by Anna Hann
posted on 27 November 2024
The journey along the Scottish Highlands features diverse landscapes and breathtaking views that are spectacular at every turn.
The Scottish Highlands is a mountainous region in the northwest of Scotland that covers over 10,000 square miles. Its landscape is characterised by looming mountains, purple heather, and those iconic thistles (the Scottish thistle has been the country’s emblem since 1249), with the Great Glen dividing the Scottish Highlands into two.
Exploring Scotland on a Scottish road trip is a bucket list trip for many drivers. The scenic drives and beautiful landscapes are the trip’s highlights. There are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, abundant natural beauty, and magnificent historic castles along the way. And, of course, if you like a wee dram at the end of a day’s driving, there are plenty of fantastic world-class whisky distilleries across this incredibly beautiful country.
A 12-day Scotland road trip itinerary
This 12-day itinerary covers an epic route over a thousand miles long. It’s an anticlockwise mega-loop and a great itinerary that sets off from Edinburgh and goes to Inverness first to follow parts of the North Coast 500, one of Scotland’s most famous road trips through the Scottish Highlands. Like the NC500, it includes the Isle of Skye but ventures further south to explore other well-known parts of Scotland, including Fort William, Glen Coe, and Loch Lomond, which are not featured on the NC500.
Although this trip sets off from (and returns to) Edinburgh, which can be helpful if you arrive in Scotland at Edinburgh Airport, you can easily tailor the trip if you’re coming to Glasgow. If you’re flying into Inverness Airport, you can simply pick up the route from Day 2.
Once you get going, the average driving distance per day on this road trip in the Scottish Highlands is around 100 miles. However, the times can be tailored to suit your own trip and at your own pace.
Many itineraries recommend visiting the Isle of Skye during a Scottish Highlands road trip. Think about whether you have enough time or whether to save it and take a five-day Isle of Skye road trip as your next adventure.
Day 1: Edinburgh and the Cairngorms National Park – 157 miles
Although Scotland’s capital city isn’t in the Scottish Highlands, Edinburgh is a great place to start your road trip. It’s one of the most accessible locations to get to, and there are plenty of flights and trains arriving in the city. Then, you can book a car on Turo and collect it from an accessible city location, like Edinburgh Waverley train station or Edinburgh airport, ready for your road trip.
Edinburgh
It’s a long drive to Inverness on a journey north up the A9, and you’ll need to allow over three hours without stopping.
So you can make an early start, take the time to explore the city centre the day before your road trip starts. You could walk the Royal Mile, visit Edinburgh Castle, look inside the Royal Yacht Britannia, or visit the mighty Forth Railway Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When you’re ready to set off, head north towards Inverness to take the most direct route that tracks up the western side of the Cairngorms, taking the Queensferry Crossing over the Forth Estuary.
Pitlochry
Scotland has numerous whisky distilleries that offer tours and tastings, and Pitlochry is a great place to pause on your way to Inverness. It’s a town that’s considered the gateway to the Scottish Highlands.
You could stop at the Edradour Distillery, Scotland’s smallest distillery, or the Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry. Both are popular destinations, and distillery tours reveal the journey from grain to glass. Happily, many distilleries provide small samples for designated drivers to enjoy later.
Aviemore
You’ll route around the western fringes of the Cairngorms National Park. Aviemore is a popular stop between Edinburgh and Inverness and a popular holiday destination that provides an easy springboard for adventures in the Great Outdoors.
If you fancy stretching your legs after a long stint in the car, you can take a short walk with lovely views in Aviemore before continuing on the journey to Inverness.
Inverness
Once you arrive in Inverness, check into your hotel and plan a relaxing evening in the city. Perhaps you’ll head to a local pub like MacGregor’s Bar, where there’s a craft brewery onsite. Or take yourself across the Atlantic Ocean (metaphorically, at least) for an evening at Scotch & Rye, a gastropub influenced by the Chicago speakeasies in the 1920s.
Choose a comfortable city centre hotel like Ness Walk for your two nights here and you’ll be within walking distance of plenty of restaurants and bars.
Day 2: A day around Inverness and Loch Ness – 83 miles
If you drove straight from Edinburgh to Inverness, you would have spent much of the previous day on the road, so factor in a breather today, which will give you time to get to know Inverness and the glorious scenery beyond, not least the spectacular and storied Loch Ness.
Inverness city centre highlights
Before setting off to Loch Ness, spend some time in the city centre. The Inverness Museum & Art Gallery is a great scene setter for your adventures, as it explores the stories of the people and traditions that have shaped the Scottish Highlands.
Don’t miss peeking inside Leakey’s Bookshop, a vast second-hand bookshop with a roaring log fire keeping you snug and warm as you peruse the shelves.
Loch Ness
It’ll take you around 30 minutes to drive to Loch Ness from Inverness. Loch Ness holds more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined and is easily the most famous loch in the Scottish Highlands because of Nessie, the legendary and mysterious Loch Ness monster. It’s considered a must-see on any road trip itinerary.
Those looking to learn more about the Loch Ness Monster’s mysteries will want to head to The Loch Ness Centre to hear fascinating stories about Nessie. If you’d rather head out to search for the Loch Ness Monster yourself, hire a canoe and paddle out, following a small part of The Great Glen Canoe Trail that runs from Fort William to Inverness via Loch Ness. There are plenty of tour companies to choose from.
For a fantastic photo opportunity, drive or walk to one of Loch Ness’ waterfalls, such as Plodda Falls, Divach Falls, or the mighty Falls of Foyers, which cascades 140 feet into a gorge.
Culloden Battlefield
Driving to the Culloden Battlefield takes around 15 minutes from Inverness city centre. This is a must-see if your trip is motivated by an interest in the country’s turbulent history. It helps tell the story of the Jacobite Risings, and there’s an interactive visitor centre with artefacts from both sides of the battle that unfolded here.
Close by are the standing stones of Clava Cairns, a 4,000-year-old stone circle above the River Nairn. This prehistoric site has helped historians piece together mysteries of the Bronze Age, and they’ve found that the standing stones may have been part of a much bigger complex.
Urquhart Castle
For spectacular scenery and views across Loch Ness and the rolling hills of the Great Glen, visit the ancient ruins of Urquhart Castle. Its thousand-year history tells chapters and chapters of Scottish stories, from 6th-century miracle-workings to the castle’s role in the Wars of Independence.
Inverness
You’ve got a second night in Inverness before continuing north on the third day of your trip. The next leg of the journey takes you deeper into the Scottish Highlands.
Day 3: Beautiful Easter Ross – 84 miles
Easter Ross is the region north of Inverness, and you’ll spend today driving through it. Be sure to take your time on the drive and divert to the coast and see the seaboard villages of Scotland’s east coast.
Muir of Ord
Set off from Inverness via the south side of the Beauly Firth, passing through the villages of Beauly and Muir of Ord. You could stop at the Singleton Distillery– one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland – but if it’s too early in the day, continue onwards and plan to visit the Glenmorangie Distillery later instead.
Rogie Falls
Before you join the A9 that takes you north, visit Rogie Falls. It’s one of the best places in Scotland, to see the salmon ‘run’ in August and September, where the wild salmon leap upstream. Then take the A835 towards the A9 to continue your journey north.
Portmahomack
When you reach Tain, take a detour to the Tarbat peninsula and the fishing village of Portmahomack. The village is set in a microclimate and is one of the driest places in Scotland. There is a wide sandy beach, perfect for a short stroll.
Tain
Back in Tain, make Glenmorangie Distillery in the Northern Highlands your next stop. The distillery tours are excellent and set in stylish surroundings. The Glenmorangie Distillery has the tallest stills in Scotland, and you can learn more about Scottish single-malt whisky production before continuing to Dornoch. If you decide to go, remember that most whisky distillery tours require advance booking to avoid long wait times.
Dornoch
This coastal town attracts golfers and nature lovers thanks to the Royal Dornoch championship course and a lovely nature reserve that’s home to nesting birds. History lovers will also find intrigue here—the Witch’s Stone commemorates the burning of the last witch in Scotland in Dornoch in 1722.
Tonight, you could check into the Links House at Royal Dornoch or choose a B&B in or around the town.
Day 4: The journey through Caithness – 79 miles
Your road trip continues to the most northern part of mainland Britain—the famous John o’Groats. Just 11 miles from Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of mainland Britain, John o’ Groats is a well-known starting point for adventurers taking the End-End journey to or from Land’s End in Cornwall.
The A9 leads you straight there, following the contours of Scotland’s east coast. You’ll drive around two hours today, allowing ample time to stop along the way or factor in a whole afternoon exploring the walking trails around John O’Groats.
Golspie
Although it’s just 15 minutes from Dornoch, Dunrobin Castle is an excellent place to stop today. It’s the northernmost of the Great Houses of Scotland, and it’s a magical place built to resemble a magnificent French chateau with fairytale-like qualities. It’s only open seasonally, so check before you visit.
Whaligoe Steps
The Whaligoe Steps are 365 steps leading down to a natural harbour. They were built in the 1800s when fisherwomen hauled baskets of herring and salmon up them to be sold nearby. It’s a great place to stop, stretch your legs, and admire the views.
John o’Groats
Plan to arrive at John o’Groats in enough time to set off on one of the scenic walks. A few miles east of John O’ Groats is Duncansby Head, reached by a single-track road which emerges at the lighthouse. You’ll get incredible views north of Orkney, Dunnet Head, and towering sea stacks from here. To get the best view, take a breezy coastline walk. Otherwise, head out on a boat tour to see the incredible marine mammals that patrol these waters. Orcas, minke whales, seals, and dolphins have been spotted here.
Tonight, plan a stay at one of the glass-fronted John o’Groats Lodges. Some have incredible sea views and make for an extra-special place to stay in this far-flung part of Scotland.
Day 5: Exploring Sutherland – 94 miles
Today, you’ll head west along Scotland’s north coast. You’ll follow the wiggly and winding A846 and A838 on the most northern part of the Scottish Highland road trip.
Castle of Mey
Pop in to see where Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother lived from the 1950s to the 1990s. Today, there’s a visitor centre and gift shop at the Castle of Mey and you can buy chutney made from produce grown in the castle gardens.
Dunnet Bay
Stop at the two-mile-long Dunnet Bay, a wide sandy beach popular with surfers. If you’re keen to know more about the wildlife here, particularly the sea birds, call in at the visitor centre. Dunnet Bay is one of many excellent beaches on your road trip today – look out for Balnakeil Bay and Torrisdale Bay, too. They’re great stop-off points to stretch your legs and admire the views.
Durness
Once you reach Durness, you’ll arrive at the most north-western village on the Scottish mainland. If you’ve allowed enough time, head out to explore some 2,000 square kilometres of the North West Highlands Geopark, with rocks over three billion years old.
For a cosy overnight stay, book The Cabin at Mackay’s. It’s a firelit bolthole that sleeps up to four people. There are other options too, like industrial-chic The Bothan. For the best sea views, you can’t beat Croft 103.
Hire a car from a trusted local host in Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness and collect it from an accessible city location that fits your itinerary. Choose from a variety of vehicles, including 4WDs, SUVs, or minivans, and set off on a worry-free Scottish Highlands road trip.
Day 6: Southwards to Lochinver – 96 miles
Although you won’t want to set off too quickly from Durness, there’s a long drive ahead today. But first, explore Balnakeil Bay or delve into one of Britain’s largest sea caves, Smoo Cave, on a 20-minute tour.
When you’re ready to get going, your journey south begins. You can set your satnav to Unapool to get around an hour’s driving under your belt.
Drumbeg Loop
If you are an experienced driver and enjoy a challenge, take the remote and narrow B869 to Lochinver, just outside Unapool. Known as the Drumbeg Loop, this scenic drive covers 22 miles of single-track roads, steep hills, and hairpin bends. You will be rewarded with views of spectacular white sandy beaches lapped by turquoise waters, which might make you forget you’re still in Scotland.
Lochinver
Pause at this small fishing village on the west coast of Scotland. It’s the ideal spot to pick up one of the local pies for lunch and then take a short stroll on Achmelvich Beach. If you’re looking for a longer hike, there are plenty of routes for walkers, including along the River Inver or through the Culag Woods.
Ullapool
The next leg of today’s journey takes about an hour. On the edge of Lochbroom, Ullapool is a fishing town with a big personality, and there’s lots to do here, from mountaineering to boat trips.
Stay at Stonehouses in Ullapool, unique accommodation with incredible views and sculpted from stone, grass, and glass.
Day 7: Exploring Wester Ross – 93 miles
The Wester Ross region of the Scottish Highlands is a patchwork of beautiful scenery, from quaint coastal villages to the sweeping North Atlantic vistas.
Poolewe
It takes around 90 minutes to get to Poolewe from Ullapool. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and proximity to the beautiful Loch Ewe, you’ll find the Inverewe Garden here, a botanical garden featuring plants from around the world.
Gairloch
Just a short drive away, take a morning stroll around Gairloch and pop into the gift shops and sandy bays. You can explore Gairloch’s earliest settlers to the twentieth-century engineering marvels at Gairloch Heritage Museum.
Glen Docherty Viewpoint
Before you take the road to Torridon from Kinlochewe, you might want to visit the iconic view famously associated with the North Coast 500. The Glen Docherty Viewpoint looks down Glen Docherty to Loch Maree.
Torridon
You’ll find Torridon on a scenic road that winds along Upper Loch Torridon’s northern shore. It twists and climbs past cliffs and gorges, and once you arrive in the town, there are some great walking paths, including the magnificent ridge along the Liathach massif.
Treat yourself to a night at The Torridon, a beautiful lochside hotel. You can spend the evening at the hotel’s excellent restaurant and head outside for guided stargazing.
Day 8: Applecross Peninsula – 79 miles
Setting off from Torridon, follow the A896 for an anticlockwise loop around the Applecross Peninsula. Stop frequently at the lookout points, such as Loch Torridon viewpoint, and plan to stop at Applecross Sands for a short walk on the incredible beach.
The Applecross Pass
The Applecross Pass is an exciting 11-mile scenic drive and one on the must-drive list of many keen motorists. You’ll want to take it carefully. It’s a narrow, single-lane road, and it’s not advised for motorhomes and trucks. There are hairpin bends and it snakes up to 2,067 feet above sea level, making it one of Scotland’s highest road passes. Be prepared to slow down to let oncoming traffic pass.
Lochcarron
Plan to stop at the lochside village of Lochcarron, known for its white-washed cottages. Just outside the village, you can pick up some traditional Scottish knitwear or a gift from Lochcarron Weavers Heritage Shop – after all, you can’t visit Scotland and not return home with something tartan!
Eilean Donan Castle
Although it is a diversion from your final destination of the day, Eilean Donan Castle is well worth a look. It’s located at the junction of three sea lochs.
Kyle of Lochalsh
Your final stop of the day is the gateway to the Isle of Skye. Kyle of Lochalsh is where the Skye Bridge traverses Inner Sound. Plockton is nearby, on the sheltered bay of Loch Carron, as are the Falls of Glomach, one of the highest waterfalls in Britain.
The Sheiling is an exceptional holiday let around six miles from Kyle of Lochalsh or you could book a ‘pod’ for some glamping at Duirnish Pods.
Day 9: A day on the Isle of Skye – 91 miles
You don’t have to visit the Isle of Skye on a Scottish Highland road trip, but it’s unlikely you’ll be disappointed if you do. You’ve got the option to spend a few days on a detour to the Isle of Skye, with a four-day Isle of Skye road trip that maps out routes in four of the island’s peninsulas. If you’ve just got a day, you might want to set off on a road trip around the Trotternish Peninsula to see The Old Man of Storr, an iconic sight on the Isle of Skye. Or follow this itinerary to visit the Fairy Pools on the Minginish Peninsula.
Fairy Pools
Park at the Glenbrittle Forest car park opposite the start of the gravel path. You reach the first pools after about a 20-minute walk to see the series of clear pools that tumble down the northern slopes of the Black Cuillin mountains. While they’re icy cold, they’re popular wild swimming spots on the Isle of Skye – go prepared with towels and spare clothes if you fancy taking a plunge.
Talisker Bay Beach
After the Fairy Pools, head to Talisker Bay Beach, where you can walk to see the Talisker Bay Waterfall, one of the UK’s highest single-drop falls.
Talisker Distillery
If the non-driver is in the mood for a wee dram, stop at the Talisker Distillery near Loch Harport on the Isle of Skye. Taking a guided tour of the oldest distillery on the Isle of Skye is well worth exploring the distillery production methods used to create the famously sweet and smoky spirit.
Armadale
From the Talisker Distillery, allow at least an hour to get to Armadale. This is where the car ferries depart from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig on mainland Scotland, so depending on which time ferry you book, you’ll want to book accommodation in and around Armadale or close to Mallaig. Try the Isle of Skye Shepherd Huts if you fancy a night in the wild.
Day 10: Exploring Lochaber – 123 miles
If you have already taken the ferry car from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig, your day begins with a journey to Glenfinnan. If you take the recommended extension to Rannoch Moor, you’ll cover over 100 miles today and drive around three hours. This still gives you enough time to pause at some beauty spots along the way.
Glenfinnan
Glenfinnan sits at the north end of Loch Shiel, and you’ll want to allow around 45 minutes to drive there from Mallaig. You can stop at the lookout to see if you can see The Jacobite steam train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous in several Harry Potter movies, with the Hogwarts Express crossing the 21 arches of the famous viaduct. Whether or not you’re a Harry Potter fan, you can’t help but be amazed at the sight of this incredible feat of Victorian engineering.
Fort William
From Loch Shiel, continue east along the A830 to Loch Eil. Fort William sits in a particularly beautiful part of Scotland. Close to the looming Ben Nevis, it’s an outdoor adventurer’s paradise on Loch Linnhe. An excellent way to appreciate the scale of the Nevis Range is on a mountain gondola ride. The journey takes around 15 minutes and involves gliding along the north face of the Aonach Mor, which offers views of the Great Glen and Ben Nevis.
Glen Coe
Gorgeous Glen Coe is known for its breathtaking scenery and is considered one of the most dramatic landscapes in Scotland. Its deep valley and towering mountains have made it one of the most famous places in Scotland, further elevating its worldwide renown. Scenes from the James Bond movie Skyfall were filmed in and around Glen Coe, particularly in the mountains, rivers, and waterfalls of Glen Etive.
Rannoch Moor
Take an optional detour from Glen Coe to Rannoch Moor, a famously scenic drive through a vast expanse of unspoiled, rugged terrain.
Castle Stalker
This privately owned castle has a formidable presence, and it’s worth stopping at Castle Stalker to get a great view of the castle, Loch Linnhe, and Mill.
Oban
Plan to finish today’s road trip in Oban, the Seafood Capital of Scotland. It’s also the gateway to the island off the west coast of Scotland. Oban Distillery offers tours that include sampling its single-malt whisky. If you can’t get enough of the Scottish Highlands’ fabulous Scotch whisky – it could be the perfect way to finish your day.
Day 11: Eastbound from Oban – 60 miles
The penultimate day of your road trip takes you east from Oban to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. As you covered a lot of miles from the Isle of Skye to Oban, your journey is shorter today.
Kilchurn Castle
The ancient castle ruins of the Clan Campbell still cut a formidable presence as they tower over the northern shore of Loch Awe. Kilchurn Castle is one of Scotland’s most photographed castles and makes for an atmospheric stop on your way to Loch Lomond.
Inveraray
Around a 15-mile drive from Kilchurn Castle is another famous castle, although entirely different. The turreted Inveraray Castle is the current home of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll. You can tour the castle and its gardens, pop into the tearoom and shop for trinkets in the gift shop.
Cairndow
From Inveraray Castle, follow the A83 that clings to the edge of Loch Fyne. You’ll loop around the top of the loch, returning on its easterly side.
Spend a night in the Kabn on the shore of Loch Fyne, an off-grid self-catering cabin.
Day 12: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park – 97 miles
It’s not possible to drive around the entirety of Loch Lomond, but the western shore is easily accessible by the A82, which is the route you’ll take today. To get there, head towards the Arrochar Alps, then from Arrochar, take the A83 eastbound until you reach Loch Lomond, then follow the A82 southbound.
Arrochar
Adventurers looking to hike and bike in the mountains use Arrochar, at the head of Loch Long, to access the Argyll Forest Park. It’s a pretty village where you can pause and admire the natural beauty and spectacular scenery that surrounds it.
Luss
Lovely Luss in one of the charming villages on the shores of Loch Lomond, with boat trips departing to Loch Lomond’s islands from the pier. If you’re travelling with children, you might want to stop here and follow the Loch Lomond Fairie Trail.
Duck Bay
Duck Bay is a good spot to stop and admire the lake on the southern shore of Loch Lomond. It’s also close to Cameron House, a luxury resort hotel where you can have morning coffee and watch the golfers congregate before they take on the hotel’s championship golf course. You could also continue to Balloch, the gateway to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park for those travelling here from Glasgow.
Stirling
With the Trossachs National Park behind you, you’ll arrive in Stirling. It’s a small city centre, but there’s plenty to do, from visiting Stirling Castle to exploring the gruesome history of The Old Town Jail. There’s also a drive-through safari park, Blair Drummond, close by.
Follow the Forth Valley tourist route from Stirling, a 90-minute drive to Edinburgh. Stop at The Helix: Home of The Kelpies, 30-metre sculptures built to pay tribute to working horses. They’re the largest equine sculptures in the world and an incredible sight to see.
Edinburgh
As you return to Edinburgh, your adventure ends with over a thousand miles under your belt. Depending on when you’ve arranged to return your car to your host, you might still have time to check off any Edinburgh highlights you missed before you left on your Scottish Highlands road trip.
Driving tips in the Scottish Highlands
When you’re ready to get stuck into the details of planning your Scottish Highlands road trip, there are some things to remember to help your trip go without a hitch.
Plan your accommodation
Plan your accommodation well in advance. You have a good choice of hotels and luxury golf resorts, but you might want a blend of different accommodations. B&Bs and guesthouses are often run by locals and are a popular option as your hosts can share their favourite Highlands spots with you.
Think about your timings
Many scenic drives in the Highlands feature dramatic peaks and iconic landscapes that attract tourists and photographers, and there will be sections where it’ll feel busier than others, particularly if you travel in the summer, the peak season to visit the Scottish Highlands. And remember, while you can hope for sunshine, expect rain in this beautiful country, even in the summer.
Be prepared for Scotland’s roads
Single-track roads often mean encountering oncoming vehicles head-on, sometimes lorries and tractors. So be prepared to use passing places and treat other road users, including bikes and horseriders, with courtesy. Get familiar with the speed limits on Scotland’s roads, as they are not always clear.
Download your map
Once you’ve decided on the route you’d like to take around the Scottish Highlands, you can plot it on a map such as Google Maps or Waze. Remember to download a copy before you travel – you never know when you’ll hit an area without good signal or where internet access is limited, particularly in the most rural parts of Scotland. Your in-car map might not keep up for spells, and it helps to have a downloaded map you can refer to.
The best cars for exploring the Scottish Highlands
When browsing cars on Turo, check what mileage is included, particularly if you’re planning a long Scotland itinerary like a 12-day Scottish Highland road trip. Some hosts offer unlimited mileage.
On some of the more remote mountain passes, you’ll want a comfortable ride capable of handling inclines and hairpin bends, so consider an automatic transmission car or a 4X4 to make the drive easier.
MPVs / Minivans
If you’re thinking about taking the whole family on an epic Scottish Highland road trip, consider a nine-seater MPV. It’s a great rental car option when you want more space for extra passengers or extra luggage and camping gear.
Land Rover Discovery
If any car is built for road trips in the Scottish Highlands, it’s the Land Rover Discovery. Choose a model with a panoramic sunroof so your passengers can take full advantage of the rugged mountains and stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands as you drive.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is a perfect car for road trips in Scotland. It is smooth and comfortable, has an excellent navigation system, and has a huge boot for all your luggage. It also offers top-notch in-car entertainment.
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