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. 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. Here's the full itinerary we used, in case you want to steal it to help plan your own trip! It is legal to pitch a tent almost anywhere in Scotland, so long as you aren’t a nuisance to residents and clean up after yourself. 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. Not quite what you’re looking for? Scotch Whisky Experience 4. Of course, breakfast is included each morning. This 10-day road-trip around Scotland is the perfect way to explore the Lowlands, the Highlands and even the Isle of Islay (a typically overlooked area of Scotland). A walk up to Calton Hill is definitely in the cards for views of the city skyline, as is a visit to Holyrood Palace and Royal Yacht Britannia to inspect the luxurious residences of the Queen. 2017 was Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage & Archaeology, but honestly, each year should be Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage & Archaeology – there is just so much to see and discover.In hindsight, a 5 day Scotland itinerary wasn’t quite enough. 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. 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. A few hip cafes and restaurants are also on the itinerary, and I might seek out some vegetarian haggis (an essential Scottish experience!). 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. 10-Day Road-trip Around Scotland Our one year anniversary vacation was one of our best trips to date! Skye is an immensely popular place to visit in Scotland and, therefore, there are tonnes of great places to stay on the island. Below is more or less what you can expect to spend per person per day on a trip to Scotland on a budget to mid-range trip, assuming that you’re travelling as a couple or with friends and have rented a car and are splitting accommodation and transport costs. Would Scotland be a good place to try that out for the first time or no? Ireland: no other tourists at Blarney Castle, no one but lighthouse keeper at Old Head of Kinsale. National Museum of Scotland 5. 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. 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. I’ll try my best to time our visit so that we see one of the steam trains passing over the bridge. However, if you don’t want to spend the entire two days in Fort William and Glencoe hiking and enjoying the incredible views, there are also plenty of things to do in the town of Fort William it that make it very much worth visiting. You can purchase my Edinburgh city guide for a full look at the city’s must-sees. If you’re curious about where were would suggest to rest your head, then make sure to browse through these options: Skyewalker Hostel — A great, family-run hostel perfect for budget and solo travellers. Arriving in Glasgow and exploring the city. I’m unbelievably excited to see these arctic animals up close in their natural environment. The next morning we’ll continue onward to Glenfinnan Viaduct – a train bridge famous for carrying the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter! It’s a short drive onwards to Mallaig, where we’ll catch a ferry over to Isle of Skye. Over 10 days in Scotland, the best sunrise was at The Needle in Quiraing. Despite its relatively small land area and sparse population, there are countless places to visit in Scotland that you’re never going to be able to see everything within the span of ten days. 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 10-Day Scotland itinerary. 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. We’ll spend time casually hanging out as well as doing a few touristy activities and possibly an Edinburgh city tour. The plan is to meet up with some Aussie friends in Glasgow, then make our way around Scotland for an action-packed road trip around the countryside before ending up in Edinburgh. Pocket. You can always add more days if you want to take it slower and immerse yourself in the culture. Click here to see their availability. Click here to check availability, 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. From the Trossachs, it’s time to 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. Click here to see their availability, Carnegie Lodge Hotel — A fantastic hotel if you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket in Tain, this place has a number of lovely rooms available, room service on offer, and a full breakfast included in the morning. Hitchhiked, trains, buses. This 13th century castle is apparently one of the most photographed in Scotland with a picture perfect lakeside location and mountain backdrop. With a well-crafted route, 10 days in Scotland is just enough time to see most of the major points of interest that beckon millions of travelers each year. (Note: I don't recommend picking up your rental car until Day 4 of this itinerary; you don't need a car in Edinburgh, and it's annoying to try to find parking there anyway!) Click here to browse other options in the Ullapool! However, if camping really isn’t your thing, here are some of our accommodation pick for Scotland’s north coast: Durness Smoo Youth Hostel — This small hostel is a great place to rest your head in Durness. 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. Advise go as Winter descends or very early Spring. Click here to see their availability. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Click here to browse other options in Inverness! 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. But road trip to the Inverness-shire glens of Glen Affric and Glen Strathfarrar in Strathglass, just 20 minutes south of Inverness, an ancient and undisturbed Scotland is revealed. For more tips, here’s a look at my outdoorsy highlightsof the capital. Required fields are marked *. We are thinking ,London to Scotland ( Edinburgh).. Day 1 – Inverness. Start your 10-day Scotland road trip in the “Gateway to the Highlands,” Inverness. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Some roads in the far north of the country, for instance, only have room for one car to get through and include small passing places for oncoming traffic every hundred metres or so. Enter custom title (optional) This topic is locked. I think it needs a minimum of 2 days and there are countless optionshere. This website accepts sponsored posts and displays affiliate links—click here for more info. Click here to browse other options in Inverness! Inverness is the likely first stop on any trip through the north of Scotland and, as such, dons the nickname “The Gateway to the Highlands.” Though small in size, this city packs a considerable amount of charm and is well worth spending at least one day exploring Inverness. The best Scotland road trip itinerary is one that prioritizes time and fuel efficient routes, while still allowing a flexible schedule. If you’re curious about where you should stay around Glencoe and Fort William, make sure to check out these suggestions: 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. Click here to browse other options in the Cairngorms! Running through the eastern portion of this magnificent landscape, the route owes its name to the highest public road in Britain, and boasts some of the wildest, most dramatic Highland scenery imaginable. I know you get this often but Scotland has so much to offer that I would like to cram it all in!! Last reply was Mon, 06 Mar 2017 11:22:56 +0000. 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. This hotel has a range of rooms, great ratings, and has breakfast included in the rate. However, because the weather is at it’s warmest and the days are at their longest, these are also the most popular months for tourists, as well. Make sure to check out the Smoo Cave in Durness but, besides that, there isn’t much in this tiny town. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available and a great full Scottish breakfast available each morning. 10 Day Road trip England, Wales and Scotland . The plan is to fill two days with activities such as hiking around the impressive rocky landscape, stopping at viewpoints with spectacular natural scenery, sampling some Scottish Whiskey, visiting lighthouses and castles, and of course taking billions of photos. Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Edinburgh! We began our Scotland road trip itinerary in Inverness, where we met up with a couple of Phil’s friends. Though it is a popular destination, the island is also big enough that you can hike out and enjoy some solitude if that’s what you’re after. 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. There are countless hill-walking opportunities on Skye that are suitable for all levels of fitness, so it’s certain that you’ll find something that will suit you. This part of the journey will provide you with possibly the most scenic drive of this whole Scotland road trip itinerary. Click here to browse other options in the Cairngorms! Click here to browse other options in the Tain! Some of my recommended big hitters include: 1. 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. They have a number of great rooms available and a wonderful breakfast included in the nightly rate. Like the destination 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. Roughly following the North Coast 500 route, this 10-day Scotland itinerary takes you to some of the most beautiful, sparsely populated and historic places in all of the country. Click here to see their availability. Click here to see their availability, 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. You can walk in the steps of Robert Burns and Walter Scott, or discover the places that feature in … There are a number of lovely campsites scattered around the national park such as the The Lazy Duck. This road is simply stunning - spend your morning here breathing it all in.⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ Day 2 of our 10 day Scotland Road Trip! We spent the majority of our time in London but flew to Edinburgh, Scotland for two days and then returned to England. Click here to check availability, 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. Click here to see their availability, 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. Ullapool is very small, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. Water of Leith walkway and a wander into Dean Village Edinburgh city centre is pretty easy to get around on foot, the al… This can seem overwhelming at first, however, these rural country roads aren’t ever to congested with traffic and people do tend to be apologetic to confused or stressed out tourists. An awesome 7 day road trip through Scotland Europe Itineraries Scotland United Kingdom. The easiest way to divide your time here is to spend one day in and around Fort William, and the other in and around Glencoe. Start your 10-day Scotland road trip in the “Gateway to the Highlands,” Inverness. 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. 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. They have a number of great rooms available, and a great restaurant and bar on site. Edinburgh Castle 2. Click here to browse other options in Skye! We would also suggest that you take out a third-party policy with iCarHireInsurance in order to be affordably covered for any excess. While many may try to visit this area as a day trip, you are very much going to be happy that you decided to spend two full days exploring this area. This is a great country for a road trip. , Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog http://charmainenyw.com. The map starts on the west coast of Scotland, but, of course, you can do the drive in reverse if you prefer. Tq, This itinerary would be a fabulous option for a family road trip! Here are some options: Black Isle Hostel — This hostel is in a great location and is one of the best-rated hostels in Inverness. From Inverness, hit the road and head northwest to the absolutely lovely town of Ullapool. It is easy to get around the city on foot and take in the laid-back atmosphere. I’ve been dreaming about its fairytale castles, rocky hills, and serene lakes, and now I’ll finally have the chance to see them. A 6-Day San Francisco to Los Angeles Road Trip Itinerary Ultimate New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary – 2020 Edition A story of a man going on a once in a lifetime road trip of 30,000 Km through 41 countries in 6 months all whilst supporting several charities. A walk up Arthur’s Seat(or Calton Hill for something easier) 6. Thorn Tree forum Country forums UK & Ireland. If you’re more interested in exploring the highlights of Scotland’s incredible highlands and islands during your 10 days in Scotland, then this is the itinerary for you to follow! 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! Reddit. Inverness also has a great restaurant and craft beer scene, so there is something for everyone’s taste in this compact Scottish city. Click here to browse other options in Fort William or Glencoe! 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. Went to Orkney & Highlands ‘75 in October when I was 23. Here’s the itinerary for our 10 day epic Scotland road trip! spending at least one day exploring Inverness. Views for Days: Hiking the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye. If hiking isn’t really your thing, the Cairngorms are situated in the Speyside region — one of the largest Scotch whisky-producing regions in the country. 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. Once we make it to the city, there’s plenty to keep us occupied for the next few days. My love of dark tourism has made me especially excited to see the Glasgow Necropolis – a spooky cemetery dating back to the 1830s with graves and mausoleums of well-known Glaswegians. Share 10. Let us know in the comments! Aside from having multiple dorms of different, they also have private rooms, a welcoming and friendly staff, and a bar serving over 20 different kinds of local craft beers. Scotland’s beautiful landscapes, fascinating history, and incredibly friendly people attract people from all around the globe to explore this beautiful country. If you have more time to devote to this 10-day Scotland road trip itinerary, then there are a few options available to you. Not quite what you’re looking for? There numerous hiking routes that range in difficulty, and also opportunity to go horseback riding, kayaking, and any other number of outdoor activities. Images and content on A Globe Well Travelled © Ashlea Wheeler. But I can take only so much November weather and needed to start somewhere with my Scotland road trip. Edinburgh is the second-most popular destination to visit in the UK (after London) and, therefore, there are countless accommodation options to choose from. Sounds like you’re gonna have a great time walking down memory lane, hope it’s as good as the first . They offer affordable dorm beds and come very highly rated. 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. Steep climbs, '… Click here to see their latest prices. When touring Scotland by car (or camper or bike), your route can vary in length; trips can be as short or as long as you like. On your second day, make sure to head out and on one of the many great day trips from Inverness — perhaps to the Culloden battlefield or to the mystical Loch Ness. From Fort William, it’s time to head to one of Scotland’s most well-known (and gorgeous!) Not quite what you’re looking for? Though it has a gritty reputation, there are lots of things to do in Glasgow and it is very much worth visiting. What is the Cost of Living in Tbilisi, Georgia. 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. 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. As we make our way south, we may stop in at the Highlands Folk Museum for some local history, then we’ll head onwards to our traditional highland hotel – the Atholl Arms – which looks as though we’ll be staying in a historic Scottish mansion! 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. 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. From Inverness, it’s time to head a bit south to the Cairngorms National Park. A destination that draws millions of tourists each year. This would be a great place to stay, especially if you’re travelling solo and want to meet like-minded travellers. They have a number of dorm and private rooms available and good common areas for meeting other travellers. 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. Tweet. 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! 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. When she’s not dreaming of far-away lands, Maggie enjoys drinking copious amounts of coffee, Harry Potter, and coaxing stray cats into her home. There are over fifty distilleries that you could tour and learn a little more about how Scotch is made and how to taste it. Enjoy our London & Scotland 10 day itinerary! Trip To Scotland Cost Guide in 2021. You also cannot miss the gorgeous scenery that Skye has to offer and you would be missing out if you didn’t embark on a walk or day hike or two. click here to get a quote from WorldNomads, The Ultimate 2-Week Balkans Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes, The Ultimate 7-Day Croatia Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes. Answer 1 of 15: Hello,,,, we are looking for any helpful tips. No kids ) are trying to plan a 10 day road trip in England. Whisky tasting is also possible as a day trip from Inverness and there are tours that also include parts of the Cairngorms that you can do if you want to avoid driving after all of that whisky! 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). As we’ll be renting a car for our road trip, I looked for a hotel near the city centre that had parking and settled on one in West End near the Botanic Gardens. I’ll no doubt have plenty of destination guides to write after this trip, so keep your eyes peeled for upcoming posts on Scotland! and a unique landscape that are sure to have you awe-struck. It is located close to the Smoo Cave and also some fantastic hiking routes. Answer 11 of 12: Hello :) I would appreciate some expert/local advice on my itinerary for my 10 day holiday to Scotland. They have a range of comfortable and cosy rooms available and very friendly owners. And while we’ve found is that planning the perfect 10-day Scotland itinerary can be tricky we have put together three perfect routes to help you begin exploring the Highlands and beyond! Our Scotland Itinerary is around 800 miles (1300km), with around 23 hours of actual driving over a 10 day trip. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. That’s true! Finally, it has a rival in the North Coast 500, the ultimate road trip in Scotland. An epic ten days indeed – it seems like you managed to squeeze so much into just over a week! This itinerary is fully tried and tested as we took this exact road trip last September. We like WorldNomads and always use them for our trips – click here to get a quote from WorldNomads. Stop by the Inverness Castle, enjoy some peace and quiet on the Ness Islands, and kick back with a pint at one of the many convivial pubs. A Day on the Magical Island of Staffa Take the time to explore Edinburgh’s main sites, stroll down the Royal Mile, hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat, enjoy the convivial atmosphere in a local pub and search for familiar names of Harry Potter characters in Greyfriar’s Cemetery. Have you been before? ), then you could even hop on a ferry and explore the islands of Islay and Jura for a few days before skirting back to the mainland and driving to Inverness. And one of the best places to do this is by paying a visit to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. After three nights in Orkney, it’s time to head back to the mainland and begin working your way south. Grab some food here and visit the Cathedral and Castle before continuing to one of Scotlands most famous sights, Loch Ness. They have a handful of clean and comfortable rooms available and a great breakfast cooked fresh each morning. Purchase my Edinburgh city guide for a road trip Needle in Quiraing it all in.⁠⠀ day. 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