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Aerial view of the Glenfinnan Viaduct

7 Day Travel Itineraries in Scotland

Looking for the perfect way to spend seven days in Scotland? If you want to road trip through the Highlands, explore the Isle of Skye, or see the best of the country in one week, read on for itinerary inspiration and ideas for your Scottish holiday — including some of the top places you can’t miss. 

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Our top itinerary for 7 days in Scotland

Day 1 - Edinburgh - Start your Scottish adventure at one of the country’s most iconic landmarks, Edinburgh Castle, which watches over the surrounding city from its elevated vantage point. Afterward, walk along the Royal Mile, visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, or climb to the top of Calton Hill for a great view of the city’s skyline.

Day 2 - St. Andrews - Tread in the footsteps of the world's golfing greats and head to St. Andrews en route to the glorious Scottish Highlands. A scenic drive takes you north and across the Firth of Tay, past the city of Dundee to Pitlochry.

Day 3 - Culloden - Continue your journey to the tragic battlefield of Culloden. Pay tribute to the brave men who lost their lives in the Jacobite Uprising, then journey past Scotland's infamous Loch Ness. The rugged beauty of Eilean Donan Castle will leave you speechless before you continue your journey to the coast and cross to the Isle of Skye.  

Day 4 - Scottish Highlands - Commemorate World War II history at the Commando Memorial near Fort William, where you can admire spectacular views of Britain's highest peak - Ben Nevis. Next, take a journey through the volcanic ruins and precipitous mountains that lie just beyond Glencoe to see the 'Glen of Weeping,’ the site of the infamous 1692 massacre of MacDonalds by the Campbell clan.
 
Day 5 - Glasgow - Enjoy views of the People's Palace and Winter Gardens, the regal George Square and River Clyde, which served as the centre of shipbuilding for more than 200 years. Journey to Stirling, to see its hilltop fortress, which stands as a symbol of national pride. Stirling Castle was once the seat of Scottish kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots. View the Wallace Monument from the castle walls, paying tribute to the Scottish hero who fought for Scotland's independence.

Discover the full itinerary here: Best of Scotland 2020 

See more travel itineraries and discover the perfect seven-day trip in Scotland on TourRadar.

7 day Scotland road trip itinerary

Day 1 & 2 - Whiskey Trail & Cairngorms National Park - Leave Edinburgh over the impressive Forth Road Bridge. Soon you will join the Old Military Road taking you over the seemingly endless scenic roads of the Cairngorms National Park and Scotland's highest mountain pass. Visit Braemar Castle nestled between forest and Scottish hills before heading towards the summer residence of the royal family - Balmoral Castle. End your day on a high note with a guided tour at one of the region’s revered whiskey distilleries.

Day 3 & 4 - Scottish Castle Route & Isle of Skye - Follow the shores of Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle while you keep an eye out for Nessie, the country’s most infamous monster. Then, enjoy a scenic drive to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, a 13th-century fortress perched on a small tidal island in the western Highlands. Once you’ve taken your fair share of photos, drive over the famous road to Applecross (Bealach Na Ba Pass) before crossing the bridge to the Isle of Skye.

Day 5 & 6 - Back to Edinburgh via Glencoe Region - Today, get ready to drive through one of the most scenic regions in the country: Glencoe. There are remarkably beautiful landscapes and dramatic mountain peaks at every turn in this area, so make sure you’re camera is always at the ready. Pass by Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and stop at the iconic Stirling Castle on the way back to Edinburgh.

Discover the full itinerary here: NC500 Scotland Driving Tour - Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye & Iconic Castles

Explore more seven-day road trip itineraries in Scotland on TourRadar.

7 day Scotland itinerary for hikers and trekkers

Day 1 - Inverness - Arrive in the wonderful waterside town of Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. Located on Scotland’s northeast coast where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth, this is the perfect base from which to explore the magnificent Scottish Highlands.

Day 2 & 3 - The Great Glen Way - Starting in Invergarry, set off to explore a section of the Great Glen Way, overlooking Loch Oich, to the historic Bridge of Oich. Continue along the Caledonian Canal towpath to Fort Augustus, at the southern tip of Loch Ness.

Day 4 - Fort Augustus - Spend the day exploring Fort Augustus’ walking trails or take a boat trip on the world-famous waters of Loch Ness to visit Urquhart Castle.

Day 5 & 6 - South Loch Ness Trail to Foyers - Follow the South Loch Ness Trail and enjoy spectacular views of the wild and starkly beautiful Highlands. Pass through the village of Whitebridge and through shaded forest, to Rabbie Burns' famous Falls of Foyers. 

Day 7 - Caledonian Canal and The Beauly Firth - Hop on a bus back to Inverness and take in the stunning sights and scenery along the way, including the Ness Islands, ancient Craig Phadrig, and the sea locks at Beauly Firth. 

Discover the full itinerary here: Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal Self-Guided Walk

See more seven-day hiking and trekking itineraries in Scotland on TourRadar. 

Edinburgh Castle, one of the country's most iconic landmarks
Edinburgh Castle, one of the country's most iconic landmarks

Helpful Info

Local languages
English, Scots, Scottish Gaelic
Popular destinations
Isle of Skye, Glasgow, Stirling Castle, Loch Ness, Edinburgh
Perfect for
Outdoor activities, Culture, History
Best time to visit
Summer (June to August)
Currency
Pound sterling (GBP)

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