The Perfect 7-Day Scottish Highlands Road Trip Itinerary
Are you dreaming of visiting the Scottish Highlands but feeling totally overwhelmed trying to plan the perfect route?
Because honestly… same!
Last summer, I finally ticked off a huge bucket list dream and spent 7 days road tripping through the beautiful, rugged Highlands.
But I’ve gotta be honest, planning the itinerary was a nightmare!
I wanted to see all the highlights, from Glencoe to the Isle of Skye, but I also didn’t want the trip to turn into one long, exhausting blur of driving.
But, after HOURS of research, I finally planned what I genuinely think is the perfect Scottish Highlands road trip itinerary for first-timers!
It has incredible scenery, realistic driving times and, most importantly, flexibility to actually enjoy the experience (and stop at endless viewpoints!)
This road trip itinerary will show you exactly how to plan your route day-by-day, including where to stop, where to stay, and all the tips I wish I’d known before my own trip.
Scottish Highlands at a Glance
Short on time? Here’s a quick Scottish Highlands travel guide with everything you need to know for planning your dream trip here!
Where to Stay:
→ Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel, Inverness
→ The Loch Ness Gate House Apartments, Fort Augustus
→ Bracken Hide Hotel, Portree, Isle of Skye
→ Maclean Guest House, Fort William
→ Loch Lomond Arms Hotel, Luss
Must-See Places:
⛰️ The Glencoe Valley
🌊 The Fairy Pools of Skye
🏰 Balmoral Castle
🐉 Loch Ness
Book in Advance:
Good to Know:
Renting a Car: I recommend Discover Cars
Best Time: May – September
Days: At least 5–7 days

What You Can See With 7 Days in the Scottish Highlands
7 days in the Scottish Highlands is plenty of time to see the highlights of this spectacular part of the UK – but only if you follow the right route.
Here’s exactly what you’ll see:
- Day 1: Edinburgh → Cairngorms → Balmoral Castle → Inverness
- Day 2: Inverness → Loch Ness → Fort Augustus
- Day 3: Fort Augustus → Eilean Donan Castle → Isle of Skye (Portree)
- Day 4: Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye → Fort William
- Day 5: Glencoe road trip (viewpoints, hikes, waterfalls)
- Day 6: Fort William → Inveraray → Loch Lomond (Luss)
- Day 7: Loch Lomond boat trip → Edinburgh
This is the exact Scottish Highlands road trip itinerary I followed last summer, and it takes you to some of Scotland’s most iconic, beautiful landscapes!
Katie’s Top Tip: Don’t underestimate how much time you’ll spend pulling over for photos. The scenery will always slow you down (in the best way!) So always build in buffer time.

What You Need to Know About Driving in the Highlands
If the driving side of a Scottish Highlands road trip freaks you out (same!), I can honestly say it’s nowhere near as intimidating as it sounds.
Most of this Scottish Highlands road trip route uses well-maintained A-roads (like the A82 along Loch Ness), which are easy and comfortable to drive.
But in some parts you will come across single-track roads, especially around Skye.
These have passing places (little pull-ins), and the rule is: pull in on the left to let oncoming cars pass – and don’t forget to wave thank you if someone else lets you pass!
And, of course, the biggest difference is you’ll be driving on the left.
If you’re from the UK, you’re of course already used to this. But even if you’re not, most people adjust quickly to the change.
A few more practical tips to keep in mind:
- Petrol stations can be far apart, so don’t let your tank drop below half in remote areas
- Signal isn’t always reliable (especially on Skye and in Glencoe)
- Download offline maps before you leave (Google Maps works great offline)
- Take your time – locals are used to tourists driving slower!

When Is the Best Time for a Scottish Highlands Road Trip?
The timing of your Scottish Highlands road trip itinerary actually makes a big difference.
Summer (June–August) gives you the longest daylight hours and (hopefully!) more stable weather, which is amazing for sightseeing.
But summer is also by far the busiest time to visit, and is when you’ll encounter midges (tiny biting insects that are relentless and VERY annoying).
So, if you’re doing this road trip in summer, it’s incredible, but you’ll need to book everything way in advance and come prepared with lots (and lots!) of bug spray!

Personally, I love the shoulder months in Scotland.
May is my favourite month, as it’s quieter, you avoid the worst of the midges, and the weather is (generally) decent.
And then September is a very close second, as the light is beautiful, crowds are a lot lower, and the Highlands are still very accessible.
I wouldn’t recommend winter for a road trip because the short daylight hours and unstable, wintry weather will often make driving stressful (or even impossible).

The BEST Scottish Highlands Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh → Balmoral → Inverness
Driving times & distances:
Edinburgh → Balmoral: 2 hours 40 minutes. 103 miles. 165kmh.
Balmoral → Inverness: 1 hour 50 minutes. 70 miles. 112kmh.
Where to stay: Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel, Inverness City Centre
Can’t miss: A visit to Balmoral Castle!
Edinburgh → Balmoral
Welcome to Scotland!
This first day of your road trip is where you leave the city behind, the landscapes open up as you drive, and suddenly you’re properly in the Highlands!
I recommend you pick up your rental car in Edinburgh as early as you possibly can or collect it the night before, so you’re ready to go this morning (ideally around 8–9am).
And then we’re heading north towards the spectacular Cairngorms National Park!

The drive to Inverness is around 3.5 hours, but the Cairngorms are too beautiful to skip.
So instead, you’ll drive 2 hours 40 minutes, through beautiful countryside, to reach Balmoral Castle (which ended up being a highlight of my trip!)
Here are some highlights of the drive:
- Crossing the Queensferry Crossing Bridge, leaving Edinburgh (look right to see the famous Fourth Road Bridge!)
- Driving past beautiful Loch Leven (on your right)
- Driving through the Cairngorms, from Lair to Balmoral
And this drive is very straightforward, via the M90 and then the A93.

Balmoral Castle
Your main stop today is at the fairytale-esque Balmoral Castle.
When you arrive will depend on when you left and the traffic, but I arrived at around 11am and stayed until 4pm (so plan for most of the day!)
You’ll park at the paid car park next to the A93 at Crathie (it’s very well signed).

Balmoral is the Royal Family’s Scottish residence, and was the favourite getaway of the late Queen of England, Elizabeth II.
But, while the Royal connections are fascinating, the scenery is what makes Balmoral so worth the detour.
The castle is surrounded by the mountains of the Cairngorms, the tumbling River Dee, quiet walking trails, and that classic Highland scenery you came here for!

Plus, you’ll also get to spot the castle’s most iconic residents…
Nope, not the Royals – Highland Cows!
Balmoral is home to a herd of Scotland’s most famous animal, and getting the chance to snap a photo of them in front of the castle was a highlight for me!

I also recommend you explore the formal gardens and visit the ballroom.
And don’t miss walking the “Green Trail”, which takes you up a hill for the most stunning view down to Balmoral against a backdrop of the Cairngorm mountains!
Katie’s Top Tip: There’s a visitor centre and café here if you want a proper lunch. Or you can bring a picnic with you and eat it on the rocks by the River Dee (this is what I did!)

Balmoral → Inverness
I left Balmoral at 4pm, and it’s about 1 hour 45 minutes to Inverness, so I arrived at my accommodation around 6pm.
The drive on this leg of the road trip is the most beautiful of the day, as you continue through more of the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park!
And again, the route is very straightforward, along the A939 and A9.
Here are some highlights of the drive:
- Driving through the Cairngorms National Park
- Corgarff Viewpoint
- Bridge of Brown

Inverness
The city of Inverness is your first base on this trip, and it’s perfect: small, easy to navigate and an easy introduction to the Highlands!
I recommend you stay at Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel, as it includes free parking onsite, it has a restaurant, and you can choose to add breakfast for extra convenience.
For an alternative option in Inverness, The Coo’s Guest House also has free parking, but doesn’t offer breakfast or a restaurant.
If you’re not staying somewhere with dining options, I recommend the Fig & Thistle or The Castle Tavern for food in Inverness!

Day 2: Inverness + Loch Ness → Fort Augustus
Driving times & distances:
Inverness → Fort Augustus: 1 hour. 34 miles. 55kmh.
Where to stay: The Loch Ness Gate House Apartments, Fort Augustus
Can’t miss: A 2-hour relaxing boat trip on Loch Ness!
Inverness
After the long drive to get into the Highlands yesterday, day two of this road trip is intentionally slower (and I found that was much needed!)
Start your morning in Inverness with a relaxed walk after breakfast.
It’s a compact city, so everything is easy to reach on foot.

I recommend this walk:
- Inverness Castle
- Inverness Cathedral
- See Inverness Castle from the opposite bank of the River Ness
- Walk along the River Ness to the underrated Ness Islands
- Return to the centre via the Pier Ness Viewpoint
This little loop ended up being one of my favourite starts to the day!
It’s quiet, scenic and gives you a real feel for the beautiful city of Inverness – without the pressure of planning a full itinerary.
The full walk only takes 50 minutes, but I recommend spending longer for stops!

Inverness → Loch Ness
Once you’ve finished your walk, it’s time to leave the city of Inverness behind and drive about 15 minutes to Dochgarroch Lock.
From there, I highly recommend this 2-hour Loch Ness cruise that I took, as it takes you along the river until this iconic loch opens out before your eyes!

I truly believe that the only way to appreciate Loch Ness’s vast scale, depth and beauty is to get out on the water!
The cruise continues all the way to the atmospheric Urquhart Castle, where you’ll see a unique angle of the castle from the water, before cruising back along the loch.
The cruise I took leaves at 12:30pm and arrives back at 2:30pm, so it’s the perfect timing after a slow morning in Inverness!

Loch Ness → Fort Augustus
After your boat trip, you’ve got two route options to continue your Scottish Highlands road trip itinerary down to Fort Augustus:
1. Follow the A82 (classic route)
This route takes around 45 minutes, and you’ll be driving the western edge of Loch Ness.
It is the more popular route, with easy access to stops like Urquhart Castle and viewpoints like the Wellington Bomber viewpoint for more photos.

2. Follow the B852 (my recommendation)
This route takes longer (1 hour 10 minutes), and it’s a B-road, so the drive is narrow in places.
BUT, it is also much quieter and more off-the-beaten-path compared to the more popular viewpoints along the A82.
If you do follow this route, I recommend you stop off at:
- Viewpoint Loch Ness
- Loch Ness View
- Suidhe Viewpoint
- Loch Tarff Viewpoint (genuinely stunning, my favourite!)

Fort Augustus
You’ll arrive in Fort Augustus in the late afternoon.
It’s a small village right at the southern tip of Loch Ness, and is also the home of the famous Caledonian Canal, which is a must-see!

And because Fort Augustus is so tiny, you can easily see the highlights with a gentle afternoon or evening walk:
- Loch Ness Viewpoint Fort Augustus
- The Canal Side Path along the Caledonian Canal
- Fort Augustus Lighthouse

Accommodation is very limited in Fort Augustus, so I recommend booking the Loch Ness Gate House Apartments well in advance. Your stay includes free parking and a kitchen for cooking your own food if you wish!
For food in Fort Augustus, I recommend the Boathouse Restaurant or the Lock Inn.
Day 3: Fort Augustus → Isle of Skye (Portree)
Driving times & distances:
Fort Augustus → Eilean Donan Castle: 1 hour 5 minutes. 49 miles. 79km.
Eilean Donan Castle → Portree, Isle of Skye: 1 hour 5 minutes. 43 miles. 69km.
Where to stay: The Bracken Hide Hotel, Portree
Can’t miss: A stop at Eilean Donan Castle!
Fort Augustus → Eilean Donan Castle
This is one of the most exciting days of the whole Scottish Highlands road trip itinerary, because it’s the day you head to the breathtaking Isle of Skye!
(And yes, it really is as beautiful as everyone claims!)
I recommend you start early (by 10am) from Fort Augustus so you can enjoy the drive properly and not feel like you’re rushing.
The drive to your first stop, Eilean Donan Castle, is only around 1 hour.
But allow yourself longer because this stretch is gorgeous and there are plenty of places where you’ll want to pull in for photos!
The route is very straightforward, along the A82 and A87.

Eilean Donan Castle
The big highlight today is Eilean Donan Castle, and it’s arguably the most photogenic of all the castles in the Scottish Highlands!
Eilean Donan sits on its own little island where three lochs meet, and it is linked to the mainland by a quaint stone bridge.
On a misty morning, it genuinely looks like something out of a fairytale!

The castle has a visitor centre, coffee shop and plenty of (paid) parking.
If you want to go inside, you can buy your ticket at the castle. But I just loved walking along the banks of the loch and admiring the scenery and the castle from the shoreline!
I’d allow at least an hour here to walk along the loch, maybe grab a coffee and take plenty of photos without rushing. But if you want to go inside too, plan for two hours.

Eilean Donan Castle → Portree, The Isle of Skye
From Eilean Donan, continue west towards the town of Kyle of Lochalsh.
The drive to Kyle takes just 15 minutes, and you can either drive straight across the Skye Bridge OR stop in Kyle to grab some lunch at Hectors Bothy.
A stop in Kyle is perfect if you want photos of the iconic Skye Bridge, from the Kyle of Lochalsh Viewpoint, rather than just driving across it.
But whether you stop or not, driving across the 1.5-mile-long Skye road bridge is a highlight of this road trip. It’s an incredible feat of engineering, and the views as you cross are stunning!
And this whole route is very straightforward, along the A87 all the way to Portree.

Stop: Sligachan Old Bridge
Once you’re on the Isle of Skye, it’s just a further 35 minutes (past beautiful coastal and countryside scenery) to your first stop on the island: Sligachan Old Bridge.
This is one of the easiest and most beautiful stops on the Isle of Skye!
The quaint stone bridge stretches over the tumbling River Sligachan, against a breathtaking backdrop of the Cuillin mountains.
And parking is easy at the dedicated Sligachan Old Bridge Car Park.

Portree
It will be mid-to-late afternoon by the time you continue with your final leg of driving (just 15 minutes on) to your base on the Isle of Skye: Portree.
Portree is the heart of the island, with restaurants (I recommend Dulse and Brose), shops, petrol and all of the amenities you could need.
Plus, it has a beautiful, colourful harbour, which is perfect for a late afternoon walk!

For where to stay, you can either book in Portree or stay slightly more rural and drive into the centre to get dinner and explore the town.
If you want to stay central, I recommend Coolin View Guest Rooms in the heart of Portree. It’s a rare find with parking, but you must book far in advance if you want to stay here.
For a slightly more rural base, the Bracken Hide Hotel is just a 5-minute drive out of town. It also includes parking, as well as a delicious breakfast and stunning views!

Day 4: Isle of Skye → Fort William
Driving times & distances:
Portree → The Fairy Pools of Skye: 35 minutes. 20 miles. 32kmh.
The Fairy Pools of Skye → Fort William: 2 hours 45 minutes. 110 miles. 177kmh.
Where to stay: Maclean Guest House, Fort William
Can’t miss: The Fairy Pools of Skye walk!
Portree → The Fairy Pools of Skye
Day 4 starts with one of the Isle of Skye’s most famous sights, and for once, I actually think the hype is well-deserved!
Head to the Fairy Pools of Skye as early as you can, ideally first thing in the morning, because this is one of the most popular stops on the island and the car park gets very busy.
The drive from Portree to the Fairy Pools takes around 35 minutes.
The first part of the drive is straightforward, along the A87 and A863.
But when you leave the B8009 at Merkadale, it does get narrow in places, so make sure you drive carefully and use the laybys to pull in when needed.
This is another reason why you should aim to arrive at the Fairy Pools as early as possible, before the roads get busy.

The Fairy Pools of Skye
The Fairy Pools are a series of crystal-clear blue pools running down from the Cuillin mountains, with little waterfalls the whole way.
It is one of the most breathtaking walks I have done anywhere in Scotland!

At the Fairy Pools, park in the paid Forestry Commission car park, where the walk starts.
The walk itself is pretty straightforward and mostly flat, apart from one hill at the end to get back to the car park.
And I recommend giving yourself at least 2 hours to complete the full walk.
If you want to shorten it, you could just walk to the first main waterfall and pool in around 40 minutes return. But I highly recommend doing the full route if you can.

The walk itself is part of the experience, and I loved following the trail of bright blue pools and waterfalls, getting ever closer to the looming Cuillin mountains behind!
Katie’s Top Tip: Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and bring a waterproof just in case (don’t assume it’ll stay dry just because it’s fine when you leave!)
I also recommend making a picnic lunch the night before (you can get supplies in Portree) and eating it before you drive to Fort William.

The Fairy Pools of Skye → Fort William
If you have extra time, you could choose to extend your stay on Skye to explore more of the island (I’ll share more on that in a bit).
But, if you only have 7 days and are following this road trip exactly, leave the Fairy Pools for Fort William in the early afternoon.
This afternoon drive is a lovely experience and definitely doesn’t feel like a compromise!
The full route to Fort William takes around 2 hours 45 minutes, but there are lots of stunning viewpoints that you can pull into along the way for photo stops.

Remember to take care leaving the Fairy Pools, as the road is narrow, but most of the drive is straightforward, along the A863, A87 and A82.
Some highlights of the drive are:
- Re-crossing the Skye Bridge
- Driving along the bank of Loch Cluanie
- Driving along the bank of Loch Garry
- Driving along the bank of Loch Lochy
- Stop at Ben Nevis Viewpoint to see the UK’s tallest mountain
You’re treated to some seriously beautiful scenery on this route!

Alternatively, you could drive back via Armadale and take the CalMac ferry from Armadale to Mallaig, then continue along the coast of Morar to get to Fort William.
This route takes the same time (2 hours 45 minutes), but is more expensive, and there are more logistics involved, thanks to the ferry.
But it is a stunning coastal drive, so the choice is up to you!
Katie’s Top Tip: CalMac publishes their timetable in advance, with any non-service days or amendments noted, so make sure you check BEFORE you travel.
Fort William
Once you arrive in Fort William, you’re ready for Glencoe and the next part of this road trip!
In Fort William, I recommend you stay at Maclean Guest House in the centre of town, as it has free parking and is within walking distance of all the amenities you could need.
Fort William has everything you need for your stay, from major supermarkets and petrol stations to shops and restaurants (I recommend Caorann Restaurant).
There isn’t a lot to do in Fort William itself, but the promenade along the bank of Loch Linnhe is the perfect spot for a late-afternoon walk after all that driving!
Day 5: Glencoe Road Trip
Driving times & distances: 45 minutes (27 miles / 43kmh) each way + stops.
Where to stay: Maclean Guest House, Fort William
Can’t miss: Visiting Inchree Falls (a true hidden gem!)
Today is the day you’ve most likely been waiting for: you’re finally going to drive through the famous Glencoe Valley!
And because this area is so beautiful, I recommend you dedicate a full day to a mini Glencoe road trip, before returning to stay a second night in Fort William in the evening.
The Glencoe Route
Glencoe is absolutely worth dedicating a full day to, because it is not just one stop – but a whole stretch of road where the views get more spectacular every second!
The area is famous for its dramatic landscape and deep glens, and it is one of the most recognisable (and photographed) stretches of Highland scenery in Scotland.
The full road trip today is an easy drive on the A82 and is full of spectacular scenery, impressive viewpoints, and beautiful walks out in nature.
⛰️ Want to steal my perfect Glencoe itinerary? Check out my ultimate guide to how to spend one day in Glencoe!

1. Corpach
If the weather is clear, start the morning with a quick detour to the town of Corpach, for views towards the UK’s tallest mountain: Ben Nevis!
Corpach is just 10 minutes from Fort William, but the view of the imposing Nevis mountain range looming over the wreck of an old ship from “Corpach viewpoint” is worth the stop.
There is free parking in Corpach at Kilmallie Hall Car Park.

2. Glencoe Lochan
From Corpach, head back through Fort William to the famous Glencoe Lochan.
The drive takes around 40 minutes, and you can park in the (paid) car park next to the loch to walk in an easy circuit along the shoreline for stunning views.
The walk around the loch takes around 30 minutes. But you’ll want longer for stops or if you want to enjoy any of the other marked walking trails here.

3. Beautiful Glencoe Viewpoints
From Glencoe Lochan, I recommend layby hopping along the A82! My favourites are:
- Loch Achtriochtan Viewpoint Car Park
- The Three Sisters Viewpoint
- Glencoe Viewpoint
- Stob Dearg Car Park

They all offer spectacular views over the rugged landscape of the Glencoe Valley, including the Buachaille Etive Mor mountain peak and the deep glens!
But if you don’t just want to car-hop, you could also choose to join a walking trail from one of the viewpoint car parks to get deeper into the valley.
Or you could drive the Glen Etive Road to Loch Etive (this was the road used to film scenes in James Bond: Skyfall). But keep in mind that the road is single track and gets VERY busy.

4. Loch Achtriochtan
On the way back towards Fort William, I stopped off at Loch Achtriochtan. And while you can’t really walk much, there is a free car park, and it is a beautiful photo opportunity.
And this is also a great spot if you have a picnic with you, as it was really quiet when I visited!

5. Inchree Falls
By mid-afternoon, I had road-tripped to my heart’s content through the Glencoe valley and seen the most incredible scenery. So it was time for a walk!
And for my walk, I headed off the beaten path to a true hidden gem: Inchree Falls.

Inchree is around 20 minutes’ drive from Loch Achtriochtan and offers a completely different experience to the busy viewpoints and trails of Glencoe.
I recommend you park at the (paid) Inchree Falls Car Park and walk the red “Waterfall Trail.”
It follows a beautiful route up to a viewpoint overlooking Loch Linnhe, before trailing back down to see the incredible Inchree Falls thundering past!
The full walk was about an hour, but I spent longer stopping at all of the viewpoints!

Day 6: Fort William → Inveraray → Luss (Loch Lomond)
Driving times & distances:
Fort William → Inveraray: 1 hour 45 minutes. 72 miles. 116kmh.
Inveraray → Luss: 45 minutes. 32 miles. 51kmh.
Where to stay: Loch Lomond Arms Hotel, Luss
Can’t miss: Visiting the coastal town of Inveraray!
Fort William → Inveraray
After the drama of Glencoe yesterday, we have another slower day today!
There’s no real rush to leave Fort William, but when you do, it’s around 1 hour and 45 minutes to the charming coastal town and castle of Inveraray.
The drive is straightforward, along the A82 and then the beautiful, coastal A828, before joining the A85 and A819 to Inveraray.

Inveraray is actually my favourite town in the Highlands, with its beautiful, whitewashed buildings and quaint stone church nestled along the shore of Loch Fyne.
The best way to spend time here is simply to wander along the harbour, browse the little independent shops, and then head to the rocky beach on Loch Fyne!
Nope, we’re not sunbathing. And the beach may not look like much. But if you walk to the end, you’ll be rewarded with the most beautiful view looking back on the whitewashed town!

For lunch in Inveraray, I recommend Ocho Inveraray.
Then, after lunch, continue to Inveraray Castle.
You could either walk up the driveway from the town centre (it only takes around 10 minutes) or drive to park in the car park.
The castle is owned by National Trust Scotland, and it is well worth having a walk in the beautiful estate and admiring the surrounding formal gardens!

Inveraray → Luss
Once you’ve spent most of the day in Inveraray, continue driving for about 45 minutes towards a small village on the banks of Loch Lomond: Luss.
BUT, make sure you stop at Rest and Be Thankful (a viewpoint just off the A83, halfway between Inveraray and Luss) on the way.
This viewpoint looks out over a dramatic valley that spreads out at your feet, surrounded by rugged, sloping hills. It’s truly breathtaking!

Luss
Luss is small, pretty and very easy to explore on foot, which is perfect after a day of driving!
I highly recommend you enjoy a relaxed, late-afternoon walk through the village and down to the shores of beautiful Loch Lomond when you arrive.
I recommend you stay in the heart of Luss, at the Loch Lomond Arms Hotel.
Parking is available at the hotel, and there is also a restaurant on-site, which is so convenient in such a small village!

Day 7: Luss (Loch Lomond) → Edinburgh
Driving times & distances:
Luss → Edinburgh: 2 hours. 76 miles. 122kmh.
Where to stay: The Old Waverley Hotel, Edinburgh
Can’t miss: A relaxing boat trip on Loch Lomond!
This final day of your Scottish Highlands road trip itinerary is such a good one, because it doesn’t just feel like a wasted travel day home.
Instead, you’re starting your morning in Luss, with a relaxing boat trip on Loch Lomond!
Along the way, you get the most beautiful views of the islands and famous “Narrows,” the surrounding mountains, and a real glimpse at how vast and peaceful the loch is.

And I also found it fascinating to see the change in scenery from side to side – look one way and you see the Lowlands, look the other and you see the mountains of the Highlands!
I highly recommend joining this boat tour from Luss, as the perfect way to say goodbye to the Scottish Highlands in style!

Then, after the cruise, the drive back to Edinburgh is around 2 hours.
If you want or need to extend your trip here and stay overnight in Edinburgh, I recommend The Old Waverley Hotel, located right in the heart of the city.

How to Extend This Scottish Highlands Road Trip
If you have more than 7 days in the Scottish Highlands, there are a few really good ways to extend this trip without ruining the flow of the itinerary.
The best and easiest option is to add an extra night (or more) on the Isle of Skye.
Skye is definitely the place in this itinerary where you only see the highlights, with just one evening in Portree and half a day at the Fairy Pools.
Whereas another day (or more) would let you add stops like the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, Mealt Falls or Dunvegan Castle – without turning your trip into a rush.
Alternatively, you could add time in Edinburgh at the beginning or end, which is perfect if you want a bit of city time alongside the landscapes of the Highlands!
Or, if you have significantly longer (at least another week), you could also tackle the famous North Coast 500, which takes you to the far north of the Highlands!

Doing This Road Trip Solo
Doing a Scottish Highlands road trip as a solo female traveller might sound like a big move, but honestly, this is one of the best places in Europe to try this sort of trip.
Because yes, the Highlands are quiet and remote.
But you’ll be staying in towns like Inverness, Fort William and Portree along the way – which all feel safe, welcoming, and have all the amenities you could need.
Plus, I’ve always found that the Scots I’ve met on my travels are genuinely friendly and always more than happy to help you out if you need it!

But of course, the one thing you do have to be prepared for is the environment.
This road trip involves long drives, often unpredictable Scottish weather, and navigating through more remote areas. So this is what I did:
- Let someone you trust know your road trip route
- Don’t drive when you’re tired (take plenty of breaks)
- Keep snacks, water, a blanket and a portable charger in the car
- Book all of your accommodation in advance
And of course, there are benefits too, to exploring Scotland solo!
What I loved most was the freedom.
You can stop whenever you want, change plans if you want to, stay longer somewhere you love, and explore at your own pace – without any compromise!

FAQs: Scottish Highlands Road Trip
What are the top tips for a Scottish Highlands road trip?
1. Build in more time than you think you need. The driving distances on paper may look short, but this is not a trip where you just drive from A to B. You will stop constantly at viewpoints!
2. Plan your fuel stops in advance and try to never let your tank go below half-full in rural areas.
3. Don’t drive tired and avoid driving long distances late in the day.
4. Always book your accommodation in advance. The Highlands are VERY popular (especially in summer), and hotels do book out.
5. Lean into the slower pace! This trip is not about ticking off as much as possible, but getting out in nature and enjoying the beautiful scenery!
How many days do you need for a Scottish Highlands road trip?
You can technically see parts of the Highlands in 3–5 days, but it will feel rushed, and you’ll spend more time driving than actually enjoying the places you stop at.
So for me, 7 days in the Scottish Highlands is the sweet spot! This gives you enough time to see the highlights (Loch Ness, Skye, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, etc) without feeling like you’re constantly on the move.
And of course, if you have more time, that’s amazing – you can extend on the Isle of Skye, add a city break in Edinburgh or even tackle the NC500!
Scottish Highlands road trip by car vs campervan?
This is one of the biggest decisions when planning your Scottish Highlands road trip itinerary, but there’s no one right answer – it really depends on your travel style.
A car + hotels is the easiest, most flexible option. Driving and parking is a lot simpler, especially on narrower roads or finding spaces at busier viewpoints. Plus, for solo travellers, it means you can stay in central locations like Portree or Inverness, which can feel more comfortable.
A campervan gives you a different kind of freedom! You wake up surrounded by nature and turn the trip into more of an adventure. But it does come with extra considerations like finding good campsites, navigating tighter roads and car parks, and finding facilities.
If it’s your first time in the Highlands, I recommend a car and hotels as the easiest choice.
What to pack for a Scottish Highlands road trip?
The main thing to know before packing for a Scottish Highlands road trip is that weather changes FAST, and it doesn’t really care what the forecast said the night before!
Even in summer, prioritise packing layers you can add/remove easily if it get chilly, like a light waterproof, cardigan or fleece.
And then for your outfits, you want comfortable clothes for driving and walking, as well as sturdy shoes with good grip.
I would also bring a small day bag, because it is much easier to grab one bag for the day than keep rummaging through your main luggage in the boot!
And finally, a few practical things to have in your car: a phone charger, portable charger, refillable water bottle, snacks, sunglasses, a blanket, and an extra layer.

So, Is This 7-Day Scottish Highlands Road Trip Worth It?
If you are looking for a Scottish Highlands road trip itinerary that shows you the most iconic scenery in Scotland, without constantly being behind the wheel, this route is a dream!
You get a bit of everything that makes the Highlands special: Cairngorms scenery, Balmoral Castle, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Skye, Glencoe, Inveraray, Loch Lomond…
And what I especially loved about doing this road trip last summer is that it felt adventurous without constantly feeling exhausting or overwhelming.
The entire trip feels varied, exciting and memorable, but still totally manageable in a week!
Planning a trip to Scotland? You might want to check out these posts next:
- 15 Most Beautiful Places To Visit in the Scottish Highlands
- One Day in Glencoe Itinerary: Road Trip Route + Travel Guide
- 8 Beautiful Castles To Visit in the Scottish Highlands
- A Perfect 5-Day Scottish Highlands Itinerary Without A Car
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