Start your trip in Scotland’s capital city. One full day is enough on a short trip to see the top sites and get a sense of the city, but you could spend up to 3 full days here if you want to explore it all and take a deeper dive into the food scene.

We’ve spent almost a month exploring this city (we did some pet sitting here in 2024) and we still find new corners to fall in love with every time we visit.

If you’re just in the city for one jam packed day these are our top recommendations:

1. The Vennel Viewpoint & Grassmarket: Hidden staircase with one of the best framed shots of Edinburgh Castle. Just below, the Grassmarket buzzes with pubs, cafés, and market stalls.
2. Victoria Street & The Royal Mile: Curved cobbled lanes, colourful shopfronts, and Harry Potter vibes lead into the historic Royal Mile. Packed with cafes, pubs, and Old Town character.
3. Dean Village: Storybook cluster of stone buildings along the Water of Leith. Quiet, photogenic, and minutes from Princes Street but a world apart.
4. Stockbridge: Leafy streets, indie shops, and some of the best food in the city. Circus Lane and the Sunday market are the highlights.
5. Calton Hill: Easy climb to iconic skyline views, dotted with striking monuments. Magical at sunrise or sunset with the whole city spread below.

And if you have more time, check these spots out too:

1. Arthur’s Seat: An ancient volcano and the city’s most famous hike, offering 360° views from the top. Best tackled at sunrise or sunset for softer light and fewer crowds.
2. Water of Leith Walkway: A peaceful riverside path winding through Dean Village, Stockbridge, and down to Leith. Flat, shaded, and perfect for a slow wander or cycle.
3. Leith: Once a gritty port, now Edinburgh’s food and drink hub with a creative edge. Don’t miss the Shore or the Royal Yacht Britannia.
4. Castle Tour or Events: Explore Edinburgh Castle’s historic rooms, dungeons, and crown jewels, or catch a seasonal event or reenactment.The castle is amazing and the views from it are just as stunning.
5. Portobello Beach & Soulwater Sauna: Edinburgh’s seaside escape with a sandy promenade, cafés, and wild swimmers. Warm up in the wood-fired sauna, then plunge into the sea.
6. Blackford Hill: Local favourite with woodland trails and open slopes leading to sweeping city views. On clear days you can spot the Castle, the Forth, and the Pentlands.

This is a brief version of our recommendations. Check out our full Edinburgh guide for more details.

You won't need a car to get around the city, so wait to pick up your rental until the end of your time in Edinburgh. You can compare all the major brands and shop for discounts here:

Check out our full Glencoe guide for a more detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about the area, or read on for a briefer summary to get your started.

The drive from Edinburgh to Glencoe takes roughly 3 hours without stops, but you’ll want to factor in extra time for stopping and enjoying the scenery. The most direct route follows the M9 and A82, winding through mountain scenes and past tranquil lochs.

Glencoe is pure rugged beauty. Towering mountains, rushing rivers, and landscapes that have starred in everything from James Bond to Harry Potter.

We recommend giving yourself at least two full days here to see the highlights, and up to four days if you want to tackle some of the longer hikes or explore the quieter corners. For shorter trips, focus on these standout stops to make the most of your time:

1. Buachaille Etive Mòr & The Three Sisters: Admire the Highlands’ most famous peaks from road pull-outs and short valley walks.
2. Wee White House (Lagangarbh Hut): The iconic white cottage at the foot of Buachaille Etive Mòr. A must-shoot stop, especially at sunrise when the mountain glows.
3. Loch Etive & Glen Etive (The James Bond Road): A stunning but narrow 40-minute drive down a single-track road, famous from Skyfall and Harry Potter. The scenery is unreal. Just remember to drive it slowly and courteously.
4. Loch Achtriochtan: Small loch right off the A82 with mirrored reflections, a cute house, sheep, and views of mountains and waterfalls. Easy stop, best at sunrise or calm afternoons.
5. Clachaig Inn: A 16th-century Highland pub buzzing with hikers, music, and whisky. Order the haggis (vegan option too) and stay for a fiddle night if you’re lucky.

And if you’re able to make a longer trip of it make sure to check these out too:

1. Explore Glencoe Village: Stroll along Loch Leven or loop the Lochan Trail for a gentle intro to Glencoe’s scenery. Afterwards, wander the village or hit the Clachaig Inn for live music and a pint.
2. Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail) Hike: A 5 km trail into a hidden glen once used to hide cattle and fugitives. Steep, boggy in places, but worth it for the history and dramatic views.
3. Pap of Glencoe: A steep 7 km hike that is a bit brutal but rewards you with sweeping views over Loch Leven and beyond. Short, sharp, and unforgettable.
4. Hagrid’s Hut: The hut is gone, but the filming spot still has the whimsy of the Hogwarts grounds. A short walk from the Clachaig Inn leads you right to it.
5. Go Wild Swimming: Dip into icy plunge pools at the Meeting of Three Waters or along the River Etive. Bracing, beautiful, and best followed by warm clothes and tea.

Here are a few of our top picks in the area:

• Glencoe Independent Hostel: budget friendly and social
• Clachaig Inn: traditional pub with rooms

Or for a bit more of a unique stay check out:

• RiverBeds: luxury weee lodges with hot tubs

You can also compare all the top hotels in the area here:

Fort William sits at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, surrounded by some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes. It’s a great base for outdoor adventures, from hiking and mountain biking to scenic train rides.

The drive from Glencoe to Fort William is short. It takes just around 30 to 40 minutes along the A82, and I know I’m repeating myself but it's another amazingly scenic drive. You’ll follow the glen past rivers, waterfalls, and looming peaks, with plenty of places to pull over for photos. The road is well maintained but watch for occasional narrow sections and slow-moving traffic, especially in peak season.

Optional stops en route:

• Loch Leven viewpoint - Quick stop for reflections on the water with mountains behind.
• Ballachulish Bridge area - Offers panoramic views of Glencoe’s eastern peaks.



A full day in Fort William is enough to see the main highlights, but plan for two days if you want to tackle longer hikes, ride the gondola, or explore nearby glens. For a one-day visit, focus on these spots:

1. Steall Waterfall: A breathtaking cascade tucked in a deep valley, reached by a short hike through a gorge. One of the most scenic spots in the Highlands.
2. Wild Swimming at Steall or the Water of Nevis: Crystal-clear plunge pools perfect for a bracing dip. Cold but unforgettable if you’re bold enough.
3. Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter Train): The iconic Harry Potter bridge where the Jacobite steam train still runs. Best viewed from the hillside path above the visitor centre.
4. Loch Eilt (Dumbledore’s Grave): A quick roadside stop at the tiny island in Loch Eilt used as Dumbledore’s resting place in the films.

And if you have a bit more time stick around for these:

1. Fort William Town: Shops, pubs, and small museums give this Highland hub a lively feel. A good base for exploring the area. It's a really liveable city but it doesn't have the same draw for tourism as Edinburgh so don't worry about missing out if you’re on a shorter trip.
2. Ben Nevis: The UK’s highest peak. A tough full-day climb, but on clear days the summit views stretch for miles.

Fort Augustus is a small village at the southern tip of Loch Ness, and it makes for a nice stop if you’re heading towards Skye via the bridge. It’s not as dramatic as Glencoe or as adventurous as Fort William, but it’s charming in its own way with loch views, canal locks, and lots of tourist infrastructure.

The drive from Fort William to Fort Augustus is about an hour along the A82, following the Caledonian Canal and hugging the shores of Loch Lochy. Like most Highland roads, it’s scenic the whole way with spots worth pulling over for photos.

It's not a big drive between the towns, but a great halfway stop is this The Eagle Barge Inn. It's a great little cafe/pub/boathouse right on the Loch.

If you only have half a day here, focus on these highlights:

1. Loch Ness Views: This is one of the best southern vantage points for the famous loch. You won’t likely spot Nessie, but the stillness of the water at sunset is magical.
2. Caledonian Canal Locks: Watch boats make their way up or down the lock staircase right in the centre of the village. There are pubs and cafés nearby if you’re looking for a longer driving break.
3. Fort Augustus Abbey: A striking 19th-century abbey complex right on the waterfront. Parts have been converted into holiday lets, but you can still walk around the grounds.
4. Loch Ness Cruise: Short boat trips leave from the village if you want to get out on the water and hear some local lore about the infamous deep water creature.

You can book your cruise in advanced with Get Your Guide:

And if you’ve got more time:

• Drive the South Loch Ness Road: Quieter and wilder than the main A82 route. Rolling hills, forested stretches, and panoramic viewpoints make it a great detour.
• Hike the Great Glen Way (Section): Even just a short stretch of this long-distance trail gives you great views over the loch.

There is also a great caravan park here with grey waste disposal, power hookup, and chemical toilet disposal facilities. It's affordable and you can also just swing by and pay a nominal fee to do your van chores without staying the night.

Fort Augustus is a pleasant pause rather than a must-do. Worth it if you want to break up the drive, see Loch Ness without the busier northern crowds, or just enjoy a relaxed wander before pushing on to Skye.

The Isle of Skye is arguably Scotland’s most famous island. Its landscapes are otherworldly: jagged mountains, sweeping cliffs, turquoise bays, and hidden waterfalls. It’s a romantic place with moody weather that forces you to go with the flow.

There is so much to see on the Isle of Skye and a lot of ways your trip can go wrong. Check out our more detailed Isle of Skye guide to help plan a smoother trip.

Skye is easy to explore by car, but single-track roads with passing places are common, so drive carefully and leave extra time for stops. Arriving early at the most popular spots helps avoid crowds and gives you better light for photos.

There are two ways to get to Skye: 

• You can drive a little over an hour from Fort William to Mallaig and take the ferry across. The Glenfinnan Viaduct is on the way to Mallaig so try and line up your train and ferry schedules if you can.
• You can drive a little over 2 hours from Fort William to Skye Bridge and drive across. The bridge makes sense for anyone making time to stop at Fort Augustus after Fort William.



If you take the bridge make sure to stop at Eilean Donan Castle just before it.

We recommend giving yourself at least three full days on Skye to hit the highlights, but up to five days if you want to explore quieter spots, do longer hikes, or take time for photography and sunset sessions. For shorter trips, prioritize these standout locations:

1. Spend a Morning in Portree: Colourful harbour town and the go-to home base on Skye. Postcard perfect waterfront, cosy cafés, and plenty of food options.
2. Hike The To The Old Man of Storr: Skye’s most iconic hike with jagged rock pinnacles from an ancient landslide. A 4.5 km climb rewards you with epic views.
3. Walk The Quiraing Loop: Otherworldly cliffs, rolling green hills, and fortress-like rock outcrops. Viewpoint is near the car park or hike the full loop for scale.
4. Swim at The Fairy Pools: Crystal-clear cascades at the foot of the Cuillin Mountains. A 4 km return walk passes pool after pool. Swim if you’re brave.
5. Wander Around Fairy Glen: Whimsical grassy mounds and stone circles straight out of a fantasy. A short stroll from the parking lot gets you to the best views.

And if you can take some more time on Skye be sure not to miss these as well:

1. Stop By Neist Point: Dramatic western windswept cliffs with a classic lighthouse and Atlantic views. One of Skye’s best sunset spots.
2. Visit Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls: A 90m waterfall plunging off basalt cliffs shaped like a Scottish kilt. Just steps from the car park, best at quiet hours.
3. Hike to Brother’s Point: Underrated coastal headland with cliffs, sea stacks, and even dinosaur footprints. A 3.5 km hike keeps it uncrowded.
4. Check Out An Corran Beach: Small rocky beach with Jurassic dinosaur tracks visible at low tide. Easy access and a popular wild camping spot.
5. Go to Dunvegan Castle: Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle, home to Clan MacLeod for 800+ years. Explore rich interiors, gardens, and take a boat trip for a different perspective + watching the seals.
6. Spend a Day at Coral Beach: White crushed-coral shore with turquoise water that feels almost tropical. A flat 45-minute return walk leads to this perfect picnic spot.
7. Talisker Bay Beach: Dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, and roaring waves make this a perfect photo stop. Short walk from the car park with a wild, windswept vibe.
8. Visit Carbost Village: Quaint village with a few pubs, cafés, and local shops. A good base for exploring Talisker Bay or grabbing a bite after a hike.
9. Have a Dram at Talisker Distillery: Historic whisky distillery with tours and tastings. Learn about the peaty magic behind Talisker while enjoying views of Loch Harport.

If you're just looking for a place to crash between seeing the sights, check out these hostels:

• Broadford Backpackers Hostel: A no-frills hostel in Broadford. About 40 minutes south of Portree near the Skye Bridge.
• The Cowshed: Great hostel that looks doing on Uig Bay towards the northern end of Skye.

If the accommodation is all part of the adventure for you, consider these more unique options:

• Allt Yelkie Pod Coig: Tucked into the landscape near Earlish, these modern pods give you floor-to-ceiling views of the rugged Skye landscape.
• Skeabost View Pods: Just outside Portree in the countryside of Peiness, Skeabost, these cozy pods offer a fun glamping experience while still being a short drive to all the shops and restaurants.
• Coral Cabins: Stunning cabins near Dunvegan with garden and sea views. Bit more remote but an incredible spot to spend the day.

These are a bit pricier but they are also iconic Isle of Skye stays right in the heart of Portree.

• The Blue House: Insta-famous and perched right on the harbour, this bright blue cottage is as central as it gets. You’re paying for the location and the novelty, but it’s a one-of-a-kind stay.
• The Pink House: Right next door to the Blue House, this pastel gem has the same harbourfront views and puts you right in the postcard shot of Portree. Quirky, charming, and always in demand.
• The Royal Hotel: A more traditional option with a long history, plus some of the best views in town looking out over Portree Bay. It’s not boutique, but it’s a classic.

If you’re on a shorter trip it is probably time to head back to Edinburgh or Glasgow after Skye, but if you’re able to keep going, the Isle of Lewis And Harris are an excellent trip extension with rugged island landscapes, jaw-dropping beaches, and a less touristy taste of Gaelic culture. Quiet roads, dramatic cliffs, and turquoise waters make them perfect for slowing down and soaking in the Outer Hebrides’ wild beauty.

You can get to the Isle of Lewis by ferry from Uig on the North Coast of Skye. Make sure to book ahead to secure your spot, especially in peak season. Harris is the southern part of the Isle. It’s one island split just by name and historic cultural difference. You can drive down through Lewis, into Harris, then back up to the ferry in a big satisfying U shape.

Check out our more in depth Isle of Lewis and Harris guide for more details on the route we did/the one we recommend.

Here is the brief version of our top picks on the Isle:

1. Luskentyre Beach: One of the world’s best beaches, with vast white sands and shifting tidal patterns. Magical at sunrise and sunset.
2. Seilebost Beach: White sand and turquoise waters that look almost tropical. Quiet, windswept, and meditative.
3. Temple Harris: Charming café serving hearty soups, local dishes, and homemade cakes. The perfect place to recharge between beaches.
4. Bosta Beach: Golden sands backed by dunes and grasslands, perfect for slowing down and soaking up the Hebridean atmosphere. The best light comes early or late in the day.
5. Huisinis Beach: Reached by a scenic 13-mile single-track drive, this beach feels like a film set. White sand, clear water, rugged cliffs, and full facilities.

And if you have some extra time:

1. Calanais Standing Stones: Standing stones older than Stonehenge, and you'll probably get to explore them by yourself. Erected in the late Neolithic era.
2. Gearrannan Blackhouse Village: Step back in time among stone cottages with thatched roofs. Explore exhibits, stay overnight, or linger with tea and homemade treats.
3. Callanish Alpacas: Friendly alpacas in rolling green hills with wide island views. A playful, lighthearted stop between hikes or drives.
4. Ardroil Beach (Uig Sands): Massive sandbanks, Norse history, and wild remoteness. Even in summer, you’ll often have it all to yourself.
5. Mangersta Sea Stacks: Jagged cliffs and dramatic sea stacks rising from the Atlantic. Short but rugged walk, best with boots and clear skies.

Most of Scotland's best beaches are at the end of long and windy single track roads. If you’re used to the big roads in North America, make sure you brush up of these tips to stay safe:

1. Don't drive recklessly on single track roads. There are lots of blind corners and hills so don’t be flying around blind bends without being ready to stop quickly.
2. Let others by. Also don’t drive too slow. If you’re nervous and need to take your time or if you’re in a big slow vehicle that’s fine. But once you notice people on your bumper, pull into the next passing place and let them through. Frustrated drivers cause accidents, and if you get too big of a trail forming it can cause a messy traffic jam.
3. Big Car Privilege. This is a loose rule, but whoever can maneuver more easily should do the hard work in a standoff. There are places in the road where you might come head to head with another car and one of you will need to reverse back to where there is enough space to share the road. So if you see a massive truck or an old campervan it's going to be a lot easier to get out of their way rather than make them.
4. Passing Places. These are designated areas (sometimes paved sometimes not) where vehicles can pull to the side and get past each other. Only use passing places that are on your side of the road. Pulling to the right of the road is like swerving into the oncoming traffic lane. The only time you would move into a passing place on the right side of the road is if there was an abnormally large vehicle you needed to let pass that wouldn't fit in there themselves. Do NOT park here. They do sort of look like layby parking, but you will cause everyone a big headache if you leave your vehicle taking one up.
5. Drinking & Driving. Absolutely none. There is zero tolerance in Scotland and you need to be alert of these roads so it is for the best. Most pubs do a good selection of non alcoholic beers or you can always go for a squash/cordial (a diluted fruit syrup drink).

• Weather: Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable. Always pack layers, waterproof gear, and good walking shoes.
• Driving: Many Highland roads are single-track with passing places. Drive carefully and be courteous.
• Timing: Try to start your days early to avoid crowds, especially at popular spots like the Old Man of Storr or Fairy Pools.
• Accommodation: Book early, especially in Skye and Glencoe during summer.
• Fuel: Gas stations can be sparse in remote areas, so keep your tank topped up.
• Cash: Carry some cash with you to pay for parking. If you have a campervan a lot of campsites are cash only or operate on an honor system where you drop a donation in a box. Most other bigger businesses all accept cards.
• Leave No Trace: There is some stigma building with locals around campervans. Some are parking irresponsibly, dumping garbage or grey waste where they shouldn’t, and most aren’t driving respectfully. If you’re a slow camper let others get by you, only drop your grey waste in authorized sites, and always leave no trace.