The Ultimate 7-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary: Castles, Highlands, & Whiskey
A trip through the Scottish Highlands has been on my travel bucket list for years. Captivated by photos of deep glens, rugged coastline, ancient castles, and of course, those famous hairy coos it was almost too easy to fill up our 7-Day itinerary.
The Highlands are Scotland's largest region, covering more than 9,000 square miles and home to nearly 2,000 castles and ruins. While we would have loved to spend weeks – or even months – exploring this vast region, as part-time travelers so often have to do, we narrowed down our itinerary to include the destinations we most wanted to see.
Below, we’ve outlined our 7-Day road trip itinerary through the Scottish Highlands. Some stops were planned out ahead of time, others were spontaneous discoveries along the way.
We hope our itinerary inspires you to plan your own adventure through Scotland!
Getting Around
With so much to see in such a vast region, the only question was how to get there. While most of the UK is well-connected through advanced train and bus systems, the Scottish Highlands are more rural, making public transportation a bit less convenient than in the South—though not impossible!
The ScotRail, along with several bus companies, provides service to many cities and towns throughout the Highlands, including Inverness, Oban, and Fort William. Ferries also transport passengers to various Scottish Isles, such as the Isle of Skye. So, if trains and buses are more your style, or you simply don’t want to drive on the wrong, ahem, I mean left side of the road – public transportation can get you to (or close to) some of the must-see stops in Scotland.
However, we found that so much of the Highlands' beauty and charm lies beyond the reach of trains and buses. For this reason, we chose to rent a car and embark on a road trip filled with breathtaking scenery and Highland culture's warm, inviting charm.
Things to Know Before You Go
This may be obvious, but in case you didn’t know – Scotland, like the rest of the UK, drives on the left side of the road. This is definitely an odd adjustment, but we managed to get the hang of it fairly quickly with no major incidents.
Purchase rental insurance! Any accidents in a rental car could lead to hefty fines, so it’s worth investing in rental insurance through the car company for protection in case of damage. This is especially important if you’re new to driving on the left side of the road.
(Note: Some credit cards, like Chase Sapphire Preferred, offer free rental insurance.)
Download Google Maps. While we were pleasantly surprised to have decent service throughout most of our trip, there were still a few areas with spotty reception. Downloading a map of the region you are traveling through can help ensure you always know where you’re going.
Don’t underestimate the Highland Mile. Traveling on roads through the highlands does not include any multi-lane highways. While we preferred this route of less traveled winding roads, it’s important to keep in mind that just 50 miles can take a couple of hours, especially if you factor in making stops along the way (which we highly recommend!).
Practice respectful driving etiquette. Many roads in the highlands are narrow two-lane paths, sometimes even single-track lanes. Always follow road signs and drive within speed limits. If you want to stop to admire the views, make sure to pull off the road completely when it is safe to do so. There are often designated pull-outs specifically for this reason.
Our Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary
Day One
We flew into Edinburgh and picked up our rental car from the airport. Our first stop was Stirling, a historic town just an hour north of Edinburgh. We wandered the old city's cobblestone streets and explored the grounds of Stirling Castle. Entry into the castle was £19.50, since it was already late in the day, we decided to skip the tour and instead viewed the impressive castle walls from the outside.
After a quick lunch downtown, we continued north toward Oban for the night. We arrived just after dark, just in time for dinner at the quaint Oban Inn, where we shared their Famous Steak and Ale Pie paired with a local beer. Of course, we had to try the renowned Oban Whiskey, so we headed to the Tartan Tavern for a nightcap to finish out our first day.
Highlights
Walk around Stirling Castle
Whiskey tasting in Oban
Everything we ate
Janna’s Bakery Coffee Shop, Stirling – Warm coffee and delicious sweet treats
The Oban Inn, Oban – Traditional Scottish fare, famous Steak and Ale Pie
The Tartan Tavern, Oban – Cozy seaside pub with a wide selection of Scottish Whiskey.
Where we stayed | Airbnb in Oban
Tips | While time didn’t allow us to tour inside Stirling Castle, this is a historically significant landmark, and we would definitely recommend checking it out.
Day Two
The goal for today was to journey further north to the Isle of Skye. We knew we wanted to make several stops along the way, so we set off early with coffee in hand.
Leaving Oban, we made our first stop at Dunstaffnage Castle, where we enjoyed a morning walk around the ancient ruins.
We stopped in Fort William in search of a late breakfast. We were traveling on a Sunday in November, so not much was open. But we stumbled upon Highland Cinema Cafe where we were pleasantly surprised with a delicious meal.
From there, we continued north on the A87, winding through serene landscapes and pulling over at every scenic viewpoint we could. With each turn, the views seemed to outdo the last, making the drive itself one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
Our highlight of the day was a visit to Glenfinnan Viaduct, commonly known as the Hogwarts Express Bridge. As a huge fan of Harry Potter I was excited to see this iconic movie location. While you can glimpse the bridge from the parking area, we highly recommend taking a short walk up the path to get a better view. The trail continues on a 2.5-mile loop, taking you past the Loch Shiel viewpoint and on toward the Jacobite Train Station. Since we were traveling in the off-season, the Jacobite Steam Train wasn’t currently running, but the stunning views – and lack of crowds – still make this stop a must-see destination. If you want to see the train go by, check the schedule and arrive early to find a good spot for viewing.
Our next stop was Eilean Donan Castle, one of the highlands's most iconic and recognizable castles. Nestled on the shores of Loch Duich, this picturesque landmark was the perfect location to watch the sunset over the moor. While the castle is open during the off-season, there are restricted hours for entry. Unfortunately, we arrived after closing, but we still had fun walking the grounds and enjoying the views of the loch.
With just under an hour's drive left, we made our way to Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye, and our home for the next two nights. We checked into The Caledonian Hotel before heading to dinner at Dulse and Brose. This meal was a bit more upscale but well worth it for our fresh seared Haddock and perfectly cooked lamb burger. To end the night, we stopped next door at the Merchant Bar for a whiskey and local beer.
Highlights
Hike around Glenfinnan Viaduct
Walking the grounds of Eilean Donan Castle
Driving route A87 toward Portree (the drive itself was stunning!)
Everything we ate
Highland Cinema Cafe, Fort William – Eggs and Haggis Benedict
Dulse and Brose, Portree – Seared Haddock and Lamb Burger
Where we stayed | The Caledonian Hotel, Portree
Tips | If you are traveling to the Glenfinnan Viaduct to view the Jacobite Steam Train, be sure to check the scheduled times and dates.
Day Three
Our one and only plan for the day was to explore as much as possible around the Isle of Skye. We started off our morning with a hearty home-cooked breakfast at our hotel before heading out for an early hike up Old Man Storr.
Just 15 minutes from Portree, this iconic hike is one that can’t be missed. The 3.4-mile loop trail takes you up the rugged hillside for a close-up view of the famous rock formation.
We had a packed day ahead, so we didn’t end up doing the whole hike, but we did make it to the base of the rock to take in the stunning views of the Isle and surrounding sea.
While this hike is extremely popular among tourists, it’s also considered quite challenging due to steep inclines and rough terrain.
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, another iconic Isle of Skye landmark, are a short drive down the road from Old Man Storr.
This spectacular rock formation, named for resembling pleats on a kilt, stands 295 feet above the seashore. Cascading over the edge, Mealt Falls plunges straight into the ocean below, creating a breathtaking view.
It’s a quick stop, but definitely worth it.
Heading east from Kilt Rock, we made our way to Dunvegan Castle only to find the gates were closed. Unlike some of the other castles we visited, we were not allowed to explore the grounds around the castle.
To make up for this unexpected closure, we stopped by the nearby Fairy Bridge, an ancient, mystical spot that felt like a troll could be snoozing underneath.
It wasn’t quite the castle visit we planned, but when traveling in the off-season, it’s important to be flexible and enjoy the unexpected detours.
On our Scotland road trip, we really wanted to visit a whiskey distillery — and what better place than Talisker?
After several stops that morning, we were in need of food. Before diving into whiskey, we made a quick stop at The Oyster Shed, a small seafood shop and kitchen. Chase went for the classic fish and chips while I got seared scallops and, of course, fresh oysters. Everything was absolutely delicious — the fish was perfectly flaky, and the oysters incredibly fresh. We ate on their small outdoor patio overlooking the loch — I couldn’t have asked for a better meal.
With full bellies, we headed to the distillery to begin our tour. Our guide walked us through the whiskey-making process, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the historic distillery. The best part was a tasting of four of their most popular batches.
After the tour, we stayed to enjoy live music, mince pies, and freshly brewed mulled wine.
Back in Portree, we ended our night with dinner at Antlers Bar and Grill, sharing a few small plates. We ordered the Scotch Egg, Smoked Haddock, and Pork Cheek with Black Pudding. They were all so good that we were fighting over the last bite!
Highlights
Hike up Old Man Storr
Stop by Kilt Rock Waterfalls
Tour Talisker Distillery
Everything we ate
The Oyster Shed, Carbost - Fresh oysters, sear scallops, fish and chips
Antlers Bar and Grill, Portree - Scotch egg, Smoked Haddock, Pork Cheek and Black Pudding
Where we stayed | The Caledonian Hotel, Portree
Tips | Check locations for closures, especially if you are traveling during the off-season.
Day Four
While I could have easily spent a week on the Isle of Skye, exploring more of the north and outer isles, it was unfortunately time to move on.
We woke up early to catch the sunrise over the loch, soaking in one last Skye moment before saying goodbye.
Leaving the island took a bit longer than expected, thanks to some unforeseen traffic, but once we were off, we continued our journey north toward Inverness.
While Chase was most excited about the whiskey tour while in Scotland, my top bucket list item was visiting the famous Highland Coos.
Originally, I thought that we’d see these fluffy creatures everywhere, but that simply wasn’t the case. While we did spot a few roaming the grasslands, they just weren’t as common as I expected.
So, I took matters into my own hands. We booked a Highland Coo Farm Tour through Loch Ness Travel Hub, where Ian, a local farmer, welcomed us to his home farm. Not only did we get to pet these gentle giants, but we also got to feed them — including the sweetest baby coo named Ferguson!
We learned that Ian is not only a farmer but a firefighter in Inverness as well. His love for his herd of coos is undeniable, treating them as part of his family. When feed for the cows started getting more expensive, instead of selling them, he offered these daily tours to help cover the costs.
Our experience on this tour exceeded our expectations. Not only did I fulfill my Highland Coo dreams, but we also had wonderful conversations with Ian and learned so much about life in the highlands.
This was a truly wholesome experience that I would 100% recommend to anyone traveling through the Loch Ness area.
Our next stop of the day was Urquhart Castle, located on the shores of the famous Loch Ness. We paid about $16 to explore the ruins of this ancient castle. We walked the grounds, learned about its history, and, of course, took in breathtaking views of Loch Ness.
No Nessie sightings this time, but definitely still worth a visit.
We ended the day in Inverness, where we grabbed dinner at The Castle Tavern, enjoying the traditional Cullen Skink, a creamy haddock and potato chowder. We then settled in for the night at the cozy Redcliffe Hotel.
Highlights
Highland Coo Farm Tour - Loch Ness ZTravel Hub
Urquhart Castle
Everything we ate
Cobbs Cafe, Fort Augustus - Tea and Sandwiches
The Castle Tavern, Inverness - Cullen Skink and Mac n’ Cheese
Where we stayed | Redcliffe Hotel, Inverness
Tips | There aren’t as many highland coos roaming the fields of Scotland as social media might lead you to believe. If you want to meet these gentle giants, be sure to book a farm visit!
Day 5
We woke up in Inverness, determined to soak in every bit of this historic Scottish City.
To kick off our day, we booked a morning walking tour with Visit Scotland Inverness, which brought us to some of the most iconic spots around the city. We stopped at the Inverness Town House, Inverness Castle, and the Old High Church. We learned everything from the lore of the Loch Ness Monster to the tragic battle for independence at Culloden.
After our tour, we took some time to explore Victoria Market, a hidden gem filled with local shops, handmade crafts, and delicious food stalls. It’s the perfect place to pick up unique souvenirs and experience the local culture.
Hungry for a late brunch, we headed to Cafe de Paulo for their all-day traditional Scottish breakfast, complete with haggis, beans, and sausage. If you’re visiting Scotland, trying a full Scottish breakfast is a must, and this one did not disappoint.
One of the most impactful stops of this trip was a visit to Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final battle of the Jacobite Rising in 1746. This battle ended as a tragic massacre, resulting in nearly 1,600 deaths.
For just £12.50, we explored the museum and walked the battlefield, where memorial stones mark the mass graves of the fallen clans. It’s a deeply moving place that memorializes this tragic piece of Scotland’s history.
Just five minutes from Culloden, we visited Clava Cairns, a mystical collection of ancient burial standing stones dating back 4,000 years. For any Outlander fans, these were the inspiration for the Craigh na Dun stones in the show. Best of all, it’s completely free to visit!
We wrapped up our time in Inverness at Hootananny Bar and Restaurant, a legendary spot known for its live traditional music, laid-back vibe, and expansive whiskey selection.
Highlights
Walking Tour of Inverness
Culloden Battlefield Museum
Everything we ate
Cafe de Paulo, Inverness - Traditional Scottish Breakfast
Hootananny - Burgers and Live Music
Where we stayed | Redcliffe Hotel, Inverness
Tips | The Music at Hootananny doesn't start until later in the evening. We got there around 6 for dinner and were the only ones there, but whiskey and sticky toffee pudding kept us around until the music started!
Day 6
We woke up in Inverness, knowing today would be our last day in the Highlands. With a three-hour drive ahead of us back down to Edinburgh, we were determined to make the most of our last day on the road.
We grabbed a couple of coffees from the hotel lobby and then set out to explore all that we could on our slow journey back south. With no rush to reach Edinburgh, we decided we’d make a few detours along the way.
Our first stop was Dunnottar Castle, just south of Aberdeen. Perched dramatically on a cliffside high above the roaring sea, the ruins of this medieval stronghold are nothing short of breathtaking. We paid about $14 to walk the grounds and explore the ancient stone walls, hidden passageways, and sweeping coastal views.
Surrounding the castle are miles of walking trails winding along the rugged cliffs and offering some of the most stunning scenery of our trip. We took our time wandering the paths, soaking in the fresh sea air and capturing the iconic views of this historic landmark.
Back on the road, we headed toward Falkland, the charming village that served as the filming location for Inverness in Outlander. Nestled on the outskirts of Edinburgh, this quaint town feels like stepping back in time, with its historic stone buildings, narrow streets, and old-world charm.
As we wandered through Falkland, we stopped at a few boutique shops for some last-minute souvenirs, soaking in the relaxed, nostalgic atmosphere. For our final meal in the Highlands, we grabbed lunch at The Covenanter Hotel & Pub, a well-known spot among Outlander fans. I savored my last Steak and Guinness Pie of the trip—its rich, hearty filling and flaky, buttery crust made for the perfect farewell meal to our Scottish adventure.
Our last stop of the day — and the final Outlander filming location of the itinerary — was none other than Midhope Castle, better known as Lallybroch in the series. Just outside of Edinburgh, this historic 16th-century tower house is instantly recognizable to any Outlander fan as Jamie Fraser’s beloved family home.
While Midhope Castle is open to visitors, it does sit on private land, and unfortunately, we arrived after opening hours. We were only able to snap a few photos from the roadside, catching a glimpse of the iconic Lallybroch from afar.
We arrived back in Edinburgh that evening, exhausted from our long travel day. After dropping off our rental car, we headed straight to our hotel, ready for a much-needed evening in. We ordered dinner to the room, reflected on all the incredible moments from our trip, and then turned in for an early night.
Highlights
Exploring the grounds of Dunnottar Castle
Walking the streets of Falkland
Everything we ate
The Covenanter Hotel & Pub, Falkland - Steak and Guinness Pie
Where we stayed | Moxy Hotel, Edinburgh
Tips | If you want to visit Midhope Castle, check the times and purchase your tickets in advance.
Day 7
Though our road trip through the Highlands had come to an end, we still had one more day in Edinburgh to explore the city before flying home. As always, our itinerary was packed full of historical sites and walking tours to make the most of every second we had left.
We started our day with a morning tour of Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks. To get the most out of your visit, I highly recommend downloading the virtual audio guide from the castle's website — it’s packed with fascinating insights about the site’s storied past. Plan to spend a couple of hours wandering the grounds and exploring the various exhibits. If you’re at the castle at 1 PM, be sure to listen for the firing of the cannon, a tradition dating back to 1861, when maritime workers relied on the sound to keep time.
After getting our fill of Edinburgh Castle, we made our way down the Royal Mile, the city’s famous, historic route that stretches from the castle gates all the way to Holyrood Palace.
This iconic palace serves as the official residence of the British Monarch in Scotland and remains an active royal residence today. For $27.00, you can enter the palace walls with a free audio guide offering a deep dive into this beautiful palace’s extensive and fascinating history.
We enjoyed lunch at Tolbooth Tavern, a cozy pub with a rich history of its own. We shared a couple of appetizers while sipping on a pint (or two) of local beer. The Haggis Bon Bons were hearty, warm, and comforting, while the Mushrooms on Toasted Bloomer were rich and creamy. It was the perfect combination for a satisfying meal out of the cold.
After lunch, we made our way to Victoria Street, the enchanting, curved street that inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter franchise. As a huge Harry Potter fan, I was beyond excited to visit the many iconic locations throughout Edinburgh that influenced one of my favorite stories.
Walking down Victoria Street truly felt like stepping right into the wizarding world. The vibrant, colorful storefronts and quirky shop displays created an atmosphere that was nothing short of magical.
Of course, we couldn’t leave Edinburgh without stopping at The Elephant House, famously known as the “birthplace of Harry Potter.” While the original location on George IV Bridge unfortunately had to close its doors due to a fire in 2021, a second location on Victoria Street has since opened, welcoming coffee lovers and Harry Potter fans alike.
We cozied up inside, enjoying the warmth of the quaint café. I ordered a boozy hot chocolate while Chase opted for a local whiskey. Feeling the need for something sweet, we shared a slice of Orange Chocolate Cake—a rich dessert with the perfect balance of deep chocolate and zesty orange flavors. It was the perfect treat for a chilly evening.
Since it was early December, the Edinburgh Christmas Market was in full swing, and we just couldn’t miss it!
We spent our last night in Scotland soaking in the Christmas cheer, strolling through the vendors and food stalls while gazing childishly at each light display.
We sampled our way across the market, indulging in warmed mulled mine, fresh smoked salmon, flavorful German Bratwurst, and other cozy seasonal treats. It was impossible not to get into the holiday spirit.
For the perfect ending to our night, we hopped on the Big Ferris Wheel, which offered stunning panoramic views of the city beautifully lit for the holidays.
With our bellies full and our feet aching, we returned to the hotel, feeling incredibly grateful for our unforgettable journey through this diverse and stunning region.
It’s safe to say Scotland has stolen our hearts.
Highlights
Edinburgh Castle
Holyrood Palace
Victoria Street
Elephant House Cafe
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Everything we ate
Tolbooth Tavern, Edinburgh - Haggis Bon Bons, Mushrooms on Toasted Bloomer
Elephant House Cafe - Orange Chocolate Cake
Edinburgh Christmas Market - Smoked Salmon with Mac n Cheese, German Sausage, Belgian Waffle
Where we stayed | Moxy Hotel, Edinburgh
Tips | Book your tickets for Edinburgh Castle in advance. This is the most popular tourist attraction in the city and definitely a must-see for any history buff.
Make it a point to go to Holyrood Palace. Holyrood often gets overlooked by Edinburgh Castle, but I really enjoyed walking through the beautifully decorated rooms and seeing where the Royal Family still resides today when they're in Scotland.
