Let's plan your Scotland Itinerary! I promise, wherever you go it will by scenic and breathtaking!
In this guide you will find tips and suggestions for road trip itineraries in Scotland for 5 Days, 7 Days, 10 Days and 14 days or more.
Step by step with photos to picture yourself there!
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Planning your Scotland Travel Itinerary - Tips
Before I share with you some suggested Itineraries for Scotland, here are some important facts to take into consideration when planning your trip:
- TIP 1 - Renting a car is the best way to travel around but avoid renting a car while visiting in Edinburgh and Glasgow - parking is expensive and a nightmare - rent your car after or before the big cities
- TIP 2 - Scotland is bigger than you imagine. Don't plan too much driving!
- TIP 3 - Because of ferry frequency constraints, visiting islands can block your entire day
- TIP 4 -Don't always trust the time given by online maps - the views are beautiful so you will want to stop all the time, plus single lane roads can take a long time if you have to stop at passing places all the time because of traffic
- TIP 5 -Very often, roads around lochs do not really have a great view because of private land or the many trees along the shores.
Here is a map of Scotland to get your oriented and give you a better idea of driving times:
Map - Towns in Scotland and Driving Times
Make your own Scotland Road Trip itinerary
Scotland is a great country to plan a road trip. Check out my article to help you plan a road trip.
TIP 6 - Below are suggested pre-defined itineraries, but if you want to create your own itinerary for Scotland, check out my 2 Road Trip Guides with practical maps, GPS coordinates, my selection of the most scenic locations and planning information:
Plan your dream road trip around Scotland!
- 15 easy-to-plan maps
- 170+ pre-selected locations
- Useful planning tips
- 170+ large photos
- GPS coordinates
- 8 easy-to-plan maps
- 60+ pre-selected locations
- Useful planning tips
- 115+ large photos
- GPS coordinates
Need to rent a car?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Choose the car and company you prefer (prefer a compact car for the single-lane roads)
- Consider their full coverage option - I always take it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
- See my 36 tips about renting a car in Scotland
Best Scotland Itinerary 7 Days - Edinburgh & West Highlands
Below is a first option of a Scotland Itinerary 7 days - It focusses on scenery and landscapes in the West Highlands.
Here is an overview Map:
7 day Scotland Itinerary Map - Highlands
DAY 1 - Edinburgh
Enjoy a day in Edinburgh with its Scenic highlights - you can check out my article about the things to do in Edinburgh.
STOP 1 - Edinburgh Castle
Go at opening times to avoid queueing too long.
Explore the castle and admire the views in every direction.
More info on the Edinburgh Castle Article
You can buy tickets onsite after queueing of buy fast track tickets online at a very good price to avoid the long queue at the ticket booths. You just have to go through the very quick queue to validate your ticket
STOP 2 - Walk Down The Royal Mile
Enjoy the atmosphere of the old town with the wide Royal Mile and the narrow alleys on its sides.
More info on the Royal Mile Article
STOP 3 - Walk Princes Street
Escape the old town and walk along Princes Street for amazing views of the old city and castle.
Have a relaxing break in the Princes Street Gardens.
STOP 4 - Sunset at Calton Hill
Climb to the top of Calton Hill for some of the best views of the city. The light is great at sunset!
More info on the Calton Hill Article
NIGHT in Edinburgh
- Find your accommodation amongst the best rated hotels in Edinburgh
- Or amongst the best rated apartments in Edinburgh
DAY 2 - The Trossachs
3h40 drive - 130 Miles - 210 km
STOP 1 - Stirling Castle
Short break to admire the Stirling Castle from the road - because you drive really close by on the main road.
STOP 2 - Cruise Loch Katrine
Enjoy a relaxing 1h cruise on Loch Katrine on the historical steamboat Sir Walter Scott.
Book before online.
More info on the Loch Katrine Article
STOP 3 - Balmaha
Drive in the Trossachs to Loch Lomond - Stop at Balmaha and enjoy a nice walk.
More info on the Loch Lomond Article
STOP 4 - LOCH LOMOND WEST
Drive Around Loch Lomond and along the West Shore. Especially stop at Firkin Point
More info on the Loch Lomond Article
NIGHT in Tarbet or Arrochar (2 nights)
- Find your accommodation amongst the best rated accommodations in Tarbet
- Or amongst the best rated Accommodations in Arrochar
DAY 3 - Argyll and Inveraray
2h to 2h30 drive - 80 to 100 Miles - 130 to 161 km
STOP 1 - Argyll Forest Viewpoint
From Arrochar, head west through the Argyll forest. Stop at the viewpoint and continue through the scenic Glen Croe.
More info on the Argyll and Glen Croe drive article
STOP 2 - Inveraray Castle
Drive to Loch Fyne and explore Inveraray Castle, a green enchanting castle with a beautiful park.
More info on the Inveraray Castle Article
STOP 3 - Loch Awe
Continue driving west and admire the Northern part of Loch Awe with its summits and the ruins of Kilchurn. Explore the North head or drive south along the Loch.
More info on the Loch Awe
NIGHT in Tarbet or Arrochar
Drive back to last night's accommodation.
DAY 4 - Glen Coe & Glen Etive
2h30 drive - 90 Miles - 145 km
STOP 1 - Falls of Falloch
Enjoy a short stop to admire the Falls of Falloch. Parking along the road and only a 5-minute flat walk.
More info on the Falls of Falloch Article
STOP 2 - Loch Tulla Viewpoint
Continue driving on A82. Enjoy the stunning scenery. Have a break at Loch Tulla Viewpoint.
More info on the A82 through Glencoe
STOP 3 - Glen Etive
Continue on A82 and enjoy the drive towards the high summits. At the foot of Buachaille Etive Mor, turn left and drive through Glen Etive all the way to Loch Etive.
More info on the Glen Etive
STOP 4 - Other Glen Coe Stops
Drive back towards A82 and continue through Glen Coe. Enjoy the many scenic stops with the 3 sisters, the waterfall and Loch Atriochtan.
More info on the A82 through Glencoe
If sleeping in Kinlochleven, turn right before the bridge and start enjoying the wonderful views of Loch Leven.
NIGHT in Glencoe Village or Kinlochleven
- Find your accommodation amongst the best rated accommodations in Glencoe Village
- Or amongst the best rated Accommodations in Kinlochleven
- I stayed at the nice Allengrange B&B - check out my review on my Scotland Accommodation Article
DAY 5 - Loch Leven and Road to the Isles
2h drive - 80 Miles - 130 km
STOP 1 - Loch Leven
Admire my favorite Loch in Scotland: Loch Leven and its high summits all around. The road takes you all around with several viewpoints.
More info on the Loch Leven Article
STOP 2 - Glenfinnan
Continue on A82 towards Fort William. Turn left towards Mallaig on the Road to the Isles. Enjoy the scenery and stop at Glenfinnan. After a short climb you will have a great view of both Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
More info on the Road to the Isles article
STOP 3 - Beaches
Continue towards Mallaig and explore the beautiful nearby beaches with views of several Islands.
More info on the Road to the Isles article
NIGHT in Mallaig or Arisaig
- Find your accommodation amongst the best rated accommodations in Mallaig
- or amongst the best rated accommodations in Arisaig
DAY 6 - Mallaig to Eilean Donan Castle
3h drive - 113 Miles - 182 km
Most suggestions for a Scotland itinerary 7 days, would at this point take you to Loch Ness and Inverness. I think those are boring compared to the route I suggest, but it is only my opinion.
STOP 1 - Neptune Staircase & Great Glen
Drive back the same road towards Fort William. On a clear day you can see Ben Nevis very well.
Stop at Fort William to have a look at the Neptune Staircase and head Nord driving through the Great Glen and Caledonian Canal.
More info on the Great Glen Article
STOP 2 - Loch Cluanie
At Invergarry, turn left towards the Isle of Skye. Enjoy the several Lochs including Loch Cluanie
More info on the Loch Cluanie and Glen Shiel article.
STOP 3 - Glen Shiel
Continue on A87 and drive through the scenic Glen Shiel. Many stops to admire the landscapes, especially the 5 Sisters of Kintail.
More info on the Loch Cluanie and Glen Shiel article.
STOP 4 - Eilean Donan Castle
Reach the meeting of 3 lochs and its castle on a promontory: Eilean Donan
More info on the Eilean Donan Castle Article
NIGHT around Eilean Donan Castle
- Find your accommodation amongst the best rated accommodations near Eilean Donan
DAY 7 - Drive Back to Edinburgh
You can drive back through Glen Shiel, Great Glen and Glen Coe to admire those stunning landscapes from another angles and with a different weather.
5h30 drive - 227 Miles - 321 km
Or
You can turn at Spean Bridge towards Cairngorms National park and go South at Laggan towards Perth to enjoy a different scenery.
4h30 drive - 200 Miles - 182 km
End of the Scotland Itinerary 7 days - Landscapes West
And don't forget to purchase travel insurance! I wish you a very smooth trip, but my policy is: better be prepared.
I personally use World Nomads. Get a quote online here.
Best Scotland Itinerary 10 Days - West Highlands and Isle of Skye
Do you have 10 days in Scotland? This is my favorite Scotland road trip itinerary to explore the best of the Highlands and the famous Isle of Skye.
Here is an overview Map:
10 day Scotland Itinerary Map - Highlands & Skye
DAY 1 to DAY 6 of the Scottish Highlands itinerary
From Day 1 to Day 6 of this Scotland itinerary 10 days, copy the 6 first days of the Scotland Itinerary 7 Days above.
DAY 7, 8 and 9 - Isle of Skye
Create your own Isle of Skye itinerary with the map of the 20 Things to do on the Isle of Skye. For Example:
Day 7
- Views from the shore of Loch Ainort
- Drive to Elgol
- Elgol Cruise to Loch Coruisk
Day 8
- Old Man of Storr hike - 3 Hours
- Views at Kilt Rock (waterfall) and Quiraing
- Exploration of Fairy Glen
Day 9
- Lighthouse and cliffs at Nest Point
- Hiking (and swimming maybe) at the Fairy Pools - 3 hours
3 NIGHTS in Portree - center of the Isle of Skye
- Find your accommodation amongst the best rated accommodations in Portree
DAY 10 - Drive Back to Edinburgh
You can drive back through Glen Shiel, Great Glen and Glen Coe to admire those stunning landscapes from other angles and with a different weather.
5h30 drive - 227 Miles - 321 km
or
You can turn at Spean Bridge towards Cairngorms National park and go South at Laggan towards Perth to enjoy a different scenery.
4h30 drive - 200 Miles - 182 km
End of the Scotland Itinerary 10 days
Scotland Itinerary 14 Days - Highlands and Isle of Skye
DAY 1 to DAY 9
From Day 1 to Day 9 of this Scotland Itinerary 14 days, copy the 9 first days of the Scotland Itinerary 10 days above.
DAY 10 - Wester Ross to Ullapool
3h drive - 122 Miles - 196 km
STOP 1 - Loch Maree
Drive through Glen Carron and reach the magnificent deep blue Loch Maree. The loch is mostly wild with beautiful forest and summits around.
More info on the Loch Maree Article
STOP 2 - Wester Ross Road
Driving through Wester Ross is stunning, inland in the Glen or near the coast the landscapes are varied and impressive.
More info on the Wester Ross Article
STOP 3 - Falls of Measach
The Falls of Measach not far from Ullapool are very impressive. Especially as a bridge allows you to walk over the deep gorge with a perfect view of the waterfall.
More info on the Falls of Measach Article
NIGHT in Ullapool
- Find your accommodation amongst the best rated accommodations in Ullapool
DAY 11 - Dunrobin and Inverness
3h30 drive - 130 Miles - 209 km
(for a resting day skip Dunrobin and drive 1h30 to Inverness)
STOP 1 - Dunrobin Castle
Dunrobin Castle is located on the east coast and right above the cliff. It looks like a fairy tale castle overlooking the sea
More info on the Dunrobin Castle Article
STOP 2 - Loch Ness and Urquhart
A Scottish Castle, the ruins of the Urquhart Castle are located on the shore of the famous Loch Ness. If you are a fan of Nessie, get on a cruise and take your binoculars!
More info on the Loch Ness Article
STOP 3 - Inverness
Inverness has very enjoyable atmosphere. Enjoy a walk along its river in the center and appreciate the peaceful large streets and stunning houses.
NIGHT in Inverness
- Find your accommodation amongst the best rated accommodations in Inverness
- I stayed at the Kilcumin Guesthouse - You can see my review in the Scotland Accommodations article
DAY 12 - Cairngorms
4h drive - 150 Miles - 241 km or more depending on distilleries
STOP 1 - Speyside and Distilleries
No Scottish trip is complete without some distilleries. Some of the best are located in the Speyside countryside East of Inverness.
But don't drink and drive!
STOP 2 - Old Military Road
Take your time to drive through Cairngorms National park on the Old Military road.
Enjoy the landscapes and maybe visit Balmoral Castle or Braemar Castle.
More info on the Cairngorms Article
NIGHT in Pitlochry or around (2 nights)
- Find your accommodation amongst the best rated accommodations in Pitlochry
DAY 13 - Central Lochs
3h drive - 90 Miles - 145 km
STOP 1 - Queen's View
Considered one of the most beautiful views in Scotland, the Queen's View overlooks Loch Tummel just South of Cairngorms.
More info on the Loch Tummel Queen's View Article
STOP 2 - Glen Lyon
This long and beautiful Glen is more off the beaten track. The road is mostly clear of trees with magnificent views of the valley.
More info on the Loch Tay and Glen Lyon Article
STOP 3 - Loch Tay
Just South of Glen Lyon is the stunning Loch Tay. With roads along both shores, the views are splendid (when the trees clear).
More info on the Loch Tay and Glen Lyon Article
NIGHT in Pitlorchy (Same as previous night)
DAY 14 - The Borders
I think the old abbeys of the Borders Region are stunning. But if you prefer cities, spend the day in Glasgow.
2h40 drive - 100 Miles - 161 km
STOP 1 - Melrose Abbey
Discover the beautiful Melrose Abbey and climb to the top for great views of the surroundings.
More info on the Melrose Abbey Article
STOP 2 - Scott's View
Drive up a little to discover one of the favorite views of Scottish Writer Scott.
More info on the Scott's View Article
STOP 3 - Jedburgh Abbey
And to finish, my favorite abbey: Jedburgh. A great place to explore and many fascinating perspectives.
More info on the Jedburgh Abbey article
And drive back to Edinburgh
End of the Scotland Itinerary 14 days
Scotland trip Itinerary 5 Days - Highlights
5-days is very short to explore Scotland. But to give you an idea of Scotland here is a suggestion for a Scotland itinerary 5 days with the main cities, some of the most beautiful and famous landscapes, and a little bit of history.
DAY 1 - Edinburgh
Complete a first day in Edinburgh similar to Day 1 of the 1-week Scotland itinerary or select activities in my list of things to do in Edinburgh.
DAY 2 - The Borders
2h40 drive - 100 Miles - 161 km
Complete Day 14 of the "Scotland itinerary 14 days" above with the Abbeys
DAY 3 - Glen Coe
3h drive - 120 Miles - 193 km
Drive through the North of the Trossachs (A84, A85) and explore Glen Coe and Glen Etive (A82) as per day 4 of the Scotland Itineraries 7 days above.
DAY 4 - Loch Lomond
2h10 drive - 120 Miles - 193 km
Drive back on A82 and to the South of Loch Lomond, enjoy a cruise from Tarbet or from Balloch.
DAY 4 - Glasgow
Discover Glasgow and its very different vibe from Edinburgh. Do not miss the St Mungo's Cathedral and the Glasgow University.
End of the Scotland Itinerary 5 days - Highlights
Itinerary for Scotland 7 Days - Lowlands Alternative
Below is an alternative for a Scotland itinerary 7 days - It focusses on landscapes and historical sites of the Lowlands.
DAY 1 and Day 2 - Edinburgh
Pick from many of the things to do in Edinburgh
2 Nights in Edinburgh
DAY 3 - East Coast Edinburgh
Edinburgh to Tantallon: 1h drive - 30 Miles - 48 km
STOP 1 - Direleton Castle
Discover the massive fort and the many rooms to explore. Part in ruin, part still standing, the signs allow you to understand how life was in the castle.
More info on the Dirleton Castle Article
STOP 2 - Tantallon Castle
The ruins of Tantallon Castle are very impressive, especially as you can climb all the way to the top of the massive wall above the cliff.
More info on the Tantallon Castle Article
Night in Edinburgh (see best rated accommodations) or in the countryside
DAY 4 - Borders Abbeys
Edinburgh to Jedburgh: 1h20 drive - 48 Miles - 77 km
STOP 1 - Melrose Abbey
Discover the beautiful Melrose Abbey and climb to the top for great views of the durroundings.
More info on the Melrose Abbey Article
STOP 2 - Scott's View
Drive up a little to discover one of the favorite views of Scottish writer Scott.
More info on the Scott's View Article
STOP 3 - Jedburgh Abbey
And to finish, my favorite abbey: Jedburgh. A great place to explore and many fascination perspectives.
More info on the Jedburgh Abbey article
And you can add Dryburgh Abbey and Kelso Abbey too.
Night in Jedburgh - Find your accommodation amongst the best rated accommodations in Jedburgh
DAY 5 - South Landscapes
Jedburgh to Dumfries via A708: 2h drive - 73 Miles - 117 km
STOP 1 - St Mary's Loch
Cross towards the West of the Lowlands via A708 one of the most beautiful roads in the lowlands. Enjoy St Mary's Loch as you drive along its shore.
STOP 2 - Grey Mare's Tail area
One of the most beautiful landscapes in the South is the valley around Grey Mare's tail.
In the reserve, you can hike to a waterfall.
Night in Dumfries - see the best rated accommodations in Dumfries
DAY 6 - Dumfries Region & Drive North
STOP 1 - Caerlaverock
Caerlaverock is one of the most intriguing castles in Scotland with its triangular shape. Explore the inside and take the time to walk all around it to appreciate its shape.
More info on the Caerlaverock Castle
STOP 2 - Sweetheart Abbey
Discover the Sweetheart Abbey and its story of love.
And take the time to explore the charming village around.
More info on the Sweetheart Abbey Article
Night in Glasgow
- Find your accommodation amongst the best rated hotels and B&Bs in Glasgow
- Or amongst the best rated appartements in Glasgow
DAY 7 Glasgow
Discover Glasgow and its very different vibe from Edinburgh. Do not miss the St Mungo's Cathedral and the Glasgow University.
End of the Scotland Itinerary 7 days - History
Scotland Itinerary 21 Days or More
If you are lucky to have more time, you can combine the Scotland Itinerary 14 days with the 7 days alternative.
Or you can add Glasgow at the beginning or at the end + after day 10 Wester Ross and before day 11 Inverness to drive up the North Coast and take the ferry for a couple of days on the Orkney Islands.
Check out my guides to help you plan everything:
Plan your dream road trip around Scotland!
- 15 easy-to-plan maps
- 170+ pre-selected locations
- Useful planning tips
- 170+ large photos
- GPS coordinates
- 8 easy-to-plan maps
- 60+ pre-selected locations
- Useful planning tips
- 115+ large photos
- GPS coordinates
And keep track of your own trip!
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We do want to drive. How reasonable is it to use the trains
?
What would be the best way to travel throughout the country with your itineraries? You said NOT to rent a car, so is the train a good choice and if so, is it convenient to use to get to your stops. Thank you. Janene
Hi Janene
Renting a car is absolutely the best way to travel around.
I wrote that you should avoid renting a car while in Edinburgh or Glasgow because it is a waste of money. But outside of those big cities, this is the best option! I thought my sentence was clear, but it seems not 🙂 so I have updated it.
Train is very limiting.
Have a great trip!
We are arriving Edinburgh Airport 0830 and staying two nights on The Mile. Plan is Jedburgh, Melrose, Rosalyn one day and The Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Mary’s Real Close and Calton Hill another. For the sake of time (and to travel south of Edinburgh), we plan to rent (and return) at the airport. Have been advised not to get car at the airport and drive in Edinburgh. What gives?
Because of the limited number of carparks and the cost of parking in Edinburgh, a good option could be to rent a car from the train station for the day you want to go to the South, take it in the morning and return it in the evening.