Scottish Roadtrip | 7 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 seven-day itinerary will get you started planning your dream trip.
In October of 2024, Tys and I visited Scotland’s rugged, mountainous countryside. After five days between Edinburgh and Glasgow, the change of pace was perfect. 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.
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 this incredible nation has to offer.
Day 1: Glasgow to Glencoe
Loch Lomond from Firkin Point
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Drive time Glasgow to Loch Lomond: 1 hour
Approximate time there: 1-2 hours
After spending a few days in Glasgow, hop in your car and drive straight to Loch Lomond. This beautiful, placid lake is often considered the boundary separating the lowlands from the highlands. Whether you want to stretch your legs on a walking path at Firkin Point, grab a bite to eat in Luss, or drive up the eastern side to hike Ben Lomond — the most southerly of Scotland’s munros — instead, there is tons to do and see as you begin your journey into the Highlands.
Kilchurn Castle
Drive time from Loch Lomond 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 and get a better vantage point of the 15th-century castle crumbling across the loch.
Wee White House Glencoe
Drive time from Kilchurn Castle 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
Drive time from the Wee White House to Three Sisters: 10 minutes
Approximate time there: 15 min-2 hours
Depending on how you’re feeling, the Lost Valley Hike was a great, slightly challenging, but highly rewarding hike. Starting from the Three Sisters viewpoint, follow the trails to the left of the parking lot and hike up some rock scrambles to the valley hidden behind these beautiful mountains! If a light scramble isn’t your style, there is a much tamer walking path that runs parallel to the road or stop for a quick picture and carry on to your bed for the night!
The Three Sisters shrouded in clouds
Day 2: Glencoe to Isle of Skye
Hogwarts Express crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Drive time from Three Sisters to Glenfinnan Viaduct: 1 hour
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 one of those magical moments, but apart from a cheap parking fee, it is absolutely free. 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 didn’t 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!
Note: Train times change throughout the year, so be sure to check here.
Point of Sleat*
Drive time from the Glenfinnan Viaduct to Point of Sleat: 2-3 hours (route takes a 45 minute ferry, check schedules, service disruptions and buy tickets here.)
Approximate time there: 3 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!
Fairy Pools on Isle of Skye
Alternative/Additional Stop: 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 hours
If you don’t have time for a 3 hour hike, after the ferry crossing to Isle of Skye, Armadale Castle is just outside of the port town 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.
Fairy Pools
Drive time from Point of Sleat to Fairy Pools: 1.75 hours (1.25 from Armadale Castle)
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!
Note: there are campsites and other accommodations located nearby, if you’re arriving late, stay locally and do this early in the morning.
Neist Point at sunset
Day 3: Isle of Skye
Neist Point
Drive time from Café Cùil to Neist Point: 1 hour
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.
The Quiraing*
Drive time from Neist Point to The Quiraing: 1.75 hours
Approximate time there: 30 minutes-2.5 hours
One of the most incredible landscapes in Isle of Skye, parts of the Quiraing are visible from the car park, but if you walk about 15 minutes along the path the crowds will thin and the views only get better! If you’re feeling adventurous, the path leads you on a two-hour loop-walk through the otherworldly rock formations. The path is considered “hard” by most ratings.
Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
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!
Day 4: Isle of Skye to Inverness
Blà Bheinn*
Drive time from Old Man of Storr to Blà Bheinn: 1.5 Hours
Approximate time there: 5-6 hours
If you want to sneak in a munro before leaving Skye, head to Blà Bheinn (aka Blaven) before leaving and continuing north on the mainland. This hike offers incredible 360° views from the summit, but the walk to the peak won’t leave you wanting either. Skye’s magic fairytale-esqe landscape means that you’ll be captivated the entire way.
I’d suggest 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!
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
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.
Inverness
Drive time from Loch Ness to Inverness: 1 hour
Approximate time there: Spend the night
Just past the opposite end of Loch Ness is Scotland’s northernmost city, Inverness. Surrounded by golf courses and historic battlegrounds, 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 then start day five with a round of golf or walk the fields of Culloden before leaving town.
Culloden Battlefield where over 1,000 Jacobite soldiers fell in an hour
Day 5: 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: 45 minutes-1 hour
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
Day 6: John o’Groats to Achmelvich Bay
Dunnet Head
Drive time from John o’Groats 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.
Smoo Cave
Drive time from Dunnet Head to Smoo Cave: 2.5 hours
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.
Allt Chranaidh Waterfall
Drive time from Smoo Cave 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.
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 vignets 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.
Tyson with Hermit Castle at Achmelvich Bay
Achmelvich Bay
Drive time from the Bone Caves to Achmelvich Bay: 30 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!
Day 7: Achmelvich Bay 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 alot 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 hike (between this, Lost Valley and Bone Caves). Pack some snacks, and enjoy the views at the summit while refuelling before making your way back down.
Stac Pollaidh
Corrieshalloch Gorge
Corrieshalloch Gorge
Drive time from Stac Pollaidh to Corrieshalloch Gorge: 45 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.
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!
