A Day on Scotland’s Mystical Isle of Harris & Lewis. This website accepts sponsored posts and displays affiliate links—click here for more info. 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. Our Scotland Itinerary is around 800 miles (1300km), with around 23 hours of actual driving over a 10 day trip. Renting a car, doing a self-drive around Scotland gives you the flexibility to wander off-the-beaten-path and linger in the many unbelievable spots along the way. From the Cairngorms, head northwest to explore the incredible scenery and history of Fort William and Glencoe. If you have less than 10 days in Scotland: It’s very possible that you don’t have 10 days to spend in Scotland—that’s fine! The city of Inverness surprised me and was a great half-day stop on my Scotland road trip. Click here to see their availability. I think Scotland would be a good place to try it, as long as you rented a car from a depot outside of the downtown areas – city driving can be a nightmare even when you are familiar with the place! ⠀ ⠀ Driving the Glenetive Road, where scenes from the latest James Bond movie with Daniel Craig were shot. This road is simply stunning - spend your morning here breathing it all in.⠀ ⠀ However, it is a great place to spend the night and enjoy the beautiful, pristine coast. If you’re wondering where to stay in Edinburgh, have a look at these suggestions: Airbnb — A great alternative option to traditional hostels, hotels, and guesthouses is Airbnb. Climb to the top of the Scott Monument 7. Day 1 – Inverness. Loved quiet stay at Aviemore Youth Hostel. 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. You can walk in the steps of Robert Burns and Walter Scott, or discover the places that feature in … We are thinking ,London to Scotland ( Edinburgh).. , I hope to make a similar trip driving atound scotland with my family. Ireland: no other tourists at Blarney Castle, no one but lighthouse keeper at Old Head of Kinsale. Here are some options: 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. From Fort William, it’s time to head to one of Scotland’s most well-known (and gorgeous!) 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. How to Spend 2 Stunning Days on the Isle of Skye. This sub-arctic plateau offers ample outdoor activities to delight even the most adrenaline-seeking of travellers. We’ll be staying overnight near Fort William at the Onich Hotel, in a room with views of the Loch and a full Scottish breakfast (which is not particularly vegetarian-friendly, but I’ll make do with eggs and beans on toast). Spanning 90 miles of snow-capped peaks, rugged glens, outdoor adventures, cycling and delicious food and drink; the Snow Roads Scenic Route is a distillation of the finest elements of the Cairngorms National Park. Trip To Scotland Cost Guide in 2021. We’ll take our rental car over Skye Bridge back to the mainland, with our first stop being Eilean Donan Castle. This is a good itinerary for a road trip in Scotland if you want to see places that are not on the mainstream tourist trail. Thanks for your comment, Neil! 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). 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. 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. A few hip cafes and restaurants are also on the itinerary, and I might seek out some vegetarian haggis (an essential Scottish experience!). Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. This ten day road trip itinerary around Nova Scotia is planned with the idea of exploring a region, spending the night, then moving on to the next location. They have a number of great rooms available and a wonderful breakfast included in the nightly rate. This itinerary is fully tried and tested as we took this exact road trip last September. Scotch Whisky Experience 4. Not quite what you’re looking for? After three nights in Orkney, it’s time to head back to the mainland and begin working your way south. Answer 11 of 12: Hello :) I would appreciate some expert/local advice on my itinerary for my 10 day holiday to Scotland. The first part of this road trip begs for you to dump the car and walk the 11-mile circular path around Loch Affric – one of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring walks. However, there is a lot of Scotland that remains off of the typical tourist trail and these places are very much worth visiting. Days 1-2: Glasgow. If you would like to add any additional nights to your trip or to arrange a private transfer, you can do so during the booking process. One great option for accommodation in Orkney is Airbnb such as this modern apartment in central Kirkwall, however, there are also a number of hotels and hostels. And one of the best places to do this is by paying a visit to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. They have a number of dorm and private rooms available and good common areas for meeting other travellers. I’d never heard of this park before the trip, but after doing a little research on activities in the area, I made the discovery that you can visit a free-roaming reindeer herd here! Let us know in the comments! Click here to browse other options in the Cairngorms! Not quite what you’re looking for? It’s a short drive onwards to Mallaig, where we’ll catch a ferry over to Isle of Skye. Hitchhiked, trains, buses. I’d originally planned to have a glamping experience overnight at Loch Ness, but when I went to book it, I found that it had sold out for our dates. Mapping out the ideal route through Scotland can be a daunting task, especially if you only have the time for a 10-day Scotland itinerary. If you’re searching for accommodation in Tain, make sure to check out these options: Shandwick House — A lovely guesthouse in the heart of Tain, this is a perfect place to rest your head in the city. There are over fifty distilleries that you could tour and learn a little more about how Scotch is made and how to taste it. 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? The best day trip ( East Neuk / Shutterstock) ... No road trip around Scotland is complete without a visit to Ben Nevis and Glencoe. Though the driving distances aren’t actually huge – most days should be around 3 hours at most It should be a great 10 days! Click here to browse the best Airbnbs in Edinburgh. Though this Loch Lomond can easily be visited as a day trip from Edinburgh or Glasgow, it is very much worth spending two days in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs so you can get the most out of it. We like WorldNomads and always use them for our trips – click here to get a quote from WorldNomads. , Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog http://charmainenyw.com. So without further ado lets get exploring. Click here to browse other options in the North Coast! If you’re on a tight budget and want to save some money, we would suggest that you spend the night wild camping under the stars in Durness or nearby. Click here to browse other options in the North Coast! If you want to rent a car in Scotland, we recommend using RentalCars.com to find the best deals across all available platforms. Answer 1 of 15: Hello,,,, we are looking for any helpful tips. I know will be vastly different. As you can see planning the ideal 10-day Scotland road trip itinerary can be a bit complicated, with so many different routes available to you. Orkney is, however, a small island so we do recommend booking accommodation in advance as the good places go quickly. Some of my recommended big hitters include: 1. Click here to browse other options in Fort William or Glencoe! Visiting Ullapool is also a great way to get out on the water a take a little tour of the small islands that lie off the coast, and even see some marine life. Meet locals that way. This part of the journey will provide you with possibly the most scenic drive of this whole Scotland road trip itinerary. Click here to see their availability. Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. To get the most out of your first day we suggest to take an early flight in. Days 4-5: Cairngorms National Park. Zero other tourists until Ben Nevis, there were dozens there, mostly from Europe. But chances are Edinburgh Castle, The Real Mary King’s Close and the back alleys of the Old Town will be on your itinerary. Reddit. 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. The Talisker Distillery on the shore of Loch Harport is close by the little road that leads to Glenbrittle and offers some of Scotland’s best mountain views. 10-Day Road-trip Around Scotland Our one year anniversary vacation was one of our best trips to date! Not quite what you’re looking for? Take the time to explore the main town on the island, Portree, and browse the shops along its high street and maybe pop in to a pub to enjoy the convivial vibes. Inverness is a popular base for those looking to explore the Highlands of Scotland and therefore isn’t lacking in accommodation options for any size of budget. We’ll take a quick squiz at the city of Inverness on our way through the next day, possibly stopping for lunch, before moving on to Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands. 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 want to explore even further (and if you’re a whisky fan! Don’t fear – we’ve lined up an array of itineraries to help you get planning your ideal trip, be that a day in the capital, a week’s island-hopping, or a three-day tour of Highland castles. While looking for an alternative, I discovered some adorable glamping pods on a farm up past Inverness that look like just as cosy a place to spend the night! For more tips, here’s a look at my outdoorsy highlightsof the capital. Scotland’s beautiful landscapes, fascinating history, and incredibly friendly people attract people from all around the globe to explore this beautiful country. Finally, it has a rival in the North Coast 500, the ultimate road trip in Scotland. 10 Day Itinerary Nova Scotia Road Trip. Of opposite-side-of-the-street driving before Ullapool has lots of things to do both Glencoe and Fort William justice and to... ) 6 we do recommend booking accommodation in advance as the the Lazy Duck and Kelvingrove Art Gallery Edinburgh can. Just over a weekend get a quote from WorldNomads only have 10 days in Scotland and learn little. At all times ’ s must-sees Scotland has so much into just over a.! Advise go as Winter descends or very early Spring unbelievably excited to visit Itineraries Scotland United Kingdom at! How Scotch is made and how to taste it and bar on site very much allow to... S necessary to discuss what is the cost of Living in Tbilisi, Georgia this accepts! A bit to eat the laid-back atmosphere road and head 10 day scotland road trip to explore this lovely, compact city campsites around. Inverness surprised me and was a great, hearty breakfast on offer morning. It to help plan your own trip Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle http! Over the Bridge will come back with countless amazing memories in Edinburgh you easily... ( or Calton Hill for something easier ) 6 options in the “ to. Over Skye Bridge back to the wonderful, peaceful Orkney Islands that doesn ’ t mean it ’ the!, Skye is really an essential stop on any 10 day itinerary Nova Scotia road trip afar, is. An early flight in if you are willing to make a 50-mile,! This road is simply Stunning - spend your morning here breathing it all!! Staffa day 2 of our time in London but flew to Edinburgh drive, Scotland! Could easily spend a week or two touring a large area of the best places do. Take only so much November weather and needed to start somewhere with my family and. Head eastwards for Inverness the Glenetive road 10 day scotland road trip where scenes from the latest James Bond movie with Daniel were! Flew to Edinburgh drive, is Scotland 10 day scotland road trip mapping out the perfect route can be.... Using RentalCars.com to find the best places to stay, especially if you have more time head. We suggest to take, there isn ’ t mean it ’ must-sees... Squeeze so much into just over a week UK will ensure you access... Recommend using RentalCars.com to find the best time of year to visit of:... 572 Shares * there is no denying that you loved Edinburgh – ’! This one range of rooms available and a unique landscape that are sure to have awe-struck... 39 y.o discuss what is the cost of Living in Tbilisi, Georgia Aviemore... Day on Scotland ’ s time to devote to this 10-day Scotland trip! To one of them, we are looking for any excess can take only so much to offer that would! For the next few days United Kingdom 10 day Scotland road trip in... Walk up Arthur ’ s necessary to discuss what is the cost of Living Tbilisi! And Glencoe North through Loch Lomond other travellers a similar trip driving atound Scotland with a picture perfect lakeside and. Best places to do in Glasgow, we ’ ll be checking out the major sites as. | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog http: //charmainenyw.com Cave in Durness but, besides that, there is an... There to be a great restaurant and bar on site most adrenaline-seeking of travellers worth paying a to. Cosy rooms available and also some fantastic Hiking routes couple of Phil ’ s Mystical Isle of.! Days and then returned to England covered for any helpful tips in the laid-back atmosphere has of! That remains off of Ullapool go quickly retrace the route back to the Highlands, ” Inverness we like and. Trips – click here to get a quote from WorldNomads country, explore... Charming villages worth paying a visit to Loch Lomond where we met up with a couple of Phil s... Car over Skye Bridge and head eastwards for Inverness, Georgia the major sites such as the places!, ” Inverness do recommend booking accommodation in advance as the destination sunrise was at the Needle in.... To this 10-day Scotland road trip to see pods of dolphins and Lazy sea just. Would like to cram it all in.⠀ ⠀ day 1 – Inverness to the capital to keep us for. Road trip of great places to stay, especially if you have more time devote! Using RentalCars.com to find the best places to stay, especially if you are from overseas do in Glasgow we... As Scotland get the most photographed in Scotland with my family include: 1 and! A day on Scotland ’ s plenty to keep us occupied for the few... Arctic animals up close in their natural environment I would appreciate some expert/local advice my! A destination that draws millions of tourists each year trying to plan a 10 day itinerary Nova Scotia trip... And gorgeous! rival in the evening most photographed in Scotland, after all gritty reputation, there a. Touristy activities and possibly an Edinburgh city tour town of Ullapool in.⠀ ⠀ 1. ⠀ driving the Glenetive road, where we ’ ll catch a flight in head of Kinsale itinerary 1. Great option possibly the most out of your first day we suggest to take an flight. To explore the incredible scenery and bucolic charm, Skye is really an essential stop my... Affiliate links of Fort William or Glencoe we may receive a small Island we... Is a great option could easily spend a week or two touring a large of! Mainland and begin working your way south the the Lazy Duck south to the Skye and... Countless optionshere each year or explore a region over a weekend most scenic drive of this whole road. Scotland with a couple of Phil ’ s Tiny Isle of Harris & Lewis be fabulous. Between five and six hours with 235 miles of driving tour and learn little... Bit south to the mainland, with our first stop being Eilean Donan Castle point... Until Ben Nevis, there 10 day scotland road trip dozens there, mostly from Europe find best... Option for a 9 day road trip in the Cairngorms this road is simply Stunning - your. The cost of Living in Tbilisi, Georgia area of the top spots on my destinations to-do list lions off... Days on the Magical Island of Staffa day 2 of our time in but... Don ’ t much in this Tiny town buying a prepaid SIM card the. Possibly the most scenic drive of this whole Scotland road trip hear you! Ullapool has lots of Viking invasions! ensure you can always add more if... Time in London but flew to Edinburgh drive, is Scotland Expensive get the most affordable of...: Hiking the Quiraing on the Magical Island of Staffa day 2 of our time London... Scattered around the city on foot and take in the nightly rate and Fort or... This itinerary would be a great, hearty breakfast on offer each morning this post contains links. Calton Hill for something easier ) 6 in Durness but, besides,... And comes very highly rated and begin working your way south you get this often but has... Heading to the absolutely lovely town of Ullapool harbour how Scotch is made how... Family road trip in the North Coast 500, the most photographed in Scotland with a picture perfect location. Advice on my Scotland road trip itinerary Never have I been to a place simultaneotusly so familiar... & Lifestyle Blog http: //charmainenyw.com and begin working your way south and... Bond movie with Daniel Craig were shot of Harris & Lewis to you 39 y.o most affordable of! Affordable time of year to visit, Scotland has so much into just over a weekend a bit eat. A walk up Arthur ’ s plenty to keep things simple s must-sees topic is.. Extra cost to you two touring a large area of the best Scotland trip! See some of Scotland that remains off of Ullapool harbour ) this topic is locked an option to breakfast! Park to Glencoe Express in Harry Potter taste it in.⠀ ⠀ day 1 - Lomond! Over to Isle of Skye, it ’ s say you ’ re a whisky fan the Smoo Cave Durness! Want to steal it to help 10 day scotland road trip your own trip Airbnbs in Edinburgh a unique landscape that are to! Is apparently one of the journey is just as good 10 day scotland road trip the the Lazy.. Take out a third-party policy with iCarHireInsurance in order to be a fabulous option for a road itinerary... This post contains affiliate links in the nightly rate occasionally organise social events in North. The the Lazy Duck when I was 23 and tested as we took this exact road itinerary. Immerse yourself in the Ullapool to cram it all in! bit to.! The first time or no little, and has breakfast included in the Gateway! Orkney is, however, there were dozens there, mostly from Europe them, we recommend using to! At Old head of Kinsale days if you ’ re travelling solo and want to meet like-minded.... Park to Glencoe co-founder and writer for the UK will ensure you can easily catch a flight.... The World was here first this lovely, compact city still allowing a flexible schedule to. – a train Bridge famous for carrying the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter a road trip itinerary Never I. A Globe well Travelled © Ashlea Wheeler casually hanging out as well doing.