1-week road trip in Scotland

Nature lover? You like to discover new things during your trips? Then this itinerary is made for you!

Discover Scotland from a different point of view. From nature’s beauty to impressive monuments, you will for sure want to come back!

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in this 1-week road trip in Scotland:

• Visit Edinburgh Castle, and experience the magic of the old city
• Cross the famous Glenfinnan Bridge on a steam train from Fort William
• See the varied and beautiful landscapes of the Isle of Skye
• See the salmon ladder at Pitlochry Dam Power Station and Fish Ladder

To travel safely and without any worry on your mind, we recommend Chapka Insurance!

Itinerary of a 1-week road trip in Scotland

Edinburgh > Fort William > Skye > Pitlochry > Edinburgh

Some practical information before your trip to Scotland

For this itinerary, we recommend renting a car from Hertz. It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

You want to buy a paper travel guide? We recommend this one! In our opinion, it is the most complete and the most visual!

Need a road map to prepare your itinerary? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read!

The best time to travel in Scotland is from May to September. These are the months when the weather and temperatures will be most pleasant. However, rain and clouds are never far away… But after all, that’s the charm of the country! See more details here.

Scotland is also a culinary heritage. Although it may not suit all taste buds, some specialities are worth trying! Starting with the must-try: haggis. This is a mixture of meat, oatmeal and spices, usually served with mashed potatoes. Then there’s porridge, a much-loved local snack that can be found all over the country. For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll have to try the traditional dessert, the Cranachan, made with raspberries, cream, oats and whisky, in short, only good things!

Contents: 1-week road trip in Scotland

1- Edinburgh – Stop 1 of the 1-week road trip in Scotland
2- Fort William – Stop 2 of the 1-week road trip in Scotland
3- Skye – Stop 3 of the 1-week road trip in Scotland
4- Pitlochry – Stop 4 of the 1-week road trip in Scotland
5- Edinburgh – Stop 5 of the 1-week road trip in Scotland

Itinerary of a 1-week road trip in Scotland: step by step

What to do in Edinburgh?

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh is a must-see on this 1-week road trip in Scotland. A mysterious city, famous for Harry Potter fans, you will fall for this city and its rich heritage. 

• Explore the old medieval city where J.K Rowling got inspired to write the adventure of your favorite wizard.
• Be sure stop by The Elephant House where the author spent hours writing your beloved books!
• Always dreamed of shopping in Diagon Alley ? Head to Victoria Street. There even is a Harry Potter themed shop called Diagon House.
• Discover Voldemort‘s grave (well almost…) at the Greyfriars Kirkyard.
• Go studying at Hogwarts for a moment … or at least what looks like it : George Heriot’s School.
• Follow Rowling ‘s steps on the forecourt of the City Chambers.
• Admire the Balmoral hotel, where J.K. finished writing the last book of the series in one of the rooms. Only the wealthiest get to stay in there.
• Recently an escape game about the Harry Potter world opened in Edinburgh : spend 50 min in the Hogwarts atmosphere.
• Even if it is not part of the wizard’s world, Edinburgh Castle is a must-see in the capital. We recommend taking part in a guided tour to discover all there is to know about the history of the place.
• An hour and 50 min away, go to Alnwick Castle where many scenes were shot. You will need a whole day to visit this beautiful castel and learn to ride your broom properly !

Where to sleep in Edinburgh?

• Mid-range: The Rose Apartment is a fully-equipped self-catering apartment located 600 metres from the centre. Bright and beautifully decorated, this flat is sure to meet your expectations.
• High-end: Stay at the Rutland Hotel & Apartments to start your Scottish journey in comfort. Modern decor, spacious rooms, charming staff and a great location are to be expected.

What to do in Fort William?

Before getting to Fort William, drive on West Highland Line to get Fort William while admiring famous places like Rannoch Moor, Loch Etive or the Glencoe Studio Gallery Road along which is Hagrid’s house!

Fort William is a popular destination with many outdoors activities.

• I hope you have your Hogwarts Express (the Jacobite Steam Train for Muggles) ticket! Because we are going to Mallaig where you’ll get to admire the beautiful settings of the movies. You will take the Glenfinnan Viaduct. It’s a wonderful experience on this 1-week road trip in Scotland. To come back you can choose from the bus, the train or the Hogwarts Express of course! Please note that places sell out very quickly! It is also possible to cross the viaduct on a classic train, and it will cost you less.
• Head to Loch Arkaig which is the lake you see in the movies! Like in the Half Blood Prince. 
• Take a hike to the Steall Falls, a beautiful waterfall where were shot some Quidditch games and the first Task in The Gobelet of Fire!

Where to sleep in Fort William?

• Mid-range: If you want to experience Scottish hospitality, head to the Ben Nevis Guest House which is located 1.6km from Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. It offers spacious, well-furnished rooms.
• High-end: Treat yourself to a comfortable overnight stay at the 5-star Ardrhu House. It’s a little out of the way from the city centre, but still offers great views of Ben Nevis on the edge of Loch Linnhe. It’s ideal for enjoying the beautiful nature of the Scottish Highlands.
• Unique experience: If you’ve always wanted to sleep in a castle, now is the time! Book your room at the Inverlochy Castle Hotel. Set in beautiful natural surroundings, with a delicious restaurant, historic rooms and attentive staff, it has everything you need for an unforgettable stay.

What to do in Skye?

Skye or rather the Isle of Skye is a stunning stop of this 1-week road trip in Scotland, made of mysteries and unusual discoveries. 

• Walk around the village of Portree, the biggest one on the Isle. You will be amazed the colorful houses.
• Go for the Old Man of Storr hike, it’s a 30min hike during which you will get to see beautiful landscapes and view over different lakes.
• Go see the Kilt Rock Cliff and Mealt Falls.
• If you haven’t had enough of hiking, go do the Quiraing hike. A 1-hour round trip with beautiful panoramas and calm.
• Admire the sunset from Neist Point. Beware of the wind if it’s blowing hard, it could be dangerous!
• Visit the only castle of the Isle: Dunvegan Castle. You will get to explore the inside, observe seals and relax in the gardens.
• On a boat, discover Loch Coruisk  in the middle of Black Cuillin, in the village of Elgol.
• Whisky lovers, go see the Talisker distillery and learn about how whisky is stored.
• Eat delicious pies from Skye Pie Café after your Old Man of Storr hike.
• Enter a magical dimension when visiting Fairy Glen.

Where to sleep on the Isle of Skye?

• Mid-range: Located just outside Skye in the Highlands, Bothan Beag is well worth a visit if you want to explore the area! With hosts who will give you all the advice you need, take the opportunity to switch off and explore the area.
• High-end: Looking to disconnect on your holiday? Then Mount Barker is the place for you! This establishment is a large, detached Victorian house set in 4,000 square metres of grounds. Enjoy the large rooms and friendly hosts as you recharge your batteries.

What to do in Pitlochry?

Pitlochry is the ideal small city to get back to the hustle and bustle of larger Scottish cities, as your 1-week road trip in Scotland is slowly coming to an end. 

• Walk around the city and get gifts for your friends and family.
• A 10-min drive away, go to the Whisky Edradour distillery. You can also get to the distillery by foot, it’s a 1-hour hike through the Black Spout Forest.
• Stroll around the exotic plant garden: Explorers Garden.
• Eat some fish and chips at Strathgarry Restaurant.
• Go see the main attraction of the village : Pitlochry Dam Power Station and Fish Ladder. A nice walk to a dam with a fish ladder. Have you ever been that close to salmons?
• Admire the panoramic view over the valley and Loch from Queen’s View.
• Early in the morning, go for a hike on Ben Vrackie. You can even have a picnic at the top of the mountain and enjoy a 360 view.

Where to sleep in Pitlochry?

• Mid-range: Located just 10 minutes’ drive from the Cairngorms National Park, the charming detached cottage The Old Coach House offers a huge fully enclosed garden and free parking. Enjoy all the modern comforts of home in a peaceful haven.
• High-end: Sleep in a real castle! With Scottish-style luxury and stunning views of the Loch, Fonab Castle Hotel is a dream come true. With tastefully decorated rooms, 2 restaurants and a cellar stocked with a wide selection of wines, whiskies and gins, this is the place to be.

What to do in Edinburgh?

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh is a must-see on this 3-week road trip in Scotland. A mysterious city, famous for Harry Potter fans, you will fall for this city and its rich heritage. 

• Fell like Harry Potter when walk through the narrow streets of Edinburgh.
• Stroll around the old city center and its colorful steets until you get to the Edinburgh Castle. We recommend taking part in a guided tour to discover all there is to know about the history of the place.
• Visit Calton Hill and appreciate the gorgeous view over the city! You will immediately get why it is UNESCO-listed!
• Discover the Royal Mile Market which used to be a church.
• If ghosts don’t scare you, head to Greyfriars Kirkyard. Maybe you will get to meet the ghost of Georges MacKenzie ?
• Follow Queen Elisabeth‘s steps at the Holyrood Palace where she stays when she comes to Scotland.

Continue your visit of Edinburgh:

• History lovers, be sure to go to the National Museum of Scotland, learn about the country’s long history and culture.
• Explore the Royal Botanical Garden aiming to preserve the local wildlife and flora.
• Never been to Paris? Circus Lane will make you feel like you actually are in (a Scottish) Paris!
• Stroll around Dean Village along the river.
• Walk up Arthur’s seat and appreciate the gorgeous view over the city.
• You read the Da Vinci Code ? Then you will love to go to the South Leith Parish.
• Potterhead ? Stop by The Elephant House where J.K Rolling spent hours writing her world-famous books.
• If you need a breath of fresh a air, go to Portobello Beach and unwind.
• End your day by having diner at the Grassmarket and get to taste the local cuisine.

Where to sleep in Edinburgh?

• Mid-range: The Rose Apartment is a fully-equipped self-catering apartment located 600 metres from the centre. Bright and beautifully decorated, this flat is sure to meet your expectations.
• High-end: Stay at the Rutland Hotel & Apartments to start your Scottish journey in comfort. Modern decor, spacious rooms, charming staff and a great location are to be expected.

Learn more about your road trip in Scotland…

• You want to know all the information about the country ? It’s here.
• Then, to rent a car at the best price, we recommend this website.
• Finally, to book a flight at the best price, we recommend this website.
• You are looking for a great travel insurance for your 1-week road trip in Scotland? We recommend this one!

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!

If you have any information, good tips, or simply a comment about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below! The whole team will be happy to hear from you!