Need to hit the highway in Scotland? That is the proper 7 day in Scotland itinerary! Though Scotland is a small nation, its magnificence and historical past make it among the finest international locations to go to. I’ve deliberate the proper Scotland itinerary for you whether or not you are right here for only a few days or need to spend every week traversing the Highlands and cities.
With a lot to supply it may be arduous to choose what to do in Scotland, however my private 7 day itinerary will show you how to plan the proper journey.
I fell in love with the great thing about Scotland earlier than my aircraft even touched the bottom. The lochs, coastlines, rivers, lush forest, and tree-covered mountains stuffed the small, oval window as I virtually pushed my face in opposition to it to look so far as I might in each route. Scotland is a rustic that I might most likely discover eternally, however this time, I solely had seven days, and I used to be decided to see as a lot of this utterly postcard-worthy nation as doable.
I packed my days in Scotland with scenic drives, ferry rides, mountain views, scrumptious cafes, and sure, Scotch whisky. This entire seven-day information will take you all through Scotland. I’d advocate this precise path to anybody hoping to see a heck of lots of Scotland in a brief period of time.
There’s much more to Scotland than the Loch Ness monster. In truth, a lot so I recommend a full 7 days to discover all its magnificence. However when you solely have a couple of quick days I’ve bought a information for you too.
After all, you possibly can simply shorten or lengthen this journeys based mostly in your wants!
One Week Scotland Itinerary:
In case you solely have a couple of days then keep in Edinburgh and discover this extremely historic, lovely, and fascinating metropolis. However when you’ve got extra time, like this 7 day itinerary, then I recommend hitting the highway and going straight to the Scottish Highlands.edin
You will discover precisely the place to go in Scotland, and the should see sights, castles, and historical past behind all of it!
Know Earlier than You Go
As with most of my itineraries, I recommend renting a automobile. Particularly with this journey by Scotland, so as to see as many cities in a brief period of time, I recommend driving. Simply bear in mind you may be driving on the left!
The roads can change into fairly slim and also you may end up in between a stone wall and a passing truck, so take your time whereas driving. In comparison with England, nevertheless, I discovered the roads to be pretty manageable.
When packing take into account that Scotland generally is a fairly wet, irrespective of the time of yr. So carry a superb raincoat and even waterproof footwear.
Day 1 – Oban
Since we had each been to Edinburgh earlier than we determined to go straight out of the town and into the countryside. Day one was a partial day, however it supplied loads of alternative to introduce ourselves to Scotland. We landed at Edinburgh Airport, grabbed our luggage, and began the roughly three-hour drive west to Oban. This was our first probability to see Scotland’s magnificence on the bottom, and I felt like I used to be watching a tennis match your complete time — my head shifting forwards and backwards between the home windows, attempting to absorb an not possible quantity of magnificence.
In case you plan to remain in Edinburgh first, skip all the way down to days six and 7 after which come again. Ideally, I like leaving Edinburgh on the finish of the itinerary so you possibly can hit the bottom working within the nation facet.
Day one was quick, however like all days hopping from airport to airport, it was exhausting. Fortuitously, we crashed on the Fairhaven B&B in Oban. The central location of the mattress and breakfast is good and breakfast was included for £88. I used to be totally impressed with this place and site (and worth!)
Day 2 – Three Island Tour
Breakfast on the Fairhaven was an ideal match on day two, as we had been excited to fill our bellies and get out exploring. Our first endeavor was to take the three island tour out of Oban. Having ordered our tickets on-line beforehand, we had been prepared to go to the ferry terminal and board the ferry.
The primary ferry trip was a 45-minute lengthy jaunt to the Isle of Mull; nevertheless, the trip felt drastically shorter, as each minute was full of snapping images and admiring the surroundings. Upon arrival on the Isle of Mull, we took a coach on the single-track highway towards Staffa with a educated information. The stretch within the coast was about an hour lengthy, and I truly wished it was longer.
The drive alone was a tour of hidden castles, rolling inexperienced hills, a ravishing purple flower (which I now know is foxtail), and staff farming mussels on the lochs. We noticed odd stones that appeared as if they had been tossed alongside the hillsides, and our information knowledgeable us that these had been leftover buildings from the ice age. Wonderful!
Whereas on the Isle of Mull, stopping on the Inverlussa mussel farm is an absolute should. The mussels are of the very best high quality and served in a wealthy garlic and butter combination. Better of all, 5 kilos of mussels price simply £5. Everyone knows I don’t prefer to cross up a superb deal.
Though, there’s way more to the Isle of Mull than the deliciously recent mussels. Mull is the second largest of the Internal Hebrides islands (following Skye) off Scotland’s west coast. Wildlife might be noticed virtually in all places you activate this isle, from dolphins to the attractive white-tailed sea eagles. The three,000-foot-tall Ben Extra, Scottish Galeic for “nice mountain,” stands tall as Mull’s highest mountain providing hen’s-eye views of numerous islands, coastlines, and extra. Folks have lived on the Isle of Mull for roughly 6,500 years, and it’s wonderful to think about what this land and its folks have seen.
Our subsequent ferry was to the Isle of Iona. One other scenic journey that tried to distract Michael and I from the enterprise assembly we had nearly your complete means. For the 45-minute trip, we talked about life, and enterprise, and future plans whereas feeling small in opposition to the large great thing about our environment. As soon as we arrived at Iona, there was no extra speaking about life plans, as journey awaited.
We ate recent mussels in a garlic and white wine sauce at Martyr’s Bay Restaurant. Low cost and completely divine, I might have stayed right here all day! However we went on to take a look at the peerlessly preserved, 350-year-old nunnery and abbey. St Columba introduced Christianity to the island in 563 AD, and the island continues to a beacon for the Christian faith. Nevertheless, you don’t need to be Christian to benefit from the wealthy tradition and historical past the island has to supply — oh, and the crystal-clear, Caribbean-like waters surrounding it.
Iona is a tiny 3-mile-long island with a everlasting inhabitants of 120. Becoming with the dimensions of the island, we hopped aboard a tiny boat to the Island of Staffa and Fingal’s Cave to view the huge basalt columns that really appear like one thing out of a film.
The spotlight of this a part of the journey for me was the puffin sightings, TONS of puffins! After all, we had been there throughout prime puffin-spotting season (April to September), so if doable, goal your go to for certainly one of these months. In 1986, Jock Elliot of New York bought the volcanic island of Staffa for his spouse, and when you see this isle, you’ll discover it arduous to imagine that she was unimpressed and donated it to Scotland. I, alternatively, am completely satisfied this treasured island hasn’t been privatized.
We returned to Oban exhausted however with a completely new understanding of simply how magical this nation is.
To cap off the day we took a protracted hike in Glencoe within the Scottish Highlands. That is the place the well-known and bloody bloodbath occurred. Following the Jacobite rebellion in 1692, Except for the horrible tragedy, the clan of MacDonald of Glencoe had been killed by authorities forces after not pledging allegiance to the brand new Monarch.
Regardless of it is harrowed previous, this space is gorgeous and steeped in historical past. Glencoe is situated inside the Lochaber Geopark within the Highlands. Withe deep valleys and tall mountains, it makes for a picturesque scene.
This space is thought for its waterfalls and one of the vital historic glens in Scotland.
GLENCOE
*NOTE* On one other journey to Scotland we spent a stable 3 days in Glencoe space. There may be SO MUCH to see and do and we spent lots of time mountain climbing and mountain biking.
We additionally did the Jacobite Steam practice, Harry Potter practice, or Hogwarts Specific! Full information right here!
Day 3 – Isle of Skye
Day three began within the middle of Oban. It was time to maneuver on, however we had another factor to do earlier than leaving — make a pit cease on the Tesco grocery store. In case you’ve by no means been to Tesco, you’re really lacking out. The well-known Tesco meal deal features a foremost dish, a facet, a dessert pudding, and the selection of a smooth drink, wine, or beer for simply £3.50. It’s greater than sufficient meals for 2, so we stuffed up earlier than the three-hour drive to the Isle of Skye.
Alongside the way in which, we stopped to snap images of the Thirteenth-century Eilean Donan Fortress, named for the Celtic saint Donnan of Eigg. The fortress is so photogenic it’s possible you’ll discover it acquainted, because it has been featured in numerous motion pictures and TV exhibits. After all, we took this as a chance to strive a neighborhood cafe, the place we snacked on sticky buns.
Skye is the biggest island of Scotland’s Internal Hebrides, named for the Norse phrase skye that means cloud and island, or misty island, however that identify doesn’t do it justice. Skye is thought for its pure magnificence, which is claimed to be essentially the most beautiful in all of Scotland. Rocky mountain peaks are blanketed with fluorescent inexperienced grass and mirror-like lochs are nestled into valleys. It’s mentioned that the island has been inhabited for greater than 7,000 years, and it’s loopy to think about that folks have been taking on this island’s magnificence for that lengthy.
On our third day in Scotland, it was time to test off a bucket-list merchandise — ingesting whisky at an genuine Scottish distillery. Fortuitously, there are 120 distilleries within the nation, in order that they’re not arduous to come back by. The Talisker Distillery is the Isle of Skye’s oldest distillery and the placement on the shores of Loch Harport is price seeing alone.
Nevertheless, I might by no means recommend skipping the distillery tour. Right here, we noticed a cask that holds 53,000 liters of whisky, and discovered that the wooden of the cask has a serious impact on the flavour of what’s inside. We additionally discovered the right way to correctly style a whisky, and to open our mouths when smelling to keep away from burning our noses. Be sure you ebook your tour 48 hours forward of time to safe an area.
As soon as we’d smelled and tasted sufficient whisky for sooner or later, we headed to the Fairy Swimming pools, a famously scenic space with swimming holes and waterfalls. It is a excellent place to take a simple hike and even go for a swim. Michael bravely walked barefoot for over two miles from the Fairy Swimming pools again to the automobile, simply to show he can. Ha!
Having had a full day of journey we headed to the Seumas bar the place we stuffed up on fish and chips and caught a glimpse of Jack Lowden and Saoirse Ronan. We retired to our Airbnb, admiring the large moon and numerous sheep alongside the way in which.
One other nice possibility for meals is the Oyster Shed. It is fast and straightforward to order with a number of recent seafood!
Day 4 – Isle of Skye
Day 4 started with a drive to Dunvegan Fortress. The gardens listed below are award-winning, they usually’re what grabbed my consideration most. We spent a while strolling the grounds of the property, which within the oldest components, dates again to the 14th century.
Earlier than grabbing a chunk and transferring onto the subsequent portion of our sightseeing day, we stopped by the Skyeskyns Tannery. Right here, you possibly can take a free guided tour and witness actual sheepskins and leather-based being made. After all, you should buy loads of souvenirs to take residence too.
We additionally stopped on our drive for some furry coos (cows!). They’re so photogenic.
Our subsequent cease was the Skye Museum of Island Life, which is way over a museum and can entertain even essentially the most cussed museum-goer. This museum is extra like a visit again in time to an outdated Highland village, with quite a lot of buildings housing various things, like a barn, a store, a home, and extra. I cherished seeing how folks used to stay within the outdated Croft homes, smelling of pete, and with roughly 12 folks inside.
Now, it was time to seize some grub, so we cruised to the Duntulm seapoint, the place I noticed a shark and Michael purchased a lamb burger from a person in a transformed meals automobile from 1920. With a little bit of starvation nonetheless lingering, we stopped on the grass-roofed Single Monitor Cafe for dessert.
From right here, we drove to the Quiraing and hiked some time to absorb among the most spectacular views within the nation, full of rugged stone partitions, inexperienced valleys, and peaceable lakes.
The Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls viewpoint can also be simply 10 minutes south of Quiraing and is greater than price a cease, because the vertical basalt columns (resembling a kilt) drop straight into the ocean. The Mealt Waterfall additionally falls 60 meters into the Sound of Raasay, a sight that’s magnificence needs to be seen to be believed. I can’t think about a greater place to look at the sundown and finish one other day in Scotland.
We additionally had been additionally handled to a Scottish bagpipe present.
An amazing mountain climbing space is to see Outdated Man of Storr. The legend on Isle of Skye is that giants roamed. Storr lived on the Isle and, when he handed away, was laid to relaxation along with his thumb poking out of the earth. His ‘thumb’ is what we now check with because the Outdated Man of Storr.
Fairy Glen is a extremely cool space! Fairy Glen, situated on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, is a mystical and enchanting panorama identified for its otherworldly rock formations, lush inexperienced hills, and spiral-shaped mounds. Resembling one thing out of a fantasy novel, this hidden gem is commonly missed by vacationers, however it’s a must-see for anybody exploring Skye. Guests are captivated by its serene environment, with legends suggesting it was as soon as residence to fairies. A brief hike takes you to the highest of Fortress Ewen, a pure tower providing panoramic views of the glen. Fairy Glen is a magical cease on any Scotland itinerary, particularly for these looking for pure magnificence and a contact of folklore.
Lastly, on Skye, you possibly can head to Portree, which is the capital of the Isle of Skye and a fairly, colourful city.
Try this sooner or later, better of Skye tour when you’re quick on time.
Day 5 – Lochness and Inveraray Fortress
Lastly, a day I had been anticipating since we landed — the day to uncover the thriller of the Loch Ness monster. The legend dates again to 1933 when information articles emerged, and other people began calling the mysterious creature a monster. Roughly 1,000 dependable eye-witnesses declare to have seen it. The lake itself, like all of Scotland, is attractive, with the deepest half close to Urquhart Fortress, measuring 230 meters deep. I didn’t get an opportunity to be an eye-witness of the monster, however I had a good time studying extra in regards to the thriller, the loch, and its environment. The Loch Ness exhibition is open from 9:30 a.m. to six p.m.
The afternoon of day 5 was spent on the Highland Video games. We watched and hooted and hollered because the athletes threw axes, wrestled, danced, and tossed 175-pound tree trunks, generally known as caber. This was certainly one of my favourite methods we took within the Scottish tradition, partying with the locals.
After that we explored the gorgeous fortress of Inveraray. It is the gorgeous ancestral residence of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell. I used to be instantly enthralled with the cool Gorthic Revival structure and pops of pink flowers. Its nicely maintained grounds are good to walk round. You too can go inside for a price to tour the fortress.
Days 6 – Edinburgh
With our go to to Scotland nearing an finish, we deliberate to spend the ultimate two days within the capital metropolis of Edinburgh. Within the hustle and bustle of the town, it’s arduous to imagine pristine inexperienced, rolling hills, lochs, caves, and cliffs are only a quick distance away. Exploring the town on foot is an absolute should, beginning with a stroll alongside the Royal Mile, from the fortress to the palace, in Outdated City. The traditional structure will repeatedly cease you in your tracks, in addition to the combination of eating places, pubs, and outlets.
After all, no journey to Edinburgh is full and not using a stroll inside Edinburgh Fortress. You will need to stroll up hill to Fortress Rock, however it’s price it for the views. There was human occupation right here for the reason that Iron Age! The fortress is now residence to the Scottish Nationwide Warfare Memorial in addition to the Crown Jewels. I recommend getting tickets forward of time to keep away from the (very) lengthy line right here.
Subsequent, head over to St. Giles Cathedral. Based within the twelfth century it is a ravishing church proper by the fortress.
An amazing place to cease for lunch is Oink. There is perhaps a line however don’t fret, it strikes quick. That is additionally a ravishing space to stroll round with rainbow coloured buildings on Victoria Avenue.
To not be missed is the Nationwide Museum of Scotland, full of treasures of Scottish antiquities, the constructing itself is an artwork kind. It is a terrific place to study Scotland’s historical past. Save time right here as you could possibly spend about half a day simply touring this museum!
As you are popping out of the museum, proper close to the Edinburgh Waverly station, be sure that to take a look at the Scott Monument. It is an enormous monument devoted to Sit Walter Scott.
Palace of Holyroodhouse is the place you must undoubtedly take a guided tour to be taught in regards to the official residence of the Brits monarch when in Scotland. You may discover 14 completely different historic and state flats in addition to the ruins of the 12-century Holyrood Abbey. In case you nonetheless have a while, head over the the Royal Yacht Britannia is a former royal yacht.
Our final cease for the day is Calton Hill for essentially the most picturesque views of Edinburgh!
Day 7 – Edinburgh
When within the coronary heart of the town, we paid a go to to the Museum of Edinburgh, a cease that gives you extra perception into the distinctive tradition and historical past of the town. Edinburgh is thought for its numerous myths and legends, together with one which happened in Greyfriar’s Kirkyard. For 14 years, a canine sat by his grasp’s grave. He turned an everyday determine in Greyfriar’s Kirkyard, and the locals started feeding him and offering shelter. Ultimately, Sergeant Scott educated Bobby to return on the identical time on daily basis for his dinner at Traill’s Restaurant, 6 Greyfriar’s Place. Bobby’s every day appearances turned a spectacle, and a statue of him now stands on the Kirkyard gates.
The museum is filled with fascinating tales like Bobby’s, and I do know this museum go to made me take pleasure in the remainder of my time within the metropolis much more. I found that the brand new Edinburgh was established in 1767, as a result of officers felt the town was changing into too busy and decrepit. A contest was held to create blueprints of the brand new city, and a person named James Craig received. The general public seen Craig’s blueprint as an image of modernity, and rich folks started flocking to the town, bringing much more industries. Scotland lastly had a worthy capital, and the blueprint might be seen within the museum right now.
Different websites we visited, which I don’t suppose anybody ought to miss are Dean Village, the Floral Clock, and Digital camera Obscura. Dean Village is a historic neighborhood, full with cobblestone roads, historical bridges, and structure that appears prefer it belongs in a storybook. Lush greenery traces the river and creeps up the quaint homes, offering numerous alternatives to snap images or just gaze.
As a lover of gardens and flowers, the Floral Clock was an absolute should for me, however you don’t have to like crops to seek out this web site wonderful. Throughout the Princess Avenue Gardens is a big clock product of flowers, the primary of its variety on the earth. The design of the clock modifications twice per yr, taking two males 5 weeks and 30,000 flowers to finish.
In case you love Harry Potter, be sure that to go to The Elephant Home Cafe, the place J.Ok. Rowling wrote the beloved books over espresso and cake! In case you’re , there is a Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh, test it out right here.
Touring with youngsters? Or adults, like me, that like to really feel like youngsters? Go to Digital camera Obscura & World of Illusions. It might sound like a “Ripley’s Consider It or Not” vacationer lure, however it’s undoubtedly not. It’s a glance into every part quirky that’s Edinburgh, and the house owners collaborate with technical wizards, inventors, artists, and extra to wow guests with 5 flooring of hands-on displays that discover Edinburgh and lots of of its sights in essentially the most fascinating methods doable. Take a tour of the town streets with out transferring, then puzzle your mind with mind-boggling illusions. This place is simply pure enjoyable!
However certainly one of my favourite issues we did was to go on a tour of the Actual Mary Queen’s Shut. This was such an fascinating take a look at Edinburgh’s previous and the loopy circumstances such because the Black Plague that ran rampant in Medieval instances. The historical past appears frozen in time on this come to life museum.
We rounded out our seven days in Scotland with one last must-have in any metropolis — ice cream. Scotland’s characteristically drizzly climate doesn’t cease Edinburgh from having an abundance of cute and scrumptious ice cream outlets. For my part, no journey is full with out ice cream, and Mary’s Milk Bar has among the greatest within the metropolis.
Have further time?
Head to Glasgow! Many individuals do not consider Glasgow once they consider Scotland. They consider the luxurious, rolling hills of the Highlands, the gorgeous metropolis of Edinburgh, or Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. However after I traveled to Glasgow for a fast weekend I discovered a enjoyable, vibrant metropolis full of nice museums, superior music, and loads of energetic bars and eating places.
>>>READ MORE: Edinburgh or Glasgow which do you have to go to?
Add a day or two within the Cairngorms (good for hikers and outside fans!)
The Cairngorms is the UK’s largest nationwide park, providing breathtaking mountain surroundings, plentiful wildlife, and outside actions like mountain climbing, biking, and even snow sports activities within the winter. It is good for nature lovers trying to immerse themselves in Scotland’s rugged magnificence.
We could not go to as a result of the royals had been there, however Balmoral fortress is over right here! We additionally went to the Braemar Highland video games!
Extra time? Try Aberdeen!
After exploring the park, enterprise east to Aberdeen, a coastal metropolis identified for its beautiful granite structure, vibrant cultural scene, and wealthy maritime historical past. Take a stroll alongside the sandy seashore, go to the spectacular Aberdeen Artwork Gallery, or discover close by castles like Dunnottar. This extension will add an ideal mix of pure magnificence and cultural exploration to your Scotland journey.
Additionally close to Aberdeen is the “PINK” fortress, Craigievar!
Our seven days in Scotland had been full of every part from among the most luxurious pure surroundings I’ve ever seen (and tons of puffins) to historical castles and loads of whiskey. The one factor I might change about our journey is to make it one other seven days longer.
