Road trip - Scottish Highlands in 10 days

The Scottish Highlands are often referred to as one of Europe’s most scenic regions. Majestic wild landscapes are home to the highest peaks in the UK, the deepest lochs, fairytale castles and remnants of Britain’s rich histories. Having explored Scotland since childhood, this is a cherished route. My family's 1980s orange family caravan has given way to more contemporary accommodation tastes and, foremost for me, those with stunning views to wake up to.

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In this post:

Day 1-10 itinerary | Things to do at Loch Lomond | The route to the Isle of SkyePlaces to stay with a view on Skye | Places to stay with a view on Loch Tay

Bens, Glens & Lochs…Must-know terminology for tourists exploring Scotland for the first time are ‘Lochs’ are lakes, ‘Glens’ are deep valleys and ‘Bens’ are mountains.

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Best month to visit Scotland:

June to September are popular and provide the safest weather conditions if you plan to hike. The hottest months are July & August when temperatures average just below 20ºC, but can get into the mid 20s. We visited in August and enjoyed sunny days, but the odd drizzly morning so its important to pack for all eventualities as rainfall is pretty even year round. In summertime the highlands are infamous for ‘midges’ so you must pack insect repellent (and/or Avon Skin So Soft that is locally raved about) to combat them.

so you must pack insect repellent (and/or Avon Skin So Soft that is locally raved about) to combat them.

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Day 1

• From Glasgow 42 miles (apx 1 hr) drive to Tarbet, Loch Lomond

• 2nts: Ben Lomond & Ben Creoch Boutique Suites, Tarbet G83 7GB

• Two impressive self-built lodgings with dramatic views of the Loch. Bicycles and kayaks available on site.

Day 2

• Waterbus (from Tarbet Pier) or cycle down to Luss (8 miles/40 mins)

• Fish & Chips on the shore or cosy lunch at the Loch Lomond Arms,

• Luss Afternoon cruise from Tarbet

• Dinner and drinks at The Slanj , Arrochar

  
  

Day 3

• Cheese toasties from Tarbet Pier kiosk after a morning in the kayaks.

• 176 mile (apx 4-6hr) drive to Portree, Isle of Syke on the West Highland way/A82 & A87 with stops:

• Fuel, food & gifts: Green Welly Stop, Tyndrum

• ‘Greatest Hit’ stops: Loch Ba, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe (catch a bagpiper if you’re lucky!), Glen Etive (James Bond Skyfall – 30 min detour – turn left after River Etive Bridge), Three Sisters

• Food & supplies: Fort William– ‘Greatest Hit’ stops continued: Loch Loyne, Glen Shiel, Eilean Donan Castle (Braveheart, Highlander)Pictures from this beautiful drive below.3nts: Loch Portree View , IV51 9EWPerfectly situated lochside cottage, 4 min walk from Portree harbour pubs & restaurants.

Day 4

Drive the Trotternish Loop with packed lunch:

• Head 6.5 miles north from Portree and climb the steep 3.8km/40min walk to Old Man of Storr. It’s worth it!

• Drive 6.5 miles & walk 6 min to headland Brother’s Point.

• 2 miles on is grand ocean waterfall Kilt Rock.

• Spot dinosaur footprints at An Corran Beach.

• Visit The Fairy Glen 10 miles on before watching sunset from the cliffs near Uig looking over to the Isle of Harris

• Continue 16.5 miles completing the loop back back to Portree

• Dinner and drinks at The Bosville Hotel.

Day 5

Drive Skye’s north western loop:

• Drive 26.5 miles to Coral Beach (if you can park!) passing views of Castle Dunvegan

• .Head round 9 miles and settle in The Three Chimneys for a sumptuous dining experience.

• Drive 6.5 miles to Neist Point Lighthouse.

• Head back 32 miles with a quick stop at Red Cullin Viewpoint before heading a mile on for a scenic beer at the beer garden Sligachan.

• The final stretch back to Portree is 9.6 miles.

Day 6

170 miles (apx 4-5hr) drive to Loch Tay, Acharn, via A86, A889 & A9:

• Stop for local pastries on Loch Oich half way & the Commando Memorial & Ben Nevis viewpoint at Spean Bridge.

• Drop into the quintessential Blair Castle, home of Clan Murray.

• Grab supplies at Pitlochry and relax in your lochside hot tub at Osprey Lodge.

• 3nts: Loch Tay Lodges, PH15 2HTUnique luxury self-catered accommodations on the shores of Loch Tay, all with hot tubs.

Day 7

Explore the local area:

•  The Crannog Centre, Killin & Kenmore

• Pre-book your terrace lunch at The Ferryman’s Inn on Loch Tay, then hire a boat, kayak or take a safari next door.

• 40 min forest walk to Black Rock Viewpoint (start point at Dalerb or the golf club at Kenmore). Alternatively, after brunch spend a day climbing Ben Lawers, the highest peak in the Southern Highlands, apx 4-6hrs return from the car park.

Day 8

• Head 20 miles/40min behind Ben Lawers to Loch Tummel and the famous Queens View.

• Photo opp and/or bungee jump at Garry Bridge!

• Enjoy fine dining with views at Fonab Castle.

• Last chance to climb a munro and last evening to enjoy the hot tub.

Day 9

Take your time on the 73 mile drive to South Queensferry via the A9/M9 with stops:

•  Stirling Castle & Wallace Monument

•  The Falkirk Wheel (gigantic rotating boat lift)

•  The Kelpies, 30m towering horse heads

• 1nt: Orocco Pier, South Queensferry

• Hearty food & balcony rooms that make the most of the unique spot between the Forth Bridge and Forth Road Bridge (Classic Double w/Sea View).

Day 10

Enjoy breakfast on the balcony before the long drive/fly home! If heading to South of England like us, last things to take in along the way:– Drive amidst vast Wind Farms on A706 (turn off M8, Junction 4 at Whitburn)– Last opportunity for a Scottish castle fine dine at Cornhill Castle.– Spectacular waterfalls at Falls of Clyde– New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Site