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7-Day Self-Drive Tour Around Scotland: Country Trip Plan & Tips

7-Day Self-Drive Tour Around Scotland

Scotland is a stunning destination that offers travellers an unforgettable experience. This ancient country has breathtaking landscapes, rich historical sites and unique culture, which makes it the perfect spot for those looking to escape their daily lives. If you’re seeking a unique experience during your next vacation, you should consider a 7-day self-drive tour around Scotland.

A journey to Scotland allows you to explore its mesmerising landmarks. From Edinburgh Castle to rolling hills and majestic mountains, there’s so much to do in this north-western European country. This article covers everything from making a classic Scotland itinerary to planning a trip around the country.

What Is The Best Way To Travel Around Scotland?

The best way to travel around Scotland is by car. Travelling by car allows you to explore Scotland at your own pace, spending as much time as you want in each location. Scotland has a good road network, including scenic routes that run through breathtaking scenery, making it an ideal destination for a road trip. Just keep in mind that some of the roadways are narrow, so you must be cautious when driving.

Cycling and walking are also great ways to explore Scotland if you enjoy being very active. Scotland has some of the world’s most beautiful walking and cycling trails, which are perfectly safe for both pedestrians and cyclists.

How Many Days Does It Take To Drive Around Scotland?

Scottish Highlands View

Driving around Scotland takes at least five days if you really want to enjoy your tour. However, we recommend seven days for the best experience. The North Coast 500 is the most popular driving route in Scotland. This 830 km (516 miles) long road offers breathtaking views at every turn as you explore iconic landscapes and quaint towns.

Driving the entire route without stopping takes approximately 12 to 14 hours, but if you want to explore the attractions along the way, you may need to spend between seven days and two weeks on your Scotland road trip. Other routes are also possible if you plan on touring Scotland more broadly. However, your journey will take longer, which can cause inconvenience.

Planning Your Road Trip Route Around Scotland

The entire journey is approximately 500 miles (800 km) and would take about 12 hours to complete without stopping. You can see a breakdown of the trip with major stopping points:

  • Day 1: Edinburgh
  • Day 2: Royal Deeside and Aberdeen
  • Day 3: Inverness, Loch Ness and The North Coast 500
  • Day 4: Isle of Skye and Applecross
  • Day 5: Fort William
  • Day 6:  Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National 
  • Day 7: Glasgow

The Scotland tour will start in Edinburgh and take you past Royal Deeside to Aberdeen. You’ll pass through Inverness and the famous Loch Ness. You’ll also drive along some parts of the NC 500 before reaching the Isle of Skye. Then you have to go across Loch Lomond before ending up in Glasgow.

To explore these locations and most of their attractions, expect to spend between 7 and 8 days on the road. You can reduce the travel time by cutting out one or two locations. For a convenient journey, it’s best to hire a large car or a reliable campervan.

Tip: Be prepared for all kinds of weather when visiting Scotland because the country’s weather is unpredictable.

7-Day Self-Drive Tour Around Scotland

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the Scotland road trip, including key points and exciting places to explore:

Day 1: Edinburgh – Cairngorms National Park

Edinburgh - Cityscape

The tour begins in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland. It is beautiful, with so much history, meaning you’ll have so many places to explore.

Key Points

Some of the key points in Edinburgh worth exploring during your road trip include:

  • Arthur’s Seat: Arthur’s Seat is a dormant volcano in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park. In fact, it is the highest point in Holyrood Park. The summit of this hill offers some of the best views of the city, making it a great attraction for anyone who enjoys hiking. To get the best view from Athur’s Seat, you should only visit when the weather is decent.
  • The Royal Mile: The Royal Mile lies in the middle of Edinburgh’s Old Town, extending from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle. This particular location has so many attractive features for tourists.
  • Victoria Street: Victoria Street is an enticing spot for Harry Potter fans to visit. The inspiration for this two-story street stems from Diagon Alley, a location in the Harry Potter books and movies. Even if you aren’t a Harry Potter fan, you’ll enjoy exploring the colourful street while doing some window shopping.
  • National Museum of Scotland: Scotland is home to many museums, but none can compare with the National Museum of Scotland. Not only does this great museum have a remarkable building, but it also has some truly captivating attractions. For history buffs looking for something special, there are The Kingdom of the Scots and Scotland Transformed exhibits. Those interested in science should be sure not to miss Dolly the Sheep.
  • Edinburgh Castle: You haven’t really been to Edinburgh if you skip visiting Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline and is visible from almost anywhere.

Day 2: Royal Deeside To Aberdeen

Royal Deeside

Day two of your seven-day Scotland road trip will take you through Royal Deeside and Aberdeen. The Royal Deeside area lies between the grand city of Aberdeen and Scotland’s Highland region. It will take only 30 minutes to drive between Aberdeen and Royal Deeside, but you’ll need a few days to fully explore their attractions. You’ll still have a wonderful time even if you spend only a day between these locations.

Key Points

Make your time in Royal Deeside and Aberdeen fun by stopping by the following places during your road trip:

  • Balmoral Cairns: On the Balmoral Estate in Deeside, a grand tribute to royal heritage stands tall with sixteen stone cairns. The majority of the standing stones were built by Queen Victoria, and they commemorate key historical events from recent history.
  • Mar Lodge: Mar Lodge National Reserve, situated in the heart of Scotland’s Cairngorms, is a must-see for visitors. Boasting more than 29,000 hectares and 15 Munros, it offers breathtaking views of the region’s stunning pine forests, wetlands and moors.
  • Duthie Park: Duthie Park sits on the bank of the River Dee, spreading over 44 acres. This park houses various gardens and collections of plants from all over the world. Duthie Park is the perfect location for an enriching outing with your loved ones.
  • Aberdeen Beach: You can stop by Aberdeen Beach to enjoy the sight of the large body of water. Aberdeen Beach is an adventure-lovers paradise. With the stunning harbour and the River Don forming a picturesque backdrop, you can enjoy activities such as sunbathing, windsurfing or exploring miles of scenic coastal trails.
  • Aberdeen Art Gallery: After the first four stops, those interested in art can travel back centuries with a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery. This impressive granite building is home to artwork from over 700 years ago, featuring renowned works by Scottish and international artists. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity for an enriching cultural experience.

Tip: Scotland is also known for its delicious food and drinks, so you can stop by and try them out.

Day 3: Inverness, Loch Ness And The North Coast 500

You’ll be surprised about how many attractions lie close to Inverness. The North Coast 500 alone encompasses over 500 miles of wild scenery and historic buildings. Best of all, you get to experience Loch Ness and its surrounding allure.

Key Points

Make the most of your time in Inverness fun by visiting the following attractions during your seven-day Scotland road trip:

  • Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle: Loch Ness is one of the most iconic locations in the whole of Scotland. Taking a boat trip allows you to learn more about the Loch Ness Monster. The boat ride comes with tales about folklore. Afterwards, you can visit Urquhart Castle, which lies at a vantage point above the loch. Urquhart Castle provides a stunning view of the loch and surrounding area for miles.
  • Culloden Battlefield: If you’d like to learn about Scotland’s war history, you’d enjoy stopping at the Culloden Battlefield in Inverness. Explore the final site of the last battle on British soil, which tells the story of the Jacobite Risings. Culloden Battlefield also features amazing relics from both sides of the war.
  • Fort George: Fort George is a stunning and historically significant military fortification, offering a remarkable insight into 18th-century life. Its impressive artillery defences are some of the most powerful in Britain. Visitors can explore its garrison buildings as well to see an array of weapons such as cannons, pikes and swords.
  • Rogie Falls: Take a journey along the A835 and experience something you won’t soon forget – Rogie Falls. From walking trails that follow the Black Water to enjoying impressive cascades of water, Rogie Falls is an incredible sight. Nature lovers will be thrilled by their up-close view of wild salmon making leaps as they swim upstream against powerful currents.

Day 4: Isle of Skye

Talisker Bay

The Isle of Skye spans a total distance of 151 miles (243 km). Therefore, expect to drive for quite a few hours if you want to cover this area in a day. Similar to other parts of Scotland, the Isle of Skye is packed with numerous amazing locations that you’d be excited to see.

Key Points

Some of the key points to check out on the Isle of Skye during your road trip include:

  • Fairy Pools: Start your exploration of Isle of Skye by checking out the Fairy Pools. The Fairy Pools are beautiful rock pools bound to provide enthralling experiences for sightseers. The pools contain blue crystal rocks formed by mountain water flowing from streams and waterfalls from the River Brittle.
  • Fairy Glen: Your next stop at the Isle of Skye is Fairy Glen, a special hilly landscape made up of various rock circles and outcroppings. While you may be tempted to create your own rock circles and add to the natural beauty, we advise you not to. The beauty of this area lies in its natural look, and the locals aim to keep it that way.
  • Quiraing: Embark on an incredible hiking experience to the Quiraing, situated on Meall na Suiramach’s eastern face in Scotland’s Isle of Skye. Reap all the rewards with beautiful views from its summit, but you need to visit on a clear day for optimum visibility.
  • Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls: Visit Kilt Rock in the Isle of Skye and experience the captivating pleated rocks that line its spectacular cliffs. From this prime viewpoint, be sure to take in Mealt Falls, a stunning waterfall cascading into the ocean below on Scotland’s majestic Isle of Skye. It’ll make for an unforgettable photographic memory.
  • Old Man of Storr: The Old Man of Storr is a famous rock formation on the Isle of Skye. Just like Quiraing, it is a great place for you to take a hike. It takes about 1.5 hours to get to the top of this rock from the car park, but the view makes it worth it. If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, you can skip either the Old Man of Storr or Quiraing when exploring the Isle of Skye.

Day 5: Fort William – Glencoe

Fort Williams & Ben Nevis

The western highlands of Scotland have a lot to offer. Among the mountains and moors of this area, you have two main bases – Fort William and Glen Coe – which are 25 minutes apart by car.

Key Points

Fort William and Glencoe are major tourist sites that you’ll enjoy visiting. Some of the things to look forward to in these areas include:

  • Signal Rock: At the top of your itinerary should be a hike to the Signal Rock, which is a main part of Glencoe’s history. The Signal Rock is where soldiers sounded the alarm to start the Glencoe Massacre. Your walk should take around an hour, and you’re likely to encounter deer and local wildlife, including the famous Scottish highland cows.
  • Glen Etive Road: A visit to Fort William isn’t complete if you don’t take a drive along Glen Etive Road. This 12-mile track leads to a dead end on the banks of Loch Etive, a saltwater that connects to the sea north of Oban. The road to Loch Etive offers fabulous views. You may even recognise some spots as the glen has been featured in some top movies, including Braveheart and James Bond: Skyfall.
  • Jacobite Steam Train: One place you can’t afford to skip in Fort William is the famous Jacobite Steam Train. This is the same Harry Potter train in the Philosopher’s Stone and other movies in the series. You can take a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, all the way to Mallaig at the village of Glenfinnan.
  • Ben Nevis: Being the second largest mountain in Scotland, Ben Nevis requires very little introduction. The mountain is located in north-west Highlands, within walking distance from the picturesque town of Fort William. Ben Nevis was a massive active volcano before exploding and collapsing on itself.
  • Inverlochy Castle: Outside the town centre of Fort William are the ruins of the old Inverlochy Castle, built in the 13th century. Similar to Blair Castle, Inverlochy is one of Scotland’s best-preserved castles, and it has a fascinating history attached to it.

Tip: Greet locals properly and be friendly and respectful to them.

Day 6: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park And The Surrounding Area

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park was the first national park in Scotland. This area has a diverse geography that contains Munros (Scottish mountains), forest parks, lochs (lakes) and special conservation sites with wildlife.

Key Points

There are several great activities worth adding to your seven-day Scotland road trip itinerary for Loch Lomond.

  • Loch Lomond Boat Cruise: There’s no better way to explore Loch Lomond’s beauties than with a sightseeing boat cruise. There are a number of private steamships that take cruises across Loch Lomond while offering commentary about the scenic sites.
  • Village of Luss: Visiting the village of Luss should be high on your list of activities for Loch Lomond. The picture-perfect conservation village features cosy pubs, local restaurants and chocolate bose cottages at the centre of its ancient settlement. The area is surrounded by backdrops and sandy strands of coastline.
  • Inchconnachan: You don’t have to travel all the way to Australia to see wallabies when you can find them on a remote island in Loch Lomond. Wallabies have been on Inchconnachan since after WWII when the Countess of Arran introduced them to the area. In addition to wallabies, Inchconnachan is a great area to spot the wood grouse, known as capercaillie in Scotland.
  • Balloch Country Park: Balloch is a beautiful village on the south shore of Loch Lomond. For obvious reasons, this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. The beautiful country park features over 200 acres of trails, shores and gardens, as well as the 13th-century Balloch Castle.

Greenock, an administrative centre in the Inverclyde council area, is close to the park and a place that you could easily visit with your hired car.

Day 7: Stirling – Glasgow

Stirling Castle

Stirling and Glasgow are only 45 minutes drive apart, so it makes sense to explore them together. Both are fascinating and historical cities with many activities for tourists.

Key Points

Indulge in the following activities on the final day of your Scottish road trip:

  • Stirling Castle: Stirling Castle is the perfect place to start your exploration of this legendary city. Situated atop a volcanic crag, it offers breathtaking views and an insight into Scotland’s captivating history, some parts dating back 500 years. Be sure not to miss out on such a significant landmark set in spectacular surroundings.
  • National Wallace Monument: Gaze at the site of one of Scotland’s most legendary battles from a lofty vantage point. Located atop Abbey Crag, the National Wallace Monument proudly overlooks Stirling Castle’s historic battlefield. As you enter its doors for no more than a nominal fee, prepare yourself to ascend 246 steps and discover rooms full of exhibits that tell tales of William Wallace’s heroism in 1297.
  • Kelvingrove: Kelvingrove is Glasgow’s finest museum and arguably one of the finest in Scotland. This museum contains a collection of more than 8,000 pieces. It is packed with various national exhibits that show off wonderful beasts from across thousands of centuries.
  • Glasgow Botanic Gardens: Explore Glasgow’s botanic gardens and take a few photos of the beautifully preserved exotic plants. The University of Glasgow created this garden as far back as 1841, and in 1891 they erected its defining building. The gardens are free to access and open throughout the year.

Near the route from Stirling to Glasgow lies Falkirk, a town with its own charm. It’s time for one more group stop before your final destination. Check out what you can see and do there.

Tip: You can schedule your trip around the time of Scotland’s festivals so that you can experience some of them.

Some Other Sites Absolutely Worth Visiting

More locations out there are for you to explore if you have visited all of our main recommended pics or just want to see something else.

Isle of Arran

Isle Of Arran

The Isle of Arran is an island off the west coast. Just like the Isle of Skye, this place has a little bit of everything, from mountain peaks to beaches and forests.

The Isle of Arran is home to the following attractions:

  • Brodick Castle & Gardens: Just outside of Brodick, you have Brodick Castle and Gardens, a botanical castle flanked by mountains. This castle houses an impressive collection of treasures.
  • Goat Fell: If you’re more of an adventurous person, you’ll be more interested in visiting and climbing Goat Fell. Goat Fell is the highest mountain in Arran, reaching 874 m (2867 ft). The mountain offers a magnificent view over Arran Island, making it worth the climb.
  • Lochranza Distillery: Lochranza Distillery and visitor centre are located north of Arran Island. Here, you can go on different tours to taste Arran’s malt whiskeys.

Orkney

Consider adding a visit to the archipelago Orkney to your seven-day Scotland road trip itinerary. There’s a staggering number of things to do in this location, but we’ll only list some of the best.

  • Heart of Neolithic Orkney: One of the first things you’ll notice about Orkney is that it has several monuments and buildings. The Heart of Neolithic Orkney is one of the most famous ones. This site contains well-preserved monuments that were hidden from the world until being exposed by a storm in 1850.
  • Creative Trail: Connect with local culture with a visit to the creative trail. The trail follows workshops where you can find local artisans who have spent years honing their crafts and producing art, jewellery and ceramics.
  • Old Man of Hoy: Reaching 450 feet (137 metres), the Old Man of Hoy is the tallest sea stack in the UK. You can add a climb to the summit of this red sandstone to your Scotland road trip bucket list. There are seven routes to the top of the stack, which range in difficulty.

St Andrews

St Andrews

St Andrews, with its seaside charm, offers a lot of treats for tourists passing through the area. During your road trip, you can explore some of the town’s must-visit attractions, such as:

  • St Andrews Castle: The ruins of this castle bask above Castle Sands Beach. Throughout the Middle Ages, this castle was the official residence of Scotland’s leading bishop (and later archbishop). Its ruins paint a picture of the power and wealth of these churchmen.
  • MUSA: MUSA is another eye-catching location that you can check out. This five-star museum is home to over 112,000 artefacts, as well as various collections and interactive activities.
  • Swilcan Bridge: Swilcan Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in the golfing world. This bridge sits between the first and 18th fairways on the Old Course. Built over 700 years ago, this ancient structure has been featured in numerous photos with golfing legends.

Tip: Consider booking early so you can get cheaper accommodation in Scotland’s hotels.

Isle Of Mull

The Isle of Mull is the second largest of the Inner Hebrides (another archipelago), only behind the Isle of Skye. If you have a bit more time during your seven-day Scotland road trip, we encourage you to stop by and check out its key sites.

  • Mull Aquarium: Take an immersive adventure into Scotland’s aquatic wonderland at the Mull Aquarium. Enjoy captivating displays of octopuses, shellfish and other crustaceans from the surrounding waters, with plenty to delight both kids and adults. Visiting the aquarium is a perfect way to spend time learning about diverse sea life while making lasting memories with friends.
  • Carsaig Arches: Come explore Carsaig Arches, Scotland’s wonderful 8-mile hiking trail. This journey takes you through an exciting mix of rocky and narrow cliff paths. At the summit lies a stunning reward – uniquely formed natural arches that provide breathtaking views along this majestic coastline.
  • Fingal’s Cave: Fingal’s Cave lies on the uninhabited island of Staffa. The beauty of this cave’s volcanic basalt column has been attracting tourists for over 250 years. The wave is known for its unique acoustics, with echoes of the waves crashing on the basalt columns creating a lovely sound.

New Lanark

When you visit Scotland, you may also want to stop by New Lanark. Some of the village’s best attractions include:

  • New Lanark Visitor Center: The visitor centre is a great starting point to learn about the history of New Lanark. It contains various exhibits, interactive displays and audio-visual presentations about the history of this unique village.
  • Robert Owen’s School for Children: Social Reformer Robert Owen established this school for children in the 1820s. It was one of the world’s first infant schools. You can stop by the classroom and learn about the methods of education.
  • Falls of Clyde: Falls of Clyde is a beautiful waterfall, 1.4 miles from New Lanark. If you love to experience nature, you can take a scenic walk along the River Clyde and see the falls from different points.

Tip: Scotland is mostly safe, but always pay attention to your surroundings when you’re in crowded areas.

If You Don’t Have 7 Days

You can still tour Scotland even if you don’t have one week. A few days are enough to experience some of the wonders that this country has to offer. If you have less than one week for your Scotland road trip, prioritise visiting your must-see locations.

Make a list of places that you want to visit and plan your schedule around the time you have available. You can also consider booking a guided tour. These tours can help you see more places in a shorter time. Most tours cover the best attractions in a region.

Tips For A Successful Self-Drive Tour

You need proper planning to ensure that a long tour such as this one is successful. We have put together some tips that can make your Scotland road trip more fun and seamless.

Get Your Car Ready

Get Your Car Ready

Before embarking on your seven-day Scotland road trip, you must get a travel-ready car. You’ll be on the road for a long time, so it’s important to get a vehicle that won’t cause you trouble throughout the entire trip. Have a car mechanic examine the car days ahead and fix any lingering problems.

You can also carry out a personal maintenance check before each day trip. Check the tyre air pressure and fluid levels. Also, inspect the headlights and taillights to make sure everything is functioning. Finally, arrange items in the car properly so that it has enough space for baggage and passengers. Of course, a rental car is always an option whether you don’t have a car or your vehicle is not good or large enough for these kinds of trips.

Pack Snacks and Supplies

Once you’re sure that you are in good shape, you can pack supplies. You need supplies for both leisure and safety. Safety supplies include items like road flares, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a phone charger, a fire extinguisher and sunscreen.

Also, don’t forget to bring snacks along. Even if you’ve eaten breakfast before each day trip, it’s important to pack a few snacks that you can munch on. This saves you the stress of having to stop by restaurants for food unless that is part of your Scotland road trip itinerary.

Bring Entertainment

There are a lot of attractions to see during this seven-day Scotland road trip, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be bored for most parts. However, it’s a great idea to bring a few entertainment items if you have children coming on the trip. Anything from books to gaming devices and puzzles should be good enough to keep them occupied during the car rides. You can also consider making a playlist that everyone can sing along to.

Book Hotels Ahead

During your seven-day Scotland trip, you’ll be spending nights in different parts of the country. Therefore, you’ll have to stay in different hotels. You don’t have to settle for a boring hotel because you’re passing through a town for one night. You can research hotels in various regions and book them before you get into town. This is particularly important if you’ve scheduled your Scotland road trip for the summer months, when many hotels may be fully booked by other tourists.

Tip: Make sure that you have some cash on hand that you can use for smaller transactions.

What Time Of Year Is Best To Drive Around Scotland

The best time of year to drive around Scotland is the summer months of June to August. Around this period, Scotland usually has mild weather and long hours of daylight. However, during these seasons, the country is usually swarming with tourists, so expect the roads to be crowded and accommodations to be more expensive.

If you’d prefer to drive on quieter roads, you should plan your seven-day Scotland road trip for April to May or September to October. Although the weather is usually unpredictable around this period, you get to pay lower prices for attractions.

Is It Easy To Drive Through Scotland?

Yes, it is easy to drive through Scotland. Scotland has an extensive network of roads, which makes it easy to travel around the country. However, driving through Scotland comes with its fair share of challenges due to its hilly terrain and unpredictable weather. To be safe when travelling in Scotland, ensure that you plan properly for the trip and drive with caution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can drive around Scotland in a week. However, how feasible this is depends on various factors, such as the route you take, the amount of driving each day and the level of exploration and sightseeing. Some popular driving routes for a week-long trip around Scotland include the North Coast 500, the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway, the west coast and the Isle of Skye.

The best time of year to drive around Scotland depends on your preferences and what you intend to do on the trip. Generally, the summer months of June through August are the most popular times to visit Scotland due to the milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. Alternatively, the spring months of March through May and the fall months of September through November can also be good times to drive in Scotland.

The most scenic drive in Scotland is the North Coast 500. The North Coast 500 is a circular drive that starts and ends in Inverness. This scenic drive offers a complete journey around the Scottish Highlands. Along the way, witness some of its grandest sights, ranging from majestic mountains to centuries-old castles nestled among quaint villages.

Scotland’s most beautiful city is Edinburgh. Edinburgh is a captivating city that offers visitors the chance to experience incredible architecture, visit ancient monuments like the Royal Mile and take in its tranquil natural environment. You also get to visit Edinburgh Castle.

Glasgow is another vibrant city with an ever-evolving arts and culture scene. Admire the beauty of Victorian heritage or explore exquisite Art Nouveau architecture. Other beautiful areas in Scotland include Aberdeen, Perth and the Isle of Skye.

The most walkable city in Scotland is Edinburgh. It has a compact city centre, winding streets and pedestrian-only zones, which make it safe and comfortable for people to travel on foot. Edinburg also has beautiful surroundings and stunning architecture that most people will enjoy viewing as they walk by. Other walkable cities to explore during your Scotland road trip include Glasgow and Stirling.

Conclusion

A 7-day self-drive tour around Scotland is a great way to explore the country’s stunning landscape, vibrant culture and rich history. From the rugged Scottish Highlands to the numerous lochs and castles, this epic road trip will be one to remember. Just make sure that you plan your Scotland itinerary properly so that you can make the most of your time in the country.

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