An Incredible 10 Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary
Are you trying to figure out how to spend 10 days in Scotland? Here is my 10 day Scotland road trip itinerary. I will talk about the Scottish road trip my family took as first time visitors – an excellent introduction to Scotland.
In 2020, I had a 2-week period where I wanted to visit Scotland by car. Given that I would be driving from Hertfordshire, just north of London, I allowed for two days to get to Scotland and two days to drive home.
Ten days may seem like a long time, but when you are on your trip, the time can fly by. Even with a 10 day Scotland itinerary, there were many things I had to miss because I simply did not have enough time. I have included these options in case you manage to squeeze these spots in your Scotland trip.
Read on to find out more about my recommended 10 day road trip to Scotland.
How to Get to Scotland
There are many options where you can start your road trip – it typically depends on where you are coming from. For those flying internationally, there are three airports to choose from: Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Inverness.
To follow my itinerary for Scotland if you are taking a flight to Scotland, I recommend you fly into Glasgow and out of Edinburgh. You could pick up a rental car at either of these airports.
Sometimes car rental companies charge an additional fee if you do not return the car to the same place where you picked it up. However, the driving distance between Glasgow and Edinburgh is only an hour. So, you could drop it off at the same place and book round-trip flights.
Book your car rental with Expedia here.
If you are driving from somewhere in the UK for your road trip in Scotland, you are flexible to start and end your road trip wherever is convenient.
I drove from Hertfordshire up through the Lake District, spending a night there. Then, I entered Scotland near Glasgow.
I finished my holiday in Scotland in Edinburgh, and then I drove through Northumberland and the Peak District on my journey back to the South of England.
For the international travellers – if you want to add your road trip to Scotland to another destination, I would suggest flying to London and spending a few days there. You can then take the train up to Edinburgh where you can pick up a rental car.
Read more: Short trips in the UK
Scotland 10-Day Itinerary Route Map
Where to Visit on Your 10 Day Scotland Road Trip?
If you are looking to put together your road trip around Scotland, here are some suggestions of places to visit.
- Loch Lomond
- Glencoe
- Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Glen Etive
- Oban
- Mallaig
- Isle of Skye
- Cairngorms National Park
- Highland Perthshire
- Edinburgh
10 Days in Scotland Itinerary
Day 1 – Visit Loch Lomond and Drive to Glencoe
Your first day in Scotland will be busy, but also an excellent start to your road trip. Assuming you are starting your journey in Glasgow, Edinburgh or the north of England, you will be able to visit all the spots I recommend for day one.
Loch Lomond
Start your road trip with something typical of Scotland – lochs. For those who did not realise, the meaning of a loch is a lake.
When you think of lochs in Scotland, many people instantly think of Loch Ness. But when I spoke to Scottish friends, they told me that Loch Ness is rather touristy and that there are other better lochs to see. However, if you are flying from Inverness airport and going via Loch Ness, you should look for the Loch Ness Monster and stop at nearby Urquhart Castle.
As a result, the first stop of my journey around Scotland was Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. I suggest a visit to Loch Lomond for one day.
Visiting Loch Lomond is not as simple as typing its location into Google Maps and showing up at the point on the map. You also need to have an idea where around the loch you want to visit.
My first stop in Loch Lomond was to Balloch, the southern-most point and the first town you will reach from the Glasgow area. Balloch is also the starting point for boat tours of the loch.
I was eager to get out onto the water, so I booked tickets that day for the afternoon cruise. You can also book your Loch Lomond boat tour here.
My next stop on Loch Lomond was to a small village called Luss. You can stroll along the lakefront, rent a pedalo and walk onto the pier. Quaint cottages line the streets of Luss, which is worth a short walk around.
I stopped for lunch at Coach House Coffee Shop and Store. It is a good lunch stop with sandwiches, soups and cakes, and it is also very dog-friendly.
Driving to Glencoe
At the end of your visit to Loch Lomond, start the journey to Glencoe, where you will spend the next few nights.
The drive from Loch Lomond to Glencoe is scenic, so I recommend you drive slowly. If you pass a particular spot, you can pull into the side of the road safely. There are also walks from these locations, so put your hiking shoes on for the drive.
One of my recommended stops is at Loch Tulla Viewpoint, found slightly north of Bridge of Orchy. There is a big car park that you can stop at and get a view across Loch Tulla.
You will pass many beautiful sites on the A82 to Glencoe, but you can easily come back the next day to properly explore and take photos of Glencoe.
As you get closer to Glencoe, look for deer in the fields on the side of the road. Deer are often found around Rannoch Moor and in front of the Kingshouse Hotel. I saw deer but did not stop in time to take a picture, so keep an eye on the map as you approach the area.
Shortly after this, you will pass the turning to Glen Etive, somewhere you should make sure you visit. However, a visit to Glen Etive will not be a quick stop because the scenery is impressive, and you will want to witness it all. You will need around 2 – 3 hours to visit Glen Etive.
Therefore, if you have the time, you could visit Glen Etive on day one – otherwise, I recommend saving it for day two.
Day 2 – Visit Glenfinnan Viaduct and Explore Glencoe
Another busy day lies ahead, but with only 10 days to see as much of Scotland as possible, you need to prepare for some long days!
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Start your morning by driving to Glenfinnan Viaduct. You may know it as the Harry Potter Bridge that the Jacobite Steam train travels along.
I recommend you visit Glenfinnan Viaduct during the morning schedule. If you are staying in Glencoe, the drive will take you nearly an hour, plus you need to arrive with plenty of time to park because it can get pretty busy.
Seeing the train puffing along the viaduct is not as easy as it seems. Read my article on how to make your visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct a success.
After you visit Glenfinnan Viaduct, you can stop for a casual lunch in Fort William and then return to Glencoe for an afternoon of exploring again.
The town of Fort William itself is not an attraction in itself, but it is the largest town in the area, so you will likely get all your groceries and petrol from here. Fort William is also a popular town to stay in when climbing Ben Nevis.
Be aware that the number of midges of Glencoe and Fort William are extremely high, so when you are visiting the Glenfinnian Viaduct, Glencoe etc, you should be wearing:
- insect repellent
- long sleeves
- net hat to shield your face from the swarming insects
Read more about suggested products for midge repellent in this Scotland packing list.
Glencoe
After you return from Fort William, you can explore Glencoe some more.
A visit to Glencoe was one of my favourite parts of the whole trip. The dramatic landscapes in Glencoe were impressive. Plus, there are many things to see and do in the area, such as scenic walks and finding spots from the Harry Potter world.
I felt like Glencoe gave me a good impression of the Scottish Highlands and it looks the same as it does in the James Bond film Skyfall.
While researching Glencoe before my trip started, many people recommended visiting Glencoe, but they were not specific in their recommendations. Therefore, I intend to be more specific on what you can do while there.
Many of the most spectacular views of Glencoe are on the drive to Glencoe along the A82. You will have seen a glimpse of the beautiful scenery from the car window on the way to Glencoe. To get the most out of your trip, you should return to this stunning road where you can get out of the car and walk around.
The white cottage seen frequently in images is also one of the most famous views in Glencoe. There are several white cottages around Glencoe. You can find one on Google maps called “Glen Coe Photography House”. You will see the houses as you drive along the A82 towards Loch Achtriochtan.
Also, consider stopping at Three Sisters Viewpoint or Hidden Valley car park for a great view just outside Glencoe.
Note: there is limited mobile reception in Glencoe, so you should download offline maps on your phone. There are toilets in the Glencoe Visitor Centre; however, you need to pay £4 to park and use their facilities.
If you did not already visit Glen Etive while driving to Glencoe, you should return to this area. Make sure to capture a picture of Buachaille Etive at the start of the road to Glen Etive off the A82.
Glencoe Lochan
When you are back in Glencoe, you can walk around Glencoe Lochan. It is a nature trail that is accessible for all abilities and is in a beautiful setting.
Glencoe Lochan is quite a short walk that will take you about an hour if you take it slowly and stop to take photos etc. There is a free car park to use while you walk the trail.
Finally, one for Harry Potter fans – you can go and find the filming location of Hagrid’s Hut. It is a relatively short walk up some hills, but it is a fun exploration. It takes some imagination to see the area how it was in the films.
Hagrid’s Hut is close to Glencoe Lochan. Park on the side of the road near to Clachaig Inn and walk from there.
Where to Stay in Glencoe and Fort William
Fort William and Glencoe are very close to each other, just a 25-minute drive apart. So, you can make either one your base for a few nights. If you would like to be closer to Glenfinnan Viaduct, you should stay in Fort William. If you prefer to be closer to nature in Glencoe, then you should stay there.
You can also opt for something in between, such as the small town of Onich where there are a few VRBO rentals around this area.
| Hotel | Location | Book |
|---|---|---|
| The Garrison $ | Fort William | Click here |
| Clachaig Inn $$ | Glencoe | Click here |
| The Lime Tree $$$ | Fort William | Click here |
| Glencoe House $$$$ | Glencoe | Click here |
| Inverlochy Castle Hotel $$$$ | Fort William | Click here |
Day 3 – Day Trip to Oban
Oban
Deciding to visit Oban during your 10 day itinerary of Scotland is based on your interests. Oban is known for its whisky. If you are a fan of whisky, it is worth adding Oban to your Scotland itinerary.
In my situation, my Dad wanted to go to Oban, so we made sure to include it in the itinerary. However, I am aware that there are other better whisky distillery experiences throughout the country, so do not discount those.
There are other things to see and do in Oban other than whisky. Firstly, you can visit McCaig’s Tower that has a sprawling view of the city from above.
Secondly, it is a port-town, so you can go on a boat trip from there. Such as a visit to the Isle of Mull (and Tobermory the town where the British TV show Balamory was filmed). From the Isle of Mull, you can take a boat to Staffa to see puffins. I went on a tour to Staffa and it exceed my expectations.
You need to book the ferry rides in advance because they do sell out on the day.
I ate lunch at Lorne Bar in Oban, which was another dog-friendly restaurant.
Castle Stalker
Near Oban is Castle Stalker – a fascinating mini castle (house) located in the middle of Loch Linnhe. You could stop here when visiting Oban.
Park at Castle Stalker View café and make sure you stop there for a drink and snack before or after your visit to support the cafe. They serve some tasty treats.
Put your walking boots on and head down towards the water.
To get closer to Castle Stalker, you will need to walk through trees on a steep and precarious path. Turn left when you get to the bottom of the slope.
Day 4 – Drive to Mallaig for the ferry to Isle of Skye
This morning, you will pass Glenfinnan Viaduct on the way to the Isle of Skye. Therefore, I recommend attempting to see the Jacobite Steam Train again. You may get different weather or the chance to watch the train from another angle.
When driving from Fort William to the Isle of Skye, there are two options. You can drive the road north until you get to the Isle of Skye bridge. Or you can drive to Mallaig and take the ferry across to Armadale on the Isle of Skye.
The route you take depends on the location of your accommodation in Skye. Both routes offer spectacular views and scenery so you will be happy with either choice. If you take the ferry on the way there, you can drive over the Isle of Skye Bridge on the way to your next stop and see the places I recommend.
Ferry to Isle of Skye
If you are taking the ferry to Skye, you must reserve a ticket a few days in advance because there are only a few spots available on the day left over for emergency vehicles or the earliest arrivals.
For the route via ferry to the Isle of Skye, I suggest stopping at Eilean na Moine after Glenfinnan Viaduct. Eilean na Moine is another site for Harry Potter fans (Dumbledore’s resting place), but also a beautiful location on Loch Eilt. Parking is limited here since it is a small lay-by.
On your way to Mallaig, you can stop at some white sand beaches to stretch your legs. Silver Sands of Morar and Camusdarach Beach are both lovely beaches. The beach you should visit depends on where you find a parking spot because a parking spot is hard to find.
I aimed for the general area of Silver Sands of Morar with the SatNav and then played it by ear because parking was difficult in some parts. I ended up at Arisaig beach.
Mallaig is only 10 minutes further from these beaches, so it is convenient to visit these beaches before taking the ferry from Mallaig.
For more information on taking the ferry to the Isle of Skye, make sure you check out my guide to road trips in Scotland.
Driving over the Isle of Skye Bridge
If you left it too late to book tickets for the ferry to Isle of Skye, or the route is more convenient to go by land, there are some lovely things to see on the way.
The Five Sisters of Kintail is a stunning mountain range that you will pass on your way to Skye. To get the best view of The Five Sisters of Kintail, I recommend going to Ratagan Pass viewpoint. For another beautiful viewpoint on the route, stop at Loch Duich Viewpoint (Carr Brae).
As you continue your journey to the Skye bridge, you will also pass Eilean Donan Castle. I recommend you stop because the car park is free and you can take photos of the outside of the castle without paying an entrance fee.
Suggested Hotels for Isle of Skye
| Hotel | Location | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Uig Hotel $$ | Uig | Click here |
| Edinbane Lodge $$ | Edinbane | Click here |
| Cuillin Hills Hotel $$$ | Portree | Click here |
| Marmalade Hotel $$$ | Portree | Click here |
| Kinloch Lodge $$$$ | Sleat | Click here |
The Isle of Skye is a popular destination with accommodations booking up far in advance. However, if you do not manage to reserve a hotel or holiday rental in the Isle of Skye, it is also possible to go on day trips to the Isle of Skye from somewhere just outside Skye.
A day trip is best if you have two adults who can share the driving because it can be tiring, but it is doable.
Day 5 to 7 – Exploring Isle of Skye
Once you arrive on the Isle of Skye and its surrounding villages, it is easy to see why it is so well-loved. There is plenty to do there to keep you occupied for many days. It includes hikes for all abilities, waterfalls, sweeping landscapes and a whole lot of greenery.
I would recommend spending three days in the Isle of Skye because it increases your chances of having a day with good weather. Three days in Skye also means you can return to a particular spot and not rush or miss out on any sights.
Some of the places I suggest you visit in the Isle of Skye include:
- Old Man of Storr
- Neist Point Lighthouse
- Coral Beach
- Quiraing
- Fairy Glen
- Fairy Pools
Neist Point Lighthouse and Coral Beach are located down a single track road. This means you should visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the traffic that can build up.
I wrote a detailed blog post on what to do in Isle of Skye and shared my suggested Skye itinerary, so make sure you check it out. However, for a quick breakdown, this is how I suggest you spend three days in the Isle of Skye.
Parts of the Isle of Skye can be a relatively far drive from each other. Therefore, you should plan to spend each day in a separate part of the Isle of Skye, as I have suggested below.
1st Day on Isle of Skye – Trotternish Loop
- Breakfast at Café Arriba in Portree (if breakfast is not included at your accommodation)
- Old Man of Storr
- Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
- Falls of Rha
- Fairy Glen
- Quiraing – It is possible to include this in the itinerary if you plan on a quick stop or there is enough daylight/time to complete the whole hike
2nd Day on Isle of Skye – West Skye
- Quiraing – again if missed the day before – but consider the location of your lodging
- Dunvegan Castle
- Coral Beach
- Neist Point Lighthouse – sunset is a lovely time to visit
- Dinner at The Three Chimneys
3rd Day on Isle of Skye – South Skye
- Fairy Pools – best to go early to ensure a car park spot
- Talisker Distillery – optional if this is a strong interest of to swap out another activity
- Isle of Skye boat trip – check in advance the different locations and start times
- Sligachan Old Bridge
- Coo view point
- Eilean Donan Castle – if you did not visit it earlier when arriving in Isle of Skye
If you are not staying in Portree, I suggest a quick visit to walk around the Harbour on any day that you pass it.
Day 8 – Venturing on a Highland Safari
Driving to Highland Perthshire
As I mentioned previously, if you are driving from the Isle of Skye to Highland Perthshire, there are some lovely sights to see on the way. Such as various viewpoints of The Five Ladies of Kintail and Eilean Donlan.
I want to mention additionally that as you are driving through parts of the Highlands and crossing into Cairngorms National Park, there is no mobile service and very few stops for bathroom breaks and refreshments. So, plan according.
Highland Safari
My next stop was Aberfeldy for a Highland Safari. There is a café where you can have lunch at the Highland Safari.
The idea of it is that you go out with your local guide in a land rover and drive through the mountains or forest (you choose) looking for wildlife.
I chose the mountain safari, which meant we were on the search for deer and eagles. I think the whole experience is worth the drive, even if it is out of the way for you.
You need to book this in advance because they have two slots a day – 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Therefore, if you are driving from the Isle of Skye, you need to opt for the afternoon visit.
Gleneagles Hotel
After the Highland Safari, I spent the next two nights at the Gleneagles hotel. It is only an hour away, so it is a great place to stay in combination with the Highland Safari.
My family stayed at Gleneagles hotel for two nights because some family members wanted to play a round of golf (or two). I highly recommend staying at Gleneagles for two nights because it means you get a full day at the hotel and a chance to try out several of the incredible restaurants.
Day 9 – Gleneagles Hotel
After such a busy 10 days in Scotland, you will be grateful for a day of recharging the batteries at a luxury hotel.
You need to make reservations for activities before arriving at the hotel, such as your breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you plan to play a round of golf at Gleneagles, you also need to arrange that.
If you do not want to play golf, there is still plenty to do at the hotel. For example, exploring the hotel grounds, playing pitch and putt, riding a bike around the property, visiting the hotel pool (requires booking) and looking around the shops inside the Gleneagles hotel.
Pay attention to the dress code for the dinner restaurants because many require a suit jacket for men.
Read more: What to pack for Scotland
Day 10 – Drive to Edinburgh and onwards
After a final breakfast at Gleneagles, set off for Edinburgh, which is around an hour’s drive from Auchterarder. Unless you wish to visit Stirling Castle, which is a slight detour on the drive from Auchterarder to Edinburgh.
Edinburgh
What is a visit to Scotland without stopping in Edinburgh? I had not originally planned to spend time in Edinburgh. However, after leaving the Gleneagles hotel, I realised how close it was. I decided to stop just for a few hours, given that it was en route to my next destination, Northumberland.
It was a flying visit, but luckily the city is relatively small, and many sights are close to each other. During my afternoon visit, I managed to see a lot of the old town, such as Royal Mile, Grassmarket, Cowgate, Victoria Street and, of course, Edinburgh Castle.
If you want to maximise your time in Scotland, check out one of these tours:
If you plan to stay the night in Edinburgh, I recommend The Balmoral Hotel. You could stay in the suite where J.K. Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
| Hotel | Location | Book |
|---|---|---|
| The Balmoral $$$$ | Edinburgh | Click here |
| Gleneagles $$$$ | Auchterarder | Click here |
What Can Be Changed in this 10 Day Itinerary Scotland?
You may notice that a few places are missing from this itinerary. For example, the North Coast 500 and Cairngorms National Park and some other islands or isles, such as the Isle of Harris. However, it is impossible to fit the whole of Scotland in only 10 days. Therefore, you may have to add these other destinations to your next trip road trip itinerary.
If you want to add more places to your itinerary, you will need to remove something. I would suggest removing Edinburgh, purely because it is easier to visit on its own another time. You may be more likely to take the train to Edinburgh for a weekend trip.
If you are looking to extend this 10 day trip into a 14 day tour of Scotland, I recommend visiting Isle of Mull and Isle of Harris. This is something that I didn’t have time to do and wished I had visited.
It is also possible to make this into a one week itinerary. You can remove the Highland Safari and Edinburgh, or remove Isle of Skye.
Read my article for ideas on other types of road trips to Scotland.
