Sunrise over the Neist Point Lighthouse (rdonar (123RF))
I was 20 when I visited Scotland for the first time. As a broke college student scraping by eating peanut butter sandwiches during my summer study abroad, that long weekend visiting Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye stayed with me. Since then, I have returned three more times, the most recent visit with my family on our way to Germany. We spent 10 days starting in Glasgow, working our way around the Isle of Skye, the Scottish Highlands and ending our trip in Edinburgh.
This itinerary is not set in stone. It’s designed to be adaptable, catering to a variety of travel styles. Whether you’re a family, a couple or a solo traveler, you can easily adjust each day to suit your preferences. It is a great starting point for planning a more extended trip to Scotland and ensuring you see the highlights of each location.
The best way to see Scotland is by car; you can rent a small car or SUV with a valid license for more than 12 months. Remember, they drive on the left side, but you will quickly adjust!
Days 1 - 2: Arrive in Glasgow
Pick up your rental car, check into your lodging, and spend your arrival day grabbing a bite to eat at a local pub, picking up a few groceries, and relaxing.
Highlights in Glasgow include Pollok Country Park and the reopened Burrell Collection, Ashton Lane and Hidden Alley, plus the Glasgow Necropolis and Glasgow Cathedral.
Click here to read all travel details for Glasgow.
Day 3: Head to Oban
On the way to the resort town of Oban, visit Luss on Loch Lomond (and its General Store),posh Inveraray Castle, the Kilchurn Castle ruins, and then the scenic waterfront in town.
Read more about the Oban leg of this itinerary.
Lighthouse near Oban, Scotland (julietphotography (123RF))
Day 4: Visit the area around Glencoe
Leaving Oban, the next stop is Glencoe, just under an hour’s drive away. From there its not far to the famous Harry Potter view at Glenfinnan Viaduct, and scenic Eilean Donan Castle.
Learn more about Glencoe here.
Day 5: Isle of Skye
For one day on the Isle of Skye, begin by hiking to the top of Old Mann of Storr, 12 minutes down the road is another great stop to see Kilt Rock and the waterfall plunging into the Sound of Raasay. Enjoy lunch in Portree, then head to Dunvegan Castle and Neist Point Lighthouse.
Comprehensive details for these sites on the Isle of Skye.
Days 6 - 7: The Great Glenn and Inverness
As you journey toward the Highlands, begin at Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness, followed by Cawdor Castle, before spending an afternoon In Inverness. Try lunch at the Fig & Thistle or dinner at the Rocpool.
On your next day, enjoy all Inverness has to offer, like shopping downtown, touring the Glenfarclas Distillery and visiting Ballindalloch Castle & Gardens.
See more about The Great Glenn and Inverness.
Day 8: The Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
While driving to Edinburgh, be sure to sign up for a tour of the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd. It is well worth the detour.
Day 9-10: Edinburgh
Spend your first day in Edinburgh enjoying the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Then, later, you can branch out to Circus Lane, Dean Village, and Victoria Street, plus an afternoon at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Read all about visiting Edinburgh.
Ten days is a significant amount of time to experience many of Scotland’s diverse landscapes. This itinerary is a great foundation for anyone planning their next adventure in the land of lochs and lore. The beauty of experiencing this itinerary by car is the flexibility to change and adapt your plans according to weather or whim. Driving through the rugged landscapes and rolling hills will inspire you and, I dare say, have you planning your return trip.
Erin Henderson is a professional freelance photographer and writer whose work has been featured in a variety of publications. She is also a mother of two and a Marine Corps spouse living in Stuttgart, Germany. You can find more of her work at erinhendersonmedia.com or follow her travels on Instagram @erinhendrsn.
