Scottish Highlands Itinerary
How long was your stay?
8 days
How did you travel?
As a couple
Tell us why you traveled to this destination.
After a visit to Edinburgh with one day in the Highlands, we were dying to see more of the Scottish countryside! We decided we wanted to road trip for the freedom to visit smaller towns and to stop and take in the views whenever we felt like it.
What was your itinerary?
Day 1: Arrived in Edinburgh then went to Oban, Loch Lomond
Day 2: Visited Isle of Mull, Tobermory
Day 3- Went to Loch Ness stopped at the Castle Stalker
Day 4: Travelled to Urquhart Castle, Plockton, Eilean Donan Castle
Day 5: Explored Isle of Skye, Portree
Day 6: Travelled Applecross
Day 7: Went to Dunvegan Castle
Day 8: Explored Edinburgh
Give us all the details! Tell us where you went and what you did on your trip.
Day 1: We arrived in Edinburgh, rented a car, and immediately hit the road! Our first destination was the seaside town of Oban. On the way, we stopped by Loch Lomond, in the tiny town of Luss. We stopped for a short waterfall hike and a cup of tea before hitting the road again. We arrived in Oban just in time to check into our little seaside bed and breakfast, and for a dinner of fish and chips.
Day 2: We took the ferry from Oban to the Isle of Mull. We didn’t bring our car, but it was easy to get to the main settlement on the island, Tobermory. In Tobermory we wandered along the harbor, did a whisky tasting, and stopped for afternoon tea. We took the ferry back to Oban for more seafood!
Day 3: We left Oban and headed towards Loch Ness. On the way, we stopped at the Castle Stalker and drove through Fort William. Upon arrival in Loch Ness, we checked into our “hotel” (a refurbished fishing boat turned hotel). We then explored Fort Augustus before grabbing a bite to eat on the lake.
Day 4: After breakfast at our very interesting botel, we stopped by the Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness for a quick tour. Then we headed towards our next stop: Plockton! On the way to Plockton, we drove by the famous Eilean Donan Castle, but as we would be passing by on our way back to Edinburgh in a few days, we just stopped to take it in from afar. We checked into our little cottage in the very adorable village of Plockton.
Day 5: We drove from Plockton to the Isle of Skye and immediately fell in love! We drove to the main village on the island, Portree. We stopped in a pub and explored the little town, before driving to several other sites on the island: the Fairy Pools and Kilt Rock. The Fairy Pools are a short(ish) hike to an amazing view, and Kilt Rock features a waterfall that goes into sea. We then drove back to Plockton to cook dinner in our little cottage.
Day 6: The next day, after walking around Plockton a little, we drove from Plockton to Applecross for absolutely stunning views. It was a windy drive and very isolated, but so beautiful. We came back to Plockton for dinner in a small but lively pub.
Day 7: On our seventh day in Scotland, we decided to go back to the Isle of Skye. We just loved it so much! The weather wasn’t quite as nice, but we still drove as far as we could, stopping to see several ruins and Dunvegan Castle. Dunvegan Castle is also a museum that is well worth a visit! On our way back to Plockton, we stopped a cozy pub for a quick bite.
Day 8: We drove back to Edinburgh, stopping at Eilean Donan Castle on the way. The castle is a must-see if you’re in the area! Since we flew out of Edinburgh early the next morning, we stayed in an airport hotel that night.
Would you recommend this trip to a friend?
Yes
What was the highlight of your trip?
Everything on the Isle of Skye, afternoon tea (several times), our little cottage in Plockton, the coast at Oban.
If you were to take this trip again, is there anything you would add or do differently?
We didn’t actually stay on the Isle of Skye, but we definitely would next time, to spend more time there!
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