A varied round trip through Scotland's Highlands and the Isle of Skye – rugged coastlines, historic castles and wide-open landscapes. From St Andrews via Speyside and Inverness to the Isle of Skye, then through the West Highlands by way of Fort William and Glencoe to Glasgow.
Day 01
Onward: Edinburgh → St Andrewsapprox. 85 km · 1 h 20
Pick up your hire car and head from Edinburgh towards St Andrews. Stop at the Firth of Forth for your first views of the Scottish coast. In St Andrews there is time to stroll through town, past the old cathedral and St Andrews Castle.
Overnight: St Andrews / Fife
Day 02
Onward: St Andrews → Invernessapprox. 320 km · 5 h
Today you continue north. Dunnottar Castle, perched on the cliffs, makes a fine stop. The route then leads through Speyside – visit a whisky distillery if you like – and on to Inverness.
Overnight: Inverness / Speyside
Day 03
Stay putDay trips from Invernessapprox. 60 km · 1 h 10
A relaxed day around Inverness: the beach at Nairn, Fort George, then the town itself. Spend the afternoon wandering through Inverness or walking along the River Ness.
Overnight: Inverness / Speyside
Day 04
Onward: Inverness → Isle of Skyeapprox. 185 km · 3 h 15
Westwards with a stop at Loch Ness, then on through the Highlands. Eilean Donan Castle is well worth a stop before you cross the Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye.
Overnight: Isle of Skye
Day 05
Stay putDay trips from Isle of Skyeapprox. 150 km · 3 h 30
The whole day belongs to the island. Head to the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock or Dunvegan Castle – whatever takes your fancy. The Fairy Pools and Fairy Glen are worth a detour too. Don't pack the day too full: there are plenty of places along the way where you will want to stop.
Overnight: Isle of Skye
Day 06
Onward: Isle of Skye → Fort Williamapprox. 140 km · 2 h 30 + ferry
Farewell to Skye: take the ferry to Mallaig and follow the west coast. Stop at the beaches of Silversands or Traigh and take a detour to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. You reach Fort William in the evening.
Overnight: Fort William / Glencoe
Day 07
Stay putDay trips from Fort Williamapprox. 60 km · 1 h
No packing today. Explore the area around Fort William and Ben Nevis, then drive through dramatic Glencoe. There are plenty of viewpoints and short walks along the way – including the Three Sisters.
Overnight: Fort William / Glencoe
Day 08
Onward: Glencoe → Glasgowapprox. 235 km · 4 h
After breakfast you head slowly south, through the Trossachs and Callander to Stirling. Visit Stirling Castle or the Wallace Monument. If there is time, stop at the Kelpies or the Falkirk Wheel on the way to Glasgow.
Overnight: Glasgow
Day 09
Stay put
The car stays parked and the day is Glasgow's: Kelvingrove or the Riverside Museum, a wander through the city, a café or pub in between. A calm end to your last full day.
Overnight: Glasgow
Day 10
To the airport, return the carapprox. 15 km · 25 min
Depending on your flight, there may be time for breakfast or a last walk through Glasgow. Then return the hire car at the airport and fly home.
9 nights
St Andrews / Fife · 1 night
Your first night is in or near St Andrews, leaving time for the town and the Fife coast before heading north.
Inverness / Speyside · 2 nights
Two nights around Inverness – a good base for trips in the region and the detour through Speyside.
Isle of Skye · 2 nights
Two nights on Skye, enough to explore the island at your own pace. Around Portree you'll find lovely small B&Bs and guesthouses.
Fort William / Glencoe · 2 nights
Two nights in the West Highlands – ideal for Fort William, Ben Nevis and Glencoe without changing accommodation.
Glasgow · 2 nights
Two final nights in Glasgow – a full day for the city and a calmer end to the trip.
9 nights with breakfast
Selected hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs or apartments along the route
8-day car hire
Automatic, mid-size, child seats and fully comprehensive cover with no excess
Ferry tickets
Crossing from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig
Organisation and local partner
Trip coordination and support from our local partner while you travel
Itinerary with all key information and tips
24-hour emergency contact
Flights
Can be booked separately on request
Travel insurance
Available on request
Meals and drinks
Apart from breakfast – we're happy to help you find good restaurants
Admissions and activities
Any visits and experiences not listed as included; we can add more on request
Additional car costs
Fuel, parking and other local costs
Personal expenses and tips
Give yourself time to adjust at first – especially at roundabouts. More in the journal
On small country roads journeys often take longer than expected. Leave room for breaks and spontaneous stops.
The weather changes quickly. Pack a rain jacket and comfortable, waterproof shoes.
You'll pass plenty of small pubs, cafés and local specialities – try whatever appeals.
In Scotland you'll keep finding places where you want to stop on the spur of the moment.
It doesn't always have to be the famous sights. Often it's the small places and unplanned stops you remember longest.
Per person, excluding international flights
Accommodation is subject to availability. Once you give us the go-ahead, we check everything one final time, make the bookings and send you a full confirmation.
Enquiries & questions: hello@route-meister.com
