Highlands Road Trip

The Highlands Road Trip is an unforgettable journey through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes. Starting in Edinburgh, the route winds through Pitlochry, Inverness, Fort William, and Stirling, covering around 496 miles in 7 days. This trip is best taken in the summer months, when the days are longer and the landscapes more vibrant. Along the way, you can look forward to seeing some of Scotland's most iconic UNESCO Heritage Monuments, such as Urquhart Castle and the Old Town of Stirling. The roads are in good condition, making this an easy trip for even the most novice of drivers. This is a road trip that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. It is suitable for all budgets, though a higher budget will allow you to take advantage of all the activities and experiences available along the way. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure with friends, the Highlands Road Trip is the perfect way to explore Scotland.

Edinburgh, Scotland is the perfect starting point for your Highlands Road Trip. With its vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and unique history, it's no wonder why it's one of the most popular cities in Europe. Spend your days exploring the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, admiring the views of the castle from Princes Street Gardens, and shopping in the designer stores of the Royal Mile. For those arriving by air, Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the closest international airport. Car rentals are available at the airport, making it the ideal way to start your Highlands Road Trip. Once you have your car, you can take a drive up to North Berwick, a charming coastal town with a beautiful beach and a fantastic golf course. From there, you can explore the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands, taking in the lochs and mountains of the region. For a great day out, head to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most historic sites. Here, you can explore the castle grounds and learn about the history of Scotland. You can also visit the nearby National Wallace Monument, which commemorates the life and legacy of William Wallace, Scotland's most famous freedom fighter. If you're looking for a more relaxing day out, you can take a leisurely drive to the Cairngorms National Park. Here, you can take in the spectacular views of the mountains and lochs, and take a walk in the fresh Scottish air. Edinburgh is the perfect starting point for your Highlands Road Trip. With its beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and vibrant culture, it's sure to be a journey to remember.

Embark on a thrilling road trip from Edinburgh to Pitlochry, taking in the stunning Scottish countryside along the way. This 70 mile journey takes no more than two hours and is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. Start in Edinburgh and make your way to Perth, a city brimming with history and culture. Here, you can explore the city’s many historical sites, including the Scone Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Perth, follow the River Tay to Pitlochry, a picturesque town set against the backdrop of the Grampian Mountains. Here, you can take a stroll along the river and visit the Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder. As you make your way back to Edinburgh, be sure to keep an eye out for other fascinating historical sites along the way. For more information on attractions, accommodation, and recommended restaurants and campsites, be sure to check out the itinerary for this stage of your tour.

Welcome to the Pitlochry to Invergarry road trip! This amazing journey of 86 miles will take you less than 2 hours to complete, and will show you some of the most beautiful places in Scotland. Your first stop will be Pitlochry, a small town in the heart of Perthshire. Here you can visit the Pitlochry Dam, a magnificent structure built in the 1950s, or take a walk along the banks of the River Tummel. You can also explore the nearby Blair Atholl Castle, a stunning example of Scottish architecture. Next, you will drive through the stunning landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the mountains, forests, and lochs. The last stop of this road trip is Invergarry, a small village situated at the head of Loch Oich. Here you can visit the ruins of Invergarry Castle, a 17th century fortress, or take a stroll along the banks of the River Garry. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Invergarry to Inverness? This 42mi-long journey will take you less than an hour, and you will be able to see some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes and historical sites. Start your trip in Invergarry and take in the stunning views of the nearby Glen Garry. As you drive through the glen, you will be able to see the ruins of Invergarry Castle, a 16th century stronghold that was once the seat of the chiefs of Clan MacDonell of Glengarry. Continue your journey along the river side, taking in the picturesque views of the River Oich. Once you reach Inverness, you can explore the city's many attractions, such as the Inverness Castle, the Victorian Market, and the Inverness Cathedral. As you drive along the route, take some time to appreciate the stunning scenery. Keep an eye out for the many lochs and glens that dot the landscape, and take a break to enjoy the views. At the end of your journey, make sure to check out the historic Inverness Castle. This impressive fortress was built in the 12th century and is now a museum, open to the public. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Welcome to the Inverness to Plockton road trip stage! This 76mi journey will take you less than two hours to complete and you will be amazed by the incredible sights and attractions along the way. Start your journey in Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Visit the Inverness Castle and take a stroll along the River Ness. Then, take a drive to the Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle between the Jacobites and the British Government. Continue your journey to the picturesque village of Plockton, where you can explore the harbor, visit the Plockton Gallery, and take a walk along the shore. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the nearby islands of Raasay and Skye. This is just one of the many stages of a larger tour, so make sure to pay attention to the historical sites you come across. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Plockton to Fort William? This 77mi journey will take you less than 2 hours, but you will be able to enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland. Start your journey in Plockton, a picturesque fishing village with a charming harbor and a great view of the Isle of Skye. Then, drive to the village of Invergarry, where you can admire the ruins of Invergarry Castle. Continue your journey to the village of Glencoe, where you can explore the dramatic landscapes of this area. Finally, you will reach Fort William, a charming town located on the banks of Loch Linnhe. Here you can visit the ruins of the Old Fort and the Ben Nevis Distillery, where you can learn about the history of whisky-making in Scotland. Along the way, make sure to take some time to admire the breathtaking views of the mountains and lochs. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to pay attention to the historical sites and picturesque landscapes. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Welcome to the Fort William to Tarbet road trip stage! This 68mi journey is sure to be a memorable one, with a driving time of fewer than 2 hours. Along the way, you'll be able to take in some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes, as well as its rich history. Start your journey in Fort William, the largest town in the Highlands. Here, you can explore the ruins of Inverlochy Castle, learn about the area's Jacobite history, or take a stroll along the banks of Loch Linnhe. Continue along the A82, and you'll find yourself in the stunning Glencoe Valley. This is a great spot to take some photos or just appreciate the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Finally, you'll arrive in Tarbet. This small village is home to some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery, including the stunning views of Loch Lomond. Make sure to take a walk along the loch's shoreline to experience the best of the area's natural beauty. This is just one of the many stages of a larger tour, so make sure to consult the "Itinerary" for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!

Embark on an exciting road trip starting in Tarbet, Scotland, and ending in Stirling! This journey of 46 miles will take you less than an hour, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the sights. You'll be able to visit Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, a stunning landscape of lochs, glens, and mountains. You can also explore the ruins of Kilchurn Castle, a 15th-century stronghold located on the banks of Loch Awe. Next, you'll reach the town of Stirling, where you can visit Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most important castles and a major tourist attraction. The castle was once the residence of the Stuart kings and queens of Scotland, and its grounds contain many fascinating artifacts. As you drive, take in the beautiful views of the rolling hills and lush forests of the Scottish countryside. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, such as red deer, foxes, and badgers. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" section of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!

Are you ready for a fantastic road trip from Stirling to Edinburgh, Scotland? This 32mi journey will take you less than one hour, so you can take your time to explore the most interesting places along the way. Start your journey in Stirling and make sure to visit the Stirling Castle, one of the most impressive castles in Scotland. Then, drive to Falkirk and visit the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s first and only rotating boat lift. Lastly, end your journey in Edinburgh, where you can explore the famous Edinburgh Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, you can also find some other interesting places to explore, such as the National Wallace Monument in Stirling and the Antonine Wall, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, near Falkirk. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. Have a wonderful road trip!

The stunning city of Edinburgh, Scotland is the perfect ending point for your Highlands road trip. As Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh offers a unique mix of culture and history. From the medieval old town to the vibrant new town, it's easy to get lost in the charm of the city. To make the most of your visit, start by exploring Scotland's colorful history at the National Museum of Scotland or the National Gallery of Scotland. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town and admire the stunning architecture of Edinburgh Castle, the iconic symbol of Scotland. If you're looking for nightlife, the city offers a wide range of bars, pubs, and clubs to explore. Whether you're looking for a cozy pub or a lively club, you're sure to find something to suit your tastes. For a different experience, take a day trip out to the beautiful countryside of the Scottish Highlands. Here, you can explore the rolling hills, breathtaking lochs, and spectacular glens. At the end of your trip, you can fly back to the UK from Edinburgh Airport (EDI). The airport is located just 9 miles from the city centre and is well connected to the rest of the UK. No matter what brings you to Edinburgh, you're sure to find something to suit your needs. With its rich history, vibrant nightlife, and stunning countryside, it's no wonder Edinburgh is the perfect ending point for your Highlands road trip.

We hope that the presented road trip idea has become a superb inspiration for your future holiday excursions.
Our itinerary can be used as a template that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse tourist attractions.
If car travel is a travel mode that you prefer, there are a number of essential traffic regulations to follow and a list of things to bear in mind to make your road trip smooth and safe. These tips will also become useful for tourists who are considering renting a car or camper rental in Scotland.
When on a tour around Scotland, there are numerous traffic rules to be mindful of. Alcohol is best to be avoided at all costs when Scotland is your travel destination. Travellers should remember that the amount of alcohol that the driver can consume is low and is only 0.8‰. The maximum speed in urban areas is 48km/h. The maximum speed around rural areas is 96km/h. Bear in mind that the maximum speed is 112km/h on motorways in Scotland. We recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit to increase the safety.
How about the costs of the trip? The budget option that you go for determines the total cost of the whole itinerary. A wide range of budget options is showed below.
If you’d like to benefit from the cheapest offer to cover the planned 9 stages while travelling around Scotland, it can be roughly 113 EUR. Economy accommodation options can cost travellers approximately 550 EUR. Travellers who want to benefit from this option will spend roughly 672 EUR on food and restaurants. If you also aim for the budget rental car option, you will pay about 315 EUR. Thus, the estimated travel expenses amount to about 1,335 EUR without vehicle rental and 1,650 EUR with car hire.
Holidaymakers who are looking for greater comfort and the standard option should be prepared to pay the maximum of 138 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the tour. Cost amounting to 1,111 EUR can be expected by all drivers who are considering standard accommodation options. Travellers can expect that the standard option in terms of food and restaurants will cost roughly 1,008 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire car should expect a cost of more or less 504 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 2,761 EUR for travellers who would like to try vehicle rental and 2,257 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
Holidaymakers who are considering the highest level of comfort will be pleased with the premium option. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 3,999 EUR for holidaymakers who are considering car hire and 2,257 EUR for those who do not need a hire car. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a premium rental vehicle can expect a cost of about 882 EUR. In the premium option of the trip, you have to spend the maximum of 200 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the tour. Holidaymakers who will go for top services in all aspects of their itinerary should expect to pay more or less 1,344 EUR for restaurants and food and about 1,573 EUR for overnight stays.
Highlands Road Trip will also measure up to the expectations of all camper lovers. If you choose this mode of transport, the expenses are more or less 1,575 EUR. Camper fans will spend roughly 213 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the trip. Travellers who opt for camper rental should expect to pay approximately 385 EUR for overnight stays and roughly 672 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the mentioned details in a straightforward manner.
The period between May and September is great to visit the part of Scotland described in our road trip idea. There are plenty of beautiful road trips that we offer on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip ideas. The great variety of options will surely come up to the expectations of the most demanding tourists.