scotland whisky road trip

• Get in touch

Take the whisky road trip

Scotland! The land of whisky. The damn good whiskies ... A well deserved drink after a great hike, around the campfire with your friends or family, right before you dive into your cabin in the middle of nowhere.

This route is perfect for you if whisky is one of the main reasons to visit Scotland but you don't want to take the 'everyone takes this route' road trip. This is for you if you are the adventurous type, get itchy when you think of staying in a 500-bedroom-hotel, and you're not afraid to get your boots dirty!

Rough scenery, campfires at night, sober up hikes and of course ... a lot of whisky!

Minimum of 10 days, miles: 712 / km: 1145.

some of the

OF THIS ROAD TRIP

Glasgow > Auchentoshan > Glengoyne

Islay - Laphroaig

Loch Tay > Aberfeldy > Pitlochry

Isle of Skye > Talisker

Inverary - Rest and be thankful

Glenfiddich > Whisky cask makers

Eilean Donan Castle

Passion for Whisky

Sure, you can taste all of Scotland's famous whisky regions at a tasting session. But nothing comes close to actually driving up to a remote distillery, breathing in the fresh air, tasting the malted barley, and finally sitting down by the cosy flames to warm up on a wee dram of Scotland’s finest. Visiting a distillery is more than just taking a tour. Most tourguides are passionate story tellers, proud of their region and even more proud of their product.

Whisky regions

If you’re coming to Scotland to drive the whisky tour, you are probably well aware of the distinct whisky regions. This road trip guides you from region to region: taking the most scenic roads through the picturesque lowlands, into the rough highlands, along the rugged coastline, and onto the ocean battered islands. Each region carries its own tradition and ways of whisky making, giving each whisky its distinct flavour. We have selected the distilleries on this tour based on their unique character, their location, and the quality of their guided tour. Enjoy the ride!

More than Whisky

The route is based on visiting the best whisky distilleries, but you will still get to see nearly all of Scotland’s other highlights. Accounting for the ferry crossing to and from Islay, the route is best enjoyed with a minimum of ten days available. Oh and, don’t forget to book a place to stay overnight close to the distilleries!

ROUTE _ PART 2

ROUTE _ PART 1

Our whisky journey starts in Glasgow, and will take you to all whisky regions and the top highlights that Scotland has to offer. The round trip is designed to take you to the more gentle whiskies first, and gradually get you ready for the rougher versions, with the heavily peated Islay whiskies as the last distillery stops.

Glasgow does not share Edinburgh’s perfectly designed and well kept city center, but its roughness and vivid street music life have a strong appeal. The city breathes the original Scotland experience, where Edinburgh sometimes feels more focused on pleasing foreign tourists. Glasgow has much to offer – loads of restaurants, pubs, museums, the Cathedral, but also the beautiful West End, with the charming Ashton Lane and its centuries old university, famous for being the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Hogwarts.

Lowland Whisky – Auchentoshan

The reason that we have chosen the country’s largest city as our starting point, is that one of the most gentle Lowland whiskies can be found right outside the city center. Auchentoshan is set in the North West of Glasgow, only 20 minutes by train from the city, making it a perfect day trip whilst staying in Glasgow. From Dalmuir train station it is only a short walk to the distillery. Auchentoshan is one of very few Scottish distilleries that triple distills their spirit, creating a smoother whisky than most. A great tour can be concluded with a tasting at the modern designed bar, with the comforting thought that you can safely get back to your B&B or hotel by train afterwards! Visit www.auchentoshan.com for more information.

Highland Whisky – Glengoyne

After you have enjoyed the Glasgow you can get started on the actual road trip! Heading North, the route takes you out of the city through picturesque Strathblane, straight to the first Highland Distillery: Glengoyne. If you wish to get a great view of the highlands first though, we strongly advise to continue on the route to Connic hill first. The short walk up the hill gives one of the most stunning views over Loch Lomond and the highlands. Afterwards, it is only on short ride back to Glengoyne distillery where you will feel that you have really earned that tour! For visiting hours and tour information, visit their website here: www.glengoyne.com

The road continues

Balmaha is a great place to stay overnight, with the Oak Tree Inn as a great scenic pub to sit down in the evening. Upon leaving Balmaha, the road then dwindles into the Trossachs: a set of beautiful lochs within the ‘Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park’. It is a brilliant bit of driving, but unknown to mass tourism. The road that you will follow could hardly get any better: through untouched nature and passing lots of charming towns such as Aberfoyle, Callander, Killin, Aberfeldy and Pitlochry.

ROUTE _ PART 4

ROUTE _ PART 3

Driving into Caringorms National Park

Once you cross the A9, the route continues into Cairngorms National Park. Braemar – a small scenic mountain town – is perfect for a break or an overnight stay in the center of the national park. We especially like the Bothy coffee bar, but also hold warm memories of the Invercauld Arms Hotel. A few miles further down the road you will pass impressive Balmoral Castle, which is the Royal Family’s Scottish home. But lucky us – they keep it open to the public most of the year! After Balmoral, the landscape turns more open and quiet, going down into the valley of river Spey.

Speyside whisky – Glenfiddich

The Speyside is famous for being packed with whisky distillers! It is one of the five distinct whisky regions, with single malts that are typically a mixture of fruity, nutty, and spicy flavours. We have chosen to guide you to Glenfiddich, for it has a great reputation, produces a large variety of brilliant whiskies, and offers a great tour. Their production site is truly impressive. But if you have your own favourite Speyside whisky, just go there! The region holds nearly 50 distilleries, so there is plenty to see. For the Glenfiddich tour, find all relevant information here: www.glenfiddich.com/distillery/

How whisky casks are made

When exploring the Speyside, make sure to visit the Speyside Cooperage as well – the Coopers are true masters at building and repairing whisky barrels. Their traditional methods of constructing the casks keep the whisky industry going, and they offer a brilliant tour on their site. All details are available here at https://www.speysidecooperage.co.uk/visitor-attraction.php

ROUTE _ PART 6

ROUTE _ PART 5

Back into the Highlands – The Dalmore

Our route leaves the Speyside behind and takes you back into the highlands again. Passing through the highland capital of Inverness, you will continue North along the coastline. Next major stop: The Dalmore distillery. Home to some of the most exclusive whiskies in the world with a stunning, industrial age production site. It is a totally unique site to visit, with a very different feel to it than all competitors. Book your tour here: https://www.thedalmore.com/visit-our-home/visit-us/

Oh, and since you’re here, you may as well drive up the hill towards Fyrish monument, providing a great view over the Cromarty Firth.

ROUTE _ PART 7

The next section of the route will take you across and back to the west coast. Get ready to be amazed here – without a doubt you’re driving on one of the best roads in the whole of Scotland! Quiet and deserted, taking you through stunning scenery towards the mystical Isle of Skye.

ROUTE _ PART 8

The Isle of Skye is famous for its stunning nature, offering plenty things to see: if you are looking for things to do, take a look at our Skye Blog! On this whisky route though, we are only guiding you to the one distillery on the island – Talisker.

The Islands – Talisker

Yet another renowned name in the whisky world, producing Island whisky: mildly peated with a hint of the sea-water salt. This in one of our absolute personal tastes of whisky, and the distillery itself offers a very nice setting and cosy atmosphere. See it for yourself: https://www.malts.com/en-row/distilleries/talisker

ROUTE _ PART 9

ROUTE _ PART 10

On your way to the next island

Now you have had a taste of the lightly peated Talisker, you will probably know that there is only one more area to visit. For the true peat-lovers, our next stop will be on Islay. This island produces an incredible amount of whiskies, with no fewer than 8 active distilleries today. All of these distilleries use peat dried barley, creating the distinct heavily peated flavour of the island. But before you get to the ferry at Kennacraig, the route passes some of the greatest features of Scotland: Eilean Donan castle, Ben Nevis, and Glen Coe, so make certain to have enough time to stop and enjoy these true Scottish highlights!

ROUTE _ PART 11

Once you have taken the ferry across, we recommend to stay somewhere close to the ‘three distilleries path’. Along this beautiful coastal path Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg are set close together. We have once had a perfect weekend at the Islay storm-pods – beautifully located at a bay right between Lagavulin and Laphroaig distillery. Life just doesn’t get any better!

Islay – Laphroaig

The reason for us to recommend Laphroaig distillery ( https://www.laphroaig.com/en/tours-bookings ) is not only because it has the reputation for creating some of the most heavily peated whiskies. The coolest feature about Laphroaig is that it is one of the very few that still malts its barley their selves. Using locally harvested peat, the distillery tour takes you to the barley – and you’ll actually be allowed to taste it. As far as tours go, this is one of our absolute favourites!

Back to Glasgow

At this point you have crossed off all whisky regions – congratulations! That does not mean your holiday is over yet, since the long and dwindling road to Glasgow passes charming Inverary, the ‘Rest and be thankful’ pass, bonnie Loch Lomond, and Luss. Leaving plenty of beautiful things to see and perfect stops to be made along the way.

ROUTE _ PART 12

• Experiences

Take in the Beauty of Scotland on a Whisky-Filled Road Trip

Few visitors travel to the fabled nation with intentions of anything but navigating through its winding tracks.

By Kim Ayling

We are not, by any means, reinventing the wheel (pun intended) when we suggest a road trip through Scotland . In fact, few visitors travel to the fabled, mythical nation with intentions of anything but navigating through its winding tracks, flanked by towering mountains, glassy lochs and wild oceans. However, the beauty of Scotland’s roads is, in short, how many there are. You could return year after year and discover new routes and landscapes unfurling before you — as well as plenty more wonderful places to stay along the way.

Then, of course, there’s deciding when to visit. Fools might tell you that summer is when you’ll catch the best of Scotland’s famously unpredictable weather, but I am here to fly the flag for fall. Yes, the gamble for sunshine might be greater, but it is during the later months of the year that the Scottish landscape becomes its most brilliant, when the green of the high season twists into a deep coppery auburn and when, if you’re lucky, a smattering of snow sits on the mountaintops.

Also, those rarer flashes of blue sky feel sweeter when they follow a dramatic downpour. It is actually fortunate, despite what I might have muttered to myself as I marched across a beach during a particularly heavy burst of rain, that Scotland doesn’t have a more reliable climate — otherwise, everyone would be here all year round. We’re starting at Inverness, an industrial city on the east coast, loosely considered the capital of the Highlands .

[See also: A Luxury Guide to a Long Weekend in Edinburgh ]

While most would use the metropolis as the starting point for the NC500 route — a road trip that winds its way around Scotland’s most northerly points — we’re slicing the countryside in two and heading due west to The Torridon hotel, which sits on the shores of Loch Torridon. The journey is short but gives a perfect snapshot of the Scottish landscape, with coiling roads traversing through hill-flanked glens. The stretch of the A832 that leads along Glen Docherty toward Loch Maree is especially photo-worthy.

A member of Luxury Scotland (a hospitality organization that groups the nation’s finest hotels and experiences), The Torridon blends five-star service with immersive outdoor adventures. On a rainy afternoon, indulge in a guided whisky tasting (The Whisky Bar proudly offers 365 bottles, or one for every day of the year); when the weather is on your side, make use of the neighboring Torridon Outdoors center with a sea kayaking expedition, or hike one of the many trails that surround the resort. Spend at least two nights here: The rooms, especially the Grand Master options in the main house, with their oversized headboards, roll-top tubs and mountain views, are too good for just a single night.

Discovering India on Uniworld’s Exclusive River Cruise

Introducing a $495k Dining Experience in Space

Enjoy a Private Opera at Lake Como’s Villa La Cassinella

From The Torridon, the route to the Isle of Skye, where we’re checking into the historic Kinloch Lodge , is relatively short and incredibly beautiful, taking in dramatic coastal views as we travel along Loch Torridon and Loch Carron toward the Kyle of Lochalsh bridge. In recent years, Skye has become like a light to moths when it comes to attracting tourists, with coachloads of visitors descending on the mystical island, all craning for a chance to witness its famously dramatic landscape. Visit in the fall, and you’ll find the region far quieter than during peak summer.

Skye doesn’t do grand five-star hotels in the same style you might find on the mainland, so don’t come to Kinloch Lodge expecting luxury in its most glamorous form; hospitality here comes in the most traditional of guises. Owner Isabella Macdonald — whose parents launched Kinloch as a hotel in 1972 — treats every single guest not as a customer, but genuinely as a close friend or a member of her extended family, with a level of warmth and familiarity that many hotels strive for but few achieve. As well as a smartly dressed formal dining room (Kinloch is known for serving some of the best food on the island), the lodge’s numerous lounges are an irresistible spot for that last dram of whisky — all crackling fires, deep couches and family portraits.

Guest rooms are spread across two chalk-white buildings that sit proudly at the base of Kinloch Hill, with all suites in the secondary building, closer to the banks of Loch na Dal. Macdonald has designed each herself (with the help of a particularly interiors -savvy brother-in-law); they’re cozy and comfortable with plenty of cute touches like ornate wallpaper and hand-selected art and vintage furniture. Be sure to request one of the luxury rooms with a tub — they’re wedged under the window and have uninterrupted views of the water beyond.

Content from our partners

W New York – Times Square: “We Do Things Differently”

The Finest Destinations to Fly Private with Qatar Executive

A Weekend Travel Guide to Austin, Texas

It would be sinful to spend less than three days on Skye, especially if it’s your first visit. Spend the first exploring the majestic natural landmarks toward the north of the island — Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing and the mystical Fairy Glens are all relatively close to one another. On day two, start with a visit to Portree, the island’s sweet ‘capital,’ where you should fit in a boat trip. Several providers line the harbor, each offering excursions into the surprisingly tame seas beyond — on a good day, there’s the chance to spot humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea eagles.

A short 30-minute drive from Portree is Talisker — the oldest working distillery on the island. The distillery recently underwent a serious facelift as part of Diageo’s £185m ($225m) investment in Scotch whisky tourism in Scotland and reemerged last year with a new shop, bar, tasting rooms and, most excitingly, private client areas where, if you ask nicely, you might be treated to a dram of something special. The waterfront distillery deftly caters to all levels of whisky drinker (the tours are a great intro to Talisker’s signature sweet, spicy and even salty single malts), but the Cask Draw & Tasting Experience is one for the more seasoned enthusiast. Drawing drams directly from still-aging casks, this tasting gives guests the chance to sample whiskies (with handy take-home bottles for drivers) otherwise unavailable on any market.

Leaving the Misty Isle behind, it’s back onto the mainland and south to Isle of Eriska. Sat-nav systems will take you back over the Kyle of Lochalsh bridge, but ignore this in favor of taking the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig — ferries are a rite of passage when traveling around Scotland’s west coast and can offer some great wildlife spotting opportunities (a minke whale made an appearance for us). When the ship docks, take another little detour to visit the Silver Sands of Morar and Camusdarach Beach. Mere minutes from Mallaig, these beaches have white sand and blue waters to rival that of the Maldives — albeit a fair few degrees cooler.

Set on its own private island just north of Oban, Isle of Eriska is a self-contained haven. The main house, where you’ll find stately bedrooms with brilliantly ostentatious four-poster beds and a sophisticated yet casual restaurant serving thoughtful, hearty dishes, was built in the late 1800s and stands in dramatic contrast against the island’s lush woodland. There are myriad things to do — golf, croquet, clay pigeon shooting, archery, spa trips, kayaking, tennis — but for me, Eriska’s bounty of wildlife trumped it all. Deer, seals, badgers and herons all call the island home. On our final morning, Scotland gave us a parting treat: As we sat on one of Eriska’s most remote rocky outlets, in yet another downpour, a sea otter scuttled across the rocks and slinked its way into the sea — not before stopping for a little glance over at us.

[See also: Stuart Ralston’s Lyla Opens in Edinburgh ]

Instead of returning to Inverness, drive from Isle of Eriska directly to Edinburgh (the journey length is similar) for a few days of culture in the Scottish capital. There are tons of hotels to choose from, but for something a little different, go for a room onboard the Fingal — a floating five-star hotel, permanently birthed on Leith harbor. Fingal is a dining destination too, but if you want to explore, consider The Little Chartroom — a posh neighborhood restaurant celebrating Scottish ingredients.

Just north of the Cairngorms and a touch further east of Inverness is Speyside: a small region home to the highest concentration of distilleries in Scotland. It is here that you’ll find the likes of The Macallan, The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and more; tag an extra day or two on to the end of your trip for a mini Scotch whisky immersion.

Isle of Mull

Best sandwiched between your time on the Isle of Skye and the Isle of Eriska (drive from Mallaig directly to Kilchoan, then get the ferry across to Tobermory), Mull is the second largest isle of the Inner Hebrides. It is abundant with wildlife as well as views that make your jaw drop. The colorful Tobermory harbor is well worth your time, with plenty of cute shops, a whisky distillery and cafes all in walking distance. Don’t miss The Mishnish for a taste of a proper Scottish good time.

[See also: Experience Glenapp Castle’s Sea Safari ]

This article appears in the 30 Nov 2023 issue of the New Statesman, Winter 2023/24

Latest in Luxury

The explorer.

Thank you for subscribing to Elite Traveler.

Trending articles

Raising a glass to Portugal’s best wine regions

Whisky is a staple of the Scottish identity. With a rich history in distillation, the small country of Scotland is home to around 125 distilleries, stretched across five regions.

Whether you’re a whisky newbie or a passionate fan, find a cheap flight to Glasgow , then let your senses run free on the whisky trail through Scotland. Though most urban areas are well-connected, this whisky trail will take you to some remote areas, so you might want to find a ride , check in to hotels along the route, and set off to discover whisky production and the bucolic surroundings. We’ve also set up a Scottish sounding playlist to keep you happy during the road trip!

The Lowlands is one of the most accessible whisky regions in the country. The grassy fields, mild climate and flat landscape make it perfect for growing barley, and whiskies from this region have a delicate, citrusy character – which might explain the affectionate nickname ‘The Lowland Ladies’.

8 miles north-west of Glasgow you will find Auchentoshan Distillery , the only distillery in Scotland to practice triple distillation, which means the whisky goes through three stills before it’s allowed to mature in oak casks. This technique adds to the smoothness, sweetness and delicacy of Auchentoshan’s single malt whisky, also known as ‘breakfast whisky’.

Sitting atop Castle Rock, the Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline

For all-encompassing whisky experiences, ranging from family-friendly tours to ‘Taste of Scotland’ tour, take the 30-minute car ride north-east to Edinburgh for the Scotch Whisky Experience , combining whisky with cuisine, and in-depth classes for connoisseurs. While there, visit the landmark dominating the city landscape, The Edinburgh Castle , or hike up the ancient dormant volcano Arthur’s Seat.

Engage all your senses when sampling the amber gold whisky

Located in the lush East Lothian farmland and only 15 miles from Edinburgh, the  Glenkinchie Distillery specialises in light, sweet and malty whiskies with notes of lemon and cut grass. This distillery dates back to 1825 and has been rebuilt in the late 1800s as a model Victorian distillery village, featuring red-brick buildings, houses for workers and a bowling green.

Find a hotel in Edinburgh

Campbeltown

Go hiking in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Get on road and head to the western peninsula Kintyre. Though it’s a 3-hour drive from Glasgow, the road will take you through one of Scotland’s most beautiful landscape – Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park .

Once a great whisky region and self-proclaimed ‘Whisky Capital of the World’, boasting 34 distilleries, Campbeltown, in southern Kintyre, currently has three operating distilleries. You might think that’s not enough to warrant it a whisky region, but the distinctive characteristics of the single malts produced here garnered a loyal following.

The oldest independent family-owned distillery in Scotland, Springbank Distillery produces three very different types of whiskies. You can pick and choose among seven tours focusing on the production process, history of the distillery and the region. For the die-hard whisky fans: you can book a tour with whisky connoisseur Frank McHardy, who will guide you through the history of the area and the whisky making process.

Sitting on top of each other, the whisky barrels at Springbank await to be sent for bottling

Glengyle’s history is entangled with Springbank’s: after a quarrel, one of the brothers running Springbank decided to start his own distillery. Thus Glengyle was born in 1872. Nowadays this distillery produces a rare single malt whisky under the name Kilkerran, which is derived from Saint Kerran who had his religious followers in this area. One of the smallest distilleries in the country, Glen Scotia still maintains some of the original setup from 1832, like the fermenters, the stillroom, and the dunnage warehouse. Enjoy some whisky in their beautiful Victorian-style shop.

Alternatively, you can visit during the Campbeltown Malts Festival , taking place annually in May. The three distilleries team up for three days of whisky tastings and dinners, masterclasses, live music and combined tours.

Find a hotel in Campbeltown

Welcome to Port Ellen on Isle of Islay

Take to the road again and drive up the western coast of Kintyre. Catch the ferry from Kennacraig and 2 hours later you’ll find yourself in Port Ellen, on Isle of Islay.

Islay is home to around 3000 souls and eight distilleries. It is believed that Irish monks introduced distillation techniques here as early as the 14th century. Thanks to the composed peat found here in abundant amounts and the fertile land for growing barley, Islay has become a hotspot for smoky, heavily peated whiskies.

Enjoy the view from Lagavulin Distillery

The southern distilleries Lagavulin and Laphroaig produce powerful whiskies by using heavily peated malt and peaty water all through the production process. Located in a quiet bay, Lagavulin produces some of Scotland’s best whisky, embodying the flavours of Islay: fruity and smoky with a pinch of sea salt. Just down the road you will find Laphroaig, distilling some of the smokiest whiskies on the island. With a history that goes back two centuries, Laphroaig offers earthy whiskies of various ages, ranging from a young 10- to a very rare 25-years-old. Between March and September you can go on the ‘Water to Whisky Experience’, where you’ll cut peat together with the staff and visit the water source of the distillery.

Find a hotel on Isle of Islay

Speyside – Highlands

Want to catch the Hogwarts Express? Stop by the Glenfinnan Viaduct

Make sure you get a good night’s sleep, since this bit of the road trip includes the longest drive at around 236 miles. Departing from Campbeltown, drive up north through the region of Argyll. Stop for some fish and chips in fishing city Oban, take a small detour when you reach Fort William and visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a filming location for the Harry Potter movies. If you haven’t had enough of Scotland’s island paradises, stick around for a bit.

Continuing the journey north-east you will cross the Cairngorms National Park , and step into Speyside, home to around half the distilleries in Scotland. Speyside is technically a part of the Highlands and is only a denominated whisky region. It’s also the only whisky region to offer a three-day guided malt whisky trail of seven world-famous distilleries. If this sounds too extravagant, put some days aside and check out some of them on your own. In-between whisky sampling, go for some salmon fishing on the River Spey.

Perhaps the most beautiful distillery in Scotland – Strathisla Distillery

The tiny town of Dufftown is home to  Glenfiddich , producer of the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky. The tours available here will take you through the distillery’s Warehouse 1 where you can learn about the Angel’s Share, the amount of whisky evaporating through oak.

In the city of Keith lies one of the oldest distilleries in the country –  Strathisla , home to Chivas Regal. The cobbled courtyard and the distinctive double pagoda towers make it arguably the most picturesque distillery in Scotland. Go on ‘The Ultimate Strathisla Experience’ and sample some of their rarest whiskies, including the 38-years-old Royal Salute Stone of Destiny.

Find a hotel in Speyside

Monster spotting at Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands

Just a hop, skip and a jump away, and you’re in the Highlands, which territorially speaking is the biggest whisky region. Spanning from the Orkney Islands in the north to the Isle of Arran in the south, it’s difficult to commonly describe the whiskies: some are peaty, some are smoky, and some are delicate.

One and a half hours driving west from Speyside will take you to the city of Inverness . Located on the banks of River Ness, this northern city boasts great restaurants and scenic landscapes. Many come here in the hopes of spotting Nessie, the famous inhabitant of nearby Loch Ness.

Drive all the way up north along the east coast of the Northern Highlands, catch the ferry in Gills and in 60 minutes you’ll disembark on the Orkney Islands. Just a short drive up north and you’ve reached the  Highland Park Distillery . The neighboring Hobbister Nature Reserve contains 4000-years-old peat that is still used in the production of their whisky. To get an in-depth understanding of the entire process opt for the ‘Specialist Tour’, where you’ll work for a day at the distillery, firing the kilns, working the floor maltings and handling the peat. Spend some days discovering this archipelago of 70 islands, brimming with diverse wildlife, sandy beaches and a fascinating history.

Step into the shoes of royalty at the Balmoral Castle

Slowly make your way back south towards the Cairngorms National Park and on its east side, in close proximity to the Balmoral Castle , you’ll find the Royal Lochnagar Distillery , regularly visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. It’s easy to imagine why royals loved visiting: the picturesque Lochnagar Mountain just behind the distillery and the tranquil River Dee just a stone’s throw away, make for the perfect retreat while diving into a tasting experience.

While your road trip is coming to an end, make a final stop on your way back to Glasgow. On the banks of the Barvick Burn, visit Scotland’s oldest distillery – the Glenturret Distillery . Glenturret is the most visited distillery in Scotland: among many things, you can take a selfie with the world’s biggest whisky bottle – containing 60 gallons of The Famous Grouse.

Find a hotel in the Highlands

Total road trip length: 1105 miles

Are you planning your first ever road trip check out our 17 tips for the perfect road trip , or visit the momondo travel blog for more inspiration..

Road trip through the west of Scotland

An epic Florida road trip: not your usual suspects

USA road trip: discover the canyon country of the American Southwest

Frommer’s deems momondo best airfare search site for 2024

10 eco travel trends to look out for in 2020

My January Whisky Wishlist

• Inspiration

10 must-try Port-finished whiskies

3 fantastic whisky road trips in scotland.

You know how much I like to travel and visit distilleries… I actually fell in love with whisky while on my first trip to Scotland! And as I tend to receive many messages asking me for whisky-related travel tips and itineraries, I thought it would be nice to share with you 3 whisky road trips ideas (combine them all and you’ll have the ultimate Scotch whisky experience!) for your next Scottish vacations ! So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip!

West Coast Whisky Adventures

DAY 1/ If you’re flying from overseas, take a flight to Glasgow, it will be the ideal departure point and you can even start your trip by visiting Auchentoshan Distillery , the only triple-distilled whisky in Scotland, or the recently-open modern Clydeside Distillery .

Check my list of must-visit Glaswegian whisky bars if you’re spending the night !

DAY 2/ Head North-east to Oban –  passing by the picturesque banks of Loch Lomond – stop at Loch Lomond Arms for lunch if you’re around and take a walk through the cutest Scottish village of Luss. visit Oban Distillery in the afternoon and drive South to Kennacraig (it’s more than 1 hour drive but the coastal scenery is worth the trip) to catch the latest ferry to Islay.

Here’s a list of cool places to stay on Islay !

DAY 3-4-5/ It’s now time to visit the all-mighty whisky island ! I would recommend arranging transportation first (you can even walk from one distillery to another when they are close enough), as you definitely don’t want to drink and drive ;)… And boy, you’re on freaking Islay, so drinking there will be!

My favourite distilleries to visit are Bruichladdich (don’t forget to bottle your own whisky!), Ardbeg (grab something to eat at the distillery café!), Bowmore , Laphroaig , Bunnahabhain and Kilchoman – In all honesty, I didn’t particularly enjoy my tours at Lagavulin and Caol Ila , but the distilleries are still more than worth seeing, don’t miss a chance to grab distillery exclusive bottlings either 😉

Other whisky-related activities you can do on Islay (apart from visiting all the locations that have given names to your favourite whiskies…) include checking the old Port Ellen Distillery (even if it’s to be re-open, it’s now only used as a malting facility but you can still take awesome pictures in front of the old iconic distillery wall on the beach) and the advancements of the works at Ardnahoe , the future 9th Islay distillery currently being built by Hunter Laing (make your whisky pals jealous!).

Where to eat and drink on the island ? The Peatzeria (I mean, the pun itself is already worth every penny…) , Port Charlotte Hotel, The Old Kiln Café or The Islay Hotel are amongst my personal favourites.

DAY 6/ Take a ferry from Islay to Jura and spend the day on the island, of course, you’ll visit the Isle of Jura Distillery , and enjoy one of the wildest places in Scotland where the people are outnumbered by the deers ! Hike up the Paps and enjoy Jura’s unique wildlife. Take a ferry back to Islay at the end of the day.

DAY 7/ It’s time to go back to Glasgow to catch your return flight! The easiest way is to directly fly from Islay (yes, as tiny as it can be, there’s an aiport on the island ;)) to Glasgow, flights are operated by Flybe but are very weather-dependent, as is the ferry anyway!

Spirit of Speyside

DAY 1/ You can here choose to fly to Inverness, Aberdeen or even Edinburgh/Glasgow (and then take a train up North to Elgin) – and if you want to make the most out of your Speyside whisky ramblings, here are a few hotels you should check (both for their location, comfort and food & drink offer):

The Station Hotel – The Craigellachie Hotel – The Highlander Inn – The Dowans Hotel

DAY 2-3-4-5-6/ The choice of distilleries to visit is plethoric ! My personal favourites would include Glenfarclas , Benromach, Ballindaloch , Glenfiddich , Balvenie, Glen Grant, Strathisla ( definitely the most beautiful…) , Aberlour and Glenlivet . A great mix of old and recent, small and big, independent and giant-owned distilleries that would enable you to understand the diversity of the Scotch landscape. Check The Malt Whisky Trail ‘s website for more inspiration!

A must-do in Speyside is also to visit the Speyside Cooperage where casks are being built by skilled coopers.

If you’re planning to visit Speyside in April/May, I would highly recommend to visit during the annual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival and book some tastings (but also take part to the awesome Scottish ceilidhs organised during the 5-day event, a one-of-a-kind experience for non-Scottish visitors ;))

Sometimes, you also need to be reminded that Speyside is much more than whisky (and you may also need to take a break from distillery visits at one point ;), for those moments, Speyside has a lot of activities and sights to offer: drive North to the coast and enjoy a sportive boat ride with North 58° Sea Adventures , visit the Ballindaloch Castle , the ruined Elgin cathedral, or witness the craft of traditional cashmere making at Johnstons of Elgin factory.

Don’t forget to buy some malted souvenirs along the way… The Whisky Shop Dufftown or Gordon & Macphail Shop in Elgin are the best places to do so!

DAY 7/ It’s time to catch your return train/flight :'(

Northern adventures

DAY 1/ Arrive in Inverness and settle for the day, if you’ve never seen it before, drive to the world-famous Loch Ness, you’re in Scotland after all, the whisky can wait one more day 😉 If you really want to dedicate this whole trip to whisky, drive to the nearby Royal Brackla Distillery !

DAY 2/ It’s time to head North and drive a part of one of Scotland’s most scenic roads: the NC500 ! Your first malted stop will be in Tain, where you’ll visit the famous Glenmorangie Distillery . Grab a lunch at a local pub and continue up North, visit the beautiful Dunrobin Castle (where a distillery is soon to be built!) and pursue your adventures to the village of Brora where you can stop at the Clynelish Distillery . You’ll stay here for the night, find a local B&B or guest house, northern hospitality has no common measure 😉

DAY 3/ Take your time to enjoy the coastal scenery while driving North to the Old Pulteney Distillery (it used to be the northernmost distillery in mainland Scotland for a long time, it’s not anymore;)), continue towards John’O Groats and settle in Thurso for the night (don’t forget to experience the local pubs there!)

DAY 4/ Visit the recently-built Wolfburn Distillery in Thurso, taste their delicious whiskies and head towards Scrabster to take a ferry to the magical Orkney (operated by NorthLink Ferries) ! I would recommend staying in Kirkwall but it’s all up to you!

DAY 5/ Orkney adventures : Visit the 2 Orcadian distlleries – Highland Park and Scapa and don’t miss the chance to grab distillery exclusive bottlings if you can! If you have time, Orkney also offers some wonderful sights such as The Italian Chapel, Standing Stones, Yesnaby Cliffs… It’s also a scuba diving hotspot !

DAY 6/ Take a Loganair flight back to Inverness and relax, walking around the city, visiting the Castle…

DAY 7/ It’s time to go home!

thewhiskylady

You may also like.

In Pictures: visiting Highland Park Distillery

An inside look into the most picturesque Scotch Whisky distillery

An open discussion with Port of Leith Distillery’s founder

Weekly Whisky News Round-up

Campbeltown, a whisky region almost gone silent

Copyright © 2023. All Rights Reserved - Privacy policy

Whisky Explorer

The Whisky Explorer tour plan guides you on a whisky trail around Scotlands Lowland, Highland and Speyside distilleries.

The tour route also takes in iconic Scottish landmarks such as Culloden, Loch Ness, Balmoral castle and the Cairngorm Mountains.

Allow a minimum of 7 days to drive this tour route. The guide contains extra day trip suggestions for extending the tour to 10+ days

PLEASE NOTE: The Guides come in the format of PDF files. After payment, you will receive an automated email that enables you to access your Scotland Tour Itinerary.

Money Back Guarantee

We are so confident that you’ll be delighted with your guide that we offer a full Money Back Guarantee. Read More .

Tour Stats :

Guide Updated - 23 December 2023

Core Route Mileage:

Approximately 482 miles / 775 Km

Tour Duration:

7 to 10 Days

Share this tour

Tour summary.

Edinburgh is a compact city and easy to explore on foot. We provide directions for 3 walking routes that show you different sides of the Capital city; a walk down the historical Royal Mile , a riverside path to the Botanic Gardens that escapes the hustle & bustle of city life and a more energetic hike to Arthur’s Seat with the option to continue to a pub with lots of history.

Edinburgh boasts a great range of atmospheric old pubs and we steer you to a selection of our favourites where you can sample some single malts with the locals.

The guide also includes options for day trips around the surrounding area by car, bus or train.

The day trips by car include the option of a tour of West Lothian where you can notch up the first distillery visit on this Whisky Trail

Stopover in Edinburgh

Two route options are provided for this drive that ends in Pitlochry area where you find several distilleries that represent the Highland region of this Whisky Trail:

The longer route takes you west, via Stirling , and then into the Trossachs National Park. “Outlander” fans can stop to explore Doune Castle (“Castle Leoch” in the TV show), and further along the route we guide you to stone circles where you can try to travel through time. After a photo stop at the Falls of Dochart , you travel along the shores of Loch Tay towards Aberfeldy and Pitlochry , where you can end the day with a choice of distillery tours .

Driving Distance: ~111 miles

The shorter route allows you time to spend a full afternoon in Pitlochry. Heading north from Edinburgh, you cross the Forth estuary with views of the famous Forth Rail Bridge . You then speed north to Perth , but can extend the drive with a visit to the pretty village of Falkland where Mary Queen of Scots had her favourite palace. Falkland has also featured in the filming of "Outlander" . From Perth to Pitlochry, we suggest a back road route that visits Scone Palace , the ancient crowning place of Scottish Kings, and the romantic ruins of Dunkeld Cathedral beside the River Tay.

Driving Distance: ~81 miles

Short tours around Pitlochry -  If you arrive early in Pitlochry, or wish to stay for several nights, you will enjoy the 2 short tour options supplied in this guide. These tours feature the grand Blair castle and scenic Loch Tummel as well as less obvious places such as a deserted Blackhouse village.

Stopover in Pitlochry / Aberfeldy area

You could start this day with a visit to nearby Blair Castle as the drive to Braemar in Royal Deeside does not take long. On the way to Braemar, you follow the path of an 18th century military road that was built through Glen Shee to enable the deployment of Redcoat troops into the “Jacobite” heartlands.

From Braemar , you can explore the quaint villages, verdant woodlands and wild mountains that Queen Victoria fell in love with.

Continuing the Whisky Trail theme, you can take a tour of the Royal Lochnagar distillery that supplied Queen Victoria during her visits to Balmoral Castle. But we wouldn’t recommend you copy her idea of mixing the whisky with port.

Driving Distance: ~56 miles Additional Sightseeing - If you arrive in Royal Deeside early, or wish to spend 2 nights in the region, you could explore further afield with our route directions for a tour of   Castles and Standing Stones.  This region has some of the most interesting and complete castles in Scotland, but it is also home to a large number of stone circles in secluded corners. We guide you on a trail that includes the castles of Crathes , Drum , Fraser & Craigievar , whilst also steering you to discover atmospheric Neolithic monuments where time stands still. ~ 70 miles

Stopover in Royal Deeside area

Today you traverse the Cairngorm mountains via one of the highest roads in Scotland. It is not far to drive so you have time to immerse yourself in the  Speyside Whisky Trail.   

The famous distilleries along this route are Glenlivet , Glenfarclas , Cragganmore ,  Aberlour, Glenfiddich  and Macallan , but we include directions for exploring many more.

If you want a break from whisky tastings, you may enjoy a visit to Elgin with its magnificent cathedral and cashmere mill . We also give you tips on the best bars for continuing your whisky sampling into the evening.

Driving Distance: ~52 miles

Stopover in Craigellachie / Elgin area

A short drive via the Moray coast with options to mix your whisky with Scottish history.

You can explore Cawdor Castle with its curious legends, the spooky burial tombs at Clava Cairns , the imposing defences of Fort George and the windswept battlefield of Culloden Moor .

The day ends in the lively town of Inverness, or the quieter villages of the nearby Black Isle. Our guide gives suggestions on where to find live music and a great whisky bar with a very knowledgeable landlord.

Driving Distance: ~57 miles

Stopover in Inverness area

From Inverness, we provide a choice of route directions for the drive past Loch Ness . You can either take the main tourist trail past Urquhart Castle and the “Nessie” attractions, or you can follow a less travelled road along the south shore.

You continue through the Great Glen to Spean Bridge where you turn east to follow an old military road through the central Highlands. Along the way we will guide you to explore waterfalls, picnic spots and the origins of the River Spey.

The journey ends in the Cairngorms National Park where you might be able to arrive in time for a sheepdog demonstration , or a nostalgic steam train ride .

Driving Distance: ~108 miles

Stopover in the Cairngorms (Aviemore) area

The last journey leg of this Whisk Trail tour is a relatively direct drive back to Edinburgh that can be done in under 3 hours. But, if you aren’t in a hurry, we have an alternative route that lets you explore the outdoor activities and lovely woodlands of the Rothiemurchus estate before picking up the main road south.

On the way south, you can fit in one last distillery tour with a visit to  Dalwhinnie  which holds the title of the highest operational distillery in Scotland.

Driving Distance: ~128 miles

Tour Gallery

Accommodation

To help you book the best places to stay, we offer a guide to Recommended Accommodation along the route of this tour.

We personally visit all the accommodation featured in the guides and only select places where we would wish to stay ourselves. Read More...

When you "Checkout" , you will have the option to buy the Accommodation Guide.

Preview Accommodation Guide

Car Hire - How to Save Money

When you buy a Secret Scotland Tour Itinerary you will receive a Discount Code that gets you a 10% reduction on the cost of Car Hire from Arnold Clark Rental .

Simply use the Secret Scotland code when you book via the Arnold Clark website and your car hire discount will automatically apply.

Testimonials

I convinced my other half to get the Scenic Tour 4-5 Days guide (even though he very much wanted to do it all himself), and it was the best experience ever. In fact, ever since this trip, we're trying to re-create the experience. Of course, Scotland can hardly let anyone down, but this guide truly made it an adventure. We found so many hidden and not so hidden gems, and everything was perfectly laid out for us so that all we had to do was decide how much time we had and what we wanted to see next. I can't recommend it enough and wish more guides like this existed!

Excellent! We thought the information provided was fantastic and allowed us to see things I am sure we would have missed. Mike was very helpful in sending the itinerary through again for us when we had trouble with our downloads. Would definitely recommend this site. We have been travelling for a number of years and normally would just rely on the internet and books but decided to give this a go. So glad we did.

Secret Scotland is EXCEPTIONAL in providing guidance for itinerary planning and accommodation referrals for those wanting a self guided driving vacation in Scotland.... Simple to use.  Thorough in suggesting ‘must see’ venues. Complete - sites, restaurants, pubs and experiences.” That is how I would describe what they do and provide.  Exceptional accommodation recommendations. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

The itinerary Secret Scotland provided was a trip saver. We loved the suggestions for sight seeing, eating, and places to stay, but the best part was the detailed driving directions. Driving on the opposite side of the road from the opposite side of the car was a little easier without having to worry about how to get there! We will definitely use this service the next time we visit Scotland!

Secret Scotland's itineraries, accommodations guides, and other resources are incredible value with great attention to detail.  Their owners, Mike and Aury, are experienced and honest, and they helped us so much as we attempted to narrow down a very long list of things we hoped to do during our time in Scotland.  I feel so much more prepared for our trip and can now just look forward to our approaching vacation!

We have just got back from an EXCELLENT holiday following the Borders to Orkney route suggestions. We can't say enough about how much the detailed information enhanced our experience in Scotland. We had a wonderful time seeing so many interesting sites that we would have passed by without your guide. Thank you so much.

These guys really are the best.  We used Mike's Flexi Days East to West itinerary last July and it was truly indispensable.  His itinerary is full of detail, including driving directions and options.  Mike is also very responsive if you have any questions.  We had such a wonderful time we are going back again this year, and we will be using his itineraries again for our planning.  I would also recommend his accommodations guide.

Just like pictures of Scotland can’t do justice to the magnificence of the actual landscape, words can’t do justice to the brilliance and sheer volume of work you put in your guide. The level of detail provided on each stopover sheet, in all the different itinerary options and on all the B&B features exceeded even my most crazy expectations.

Mike and Aurey from Secret Scotland prepared a fantastic itinerary for us. It was a huge ingredient in the success and huge enjoyment that we got from our trip. It was absolutely worth every penny and there is no way we could have seen so much and so well without their itinerary. We felt like we belonged in Scotland, we knew what we were doing and what it all meant at every step. We recommend their services wholeheartedly. Scotland is such a marvelous place. Thank you Mike and Aurey... and we will be back!

Need Ideas For Your Scotland Tour?

Subscribe to our newsletter and receive 5 free guides.

Whisky, walking and wonderful views: The ultimate Scottish road trip

Editor's note: As the travel industry reopens following COVID-19 shutdowns, TPG suggests that you talk to your doctor, follow health officials' guidance and research local travel restrictions before booking that next trip. We will be here to help you prepare, whether it is next month or next year.

Scotland is one of those countries that can have different climates within a short drive from one town to the next. Its landscapes include stunning natural beauty, vast open spaces, quaint fishing villages and old-world charm to complement its famously friendly natives.

While I'd been to Edinburgh a few times, I'd yearned to see other parts of the country and get into the heart of the place a bit more. Because Scotland is such a manageable size, at one-third the size of the United Kingdom with more than 6,000 miles of coastline and well-kept roadway -- even the rural ones for the most part -- it makes it an obvious choice for road trips .

In 2015, the Scottish tourism board launched the North Coast 500 (NC500) -- a circular route that runs through the Highlands on the northern peninsula of the country. Two years later, the northeastern peninsula (part Lowlands and part Highlands) launched its own journey with the Northeast 250 (NE250). This one circles Speyside, the Cairngorms, Royal Deeside, Aberdeen, the east coast and Moray Coast.

When coronavirus travel advisories begin to lift, how we travel for leisure might take more precedence in planning -- road trips and slower travel will be on-trend since travelers' safety and health can more readily be controlled in personal and rented vehicles. Plus, it's still easy to gain or use points and miles via credit card purchases with the rental, purchasing petrol and with hotel stays along the route.

For my inaugural road trip, I chose the northeast, taking hints from the NE250 and customizing it a bit to hit spots I'd had on my bucket list including St Andrews and the oldest distillery in Scotland.

From Edinburgh, St Andrews is an easy one-hour and 20-minute drive north on the A92.

Start your day off with a wander around the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral. It's free and awe-inspiring. Built in 1158, it was once the center of the Medieval Catholic Church in Scotland. Just up the road, for $11, you can tour the ruins of St Andrews Castle, which was built less than 50 years later, was home to James I, II and III of Scotland and was also a notorious prison.

As cheesy as it may be, a visit to the cafe where Kate Middleton and Prince William reportedly met is worth it. Northpoint Cafe has homegrown offerings like full Scottish breakfasts, delicious toasties and plenty of its own baked goods, all for under $15.

Read more : 6 tips for surviving a road trip with a large family

After you've filled up, the town's cobblestone alleyways, shop-lined streets and St Andrews University are lovely to walk around. Back over by the ruins, there's a seaside path offering sweeping horizon views as well.

Where to stay : The Saint Bar & Kitchen boasts simple and comfortable rooms that start at about $185 per night. The gastropub is cozy and offers locally sourced Scottish fare at reasonable prices -- most main courses are about $25.

The Moray Coast

Cruise two-and-a-half hours up the A90, and you'll hit the north coast of the peninsula, the Moray Coast, which stretches from the inlet city of Inverness out to Fraserburgh on the northeastern point. There's an official coastal walk but there are also unofficial pathways along the entire coast -- either beach walks or over rocky points (be sure to check tide times for safety). Do stop when you see sheep, as they're sometimes friendly and love a good ear scratch.

Many of the villages here are built into the seaside cliffs, creating a tiered effect. Gardenstown is one of these, and its sole restaurant the Gardenstown Pub is the perfect place to chat with a few locals and dine on fresh fish for under $10.

Where to stay : For a tranquil coastal experience, stay at the Mill of Nethermill . Owned by an American expat couple who restored the dilapidated early 18th-century mill, the self-catering cottages sit on a protected cove along the coast where you might get to see some dolphins. Starting at about $123 per night (with a two-night minimum), you also get to visit the vegetable garden or peruse the on-site pottery barn. Pets and bonfires are allowed, and you can even camp on its beach for a smaller fee.

If it's a full-service hotel you seek, Cullen Bay Hotel starts at about $120 per night and is right on the edge of the town where the famous Scottish dish, Cullen Skink (a thick haddock, onion and potato soup) originated. It's much tastier than it sounds.

Speyside and The Malt Whisky Trail

From the coast, drive inland via the A95 to Craigellachie. The tiny town sits in the middle of Speyside, where the Malt Whisky Trail winds through the country with nine distilleries to visit (and taste, just make sure you've got a designated driver!). The area is home to the world's largest concentration of whisky distilleries, of which Strathisla is the oldest continuous running one.

Strathisla Distillery, owned by the Chivas Brothers since 1786 -- the first they ever owned -- has used the same water supply since 1786 from Broomhill Spring on the property and puts out almost 650,000 gallons of Scotch Whisky per year. Do the traditional tour for $18 each, but I recommend the Blending Experience for $74. You get to really get into the inner workings of the distillery, but the best part is that you get to try your own hand at blending and take it all home with you.

Another really interesting experience, if you've had enough to drink, is the Speyside Cooperage. For $4, visit the epicenter of cask manufacturing and learn how they make and repair over 100,000 casks each year.

Where to stay : Try the Craigellachie Hotel (at about $200 per night) as this old train station/hotel is the very definition of cozy. With complimentary whisky in every bedroom, a world-famous whisky snug and a modern gastropub, The Copper Dog downstairs. This hotel is perfectly situated to easily access other distilleries in the area over a couple of days. It sits near the River Spey, which is where the kitchen catches its fresh fish for delectable Scottish salmon dishes.

If it's Thai food you're craving -- because Thai food in pubs is a thing in Great Britain -- a hop and a skip down the old train line walkway is the Highlander Inn (rooms start at $136 per night). The proprietor prides himself on importing whisky from around the world to his quaint pub, so it's a great spot to try some interesting blends.

Cairngorms National Park

In under an hour driving south down the A939, you'll hit the edge of Cairngorms National Park. Scotland has large expanses of dark skies, some of the biggest in Europe , and Cairngorms won the prestigious status of International Dark Sky Park in 2018. It makes this region a free ticket to the stars and at the right time of year, it's possible to see the Northern Lights from the Tomintoul and Glenlivet viewing areas. It's now Scotland's first Highlands Dark Sky Park.

Where to stay : After stargazing, sleep at the luxurious Fife Arms in Braemer (starting at around $270 per night), about as close to the center of the park as you can get, and feel like Scottish royalty.

And 45 minutes east, on the edge of the park in Aboyne, The Boat Inn has a lovely little gastropub and beer garden overlooking the River Dee, along with clean and cozy rooms starting at about $107 per night.

Bottom line

Traveling around a country in a car can be one of the most pressure-free and flexible ways to explore. You set your own times of when to drive, you pick your own route and if you've found a spot you adore you can always extend your visit there. And Scotland is such a great country to drive around because its roadways are well-paved and marked, its size is manageable, and its people are friendly, so getting lost could be the best thing to do.

• Destinations
• Travel Guides
• For The Home
• Privacy Policy

Food , United Kingdom

5 day scotland whisky tour itinerary – exploring speyside.

Moray Speyside is located just a few hours’ drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland. Although travelers tend to pop in for a day trip during a typical Scotland itinerary, there is so much more to see, eat, and drink along the world’s only Malt Whisky Trail. 

We’ve already recommended the best Speyside whisky distilleries to visit, but here are our recommendations for how to plan the perfect 5 day Scotland whisky tour itinerary. 

*This post contains compensated links. Find more info in my  DISCLAIMER . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

How To Book Hotels In Scotland

Since leaving the US over a decade ago, we’ve traveled to Scotland numerous times. During these trips to Scotland, we learned a few things about booking hotels in Scotland. We’ve stayed at stunning luxury hotels like the Dowans Hotel of Speyside and Sherbrooke Castle Hotel in Glasgow. And sadly we have stayed in our fair share of not-so-great hotels in Scotland.

When planning our trips to Scotland, we use Booking.com for hotels in Scotland. In addition to booking hotels, we’ve used them to book apartments in Scotland for longer stays. We’ve even found some charming and less expensive guest houses in Scotland on Booking.com.

A 5-Day Malt Whisky Trail Itinerary

We spent 10 days exploring the region, but we travel pretty slowly. Many travelers to Speyside stop in at one distillery, either on their own or on a bus tour, and move on. That’s a big mistake!

Everyone we met in Moray Speyside was fabulously friendly and everything we ate was fresh and tasty. Well worth more time. If you golf or fish, this itinerary could easily be extended into a week or more.

A five-day trip can be added onto a visit to Glasgow, Edinburgh, the Island of Skye, or the Highlands to make the perfect 7 or 10-day Scottish itinerary.

Included above in this post are recommended accommodations across the region. If staying at any one of them, it’s possible to visit the entire region easily.

Nothing is more than a 30-45 minute drive from anything else. Or, pick two hotels to base yourselves on during the stay.

Traveling To Speyside? Check Out Our Scotland Packing Guide 

Day 1 – Craigellachie And Aberlour

Morning : Start the day with a basic tasting tour at  Cardhu ,  The Macallan , or  Abe rlour. This will give you an overview of the distilling process.

Cardhu is very traditional and was one of our favorite tours. The Macallan is quite fancy and contemporary. Aberlour is a historic distillery, but we were not able to visit it. 

Lunch :  The Station Hotel  in Rothes is just up the road in the direction of Elgin. Their Toots Cafe and Bar serves upscale versions of classic Scottish dishes. Try the haggis bon bons! 

Afternoon : Visit the  Speyside Cooperage . I think it helps to have visited one distillery before visiting the Cooperage to learn about the barrel-making process. It helps to put things into perspective. 

Evening : Enjoy dinner at the  Copper Dog  in Craigellachie, a casual Scottish pub with great food and a selection of local craft beers, including Spey Valley Brewery. After, visit the Quaich bar upstairs and try a dram or two of local whisky. 

Day 1 Tips : If looking for a midday snack, try the SA Mackie Butcher in Aberlour and try one of their fresh and warm meat pies. Also in Aberlour is the  Walkers Shortbread Factory store , which is worth a stop for food souvenirs. Look for their ginger cookies and shortbread in the shape of a Highland coo. 

Day 2: Fochabers, Elgin, And The Coast

Morning : Book another basic tour at  Aberlour  or  Glen Grant  in Rothes, then head up to the  Gordon Castle Walled Garden . If it’s nice weather, walk the garden, and pop in for tea at their cafe.

Then continue north towards the coast towards Buckie and then head east. Stop for photos at Bow-Fiddle Rock and continue to Cullen. 

Lunch : Enjoy Moray’s famous Cullen Skink in Cullen, either at  Lily’s Kitchen Cafe  or at the  Cullen Bay Hotel .

Afternoon : There are a few options here. See about stopping in at  Byres Farm  in Fochabers for a bit of farm tourism.

Learn about the local livestock industry and how they grow barley for the Glenlivet distillery. Or, pop into Elgin and hit the Elgin Cathedral, Johnson’s of Elgin, and visit the historic  Gordon & MacPhail  shop. 

Dinner : For a casual dinner, head back in the direction of Fochabers and visit the  Foc habers Fish Bar. A super casual takeaway that won Scotland’s number one fish and chip takeaway in 2017. 

Day 3 – Keith and Dufftown

Morning : Start the day with a drive out to the Glenrinnes Estate, east of Keith and enjoy a visit to  Eight Lands Distillery . This is a break in the Scottish Whisky Trail for a little gin and vodka.

Eight Lands is a women-led distillery of organic gin and vodka, with stunning views even from the distillery floor.  

Lunch : Pop into Keith for lunch at  Square Roots Cafe , which serves up burgers, toasted sandwiches, soups, and even local craft beer. Try the Keith Lager, a local craft beer.

Afternoon : Book one of the VIP experiences at  Strathisla , a historic distillery on the Malt Whisky Trail. Strathisla is the symbolic heart of the Chivas company. Try their Whisky Blending Experience and take home a small bottle of your own malt whisky blend.

Afterward, continue heading south to Dufftown and enjoy a tasting flight at the world-famous  Glenfiddich Distillery . Nearby is also  The Balvenie  as well as Balvenie Castle. 

Dinner : While in Dufftown, visit  Seven Stills , a well-known whisky bar with a French chef whipping up interesting versions of traditional Scottish dishes. They offer a wide selection of daily specials that change with the seasons. 

Day 3 Tip : While visiting Glenfiddich or The Balvenie, check out the small farm across from the Balvenie castle. Check the land behind the house to find the famous Highland cows, the hairy coos.

Day 4: Ballindalloch 

Morning : Book a VIP experience at one of the distilleries still on the list, which includes  Glenallachie ,  Glenfarclas , or  The Glenlivet .

Lunch : The Glenlivet has a small cafeteria for a light lunch or snacks. Or make your way to Ballindalloch Castle, which has a cafe and tearoom serving up sandwiches for a light lunch.

There is not a lot on offer for lunch in this area, so take a look at these options and figure out how far away you will be. In the end, even heading back towards Aberlour or Craigellachie is not too far out of the way.  

Afternoon : Head to Ballindalloch Castle to explore the castle gardens and the interior rooms. Ballindalloch also has its own, newer distillery for tastings, or  Cragganmore Distillery  is nearby.

Dinner : Head towards Aberlour to dine at  The Dowans Hotel . They offer two options, Spé and 57, as well as a stellar selection of Speyside gins and tons of options for Speyside whisky tasting.

Day 5 – Forres And The Coast

Morning : There are a variety of ways to spend a morning in and around Forres at the western edge of Moray Speyside. Visit the  Benromach  or  Dallas Dhu distilleries . Also nearby is the Maclean Highland Bakery for a light snack or some food souvenir shopping of shortbread and Scottish oatcakes.

Just a two-minute drive from Maclean’s is  Speyside Brewery , a young craft beer producer happy to do a tour and tasting. Also nearby is  Logie Steading , an old farming estate during food and cultural destination, just south of Forres. 

Lunch : Make your way to the coast and check out Findhorn and then Burghead. Stop at  The Bothy Bistro  in Burghead for lunch and enjoy some local Scottish seafood. 

Afternoon : Continue the drive along the coast. Perhaps stop at Windswept Brewery in Lossiemouth for a local craft beer tasting before winding down toward Elgin.

If looking to squeeze in one final distillery,  Glen Moray  is located within Elgin. 

Dinner : Enjoy dinner at the  Knockomie Inn  for Scottish classics along with craft beer, local gins, and a good selection of the malt whiskies of Scotland.

Moray Speyside Accommodations

There are a variety of accommodation options in Moray Speyside. There are historic and luxury hotels, B&Bs, inns, cottages, and even beachfront caravan parks.

Here are our recommended accommodations located along the whisky trail.

The Craigellachie Hotel

Built in 1893, the Craigellachie Hotel and its 26 rooms feel more like a luxury, countryside family home than a hotel. Situated at the crossroads of the world’s whisky production region, the Craigellachie Hotel features the Quaich bar and over 900 whiskies lining its walls.

Its Copper Dog Pub serves locally sourced traditional and contemporary Scottish dishes for lunch and dinner seven days a week. They are located near the Speyside Cooperage and many of the top distilleries including The Macallan and Cardhu. Rooms have touches of classic decor with luxury finishes.

The Craigellachie Hotel , Victoria St, Craigellachie, Speyside

Rates from £140 including breakfast, book  here  

The Dowans Hotel

Originally a Victorian mansion, the Dowans Hotel was reborn in 2012 by the Murray family. Now featuring 16 contemporary en-suite rooms, the Dowans Hotel maintains its historic past while providing modern comfort and hospitality.

After a day of exploring Speyside, take a relaxing stroll through the ornate terraced gardens before sitting down to a meal in one of their two delicious restaurants: Spé and 57.

Both feature locally sourced Scottish meats, fish, and produce. Before calling it a night, tuck into The Still bar and explore the Dowan’s collection of over 500 Scottish whiskies as well as local Scottish gins. Nearby distilleries include Arbelour, Glenallachie, and Glenfarclas.

The Dowans Hotel , Dowans Road, Aberlour 

Rates from £170 including breakfast, book  here

Ardgye B&B

Ardgye House B&B is a cozy and comfortable stay five minutes from the center of Elgin in the heart of Speyside. Originally built in 1904, this Edwardian mansion sits on 150 acres of land.

Twin, King, and Family rooms are available. Aside from breakfast, no other dining options are available. Nearby distilleries include Glen Moray, Benromach, and Dallas Dhu.

Ardgye B&B , Ardgye Guest House, Elgin

Rates from £79 including breakfast, book  here

Gordon Castle Cottages  

Dating back to the 1770s, Gordon Castle has been a fixture on the landscape of Speyside and part of its history. Featuring five charming cottages spread across the estate, Gordon Castle is a unique and relaxing holiday experience.

Available year-round, the cottages sleep between two and eight guests. All cottages are self-catering and equipped with all the comforts of home. 

Gordon Castle Cottages , Gordon Castle Gordon Castle Estate, Fochabers

Rates from £135 with no breakfast (self-catering), book on Airbnb but save €30 if you’re trying Airbnb for the first time with this  link .

Knockomie Hotel

Beginning life in 1812 as a country villa, Knockomie Hotel has transformed over the years into a 15-room hotel and gastro destination. Owned and operated by Gavin and Penny Ellis, Knockomie Hotel is ideally located to explore the Speyside region.

Dining at Knockomie allows guests to enjoy delicious traditional and contemporary Scottish dishes. With its focus on all things local, Knockomie has over 70 whiskies available as well as a wide range of locally distilled gins. Nearby distilleries include Benromach and Dallas Dhu.

Knockomie Hotel , Grantown Road, Forres

Rates from £135 including breakfast, book  here

West Beach Caravan Park

West Beach Caravan Park is a family-run, beachfront park providing holiday vans, glamping, motorhomes, caravans, and tents. On-site facilities include free showers, coin laundry, and dishwashing stations.

“Dory” the double-decker bus is an onsite food truck serving up locally sourced Scottish dishes. The park is open from May until the end of October. Nearby distilleries include Glen Moray, Benromach, and Dallas Dhu.

West Beach Caravan Park , West Beach, Hopeman

Rates: Caravan rental prices begin at £500 per week, book  here

Get the Best Rates for Accommodations in Moray here 

Other Things To Do In Moray Speyside (When Not Eating And Drinking)

As much as we travel on our stomachs, there’s no way to spend all day, every day eating and drinking – no matter how hard we try. In fact, many travelers visit Moray for attractions that have nothing to do with food or whisky. 

What To Do On The Whisky Trail

In Elgin, visit the  Elgin Cathedral , which dates from 1224. Elgin is also home to one of the most well-known Scottish cashmere producers,  Johnstons of Elgin . Their visitor center helps to teach travelers about how cashmere is made. Nearby in Fochabers, visit  Gordon Castle  and its stunning walled garden. It’s filled with lavender during the summer.

The Moray Coast Trail includes about 50 miles of coastline, which can be traversed on foot over several days. Or, take a drive from Findhorn in the west to Cullen in the east. There are cliffs and sandy beaches in little pockets along the way.

Towards the east is  Bow Fiddle Rock  in the small town of Portknockie. Sometimes you can even spot dolphins playing just off the coast. The rivers Spey, Findhorn, Avon, and Livet are home to various types of Scottish salmon and trout – perfect for fishing excursions. 

Castles On The Whisky Trail

There are a series of historic, Scottish castles that dot the landscape as well. The most well-preserved is  Ballindalloch Castle , which is home to the 24th generation of the Macpherson-Grant family. You can walk the grounds, explore the house, or enjoy afternoon tea in their tearoom.

It makes the perfect pitstop during an afternoon of visiting some of the best distilleries in Scotland – several are only a handful of miles away.

Just near the Glenfiddich and Balvenie Distilleries in Dufftown is  Balvenie Castle . It is one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland, dating to the 1200s.

Near Elgin,  Duffus Castle  is an example of an ancient “ motte and bailey ” castle. This type of castle was common during the 1100s and 1200s consisting of wooden buildings on man-made mountains of ground. 

FAQs – Scotland Whisky Tour Itinerary

Throughout the UK (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales) the legal drinking age is 18 years old.

Drinking and driving is against the law in the UK. Violators are subject to fines and potential imprisonment. Drivers can receive take away samples of whisky from participating distilleries. These samples are generally included in the price of the tour.

Currently, there are 50 distilleries in Speyside. Not all are open to the public for tours or tasting. It is recommended to contact the distilleries individually to confirm if they offer tours or tastings.

Amber Hoffman

Amber Hoffman, food and travel writer behind With Husband In Tow, is a recovering attorney and professional eater, with a passion for finding new food and drink destinations. She lives with her husband, Eric, in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. Together over the last 20 years, they have traveled to over 70 countries. Amber is the author of the Food Traveler’s Guide to Emilia Romagna. She regularly lectures on social media marketing to travel professionals throughout Europe.

One thought on “ 5 Day Scotland Whisky Tour Itinerary – Exploring Speyside ”

Great list, with many details, thanks!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Speyside Cooperage

© North East 250 / Damian Shields

Speyside's Malt Whisky Trail

Scotland's Malt Whisky Trail is the only trail of its kind in the world. Set in the heart of stunning Speyside, this trail takes in seven world-famous working distilleries, one historic distillery and the fascinating Speyside Cooperage.

Speyside is often called 'Malt Whisky Country' as its home to more than half of Scotland's malt whisky distilleries and is one of the country’s five whisky regions.

• Distance 62 Miles 99 km
• Transport Car
• Main theme Whisky

Day 1 Glenlivet, Knockando, Craigellachie

Your whisky adventure begins deep in the heart of Speyside. After your first distillery visit, you’ll follow the River Spey north to Knockando for the second distillery before heading west to Craigellachie to round your day off with a visit to the UK’s only working cooperage.

Glenlivet Distillery Glenlivet

The Glenlivet Distillery

A guided tour of Glenlivet Distillery will give you an insight into the intriguing history of this spectacular single malt. Treat your senses as you enjoy a dram drawn straight from a cask in Warehouse No.3, followed by the chance to taste two further samples in surrounds of the dram room.

• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
• Level Access
• Accessible toilets

Cardhu Distillery Rothes

Cardhu Distillery Kitchen

Cardhu was the first distillery to be officially pioneered by a woman.

Cardhu Distillery offers a range of experiences for you to learn more about the Speyside malt enjoyed both on its own, and as the heart of Johnnie Walker whiskies.

There are full-sensory tours, tutored whisky tastings and challenges.

Speyside Cooperage Craigellachie

Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre

Discover the spectacular Speyside Cooperage in Dufftown, considered by many to be the heart of the Speyside whisky region.

This is the only working cooperage in the UK. Witness the ancient art of creating whisky barrels using traditional tools and methods.

• On Public Transport Route
• Pets Welcome
• Cafe or Restaurant

Day 2 Dufftown, Rothes, Keith

The second part of your whisky adventure is a day in whisky heaven, with tours of three working distilleries. Today continues in Dufftown, the 'Malt Whisky Capital' of the world.

Glenfiddich Distillery Dufftown

Glenfiddich Distillery

The first drops of whisky flowed from the stills on Christmas Day in 1887.

Glenfiddich Distillery was built by William Grant and his family over a period of 18 months. It’s one of the few single malt distilleries to remain family owned.

Learn about the maverick whisky makers, the history of Glenfiddich and the whisky making process on their tour. The tour ends with a selection of samples, or a drivers’ tasting pack to take away.

Glen Grant Distillery Rothes

Glen Grant Distillery and Garden

Glen Grant Distillery is the only Scotch whisky distillery named after its founding owners. Explore the distillery's beautiful Victorian Garden then take a guided tour or private tasting session to find out more about the distinctive dram.

Strathisla Distillery Keith

Strathisla Distillery

Strathisla Distillery is the oldest operating distillery in the Highlands, dating back to 1786. The distillery's fantastic tours will give you an insight into the art of blending as the distillery produces a range of Chivas Regal premium blended whiskies alongside its single malt Strathisla 12-Year-Old.

Day 3 Elgin, Forres

Your final day on the Malt Whisky Trail begins in the charming town of Elgin with a tour of Glen Moray Distillery. Afterwards travel west to Forres and tour Benromach Distillery before finishing at the final distillery, Dallas Dhu.

Glen Moray Distillery Elgin

A blue and gold text logo reading Glen Moray, est 1897, Speyside

Watch the small, dedicated team at Glen Moray Distillery craft the single malt on a tour. This is a friendly and informal working distillery, with experienced tour guides eager to share the 100-year-story.

Benromach Distillery Forres

Benromach Distillery And Visitor's Centre

Benromach Distillery is home to the world's first fully certified organic single malt.

Take a tour of Benromach Distillery to find out more about this family of whisky-lovers who rely on the distillers’ expertise and senses to make the finest handmade whisky. All of the casks are hand-filled, individually weighed, stencilled by hand, and stowed in traditional dunnage warehouses.

Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery Forres

Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery

Dallas Dhu is no longer an operating distillery but is a great place to hear more about how whisky was once made. On your visit, you can learn more about the malt barn, kiln, mash tun, washbacks, still house and bonded warehouses.

Find experiences

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see this product search form. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Other things you might like

Drink Responsibly

Scottish Beer & Breweries In Scotland

Scottish Gin Distilleries, Tours and Tastings

Restaurants & eating out in Scotland

Join our newsletter clan.

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Can we see some ID?

Are you of legal drinking age in the country where you are now?

• Trail Sites
• Experiences
• Itineraries
• Getting Here
• News & Blog
• Tasting Malt Whisky
• Making Malt Whisky

The ultimate Scotch experience

Subscribe to the Newsletter

The Malt Whisky Trail is a uniquely immersive whisky experience — but the journey you’ll take along The Trail is about so much more.

As you embark along the road through malt whisky country, you’ll encounter a huge variety of sites to see and things to do.

You’ll find globally renowned textiles mills, cosy seaside cafes, and world-class outdoor pursuits.

As you follow the mighty River Spey from sea to source you’ll find everything you need for a relaxing short break or longer holiday. Learn more about what you can see and do on The Malt Whisky Trail here.

With so much to do, The Malt Whisky Trail is the perfect spot for getaways long and short. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend break or a few days on the road, inspire yourself with one of our suggested itineraries.

To the north of The Malt Whisky Trail lies the famous Moray Firth, so why not combine a visit to some of our sites with a trip to the coast?

At the south of The Malt Whisky Trail you’ll find forests and mountains, perfect for adventure lovers.

We all know the weather in Scotland can be a little unpredictable, so if you find yourself caught out, we’ve got you covered (literally!).

Consider following one of our Two Day itineraries, and add this on.

With five days, you’ll have ample time to journey The Malt Whisky Trail.

The Malt Whisky Trail puts a real sense of escape within easy reach. Wherever you’re coming from, Moray Speyside is simple to get to by air, rail and road.

• Media Enquiries
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

By submitting this form you consent to being contacted via email to be informed about latest news, events and offers. You can unsubscribe at any time by visiting the unsubscribe link in any of our emails.

The Malt Whisky Trail promotes the responsible consumption of Scotch Whisky

© 2024 Malt Whisky Trail. All rights reserved.

Stay up to date

Want to keep up to date with all the latest from The Malt Whisky Trail? Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news, events and updates straight to your inbox.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Let us drive your whisky tour

Guided whisky tours in scotland, sample delicious whiskies whilst we whisk you around distilleries.

• The REAL Scotland
• Knowledgeable & friendly drivers
• Stress-free, personal tours
• Tasty local cuisine in friendly places
• Luxurious and homely accommodation

Whether you feel like a weekend of whiskies or a tour getting right into the heart of our whisky, we’re the people for you. We work with you every step of the way to create a bespoke whisky tour.   We take you to distilleries, arranging tours to suit beginners and connoisseurs. We host fabulous tastings, whisky dinners and whisky schools.  All transport and accommodation is prearranged, from lovely local guest houses, to 5 star castles – booked by us, with care. With over thirty years experience and our extensive contacts in the whisky industry ensure you enjoy the best of Scottish hospitality, from the moment you arrive until your final dram. You drink, we drive!

A review by Ingvar Ronde, author of the Malt Whisky Year Book  & Keeper of the Quaich

“Hi Paul. Back in Sweden and delighted to find my wonderful lab still recognises me (as does my wife). I think we had a brilliant tour, in fact the best ever, and as always it´s a pleasure being on the roads with you. Apart from being a great companion, you share so much about Scottish history and culture which you know I´m always keen to learn more about. I liked in particular the scenery going from Ballachulish to Tyndrum in Glencoe – a road I´d never travelled before. The  best views I´ve ever had in Scotland. Also enjoyed Kilmartin very much. Glad I took pictures of the plates (or signs of what ever you call them) so that I could read them thoroughly later to find out about the very early years of Scottish history. I think we have a solid plan for next year so let´s keep in touch about that. Thanks and speak soon”.     Ingvar – www.maltwhiskyyearbook.com

Liz and Paul with Charlie MacLean

First time we used MCLEANSCOTLAND  They were honest about what we would be able to see. It truly was a vacation of a lifetime. It was everything we dreamed about! And we saw as much of Scotland that we could possibly fit in 10 days. Forward five years – we decided to do a whisky tour with them. They did all the driving, so many distilleries, so many laughs, drank so much whisky and had the time of our lives. Our whole trip was truly magical!  There are not enough stars to give Liz and Paul the rating they deserve.  Nicole Miller, USA The best tours ever!! Absolutely perfect. ❤️

Valerie Denny recommends MCLEANSCOTLAND for a tour of the Malt Whisky Trail; Forbes Magazine.  Malt Whisky Trail  in Forbes Magazine.

TravelDew – real travel experiences I’m Gabe Millar, the founder of TravelDew.  Thoughtful travellers have always sought out unique ways to learn about the places they visit, as this trend continues to grow, TravelDew seeks to help connect the professionals who create these experiences.

Paul McLean is from Connel on the shores of beautiful Loch Etive in Argyll, Scotland. This ‘West Coast Wanderer’ was raised in a land of natural beauty, complete with a history that can rival pretty much anywhere in Scotland.  An interview with Paul … http://www.traveldew.com/paul-mclean-owner-of-whisky-tours-scotland/

Theatre of dreams (drams)

Welcome to the theatre (Scotland). MCLEANSCOTLAND, in partnership with WHISKY TOURS, invites you to the Theatre of Drams, in an historic country called Scotland. With a promise to deepen engagement with whisky fans and friends [...]

Peated whisky, love it or hate it, it’s here to stay.

Peat is the decomposed remains of grasses, moss, sedges and reeds that have been compressed over centuries in the oxygen-starved, waterlogged conditions of bogs. Ireland and Scotland’s west coast are ideal locations. In Ireland they [...]

THE SECOND TOUR THIS YEAR, WITH MY PAL Ingvar Ronde.

The last tour was back in April to Campbeltown, Arran and Islay, this one was Speyside again. Due to my ill health, Marcus was driving making it easier to chat away. Ingvar arrived into Edinburgh [...]

Submission Deadline

22 Feb, 2024

Judging Date

20-21 March 2024

Winners Announcement

10 April 2024

• Register Now

If you have not registered for LSC yet, please click here and register first.

Need to recover your password? click here

SEE ALL BLOG

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Reddit
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share on Pinterest
• Send by Email

Warehouse Deadline

4 March 2024

Ship Your Samples

The Whisky Trail - Famous Road Trip Through Scotland

A road trip through scotland will always be alluring and breathtaking. for whisky lovers, here is our guide to the trip..

Whisky is the principal commodity produced in Scotland’s fascinating regions. Scotland and whisky are entwined together since centuries. According to the Scotch Whisky Association , Scotch whisky derived from a Scottish drink ‘uisge beatha ’, and it means ‘water of life’. In the records of royal income and expenditures, the earliest records of distillation in Scotland were found which said to occurred in 1494.

At present, there are over 120 active distilleries spread across Scotland, split into five whisky-producing regions: Highland, Islay, Lowland, Campbeltown, and Speyside. These regions have a stunning landscape and very rich culture, and the best way to discover these places is to set off a breathtaking road trip through Scotland.

[[relatedPurchasesItems-39]]

So, get on the flight to Glasgow, because we have picked out some of the road trips that you can take in and around Scotland.

(The road trips will take you to a few remote areas, so plan your ride and hotel bookings in advance.)

Blessed with a mild climate, grassy land and flat landscape, Lowlands is quite a suitable place for growing barley. It is Scotland’s most reachable whisky region, due to the travel links from the key cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. The region is located in the southernmost parts of Scotland.

Whiskies from this region have a delicate and citrusy character and usually considered as the most light-bodied of the single malts. Many of them are triple distilled, hence, they are unpeated and lighter in nature, and gentle on the palate. Whiskies from this region are usually easy to drink and hence, best for the new drinkers. Around 18 distilleries lie in the Lowlands whisky region out of which, Auchentoshan is the oldest. It is located 8 miles north-west of Glasgow city. The distillery claims to be the only distillery in Scotland that practices triple distillation. This technique allows the whiskies of this distillery to be more smooth, sweet and delicate, also known as ‘breakfast whisky’.

15 miles away from Edinburgh, Glenkinchie distillery is located in the East Lothian farmland. This distillery produces some of the best light, sweet and malty whiskies. The roots of the distillery go back to 1825. More distilleries to find in this region are Lindores Abbey Distillery, Clydeside Distillery and Glasgow Distillery Company.

Campbeltown

3-hours drive from Glasgow to the Western Peninsula Kintyre will take you to one of the most beautiful landscapes of Scotland. It is Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Campbeltown used to have more than 30 distilleries in its past. Currently, there are three operating distilleries in the area.

Despite having a minimal number of distilleries, this region boasts single malts with unique characteristics. These three distilleries produce some of the finest malts that are appreciated worldwide. Malts from Springbank are robust and smoky, whereas, malts from Glen Scotia are lighter and represents grassy notes. Kilkerran distillery also produces some of the best malts that are lighter and sweeter, with unique oily and salty notes.

The drive is quite long, but worthwhile, as you go through some alluring Argyll scenery.

Begin by taking the ferryboat from Kennacraig by driving up to the western coast of Kintyre, it will take around 2 hours to reach Port Ellen on the isle of Islay. Known as ‘whisky island’, this region is just around 25 miles long and 15 miles wide. They say that monks introduced distillation techniques over here in the 14th century.

The southern distilleries, Lagavulin and Laphroaig use peaty malt and peaty water to produce powerful whiskies. Lagavulin, located in a quiet bay, is the producer of some of the wonderful whiskies which represent the flavors of Islay. Its whiskies boast fruity and smoky flavors with hints of sea salt. Down the road, lies Laphroaig, offering some of the smokiest whiskies of Islay.

During March to September, visitors can go on the ‘Water to Whisky Experience’. Here they are allowed to cut peat with the help of staff and visit this distillery’s water source.

From Campbelltown, it is the longest drive of around 236 miles in the north to Argyll which will require a good rest during the previous night. Visitors usually stop at the fishing city Oban for some fish and chips. Heading to north-east, Speyside will be there. Most numbers of total distilleries of Scotland are in the Speyside region. This region is a part of Highlands and the only whisky region where visitors get to go for three-day guided malt whisky trail.

Speyside is the driest and warmest part of the country. Its fertile farmlands are perfect for growing barley. In this region, Dufftown is home to Glenfiddich, the world-famous single malt Scotch whisky. Here, visitors are taken through the distillery’s warehouse. One of the oldest distilleries Strathisla lies in the city of Keith. It is known as the most alluring distillery in Scotland due to its cobbled courtyard and double pagoda towers.

Highlands, possessing the largest territory, is the biggest whisky region out of all in Scotland. The area spans from the Orkney Islands to the Isle of Arran. This vast area of land results into various characteristics in whisky; some of them are smoky, some are peaty and some are delicate.

Many of the oldest distilleries of Scotland lie here, including Glenturret and Balblair. There are other new distilleries too, such as Isle of Raasay, Torabhaig and Ncn’ean distillery.

Closure: The place where the whisky is produced can leave a huge effect on its flavor. Whiskies from Scotland’s famous-five regions flaunts everything about Scottish land in its flavors. From the source of water to the presence of peat, all reflect well in these Scottish whiskies.

Did we just make your day? Come here often to find exciting and insightful articles covering thrilling places regarding whisky and other spirits.

What’s next on your travel list? If anytime soon you are planning to visit Soho of London, we have a list of five fantastic pubs of Soho that you might not want to miss.

Here you go!

5 Pubs in Soho You Should Definitely Visit

International and Domestic Submission deadline is February 22. If you are looking to grow your brand in 2024, looking for product feedback, or looking to get in front of real trade buyers. It's time to enter your brands in the London Competitions. Here's how to enter, costs and benefits.

Subscribe today for free!

Get the most insightful articles from lsc.

You will get the most valuable pieces of insightful content.

Enter your email to subscribe to our newsletter with industry news and important deadlines.

The Ultimate 10-Day Scotland Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

Last Updated on December 4, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Mapping out the ideal Scotland itinerary can be a bit overwhelming at first glance, especially if you only have 10 days in Scotland to play around with. A destination that draws countless tourists each year. Scotland’s beautiful landscapes, fascinating history, and incredibly friendly people attract people from all around the globe to explore this beautiful country.

Despite its relatively small land area and sparse population, there are a myriad of places to visit in this gorgeous country. Because of this, it’s impossible to fit everything that you may want to see within the span of 10 days.

However, there are countless incredible areas to visit depending on the route you choose. Below, we’ve outlined three different options that can suit whatever kind of trip you’re looking for!

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Scotland

Known to be wet, grey, and chilly, Scotland isn’t famous for its nice weather, however, there are still some months that are better to visit than others.

It will come as no surprise that the best time to visit Scotland — that is if you want the best weather — is in the summer months of July and August. However, because the weather is at its warmest and the days are at their longest, these are also the most popular months for tourists, as well.

Especially during the month of August in Edinburgh (due to the famed Fringe Festival), expect there to be a LOT of tourist crowds in more popular areas – and expect prices to increase respectively.

However, there is a lot of Scotland that remains off of the typical tourist trail and these places are very much worth visiting. So, if you plan to visit in the summer, it is probably in your best interest to get a bit off the beaten path.

While July and August are the warmest months of the year, don’t expect very high temperatures. Further south, highs will be around 20°C (68°F) and, in the highlands and islands, expect highs to be closer to about 16-18° (60-64°F).

Spring and autumn can be attractive times to visit Scotland, as well, as the temperatures aren’t too low and the tourist crowds are unlikely to have arrived in hordes yet.

Late spring and early autumn are going to be the warmest months and the closer you get to winter on either end is going to be colder. Make sure that you bring a good waterproof jacket whatever the season, but especially in the chillier months.

Winters are cold and dark, the days can be short because of Scotland’s northern location and you may find some accommodation options and restaurants in more tourist-reliant towns and villages to be closed for the offseason.

This is, however, the most affordable time of year to visit. If you plan to head to Scotland in the months of December, you can also expect to have your pick of charming Christmas markets to explore and lots of decorations to look at, most notably in Edinburgh.

No matter when you plan your road trip in Scotland, you can also expect there to be a lot of rain. Along with good outerwear, you will also not regret finding a good pair of waterproof shoes for your Scotland trip.

Getting Around Scotland

Unless you’re taking an organised tour through Scotland, you are going to need to figure out how to get around the country independently and by far the easiest way to do this is by your own car.

Public transport does exist in Scotland and it can be a good option for those who are only interested in visiting major cities and towns, however, if you want to venture into the countryside or visit some far-flung areas, having your own vehicle is going to be necessary.

They drive on the left-hand side of the road in Scotland and the road conditions on the major motorways are good, however, they do tend to decline the more rural you go.

Some roads in the far north or on the islands, for instance, only have room for one car to get through and include small passing places for oncoming traffic every hundred metres or so.

This can seem overwhelming at first, however, these rural country roads aren’t ever too congested with traffic and people do tend to be apologetic to confused or stressed-out tourists. If you need to rent a car in Scotland, you can browse options here.

It can also be a good option to take out a third-party policy with iCarHireInsurance to be affordably covered for any excess. Don’t forget to buy a prepaid SIM card for the UK to ensure you can access your GPS at all times!

Finally, have you considered taking out travel insurance for your Scotland trip?  World Nomads   offers flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.

10-Day Scotland Highlights Itinerary

One of the most classic Scotland itineraries, this route begins in the capital city of Edinburgh and ends in the “Gateway to the Highlands,” Inverness.

Day 1 – Edinburgh

Begin your trip to Scotland in the incredible capital city of Edinburgh, an absolutely lovely and historic city that is sure to instantly charm you. Though small, there are countless things to do in the Scottish capital that will ensure that you’re never bored while spending a couple of days in Edinburgh .

Take the time to explore Edinburgh’s main sites, stroll down the Royal Mile, enjoy the convivial atmosphere in a local pub and search for familiar names of Harry Potter characters in Greyfriars Cemetery.

On your first day in the city, it’s a great idea to head to the iconic Edinburgh Castle ( book a skip-the-line tour here ) that towers over the city or, if you want to put some context to the sites you’re seeing, consider taking a walking tour of the city centre.

Edinburgh is an incredibly beautiful city that is compact enough to explore entirely on foot but filled with interesting things that you’re sure never to be bored.

Where to Say in Edinburgh

Cityroomz Edinburgh – A centrally-located hotel situated within easy walking distance of all Edinburgh has to offer, they have several clean and comfortable rooms available and there is even an option to include breakfast.

Castle Rock Hostel   – A great, small hostel centrally located near all of Edinburgh’s top sites, this is a fantastic choice for budget or solo travellers. They have several dorm and private rooms available and good common areas for meeting other travellers.  

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Edinburgh!

Day 2 – Edinburgh

Plan to spend 2 full days in Edinburgh as the city has a lot to offer beyond the main sites you visited on the first day. For instance, begin your second day with an exhilarating hike up Arthur’s Seat. This hill in Holyrood Park is a bit of a trek to the top, but it provides excellent views of the city spanned out below.

You can also take the time to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament. Take the time to wander through Edinburgh’s cosmopolitan New Town or maybe pop into one of the city’s many museums.

The Writer’s Museum is a great option, as is the National Museum of Scotland – what’s great is that most museums are free to enter!

End your day taking in some live music or, perhaps, a comedy show. There is a lot on offer in Edinburgh and it can be a great opportunity to experience the arts and culture of this city – even if you’re not visiting during the Fringe!

Day 3 – Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

From Edinburgh, it’s time to leave the big city (though Edinburgh does retain a lovely, pastoral charm) and head out into some of the incredible nature that Scotland is famed for. And one of the best places to do this is by paying a visit to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

While en route, however, consider making a pit stop in the city of Stirling to take in the gorgeous Stirling Castle. This is one of the most popular day trips from Edinburgh and it makes a lot of sense to include it while heading west.

Along with the castle, you can also see the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge where, in the 13th Century, William Wallace defeated the English (as depicted in Braveheart ). There is also a monument to William Wallace in the town.

There is a lot of history to experience in Stirling and it’s worth spending the better part of a day exploring the town. It’s located about an hour outside of Edinburgh and it’s roughly a further 1.5 hours to Loch Lomond – depending on where along the lake you choose to make as your base.

Where to Stay in Loch Lomond

Global B&B – Located in the village of Luss, this is the perfect bed and breakfast to rest your head in when visiting Loch Lomond. They have a handful of clean and comfortable rooms available and a great breakfast cooked fresh each morning.

The Loch Lomond Arms Hotel – A wonderful hotel located on the banks of Loch Lomond, this is a great option for those looking for a bit of luxury on your trip to Scotland. They have a number of great rooms available, and a great restaurant and bar on site.

Private Rental – Having a private place to stay is a great way to enjoy the serenity of Loch Lomond. There are a number of great options such as this delightful barn cottage.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Loch Lomond!

Day 4 – Loch Lomond & the Trossachs

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is one of Scotland’s most beautiful natural areas and it’s worth taking the time to enjoy the gorgeous scenery that lies within it.

The shores of Loch Lomond (Scotland’s largest loch) are absolutely gorgeous and the ample hiking opportunities are sure to keep you busy. There are also countless charming villages worth paying a visit to.

Spend your full day in the area by taking a boat cruise on the Loch – here you can get a beautiful panoramic view of the lake and of the surrounding Munros – including Ben Lomond. Of course, it’s also essential to visit the charming town of Luss that lies on the shores of the lake – there are plenty of charming stone cottages to take in.

You also could simply spend your day walking – there are several well-marked walking routes to take advantage of. You could do a bit of the Three Lochs Way or simply stroll from Tarbet to Arrochar – the world is really your oyster!

Day 5 – Oban

From Loch Lomond, it’s time to head further west until you meet the sea – with your final destination being the seafood capital of Scotland – Oban!

Oban is located about 1.5 hours from Loch Lomond (depending on where you’re staying) and, if you’d like, you could consider stopping the the charming town of Inverary along the way.

Once in Oban itself, there are a number of things to do. Though the town is known primarily for being a jumping-off point to the inner Hebridean islands (more on that later!), it’s worth exploring the town itself.

There’s a lovely little high street where you can browse some shops, a delightful waterfront and harbour to stroll along and, of course, the Oban Distillery is in the centre of town. You can pop into the visitor’s centre for a tasting or you can opt to go on a tour of the distillery if that suits.

It’s also worth walking up to McCaig’s Tower, a colosseum-like structure that looms over the town and provides excellent views of Oban and the surrounding islands.

Where to Stay in Oban

Adelphi Villa – This cosy guesthouse is a great option for mid-range visitors in Oban. They have a great location on a quiet, central street, free on-site parking, friendly owners and comfortable rooms.

The Manor House Hotel – A great luxury option in the town of Oban, this hotel is set in an old manor house. There are plenty of opulent rooms on offer along with countless plush amenities for guests.

Oban Backpackers – This backpacker’s hostel is perfect for budget travellers. They have a great location in the centre of Oban, good self-catering facilities and plenty of room types to choose from.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Oban hotels!

Day 6 – Isles of Mull & Iona

On you’re sixth day, it’s time to leave the Scottish mainland and go for a day trip to some of the country’s loveliest Hebridean islands – Mull and Iona! Though you could spend a number of days on Mull taking in all it has to offer, it is accessible as a day trip from Oban – provided you get an early start!

Car ferries from Oban to the town of Craignure on Mull take about 1 hour – make sure to get there at least half an hour in advance to sailing, though! Once you arrive on Mull, hit the road (they’re pretty small and narrow here!) and head south.

You’ll pass some of the island’s most incredible scenery by following this route along the Rodd of Mull before you reach the town of Fionnphort. Here, hop on another (passenger) ferry to the Isle of Iona. Tourists cannot bring a car to Iona so you must rely on your own two feet (or a bicycle) to get around.

Iona is absolutely charming, but it’s most notable for the Iona Abbey – which dates back to the 6th Century CE and is said to be the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland.

After exploring Iona, head back to Mull to take in more of this incredible island. There are plenty of natural sites to take in (the views along Loch Na Keal may be some of the most stunning in Scotland) as you drive up the west coast en route to Tobermory – the largest town on the island.

Of course, make sure to take the time to explore Tobermory (it’s home to its own whisky and gin distillery!) before hopping on the ferry back to Oban.

Day 7 – Glencoe & Fort William

From Oban, head a bit north to some of the most iconic places in the Scottish Highlands, the gorgeous and historic Glencoe and the lovely town of Fort William.

Like the destinations before this, Fort William and Glencoe boast some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Scotland and it is an area that is best seen by hitting the trails and doing some walking.

Glencoe lies about an hour’s drive north of Oban and a spectacular drive it is – it winds all along the west coast and you can even take in view of the old Castel Stalker while on your way. Do try to get an early start as Glencoe can get incredibly busyand the carparks at viewpoints and trailheads fill up quickly.

Make sure to stop at the Glencoe Viewpoint and at the Meeting of Three Waters. There are views just off the road here, but you can also embark on some longer hikes if that’s what you’d like to do.

In Glencoe Village, you can also learn about the infamous 17th Century Massacre of Glencoe and also stop for a bite to eat. You also could opt to walk a bit along lovely Loch Lochan for more views.

You can end your day in the nearby city of Fort William, which sits in the foothills of Ben Nevis – Scotland’s highest peak. Otherwise, there are also a handful of places to stay near Glencoe if you fancy something a bit more rural.

Where to Stay in Fort William & Glencoe

Gowan Brae Bed & Breakfast – A cosy bed and breakfast located in the centre of Fort William, this place makes for a perfect base for exploring the region. They have a number of great rooms available and a wonderful breakfast included in the nightly rate.

Loch Leven Hotel & Distillery – A lovely family-run hotel on the banks of Loch Levan, this place makes for the perfect place to stay in Glencoe. They have a number of great rooms available, a restaurant on site, and a bar serving locally distilled spirits including whisky and gin.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Fort William or Glencoe!

Day 8 – Fort William to Inverness

Day 8 of your Scotland road trip is a bit of a driving day – though it is less than 2 hours to your final destination (Inverness) so you can spend the morning exploring a bit of Fort William if you’d like.

Here, you can head to the West Highland Museum to learn about the history of the area or even take a detour to the Genfinnian Viaduct – known for being a shooting location for the Harry Potter movies.

Take the longer route from Fort William to Inverness and drive through Cairngorms National Park rather than along Loch Ness – you will be spending the whole next day there, so don’t fret about not getting views of Scotland’s most iconic lake!

Cairngorms is a gorgeous natural area and it’s also home to the Speyside whisky region, so there are plenty of different distilleries to top at if you’re interested. Just keep note that Scotland has a zero-tolerance drink driving limit so all samples and tastings should be reserved for those who are only passengers in the car.

End your day in the city of Inverness – which will be your final destination for this 10-day Scotland itinerary.

Where to Stay in Inverness

Torridon Guest House — This quaint guesthouse is one of the best places to stay in Inverness if your budget allows for a little bit more than a hostel. It is located within a short walking distance of the city centre, has great ratings, comfortable rooms, breakfast included, and free parking. 

Black Isle Hostel – This hostel is in a great location and is one of the best-rated hostels in Inverness. Aside from having multiple dorms of different sizes, they also have private rooms, a welcoming and friendly staff, and a bar serving local craft beers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Inverness!

Day 9 – Loch Ness

Inverness dons the nickname “The Gateway to the Highlands” for a reason – many of the Scottish Highland’s most iconic places to visit are within easy reach of this small city. And the most famous of which is Loch Ness .

Located only about 20 minutes from the centre of Inverness, you can easily get an early start and beat the crowds to this majestic and mysterious lake. Though you’re unlikely to glimpse Nessie in the depths of the loch, it’s still worth taking a cruise on the waters.

Of course, you should visit the ruined remains of Urquhart Castle and take in the gorgeous Falls of Foyers. The latter is located just a stone’s throw from the shore of the loch.

End your time in Loch Ness in the southernmost town on the lake, Fort Augustus. Here, there are lots of shops and amenities along with ample tranquil walks along the Caledonian Canal.

Day 10 – Inverness

Spend your final day in Scotland exploring the city of Inverness itself. Though small in size, this city packs a considerable amount of charm and is well worth spending the time to visit some of the sites here.

It is easy to get around the city on foot and take in the laid-back atmosphere. Stop by the Inverness Castle museum, enjoy some peace and quiet on the Ness Islands, and kick back with a pint at one of the many convivial pubs.

Inverness also has a great restaurant and craft beer scene, so there is something for everyone’s taste in this compact Scottish city.

If you’d like to head out on another day trip, then consider visiting the nearby Culloden Battlefield. This is a heartbreaking but excellent open-air museum where you can learn all about the Jacobite uprising in the 18th Century. Outlander fans will love it, but it’s just as interesting for those who’ve never read/seen the series.

Have More Time?

If you have more than ten days to devote to this Scotland itinerary, there are a number of different options you can make to extend your time.

If you would like to experience another big, Scottish city other than Edinburgh, you also to head over to Glasgow before venturing onto Loch Lomond. Though it has a gritty reputation, there are lots of things to do in Glasgow and it is very much worth visiting.

You could also opt to extend your time on the Isle of Mull – there is enough to do for several days. Especially if you’re visiting in the summer months, it can be worth taking a wildlife tour to the incredible isles of Staffa and Lunga – the latter is known for its massive puffin colony where you can view hundreds of these sea birds up close.

Alternatively, after visiting Glencoe, you could head north to the Isle of Skye and spend a few days there before driving all the way back to Inverness. As you can see, the possibilities are really endless.

10-Day Scottish Highlands & Islands Itinerary

If you’re more interested in exploring the highlights of Scotland’s incredible highlands and islands during your 10 days here, then this is the itinerary for you to follow!

Day 1 – Inverness

Start your Scotland road trip in the “Gateway to the Highlands,” Inverness. Well-poised to explore a lot of what this region has to offer, spend one day exploring the city itself and another two going on a number of day trips that are available.

Day 2 – Loch Ness

Spend your second day with Inverness as your base as an opportunity to visit the inimitable Loch Ness. Located only about 20 minutes from Inverness, we recommend getting an early start this day to avoid the inevitable large crowds that will descend upon the lake by midday.

Day 3 – Culloden Battlefield & Cawdor Castle

Still using Inverness as your base, spend your third day on a day trip to the Culloden Battlefield and to nearby Cawdor Castle.

The latter is one of Scotland’s lesser-known castles, but it’s within easy reach of Inverness and visitors can easily spend a few hours touring the castle and its extensive grounds. Still home to the Dowager Countess of Cawdor, this castle has been in the Campbell family since the 16th Century.

Day 4 – Cairngorms National Park

From Inverness, it’s time to head a bit south to the Cairngorms National Park. This sub-arctic plateau offers ample outdoor activities to delight even the most adrenaline-seeking of travellers. There are numerous hiking routes that range in difficulty, and also opportunities to go horseback riding, kayaking, and any other number of outdoor activities. 

The Cairngorms are really great for those who want to spend time hiking outside and taking in the wilderness. However, there are also a few charming little towns to visit and plenty of fun sites that aren’t necessarily all about being active outside.

Those who came to Scotland to see impressive royal castles, for instance, will swoon over the grand Balmoral Castle located in Cairngorms. And if you’re travelling with children, make sure to visit the Highland Wildlife Park. There are lots of things to do that’s it’s very much worth taking a day to explore this area, even if you don’t want to summit a Munro!

Plan to spend 2 nights in the area. If you want to get the most out of all of the beautiful nature in the Cairngorms, then camping is a great option. There are a number of lovely campsites scattered around the national park such as The Lazy Duck .

If you don’t plan on camping, I would suggest staying in the town of Aviemore, which has the most amenities and accommodation options for tourists.

Where to Stay in the Cairngorms

The Cairngorm Hotel – If you’re looking for a nice and romantic place to stay on Aviemore’s main street, then the Cairngorm Hotel is for you. This hotel has a range of rooms, great ratings, and has breakfast included in the rate.

Aviemore Youth Hostel – If you are on a budget and would prefer to stay closer to civilization, then Aviemore Youth Hostel is the place for you. They offer affordable dorm beds and come very highly rated.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the Cairngorms!

Day 5 – Speyside Whisky Region

The Cairngorms also happens to be situated in the Speyside region – the largest Scotch whisky-producing region in the country.

There are over fifty distilleries that you could tour and learn a little more about how Scotch is made and how to taste it. If you’re interested, you could opt to drive some of the malt Whisky Trail, a heritage trail that takes you by some of the region’s most notable distilleries. Keep in mind that this is best with a hired driver or a designated sober driver!

Otherwise, the village of Dufftown is home to six working distilleries all of its own – this can be a great place to walk between different places and sample some single malts!

Some of the distilleries in this region include Macallan, Glenfiddich, Arberlour, Glen Moray, Glenlivit and countless more.

Whisky tasting is also possible as a day trip from Inverness and there are plenty of tours that also include parts of the Cairngorms that you can do if you want to avoid driving after all of that whisky!

Day 6 – Isle of Skye

From Cairngorms, it’s time to head to one of Scotland’s most well-known (and gorgeous!) islands — the Isle of Skye ! Known for its dramatic scenery and bucolic charm, Skye is really an essential stop on this Highlands route.

The drive from Cairngorms National Park will take around 3 hours, so make sure to et an early start to ensure that you don’t miss a thing. En route to Skye, you also can make a stop at the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle which is situated just before you reach the bridge to the island.

On your first day, visit some of the sites that make up the Trotternish Loop, beginning with the Old Man of Storr. Continue onto Lealt Falls, Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock and, of course, drive the iconic Quirang for absolutely stunning views.

End your day in Portree, the main town on the island. There are lots of shops to browse and pubs to relax in here.

Where to Stay on Skye

An-Airidh Bed & Breakfast Portree  – Located just south of central Portree on the eponymous loch, this cosy B&B is a great base on the island. There are several comfortable rooms and a great breakfast each morning.

Skyewalker Hostel – A great, family-run hostel perfect for budget and solo travellers. They have a range of both dorm and private rooms, good facilities and occasionally organise social events in the evening.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Skye!

Day 7 – Isle of Skye

On your second day on Skye, take even more time to explore the island. On this day, you can head to the lovely Talisker Beach before visiting the Talisker Distillery – yet another whisky distillery! Note that Talisker Beach is accessible via a footpath about a mile from the car park, so you will need to walk a bit to take in this gorgeous stretch of sand.

Continue on to visit another one of Skye’s most famous attractions – the Fairy Pools. Again, these are only accessible via a short walk, but it’s 100% worth it. These pools are majestic and worth spending some time enjoying – you can even swim here if you’re brave enough to enter the freezing cold water!

You can end your day exploring some of the island’s castles. You can visit Armadale Castle, which was only built in the 19th Century or venture on to the ruined Dunscaith Castle, which has a far older history. Both are interesting and worth a stop.

Day 8 – Isle of Skye

Your final day on Skye should be dedicated to exploring even more of the island’s most beautiful natural sites. Begin your day at the incredible Fairy Glen – you need to hike for about 30 minutes to reach here but it’s definitely worth it. The scenery is just breathtaking and it can be incredibly peaceful.

From here, take in the white sand and turquoise waters of Claigan Coral Beach before visiting the historic Dunvegan Castle. Originally built in the 13th Century, this is one of Skye’s most impressive castles – and it’s one of many!

And for more seaside views, venture over the Neist Point Lighthouse. Another point that is only accessible via a decent walk, you can get incredible sea views and take in some dramatic cliffside scenery here. You also may have the opportunity to see sea life like whales and basking sharks here!

Day 9 – Skye to Fort William

On your penultimate day in Scotland, it’s time to leave Skye and drive south to Fort William. Expect the drive to take about 2.5 hours without stopping and you will be treated to some truly gorgeous, bucolic scenery in rural highland Scotland.

If you’re up to it, this is a great opportunity to stop by some of the attractions outside of Fort William, such as the Glenfinnian Viaduct, before making your way to the town itself. This will be your final destination for this 10-day Scotland itinerary.

Day 10 – Glencoe

End this Scottish Highlands route in the incredible Glencoe, taking in all of the jaw-dropping scenery, going for a hike or two and learning a bit about the history of this beautiful area. No visit to the Scottish highlands is complete without spending time in Glencoe, and this itinerary is no different!

If you have more time to devote to this Scotland road trip itinerary, then there are a few options available to you. If you’re keen to explore more of island life, then consider hopping on a ferry to the Outer Hebridean island of Lewis and Harris.

Alternatively, if you want to explore just one more quaint town before you head back, then consider making a stop in Ullapool, a lovely fishing village with a lot to offer visitors.

10-Day North Coast & Orkney Itinerary

If you’d like to see some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland and a bit off the beaten path compared to the other itineraries listed here, then this is the route for you.

Roughly following the North Coast 500 route , this itinerary takes you to some of the most beautiful, sparsely populated and historic places in all of the country.

Days 1-3 – Inverness

Start your itinerary in Inverness and make sure to take the time to explore this lovely, compact city.

With three days in the highland capital, you will have ample time to explore the handful of sites in the city itself as well as embark on a number of day trips — including Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, the Speyside whisky region and even Cairngorms National Park.

Day 4 – Ullapool

From Inverness, hit the road and head northwest to the absolutely lovely town of Ullapool.

The town of Ullapool itself is absolutely charming, with many shops along the high street worth browsing, inviting pubs that are a great place to escape the rain in, and chippies that will serve some of the best fish and chips to be found on the Scottish seaside.

Visiting Ullapool is also a great way to get out on the water and take a little tour of the small islands that lie off the coast, and even see some marine life. It is not uncommon to see pods of dolphins and lazy sea lions just off of Ullapool harbour.

Ullapool is very small, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. While you don’t need to devote a tonne of time here, one full day is more than enough to so the town justice.

Where to Stay in Ullapool

Ladysmith Guesthouse – Located in the centre of town, this guesthouse is a wonderful place to rest your head in Ullapool. They have many cosy rooms available and a great, hearty breakfast on offer each morning.

Clachan Farmhouse B&B – Located just a bit outside of the central Ullapool, this bed and breakfast is perfect for those looking for a lovely, pastoral escape. They have a range of plush rooms available and a wonderful breakfast included.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the Ullapool!

Day 5 – Scotland’s North Coast

This part of the journey will provide you with possibly the most scenic drive of this whole road trip. Make your way along the windy, one-lane roads of the Northwest Highlands to the small, sleepy town of Durness and make sure to pull over and take a lot of pictures — the scenery is truly spectacular.

Make sure to check out the Smoo Cave in Durness but, besides that, there isn’t much in this tiny town. However, it is a great place to spend the night and enjoy the beautiful, pristine coast.

Where to Stay on the North Coast

Bettyhill Hotel – This charming hotel located in the fishing village of Bettyhill is the perfect place to stop for the night on Scotland’s north coast. They have several clean and comfortable rooms available and a great restaurant to grab a bite to eat.

Durness Smoo Youth Hostel – This small hostel is a great place to rest your head in Durness. It is located close to the Smoo Cave and also some fantastic hiking routes. It has a couple of dorm rooms and comes very highly rated.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options on the North Coast!

Days 6 to 8 – Orkney

Your sixth day sees you leaving mainland Britain and heading to the wonderful, peaceful Orkney Islands. There is a comfortable car ferry that leaves from the town of Scrabster a few times per day and the journey takes about ninety minutes.

While very small, there are so many things to do in Orkney and one could easily spend more than the three nights I recommend for this itinerary.

These beautiful islands are packed to the gills with fascinating Neolithic sites, there is a very interesting Viking history here as well as breathtaking bucolic scenery and some very friendly locals. 

Spend your first day exploring the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney. These sites include the Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn and the Neolithic village of Skara Brae.

On your second day, take the time to explore the lovely town of Kirkwall, the capital of the islands. there’s a lot to do here and it’s a charming little town with plenty of cute shops and inviting pubs. You can also opt to visit the Highland Park Distillery.

And on your third day, you can spend it exploring the island of South Ronaldsay. Here, there are sites like the Italian Chapel and some more Neolithic wonders to take in.

Where to Stay on Orkney

Heatherlea – Also located in the biggest town on Orkney, Kirkwall, Heatherlea is a lovely bed and breakfast to stay at. They have a range of rooms available and also include a full Scottish breakfast available each morning.

Kirkwall Youth Hostel – Located in the biggest town on the Mainland island of Orkney, Kirkwall Youth Hostel is a great budget option on the islands.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the Orkney!

Days 9 to 10 – Tain & Scotland’s Northeast Coast

After three nights in Orkney, it’s time to head back to the mainland and begin working your way south. Your stop for the evening will be the lovely town of Tain, the oldest of the royal burghs in Scotland and home to the Glenmorangie whisky distillery.

Tain is a lovely town to explore and doesn’t really see much tourism at all, so it’s very much worth exploring. The beautiful streets and landmarks are really something to enjoy and you’re sure to love the vibes of the city, especially as it’s a relatively “off the beaten path” destination to visit.

Where to Stay in Tain

Shandwick House – A lovely guesthouse in the heart of Tain, this is a perfect place to rest your head in the city. They have many clean and comfortable rooms available and a great full Scottish breakfast available each morning.

Carnegie Lodge Hotel – A fantastic hotel if you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket in Tain, this place has some lovely rooms available, room service on offer, and a full breakfast included in the morning.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the Tain!

If you have more time to spare, then consider heading even further north from the incredible Orkney Islands all the way to Shetland! These islands have a fascinating history (lots of Viking invasions!) and a unique landscape that are sure to have you awe-struck.

As you can see planning the ideal itinerary through Scotland can be a bit complicated, with so many different routes available to you. However, no matter which route you decide to take, there is no denying that you will come back with countless amazing memories.

Are you planning to visit Scotland? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Ultimate London-Scotland-Ireland Itinerary

The Best Shoes for Scotland & Ireland

9 Best Day Trips from Inverness

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Thanks for the ideas. I’m working out my itenary for 10 days now I. late September – early October 2023. I really enjoyed your suggestions. I am more excited now.

Hope you have a great trip!

Can’t wait! Going to England, Ireland, Scotland and France in a few months Super excited Thanks for the information

Hope you have a lovely trip, Beth!

Thank you very much, very informative/

Went to Orkney & Highlands ‘75 in October when I was 23. Zero other tourists until Ben Nevis, there were dozens there, mostly from Europe. No one else at Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae. 45 years later, going back in 2020. I know will be vastly different. Ireland: no other tourists at Blarney Castle, no one but lighthouse keeper at Old Head of Kinsale. Only met Australians in both Scotland & Ireland. Loved quiet stay at Aviemore Youth Hostel. Advise go as Winter descends or very early Spring. Hitchhiked, trains, buses. Meet locals that way. Forget the car.

Thanks for your comment, Neil! I think that you’ll find just a few more tourists in Orkney and the Highlands in 2020 than you did in 1975 — probably a few more Aussies as well! Sounds like you’re gonna have a great time walking down memory lane, hope it’s as good as the first 🙂

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Plan Your Scotland Road Trip (5, 7, and 10-Day Itineraries)

Scotland is a magical land full of dramatic coastlines, charming villages, historic castles, ancient mountains, and legendary whisky distilleries. When planning a Scotland road trip, it isn’t a question of whether or not it will be amazing, it is just a question of how much time you have and how much can you squeeze in.

If you want to see Scotland’s highlights, such as Edinburgh , the Highlands, and the Isle of Skye, here are three Scotland road trip itinerary options, based on how long you want to stay. These five -, seven -, and 10-day Scottish road trip itineraries cover things to do and see along the route, where to stay , and even some restaurant recommendations at each stop.

Based on my experience, I’ll also cover some practical road trip advice on driving in Scotland and Scotland travel tips for planning your trip.

Scotland Road Trip Options

In July, I spent a week road-tripping around Scotland with my girlfriends before heading down to Wales . One week in Scotland was just enough time to see the major cities, the stunning Scottish Highlands, and the popular Isle of Skye. If it was our first visit to Scotland, we would have spread that out over 10 days.

Since I know everyone doesn’t have that long, or they want to combine Scotland with a visit to England , Wales , or Ireland, I’ve created shorter options focused on just my favorite highlights. You can also pick the road trip itinerary that is the best match for your Scotland budget .

• 5-day Scotland road trip itinerary: Edinburgh (2 nights), Isle of Skye (2 nights), Glencoe (1 night)
• 7-day Scotland road trip itinerary: Edinburgh (2 days), Inverness (2 days), Isle of Skye (2 days), Glencoe (1 day)
• 10-day Scotland itinerary: Edinburgh (2 days), Inverness (2 days), Isle of Skye (3 days), Glencoe (2 days), Glasgow (1 day)

5-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

If you only have five days in Scotland, you can still get a wonderful taste of the very best of the country. Start with two nights in Edinburgh , followed by two nights on the magical Isle of Skye , and finish with one day in the most beautiful spot in the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe .

Your five-night Scotland itinerary looks as follows:

• Day 1 – Arrival in Edinburgh (Dean Village, New Town, Victoria & Cockburn Streets)
• Day 2 – Edinburgh Royal Mile (Edinburgh Castle, Scotch Whisky Tasting Experience, St. Giles Cathedral, Real Mary King’s Close, Holyrood Palace, Calton Hill)
• Day 3 – Drive to Isle of Skye (Kelpies, Pitlochry, Eilean Donan Castle, Fairy Pools)
• Day 4 – Isle of Skye (Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Quiraing, Fairy Glen, Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point)
• Day 5 – Drive to Glencoe

I’ve created this map using Google MyMaps to show an overview of this five-day Scottish road trip. You can click on the star next to the title and save this to your Google Maps account or click on the share icon to send it to yourself via email. 

Day 1 – Arrive in Edinburgh

I’ve written a detailed itinerary for two days in Edinburgh , but here is a brief overview. It is ideal if you can fly directly into Edinburgh, but to save money you may want to look at connecting through London, Manchester, or Dublin. Getting from the airport into the center of the city is easy using the simple and affordable using the tram, which runs every 7-8 minutes. The tram stops at several points in the city center, including St Andrew Square and Waverley Bridge, and the journey takes around 30 minutes. 

Since you will be tired if you had an overnight flight from the U.S., spend your first day walking around this beautiful city. Start off in New Town and take a walk down to the quaint Dean Village . This quiet, residential village is one of the most picturesque spots in the city.

After, you may want to check out the boutiques along George Street  or the many pubs along  Rose Street . If you are ready to start getting a taste for Scotch whisky, pay a visit to Johnnie Walker Princes Street .

Walk along Princes Street and enter the  Princes Street Gardens  to see the  Ross Fountain  and beautiful views looking up at the Edinburgh Castle. Continue down to the Sir Walter Scott Monument near the train station.

Next, head uphill and over to Old Town. Discover the colorful storefronts along curving Cockburn Street and then walk over to Victoria Street , one of the most photographed spots in Edinburgh, and take a stroll through the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard. This cemetery was an inspiration to J.K. Rowling when writing the Harry Potter series.

Finish up in Grassmarket Square and take in the view of Edinburgh Castle from the Vennel Viewpoint and end your day at one of the cute pubs in this area.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

To make the most of a short stay in Edinburgh, plan on staying in either New Town or Old Town to make it easy to get around by foot, tram, or bus. On my first visit to Edinburgh, I stayed in New Town, and on my second visit, I stayed in Old Town. Both have their advantages and I enjoyed both places:

•   Eden Locke Hotel – a stylish and modern hotel that has some “apart-hotel” suite options, with small kitchens and living/dining areas. The hotel is a short walk from Princes Street, which is the main shopping street in New Town, and it is also close to several bus and tram lines, making it easy to get around the city.
• Blackfriar Lofts – a collection of apartments just off the Royal Mile towards the Holyroodhouse end. This location was great for exploring Old Town and Calton Hill. It was surprisingly quiet at night and had plenty of restaurants and shops nearby.

Find other places to stay in Edinburgh:

Day 2 – Edinburgh Royal Mile

Dedicate your second day in Edinburgh to exploring the famous Royal Mile . Start at the top with a visit to the Edinburgh Castle . This is a popular attraction so you need to book your timed-entry ticket in advance and I’d recommend starting with the first available time slot to avoid crowds and get a jump on your busy day.

After touring the castle, your next stop will be at one or two of three attractions: the Scotch Whisky Experience , which includes a tour of the whisky-making process, as well as tastings and educational sessions led by whisky experts, the family-friendly  Camera Obscura , or the  Tartan Weaving Mill  and Exhibition.

 Continue down Castlehill to Lawnmarket, enjoying the street performers and shops along the way. Your next stop should be at  St. Giles Cathedral , which was named for the patron saint of Edinburgh and is also known for its beautiful architecture and rich history, which dates back to the 12th century. 

After a busy morning, it is then time to relax for a bit and enjoy High Tea at   The Colonnades at the Signet Library .  I’ve tried three different afternoon tea options in Edinburgh (because I love a good high tea!) and this was by far my favorite, albeit pricey. I’d suggest booking a noon tea time to ensure you have plenty of time to arrive at your next destination for a tour of  The Real Mary King’s Close .  

During the tour, you will visit a series of underground streets and tenements that were built in the 17th century and are named after Mary King, a prominent member of the Edinburgh community, and learn about the daily lives of the people who lived and worked there.

Your last stop on the Royal Mile will be at the  Palace of Holyroodhouse , the royal residence when the King is in Edinburgh. You can tour the palace (with the help of an audio guide) and see the State Apartments, which are a series of grand and ornate rooms that were used for official ceremonies and state occasions.

Even though you have done a lot of walking this day, I’d encourage you to power through a little further and climb  Calton Hill  for one of the most famous lookouts in Edinburgh, with panoramic views over the city. The walk up is about a 10-minute climb from the road and it is a great spot to see the sunset over the city.

Where to Eat in Edinburgh

• Devil’s Advocate – modern Scottish cuisine and whisky bar in Old Town
• Dishoom – modern Indian in New Town
• Amarone – Italian in New Town
• Edinburgh Street Food – food hall near Calton Hill
• Urban Angel – breakfast and lunch cafe in New Town

Day 3 – Drive to the Isle of Skye

The drive to the Isle of Skye takes about 5.5 hours, but you will soon learn that traveling in Scotland can be a little slower than you might expect. Sometimes it is the narrow roads, but often it is because you will want to stop so often to take pictures of the gorgeous landscape!

It is a long trip so you will want to break it up with a couple of stops, but don’t linger too long, and be sure to get an early start! If you are an Outlander fan, you can make a quick stop at either Blackness Castle or Linlithgow Palace (birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and James V) as both were Outlander filming sites. Another fun option is a quick stop at The Helix to see the stunning Kelpies sculptures .

For an early lunch, make a stop in the cute town of Pitlochry along the way, where you can find many cute cafes such as the Fern Cottage or Hettie’s Tea Rooms. The Blair Athol Distillery is also located nearby.

Continue your road trip through The Highlands with a stop at the scenic viewpoints near Glen Shiel , including overlooks of the Five Sisters of Kintail mountain range or the site of the Battle of Glen Shiel during the 1719 Jacobite rising.

If you are running late, you can always skip those but make sure to leave time for a visit to Eilean Donan Castle . Even if you don’t buy a ticket to cross the bridge, you can get a great view from the visitor center and the overlook. The visitor center also has a cafe if you need a cup of tea or a quick bite.

By now it will be getting late in the day, but if you are visiting in the summer, you will be lucky to have daylight until after 10 p.m.. If you want to stretch your legs, make one more stop at the Fairy Pools before heading to your hotel.

The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye are a series of small waterfalls and pools in a gorgeous mountain setting. If you can catch the light right, the pools take on a beautiful shade of aqua blue. It is also a popular spot for wild swimming for those willing to brave the cold waters. Some say the waters attract selkies, while others believe that if you hold your head underwater for seven seconds you will be blessed with eternal youth.

The parking lot at the Fairy Pools can get crowded, so it is good to visit late in the day. Remember that you will always need to pay for parking at scenic attractions in Scotland. Most pay machines take credit cards and print a receipt that you leave on your dashboard. If the closest parking lot is full, there is secondary parking up the street, but that is going to make for a long walk.

Hiking up to the Fairy Pools is 2.5 km and is steep at points (mostly on the return to the parking lot). The walk, combined with multiple photo stops, will mean that you should allot at least one to two hours for your visit.

It is important to keep an eye on your watch because many of the casual restaurants on the Isle of Skye close by 8:00 p.m. I’d encourage you to make reservations when possible, especially when visiting during the busy season. Cafe Sia is a nice pizza restaurant not too far from the Fairy Pools.

Now it is finally time to head to your hotel. The most central location is in Portree, but you need to book your accommodations early if you are visiting during the summer (try to book by March at the latest). Portree Harbor has several fish and chip takeaway spots for a casual meal and there are a number of pubs and restaurants in town but reservations are highly recommended and keep in mind that many are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye

We stayed at the ultra-cool Bracken Hide Hotel , a wilderness hotel with individual cabins in a natural setting. The lodge has a great restaurant, cocktail bar, and lounge too. Some other good options that we considered (but were already booked) include:

• Skeabost House Hotel
• Duisdale House Hotel
• Kinloch Lodge
• Cullin Hills Hotel
• Toravaig House Hotel

Find other places to stay on the Isle of Skye:

Day 4 – Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is one of the most magical places in Scotland and if you only have a little over a day to explore, you will want to get an early start. It will be a busy day and there aren’t a lot of restaurants along the way, so you may want to consider picking up a lunch in Portree at Cafe Arriba or grab a pastry at MacKenzie’s Bakery, which is supposed to have the best scones on the island but the person in front of me in line bought the last ones so I never got to try them!

Tip: The weather in Scotland is unpredictable, especially on the Isle of Skye so you need to be prepared with layers and waterproof gear. Be sure to download my Scotland packing list.

Here is an overview map of your Isle of Skye road trip today:

The first half of your day will be spent circumnavigating the Trotternish peninsula in the northern part of Isle of Skye. Your first stop will be at the Old Man of Storr trailhead, just a 17-minute drive from Portree. The parking lot isn’t large so getting there early will help you get a spot.

This is a 3.4-mile, challenging hike, but you don’t need to do the whole thing, just go high enough to get a good view. Unfortunately, when we visited, it was raining the Old Man was completely clouded over so we never got to see that iconic view. But that’s all part of visiting Scotland and there are times when the mist and clouds just add to its mystical qualities.

There are many scenic spots to stop along this loop, so decide how many you want to do, but I was blown away (almost literally) by the views at An Leathallt , although I didn’t take the time to walk down to Leath Falls.

I had hoped to also stop at Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls , which is just 13 minutes from Old Man of Storr, but the parking lot was closed for construction. A friend of mine visited more recently and it has now been reopened (at least at the time of this writing.) Kilt Rock is one of Scotland’s iconic basalt formations that looks a bit like the pleats of a kilt – hence the name. From the viewpoint, you can look over the edge to see Mealt Falls

Next up is the Quiraing , which is a mountain range that dominates the northern Trotternish peninsula featuring many bizarre rock formations. Even in the rain, wind, and clouds, the Quiraing is a jaw-dropper. Hiking the entire loop would take around four hours, but again, you probably want to watch the time and just hike the first portion of the trail.

To get there, pass the small village of Staffin and take the small single-track road on the left. It is narrow and steep, so drive carefully. When you reach the car park, take a walk on the trail that starts on the opposite side of the road but be sure to also take in the views of the road you traveled on and the sweeping view down to the water. It is stunning.

After the Quiraing, you could backtrack to the A855 and continue to loop around the top of the peninsula, but to save time, you may want to just continue to cut across the peninsula on your way to the Fairy Glen (about 20 minutes from Quiraing.)

I completely fell in love with the Fairy Glen . If you don’t believe in fairies, this magical landscape with conical, terraced, grassy hills will turn you into a believer. My inner child was joyous and I wanted to stay for the entire day. I’m convinced there must be a Hobbit hole or Fairy home there somewhere! Seriously, don’t skip this stop. It is a fairly easy 30-minute hike from the parking lot and the whole path is quite scenic.

From the Fairy Glen, it is a 45-minute drive to Dunvegan Castle , which is open from the beginning of April until the middle of October. This castle was built in the 13th century and has been the ancestral seat of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. The castle overlooks the bay of Loch Dunvegan and they also offer short boat trips to a nearby seal colony. I can’t imagine visiting Scotland and not seeing at least one castle and Dunvegan is a good one. Not only is it a striking fortress on the outside, but the rooms are beautifully decorated and tell the interesting history of the MacLeod clan.

Tip: There is a cafe on site that can make a good spot to stop for lunch. Also, leave plenty of time to wander through the five acres of lush 18th-century gardens. These award-winning gardens include the  Water Garden, Rose Garden, Walled Garden, and woodland walks.

I have saved the best for last to end your time on the Isle of Skye with a true wow view and experience. From Dunvegan Castle, it is a 30-minute (somewhat nerve-wracking) drive to Neist Point . The lighthouse at Neist Point is possibly the most iconic lighthouse on Skye, but it isn’t just about the lighthouse, it is about the stunning view of the promontory from the cliffs above.

You can certainly walk out to the lighthouse. The walk takes about 45 minutes from the car park and behind with a steep staircase down before it evens out. But just remember, you have to go back up those stairs at the end! If you are short on time or don’t feel up to that trek, the prettiest view is really from the cliffs above Neist Point. If you can time it right, it is also a perfect spot for sunset. But since sunset isn’t until after 10 p.m. in the summer, that can be a bit challenging and honestly, I wouldn’t love that drive back to your hotel after dark.

Where to Eat in Portree

• Frasers at the Bracken Hide
• The Lower Deck
• Sea Breezes Sea be wyfood
• Dulse & Brose

Day 5 – Glencoe

It is a three-hour drive from Portree to Glencoe, in the Scottish Highlands. However, if you want to stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct (for Harry Potter fans), it will take a bit longer and you should plan to take the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig, but you need to reserve tickets in advance . Since this is only a five-day Scottish road trip, I’d suggest you skip this as to get the full experience, you need to time your visit to when the “Hogwarts Express” train crosses the aqueduct and the stop can end up taking two hours.

Instead, plan to stop in the town of Fort William for lunch. You could also visit the Ben Nevis Distillery, check out the locks at Neptune’s Staircase, take a scenic ride on the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola, drive Glen Etive road (you may recognize it from the James Bond movie Skyfall ), or take a hike in Glencoe. Or, do what we did and relax and enjoy a pint with a view at the outdoor picnic tables at the Clachaig Inn .

If you need to rush back to Edinburgh the next day, there are some other scenic stops in Glencoe you should fit in, including:

• Three Sisters Viewpoint – panoramic views of the mountains
• Meeting of the Waters – waterfall views
• Glencoe viewpoint

Where to Stay in Glencoe

We stayed at the very rustic Clachaig Inn , which is simple but has unbeatable views and a classic pub and restaurant. In addition to rooms at the inn, the Clachaig also has cabins and a fun playground, making it a great budget choice for families too. We also considered the Glencoe Inn , but it was too pricey for this trip.

See more places to stay near Glencoe:

Return to Edinburgh

Once you have reached the end of your five nights in Scotland, it is time to head back to Edinburgh. If you can squeeze out one more night before you fly home or continue on to your next destination, take your time on this drive because the Highlands are simply gorgeous. It is like Iceland in that it is hard to not pull over every 10 feet to take a picture. Otherwise, it is a 2.5-hour drive back to Edinburgh.

7-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

If you have a week for your Scotland road trip, you can see a good chunk of the country and really enjoy the incredible variations in the landscape. Start with two nights in Edinburgh , followed by two nights in Inverness (near Loch Ness), then two nights on the magical Isle of Skye , and finish with one day in Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands.

This itinerary is very similar to the five-day option above, but I’ve added two nights in Inverness to add a bit more variety and a couple more famous attractions.

Your one-week Scotland road trip could look as follows:

• Day 3 – Drive to Inverness (Kelpies, Pitlochry, Clava Cairns)
• Day 4 – Inverness (Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness)
• Day 5 – Drive to Isle of Skye (Eilean Donan Castle, Fairy Pools)
• Day 6 – Isle of Skye (Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Quiraing, Fairy Glen, Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point)
• Day 7 – Drive to Glencoe

I’ve created this map using Google MyMaps to show an overview of this seven-day Scottish road trip. You can click on the star next to the title and save this to your Google Maps account or click on the share icon to send it to yourself via email. 

Day 1 – 2 – Edinburgh

For your first two days in Scotland, use the detailed itinerary I provided above in the 5-day Scotland road trip. This will provide you with a nice introduction to Scotland and offer a good overview of Edinburgh’s highlights.

See above for where to stay and where to eat in Edinburgh.

Day 3 – Drive to Inverness

The drive from Edinburgh to Inverness takes three hours, without stops or taking the scenic route of course. Your first stop should be at the Forth Bridges that connect North and South Queensferry across the Firth of Forth. The original Forth Bridge opened in 1890 and was the first major structure in the United Kingdom to be made of steel. Today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are multiple viewpoints to take photos of the bridge, especially along the five-mile Forth Bridges Trail.

Are you a fan of castles and Scottish history? If so, plan for a stop at the Scone Palace . The Scone Palace was built in the 12th century and served as the Crowning Place of Scottish Kings for over 400 years. In addition to the gardens, which include a maze, a woodland walk, and a children’s playground, you can also visit the staterooms. But the best part? You can get scones at Scone Palace at the tearoom.

For lunch, make a stop in the cute town of Pitlochry along the way, where you can find many cute cafes such as the Fern Cottage or Hettie’s Tea Rooms. The Blair Athol Distillery is also located nearby.

As you continue north toward Inverness, you will now travel along the outskirts of Cairngorms National Park. If you have time, consider making a stop to see the Cairngorms Reindeer Herd , Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer. The herd has about 150 reindeer and you can visit some of them with paddock visits or hill visits, but arrangements need to be made in advance.

Once you arrive in Inverness, take some time to work along River Ness and enjoy the downtown scene. Be sure to make a stop at Leakey’s Bookshop . This two-story bookshop has been buying and selling books for over 40 years. Any bibliophile is going to love wandering the shelves here and checking out the new and used tomes and historic maps. I still can’t believe there is a working wood stove amid of all that flammable paper, but it satisfied my book-lover side.

Where to Stay in Inverness

Because there were three of us on a Scotland girls’ trip, we rented this adorable Airbnb near the river that was a short walk to great restaurants and downtown. However, we also consider the following:

• Kingsmill Hotel
• AC Hotel Inverness

Find more places to stay in Inverness:

Where to Eat in Inverness

• The Kitchen
• The Mustard Seed

Day 4 – Inverness and Loch Ness

There are not a ton of things to see and do in Inverness proper, but there is plenty to do nearby. One of the most important historical sites in Scotland is the Culloden Battlefield , just 15 minutes away. If you have watched Outlander or studied any Scottish history, you are probably familiar with the Jacobites and the Battle of Culloden.

The Battle of Culloden was the final battle of the Jacobite Rising of 1745, which was an attempt by the Jacobite Party to restore the Stuart dynasty to the British throne. The Jacobite forces were led by Charles Edward Stuart, the grandson of James II, who had been deposed in 1688.

The two armies met on Culloden Moor on April 16, 1746, and the Jacobites were quickly defeated. While the battle lasted for just an hour, it was one of the bloodiest in British history, with over 1,500 Jacobites killed. It marked the end of the Jacobite Risings and the beginning of a period of repression in the Highlands of Scotland, where the government enacted harsh laws against the Highland clans, including the banning of kilts and bagpipes.

Now a National Trust for Scotland site, even if you know nothing of this history, the exhibits inside do an excellent job of providing context and background in a very digestible manner.

Walking the battlefield gives you a sense of the scale of this battle and has a similar reverence of sacred ground where so many were killed as a visit to Gettysburg in the U.S. While the Battlefield is being rewilded with native fauna and flora, flags mark the positions of the armies and paths through the Battlefield to see the mass graves of the Jacobites who were killed in the battle.

There are also several memorials, including the Clan Stones, which commemorate the clans that fought at Culloden. Of course, Outlander fans have trampled the area around the Fraser Stone to the point that it is now roped off. In my opinion, the Culloden Battlefield is the number one reason to visit Inverness.

Nearby, you can also visit the standing stones and burial sites at Clava Cairns . While it isn’t a stone circle, this is still an interesting ancient site and Outlander fans can see if any stones will magically transport them through time.

If you are visiting with kids who need a break from history (or animal lovers), you may also want to check out the working herding dog demonstrations at Leanach Farm B&B ( reservations must be made in advance.)

Next, it is time to see another one of Scotland’s most famous attractions… Loch Ness . While there are plenty of boat tours for those who want to look for Nessie, you can also just drive along the shore and stop to take in the view.

We have all heard of the mysterious Loch Ness Monster, but did you know that Loch Ness is 23 miles long and only 1.5 miles wide at its widest point, but it reaches up to 754 feet in depth (so no wonder it is hard to find Nessie!)

Drumnadrochit village is home to the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition and a good town to visit for lunch. Before you get to town, keep your eyes peeled for a few of those famous Highland Cows (or Hairy Coos as they are affectionately known.)

Near Drumnadrochit, you will find Urquhart Castle on the banks of the Loch. This ruined castle is a popular attraction so don’t make my mistake and make sure you book your timed-entry tickets in advance.

Day 5 – Drive to the Isle of Skye

The drive from Inverness to Portree, in central Isle of Skye, takes about two and a half hours, but you need to plan for plenty of scenic stops along the way. I would suggest taking A82 south along the west side of Loch Ness to A887 and A87. From here, you will want to follow Day 3 from the 5-day Scotland road trip itinerary above with stops at Glen Shiel and Eilean Donan Castle .

Once you cross over onto the Isle of Skye, you will want to leave plenty of time for stops at waterfalls like Eas a’ Bhradain and Sligachan (if you dip your face in the water at the Sligachan Bridge, legend says you will be granted eternal beauty.)

Continue to the Fairy Pools and follow the detailed itinerary above. See above for where to stay and where to eat in Portree.

Day 6 – Isle of Skye

Follow the itinerary from day 4 of the itinerary above.

Day 7 – Glencoe

Follow the itinerary from day 5 of the itinerary above. See above for where to stay in Glencoe.

If you need to hurry back to Edinburgh to catch a flight, get an early start because the trip takes 2.5-3 hours. If you have more time, there are some stops you can make along the way. You could pay a visit to Stirling Castle , which sits at the crossroads of the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland, and has been the scene of many important battles throughout history as well as home to many Scottish kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots and James VI and I.

If you are an Outlander fan, you can make a quick stop at either Blackness Castle or Linlithgow Palace (birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and James V) as both were Outlander filming sites. Another fun option is a quick stop at The Helix to see the stunning Kelpies sculptures .

Alternatively, you could take a longer route back to Edinburgh and drive past Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Loch Lomond is the largest lake in Britain, at 24 miles long and 5 miles across. The picturesque village of Luss is the perfect spot to stop. There is a large carpark on the outskirts of this tiny town where you can park and then walk to explore this little village.

Luss has charming cottages, cute boutiques, restaurants, and a nice stretch of lakefront including a beach on Loch Lomond. If you are looking for lunch, The Village Rest has a darling setting in the center of town and a traditional menu.

10-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

With 10 days in Scotland, you have time to explore the Isle of Skye and the Highlands a little deeper, as well as also visit Glasgow. This 10-day road trip starts similar to the one-week itinerary, with two nights in Edinburgh and two nights in Inverness . But then, instead of cramming so much into a short time on the Isle of Skye , you can spread it out over three nights and see more of the island.

Follow this up with two nights in Glencoe , giving you time to take in the Glenfinnan Aqueduct and do some hiking too. Finish up in the foodie city of Glasgow before looping back to Edinburgh (unless you fly out of Glasgow.)

• Day 5 – Drive to Isle of Skye (Eilean Donan Castle)
• Day 7 – Isles of Skye (Fairy Pools, Talisker, Armadale Castle)
• Day 8 – Drive to Glencoe (Glenfinnan Aqueduct, Fort William)
• Day 9 – Glencoe (hiking) – or go to Glasgow to spend 2 nights in Glasgow
• Day 10 – Drive to Glasgow (Luss / Loch Lomond, Glasgow food tour)

I’ve created this map using Google MyMaps to show an overview of this ten-day Scottish road trip. You can click on the star next to the title and save this to your Google Maps account or click on the share icon to send it to yourself via email. 

Days 1-4 – Edinburgh and Inverness

Since this itinerary starts the same, follow the 7-day road trip itinerary for days one through four above. See above for where to stay and where to eat in Edinburgh and Inverness.

Your fifth day starts the same as day five in the 7-day itinerary above, but instead of fitting in the Fairy Pools, you will visit those on another day and have more time to explore the town of Portree instead.

To start off, drive from Inverness to Portree, in central Isle of Skye by taking A82 south along the west side of Loch Ness and then A887 to A87 toward Isle of Skye. You will want to make stops at Glen Shiel and Eilean Donan Castle .

Once you cross over onto Isle of Skye, you will want to leave plenty of time for stops at waterfalls like Eas a’ Bhradain and Sligachan (if you dip your face in the water at the Sligachan Bridge, legend says you will be granted eternal beauty.)

When you arrive in Portree , be sure to walk down to the harbor to see the colorful buildings and maybe grab some fish and chips from one of the takeaway places. If you have enough time, you could also climb the Apothecary Tower for scenic views toward the Old Man of Storr. Or, save time the next day but taking a hike up to Old Man of Storr , since it can be easier to find parking either early or late in the day.

See where to stay and where to eat in Portree or Isle of Skye above.

Follow day six of the one-week itinerary above.

Day 7 – Isle of Skye

By this time, you are going to be so in love with the Isle of Skye that you will be happy to have an extra day to explore. You may want to consider switching hotels for your last day to one of the places mentioned above on the southern half of the island. This will prevent you from doing too much backtracking and save you time the following morning.

Start by driving about 45 minutes to Talisker Bay Beach . This is considered one of the nicest beaches on the Isle of Skye and the backdrop of cliffs offers a photogenic setting. Nearby, you can grab lunch at the Oyster Shed in Carbost Beag and visit the Talisker Distillery. You could even sign up for a boat tour with Wild Skye Boat Trips for wildlife sightings or fishing (just note that if you take a boat trip you will limit how much time you have for other activities.)

Next, you will want to drive about 15 minutes to the Fairy Pools . The Fairy Pools are a series of small waterfalls and pools that, when you catch the light right, take on a beautiful shade of aqua blue, making it one of the more popular natural attractions on the Isle of Skye.

The parking lot at the Fairy Pools can get crowded, but if the closest parking lot is full, there is secondary parking up the street, but that is going to make for a long walk. Hiking up to the Fairy Pools is 2.5 km and is steep at points (mostly on the return to the parking lot). The walk, combined with multiple photo stops, will mean that you should allot at least one to two hours for your visit.

After spending time at the Fairy Pools, drive approximately 1.25 hours to Armadale Castle and Gardens . Keep in mind that the Castle typically closes at 5:00 pm and the last entry is at 4:30 pm. Armadale Castle is the former seat of the Macdonalds of Sleat, the chiefs of Clan Donald, one of the most powerful clans in Scottish history. The castle was built in the 18th century, but the original castle on the site dates back to the 14th century. Today you can visit the Castle and its beautiful gardens.

If you still have some time and energy after visiting the Castle, you can drive to the southern tip of Isle of Skye to Camas Daraich, a white sand beach with turquoise water located on the Point of Sleat. Staying near Armadale and the ferry port will make your travel the next morning much easier.

Day 8 – Drive to Glencoe

The shortest way to get from Armadale or the southern portion of Isle of Skye to Glencoe is to take the Armadale – Mallaig ferry, but you need to purchase tickets in advance.

If you would like to stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct , there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First, if you plan to see the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the viaduct (aka the Hogwarts Express, as you may recall the scene from the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets movie), you will need to look up the timetable in advance. You want to find what time the train leaves Fort William and calculate when it will reach Glenfinnan.

For example, we knew we wouldn’t get there in time for the earliest train, so we planned on seeing the train that left Fort William at 12:50 p.m., which arrived at the viaduct around 1:30 pm. However, don’t plan on arriving right at 1:30! I would suggest arriving at least an hour before the train is expected to arrive. It takes about 15 minutes from the car park, following the trail, to reach the rise above the viaduct that has a good view. Many photographers grab the best spots for their tripods about one hour early. At a minimum, plan to be at the overlook 30 minutes before the train is scheduled to arrive to get a decent viewing spot.

In addition to watching the train crossing, there are good views from the overlook behind the visitor center and the Visitor Center itself has some interesting historical exhibits, and there is a small cafe on the grounds with plenty of picnic tables if you need lunch. You can also walk across the street to see the Glenfinnan Monument, at the top of Loch Shiel.

From Glenfinnan, continue to the town of Fort William . Fort William is the endpoint for the West Highland Way Path and home to the West Highland Museum. Nearby, you could also visit the Ben Nevis Distillery, check out the locks at Neptune’s Staircase on the Caledonian Canal, take a scenic ride on the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola, drive Glen Etive road (you may recognize it from the James Bond movie Skyfall ).

See 5-day itinerary above for where to stay in Glencoe.

Day 9 – Glencoe

If you love to hike, plan to spend an extra day in Glencoe. If you prefer cities, continue to Glasgow instead, but give yourself plenty of time to stop along the way since you will have another day in Glasgow.

Start with stops at some scenic viewpoints, including:

• Glencoe Visitor Center

You can also enjoy at least one scenic hike in the Glencoe area. Some popular hikes include:

• Steall Falls
• Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail)
• The Pap of Glencoe
• Buachaille Etive Mòr (part of the Three Sisters)

If you are a big whisky lover, you could also drive down to the town of Oban (home to my husband’s favorite Scotch.)

Day 10 – Glasgow

The drive from Glencoe to Glasgow takes about two hours. Depending on how much you want to see and do in the city, you may want to stop in Luss on Loch Lomond , since you will be passing right through. This darling little town must be one of the cutest in Scotland.

Glasgow used to have a reputation as somewhat of a gritty city but that has changed in recent years and today it is a vibrant city with a local feel (unlike Edinburgh, which can feel more tourism-driven.) Glasgow, which got its name as a “green hollow”, is home to several world-class museums, as well as a thriving food, drink, music, and theater scene.

A few “must sees” in Glasgow include:

• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – The Kelvingrove is one of the most popular art galleries and museums in the UK, and it houses a wide range of collections, including fine art, natural history, and archaeology. 
• Glasgow Botanic Gardens – The Glasgow Botanic Gardens are home to a wide variety of plants and flowers, as well as a number of greenhouses and conservatories. 
• George Square – located in the city center and is named after King George III. The square is surrounded by many important buildings and is a gathering place for Glaswegians and tourists alike.
• Buchanan Street – is a pedestrianized street located in the city center and is home to a wide range of shops and department stores and connected to a few shopping centers, including Buchanan Galleries, Princes Square, and the St Enoch Centre.
• Glasgow Women’s Lib rary – dedicated to the lives and histories of women.

I’d highly recommend taking a Glasgow food tour , to get a good sense of the burgeoning food scene. If you are a gin fan, my friend Keryn loved her treatment and cocktail at the Gin Spa in Glasgow.

Where to Stay in Glasgow

On our trip, we were hosted at the Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel in the West End, which was a great area with tons of restaurants and boutiques and easy access to downtown via the metro. The Kelvingrove and Botanic Gardens were also within walking distance.

Find more places to stay in Glasgow:

Where to Eat in Glasgow

If you don’t take a food tour (or if you stay longer), a few spots you may want to check out include:

• Anchor Line
• The Citizen
• 63rd and 1st
• Duke’s Umbrella
• Stravaigin (West End)
• Ubiquitous Chip (West End)
• The Scotia Bar (oldest pub)
• Babbity Bowster (live music)
• beGIN Glasgow (gin bar in the Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel)

Drive to Edinburgh

Whew, your Scotland road trip has sadly come to an end. If you are continuing your vacation in the U.K. or Europe, you could fly out of Glasgow or choose to take the train back to Edinburgh. However, if you drive back to Edinburgh to fly home, if you have time, be sure to stop at The Helix to see the stunning Kelpies sculptures .

Outlander fans may also want to make a quick stop at either Blackness Castle or Linlithgow Palace (birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and James V) as both were Outlander filming sites.

Scotland Driving Tips

Before you head out on your Scotland road trip, there are a few Scotland driving tips to be aware of:

• Rent an automatic – Unless you are very comfortable driving a stick shift, renting a car with an automatic transmission will be easier than a manual. Otherwise, there is too much to get used to at the same time. Just keep in mind that automatic transmission cars will be more expensive and more limited so place your reservation early.
• Purchase car rental insurance – Double check your credit card or travel insurance coverage and if not enough, be sure to purchase rental car insurance.
• Drive on the left – Scotland, like the rest of the United Kingdom, drives on the left side of the road. This can be a bit of an adjustment for drivers from countries that drive on the right, so it is important to be mindful of this when driving in Scotland. As you make a turn or enter a rotary, always say to yourself “drive on the left.”
• Be careful when merging onto a highway – When you are merging onto a motorway in the UK, you will need to merge from the left lane. This can be a bit tricky for drivers from the US, so be sure to use caution.
• Be aware of the speed limit – The speed limit on motorways in Scotland is 70 mph (113 km/h). On smaller roads, the speed limit is 60 mph (97 km/h). In urban areas, the speed limit is 30 mph (48 km/h).
• Be aware of narrow roads – Many roads in Scotland are narrow and winding, especially in rural areas. When going around a blind curve, slow down and honk your horn before going around the corner.
• Be aware of wildlife:  Scotland is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, sheep, and cows. It is important to be aware of this and to drive carefully, especially at night.
• Use passing places – Passing places are areas on narrow roads where drivers can pull over to let oncoming traffic pass. It is important to use passing places when necessary, and to be courteous to other drivers. Whoever is closest to the passing place should turn in, even if that means backing up. Usually, only a couple of cars will pull in while the others pass, and then the other side goes.
• Be aware of single-track roads – Single-track roads are roads that have only one lane. Vehicles must take turns passing each other on single track roads. It is important to be aware of this and to drive slowly and carefully.
• Be prepared for all types of weather – The weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared for all types of weather. Be sure to pack a raincoat and an umbrella, and be prepared for the possibility of fog and snow.
• Remember to pay for parking – Most parking lots have self-pay stations so take a photo of your license plate as sometimes you will need to enter it and other times you just need to pay and leave the slip on your dashboard. Don’t risk not paying as the parking tickets are pricey (trust me, I found out the hard way that a parking receipt is only valid in the parking lot in which it was issued, even if you are still within the same time window. Many of the pay machines take credit cards but it helps to have some coins and small bills in case the card reader isn’t working.

Visiting the United Kingdom? You may also be interested in…

• 2 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary
• Wales road trip itinerary
• Prettiest villages in Wales
• Walking Hadrian’s Wall Path in England

Tamara is an over 50, award-winning travel writer, and recent empty nester based in Rhode Island. After years of writing about family travel on We3Travel and inspiring wanderlust as co-host of the Vacation Mavens family travel podcast, she started Your Time to Fly as a place to share ideas for girlfriend getaways, romantic escapes, and solo female travel for midlife women.

Share this post

• Facebook 52
• Pinterest 11

Select your country or region

How to plan a whisky trip in Scotland

Planning a whisky trip to Scotland can be an exciting and enriching experience for enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Scotland is renowned for its rich whisky heritage, and it offers a multitude of distilleries, picturesque landscapes, and cultural experiences for visitors.

If you’re looking to journey to the heart of the amber nectar, there are some must-see sights and must-do activities you’ll want to include in your itinerary. To help you plan an unforgettable trip, we’ve put together this guide that covers everything from essential considerations before you travel to etiquette and recommended excursions.

Researching and preparing for your Scottish whisky trip

Before you embark on your whisky adventure, it’s crucial to do your homework. Start by immersing yourself in the world of whisky . Online resources, books, and documentaries can provide a solid foundation. Learn about whisky production in Scotland, the history of scotch, and the different types and regions waiting to be explored.

Also, research the best time to visit depending on your preferences. If you enjoy hustle and bustle, then consider going during one of the annual whisky festivals. Quieter, off-peak periods will make for a more intimate experience. The key is to be well-prepared so make sure you don’t forget to pack the right clothing for the weather and terrain, a notebook and pen to record your whisky-tasting musings, and a camera to capture every magical moment.

Choosing your destination

When it comes to the whisky regions of Scotland , each has its own unique character and charm. These regions include Speyside, Islay, Highland, Lowland, and Campbeltown. Take time to understand the distinctions between them.

-Speyside: Known for its smooth and often sweet malts.

– Islay: Famous for its peaty and smoky whiskies.

-Highland: Offers a diverse range of flavours, from fruity to spicy.

-Lowland: Known for its gentle, lighter drams.

-Campbeltown: Distinct, full-bodied expressions come from this region.

If you’re a seasoned whisky drinker, then you might already have an area in mind as you know it’s home to your favourite brands. However, if you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in what Scotland has to offer, then you might prefer hopping between areas to make the most of the country and its whiskies. Every region is home to at least one distillery but Speyside, which is where The Glenlivet Distillery is situated, has the largest number.

Itinerary planning

Creating an itinerary will help you to experience as much as possible and give you something to look forward to every day. While planning, consider a mix of well-known locations and hidden gems. It’s also wise to make advanced reservations for popular tours and tastings. A degree of flexibility is a good idea, however, as you might discover new places along the way.

Accomodation

Select accommodation that is conveniently located near the distilleries you plan to visit. Scotland offers a range of options, from cosy local inns to luxurious hotels. However, book accommodations well in advance, particularly if you’re travelling during peak tourist seasons.

Transportation

Getting around Scotland requires careful consideration. You can rent a car for freedom and flexibility, use public transportation, or opt for guided tours. If you plan on indulging in extensive tastings, having a designated driver or an alternative transportation arrangement is crucial.

Distillery tours and tastings

Distillery tours are the lifeblood of any Scotland whisky trip. They provide insight into the whisky production process, showing how every bottle is brought to life. During each tour, don’t hesitate to ask questions and engage with your guide. Take your time to savour the flavours and aromas, and don’t forget to pick up a memento of your visit to take home!

The Glenlivet Distillery was awarded Scotland’s Leading Whisky Distillery Tour at the World Travel Awards 2023 and the Green Tourism Gold Award 2023. We offer a range of experiences to suit all budgets and time constraints including our Original distillery tour, The Single Casks tasting session, The Archives Warehouse tour and The Cellar Collection tasting session. Plus, there are plenty of highlights you won’t want to miss including the Smuggler’s Hideout, Process Room, and The Lounge.

Whisky tasting etiquette

When it comes to whisky tasting, follow a classic whisky tasting guide . Evaluate the appearance, nose, palate, and finish, and don’t forget to use your whisky tasting journal to record your impressions. Most importantly, practise responsible drinking and moderation, especially when visiting multiple distilleries.

Local cuisine

Part of the joy of a whisky trip to Scotland is pairing local dishes with much-loved drams. Traditional Scottish food and drink like haggis, smoked salmon, stovies, Irn Bru and Drambuie are a must-try. Experiment with flavour combinations that complement the whisky you’re enjoying. It’s a culinary adventure that adds depth to your whisky experience.

Cultural experiences

Scotland is not just about whisky; it’s a land steeped in history and culture. Explore castles, museums, and historic sites. Immerse yourself in local traditions and customs. Try to attend Scottish events and festivals for a truly authentic experience. For example, if you visit toward the end of January, you’ll be privy to some fantastic Burns Night traditions such as the Selkirk Grace and a Burns Night supper.  

If you’re visiting The Glenlivet Distillery, there are plenty of other things to do in Speyside that will further enhance your experience. Cairngorms National Park, for instance, is a stunning showcase of Scottish scenery and offers magnificent walking routes, water sports, golf courses and a plethora of local interest spots.

Souvenirs and whisky purchases

Bringing back a bottle or two of scotch whisky is almost a rite of passage. When purchasing whisky as a souvenir or gift think about those you have sampled and the flavours you have enjoyed the most. You might want to be able to relive your time in Scotland once you get home by pouring a glass or further your whisky knowledge with a variety you didn’t get to try. Just be aware of the restrictions and regulations concerning transporting alcohol back to your home country.

A whisky trip to Scotland provides the perfect chance to explore the country’s beautiful landscapes, delve into its rich history and, of course, savour the finest scotch whiskies. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can plan a whisky adventure that’s not only memorable but also deeply rewarding. So, pack your bags, raise a glass, and enjoy every second. Slàinte mhath!

Fancy going further afield? Explore whisky types around the world with our informative guide. Or once you’ve unpacked, you can always settle into your favourite chair and enjoy The Glenlivet with one of our delicious whisky cocktail recipes . 

Your information may be used by Chivas Brothers International Limited and made available through us to any other entities of the Pernod Ricard Group. At any time, you can exercise your right of access, rectification, deletion or objection by contacting us at [email protected]. For further information, please consult our Online Privacy Policy .

The Chivas Brothers International Limited Terms & Conditions  apply.

Subscribe now for The Glenlivet Newsletter

I consent to receive news and promotional information about The Glenlivet.

I consent to receive news and promotional information about The Glenlivet Distillery, our home in Speyside.

I agree to the terms & conditions.

Scotland Road Trip: 8 Incredible Routes for an Epic Trip

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

The Best Scottish Road Trips

Scotland is a place made for road trips. Sweeping roads wind their way through dramatic and moody landscapes, past historic castles, gentle lochs, and wild seas. Ancient myths and rich history thread through Scotland’s fabric, making the country a wonderfully diverse and fascinating place to visit.

A road trip in Scotland showcases the dramatic landscapes, historic cities, lochs and glens, and beautiful coastlines, like no other way to travel does.

As you road trip through Scotland, you’ll find yourself stopping regularly for Insta-worthy images, and along the way, you’ll find fantastic adventures to try like hiking Munroes, wild swimming in Scotland’s lochs and seas, exploring Scotland’s turbulent history, and spotting amazing wildlife.

In this Scotland travel guide, you’ll find a round-up of all the best road trips in Scotland, with Scotland travel tips and information to help you plan and prepare. Come with us as we share eight unmissable Scotland road trip itineraries and highlights.

Getting to Scotland

Scotland has six main airports, and the good news is that one of them will be the perfect starting point for your ultimate Scottish road trip itinerary. We recommend booking through  Skyscanner  for live deals and the best prices.

• Edinburgh Airport (pronounced Ed-in-bruh if you want to sound like the locals!) for the Borders Historic Route  and Heart 200 .
• Glasgow International Airport for the South West Coastal 300 ,  Argyll Coastal Route , Isle of Skye and Kintyre 66 .
• Glasgow Prestwick Airport for the  South West Coastal 300 .
• Aberdeen Airport for the  North East 250 .
• Inverness Airport for the  North Coast 500 ,  Isle of Skye  and  Argyll Coastal Route .
• Dundee Airport for the  North East 250 .

You can hire a car  at any of these airports and be on your chosen Scotland driving tour route within a one hour drive. Book your rental car well in advance and use a car hire booker like Rentalcars.com  who will provide the best deals from all the top car hire companies.  How?  Because they have such a large market share, they’ve got way more buying power than individuals and can negotiate much harder on price.

For a real adventure , hire a motorhome or campervan in Scotland. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

For those planning a  Scottish staycation from the rest of the UK, get public transport like the train or even coach from  London  to Edinburgh and hire a car from there, or drive yourself to Scotland.

Best Scotland Road Trip Map

When to Take a Scottish Road Trip

Scotland’s weather is generally moderate but changeable. As the topography of Scotland varies greatly, you’ll notice differences between highland and lowland weather, as well as coastal influences.

Late spring is a great time for planning a trip to Scotland. The countryside comes alive with wildflowers and baby animals as the warmer weather beats back winter.

With good weather and summer averages of around 20°c, this is one of the best times for touring Scotland. The downside is that popular routes, attractions, and hotels will be busy, so a road trip of Scotland in the summer months will require a little more advance planning. 

July and August are also the worst months for the infamous biting midges, especially if you’re planning on camping in a motorhome or tent on the West Coast, where they are generally at their worst.

A wonderful time for driving holidays in Scotland, the fall colors are some of the most dramatic in the world. Autumn is also deer rutting season, with lots of opportunities around the Highlands to see this mighty display.

Plan trips to Scotland during the colder months for winter sporting opportunities, dramatic scenery, and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, or ‘Mirrie Dancers’ as they are sometimes called in Scotland.

There are an average of 15-20 snow days a year, rising to over 100 snow days in the Highlands – head to Aviemore in the Cairngorms if you’re looking for the white stuff, or just enjoy this fantastic winter destination for the scenery.

Is this your first time visiting Scotland and the UK? Get all the information you need in our United Kingdom Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Whenever and however you visit Scotland, always follow the  Scottish Outdoor Access Code . The code helps you to get the best from your Scotland itinerary and ensures that the flora and fauna of this beautiful country are not harmed.

Scotland’s Top Eight Road Trips

Whether you’re driving in Scotland in a car, motorhome , campervan, or riding a motorbike, our Scotland roadtrip itineraries give you a basic route to follow and highlights to visit.

The highlights for each Scotland driving route can be followed with the map – they are in the order in which you travel.  Scotland is packed full of bucket-list things to do  along these routes and it will help to use a navigational app to explore each area in more detail.

Whether you’re planning a quick 7 day Scotland road trip itinerary, or have extra time for a leisurely ramble around several of these routes, there’s a Scottish road trip here for you!

The North Coast 500

Inverness – wick – john o ‘groats – thurso – durness – lochinver – ullapool – gairloch – applecross – inverness.

• Distance: 516 miles
• Duration: 10-14 days
• Drive Time: 15 hours

Considered by many to be one of the best road trips in Scotland , the North Coast 500 really is the ultimate Scottish Highlands road trip, taking in windswept beaches, ancient ruins, beautiful views, and historic castles in stunning landscapes.

The Highland Tourist Route is one of the few road trips in Europe that is as much about the destination as the drive, Scotland’s very own Route 66. If you don’t have much time, it is possible to do the NC500 in seven days, but there wouldn’t be much opportunity to stop and explore the deep and closely held history and raw nature of this visceral place. 

This Scotland Highlands road trip itinerary could be a 10 day Scotland road trip, but 14, or even 21 days gives you plenty of time to fully appreciate this special part of the country. 

You can tackle this Scottish highlands itinerary either way by starting from Inverness. Our itinerary assumes you will head north up the east coast. Check your map regularly for Scottish attractions, natural wonders, glorious beaches, and historic points of interest, some of which will require a detour from the route.

If you’re visiting in late autumn or winter, Applecross, Lochinver, and Ullapool are all top places to see the Northern Lights.

Top 16 Highlights

• Spend your first day in Inverness, finding your feet and shopping for souvenirs. Highlights in the city center include Inverness Castle, the 19th century Inverness Cathedral, and the mostly 18th century Old High Church. There is also a popular indoor Victorian Market and the contemporary Inverness Museum and Art Gallery traces local and Highland history.
• Follow the age-old tradition of hunting the famous Loch Ness monster. Hire a boat and head out onto the water with a picnic and camera. You might not see Nessie, but you’ll enjoy stunning scenery, clear air, and space to unwind in one of  Scotland’s most beautiful places .
• Visit the haunting battlefield of Culloden, the site of the final and bloody confrontation of the Jacobite rising and defeat of Charles Stuart’s army in 1745. You can learn more about this seminal time in the history of Scotland at the nearby  Culloden Visitor Center .
• Explore the dramatic 15th century ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, perched high on a cliff above the steely North Sea.
• Love the challenge of bagging any of the 37 Munros (mountains over 914m) along the route. If they’re a little too high, try bagging one of the 43 Corbetts or 38 Grahams (mountains over 762m), or just enjoy viewing them from the winding roads.
• Admire the lofty grace of  Dunrobin Castle , the historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, which dates from around 1275.
• See the mysterious Hill O’Many Stanes, where 200 thin stones were laid out in a radiating pattern over 4,000 years ago …and no one really knows why.
• Enjoy the sea air and a five mile hike from John o’Groats to Duncansby Head, the most north-easterly point on the British mainland, and continue along the spectacular coastal path to see the two dramatic pointed sea stacks.
• Visit the  Castle of Mey , which was restored by The Queen Mother when she bought it in 1952 and saved it from abandonment. A fascinating glimpse into a castle that served as a holiday retreat for the royal family, and with wonderful gardens, this is a truly beautiful place.
• Explore the various and fascinating brochs on the route. The broch is an imposing stone tower and ancient dwelling, built as early as 500 BCE, found only in Scotland. Dunbeath Broch and Nybster Broch are both excellent examples and are close to the  Caithness Broch Centre , where you can learn more.
• Take (another) bracing walk in the wild and untamed landscape of  Dunnet Head , the RSPB nature reserve and the most northerly point in mainland Britain. This is the perfect place to see puffins in this noisy sea-bird nature reserve, especially if you visit during the breeding season, from late spring to early summer.
• Enjoy visiting and tastings at the whisky distilleries on the route, including  Glenmorangie , famous for its single malt since 1843. You’ll find many more distilleries along the way, just one of the pleasures of touring the Scottish Highlands!
• Visit the beautiful beaches, bays, and coves of the north coast, including the most north-westerly point, the raw and wild Cape Wrath (only accessible  by ferry  or  minibus ) the Smoo Cave, a sea cave complete with its own waterfall, and  Sandwood Bay  (hike only, no vehicular access) for the incredible sight of the Am Buachaille sea stack, a remnant of when the Highlands and North America were connected, millions of years ago.
• Go whale watching from Gairloch, you might also see dolphins, porpoises, and sharks, as well as seals, otters, puffins, and perhaps even the white-tailed eagle. The best time to see whales on the west coast of Scotland is from mid-June to late September.
• Drive the legendary Applecross Pass, one of the best and highest roads in Scotland . Bealach na Bà is a narrow slip of a road, with hairpin sharp bends and steep gradients – not one for the faint-hearted, but absolutely worth it!
• Take to the sea in a canoe, in one of the many lochs and inlets along the route. Enjoy a different perspective and get up close with the local wildlife

RELATED POST: North Coast 500 Route Planner + Highlights, Map & Tips

Are you planning a motorhome trip to Scotland?

Grab our two week Scotland itinerary, packed with campsites, attractions, and insider tips.

Get up every morning knowing your day is planned with driving routes, campsites, and attractions marked out for you on your interactive map.

Make the most of your holiday and let us do the planning for you!

The North East 250

Aberdeen – peterhead – fraserburgh – portsoy – spey bay – glenlivet – braemar – aberdeen.

• Distance: 259 miles
• Duration: 5-7 days
• Drive Time: 7 hours

If you have just one week in Scotland , the North East 250 is the perfect 7 day self-drive tour of Scotland for lovers of coastlines, mountains, and whisky.

Designed to be joined from Aberdeen Airport, you can go clockwise or anti-clockwise and wend your way through the dramatic countryside and towns of Speyside, Royal Deeside, Cairngorms, the east coast, and the Moray Firth coast. This route also picks up most of the major attractions from the  Deeside Tourist Route .

The most stunning bit of this route is the stretch from Tomintoul to Blairgowrie, which makes up a large part of the Snowroads scenic route . This stunning road through the eastern Cairngorms officially starts in Grantown-on-Spey, before traversing the highest public road in Britain, to Blairgowrie.

The Snowroads don’t need to be driven in a hurry. There are steep hills, blind summits, tight bends, and single-track roads with passing places – take extra care if you’re in a large motorhome.

This tourist route is fairly new, launched in 2017, and is not always signposted as such. As with all road trips, keep a close eye on whichever mapping and navigation tools you use to work out what’s on the route and what will require a little detour.

Our itinerary takes you north from Aberdeen towards Peterhead, but you can do the route whichever way you wish.  If you had a few more days, you could also pick up the Perthshire Tourist Route from the most southerly point of the NE250 and continue south for a short but spectacular drive.

Top 10 Highlights

• Admire the powerful architecture of the glittering city of Aberdeen and its rich maritime history.
• Enjoy the whisky distilleries along the NE250 route including Tomintoul, Glenlivet, Royal Lochnagar, and Strathisla.
• Partake in some dark tourism at the fascinating  Peterhead Prison Museum , which was an operational prison until 2013.
• Visit the truly brilliant  Museum of Scottish Lighthouses  at Fraserburgh, where you can tour Kinnaird Head Lighthouse, the very first lighthouse built on mainland Scotland in 1787.
• Love the bracing air and dolphin spotting from the clifftops near Portknockie, where you can also see the iconic Bow Fiddle Rock, and sometimes the Northern Lights.
• Enjoy Cullen Skink in Cullen! The thick Scottish soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions is a delicious local specialty.
• Visit the stunning ruins of  Elgin Cathedral . Built in 1224 and known as the ‘Lantern of the North’, it was one of the most spectacular medieval cathedrals in Scotland.
• Drive through the magnificent  Cairngorms National Park , home to deer, eagles, and atmospheric Corgarff Castle.
• Enjoy some of the best outdoor activities Scotland has to offer, including white water sports, climbing, hiking, cycling, and much more.
• Spend a day at the splendid royal  Balmoral Castle , home to the nation’s former Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles III and their family since 1852.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Scotland . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

The South West Coastal 300

Prestwick – ballantrae – cairngaan – isle of whithorn – kirkudbright – dumfries – lockerbie – moffat – dalmellington – prestwick.

• Distance: 302 miles
• Drive Time: 8 hours

The South West Coastal 300 is a one week Scotland road trip for nature lovers and history buffs. With stunning coastlines, lush forests which stretch over rolling hills, and dramatic moorlands, this quiet corner of Scotland will woo you until you fall in love with its gentle charms.

This is a well-located road trip in Scotland for those driving north from the rest of the UK and can be joined at Lockerbie, within a 20 minute drive of the Scottish border. 

The route is also easily accessible from Glasgow Prestwick Airport, or from Glasgow International Airport if you fancy a few days in the cultural and welcoming city at the start or end of your visit to Scotland. 

Our itinerary assumes you will travel south from Prestwick along the coast, but this route can be driven either way – at times it also crosses the  Galloway Tourist Route  which runs through the middle of Galloway Forest Park

• Dip into  Galloway Forest Park , the only Dark Sky Park in Scotland, and a top spot to see the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights.
• Our favorite beach on this road trip, the small but perfectly formed Dunure Beach has dark sand and shingle with great rock pooling and stunning views of Ailsa Craig from the ragged ruins of Dunure Castle.
• Admire the dramatic clifftop  Culzean Castle , designed by Robert Adam in the late 18th century and full of treasures, opulence, and history.
• Climb to the Robert Louis Stevenson-designed  Mull of Galloway lighthouse , at the southernmost tip of Scotland on the wild Rhins of Galloway peninsula. Go at dusk for spectacular sunsets.
• Visit the charming Isle of Whithorn (no longer an island) to see the ruins of the chapel built by St Ninian, who founded the first Christian church in Britain around AD390.
• Spend a day in lively  Kirkcudbright  (pronounced kir–coo–bree) and follow the Arts and Crafts Trail. Home to generations of creatives, ‘the artist’s town’ has a flourishing community of painters and craftworkers. You might also hear bagpipes here as they have lots of parades.
• Head for Kirkbean to walk on the vast empty expanse of Southerness beach, with breathtaking views across Solway Firth to the Lake District. Visit Southerness Lighthouse at the western end of the beach, one of the oldest in Scotland.
• Find your inner child at  Moat Brae , the inspiration for JM Barrie’s famous character, Peter Pan. The author lived in Dumfries from 1873 to 1878 and called the gardens ‘enchanted lands’.
• Stop off in Moffat for a spot of hiking on the scenic Southern Upland Way or the most northerly point on the Annandale Way, both of which pass through this pretty and historic town.
• Visit the  Scottish Dark Sky Observatory  at Dalmellington to use their powerful telescopes to observe the night skies – stargazing without light pollution is an incredible experience.

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts and road trip songs for the journey!

The Argyll Coastal Route & Loch Ness

Glasgow – tarbet – inverary – lochgilphead – oban – glencoe – fort william – glenfinnan – inverness.

• Distance: 263 miles
• Duration: 7-10 days

The official Argyll Coastal Route ends in Fort William, but we couldn’t leave you there, with the magnificent Glenfinnan to the west and the superb A82 to the east, waiting to take you to Inverness. 

From sea shores, loch-sides, and mountain tops, the ultimate west coast of Scotland road trip is for seafood gourmets, sunset lovers, and those who want to get under the skin of Scotland and feel its turbulent history in the air and glens of the incredible landscapes. 

Starting in Glasgow and finishing in Inverness allows you to make the most of this linear west coast Scotland route as you cross the Highland Boundary Fault and enjoy the gentle lowlands giving way to the dramatic and wild highlands.

• Be intrigued by the gritty, yet cultured, Victorian city of Glasgow. Must-sees include medieval Glasgow Cathedral and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, for a dose of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Scottish artist and designer.
• Visit the viewpoint at  An Ceann Mor , in the  Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park , to get a sense of the sheer size and incredible beauty of Loch Lomond.
• Enjoy fresh seafood at some of the best restaurants in Scotland along this route. Of particular note, the original  Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd  have been selling fresh oysters at the roadside since 1978 and you can now enjoy them in the bar or to take away from their delicatessen.
• Stop off at Inveraray to visit the  Inveraray Jail  and  Inveraray Castle , home to the Duke of Argyll and Chief of Clan Campbell.
• Learn about Scotland and some of the Highland’s darkest hours at  Auchindrain , a living museum and Scotland’s last inhabited Highland farming township before the Highland Clearances, which took place between 1750 to 1860.
• Visit  Kilmartin Museum  to find out about the 800 cairns and monuments that dot the landscape of Kilmartin Glen and see fascinating 2,000-year-old artifacts from local archaeological digs. In the glen itself, you can enter some of the cairns, see carved gravestones, and reach the top of what remains of  Dunadd Hill Fort , where the first kings of Scotland were inaugurated.
• Spend a fantastic day wildlife watching from Easdale Island. With whale spotting trips, excursions to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, and a tour of a local seal colony there’s lots to do, as well as keeping your eyes peeled for porpoises, dolphins, eagles, and otters along the way.
• Oban Distillery  is one of the smallest and oldest distilleries in Scotland and makes whisky that reflects the character of its coastal location – definitely worth a stop!
• Stopping to take photographs of  Castle Stalker , from the shores of Loch Linnhe. Located on a tidal island to the north of Port Appin, this iconic castle and its surroundings make for atmospheric and moody photographs.
• Explore  Glen Coe , the site of the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692, when members of the Campbell clan murdered members of the MacDonald clan on the orders of the English Crown. Or follow the Glen Coe Geotrail to learn more about the ancient volcanic history of this other-worldly place. Shaped by glaciers and fiery volcanic explosions millions of years ago, Glen Coe is a landscape full of natural wonders.
• Spend some time in the  Lochaber area , dominated by Ben Nevis and known as the outdoor capital of the UK. Activity lovers will be in their element here; you can mountain bike, hike, climb, abseil and enjoy all manner of water sports on the loch.
• Be in awe of  Neptune’s Staircase , the longest staircase lock flight in Scotland. This flight of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal is an amazing feat of engineering that raises the canal by 19m over 1/4 mile. It takes around 90 minutes for a boat to travel the locks. This is the perfect spot to practice your ‘gongoozaling’ – the activity of watching boats and activities on canals for pleasure!
• Visit the magical  Glenfinnan Viaduct . Made famous by the Harry Potter films, this railway viaduct has carried trains on the West Highland Line since 1897. Glenfinnan is also the spot in which Bonnie Prince Charlie called for the local clansmen to assemble in 1745, proclaiming the throne of Great Britain to be denounced and rightfully returned to his family, the Stuarts.
• Head east and pick up the legendary A82 road. Around the Bridge of Orchy, you’ll drive a section of the infamous Skyfall road, from the Bond film of the same name, and one of the most dramatic and scenic drives in Scotland. Time for a photo opportunity!
• Make a stop at the very pretty village of Fort Augustus, the gateway to Loch Ness and the most southerly tip of this famous body of water. It is also the point where the  Caledonian Canal  leaves Loch Ness, cutting through the small village on its way south.
• Visit Urquhart Castle at Drumnadrochit, halfway up Loch Ness. Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart saw much conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress, especially during the Wars of Independence. 

Other UK Road Trip Ideas

North Coast 500 Route Planner + Itinerary, Map & Tips

Road Trip England – 10 of the Best Routes

Wales Road Trip: The Best Route & Itinerary + Map

A South England Road Trip to Dorset & The New Forest

UK Road Trip – 18 Unmissable Routes

Cornwall Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips

The 21 Best Motorhome Routes in the UK

Best Driving Roads in Europe: 20 of the Very Best Routes

Isle of skye, ardelve – broadford – portree – trotternish – duntulm – dunvegan – armadale – mallaig.

• Distance: 276 miles
• Duration: 3-5 days
• Drive Time: 6 hours

Surrounded by sparkling seas where towering cliffs defend the island from crashing waves, Skye is a real balm for the soul and one of the best places to visit in Scotland by car.

This road trip surely has to be one of the most picturesque in Scotland, with jagged mountains, heather-carpeted moors, and myths and legends aplenty. There are lots of  things to do on Skye  too, so expect to be busy on this road trip, even though it’s a short route!

You can drive to Skye from Inverness in around two and a half hours. From Glasgow, it will take five to six hours. Just getting to Skye is an incredible trip in its own right, maximise your time by flying into Inverness and out of Glasgow (or vice versa). 

Check out the Argyll Coastal Route and North Coast 500 itinerary for ideas of what to do on the way to the Isle of Skye.

Use the  Skye Bridge  to cross Loch Alsh, or go over the sea to Skye the old-fashioned way and get a  CalMac ferry from Mallaig . Our itinerary assumes you will drive from Inverness over the bridge and get the ferry back to the mainland, but you can follow the route in either direction.

Skye has to be one of the busiest places in Scotland in summer, so go out of season or head out of the main tourist areas of Portree, Trotternish, and Dunvegan to find solitude and space.

Top 11 Highlights

• Not on Skye, but just a few miles before the Skye Bridge, is  Eilean Donan Castle , one of Scotland’s most iconic images and one of the most photographed castles in the country. Situated on an island at the point where the three great sea lochs of Alsh, Duish, and Long meet, the striking castle is surrounded by magnificent scenery and is full of history.
• The 2.3 mile hike up to the  Old Man of Storr  on the Trotternish peninsula is one of the must-dos on Syke. The ‘Old Man’ is a large spike of rock that stands high and can be seen for miles around. Created by an ancient landslide, the Storr is one of the most photographed places in Scotland.
• Off the beaten track and much less known, but no lesser for it, is Rubha nam Brathairean (Brothers’ Point), a dramatic headland that marks the easternmost point of Trotternish. Not far from here, you’ll also find Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls – epic views that you can get to within a few minutes of walking from the free parking.
• Visit  The Quiraing  for a great 4.5 mile hike with spectacular landscapes and beautiful views, or get a feel for this strangely named area from the car park.
• The Fairy Glen is a curious rock formation just inland from Uig. Formed by an ancient landslide and shaped by glaciers over thousands of years, the Fairy Glen is best photographed from above to fully appreciate the weird and wonderful shapes of the landscape.
• Visit Skye’s most famous historic building,  Dunvegan Castle , the seat of the chief of Clan MacLeod. In a beautiful position at the edge of Loch Dunvegan, the castle gardens are a hidden oasis of beautiful plants.
• Catch an amazing sunset from  Neist Point , where there is also a lighthouse of the same name. The most westerly point on Skye, this beautiful spot also affords fantastic views of the Outer Hebrides.
• Stop off at the world-famous Talisker Distillery for a tour that finishes with a wee dram of their peaty single malt.
• Try a spot of wild swimming (we would advise a wet suit!) in the bracing Fairy Pools, beautiful crystal clear pools, and waterfalls at the foot of the Cuillin mountains, on the river Brittle. Take the 1.5 mile walk from the small parking lot to find this series of magical pools, formed 50-70 million years ago!
• Take one of the most scenic Scotland roads from Broadford to the village of Elgol, for incredible views of the dark and brooding Cuillin mountains.
• Get out on the water in a canoe or take a boat trip to get acquainted with local wildlife. You’re likely to see seals, dolphins, porpoises, and lots of different species of sea birds, as well as find hidden coves, cliff waterfalls, and sea caves.

RELATED POST: Why We Think These Are The Best Driving Roads in Europe

Borders Historic Route

Edinburgh – dalkeith – galashiels – selkirk – hawick – langholm – gretna green.

• Distance: 88 miles
• Duration: 2-3 days
• Drive Time: 3 hours

This Scotland road trip from Edinburgh will take you through the lush and hilly countryside of the lowland Scottish Borders, through charming villages and small towns to famous Gretna Green, and the border with England. 

Learn about Scottish industrial heritage and the vibrant arts and crafts scene, still alive and kicking in this mostly rural region. 

This road trip is the best option if you plan on spending time in historic Edinburgh and want to see a bit of Scotland as part of your trip. If it’s a one-way drive, Newcastle Airport is an hour and a half away by car from Gretna Green, making this an ideal linear route. 

• Visit historic Edinburgh , the capital city of Scotland. With wonderful medieval and neoclassical architecture and a great vibe, this is a city in which to spend at least a full day. Take a city centre guided tour to see Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, the National Museum of Scotland, and the famous Royal Mile, the main road through Edinburgh’s old town, where you can shop for tartan and enjoy locally made fudge.
• Harry Potter fans will want to visit Victoria Street. With its unusual shape and collection of quirky shops, it’s said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the J.K. Rowling books. 
• Enjoy a locally brewed craft beer at  Stewart Brewing , an independent craft brewery on the outskirts of Edinburgh. You might even see the team hard at work brewing while you enjoy your beer!
• Stop at  Dalkeith Country Park  for easy walks and bike rides on the trails through the natural beauty of the 1,000-acre estate and working farm. You might spot Roe deer, otters, buzzards, foxes, badgers, hares, and rabbits here.
• Visit Lady Victoria Colliery, one of the best and last surviving Victorian collieries in Europe, and now the  National Mining Museum of Scotland . Explore the machinery used to mine and take coal to the surface, imagine what a miner’s life was like, and experience the sights and sounds of a working pit on a fantastic tour of the pit head.
• Go back in time to Robert Smail’s Printing Works in the pretty village of Innerleithen. Try your hand at typesetting, and discover the origin of everyday phrases such as ‘mind your Ps and Qs’ as you discover how printing was carried out by highly skilled printers, with individual letters of type set by hand, presses operated with foot treadles and power generated by a waterwheel.
• If you love gardens, then  Harmony Garden  in Melrose is a horticultural delight and a tranquil escape from life on the road. With colorful borders, beautifully manicured lawns, and a thriving kitchen garden, Harmony is perfectly in tune with nature. An added bonus is the superb views of Melrose Abbey and the nearby Eildon Hills.
• Admire the creativity and skill of the glassblowers at work in  Lindean Mill Glass . This innovative glass studio was established in 1978 by David Kaplan and Annica Sandström, whose work has been exhibited at the National Museum Scotland in Edinburgh and the V&A in London.
• Take a mill tour, a great way to see Scottish tartan being woven from scratch, at Lochcarron of Scotland in Selkirk, one of the biggest names in the Scottish Borders’ textile industry, which has been weaving high-quality tartan for over 100 years. The Dress Act of 1746 attempted to bring the warrior clans under government control by banning the tartan along with other aspects of Gaelic culture.
• Continue your textiles education at the  Borders Textile Towerhouse  and discover more about the area’s role as a producer of sought-after fabrics. Designers such as Chanel, Dior, and Vivienne Westwood have used fabric produced in the Borders in their designs for many years. The gift shop here is perfect for finding a unique present or Scottish souvenir.
• Discover exciting and tumultuous borderlands history at  Gilnockie Tower , a fine example of a defensive peel tower that dates from the 16th century. Located on the River Esk, it’s home to the Clan Armstrong Centre, the ancestral home of the Armstrong Clan, and is packed with fascinating clan heritage.

RELATED POST: Edinburgh One Day Itinerary – Map, Tips & Guide

Stirling – Trossachs Pier – Killin – Blair Athol – Pitlochry – Perth – Kinross – Crief – Stirling

• Distance: 232 miles

The new kid on the Scottish road trip map is Heart 200, a two-hundred-mile plus romp around the center of Scotland. This route offers the best of all the other routes combined as you travel through Scotland’s iconic, ever-changing landscapes.

Chuck in the historic cities of Perth and Stirling, and you’ve got a road trip perfect for first-time visitors to Scotland, or those that want to see the best of this glorious country. 

Divided into six sections, this road trip covers the forests of the west, the Highlands to the north, the rivers of the east and the historic south, along with Stirling and Perth.

Along the route are places of historical interest, world-class golf courses, ancient castles, loch and river-based water sports for adrenalin seekers, and a few whisky distilleries, of course!

You’ll explore the remarkable history and culture of the region, from antiquity to the modern day, and learn more than a few surprising insights along the way.

Over millennia, Scotland has made its mark on history thanks to famous figures ranging from the ancient Celts and the Roman Empire to King Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots, via Bonnie Prince Charlie, Rob Roy MacGregor, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Queen Victoria, all of whom have connections to the heart of Scotland.

For a longer trip pick up the Fife Coastal Route, which follows the shore of the Firth of Forth from Kincardine to Dundee, where you can head back inland to Perth. This route takes in pretty fishing villages, historic golf courses, castles and distilleries along 77 miles of meandering coast road – well worth adding to your itinerary

Top 13 Highlights

• If you fly into Edinburgh Airport, make a quick stop to see the magnificent Kelpies at Helix Park in Grangemouth. The Kelpies are 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures depicting kelpies, a mythical shape-changing aquatic spirit of Scottish legend, and will start your Heart of Scotland road trip off on the right note.
• Whilst in the area, explore the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift that connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal in a half-turn that takes only five minutes!
• Stirling is the first stop and at the heart of the old town is medieval Stirling Castle, dominating the city from its craggy volcanic rock. Other attractions not to be missed are the 19th century National Wallace Monument that overlooks the site of the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge, where William Wallace (famously played by Mel Gibson in the film Braveheart ) defeated the English, and the Battle of Bannockburn Experience has interactive 3D displays on the history of the 1314 conflict.
• Visit the imposing  Doune Castle , a popular film set. Used as a set for Monty Python and the Holy Grail, as Castle Leoch in Outlander, and as Winterfell in Game of Thrones, this medieval stronghold could tell a few stories!
• Find out everything you ever wanted to know about sheep and wool at The Scottish Wool Centre in Aberfoyle, with live sheep shows and hands-on demonstrations of spinning and working sheepdogs.
• Stop at Killin, a small village at the southern point of Loch Tay. Famous for the Falls of Dochart, a spectacular series of rapids where the River Dochart rushes towards the Loch at the confluence of the rivers Dochart and Lochay, the best view is from the Bridge of Dochart in the village. This is also a great place to base yourself for local hiking.
• Take in the iconic Queen’s View along Loch Tummel, which is named after Queen Victoria, who visited the region in 1866. The vantage point at the  Forestry Commission’s Visitor Centre  offers a breathtaking vista of Schielhallion, one of Scotland’s most famous mountains.
• Visit in August for the Kinloch Rannoch Highland Games, which always take place on the third Saturday of the month. Hosted by the local community, you can watch caber tossing, hill racing, and lots more traditional Highland games events, as well as listen to the bagpipes being played.
• Aberfeldy makes a good base for exploring local attractions including the Tay Bridge, Black Watch Monument, 16th century Castle Menzies, Cluny House Gardens, Lundin Farm Stone Circle, and Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery.
• A mecca for thrill-seekers, the white water rapids on the River Tay at Grandtully offer opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and canyoning, with lots of local companies providing access and equipment, whatever your level of skill or knowledge.
• Historians should stop at the Gorge of Killiecrankie, the site of one of the bloodiest battles during the Jacobite Risings in 1689. Take a walk up to the viewpoint at Soldier’s Leap, where a Redcoat soldier is said to have jumped 18 feet across the ravine to escape the pursuing Jacobites.  Salmon can often be seen jumping around the falls here and keep an eye out for red squirrels and woodpeckers which are quite prolific during fall , when the colors are spectacular.
• Admire the listed historic house of  Scone Palace , situated near the village of Scone and the city of Perth. Scone Palace was the crowning place of Scottish kings where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II were once crowned. Nowadays, this red sandstone palace is among the very finest surviving examples of the late Georgian Gothic style in the United Kingdom. 
• Visit the wildlife at Blair Drummond Safari Park, near Stirling. Widely acknowledged to be one of the  best safari parks in the UK  for breeding and conservation (and the only one in Scotland), the park is set across 120 acres and is home to 350 animals including lions and southern white rhinos.

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, or check our our favourite Europe road trips for ideas and inspiration!

Kennacraig – Tayinloan – Isle of Gigha – Machrihanish – Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse – Campbeltown – Carradale – Kennacraig

• Distance: 115 miles
• Drive Time: 5 hours

Another newcomer to the Scottish road trip scene is Kintyre 66, or K66, as it’s becoming known. If you’ve ever watched Paul McCartney and Wing’s video of the song ‘Mull of Kintyre’ and been inspired by the landscape, then this road trip Scotland is for you.

An easy hop from Glasgow Airport, the K66 is perfect for a long weekend. Start in Tarbert, a pretty village at the top of Kintyre. Just a narrow strip of land a mile wide connects the peninsula to the mainland, making Kintyre Scotland’s only mainland island.

The landscape and beaches are pristine and unspoiled, the seas huge, the night sky clear and the wildlife abundant – this really is a trip for outdoor lovers. Kayaking in the turquoise waters is a popular pastime and hiking some of the incredible trails, with their spectacular views, is a must.

Local produce and food are also a highlight of this trip, with seafood at the top of the list. You’ll also find whisky and gin distilleries and several breweries in Kintyre, making sure that local food and drink sustain all your activity!

The official K66 is, unsurprisingly 66 miles long, but we’ve added on the far south of Kintyre to include the iconic Mull of Kintyre lighthouse.

The single-track route there meanders over the rolling moors before helter-skeltering down a steep cliff to the lighthouse – don’t be put off, it’s an amazing drive with breathtaking views right across to Ireland.

• A visit to the Beinn an Turc Distillery near Torrisdale to sample their Kintyre gin is a must! This sustainable distillery, which uses its own power generated by a hydroelectric plant, creates a delicious gin using botanicals and water from its own land.
• Head to Saddell Bay to see GRIP, a cast iron sculpture created by British artist Antony Gormley to mark the Landmark Trust’s 50th anniversary. The human form stares out over the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran from the rocks below Saddell Castle. Originally, the sculpture was placed for just a year, but thanks to a generous donation, it will remain indefinitely.
• Visiting the glorious beaches of the peninsula is a real treat. Unspoiled and often with no one else around, some of the best beaches in Scotland can be found here. Our favorites are Carradale Bay and close-by Torrisdale Bay.
• At the very north of Kintyre is the colorful and lively harbor town of Tarbert. With plenty to do, including Tarbert Castle, which sits high above the town, this is a great place to spend a day
• The enchanting Isle of Gigha can be reached in just 20 minutes on a ferry from Tayinloan and is a fantastic day trip destination. Kissed by the gulf stream, the beautiful Achamore Gardens feel exotic, whilst in contrast, a hike up Creag Bhan, the highest point on the island, showcases the best of the raw and wild landscape.
• Westport boasts a sandy beach, perfect for surfing. There is a surf school in the village where you can hire equipment and take lessons if this is your first time on a board. You’ll need a wet suit, whatever the weather – the water in these parts is pretty chilly!
• The next stop just down the coast is Machrihanish, a village most famous for its iconic beach-side golf course.
• An absolute must-do is a visit to the Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse, on the very far southwest tip of the peninsula. The views are pretty special and the drive there is dramatic, but not for the faint-hearted.
• The ruins of Skipness Castle lie at the far north of the peninsula. The castle was originally built in the early 1200s by the MacSweens. It later fell to Clan MacDonald and has been rebuilt several times over the centuries.
• The seafood caught, prepared, and served on Kintyre is out of this world. Fresh from the boat in the morning, you’ll find scallops, mussels, lobsters, crabs, langoustines, and clams on every menu. Another local taste is Gigha halibut, which you can enjoy in the West Loch Hotel, on the A83 out of Tarbert.

Scotland Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in Scotland.

• Search for affordable flights to Scotland with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Scotland with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in Scotland with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in Scotland with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Information About Driving in Scotland

Whether you roadtrip Scotland in a car, camper, or motorbike, make sure you’ve got all your documents handy and your spare tire is in good condition.

If your Scotland road trip itinerary is longer than a few weeks and you’re planning on using your own vehicle, you may want to consider a service before you go, and breakdown cover is probably a good idea. 

• Remember to drive on the left during your UK trip!
• Drivers from non-EU countries may require an International Driving Permit. The general rule is that if your license is not in English, then an IDP will be required. Check with your hire company or embassy if you’re in doubt.
• If you’re not a British citizen, you should carry your passport or ID card at all times as you road trip around Scotland.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle. Update August 2021 – you no longer require a green card to prove you have vehicle insurance cover when if your vehicle is registered outside the UK.
• Your car must be considered legal and roadworthy in the country in which it is registered.
• Your headlights must be adapted for driving on the right if your vehicle is registered outside the UK.
• Unlike France, the UK does not have laws that require you to carry certain equipment in your car, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t. Being prepared in the event of an accident or a breakdown is invaluable. The best way is to carry a reflective jacket, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit, and a fire extinguisher.
• If you’re hiring a car, book well in advance and use a care hire booker like  Rentalcars.com  who will provide the best deals from all the top car hire companies. How? Because they have such a large market share, they’ve got way more buying power than individuals and can negotiate much harder on price.
• Understand insurance options, mileage limits, and fuel policies before booking.
• Check the car for damage on collection and make sure anything you spot is noted, and the same again when you drop it off.

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

Are you looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out these top posts…

Stelvio Pass: The Best Mountain Road in Italy?

Spain Road Trip: 8 Amazing Routes for an Epic Trip

Croatia Road Trips: Five Incredible Routes

Dolomites Road Trip: Explore the Best of Northern Italy

Great Dolomites Road: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!

Route des Grandes Alpes: An Epic French Road Trip

Love it pin it.

5 of the best road trips in Scotland

Mar 6, 2024 • 7 min read

Be inspired by these stunning road trip routes in Scotland © iaminut / Shutterstock

The cities of  Scotland  may be full to the brim with history and atmosphere, but it's the countryside in between that captures most visitors' hearts.

Quintessentially Scottish landscapes of lochs, glens and mountains begin right on the limits of Edinburgh, Glasgow and other major cities, setting the scene for road trips to rival James Bond's flight across the Highlands in Skyfall (2012).

Scottish roads are generally well-maintained, and driving is a great way to get off the beaten track and escape the crowds who mob the most famous sights. En route, you can stop off in charming country pubs, drop into ruined castles and ancient kirks (churches), wander on windswept beaches and find solace in silent glens far from the maddening crowds. 

These five road trip itineraries take in the epic grandeur of Skye, culture-packed Edinburgh and the whisky distilleries of Speyside, amongst other classic Scottish experiences. Along the way, you'll pass rolling farmland, heather-burnished hillsides, ruined castles and eerie lochs, as the stories of Scotland unfold right in front of you.

1. An Isle of Skye driving loop

Best for making family memories Fort William–Fort William; 310 miles (498km); allow 4 days

So long as you’re not after guaranteed sunshine, Skye has it all. This atmospheric island off the west coast is a riot of craggy peaks, towering sea stacks and waterlogged shorelines, famed for its Gaelic culture and vibrant food scene. This round-trip route from Fort William allows you to take the bridge to the island in one direction (passing grand Eilean Donan Castle en route), returning to the mainland via the ferry to Mallaig.

Once you’re on the island, a classic counterclockwise loop starts with a visit to Skye’s largest town, Portree , with its pretty harbor, before roaming over the volcanic cliffs of the Trotternish Peninsula . Next, the Duirinish Peninsula offers wild hiking country and some excellent restaurants, while the jagged ridges of the Cuillin Hills are a destination in themselves for hikers and photographers.

In between, there are castles , almost Caribbean-looking beaches and some of Britain’s best wild swimming spots, plus side trips by ferry to the surrounding Small Isles, which offer great bird-watching, particularly in spring and autumn.

2. North Coast 500

Best for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure Inverness Castle–Inverness Castle; 516 miles (830km); allow 7 days

Scotland’s wild northern coastline is the star of the country’s most famous driving route. The North Coast 500 begins and ends in Inverness , the likable capital of the Highlands , making a giant loop around the north end of Scotland along the deeply indented coast.

If you follow the route counterclockwise (saving the best scenery till last), you’ll head past the moors and sandy beaches of the east coast before hitting John O’Groats and nearby Dunnet Head – mainland Britain’s northernmost point. The north coast has a windswept beauty that gets increasingly rugged as you continue west past bogs, cliffs and crofting villages. The views as you head down the loch-strewn west coast are perhaps Britain’s finest, with sweeping vistas of mountains and islands.

Taking the route at a more leisurely pace will give you the chance to seek out fine local foodstuffs such as venison, smoked fish and craft beer, while activities such as sea kayaking on the west coast or scrambling up the lonely peaks of Assynt are a great way to throw yourself into Northern Scotland’s epic landscapes.

Planning tip:  When planning a road trip in Scotland, be aware that many places to stay on popular routes, such as the North Coast 500, will only accept bookings for two or more nights in the summer peak season. Book accommodations well ahead of time.

3. North East 250

Best for whisky distillery touring Spittal of Glenshee–Spittal of Glenshee; 257 miles (414km); allow 4 days

Northeast Scotland is famous for its whisky distilleries, Braemar (the home of the Highland Games ) and Balmoral Castle (the Scottish home of the British Royal Family) – so yes, it's as Scottish as it gets. The North East 250, a route inspired by the success of the North Coast 500, takes in these big-ticket attractions, but also shines a light on an often-overlooked region of photogenic glens, farmland and wave-lashed shorelines.

The village of Spittal of Glenshee (a popular base for skiing in winter) is a good starting point and easily accessible from Edinburgh and Dundee. Taking the route clockwise, you’ll head through the Cairngorms National Park , the biggest national park in Britain, which includes some of the UK’s highest peaks and offers phenomenal hiking opportunities.

The North East 250 then cuts through Speyside before hitting the Moray Firth coastline and the oil-rich city of Aberdeen . It’s a route lined with castles, beaches, small villages and historic estates; stop along the way to sample local delicacies such as Cullen skink (a thick, warming fish soup) and sweet, peaty whiskies.

Local tip:  Do your research when choosing which whisky distilleries to tour – if you try to hit them all, you’ll be here for months.  Balvenie in Dufftown is a good choice: its small-group tours visit one of Scotland’s last remaining malting floors.

4. Borders Historic Route

Best for a short route through moorlands Carlisle–Edinburgh; 97 miles (156km); allow one day

There are more famous road trips than this easy itinerary that follows the A7 north from the English border past Hawick and Galashiels to Edinburgh , but there is plenty to engage body and spirit along the way. This rolling landscape of villages and farmlands was once a battlefield for cross-border raids, and it finishes at Edinburgh’s hulking castle .

The area’s industrial history is showcased by educational centers celebrating tweed, tartan and glasswork, as well as an interesting mining museum . The landscape provides opportunities for varied activities – anglers can cast flies in the hope of snagging salmon along the Tweed’s wooded banks, while mountain bikers can hit the trails at Glentress and Innerleithen.

Ruined abbeys and author Walter Scott’s fabulous country house, Abbotsford , are more cerebral highlights, although the undulating moorlands of the Scottish Borders are arguably the star of the show.

5. Clyde Sea Lochs and the Argyll Coast

Best for mountains and lochs Glasgow–Fort William; 240 miles (386km); allow 3 days

Visitors to Scotland are often surprised by how close the country’s most populous city is to the rugged terrain of the Highlands. Glasgow’s high culture and lively pubs are worth an overnight on any trip to the region, but don’t stay up too late – you'll want to be clear of the suburbs by mid-morning to see the hills turn to mountains and lochs eat into an increasingly rugged coastline.

This route (combining two official tourist trails ) winds north and west, taking in the popular walking country of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. En route, you can enjoy majestic views, excellent seafood, ancient standing stones, historic towns, kayaking on the lochs and whale-watching offshore.

But the biggest hitters come at the end: Glen Coe has aching natural beauty and a tragic backstory of Highland betrayal, while Fort William is the striking point for ascents of 4413ft (1345m) Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest peak – a challenging climb of seven to eight hours from the visitors center.

Tips for driving in Scotland

Note that while some of the road trips follow major "M" or "A" roads, others rely on smaller roads for long stretches. These are often tight and hedge-lined, with few places to overtake, and they can be blocked by snow in winter (read our tips for getting around in Scotland ). The police in Scotland take speeding and drunk driving seriously, so stay below the limits. Petrol stations can be widely spaced in the Highlands and on the islands – fill up when you get the chance.

Be ready to take your time, pausing for a day or two to explore the local area at each overnight stop. Our route durations assume you'll be taking diversions to see more of the region and making regular stopovers, so the distances provided are not direct between the start and end points.

This article was first published June 2021 and updated March 2024

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

Feb 8, 2024 • 7 min read

Writer Monisha Rajesh reports on her overnight journey on the Caledonian Sleeper train from London to Edinburgh.

Jan 16, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 2, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 2, 2024 • 11 min read

Dec 5, 2023 • 7 min read

Nov 19, 2023 • 10 min read

Oct 19, 2023 • 8 min read

Sep 29, 2023 • 5 min read

Sep 22, 2023 • 4 min read

Aug 16, 2023 • 6 min read

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

Not All Scotch Whiskies Are Smoky — Here's Why

Learn about what goes into making your prized bottle of Islay Scotch whisky.

SimpleImages / Getty Images

One of the most commonly held misconceptions about Scotch whisky is that all of them are smoky. That’s far from the case: Scotland is home to whiskies that are crafted in a wide range of styles, from ones that are generous with fruit to others that are almost saline in their savoriness. And, of course, there are smoky ones, but plenty of other countries produce them, too. Still, since Scotland is home to the most famous examples, it only makes sense that our exploration of smoke in whisky or whiskey focuses on that country.

Whether or not they boast smoke, all single-malt Scotch whiskies start similarly: With malted barley. Malting is the process of germinating the barley, which is crucial for the yeast to access adequate sugars for fermentation. Moisture or water is required for germination to occur, so distilleries have to dry out their barley using heat. For a long time, explains DIAGEO national luxury ambassador Ewan Morgan, “Peat, also known as turf, was the primary fuel for drying malted barley in Scotland.”

Today, Islay is home to the most famously smoky whiskies in Scotland, the reason for which comes down to economics and geography.

"For Islay distillers to produce unpeated malted barley, a consistent supply of anthracite — a type of smokeless coal — would have been essential (nowadays, gas burners are predominantly used),” Morgan says. “Given Islay's geographic status as an island, sourcing anthracite would have been a costly endeavor.” 

By the time anthracite could be more easily and affordably shipped to Islay, around the middle of the 19th century, many of the distilleries from there had, he pointed out, already made their reputation as producers of delicious smoky whisky. This is why today, though there are smoky whiskies produced elsewhere in Scotland (Talisker on the Isle of Skye, Tomintoul’s Cigar Malt from Speyside, and The Hearach from the Isle of Harris, for example), the most commonly known ones are found on Islay.

Of course, where a whisky is produced is just as important as how it’s made. As with wine, there are differences in terroir, micro-climate, and indigenous flora and fauna to consider, too. “The western Isles of Scotland are a damper, more inhospitable climate,” says Simon Brooking, senior scotch ambassador at Beam Suntory. “It takes longer to dry the barley when malting, so a deeper infusion of smoke [occurs]. The smoke (or peat reek) given off by Islay peat is more intense beach-bonfire smoke versus Highland peat, which is more forest-campfire smoke. Climate dictates the style of the spirit.”

Then there’s how the whisky itself is produced and aged. “Each distillery has its own thumbprint and operational approach,” says Ardbeg’s Cameron George. “The three southern distilleries — Lagavulin, Laphroaig, and, at the end of the road, Ardbeg — are known as the Kildalton trio. Even though they are close in proximity, they are diverse in approach.” The details of how they employ their peat and where it’s sourced from, how they run their stills, the design of the stills themselves, the cuts of heads, hearts, and tails of the spirit coming off the still: All of these have an impact on the final dram — and this is before aging even occurs. And not all whiskies from Islay are smoky, either: Bruichladdich’s flagship expression, The Classic Laddie, is unpeated, as is Bunnahabhain.

Best smoky whiskies from beyond Scotland

While Scotland is home to the most famous smoky whiskies in the world, it doesn’t have a monopoly on the style. In the United States, for example, New Riff, Frey Ranch, Westland, and Balcones have all released smoky whiskies in recent years, as has the independent bottler Lost Lantern. Wild Turkey’s Longbranch leverages the distinct character of mesquite charcoal, and Great Jones Distillery has released a Peated Scotch Cask Bourbon. Buffalo Trace has experimented with peated grains in the past, and High West’s Campfire Rye is delicious on its own and in a cocktail.

The world of smoky whisky and whiskey is far broader than it often gets credit for. And when done well, these drams are as savory as they are unforgettable.

Related Articles