Scotland has some of the best scenery in the UK, from diverse landscapes to stunning countryside. And there's no better way to see it than by going on a road trip to discover the sights. You probably need about a week to see the best of Scotland, which is why we've put this guide together featuring a seven-day road trip itinerary for visiting The Kingdom of the Gaels. So, load your vehicle up with accessories for a mega road trip and read on.
Day one: Edinburgh
While Scotland is known for its beautiful landscapes, it's also home to some entertaining and stylish cities. When it comes to starting your seven-day Scotland road trip itinerary, look no further than Edinburgh. It's filled with iconic landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, the Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh Zoo and the Old Town. Park the car up and set off on foot to admire this charming and enchanting city up close and personal.
Day two: Perth
Perth is just 44 miles from Edinburgh, making it the ideal second stop-off on your seven-day journey. This riverside city lies on the banks of the River Tay and benefits from the beautiful surrounding countryside. Go for a hike on the hills and admire the gorgeous mountain ranges before spending some time in the city to explore the former capital of Scotland. Perth is picturesque, and you can find some gems to visit, including Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery, Meikleour Beech Hedge, the longest hedge in Britain and Balhousie Castle.
Day three: Inverness
Day three requires a slightly longer drive, so make sure your playlist is ready to bang out some tunes. Inverness is a little over 110 miles from Perth, and if you feel like breaking up the journey, stop at places like Pitlochry, Kirkcaldy and Dundee along the way. The trip to Inverness also affords you the chance to marvel at the western edge of the spectacular Cairngorms National Park. Once you've arrived in the city, go boating in Loch Ness to see if you can spot ol' Nessy, visit the Culloden Battlefield and hike part of the Great Glen Way.
Day four: Isle of Skye
Perhaps one of the most beautiful places in the UK, the Isle of Skye is known for its rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages and mediaeval castles. The trip is just over 100 miles, which you can break up with stops at The Victorian spa town of Strathpeffer and Loch Carron. Once you cross the bridge to Skye, do a spot of island hopping and visit Mallaig, Glenelg and Harris. And if the weather is on your side, spend some time swimming in the airy Pools in Glen Brittle.
Day five: Fort William
When you're done with the beauty of Skye, get back in your motor and travel for 99 miles to Fort William. Located in the western Scottish Highlands, Fort Williams is a famous tourist town known for hillwalking and climbing, thanks to its proximity to Ben Nevis and other Munro mountains. After all that driving, it's the ideal place for some outdoor activities, whether you're spotting wildlife or mounting biking on the downhill track. Don't forget to spend some time admiring the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, where you're highly encouraged to take a pic or two.
Day six: Oban
Fort William to Oban is a much shorter journey of about 45 miles. This resort town within the Argyll and Bute council area of Scotland offers the chance for plenty of exploration. The picturesque town is well worth spending some time in, but you can also visit nearby islands, such as Lismore, Colonsay, Islay, Coll and Barra. Before you leave, head to the Oban War and Peace Museum to see a collection of local historic artefacts and memorabilia. Round your visit off with a trip to the Oban Distillery.
Day seven: Glasgow
There's no better way to spend the last leg of your trip than a visit to Glasgow. It's around 100 miles from Oban and takes you through Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. After you arrive in Glasgow, embrace your inner culture vulture with a visit to the Gallery of Modern Art, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and The People's Palace and Winter Gardens. There are also plenty of Glasgow festivals taking place throughout the year, including Oktoberfest Glasgow, Festival of the Dead and Celtic Connections.
The beauty of Scotland
From the 500 to beachside stops, Scotland is full of natural beauty, ready to impress you. With this seven-day itinerary, you can see the scenic countryside, buzzing cities, quaint villages and splendid islands representing Scotland at its best. 👍😀 But if you have done the Scotland road trip, and maybe also the UK City road trip, check out our 7 day California road trip for something more adventurous! 😎 Maybe you are thinking of taking a caravan - Scotland is a great place for that! And if you are thinking of towing a caravan, why not check out which new EVs are up to the job!
