Scotland – a land full of history, culture, legends, and monsters. Perfect for groups of friends who like different things, as wherever you go, you’ll find activities that everyone will enjoy! With its wide range of stunning scenery, welcoming locals, quirky food and fun activities, a Scottish road trip will not disappoint.
You’ll start your trip in Fort William, a village close by the legendary Ben Nevis. The obvious activity here would be to hike up the mountain and enjoy the stunning view from the top, but if you don’t enjoy walking much, you can also spend the day admiring the area from your car or a bicycle.
Continue your trip with a drive to the Isle of Skye. The largest island of the Inner Hebrides is a truly magical place. With its rugged coastline, beautiful mountains, narrow lochs and fascinating legends, this island can’t be missed. Enjoy incredible seafood, delicious whisky and harbourside shopping if you prefer to relax or, grab your camera and head for the hills for some outdoorsy fun!
End your trip with a day at Loch Ness. You may not believe in the monster, and laugh at the friend who suggested this stop; but once the sun starts setting and you’re enjoying a beer in front of the loch, you might catch yourself looking out for the iconic shape of the Scottish water monster. Spend your last day walking around the loch, cycling, or just relaxing on the shore – a well-deserved break after a week of driving.
Fort William (2 Nights) > Isle of Skye (2 Nights) > Loch Ness (2 Nights) > Dumfries (1 Night)
Kick off your Scottish road trip with a journey to Gateway to Ben Nevis, Fort William. The Outdoor Capital of the UK is the ideal base for adventure lovers and has everything from hiking and climbing to skiing. From here you can visit the volcanic landscape of Glencoe, famous for featuring in the likes of James Bond and Harry Potter. The Lochaber Geopark is a must-visit for its diverse natural landscapes. Spend a day exploring the mountains, beaches, lochs and glens of this stunning Scottish region. From Fort William, take the road to the Isles over Skye Bridge which links the mainland to the Island.
The Isle of Skye is full of hidden gems to explore. To the West of the Island at the foot of Black Cuillin is the River Brittle. Lined with waterfalls and natural archways it is home to the ‘fairy pools’ of Glen Brittle, perfect for wild swimming. To the North of the Island is the most famous walk on Skye, the Old Man of Storr. This pinnacle of rock is part of the Trotternish Ridge and takes around an hour and a half to complete. If you’re looking to sit and relax, join one of the many boat tours on offer around the island and enjoy an afternoon dolphin and seal watching. From the Isle of Skye, take the A87 to Loch Ness stopping at the Loch Cluanie viewpoint, a picture-perfect spot for a picnic.
A Scottish road trip wouldn’t be complete without discovering the legend of the Loch Ness Monster at one of Scotland’s most famous attractions. You could take a river cruise around the loch or even visit Nessieland to discover the full history behind the legend. The imposing Urquhart Castle is definitely worth a visit. Climb the Grant Tower for an incredible view over the loch. The Falls of Foyers, just south of Loch Ness, is a stunning 140ft waterfall connected to the gorges of the loch. Having spent a couple of days in this mystical region, head to Dumfries via the Cairngorms National Park and Tay forest for your final stop.
The market town of Dumfries, the former Royal Burgh, is the last destination on your road trip. Visit Caerlaverock Castle and explore the ruins of what was once one of Scotland’s finest forts. Just next door you’ll find the Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve where you can take a stroll along the boardwalks and have a picnic above the saltmarshes. From Dumfries, you’ll begin your journey home to Leeds taking the scenic route through both the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. Stop for an hour or so in Penrith if you have the time for a quick lunch in this bustling Lake District town.
Add any of these experiences to your package when you check out. They have all been hand-picked by us to fit around your route. Find out more about them on each experience page.
