Scottish Roadtrip | 10 days in the Highlands
Planning a roadtrip through the Scottish Highlands? With so much to do and see, deciding where to go can be overwhelming. This ten-day itinerary will get you started planning your dream trip.
In October of 2024, Tys and I visited Scotland’s rugged, mountainous countryside. After spending five days in cities, the change of pace was perfect. After leaving Glasgow, we spent seven days in the Highlands exploring Glencoe, the Isle of Skye and the North Coast 500 (NC500) route and loved every second of it. This guide is packed with our favourites, as well as all the ones we have our eye on for when we make it back. So whether you’re planning your first visit or looking for some fresh ideas for a revisit, enjoy!
If you’re curious about Scotland’s right to roam laws, be sure to check out our Wild Camping in the Scottish Highlands guide as well — the best way to see all that this incredible nation has to offer.
Day 1: Glasgow to Loch Lomond & Trossachs
Luss Faerie Trail
Luss
Drive time from Glasgow to Luss: 45 minutes
Approximate time there: 1-2 hours
After a few days in Glasgow, hop in your car and head straight to Loch Lomond. This beautiful, placid lake is often considered the boundary separating the lowlands from the highlands.
Stopping in Luss is like stepping into a storybook. The small town, nestled on the shore of the Loch, is quaint and welcoming. Pop into one of the restaurants for lunch, walk along the water taking in the misty views, or venture along the Loch Lomond Faerie Trail.
Luss was already on our radar, but after our car rental agent fervently suggested it, we made it a priority.
Ben Lomond*
Drive time from Luss to Ben Lomond: 1 hour
Approximate time there: 6-7 hours
If you have the time, backpedal a little to the eastern side of the lake, where you’ll find Ben Lomond — the most southern of Scotland’s munros (a mountain in Scotland that exceeds 3,000 feet in elevation). If you’re ready to get the blood pumping and take in some amazing views of the Loch, start your roadtrip off with this hike. The hike is a popular stop, being so easy to access from the cities.
Firkin Point
Drive time from Ben Lomond to Firkin Point: 1 hour
Approximate time there: 1 hour
A short drive up the road is Firkin Point, a beautiful view of the Loch can be seen just a short walk from the car park. If you feel like adding to your step count, walk along the water for a while, taking in the views and admiring the homes lining the shore. Firkin Point has a few campsites that are available to register for; Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park is one of the few places in Scotland where wild-camping is not permitted, so if you’re hoping to camp in the area, be sure to get your permit before hand.
Loch Lomond from Firkin Point
Kilchurn Castle
Day 2: Loch Lomond & Trossachs to Glencoe
Kilchurn Castle Viewpoint
Drive time from Firkin Point to Kilchurn Castle: 1 hour
Approximate time there: 15-45 minutes
A great first castle to see, Kilchurn is visible from the road, but if you feel like stretching your legs, you are welcome to wander into the field amongst the sheep. Walk right up to the Loch to get a better vantage point of the 15th-century castle crumbling across the water.
Loch Etive*
Drive time from Kilchurn Castle to Loch Etive: 1.5 hours
Approximate time there: 15-45 minutes
Calling Harry Potter fans! Not only is Loch Etive gorgeous in its own regard, but it was also used as a filming location in The Deathly Hallows Part 1. So if you feel like chasing good views and maybe a little residual magic, type Gualachulain Bothy into the GPS and see where Ron decided to break up the golden trio for a while.
Wee White House of Glencoe
Wee White House of Glencoe
Drive time from Loch Etive to Wee White House: 45 minutes
Approximate time there: 15-45 minutes
If you’ve done any research on the Highlands, I’m all but certain you’ve seen photos of the little white-washed cottages that nestle into the beautiful Scottish scenery — the most famous one is the Wee White House of Glencoe. Located just off the main road, it’s an easy stop on your way by to marvel at the quaint beauty that draws people to this part of the country. If you have some extra time, wander along the path and get a closer look at the house and scenery.
Three Sisters of Glencoe Viewpoint
Drive time from the Wee White House to Three Sisters: 10 minutes
Approximate time there: 15 min-30 minutes
One of the most popular stops in Glencoe, the Sisters proudly stand next to the A82, dominating the landscape. The carpark is well marked, and easy to access. Stop for a while and enjoy the wild beauty that makes Scotland’s Highlands so spectacular.
The Three Sisters shrouded in clouds
Meg and Tys in the Lost Valley
Lost Valley Hike
Drive time from Three Sisters to Lost Valley Trailhead: 0 minutes
Approximate time there: 2-2.5 hours
Before hopping back in the car, grab your day pack and head out on the Lost Valley Hike. Leaving from the left side of the Three Sisters carpark, you’ll find this great, slightly challenging, but highly rewarding hike. The trail has rock scrambles, stream crossings and some steep inclines all leading to the valley hidden behind the Sisters.
Day 3: Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis*
Drive time from the Three Sisters carpark to Ben Nevis: 40 minutes
Approximate time there: 7-9 hours
As the highest munro in Scotland, Ben Nevis is on most hikers’ lists when visiting the Highlands. Once an active volcano, Ben Nevis is now included in the 3 Peaks Challenge — people attempt to climb to the tallest point in Scotland, England, and Wales respectively — which is no easy task! The hike typically takes about 8 hours, but can take up to 10 depending on a variety of factors (weather, fitness level, etc.) As such, I would recommend devoting an entire day to the iconic munro.
Day 4: Ben Nevis to Isle of Skye
Eilean Na Moine*
Drive time from Ben Nevis to Eilean Na Moine: 30 minutes
Approximate time there: 30 minutes
Starting off day four bright and early, make your way to Eilean Na Moine — used in the Harry Potter films as the site of Dumbledore’s grave — located in Loch Elit. The views are exceptional, so much so that they decided they were fitting for a world of magic.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Drive time from Eilean Na Moine to Glenfinnan Viaduct: 15 minutes
Approximate time there: 1.5-2.5 hours (depending on how early you arrive)
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this stop is an absolute must! Not only is it a truly magical moment, but apart from a cheap parking fee, it’s free.
A short backtrack from Eilean Na Moine, head to the viaduct for mid-morning. Arrive early if you want to guarantee parking and a good spot, the people come in droves, even in the off season. We arrived at about 9:00 am to the parking lot, walked the thirty-ish minutes over to the viaduct and climbed all the way up for the best view. The train wasn’t scheduled to arrive until almost 11:00 am and there were already people who had claimed their spots.
Whether you are a Harry Potter fan or not, seeing the Jacobite train is definitely worth the detour in our opinion!
Armadale Castle*
Drive time from the Glenfinnan Viaduct to Armadale Castle: 1.5-2 hours (route takes a 45 minute ferry, check schedules, service disruptions and buy tickets here.)
Approximate time there: 1.5-2 hours
Jacobite steam engine crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct
Armadale Castle is just outside of the port town of Armadale which you will arrive in and is a great place to stop and explore while stretching your legs. The castle was once the home of Clan Donald and today its grounds are open to the public. Wander the gardens, see ruins and learn some scottish clan histories at the award-winning museum.
Point of Sleat*
Drive time from the Armadale Castle to Point of Sleat: 40 minutes
Approximate time there: 3-3.5 hours
Point of Sleat is a 8.9 kilometre out-and-back walk to a lighthouse on the southernmost point of Skye. The walk takes about 2.5 hours with no breaks. If tide times line up, you’ll be treated with views of a beautiful white sand beach which is a great place to stop for a snack or a swim!
Day 5: Isle of Skye
Blà Bheinn*
Drive time from Point of Sleat to Blà Bheinn: 1.75 hours
Approximate time there: 5-6 hours
If you want to sneak in a munro while on the Isle of Skye, head to Blà Bheinn (aka Blaven). This hike offers incredible 360° views from the summit, however, the walk to the peak is full of stunning vistas too. Skye’s magic fairytale-esqe landscape means that you’ll be captivated the entire way.
I’d suggest staying somewhere near the trailhead the night before, starting the hike by 8:00 am, and wrapping up in the early afternoon. As always, respect Scotland's ‘leave no waste’ policies and stay on the path!
Fairy Pools
Cafe Cuil
Drive time from Blà Bheinn to Cafe Cuil: 1.25 hours
Approximate time there: 1 hour
Locally sourced ingredients and views of Skye’s landscape are guaranteed at this must-stop restaurant, known for their brunch and lunch options, full of fresh and delicious flavours. The staff is wonderful and will make you feel right at home!
Fairy Pools
Drive time from Cafe Cuil to Fairy Pools: 15 minutes
Approximate time there: 1.5-2.5 hours
A gorgeous, relatively easy walk along a stream with waterfalls and tiered pools with mountains as the backdrop. You can walk for as much or as little as you’d like, but the first glimpses of the pools are about 45 minutes in. Be aware that though the majority of the walk is decently level, the first stretch is a very steep downhill, which means a steep uphill on the return!
Day 6: Isle of Skye continued
Neist Point
Drive time from Fairy Pools to Neist Point: 1.25 hours
Approximate time there: 1-1.5 hours
Stop the car and get ready for a stroll. Follow the path to the lighthouse on the most western point of Isle of Skye. The walk takes about 45 minutes each way, and treats you to some incredible views of the unbelievable Scottish cliffs.
Neist Point at sunset
Dunvegan Castle*
Drive time from Neist Point to Dunvegan: 35 minutes
Approximate time there: 1-2 hours
The oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, Dunvegan, has tons to offer visitors. Whether you want to explore the grounds or take a boat tour to see a seal colony, Dunvegan delivers. Be sure to check hours before arriving as they fluctuate throughout the year.
Staffin Beach*
Drive time from Dunvegan to Staffin Beach: 1.25 hours
Approximate time there: 30 minutes-1 hour
Interested in taking a step in a dinosaur’s shoes? Staffin Beach is famous for the dinosaur footprints found here; they can be covered by water so check tide times and visit when the tide is low!
Mealt Falls, Kilt Rock in the background
Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
Drive time from The Quiraing to Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls: 15 minutes
Approximate time there: 15 minutes
This stop is quick, beautiful and definitely worth the time to pull over! Kilt rock can be seen jutting out beind Mealt Falls in the distance, a cliff face of hexagonal rocks, similar to those found at the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. This pattern resembles the pleats of a kilt, thus the name. Mealt falls is one of only ten waterfalls that drain into the sea in all of Europe.
Old Man of Storr
Drive time from Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls to Old Man of Storr: 20 minutes
Approximate time there: 2 hours
Definitely one of Scotland’s most iconic views, Old Man of Storr is known for its interesting rock formations with incredible scenery around it. The hike is short and steep, and typically takes about 45 minutes each way.
If you’re here around sunset you might luck out with a little alpenglow/belt of venus magic!
Eilean Donan
Day 7: Loch Ness to Inverness
Eilean Donan
Drive time from Blà Bheinn to Eilean Donan: 1 hour
Approximate time there: 45 minutes-1 hour
Eilean Donan Castle is located on a small island where three lochs meet. You can either pay for access to the exterior or for a little more, access the interior of 13th century structure. The castle is known as the most photographed in Scotland, and it’s not hard to understand why.
Loch Ness (Fort Augustus)
Drive time from Eilean Donan to Loch Ness: 1 hour
Approximate time there: 45 minutes
Hoping to catch a glimpse of Nessie? Or just want to enjoy the views of the largest freshwater lake in the UK? Stop into Fort Augustus on the southern tip of the loch to take it all in.
Urquhart Castle*
Drive time from Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle: 30 minutes
Approximate time there: 1.5 hours
It was once one of the largest castles in Scotland’s largest castles, today its ruins are perched on the edge of Loch Ness. Pre-book tickets online to save a few pounds.
Culloden Battlefield
Drive time from Loch Ness to Culloden Battlefield: 1 hour
Approximate time there: 1-2 hours
The Culloden Battlefield is a historically significant site where the Jacobites made their last stand against the British Government forces in an attempt to regain the throne for Stuart King James. On April 16th, 1746, 6000 Jacobite men faced the 8000 British troops in a battle that lasted less than an hour. Over 1500 Jacobites fell, while the British only lost about 50 men with 300 more injured. Today you can walk through the battlefield and see the memorials of the Scottish clans that fell, including Clan Fraser, from the popular Outlander series. Do remember that this place is not a film set and should be treated as the site of mass casualties. Be respectful during your visit.
Culloden Battlefield where over 1,000 Jacobite soldiers fell in an hour
Inverness
Drive time from Culloden Battlefield to Inverness: 15 minutes
Approximate time there: Spend the night
Just past the northern end of Loch Ness is Scotland’s northernmost city, Inverness. Surrounded by golf courses and endless farmland, it is also the gateway to the North Coast 500 (NC500) and the perfect place to stay before starting the 500 mile coastal drive. Enjoy a good meal and some drinks, sneak in a round of golf, or explore the botanic gardens before heading further north.
Day 7: Inverness to John o’Groats
Dunrobin Castle
Drive time from Inverness to Dunrobin Castle: 1.25 hours
Approximate time there: 45 minutes-1 hour
The oldest parts were constructed in the late 13th century as a home for the chief of Clan Sutherland , remaining the seat of the Earl of Sutherland today. The inside is cool to walk through, but the grounds took the cake in my opinion. A great place to stop to break up the drive and stretch your legs!
Castle of Old Wick
Drive time from Dunrobin to Castle of Old Wick: 1.25 hours
Approximate time there: 15-30 minutes
Well-maintained castles are cool and all, but a crumbling castle on precarious cliffs? So much cooler if you ask me. Castle of Old Wick is small, in complete disrepair, and you can’t currently access it, but seeing it from the viewpoint is still worth it.
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe
Drive time from Old Wick to Sinclair Girnigoe: 20 minutes
Approximate time there: 30-45 minutes
About a 10-15 minute walk from the carpark, you’ll find Castle Sinclair Girnigoe. Another ruinous castle, but one you can enter and walk into the front rooms of the crumbling structure.
Duncansby Stacks
Drive time from Sinclair Girnigoe to Duncansby Stacks: 30 minutes
Approximate time there: 45 minutes-1 hour
Drive to the end of the road where you’ll find the lighthouse carpark, when you’re facing the lighthouse, start making your way across the grass to your right and follow the footpaths (and crowds) until you see the Stacks along the coast. They are majestic, and one of my favourite stops along the NC500.
John o’Groats
Drive time from Duncansby Stacks to John o’Groats: 10 minutes
Approximate time there: 1-2 hours
This picturesque, coastal town is the perfect place to spend the evening. Colourful houses, fishing boats returning with their catches, and the popular signpost in the centre of town. Enjoy some local breweries or grab some fresh-baked goods.
Painted houses in John o’Groats
Dunnet Head on NC50
Day 8: John o’Groats to Ardvreck Castle
Dunnet Head Lighthouse
Drive time from Duncansby Stacks to Dunnet Head: 30 minutes
Approximate time there: 30-45 minutes
With a busy day ahead, hop in the car and head to Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of Great Britain. A tranquil place to start the day — impossibly green cliffs above brilliant blue water— and the views will leave you in awe.
Ceannabeinne Beach
Drive time from Dunnet Head to Ceannabeinne Beach: 2.5 hours
Approximate time there: 15 minutes-1 hour
Ceannabeinne Beach is a gorgeous stop to enjoy the north coast of Scotland. With white sand, natural rock walls lining the sides, and endless blue waters as far as the eye can see, it is a great place to have a snack before carrying on to Smoo Cave.
Smoo Cave
Drive time from Ceannabeinne Beach to Smoo Cave: 5 minutes
Approximate time there: 30 minutes-1 hour
An underground waterfall? Yes please! There are tours available if you want to explore the cave system or you can walk into the first cave and see the waterfall, then follow the paths up and around the sinkhole that feeds the falls.
Tys and Meg ready to face the wind and rain at Smoo Caves
Durness Beach*
Drive time from Smoo Cave to Durness Beach: 5 minutes
Approximate time there: 1 hour
Another beautiful white sand beach on the northern side of the country. For fans of the Beatles, the beach is a short drive/walk from John Lennon’s childhood holiday home and a memorial garden in his honour. While you’re in the area, grab a bite at Cheese n Toasted; a popular food truck, serving delicious grilled cheese sandwiches.
Allt Chranaidh Waterfall
Drive time from Durness Beach to Allt Chranaidh Waterfall: 1 hour
Approximate time there: 30-45 minutes
A rather easy walk from the road, follow along the left side of the riverbed — the rocks can be very slippery, so tread carefully! After about 10 minutes, you’ll arrive at the Allt Chranaidh Falls — also known as the Weeping Widow Falls, for those of us who haven’t mastered the Gaelic pronunciations — a beautiful, quick stop.
Ardvreck Castle
Drive time from Allt Chranaidh Waterfall to Ardvreck Castle: 10 minutes
Approximate time there: 30-45 minutes
This might be the coolest castle ruins to visit. Situated in the midst of mountains on the edge of the beautiful Loch Assynt, you can explore the ruins and take in the beauty around you. It is a popular stop, but if you’re lucky, you might get a couple of minutes with the site to yourself.
Enjoying the view on the Bone Caves trail
Day 9: Ardvreck Castle to Achmelvich Bay
The Bone Caves
Drive time from Ardvreck Castle to the Bone Caves: 10 minutes
Approximate time there: 2 hours
Easy and rewarding, the walk to the Bone Caves is filled with amazing vignettes of the Highlands, and is definitely a must for even casual hikers. Apart from a short, steep incline upon arrival at the caves, the hike is mainly flat, set in the valley along a riverbed. The caves themselves are visible from the valley below and are aptly named after the bones of many different species which were discovered inside.
Cul Beag or Cul Mor*
Drive time from Bone Caves to Culs Beag and Mor: 25 minutes
Approximate time there: 5 hours
A pair of difficult munros, a short drive from Ullapool. If you’re looking for a challenge before the trip is over, one (or both) of these peaks might be calling your name.
Achmelvich Bay
Drive time from the Cul Beag/Mor to Achmelvich Bay: 45 minutes
Approximate time there: 1-1.5 hours
A beautiful white sand beach with a secret castle! Hermit Castle is located in the fenced rocky area to the left of the sandy shore and is fondly known as the smallest castle in Europe. Put your eyesight to the test and try to hunt it down, or take a swim in the sea, relax and enjoy!
Tyson with Hermit Castle at Achmelvich Bay
Day 10: Ullapool to Glasgow
Stac Pollaidh
Drive time from Achmelvich Bay to Stac Pollaidh: 1 hour
Approximate time there: 3 hours
If you’re hoping to sneak in one last hike, this is a great medium-effort, high-reward option! There is a lot of elevation gain in a short distance, making it decently challenging for a three-hour out-and-back, but the views are incredible, making it my favourite of the hikes we did. Pack some snacks, and enjoy the views at the summit while refuelling before making your way back down.
Stac Pollaidh
Visit Ullapool
Drive time from Stac Pollaidh to Ullapool: 25 minutes
Approximate time there: 1-2 hours
Ullapool is often reffered to as being one of the most beautiful towns in Scotland. There are plenty of walking paths, a quaint harbour filled with fishing boats, and tons of locally owned shops to explore. The crowning jewel for us was the Seafood Shack. Closed for the winter months, this seasonal food truck serves fresh seafood dishes that left us wanting more. I highly recommend checking them out while you’re there. Dishes change based on the fresh caught fish they have available — if the spicy seafood soup is available, be sure to give it a try. You won’t be dissapointed!
Corrieshalloch Gorge
Corrieshalloch Gorge
Drive time from Ullapool to Corrieshalloch Gorge: 20 minutes
Approximate time there: 1-1.5 hours
The perfect opportunity to stretch your legs after a hike and before a long drive — get out and stroll through the Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve. Grab a coffee or snack at the visitors centre and take the (relatively) flat, well-maintained, scenic trail that twists through waterfalls, crosses a suspension bridge and leads to a viewing platform hanging over the 60 metre (200 ft) deep gorge.
Tarvie Services (Cafe)
Drive time from Corrieshalloch Gorge to Tarvie Services: 30 minutes
Approximate time there: 30 minutes
A small shop with a selection of souveniers and hot food and drinks. They have everything from toques (beanies) with embroidered highland coos, to juicy burgers. We grabbed a couple of the hot roll sandwiches slathered in good ol’ brown sauce (HP sauce) for breakfast, which were delicious.
Kelpies of Falkirk
Drive time from Corrieshalloch Gorge to Falkirk: 3.75 hours
Approximate time there: 30 minutes-1 hour
The Kelpies of Falkirk are a great last stop, halfway between Edinburgh and Glasgow, making it easy to carry on to wherever your next destination is!
Other Stops Along the Way
There are endless “points of interest” throughout the Scottish Highlands, especially on routes like the NC500. Give yourself time to enjoy the beauty of stumbling upon incredible spots that your research didn’t tell you about. This kind of trip really is all about the journey!
We also made a detour over to St. Andrew’s. I spent most of our time there in a hotel room feeling ill, but Tys — a huge fan of golf — absolutely loved it! Even in my limited time walking around the grounds, I was able to appreciate the history of the famous site.
Kelpies of Falkirk at night
