Get ready for the drive of your life with this definitive road trip itinerary. Twist through Scotland’s lush green valleys, past deep, mysterious lochs, by secretive castle ruins, and across jagged windswept coastlines as its iconic landscapes are forever stamped in your memory.
Day 1: Stirling
Just 40 minutes outside the arrival point of Edinburgh lies the historic city of Stirling. Dive into this tour by exploring its charming centre and visiting Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most historically important sites.
Days 2 & 3: Lochs, Valleys & Islands
Stop in at the striking ruins of Doune Castle, a famous filming location for several movies and television shows, before passing through the scenic countryside of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Wind up through Glencoe Valley, arriving at your lochside lodge just in time for a personal whisky tasting. Spend Day 3 on a spectacular journey to the Isle of Skye, pausing first at the Glenfinnan monument viewpoint. Take the Mallaig – Armadale ferry across to the famed island and the bridge back to Kyle of Lochalsh, making time for a visit to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed in the country.
Day 4: Fort William to Gairloch
To add even more drama to this road trip, consider a detour to Applecross, a peninsula on the west coast that is home to one of the highest roads in Great Britain and characterised by thrilling single tracks and hairpin turns. Perfect preparation for your arrival in Gairloch, where the world-famous North Coast 500 road trip begins.
Days 5 & 6: North Coast 500 to Thurso
Follow Scotland’s equivalent of Route 66 as you make your way from Gairloch to the Thurso area. Incredible landscapes accompany you on the long, bendy stretches of road through Europe’s ‘last great wilderness.’ A land of secretive lochs, misty mountain peaks and cliffs plunging into the the sea greets you at every turn. On Day 6, explore the most northerly point of mainland Britain at Dunnet Head and hop on the ferry to discover the island region of Orkney.
Day 7: Inverness & on to Nairn
Travel down the headlands past seaside fishing villages to finish off the NC 500 in Inverness, the heart of the Scottish Highlands. South of the city lies the famed Loch Ness with all its intrigue. Also on its outskirts sits Culloden Battlefield, a powerful site where the Jacobite Rising of 1745 came to its tragic end.
Days 8 & 9: Nairn to Dinnet
After spending a night in Nairn, taste your way through the charming distilleries of the Speyside whisky region on the road to your hotel in Dinnet. Free time can be spent visiting the Royal Family’s nearby summer residence, Balmoral Castle, or adventuring in Britain’s largest National Park, Cairngorms.
Days 10 & 11: Enchanting Edinburgh
The road trip concludes in one of the top cities in the world, Edinburgh — a place filled with engaging history, beautiful architecture, and a lively pub scene. Walk the famed Royal Mile from Holyrood House to Edinburgh Castle, listen for the characteristic tones of bagpipes wafting down cobbled lanes, sample yet more Scotch whisky and peruse traditional shops scattered throughout this cultural centre.
Day 11: Edinburgh/Departure
Sustainable Option
Scotland is also well-suited for travel by public transport if you prefer to take this journey more sustainably. Contact us for more information about how large parts of this itinerary can be conveniently done by either train or bus with one of Scotland’s travel passes.
Dark skies
Remember to go out and look up when in Scotland. The minimal light pollution present in this part of the world results in some of the clearest starry nights, especially in autumn and winter. The northernmost tip might even offer a glimpse of Northern Lights dancing in the night sky.
+45 89 32 11 04
JL@nordictours.dk
