Join us on a roadtrip through Scotland and discover a region with rugged highlands, tranquil lochs, golden beaches and ancient castles. This three to five-day itinerary is designed to help you discover the best places in Scotland.
There are so many great things to do in Scotland that it’s almost impossible to include everything in one itinerary. In this article, we’ll look at a few options depending on how much time you plan to spend in Scotland. If you’ve already been to Scotland, this article with the most beautiful places in Scotland will help you find more inspiration on what to visit in one of the most beautiful regions in the world.
This article is divided into several parts. First we will show you the itinerary for 5 days in Scotland. If you have less time, you can use other itinerary options for 3 or 4 days in Scotland.
Start packing, the Scottish adventure is about to begin!
Roadtrip Scotland: itinerary – map
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a map of a roadtrip around Scotland in the UK. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places mentioned in the itinerary for Scotland. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.
Roadtrip Scotland: 5 day itinerary
How to plan a Scotland itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, along with Glasgow, is the main gateway to Scotland. Our adventure will begin at Edinburgh Airport, where you can immediately rent a car – follow the signs at the airport to guide you to the rental car.
Although Scotland offers public transport, a car is a better choice for such a busy itinerary. In addition, one day we will be on the Isle of Skye, where you can’t do without a car.
Book your car well in advance to ensure the best price and choice. When booking, make sure full insurance is included to avoid unpleasant surprises on the spot.
To rent a car you will need a passport, credit card and a minimum age of 21 years. Detailed information is available when booking your car.
If you’d rather use public transport, leave the Isle of Skye off your itinerary and stay in the Edinburgh – Fort William – Inverness area. Here you have a choice of trains and buses – you can search for current connections here.
The Kelpies – Stirling
From the airport we head to the first place on our itinerary for Scotland – The Kelpies.
The Kelpies have a special meaning to the Scots. These are monumental statues of horses towering over the Falkirk countryside, 30 metres high, paying tribute to Scotland’s industrial past and the role of horses in it.
The name “Kelpies” comes from Scottish folklore, where there is a water spirit that usually takes the form of a horse, known for its strength and power.
The Kelpies are located in a beautifully landscaped park next to the Forth and Clyde Canal. If you take a rental car from the airport, you’ll get on the motorway and in less than half an hour you’ll get off at a car park just outside Kelpies.
During the tour, you will explore the interior of the artworks, learn about the artist’s vision and the rich tradition that inspired the buildings. For up-to-date information on tours and opening times, please visit the official website.
Stirling Castle
25 minutes from The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most important landmarks, stands atop Castle Hill. The castle is the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and its strategic location made it a key player in the Scottish Wars of Independence.
Its combination of royal and military architecture, including the magnificent Great Hall and Royal Chapel, is magnificent. See the tapestries and interactive exhibitions about Scotland’s rich history. From the walls you can enjoy a fantastic view of the surrounding area.
Here you can find more information about the price and opening times of Stirling Castle. Paid parking is located directly at the entrance to the castle.
Read: The complete guide to Scotland
Loch Lomond
We continue our journey towards Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, arriving an hour’s drive from Stirling Castle.
The heart of the park is Loch Lomond itself, the largest freshwater loch in Scotland. You can go to boat cruise on the lake or climb to the top of Ben Lomond for the best view of the lake.
Ben Lomond is famous for its distinctive conical shape, which creates a stunning panorama of Loch Lomond. From the top you will have a view not only of the lake, but also of the Trossachs and the entire national park.
How to get to Ben Lomond: The starting point is Rowardennan car park (for a small fee), from where you follow a well-maintained and mostly wide path to the summit. Allow about 2-2.5 hours for the ascent.
We spend the night in the Loch Lomond area so we can continue our itinerary of roadtrip around Scotland the next day.
Recommended accommodation near Loch Lomond
- The Winnock Hotel: A cosy hotel in Drymen, with a restaurant, free parking and good value
- Queen of the Loch: A pleasant mid-range hotel in the town of Balloch on the shores of Loch Lomond, with a restaurant and free parking
If you have enough time, you can transfer to Glen Coe on the first day, where we will spend the next day.
Day 2 – Glen Coe and Fort William
We get up early and continue our journey through the Scottish Highlands. You’ll take an hour-long journey through the beautiful Scottish countryside, taking you through the most famous valley in Scotland – Glen Coe.
Glen Coe is one of the most beautiful places in Scotland. A rugged glen known for its sweeping valleys, high mountains and sparkling fells, it is the epitome of Scotland’s raw wilderness. The majestic landscape has served as a backdrop for films such as James Bond’s Skyfall and several Harry Potter movies.
You drive and enjoy the magnificent views. Or take one of the trails, of which there are several to choose from in different levels of difficulty.
One of the most beautiful hikes is the Hidden Valley hike with views of the Three Sisters peaks. There is a parking lot with a view at the beginning of the hike.
For more information about the trails and Glen Coe, visit the visitor center here. In addition, the visitor centre will give you an insight into the infamous Glen Coe Massacre of 1692.
Fort William and Glenfinnan Viaduct
In the afternoon, move to Fort William, the imaginary centre of the area. Fort William lies at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is 30 minutes’ walk from Fort William.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a remarkable piece of engineering in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. It was built between 1897 and 1901 to a design by Sir Robert McAlpine as part of the West Highland Railway. The viaduct is 380 metres long and consists of 21 arches, each of which has a span of 15 metres and reaches a height of up to 30 metres.
The viaduct was made famous in the Harry Potter film series, where the Hogwarts Express raced through great curves against the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. Whether or not you’re a Harry Potter fan, the Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct is one of the top attractions around Fort William.
If you want to see a train crossing the viaduct, be sure to check the train times.
Recommended accommodation near Glen Coe and Fort William:
- Distillery Guest House: Accommodation in a cosy country house with free parking and breakfast included
- Sutherland mini apartments: Apartments for up to 4 people with kitchenette and free parking
Day 3 – Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye can’t be missing from your itinerary of what to visit in Scotland.
Take a day trip to the Isle of Skye, a must-visit for its rugged landscape and beautiful scenery. During your trip, see the Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr, Quirang or Fairy Glen. The journey itself offers fantastic views, making it an experience in itself.
The Isle of Skye is not a large island and you can do quite a lot in a day – here’s a list of the best places to visit on Skye. Most of the places are easily accessible and located nearby. Use the map in the article to plan your route more easily.
Enjoy the incredible scenery and spend the night on the Isle of Skye.
Where to stay on the Isle of Skye
- Broadford Youth Hostel: Simple, practical accommodation in single rooms (including family rooms) or shared rooms at a good price
Isle of Skye – Sligachan Hotel
Fantastic, stylish hotel in the middle of the countryside with stunning views, free parking and a restaurant and bar
Day 4 – Eilean Donan Castle – Loch Ness – Inverness
We leave the Isle of Skye, stopping at Eilean Donan Castle on the way.
Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most beautiful places in Scotland, is situated on a small tidal island where three lochs – Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh – meet.
For more information about opening hours and admission fees, check the official website. The castle can be reached by a stone bridge with a large car park, a souvenir shop and a café.
Loch Ness
Loch Ness is undoubtedly the most famous loch in Scotland. He’s also the most secretive. Who hasn’t heard of the Loch Ness Monster, or “Nessie”, which is said to lurk beneath its dark surface.
And this is what attracts many visitors from all over the world hoping to see the famous monster. You can go on a boat cruise to have an even “better chance” of spotting Nessie.
Visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the lake. Here you will find up-to-date information on opening times and admission to Urquhart Castle.
Loch Ness is 2 hours from the Isle of Skye. There is a well-maintained road leading from both sides of the lake, but there is usually no access to the lake. Along the northwestern edge of the lake, there are several free parking spots along the road where you can stop and enjoy the lake.
The best access to the lake is from Fort Augustus or the Urquhart Ruins, for example.
Read: The most beautiful places in Scotland
Inverness
The rest of the day can be spent in the town of Inverness, located in the north of Loch Ness.
In Inverness, history meets modernity. Visit Inverness Castle, St Andrew’s Cathedral and the Old High Church. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife with traditional live music.
Stay overnight at Loch Ness or in Inverness.
TRAVEL TIP: Book your car well in advance to ensure you get the best price and choice. There are car hire companies at every airport, as well as throughout Scotland. When booking, make sure that full insurance is included to avoid any unpleasant surprises on site.
Where to stay near Loch Ness
- Loch Ness Guest House: Comfortable accommodation in Fort Augustus steps from Loch Ness at a great price
- Loch Ness Lochside Hostel: Accommodation in single or shared rooms on the shores of Loch Ness
- Whitehouse B&B: Beautiful, cosy accommodation in Fort Augustus on Loch Ness with excellent breakfast and free parking
Day 5 – Edinburgh
And here we are on the last day of our Scottish adventure. We leave early in the morning, as we have a 3.5 hour drive from Loch Ness. Return the car and enjoy your last day in Edinburgh.
Spend the morning exploring the vibrant and historic Old Town with its medieval streets. Walk the Royal Mile and visit Edinburgh Castle, one of the most famous landmarks in the UK.
In the afternoon, head to Georgian New Town and climb Calton Hill for one of the best views of the city.
Or climb into Arthur’s Seat for the most beautiful sunset. There are several routes to the top, expect 30-60 minutes to climb depending on the chosen route.
Read: The most beautiful places in Edinburgh
Where to stay in Edinburgh
- Cityroomz Edinburgh: Hotel on Princes St, directly opposite the airport bus stop. Rooms and apartments with kitchenettes are available.
- The Haymarket Hotel: This hotel is in a Victorian house on a quiet street on the edge of the centre. It is well connected to the airport. Rooms are stylish, cosy and decorated in a traditional style.
Edinburgh – ibis budget Hotel
The ibis hotels are a popular hotel chain that offers smaller but modern rooms with the necessary amenities. This hotel is ideally located for those looking for accommodation near the airport.
To better explore Edinburgh, you need at least 2-3 days. But we don’t have that much time in our itinerary, so at least you have a reason to come back to Scotland.
There are still plenty of places that are definitely worth seeing. From the North Coast 500 Scenic Byway, which runs along the coast of northern Scotland to the east coast, which holds a wealth of history and unspoilt wildlife in the Cairngorms National Park.
Roadtrip Scotland: 4 day itinerary
If you have one less day, head straight from the airport to the Glen Coe valley on your first day and don’t stop at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. On the way, you can make a short stop at The Kelpies and then continue on. Glen Coe can be reached in 2 hours from Edinburgh Airport.
You won’t miss out on Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, because you’ll go right through it. You’ll travel along a well-maintained road through beautiful countryside. You can also drive through the north of the national park past the smaller Loch Lubnaig. The journey will take the same amount of time.
On the second day, move to the Isle of Skye and on the third day, explore Loch Ness. We liked the Isle of Skye better than Loch Ness. If you feel the same way, stay on the Isle of Skye on the second and third days and move to Loch Ness on the afternoon of the second day. The journey from Skye to Loch Ness takes about 2 hours.
A 4 day itinerary for a roadtrip in Scotland would then look like this:
- Day 1 – Arrival in Edinburgh and Glen Coe
- Day 2 – Isle of Skye
- Day 3 – Loch Ness and Inverness
- Day 4 – Edinburgh
Read: The most beautiful places in Scotland
Roadtrip Scotland: 3 day itinerary
The 3-day itinerary is very short, so you will have a busy schedule. The itinerary also varies depending on whether you plan to include the Isle of Skye in your itinerary or not. Skye is the furthest from Edinburgh – if you were to go direct you would spend 5 hours on the road.
If this is your first visit to Scotland, I wouldn’t skip the Isle of Skye. Here are 15 reasons to visit the Isle of Skye. The itinerary could look like this:
We rent a car at the airport and head straight to Glen Coe (2 hours drive). The first day will be spent in the Glen Coe area and in the morning we will transfer to the Isle of Skye, where you will spend the whole of the next day.
Depending on your departure time, you may make a short stop at Loch Ness on day three before returning to Edinburgh.
A 3 day itinerary for a roadtrip in Scotland would then look like this:
- Day 1 – Glen Coe
- Day 2 – Isle of Skye
- Day 3 – return with a short stop at Loch Ness
TRAVEL TIP: Book your car well in advance to ensure you get the best price and choice. There are car hire companies at every airport, as well as throughout Scotland. When booking, make sure that full insurance is included to avoid any unpleasant surprises on site.
These were our suggested itineraries for a roadtrip around Scotland. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
Learn more about the UK
SCOTLAND: Planning a trip to Scotland without a travel agent? We’ve put together a complete guide to visiting Scotland on your own. Here you can get inspired by the most beautiful places in Scotland. Here’s a list of the most beautiful places on the Isle of Skye.
Check out our 25 tips on what to see in Edinburgh (+ more useful information and tips for your trip). Here’s a list of the most beautiful places on the Isle of Skye.
ENGLAND: The list of the most beautiful places in England includes tips on things to do in England.
LONDON: Read more about what to see in London. To help you plan your trip, we’ve created a 3-day London itinerary. In a separate article, we share tips on what to do in London with kids.
Scotland itinerary – 3-5 day roadtrip around Scotland
The best time to roadtrip in Scotland is from May to September, when the weather is milder and the days are longer. Just be aware that the most popular places in Scotland can get quite busy.
Scottish weather can be unpredictable. One minute the sun is shining and the next it’s raining. Always be prepared with appropriate clothing for all weather conditions, even in the summer months.
Yes, you can rent a car in Scotland if you are coming from another country. You will need a valid driving licence from your home country (for EU countries) and, depending on your country of origin, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Scotland has breathtaking landscapes and historic sites. Must-see places include the Highlands, the Isle of Skye, Edinburgh, Loch Ness and Glencoe. The North Coast 500 is a renowned route that offers breathtaking coastal scenery, but in this case it’s a good idea to extend the roadtrip to at least 6 days.
