Vast highlands, lochs teeming with mysterious creatures, castles on every hill, and islands brimming with unique flora and fauna. That’s what awaits you on a road trip through Scotland. During this two-week itinerarythrough Scotland, you’ll travel from the historic streets of Edinburgh to the farthest corners of the Highlands and the most beautiful islands. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in a world of legends and myths, pass by castles with centuries of history, and discover Scotland’s rugged natural beauty. Read about the ultimate two-week itinerary for Scotland here!
Two-week road trip through Scotland
Stunning natural beauty, legends, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. Scotland is a country where you immediately feel like you’re in a special place. Even in the cities, where history is palpable, there’s an atmosphere you won’t soon forget. This two-week itinerary in Scotland begins in the capital Edinburgh and takes you north, through the Highlands, the Isle of Skye and the most beautiful castles in the country. If you’d like, you can easily shorten or extend this itinerary, because there’s so much to see in Scotland!
Days 1–2: Edinburgh
Your journey through Scotland begins in the country’s capital: Edinburgh. This medieval city has completely enchanted us. With its many legends and rich history, that’s not entirely surprising. A fun way to discover Edinburgh is by joining a free walking tour where a local guide introduces you to the city’s many legends. But there’s also plenty to discover on your own in Edinburgh, such as the many “closes” along the Royal Mile, the unique museums, and the impressive medieval buildings.
Royal Mile
One of the best things to do in Edinburgh is to stroll along the Royal Mile. This wide, one-mile-long boulevard connects two royal buildings (hence the name “Royal Mile”). On one side is Edinburgh Castle, and on the other is Holyrood House. Along both sides of the Royal Mile, you’ll find many narrow alleys called “closes.” Be sure to visit the Real Mary King’s Close, an immersive experience that takes you back to the Middle Ages and shows what life was like in Edinburgh during times of the plague and poverty.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
From the airport, you can take the direct Airlink 100 bus to the city center. Or pick up your rental car or RV and then drive to your accommodations. Edinburgh is compact enough to explore most of its sights on foot.
- Budget (€): Argyle Backpackers
- Comfort (€€): Hotel Ceilidh-Donia
- Luxury (€€€): Radisson Blu Hotel
Day 3: Stirling Castle & Doune Castle
+/- 95 km (60 miles) ● 2-hour drive
Today’s itinerary includes some of the most beautiful castles, but the first stop on the way from Edinburgh to Stirling is already something special: the Kelpies near Falkirk. These two giant horse heads, each 30 meters tall, are inspired by mythical water spirits from Scottish folklore and are free to visit.
Next, continue on to Stirling Castle, built on a volcanic rock overlooking the city and, after Edinburgh Castle, the most impressive castle in Scotland. This is where kings were crowned and where William Wallace fought for Scottish independence. A castle steeped in history! Just a 10-minute drive away, you’ll also find the William Wallace Monument, which offers a stunning view of the surrounding area on a clear day. The final stop is Doune Castle, about 40 minutes away: a paradise for movie fans who’ll recognize the fortress from *Monty Python and the Holy Grail*, *Outlander*, and *Game of Thrones*.
Where to Stay in Trossachs National Park
After visiting Doune Castle, continue on to the Trossachs National Park, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. We stayed at the authentic Scottish Lion & Unicorn Pub. A cozy spot where we had the best sticky toffee pudding of our entire trip!
- Budget (€): Creity Hall Guesthouse
- Comfort (€€): Lion & Unicorn Pub
- Luxury: Callander Meadows
Day 4: Trossachs National Park & Loch Katrine
+/- 40 km (25 miles) ● 1-hour drive
The Trossachs National Park is sometimes called the “mini-Highlands.” Here you’ll find expansive lochs, green hills, and forests, without the crowds of the major tourist routes. Drive via Duke’s Pass toward Loch Katrine, a spectacular drive through the Scottish forests. The highlight at Loch Katrine is a cruise aboard the SS Sir Walter Scott, A historic steamboat that has been in service since 1900. The cruise lasts two hours, and the view of the lake and the surrounding mountains is breathtaking. The lake once inspired Sir Walter Scott to write his poem “The Lady of the Lake,” a literary classic in Scotland.
Is the weather good? If so, after the boat ride, drive to the start of the Ben A’an hike, which is nearby. This is a short but challenging 5-km round-trip hike to the summit of Ben A’an. From the summit, you’ll have a fantastic view of Loch Katrine and the Trossachs.
TRAVEL TIP: Book your cruise on Loch Katrine in advance. Duringpeak season, spots fill up quickly.
Day 5: Loch Lomond & Oban
+/- 160 km (100 miles) ● 2 hours and 30 minutes driving
On Day 5, you’ll continue driving toward Oban, the charming port town that will serve as your base for the next few days. The route there is a highlight in itself: you’ll drive past Loch Lomond, the largest lake in the United Kingdom. The picturesque village of Luss on the shore is the perfect spot to take in the view of the lake. Then continue past Inveraray to visit Inveraray Castle. The gardens alone are definitely worth a stop!
On the rest of the drive to Oban, there are a few more must-see photo stops: the fairytale-like ruins of Kilchurn Castle, the charming St. Conan’s Kirk by the water, and the 13th-century Dunstaffnage Castle near the marina, which offers a beautiful view of the bay. Once you arrive in Oban, you can take a short stroll through the town. Or get some rest early, because the next day you’ll be off in search of puffins!
Where to Stay in Oban
Oban is a charming port town where you’ll spend two nights again. We recommend choosing a place to stay right on the water for a beautiful view. Here are our tips:
- Budget (€): Maridon House
- Comfort (€€): Oban Bay Hotel
- Luxury (€€€): No. 17, the Promenade
Day 6: Watching puffins on Staffa and the Treshnish Isles
You need to be at the port of Oban around 9:15 to catch the ferry to Isle of Mull to take. From the Isle of Mull, you’ll join a Day trip to Staffa and the Treshnish Islands. First, you’ll sail to the small island of Staffa, where basalt columns rise vertically from the sea and the famous Fingal’s Cave is located. With a little luck, you might spot your first puffin here. Then you’ll sail on to Lunga (one of the Treshnish Islands), the breeding ground for thousands of puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. You’ll have two hours to walk around and admire the birds from just a few meters away. Seeing the puffins up close like that was one of the highlights of our trip to Scotland!
TRAVEL TIP: You can only visit Staffa and Lunga through a certified tour operator because you’ll be visiting a protected nature reserve. We joined this tour by Turus Mara and can’t recommend it highly enough. The season for spotting puffins runs from late April through early August.
Day 7: The Highlands in Glencoe
+/- 80 km (50 miles) ● 1 hour 30 minutes drive
One of the most beautiful places to experience the Scottish Highlands is Glencoe. This stunning valley is nestled between rugged mountain peaks and is a paradise for hikers and photographers. From Oban, it’s about an hour’s drive toward the A82, the start of a beautiful scenic drive through the heart of the Highlands. Be sure to stop along the way at Castle Stalker, a picturesque castle on a small island in Loch Laich.
The A82 takes you through one of Scotland’s most dramatic valleys. It’s no wonder the region has been used as a backdrop for movies like James Bond and Harry Potter. Be sure to stop at the Three Sisters, the three imposing peaks that dominate the Glencoe Valley. Also take a detour into Glen Etive, a side road that’s rarely visited by tourists but offers some of the most beautiful views of the Highlands.
Where to Stay in Fort William
After your drive through Glencoe and the Highlands, it’s best to spend the night in Fort William, a lively little town where you’ll be staying for the next two nights.
- Budget (€): Ossians
- Comfort (€€): Balcarres Bed & Breakfast
- Luxury (€€€): Cruachan Hotel
Day 8: Jacobite Steam Train (the Hogwarts Express)
You’re a wizard, Harry! En vandaag is jouw moment om ook even te dromen over Zweinstein. Want vandaag stap je aan boord van de Jacobite Steam Train, ook bekend als de Zweinstein Express uit de Harry Potter-films. Tijdens deze treinrit ga je van Fort William naar Mallaig (en terug). Onderweg rijd je over de wereldberoemde Glenfinnan Viaduct en kom je langs prachtige landschappen. Deze treinroute is zo mooi dat hij als een van de mooiste treinreizen ter wereld wordt beschouwd. De eindhalte is het kuststadje Mallaig waar je verse fish and chips kunt eten voor je weer terugkeert richting Fort William.
You can book tickets for the Jacobite Steam Train through the official website of West Coast Railways . The season typically runs from early June through late October. Be sure to buy your tickets well in advance, as they often sell out months ahead of time.
TRAVEL TIP: Want the full Harry Potter experience? Be sure to book the morning train! During this ride, a candy cart modeled after the one from the movies will make its way through the car. It’s the perfect time to buy Smeckies in every flavor, Chocolate Frogs, or other wizard-themed treats. On the afternoon train, the trolley isn’t guaranteed to be there.
Glen Nevis Road
Before or after your train ride, you’ll still have time to explore the town of Fort William further. It’s a charming Scottish town where you can buy nice souvenirs and enjoy a delicious meal. The Geographer is a nice restaurant where you can walk in without a reservation. If you’re still in the mood to enjoy the Highlands, take a short drive toward Glen Nevis Road (C1162). With a little luck, you might even spot some Highland cows!
Day 9: Glenfinnan Viaduct & Trip to the Isle of Skye
+/- 145 km (90 miles) ● 2 hours and 30 minutes by car (via the ferry in Mallaig)
Yesterday you rode across it on the train, but today you’ll admire the Glenfinnan Viaduct from a distance. Drive to the Glenfinnan Visitor Center and walk to the lookout point above the viaduct. The morning train passes by around 10:45. Plan to arrive at least an hour early to be sure to get a parking spot. From that same parking lot, you can also Glenfinnan Monument on the shores of Loch Shiel. Another great spot for photos, within walking distance, is the Saint Mary & Saint Finnan Church. Next, drive toward Mallaig to take the ferry to the Isle of Skye. For Harry Potter fans: be sure to stop by Dumbledore’s grave, a small island in Loch Eilt which you drive past on your way to the ferry.
TRAVEL TIP: Be sure to book the ferry in advance, because it’s guaranteed to be full during the summer months. You can make a reservation through Calmac Ferries. If you miss the ferry, you can take a detour via the “Road to the Isles” and cross the Skye Bridge to reach the island.
Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye
The best base on the Isle of Skye is Portree. Thanks to its central location on the island, you can easily get anywhere from here. In Portree , you’ll find plenty of hotels and restaurants. Here are a few options:
- Budget (€): The Skye Inn
- Comfort (€€): Skeabost View Pods Skye
- Luxury (€€€): Viewfield House
Days 10–11: Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye, literally translated as “the island in the clouds,” is perhaps Scotland’s most beautiful island. Two days is the absolute minimum, but you could easily spend a week there. Below is a brief overview of the island’s must-see attractions.
- Old Man of Storr: Skye’s most famous hike. A 55-meter-high rock that towers over the landscape. The round-trip hike takes about an hour and a half, and the view from the top is unforgettable. Try to go early or late in the day—it can get crowded during the middle of the day.
- The Quiraing: Along with the Old Man of Storr, this is one of Scotland’s most bizarre and beautiful landscapes. Rock formations, green plains, and steep cliffs dot the landscape.
- Fairy Pools: crystal-clear, turquoise mountain lakes and streams at the foot of the Cuillin Mountains.
- Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls: a waterfall that plunges straight into the sea, next to rock formations that look like a Scottish kilt. A quick stop along the way, but definitely worth it.
- Portree: Skye’s colorful harbor town, with its colorful cottages, pubs, and fresh seafood.
Day 12: Bealach na Bà & Loch Ness
Approx. 265 km (165 miles) ● 4 hours 30 minutes driving (including the Bealach na Bà Pass & Applecross)
Today you’ll drive from Skye to Loch Ness, Scotland’s most legendary and famous lake. Loch Ness contains more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined. Whether the monster Nessie really swims there is up for debate, but it’s a fun stop on your two-week Scotland itinerary. From the Isle of Skye, you’ll drive back to the mainland via the Skye Bridge. Just past the bridge, you’ll find Eilean Donan Castle, a 13th-century castle set in a stunning landscape.
Then continue on toward Loch Ness, but if you have some extra time, take a detour via the Bealach na Bà. This mountain pass climbs from sea level to an elevation of 620 meters via a series of hairpin turns you’d expect to find in the Alps. At the end, you’ll arrive in the fishing village of Applecross. There isn’t much to do here, but it’s a nice spot to stop for a cup of coffee. Then drive back toward Loch Ness and stop briefly at Urquhart Castle. This partially ruined castle sits right on the lake and offers a beautiful view of the water.
Where to Stay at Loch Ness
You’ll find the best Loch Ness experience in Drumnadrochit, which is also home to the Loch Ness Museum. For more lodging options, you can continue on to Inverness.
- Budget (€): Loch Ness Backpackers Lodge
- Comfort (€€): Loch Ness Drumnadrochit Hotel
- Luxury (€€€): Loch Ness Hideaway
Days 13 & 14: Cairngorms National Park
+/- 80 km (50 miles) ● 1 hour 20 minutes drive (including the Bealach na Bà Pass & Applecross)
From Drumnadrochit or Inverness, you’ll drive toward Cairngorms National Park today. In the morning, you can still take a boat tour on Loch Ness in search of the monster. Then drive through charming Inverness to the Cairngorms National Park. On the way to the national park, you’ll also pass Culloden Battlefield. This is an educational stop where you’ll learn more about the clans and the Scottish struggle for independence. Prefer to quench your thirst? Then the Tomatin Distillery is highly recommended for whiskey tasting along the route.
The Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the United Kingdom and one of the most underrated stops on a tour of Scotland. Hike to An Lochan Uaine, the beautiful green lake in Glenmore Forest, or take a longer hike to one of the Munros. If you’re still in the mood for more whiskey, the Cairngorms is the quintessential whiskey region.
Where to Stay in Aviemore
Aviemore is the ideal base for visiting Cairngorms National Park. It is a picturesque village with plenty of restaurants, shops, and hotels.
- Budget (€): Aviemore Youth Hostel
- Comfort (€€): Cairngorm Hotel
- Luxury (€€€): The Rowan Tree Country Hotel
From Aviemore, it’s a 2-hour-and-30-minute drive to Edinburgh, where you can catch your flight (or train) back home. Keep this in mind, or book an extra night in the capital before your return trip.
Bonus: Isle of May & Back to Edinburgh
Do you have an extra day before your flight? Then take a day trip to the Isle of May from Anstruther, about an hour and a half’s drive from Edinburgh. This small island in the Firth of Forth is home to more than 50,000 breeding pairs of puffins. It’s the largest colony on Scotland’s east coast. Tour operators typically allow you 3 hours on the island. Afterward, you’ll continue on to Edinburgh for your return trip.
How to Get Around in Scotland
It’s very easy to explore Scotland on your own. Having your own transportation is recommended for this route, as it gives you the freedom to go wherever you want. At Edinburgh’s international airports, you can rent a car for this road trip in Scotland. A fun alternative is to explore the country in a campervan! Scotland is very campervan-friendly, and you’ll find well-maintained campgrounds throughout the country in the most idyllic locations.
Best Time to Visit Scotland
The best time to travel on a two-week itinerary through Scotland is between May and September. In the spring, you’re least likely to experience prolonged rainfall, and the temperatures are pleasant. In July and August, you’ll enjoy long days with pleasant temperatures, but you’re also most likely to encounter midges (tiny biting flies). There’s a chance of rain every day in Scotland, so you’ll just have to embrace it! Winters are cold and wet, but cities like Edinburgh have a real charm, especially around the holidays. The puffin season runs from late April through early August.
Do you have any questions about this two-week itinerary in Scotland? Let us know in the comments below! Looking for more information about your next trip? Don’t hesitate to contact us or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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