Ultimate 7-Day Scottish Highlands Road Trip Itinerary

The Scottish Highlands offer some of the most dramatic and unspoiled landscapes in Europe. Ancient castles perched on rocky outcrops, mirror-like lochs reflecting cloud-dappled mountains, and winding roads that seem to lead to the edge of the world – all await the intrepid road tripper in this magical corner of Britain.

As specialists in premium UK auto tourism, we've crafted the perfect 7-day driving itinerary through the Highlands that balances iconic sights with hidden gems, comfortable driving distances with ample exploration time, and luxury accommodations that showcase the best of Scottish hospitality.

Before You Begin: Vehicle Recommendations

The Highlands feature a mix of well-maintained A-roads and narrower single-track roads with passing places. For maximum enjoyment, we recommend:

• A luxury SUV like the Range Rover Sport or Aston Martin DBX for all-terrain capability without sacrificing comfort
• For better weather months (May-September), a grand touring convertible like the Bentley Continental GT Convertible offers an immersive experience
• Winter travelers (October-April) should prioritize all-wheel drive and winter tires

Day 1: Edinburgh to Glencoe (121 miles)

Begin your Highland adventure in Scotland's historic capital. Assuming you've already spent time exploring Edinburgh (if not, we recommend adding 2-3 days pre-road trip), collect your vehicle and prepare for an unforgettable journey north.

Route Highlights:

• Stirling Castle – A convenient first stop with commanding views and pivotal Scottish history
• Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park – Your first taste of Highland scenery, with plenty of viewpoints along the A82
• Rannoch Moor – A hauntingly beautiful wilderness that signals your entry into the true Highlands
• Glencoe – Perhaps Scotland's most famous glen, with towering mountains and a dramatic, dark history

Recommended Stops:

Take a mid-morning coffee at the charming Drymen Coffee House on the edge of Loch Lomond. For lunch, The Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum offers excellent Scottish cuisine in a casual setting. Stop at the Three Sisters Viewpoint in Glencoe for the quintessential Highland photo opportunity.

Where to Stay:

Glencoe House – This 5-star historic mansion offers suites with private sitting rooms, fireplaces, and breathtaking views. The in-suite dining experience is particularly special after a day on the road.

Day 2: Glencoe to Isle of Skye (112 miles)

Today's drive takes you through some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes and along the famous "Road to the Isles" before crossing over to the mystical Isle of Skye.

Route Highlights:

• Glenfinnan Viaduct – Famous from the Harry Potter films, this spectacular railway bridge is best viewed in the morning light
• Silver Sands of Morar – A series of stunning white sand beaches that could easily be mistaken for the Caribbean (albeit usually cooler!)
• Mallaig to Armadale Ferry – A short but scenic crossing to Skye (book in advance, especially in summer)
• Sleat Peninsula – Known as the "Garden of Skye," this lush southern area offers a gentle introduction to the island

Recommended Stops:

Arrive at Glenfinnan around 11am to potentially catch the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the viaduct. For lunch, try The Cabin at Morar for fresh seafood with a view. Before boarding the ferry, pick up provisions at Jaffy's in Mallaig.

Where to Stay:

Kinloch Lodge – This former hunting lodge of the Macdonald clan is now a Michelin-starred hotel with elegant rooms and exceptional dining featuring local ingredients. Located on the Sleat Peninsula, it's perfectly positioned for your two nights on Skye.

Day 3: Exploring Isle of Skye

Skye deserves a full day of exploration. The island's otherworldly landscapes have made it famous worldwide, but there are still plenty of quiet corners to discover away from the crowds.

Suggested Circular Route (approximately 100 miles):

• Portree – Skye's colorful main town, perfect for a morning coffee and provisions
• Old Man of Storr – Iconic rock formation with a moderately challenging hike (allow 2 hours)
• Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls – Spectacular sea cliffs resembling Scotland's national garment
• Quiraing – An otherworldly landscape formed by an ancient landslip
• Fairy Glen – A whimsical landscape of cone-shaped hills and spiral patterns
• Dunvegan Castle – The oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and ancestral home of Clan MacLeod
• Neist Point – Dramatic lighthouse on Skye's westernmost point, perfect for sunset

Dining Recommendations:

For lunch, try The Granary in Portree for excellent sandwiches and soups. If you prefer a picnic, Skye Farm Shop offers local cheeses, meats, and baked goods. Return to Kinloch Lodge for dinner, or book a table at Loch Bay Restaurant for sublime seafood with a Scottish-French twist.

Day 4: Isle of Skye to Ullapool (110 miles)

Bid farewell to Skye as you return to the mainland and journey through Wester Ross, one of Scotland's most remote and beautiful regions.

Route Highlights:

• Skye Bridge – A scenic crossing back to the mainland
• Eilean Donan Castle – Perhaps Scotland's most photographed castle, situated on a small island where three sea lochs meet
• Bealach na Bà – One of Britain's most dramatic roads, with hairpin bends and spectacular views to the Isle of Skye (weather permitting)
• Applecross Peninsula – Remote coastal communities with wonderful seafood and beaches
• Torridon Mountains – Ancient sandstone peaks rising dramatically from sea level

Recommended Stops:

Explore Eilean Donan Castle in the morning. For lunch, The Applecross Inn offers outstanding local seafood with views across to Skye. Stop at Corrieshalloch Gorge for a short but impressive woodland walk featuring a Victorian suspension bridge over a 200-foot drop.

Where to Stay:

The Ceilidh Place in Ullapool – A charming boutique hotel with an excellent restaurant, bookshop, and regular live music that offers an authentic Highland experience with contemporary comforts.

Day 5: Ullapool to Inverness (57 miles)

Today's drive is shorter, allowing time to explore Ullapool in the morning and Inverness upon arrival. The route takes you through the heart of the Highlands with optional detours to some remarkable sites.

Route Highlights:

• Loch Broom – A sea loch offering beautiful morning reflections as you leave Ullapool
• Corrieshalloch Gorge – If you missed it yesterday, this spectacular gorge and waterfall is worth a stop
• Rogie Falls – A beautiful series of waterfalls with a suspension bridge viewing point
• Optional detour: The Black Isle – A peninsula (not actually an island) known for wildlife, craft breweries, and historic towns

Recommended Stops:

Start with freshly baked goods from The Seafood Shack in Ullapool. Consider a detour to the Black Isle Brewery for an organic brewery tour and tasting. If time permits, Chanonry Point on the Black Isle is one of the best places in Europe to spot dolphins from shore.

Where to Stay:

Rocpool Reserve Hotel in Inverness – This boutique hotel offers chic rooms with hot tubs, an excellent restaurant, and a sophisticated cocktail bar just minutes from the city center.

Day 6: Exploring Inverness and Loch Ness

Use Inverness as your base to explore the iconic Loch Ness and the historic sites of the surrounding area.

Suggested Circular Route (approximately 70 miles):

• Culloden Battlefield – Site of the last pitched battle on British soil, now a powerful visitor experience
• Clava Cairns – 4,000-year-old Bronze Age burial chambers and standing stones (and inspiration for Outlander's Craigh na Dun)
• Loch Ness – Enjoy a cruise on the famous loch or simply admire its atmospheric beauty
• Urquhart Castle – Medieval fortress ruins with a spectacular position on Loch Ness
• Fort Augustus – Charming village at the southern end of Loch Ness with a flight of locks on the Caledonian Canal
• General Wade's Military Road – A scenic route back to Inverness through less-visited Highland landscapes

Dining Recommendations:

Begin with breakfast at Rocpool Reserve before departing. For lunch, The Loch Ness Inn in Drumnadrochit offers hearty Highland fare. Return to Inverness for dinner at River House Restaurant, known for its seasonal Scottish menu and riverside setting.

Day 7: Inverness to Edinburgh (157 miles)

Your final day takes you south through the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and the picturesque Perthshire countryside before returning to Edinburgh.

Route Highlights:

• Cairngorms National Park – Britain's largest national park, home to five of Scotland's six highest mountains
• Aviemore – Gateway to the Cairngorms with mountain views and outdoor activities
• Blair Castle – The ancient seat of the Dukes of Atholl with elaborate white towers and beautiful gardens
• Pitlochry – A Victorian spa town known for its whisky distilleries and fish ladder
• Dunkeld – Historic cathedral town with charming architecture and woodland walks

Recommended Stops:

Enjoy a morning coffee at The Mountain Cafe in Aviemore. Visit Blair Castle mid-morning to explore the castle and gardens. For lunch, The Old Mill Inn in Pitlochry offers excellent Scottish cuisine. Make a final stop at Dunkeld Cathedral beside the River Tay before completing your journey to Edinburgh.

Practical Tips for Your Scottish Highlands Road Trip

• Driving Etiquette: Many Highland roads are single-track with passing places. Pull into these on your left to let faster traffic pass, or on your right to allow oncoming traffic through.
• Weather Preparedness: Scottish weather can change rapidly. Pack layers and waterproofs regardless of season.
• Fuel Planning: Petrol stations can be far apart in remote areas. Keep your tank at least half full.
• Wildlife Awareness: Drive cautiously, especially at dawn and dusk when deer are most active.
• Accommodation Booking: Reserve accommodations 3-6 months in advance, especially for summer travel.
• Midges: These tiny biting insects can be prevalent in summer (particularly June-August). Pack insect repellent containing DEET.