Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

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• Day 1 – Travel to Glasgow
• Day 2 – Glasgow to Oban (The Trossachs)
• Day 3 – Isle of Mull
• Day 4 – Oban to Fort William
• Day 5 – Glenfinnan, Road to the Isles & the Harry Potter train
• Day 6 – Glen Coe & Glen Etive Road
• Day 7 – Glen Nevis to the Isle of Skye
• Day 8 – Isle of Skye (Old Man of Storr, Trotternish Peninsula, Fairy Glen)
• Day 9 – Isle of Skye (Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point Lighthouse & Fairy Pools)
• DAy 10 – Isle of Skye to Glasgow

Day 1 – Travel to Glasgow

Day 2 – Glasgow to Oban (The Trossachs)

Day 3 – Isle of Mull

Day 4 – Oban to Fort William

Day 5 – Glenfinnan, Road to the Isles & the Harry Potter train

Day 6 – Glen Coe & Glen Etive Road

Day 7 – Glen Nevis to the Isle of Skye

Day 8 – Isle of Skye (Old Man of Storr, Trotternish Peninsula, Fairy Glen)

Day 9 – Isle of Skye (Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point Lighthouse & Fairy Pools)

DAy 10 – Isle of Skye to Glasgow

Updated on February 5th, 2025

If you are looking for the best Scottish Highlands itinerary for a road trip, then look no further. This includes numerous castles, lochs & the Harry Potter train, the Trossachs, Fort William, Oban & Glencoe as well as the islands of Skye & Mull. It’s busy but the spectacular scenery will blow your mind!”

If you are looking for the best Scottish Highlands itinerary for a road trip, then look no further. This includes numerous castles, lochs & the Harry Potter train, the Trossachs, Fort William, Oban & Glencoe as well as the islands of Skye & Mull. It’s busy but the spectacular scenery will blow your mind!”

Where?

Where?

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Starts & ends in Glasgow & includes The Trossachs, Oban, Isle of Mull, Fort William, Glencoe & the Isle of Skye.

Starts & ends in Glasgow & includes The Trossachs, Oban, Isle of Mull, Fort William, Glencoe & the Isle of Skye

Why?

Why?

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Due to the pandemic, all travel for me has been put on hold in 2020. Even now things have opened up in the UK I am reluctant to get on a plane just yet. When I had an offer to take on a road trip with my friend Manda to the Scottish Highlands however it seemed to be the perfect solution. It took some research for me to feel comfortable to get out into the world again, but it was well worth it for me to explore this region for the first time.

See Also:  Top Tips to Travel Safely During COVID 19 &  Travel During COVID 19 – How to Choose a Holiday Let

See Also:

 Top Tips to Travel Safely During COVID 19 

 Top Tips to Travel Safely During COVID 19

 Travel During COVID 19 – How to Choose a Holiday Let

 Travel During COVID 19 – How to Choose a Holiday Let

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We took my friends car & drove up to start & finish in Glasgow. This itinerary gives an opportunity for all sorts of exploration including hiking, steam train journeys, stunning beaches, castles, wild swimming, waterfalls & so much more. This Scotland road trip itinerary is all about the journey, not necessarily the destinations. Every road here is spectacular & I encourage you to stop in awe with your camera at the ready every single step of the way. I will be expanding on each section of the journey over the next few weeks so if you need more details, then be sure to return here for more!

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Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

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I have made this itinerary for 10 days & it will start early & end late in Glasgow. If you would like to explore more & do additional hiking or boat tours, then you may need more time. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, many of the castles & attractions were still closed when we visited.

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Love a road trip? Check out Ireland’s Beautiful Wild Atlantic Way in 5 Days – Kerry & Cork or Nashville, Memphis & New Orleans – A Music Roadtrip with a Twist. or Te Anau to Milford Sound in New Zealand.

Love a road trip? Check out

Ireland’s Beautiful Wild Atlantic Way in 5 Days – Kerry & Cork

Ireland’s Beautiful Wild Atlantic Way in 5 Days – Kerry & Cork

Ireland’s Beautiful Wild Atlantic Way in 5 Days – Kerry & Cork

Ireland’s Beautiful Wild Atlantic Way in 5 Days – Kerry & Cork

or

Nashville, Memphis & New Orleans – A Music Roadtrip with a Twist.

Nashville, Memphis & New Orleans – A Music Roadtrip with a Twist.

Nashville, Memphis & New Orleans – A Music Roadtrip with a Twist

Te Anau to Milford Sound in New Zealand

Te Anau to Milford Sound in New Zealand

Te Anau to Milford Sound in New Zealand

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Day 1 – Travel to Glasgow

However you get there, this is the perfect starting point for your journey.

Day 2 – Glasgow to Oban (The Trossachs)

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Just an hour’s drive from central Glasgow, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park covers an area of 720 square miles of untamed landscapes.

It is home to 21 Munroes (Scottish mountains over 3000ft) & over 20 lochs. This includes Loch Lomond, the largest expanse of freshwater in Britain. So, not a bad place to dive into this Scottish Highlands road trip!”

It is home to 21 Munroes (Scottish mountains over 3000ft) & over 20 lochs. This includes Loch Lomond, the largest expanse of freshwater in Britain. So, not a bad place to dive into this Scottish Highlands road trip!”

The National Park has handily constructed 4 art pieces that are strategically placed in some of the most spectacular viewpoints.

4 art pieces

4 art pieces

4 art pieces

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To start with take Dukes Pass, a winding scenic road into the Trossachs & the perfect introduction to the trip. The first stop is then down a single track road to Loch Voil with its beautifully placed mirrored box. It reflects the spectacular lush green glen in between 2 lochs.

Loch Voil

Loch Voil

Then continue your journey to the Falls of Falloch. This is a great place for a dip, a picnic or for an adrenaline rush, you could opt for a leap off the 30-foot high waterfall. For refreshments, stop at the 300-year-old Drovers Inn, purportedly the 2^nd most haunted pub in Scotland. From here make your way to beautiful Kilchurn Castle. Built in the mid-1400s, the best view of this atmospheric castle is from across Loch Awe. The final stop for the day is St Conan’s Kirk, one of the best-kept secrets of Argyll in a stunning location on the banks of Loch Awe. Go inside & explore.

Falls of Falloch.

Falls of Falloch.

Drovers Inn

Drovers Inn

^nd

Kilchurn Castle

Kilchurn Castle

St Conan’s Kirk

St Conan’s Kirk

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Want to read more? See also Things To Do in The Trossachs – A One Day Road Trip

Things To Do in The Trossachs – A One Day Road Trip

Things To Do in The Trossachs – A One Day Road Trip

Stay overnight in Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland. Enjoy your fill of mussels, scallops, langoustines, lobster & crab but don’t panic as you’re back tomorrow night too. The perfect bed for the night is The Perle Oban Hotel.

The Perle Oban Hotel

The Perle Oban Hotel

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Day 3 – Isle of Mull

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Do not miss Mull! For both of us, this was one of our favourite stops on this whole exploration of Scotland’s highlands & islands. If you are interested in stunning scenery, sheep, empty white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, cows, cliffs & more sheep, then you are in the right place!

The important thing to note is that in Mull you cannot travel fast. Drive, stop, wonder & drive a little more before you have to stop in wonder again. I loved it!”

The important thing to note is that in Mull you cannot travel fast. Drive, stop, wonder & drive a little more before you have to stop in wonder again. I loved it!”

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I advise you to execute the route in this direction as it takes you back to the ferry on the fastest road from Tobermory. Trust me, you will thank me!

Starting on the early ferry at 6.45am will give you all day to explore. Head straight for Duart Castle. It is the ancestral home of the Maclean clan & perfectly situated overlooking the Sound of Mull. From here, take the road along the south of Mull to the beach of Uisken before discovering a little piece of the Caribbean near Fionnphort. Fidden Beach is an empty & idyllic stretch of white fine sand & turquoise blue waters…just a palm tree short of paradise!

early ferry 

early ferry

Duart Castle

Duart Castle

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After retracing your steps, take the West Coast Scenic Drive to Calgary Beach. It looks like a simple road but be warned, on Mull everything takes longer than you expect. The journey took us over 2 hours but it was worth every second! From Calgary, the roads get faster & the final stop is the picturesque ‘capital’ of Tobermory. Here you can take your time, enjoy the shops & get some refreshments before the easy & quick (30 minute) drive back to the ferry. Stay for the 2^nd night in Oban. We were treated to one of the most spectacular sunsets I have ever seen… & a rainbow!

^nd

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Want to see more? See Top 10 Things to do on the Isle of Mull

Top 10 Things to do on the Isle of Mull

Top 10 Things to do on the Isle of Mull

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Below are some tours of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh:

Day 4 – Oban to Fort William

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Today you can take advantage of a shorter drive as the rest of this Scottish Highlands road trip is full-on. We were hoping to get a boat to see the puffins but when we visited, they had literally just left! The lady at Staffa Tours was very helpful though. We had a slow start & headed for our first stop at Castle Stalker. This is potentially one of the most spectacular of all the castles we visited in Scotland, perched on an island offshore. The castle is privately owned but operates tours as long as you book ahead.

Staffa Tours

Staffa Tours

Castle Stalker

Castle Stalker

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Love a castle? Check out 15 Reasons to Visit the Tower of London

15 Reasons to Visit the Tower of London

15 Reasons to Visit the Tower of London

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Then, head for your first glimpse of Glencoe with its spectacular mountains, rivers & waterfalls. Wait for day 6 to explore the area further. For the next 3 nights, we stayed at Myrtle Bank Guest House which was perfect. It is a short walk to the town & the station with views over Loch Linnhe. It is also spotlessly clean. Although Fort William itself is not the prettiest place on this trip, it is perfectly situated for exploring the area. Fort William sits at the base of Ben Nevis & is known as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’.

Myrtle Bank Guest House

Myrtle Bank Guest House

Day 5 – Glenfinnan, Road to the Isles & the Harry Potter train

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I have not seen any of the films or read any of the books, but if you are a Harry Potter fan then this is the day for you! We start with a view of the ‘Hogwarts Express’ curving around the famous viaduct. We then discover yet another scenic drive, more idyllic beaches & finish with a ride on the iconic steam train itself.

The first stop is the Glenfinnan Monument on the banks of Loch Shiel. This is where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard to rally the Jacobite clans in 1745. 

Glenfinnan Monument

Glenfinnan Monument

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From here it is a short walk to the viewing point for the viaduct. Make sure you get here early as it gets very busy to see the steam train pass. It does so twice a day, 30 minutes after the train leaves Fort William. Therefore, ensure your spot well before 10.45am or 3.10pm. It would be such a shame to miss it.

The viaduct itself is spectacular but to see the steam train traverse the structure is very special, Harry Potter fan or not!”

The viaduct itself is spectacular but to see the steam train traverse the structure is very special, Harry Potter fan or not!”

We were booked onto The Jacobite train for the afternoon journey, leaving at 2.40pm so had time to explore further along the famous Road to the Isles. Another day & another stunning road which will take you to more beautiful white sand beaches at Morar & Arisaig before heading back to make the train. If you’re lucky you may also make another connection with the steam train en route.

The Jacobite

The Jacobite

Road to the Isles

Road to the Isles

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The afternoon trip is perfect! It’s not every day you get to ride on a historic train, through mesmerising scenery. The journey takes around 2 hours to Mallaig, allowing 1 ½ – 2 hours there before returning. This gives you enough time to have lunch/brunch/discover Mallaig or take a boat trip.

For more details on the Jacobite steam train check out Everything you need to know to ride the Hogwarts Train, Scotland. For cycling along an epic railway line over viaducts & through tunnels read my post on the Monsal Trail, Peak District, UK.

Everything you need to know to ride the Hogwarts Train, Scotland

Everything you need to know to ride the Hogwarts Train, Scotland

Monsal Trail, Peak District, UK

Monsal Trail, Peak District, UK

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Below are some tours of the Scottish Highlands from Glasgow:

Day 6 – Glen Coe & Glen Etive Road

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Glen Coe is jaw-droppingly beautiful & potentially one of the most dramatic landscapes you will ever visit. Driving along the road through the valley will take your breath away but you will need to park up & take a walk to truly appreciate the splendour of the ‘Three Sisters’.

Glen Coe

Glen Coe

Next, head a little further along the valley & onto the Glen Etive Road. This is mainly a single-track road that runs 12 miles down to the end at Loch Etive. But it is so much more than that!

Glen Etive Road

Glen Etive Road

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The landscape was used as the backdrop for the house in the James Bond film ‘Skyfall’ & has been described as the prettiest glen in the country. It seems to change every mile from mountains & rivers to waterfalls & forests, ending at stunning Loch Etive.”

The landscape was used as the backdrop for the house in the James Bond film ‘Skyfall’ & has been described as the prettiest glen in the country. It seems to change every mile from mountains & rivers to waterfalls & forests, ending at stunning Loch Etive.”

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I challenge anyone not to be in awe of the view at the end. If you’re lucky with the weather as we were, why not to succumb to a dip in these enchanting waters?

Clachaig Inn is the perfect stop on your way back to Fort William for some refreshments.

Clachaig Inn

Clachaig Inn

For more details, check out 18 Best Things To Do In Fort William

18 Best Things To Do In Fort William

18 Best Things To Do In Fort William

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Day 7 – Glen Nevis to the Isle of Skye

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After a hearty breakfast, it’s time for a hike before the drive to the Isle of Skye. In the foothills of Ben Nevis is Glen Nevis & it is a beautiful 1.5-mile walk through Nevis Gorge to 100m high Steall waterfall. When you reach the end of the valley, the adventure begins as you can cross to the waterfall itself via a precarious wire bridge. Test your balance if you dare!

Then it’s back into the car for another scenic drive to the Isle of Skye via yet another castle, this time in the guise of Eileen Donan Castle. It’s the perfect backdrop for a picnic or you can cross the evocative stone bridge to see this magnificent castle at closer quarters. Next, it’s not far before you reach the bridge over to the final stop on this Scotland self-drive itinerary, the jewel that is the Isle of Skye.

Eileen Donan Castle

Eileen Donan Castle

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye

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If you have time, I would thoroughly recommend a small detour en route to Portree by taking the road from Broadford to Elgol. Once again you will not be disappointed as you head off the beaten track to explore the sharp & intimidating Cuillin mountains. Along this road, you have 2 amazing panoramic views of the range, across Loch Slappin & at the end of the road above Elgol pier.

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It is best on a clear day but if I learnt anything during my 3 days on Skye it’s that a clear day on one part of the island could mean thick fog elsewhere!

Portree is perfectly situated on the island & therefore makes a great location from which to explore. I stayed at Oronsay B & B which I would thoroughly recommend, within walking distance of the town.

Oronsay B & B

Oronsay B & B

Love a road trip? Check out my essential guide to solo road-tripping HERE.

HERE

HERE

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Day 8 – Isle of Skye (Old Man of Storr, Trotternish Peninsula, Fairy Glen)

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For many people, Skye is a day trip destination. However, I don’t believe in rushing these things, so we took 3! Day 2 on the island is time for your next hike, this time the iconic Old Man of Storr.

It was a mean & moody old man that we met that morning, hiking up in low cloud before reaching the top for a glimpse of the dramatic landscape in glorious sunshine.”

It was a mean & moody old man that we met that morning, hiking up in low cloud before reaching the top for a glimpse of the dramatic landscape in glorious sunshine.”

Then the weather gave us a confusing mixed message on the way down – with cloud on one side & blue skies on the other. It is a challenging uphill trek but well worth it. Up, down & a bit of exploring at the top will easily take you 3 hours.

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After the hike, continue to explore the Trotternish Peninsula around to Uig & the beautiful Fairy Glen. Anywhere you stop is a treat of waterfalls, scenic vistas & fossil hunting. Once you get to Fairy Glen, it’s hard to believe with the drama everywhere on this captivating island that it is also home to this gentle green oasis of rolling hills & grass circles. Finally, drive through the centre of the peninsula to see the Quiraing. Apparently, this is yet another spectacular display of rock formations that dominate the landscape. I can’t clarify as we drove straight from blue skies into the thick fog as we arrived. It’s always good to have a reason to return!

Trotternish Peninsula

Trotternish Peninsula

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Day 9 – Isle of Skye (Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point Lighthouse & Fairy Pools)

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The final full day of this Scotland driving itinerary is yet more of this awe-inspiring island. First head to Dunvegan Castle, first built in the 13^th century & home of the clan MacLeod. The setting is picturesque once again, especially on a still & sunny morning. Then take the road to Neist Point. It’s a good walk to get to the lighthouse itself but keep your eyes peeled out to sea. When we visited, there had been sightings of dolphins, Minke whales & basking sharks.

^th

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Then it’s the final official stop & a trip to the Fairy Pools. Overall this takes around 90 minutes, to get down to the gorge & move through successive pools & waterfalls cascading in the shadows of the Cuillin mountains.

Don’t stop before discovering the small horseshoe falls towards the end. Take a dip, it is just magical!”

Don’t stop before discovering the small horseshoe falls towards the end. Take a dip, it is just magical!”

DAy 10 – Isle of Skye to Glasgow

The last day of this driving Scotland itinerary is another long journey back to Glasgow but it also gives you the chance to pick up on anywhere you may have missed along the way. You head back through the Isle of Skye, past Eileen Donan Castle, Fort William & Glencoe before re-entering the Trossachs for a drive along the length of Loch Lomond. Enjoy & soak it all up!

Below are some tours of the Scottish Highlands from Inverness:

Interested in the Isle of Skye? See Top 15 Picks for your Perfect Isle of Skye Itinerary. You may also like to check out 16 Fantastic Things to do on Lewis & Harris in the Outer Hebrides

Top 15 Picks for your Perfect Isle of Skye Itinerary. 

Top 15 Picks for your Perfect Isle of Skye Itinerary. 

16 Fantastic Things to do on Lewis & Harris in the Outer Hebrides

16 Fantastic Things to do on Lewis & Harris in the Outer Hebrides

I very much hope that you enjoy this 10-day Scotland road trip as much as I did. Taking this route truly made me fall in love with this spectacular country & the wonderful, friendly people who inhabit it. I will definitely be back & I look forward to sharing many more details with you on each part of the journey over the coming weeks. Watch this space…

I also have lots to share from my return trip to Scotland to explore the spectacular North Coast 500 route. I will keep you posted, but to whet your appetite, check out my walk to the wildest & most beautiful beach in Scotland – Sandwood Bay.

Sandwood Bay

Sandwood Bay

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Interested to read more?

Interested to read more?

You can also Subscribe Here to get regular updates & special offers from Sue Where? Why? What? along with a copy of my 201 Inspirational Travel Bucket List Ideas for FREE! I hope you choose to join me on the journey.

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This post may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission. You will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions, reviews & recommendations remain my own. For more information see my disclosure.

This post may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission. You will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions, reviews & recommendations remain my own. For more information see my disclosure.

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