Tips for the Best One Week Scotland Road Trip
Scotland, with its rugged landscapes, ancient castles, and rich history, is a dream destination for any traveler. A 7-day Scotland road trip through this stunning country offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in its diverse beauty and culture. Pack your bags, grab your map, and get ready to explore the best of Scotland on this epic journey.
Highlights of a Road Trip through Scotland
Start in the vibrant capital of Edinburgh and wind your way through the breathtaking Isle of Skye, the historic city of Inverness, the mystical Orkney Islands, and finally to the coastal charm of Aberdeen. Driving through the rugged terrain of this historic country is the only way to see the very best that Scotland has to offer. This journey promises to be an unforgettable adventure for all ages!
Day 1-2: Edinburgh
Your Scottish adventure begins in Edinburgh, a city where history coexists with contemporary culture in perfect harmony. Spend your first day exploring the iconic Edinburgh Castle which overlooks the city and offers stunning panoramic views. Stroll down the Royal Mile, where you’ll find charming shops, historic landmarks, and street performers adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Don’t miss the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, and Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano that offers one of the best views of the city.
On your second day, delve deeper into Edinburgh’s cultural scene by visiting the National Museum of Scotland and taking a tour of the underground vaults for a glimpse into the city’s mysterious past. Before you hit the road, indulge in some traditional Scottish cuisine at a local pub—perhaps haggis, neeps, and tatties, washed down with a dram of whisky.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
Since Edinburgh is such a big and bustling city, there are plenty of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and AirBnB’s to choose from. Staying in Old Town near the Royal Mile allows walkable access to local pubs, restaurants, and shops. The Radisson Blu is in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and is highly rated. Alternatively, the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood is at the end of the Royal Mile and provides a quiet place to stay.
Highlights
- The Royal Mile
- Edinburgh Castle
- Victoria Street in Old Town
- Scott Monument in New Town
- Princes Street Gardens
- Arthur’s Seat
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
Day 3-4: Isle of Skye
Leaving Edinburgh behind early on day three, drive towards the Isle of Skye- one of Scotland’s most enchanting destinations. Though this section of the drive takes about 6 hours, you will be captivated by the changing scenery throughout the entire journey. This route takes you directly past the Glenfinnan Viaduct, one of many iconic Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland!
Leave yourself enough time to stop at the National Wallace Monument just outside of Edinburgh!
As you cross via ferry to Isle of Skye you’ll be greeted by dramatic landscapes of jagged mountains, serene lochs, and rugged coastline. This is a great time to explore the Fairy Pools, a series of crystal-clear, blue pools and waterfalls set against the backdrop of the Cuillin Mountains.
On day four start your trip around the island by heading to the iconic Old Man of Storr, a striking rock formation that offers breathtaking views of the island. Follow the road past Kilt Rock, to the Quiraing Lookout, ending at the western tip of Skye at the Neist Point Lighthouse. These highlights all showcase the vast beauty and jaw-dropping landscapes that encompasses the Isle of Skye.
If time permits: Add in a visit to Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod, and the charming village of Portree, where you can enjoy fresh-caught seafood and take in the colorful harbor views.
Where to Stay on Isle of Skye
We highly recommend staying in the quaint town of Portree when visiting Isle of Skye. There is a plethora of locally-owned bed and breakfasts serving hearty traditional Scottish fare, and the town itself offers restaurants with some of the freshest seafood we’ve tried.
The Gables B&B has a fantastic view of the harbor and the owner is truly accommodating. Romesdal Highlanders B&B boasts Highland cows roaming nearby, and the Hebridean Inn has absolutely mouthwatering food.
Highlights
- Dunvegan Castle
- Fairy Pools
- Neist Point
- Old Man of Storr
- Kilt Rock
- Quirang Lookout
Day 5: Inverness
From the Isle of Skye make your way to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and a city steeped in history. Right as you leave Skye stop by Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, picturesquely set on a small island where three lochs meet. Once in Inverness take a stroll along the River Ness, and try to spot the famous Heiland Heery Coos- an icon of the Scottish Highlands- who frequently appear at the Culloden Battlefield.
No trip to this region would be complete without a visit to Loch Ness, just a short drive from the city. Keep an eye out for the legendary Loch Ness Monster while exploring the ruins of Urquhart Castle, which offers stunning views of the loch and a glimpse into Scotland’s turbulent history.
Where to Stay in Inverness
The Lochardil House Hotel was originally built in 1876, and this Victorian-style mansion serves a fabulous breakfast in the garden atrium. Or if you’d rather be right on the bonnie river, the Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa is located in in the heart of all the restaurants, shops, and bars.
Highlights
- Eileen Donan Castle
- River Ness
- Urquhart Castle
- Culloden Battlefield
Day 6: Orkney Islands
On day six start out from Inverness early to catch the ferry from the mainland to the town of Stromness in the Orkney Islands, a place where history and natural beauty come together in a truly unique way. The islands are home to some of the best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe, including the famous Skara Brae- a 5,000-year-old village that predates the pyramids of Egypt.
Visit the Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, both of which offer a fascinating insight into ancient rituals and beliefs. The Orkney Islands are also known for their stunning coastal scenery, with dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and abundant wildlife. Explore the ruggedly beautiful Cliffs of Yesnaby for 360° jaw-dropping views of seastacks, sandstone cliffs, and the North Sea.
If time permits, monitor the tides and catch a glimpse of the Brough of Birsay- an uninhabited island only accessible at low tide offering remnants of ancient Norse settlements.
Where to Stay in the Orkney Islands
The nautical town of Stromness serves as a central location for all of the highlights we mention when visiting the Orkney Islands. Lindisfarne B&B is a family-owned establishment just outside of the marina, with sweeping views of the countryside and a fantastic breakfast. The Ferry Inn is in the heart of Stromness adjacent to the ferry terminal and has a pub wiht mouth-watering dinner options.
Highlights
- Cliffs of Yesnaby
- Brough of Birsay
- Standing Stones of Stenness
- Ring of Brodgar
- Skara Brae
Day 7: Aberdeen
Your final destination is Aberdeen, where you can spend the final day on your one week Scotland road trip. Visit Cairngorms National Park, a great day trip option for a hike and a scenic picnic. The best way to get from the Orkney Islands to Aberdeen is by taking the overnight ferry, where you can even rent a private room to get some shut-eye before rounding out your epic visit to Scotland.
I’ll be completely transparent, we only had a few hours to spend in Aberdeen before boarding our flight to Norway for another amazing one-week adventure. Aberdeen is a great place to begin or end a Scotland road trip because of the ease of travel in and out of the city– the ferry terminal is just minutes from the Aberdeen International Airport, which also offers car rentals and tons of guided tour bus stops.
Highlights
- Cairngorms National Park
- Aberdeen Maritime Museum
- Duthie Park
- St. Machar’s Cathedral
- Balmoral Castle
- Dunnotar Castle
As your week-long road trip through Scotland comes to an end, you’ll have experienced the best that this captivating country has to offer—from bustling cities and charming villages to stunning islands and rugged landscapes. Scotland’s beauty, history, and warm hospitality make it a destination like no other, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.
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Happy Travels!
