Castles, lochs, whisky and single-track roads through the Highlands: Scotland is one of Europe's finest road trip destinations, by car or motorcycle. Here is a two-week itinerary to see the essentials.
Days 1 to 3: Edinburgh and Stirling
Start in Edinburgh, with its castle, the Royal Mile and the view from Arthur's Seat. Heading north, stop at Stirling Castle, a landmark of Scottish history.
Days 4 to 6: Glencoe and the West Highlands
Crossing Rannoch Moor and the Glencoe valley is one of the most beautiful drives in the country. Continue to Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles.
Days 7 to 9: the Isle of Skye
After Eilean Donan Castle, cross to the Isle of Skye: the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing cliffs, the Fairy Pools and the colourful harbour of Portree. Plan at least two nights on the island.
Days 10 to 12: Loch Ness and Speyside
Follow Loch Ness to Inverness, then head to Speyside, Scotland's densest whisky region, where many distilleries are open to visitors.
Days 13 and 14: back through the Cairngorms
Cross Cairngorms National Park and Perthshire on the way back to Edinburgh.
Driving in Scotland
- Drive on the left, and take roundabouts clockwise.
- In the Highlands, many roads are single-track with passing places: pull in to let others pass.
- Distances look short but roads are slow: allow plenty of time.
When to go?
From May to September, with very long days in June. Bring repellent for the summer midges on the west coast, and rain gear in any season.
Our Scotland trips, self-drive or by motorcycle, are tailor-made by our specialist.
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