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Scotland Itinerary: 7 Days of Adventure Through the Best of Scotland

  • Post last modified:June 27, 2021
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If you enjoy the outdoors, and are not afraid of a little rain (okay, maybe a lot of rain), then Scotland is for you. Often moody, and always dramatic, Scotland holds on to the heart of all its visitors. Once you are there, you’ll want to stay longer. Since long trips are not always possible, this seven day Scotland road trip itinerary focuses on just the best Scotland has to offer. It will have you finished planning your trip in minutes. 

If you have more time, or just interested in what else Scotland has on offer, see our more comprehensive guide. The Ultimate Scotland Road Trip goes beyond the typical tourist route and highlights some of our favorite road trip pit stops along the way. 

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Scotland Itinerary: One Day In Edinburgh

Edinburgh (pronounced Edin-bruhh) is a gorgeous capital city with a medieval feel. The city’s crown jewel is Edinburgh Castle. You can’t miss it, the city literally surrounds it. From Edinburgh Castle follow the Royal Mile straight to Palace Holyroodhouse.  The walk only takes 30 minutes. However, it’s impossible not to pop into one of the many shops, attractions or restaurants along the way. Allow two hours at both the castle and the palace. Purchase tickets online for the best prices and to avoid the lines.

Edinburgh is well worth two days of your time. But, trust us when we say you really want to get out to the Scottish Highlands, so our Scotland itinerary moves on. 

View over the city at Edinburgh Castle Scotland

One Day In The Trossachs National Park

Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for the perfect spot for rest and relaxation, the Trossachs National Park is the ideal gateway. Its lush green rolling hills gently tumble into placid lakes. 

Get out on the water with a boat ride on the Lady of the Lake. Or, take a walk with breathtaking views on the West Highland Way.

Looking for a great place to stay? Enjoy one of the many comfortable bed and breakfasts in the area.

View of Lochs and Mountains from the West Highland Way in the Trossachs National Park Scotland

Scotland Itinerary: One Day in Glencoe & Fort William

The route from the Trossachs National Park to Glencoe via the A82 is phenomenal. Reserve plenty of time to stop at the numerous viewpoints along the way.  Some of our favorites include Loch Tulla, Glencoe Valley Viewpoint, Buachaille Etive Mor Car Park, Glencoe Waterfall, and Three Sisters Viewpoint. We also really love the drive around Loch Leven

Elevated view over Loch Level and the mountains surrounding it, near Glencoe, Scotland

Our Scotland itinerary for day four continues following the A82 to Fort William.

Fort William is most famous for its proximity to the UK’s largest mountain, Ben Nevis. Though Ben Nevis is often covered in clouds, there are plenty of areas to enjoy around the base. Follow the tiny C1162 road into Glen Nevis, a glen with lovely hikes, waterfalls, and views of the mountain ranges. 

Plus, there’s plenty to do in Fort William itself if you have a cloud covered day. Grab a drink at the Ben Nevis Whiskey Distillery, or take a peak at the ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle. Or, if you’re up for a bit of luxury, stay at the Inverlochy Castle Hotel and enjoy an evening of fine dining. 

View of Ben Nevis partially covered by clouds, Scotland

Two Days In The Isle Of Skye

About a two-hour drive from Fort William is the magnificent Isle of Skye. Often debated as one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland, the isle is known for its dramatic and rugged scenery.

Countless viewpoints, hiking trails, and waterfalls give visitors plenty to do. Be sure to go all the way to the top of the island to enjoy some of the most famous sights like The Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr rock formation, and Dunvegan Castle

On your way to the Isle of Skye, you definitely want to stop for photos at Eilean Donan Castle.

View over Lochs and Mountains, Isle of Skye, Scotland
View of Eilean Donan Castle with Lochs in the foreground and snow topped mountains in the background, Scotland

One Day Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park is about two hours from Skye Bridge. No matter which route you take, the drive is magical.

Once at the national park, Glenmore Forest Park provides fantastic views of the mountainside. The road up Cairngorm Mountain is stunning for aerial views. Plus, the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre gets visitors up close and personal with the area’s cutest residents. 

Finally, if you have time, make your way around the national park to Balmoral Castle. This Royal Residence is not always open to the public, so make sure to check opening hours before visiting.

View of the mountains covered in snow and Lochs, Cairngorms, Scotland

One Day Back to Edinburgh

The drive back to Edinburgh is about 2.5 hours. If you have been diligent at keeping pace with the agenda, then we suggest taking the slow way back.

Stop off to take in one of the many fantastic views. Or, grab a tour at a whisky distillery, such as Dewar’s in Aberfeldy. Finally, pop into Falkirk to see the impressive Falkirk Wheel, which lifts canal boats 35 meters (about 115 feet). 

Queens view over a Loch and mountains, close to Aberfeldy, Scotland

Final Thoughts On This Scotland Itinerary

Though this Scotland itinerary is very doable, Scotland is meant to be enjoyed like a fine whisky, sipped not gulped. We suggest using this itinerary as a guide. Identify the areas you are most interested in, and slow down a little. Spend an extra day or two in the Trossochs, Glencoe or Isle of Skye. You’ll just have to find your way back to Scotland one day and finish your journey.  

Travel Resources

We recommend and use these companies to arrange our travel plans; they make travel planning easy and affordable. If you have questions on our experiences, feel free to ask us!

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Winter Park, Florida

    Hello. I always visit your website. You have some really amazing writing. Your travels inspire me. I want to travel like you. If I have enough money one day, I’ll travel. Thanks.

    1. Nicole

      Thank you, that is very kind of you to say and we appreciate you reading. We hope you do get to travel one day, seeing the world is such a worthy investment 😉

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