneath it are enchanted by fairies (this can turn out to be a pattern 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’ll in all probability be late afternoon, which means it is a good time to move to the Fairy Swimming pools. The Fairy Swimming pools are a sequence of small waterfalls and shallow swimming pools shaped because the River Brittle flows down from the Black Cuillin mountains, and mountain climbing to them is without doubt one of 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 possibly can 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 pictures of individuals swimming in shallow turquoise swimming pools right here, however I might let you know to mood your expectations a bit; the swimming pools are solely turquoise-looking on the sunniest, blue-sky days. BUT, the positioning remains to be extremely stunning and positively magical feeling, whatever the climate.

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

Afterwards, it is a few 45-minute drive to Portree, the principle city on the Isle of Skye. Examine into your lodge, 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.

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Day 6: Isle of Skye

Highlights immediately will embrace: the Outdated Man of Storr, Quiraing, and Fairy Glen, with an non-compulsory go to to Dunvegan Fortress and Neist Level

As we speak 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 want! If you are going to have a extra laid-back morning, have a leisurely breakfast at your lodge or at a Portree spot just like the Birch Cafe or Cafe Arriba.

You are going to spend a very good quantity of immediately on the Trotternish Peninsula, which does not have an entire lot of eating places. So that you may need to choose up a picnic lunch earlier than you allow Portree. Each MacKenzie’s Bakery and Relish Portree are good spots to seize issues to go (and MacKenzie’s makes a number of 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 an enormous 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 an enormous buried beneath the cliff. One other says it is really 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 consider, it is a very iconic spot on Skye.

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

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

Persevering with on across the Trotternish Peninsula, the subsequent cease I might make is at Lealt Falls. There is a devoted parking space right here and a viewing platform that provides up glimpses of the higher and decrease sections of a waterfall known as Lealt Falls.

If you happen to’re feeling as much as it, you can too hike all the way 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 aspect of a grassy cliff with gorgeous coastal views. On the backside, you may stroll proper as much as the waterfall. Simply observe that regardless that this hike is brief, it is robust and steep in elements on the best way again up.

RELATED: 19 Magical Things 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 whole cliff of basalt columns that rises 90 meters (295 ft) out of the ocean, and appears a bit just like the pleated kilt of an enormous. Proper close to the rock is a waterfall known as Mealt Falls that plunges into the ocean.

If you close to the highest of the Trotternish Peninsula, there is a slender, practically one-lane street that cuts throughout the peninsula. It is known as the Quiraing Highway, and it traverses by means of a number of the greatest landscapes on the Isle of Skye.

The deep valleys and craggy cliffs on this a part of Skye had been shaped 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, nevertheless it was right here that I initially fell in love with Skye – and also you may, too!

Make for the Quiraing Automotive Park (a big paid car 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 mountain climbing path. The complete loop hike is about 4.3 miles lengthy and difficult in elements in case you do the entire thing, however you may get glorious views even simply from the beginning of it.

I really useful bringing lunch together with you immediately, however in case you’d reasonably 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 understood for its bumpy hills shaped by and years of livestock traversing its little hills and valleys, and total 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 comply with a brief path into the “fairy glen” itself.

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

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

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

If you happen to’ve finished all of the hikes alongside the Trotternish Peninsula immediately, then you definitely’re in all probability prepared to move again to Portree to chill out and have dinner.

Alternatively, in case you skipped all or many of the hikes I discussed and simply stopped for pictures (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 aspect of Skye, Dunvegan Fortress is the oldest constantly inhabited citadel in Scotland. It was the seat of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for greater than 800 years, and immediately is open to guests.

You possibly can discover the within of the citadel on a self-guided tour, which incorporates the possibility 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 all the time make sure the clan’s victory). You will additionally discover clothes objects worn by Flora MacDonald, and a lock of hair stated to have belonged to Bonnie Prince Charlie.

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

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

Neist Level is without doubt one of the most dramatic areas you may go to on the island, although I will not lie: the roads it’s a must 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 large sufficient for 1 automobile 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 cross, and do not be afraid of tooting your horn at hills and curves.

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

It’s also possible to stroll all the best way out to the lighthouse, however remember that there are a bunch of steps to stroll down (and naturally again up!) in an effort 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.

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Day 7: Glenfinnan and Glencoe

Highlights immediately will embrace: 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 immediately to make your method again to the mainland. And whilst you *can* drive again the best way you came to visit the Skye Bridge, you may really save time by taking a ferry as a substitute!

You possibly can drive to Armadale close to the southern tip of the Isle of Skye (about an hour from Portree), the place there is a automobile ferry that crosses over to Mallaig on the mainland. The ferry is operated by CalMac, prices lower than £20 for a automobile, 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 additionally need to plan your day round seeing the “Hogwarts Specific” cross over the viaduct.

The Hogwarts Specific is definitely the Jacobite Steam Train, 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. daily from Could-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 really really useful you get to the Glenfinnan parking space effectively prematurely (like, an hour or extra prematurely throughout July and August) in an effort to get a parking spot. There’s additionally a brief stroll to the principle viewing space that you simply need to permit time for. Think about bringing a picnic lunch immediately!

For the really useful view, you will comply with 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 comply with the gang; 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.

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

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

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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 automobile off on the airport.

If you happen to aren’t leaving fairly but (or in case you’re maybe persevering with your journey within the UK by automobile 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 may take you alongside Loch Lomond inside Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Nationwide Park. You possibly can cease within the very fairly village of Luss for lunch (The Village Relaxation is an effective wager) 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.

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Easy methods to make this a 10-day Scotland itinerary

Have extra than simply 7-8 days to spend in Scotland? Nicely, nice information! You possibly can simply prolong this itinerary and see much more of this stunning nation.

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

This is extra element on what I might add:

Day 5: Moray Coast + Speyside

Highlights immediately will embrace: 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 known for its cathedral. Elgin Cathedral dates again to the 1200s, and regardless that 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 supply up views of the extraordinarily picturesque Bow Fiddle Rock. One of many trails leads all the way down to a rocky seashore for even higher views; that is such a fairly 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 lovely. You possibly can cease for an early lunch at a spot like The Rockpool Cafe to attempt Cullen Skink, a creamy fish soup that this village is known 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 targeted across the River Spey). A number of are alongside the official Malt Whisky Trail, which was the primary path of its form on the earth when it was established within the 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 below are all actually attention-grabbing.

A pair I personally suggest that make sense from an itinerary perspective for immediately embrace:

• 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 in contrast to the extra “conventional” distillery excursions yow will discover on this a part of Scotland, which makes it enjoyable.
• Strathisla – Strathisla is the oldest working distillery within the Scottish Highlands, courting again to 1786. It’s, for my part, the prettiest distillery I’ve visited and has the coziest tasting room. The whisky produced right here principally goes into Chivas Regal blends.

You do need to pre-book excursions at any time when attainable! Most final 60-90 minutes, and embrace whisky tastings.

If you happen to solely do one distillery tour (or in case you choose to skip the distilleries altogether), one other spot price visiting in Speyside is Ballindalloch Fortress and Gardens. Ballindalloch Fortress is owned by the Macpherson-Grants, who’ve known as the citadel residence since 1546.

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

Observe that the citadel is simply open Sunday-Thursday for guests (Easter by means of the top of September), and also you need not pre-book tickets.

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

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Day 9: To Glasgow

Highlights immediately embrace: 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 will have some further 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 possibly can cease within the very fairly village of Luss for lunch (The Village Relaxation is an effective wager) 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 a lot of Victorian structure, unbelievable road artwork, and a number of the nicest folks in Scotland (referred to as Glaswegians).

Examine into your lodge, after which head to the town middle for a wander. Take a look at George Sq., stroll alongside Buchanan Road, and be sure you catch the statue of the Duke of Wellington on Royal Change Sq., who’s often carrying an orange visitors cone as a hat.

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

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Day 10: Glasgow

Highlights immediately will embrace: Kelvingrove Artwork Gallery and a Glasgow tour

As we speak 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 without doubt one of 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 further good and also you’d reasonably be exterior, you may choose to go to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens as a substitute this morning. The 27-acre backyard options Victorian glasshouses and plenty of pretty strolling paths.

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

Personally, I all the time go for the meals tour, as meals excursions embrace a mix of meals AND historical past, and are a good way to get to know a area or tradition. Within the case of Glasgow, this food and drink tour is a wonderful technique to discover Glasgow by means 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 food and drinks pairings at most stops. You will attempt haggis and whisky and steak and way more! Book this food tour here.

The meals tour (which lasts about 3.5 hours) will certainly fill you up for lunch, and presumably 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 per week.

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

And now THAT is actually my thought of the proper Scotland street journey! You possibly can both fly residence (or take a prepare) from Glasgow, or drive the 1 hour again to Edinburgh to finish the place you started.

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Who’s able to plan a Scotland street journey?