We have a lot to offer in Scotland, from city breaks to mountains and stunning island beaches. It’s definitely the place to visit for some fantastic road trips and memorable holidays for all ages. From a boat trip on Loch Lomond (in the Trossachs National Park) to the Glenfinnan Viaduct (famous from the Harry Potter films), there’s something for everyone! Click on the links in the posts below to read more about each areas itinerary to work out your perfect Scotland road trip!
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North Coast 500 Itinerary – Scotland Itinerary
The North Coast 500 is an awesome route designed to take in so many fantastic sights around the North of Scotland. The route through the Scottish Highlands can get quite busy in the peak summer season,, so it’s recommended you book well in advance. Wild camping is only possible by non vehicular methods (i.e. walking, bike, kayak etc) to areas away from human inhabitation and must leave no trace. So unless you are willing to trek to out the way spots to wild camp you will need to book accommodation in advance.
It can be a fantastic area to spend more time together as a family and be awed by the fantastic landscapes! Bring your own car or hire one from a rental car company in the city. You can read more about our North Coast 500 Itinerary here.
Arisaig Itinerary – Scotland Itinerary
Arisaig is on the West coast of Scotland, South of Mallaig. Mallaig is where you can catch the ferry to the small isles, although there are also passenger ferries from Arisaig too. It’s the perfect location to enjoy the scenery and visit some spectacular white sandy beaches.
If you are looking for a relaxing coastal trip with lots of time in the beautiful outdoors. Plus the potential to spot amazing sealife including whales and dolphins, then this is definitely the location for you! Read more about visiting Arisaig here.
North Uist to Vatersay Road Trip
The Outer Hebrides are remote and stunning. A completely different landscape to the highlands of Scotland, with much flatter land! There are huge expanses of sand, the elusive corncrake constantly calling throughout the summer and a lot of interesting history.
If you have kids with you then I recommend bringing bikes and body boards. You will have plenty of time to explore the area by bike and splashing in the water with body boards. It’s cold in the sea, so you will definitely want wetsuits on!
Read more about our North Uist to Vatersay road trip here.
Isle of Mull Itinerary
Most people visiting Scotland will have heard of the Isle of Mull. It’s one of the easiest islands to visit from the mainland. Only an hour ferry from Oban (easily accessible by train from Glasgow), it’s a must visit when you come to Scotland.
Mull has a lot to offer and you certainly won’t be able to see the whole island in one week. Remember Scottish island roads are often single track and a lot slower when you have to keep stopping and reversing to passing places! It’s best to choose the area you want to visit and explore it thoroughly, particular favourites are Tobermory and Calgary Bay in the North and Fidden Bay and Iona in the South.
Find out more about the Isle of Mull, where to visit and when to go here.
Glasgow Weekend Itinerary – Scotland Itinerary
Glasgow is Scotland’s second city and has a reputation of being very friendly! There are loads to see and do, from museums to parks and castles. You certainly won’t be short of things to do.
Of course there is a great night life too for the adults! Kids will have a great time visiting places such as the Glasgow science centre and transport museum. Find out more about what to do with our Glasgow Itinerary here.
3 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and has a lot to offer all types of travellers. If you are looking for open spaces and hills then you will want to visit Holyrood Park and climb Arthur’s Seat. History buffs will love walking up the Royal mile to Edinburgh castle and the Palace of Holyrood and families will enjoy Dynamic Earth and Camera Obscura.
To find out how to fit this all into a long weekend read our 3 day itinerary for Edinburgh.
Aberdeen Itinerary
Aberdeen might not be on everyone’s radar, but the granite city still has a lot to offer visitors. It’s built around the harbour and is the place to go for travelling North to Orkney and the Shetland’s by ferry. You can book overnight berths, which are very comfy.
The city itself has many beautiful parks, museums, restaurants and a lot of history in the nearby countryside. As it’s a small city it can be easy to travel outwith and visit the surrounding countryside.
Read our Aberdeen Itinerary here.
Isle of Skye Itinerary
Skye may be the easiest of the islands to visit, mainly as no ferry is required now! I remember the bridge being built when I was a little girl, it makes it so much easier to visit this beautiful island. However, it does mean that it is very busy, so read my Isle of Skye Itinerary to find out when is best to visit and some fantastic hidden gems that will be quieter.
If you are worried about distance to get to Skye, then consider it as part of a longer road trip. Many people combine it with the North Coast 500 route, or heading up from a short trip to Glasgow via Fort William. You can combine it with visits to West coast areas such as Eilean Donan castle and Plockton.
Aviemore Itinerary
Aviemore is in the Cairngorm National Park and an amazing place to discover the outdoors. There are huge numbers of awesome walks, cycles and other outdoor activities.
Getting here is particularly easy too, it’s just off the A9, around 2.5 hours from Edinburgh or Glasgow. But it also has a train station in the centre of the town, making it easy to arrive by train too!
My Aviemore Itinerary has something for everyone, there’s a surprising amount of things to do in the vicinity of Aviemore!
A Week in Orkney Itinerary
Orkney Islands are remote, but still very accessible by ferry or plane from Scotland. They have an amazing history, including many neolithic sites and Viking remnants.
It’s also well known for its amazing wildlife, from puffins and white-tailed sea eagles to whales and dolphins. The weather often be windy, but you will fall in love with these friendly islands and historic remains. There are also plenty of choices of smaller islands to visit from the Orkney mainland, with their own unique history. So definitely make some time to visit the smaller isles of Orkney. Check out our Orkney itinerary here.
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