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 the most effective international locations to go to. I’ve deliberate the proper Scotland itinerary for you whether or not you are right here for just some days or need to spend per week traversing the Highlands and cities.
With a lot to supply it may be onerous to select what to do in Scotland, however my private 7 day itinerary will aid you plan the proper journey.
I fell in love with the fantastic thing about Scotland earlier than my airplane even touched the bottom. The lochs, coastlines, rivers, lush forest, and tree-covered mountains crammed the small, oval window as I virtually pushed my face in opposition to it to look so far as I may in each course. Scotland is a rustic that I may most likely discover endlessly, however this time, I solely had seven days, and I used to be decided to see as a lot of this fully postcard-worthy nation as potential.
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 actual path to anybody hoping to see a heck of a number of Scotland in a brief period of time.
There’s much more to Scotland than the Loch Ness monster. In actual fact, a lot so I counsel a full 7 days to discover all its magnificence. However should you solely have a number of brief days I’ve acquired a information for you too.
After all, you’ll be able to simply shorten or lengthen this journeys primarily based in your wants!
One Week Scotland Itinerary:
If you happen to solely have a number of days then keep in Edinburgh and discover this extremely historic, stunning, and attention-grabbing metropolis. However you probably have extra time, like this 7 day itinerary, then I counsel hitting the highway and going straight to the Scottish Highlands.edin
You may 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 counsel renting a automobile. Particularly with this journey via Scotland, as a way to see as many cities in a brief period of time, I counsel driving. Simply remember you may be driving on the left!
The roads can turn into fairly slender 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, nonetheless, I discovered the roads to be pretty manageable.
When packing remember that Scotland is usually a fairly wet, irrespective of the time of yr. So convey 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 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 baggage, and began the roughly three-hour drive west to Oban. This was our first likelihood to see Scotland’s magnificence on the bottom, and I felt like I used to be watching a tennis match the whole time — my head shifting forwards and backwards between the home windows, making an attempt to absorb an not possible quantity of magnificence.
If you happen to plan to remain in Edinburgh first, skip right down to days six and 7 after which come again. Ideally, I like leaving Edinburgh on the finish of the itinerary so you’ll be able to hit the bottom working within the nation aspect.
Day one was brief, however like all days hopping from airport to airport, it was exhausting. Happily, 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 completely impressed with this place and placement (and value!)
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 experience was a 45-minute lengthy jaunt to the Isle of Mull; nonetheless, the experience felt drastically shorter, as each minute was stuffed with snapping photographs 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 really wished it was longer.
The drive alone was a tour of hidden castles, rolling inexperienced hills, a fantastic purple flower (which I now know is foxtail), and employees 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 constructions from the ice age. Superb!
Whereas on the Isle of Mull, stopping on the Inverlussa mussel farm is an absolute should. The mussels are of the best high quality and served in a wealthy garlic and butter combination. Better of all, 5 kilos of mussels value simply £5. Everyone knows I don’t wish to cross up a superb deal.
Though, there’s way more to the Isle of Mull than the deliciously contemporary mussels. Mull is the second largest of the Inside Hebrides islands (following Skye) off Scotland’s west coast. Wildlife may be noticed virtually all over the place you activate this isle, from dolphins to the beautiful white-tailed sea eagles. The three,000-foot-tall Ben Extra, Scottish Galeic for “nice mountain,” stands tall as Mull’s highest mountain providing chook’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 the whole method. For the 45-minute experience, 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 contemporary mussels in a garlic and white wine sauce at Martyr’s Bay Restaurant. Low cost and completely divine, I may 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 seem 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 potential, goal your go to for considered 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 onerous to imagine that she was unimpressed and donated it to Scotland. I, alternatively, am comfortable this valuable island hasn’t been privatized.
We returned to Oban exhausted however with a wholly new understanding of simply how magical this nation is.
To cap off the day we took an extended 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 positioned 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 historic glens in Scotland.
GLENCOE
*NOTE* On one other journey to Scotland we spent a stable 3 days in Glencoe space. There’s SO MUCH to see and do and we spent a number 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 heart of Oban. It was time to maneuver on, however we had yet another factor to do earlier than leaving — make a pit cease on the Tesco grocery store. If you happen to’ve by no means been to Tesco, you’re actually lacking out. The well-known Tesco meal deal features a foremost dish, a aspect, a dessert pudding, and the selection of a comfortable drink, wine, or beer for simply £3.50. It’s greater than sufficient meals for 2, so we crammed up earlier than the three-hour drive to the Isle of Skye.
Alongside the best way, we stopped to snap photographs of the Thirteenth-century Eilean Donan Citadel, named for the Celtic saint Donnan of Eigg. The fort is so photogenic you could discover it acquainted, because it has been featured in numerous films and TV reveals. After all, we took this as a possibility to attempt a neighborhood cafe, the place we snacked on sticky buns.
Skye is the biggest island of Scotland’s Inside Hebrides, named for the Norse phrase skye that means cloud and island, or misty island, however that title doesn’t do it justice. Skye is thought for its pure magnificence, which is claimed to be probably the most gorgeous 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. Happily, there are 120 distilleries within the nation, in order that they’re not onerous to return by. The Talisker Distillery is the Isle of Skye’s oldest distillery and the situation on the shores of Loch Harport is price seeing alone.
Nevertheless, I might by no means counsel 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 methods to correctly style a whisky, and to open our mouths when smelling to keep away from burning our noses. Make sure you guide your tour 48 hours forward of time to safe an area.
As soon as we’d smelled and tasted sufficient whisky for someday, we headed to the Fairy Swimming pools, a famously scenic space with swimming holes and waterfalls. It is a great spot to take a straightforward 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 crammed 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 best way.
One other nice choice for meals is the Oyster Shed. It is fast and simple to order with a lot of contemporary seafood!
Day 4 – Isle of Skye
Day 4 started with a drive to Dunvegan Citadel. 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 following portion of our sightseeing day, we stopped by the Skyeskyns Tannery. Right here, you’ll be able to 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 excess of a museum and can entertain even probably the most cussed museum-goer. This museum is extra like a visit again in time to an previous Highland village, with a wide range of buildings housing various things, like a barn, a store, a home, and extra. I cherished seeing how folks used to reside within the previous 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 Observe Cafe for dessert.
From right here, we drove to the Quiraing and hiked some time to absorb a number of the most spectacular views within the nation, stuffed with 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 observe the sundown and finish one other day in Scotland.
We additionally had been additionally handled to a Scottish bagpipe present.
An awesome 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 together with his thumb poking out of the earth. His ‘thumb’ is what we now seek advice from because the Outdated Man of Storr.
Fairy Glen is a extremely cool space! Fairy Glen, positioned on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, is a mystical and enchanting panorama recognized 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 neglected 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 Citadel Ewen, a pure tower providing panoramic views of the glen. Fairy Glen is a magical cease on any Scotland itinerary, particularly for these in search of pure magnificence and a contact of folklore.
Lastly, on Skye, you’ll be able to head to Portree, which is the capital of the Isle of Skye and a reasonably, colourful city.
Try this someday, better of Skye tour should you’re brief on time.
Day 5 – Lochness and Inveraray Citadel
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 beautiful, with the deepest half close to Urquhart Citadel, 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 considered one of my favourite methods we took within the Scottish tradition, partying with the locals.
After that we explored the attractive fort of Inveraray. It is the attractive 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 effectively maintained grounds are good to walk round. You can too go inside for a payment to tour the fort.
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 town, it’s onerous to imagine pristine inexperienced, rolling hills, lochs, caves, and cliffs are only a brief distance away. Exploring town on foot is an absolute should, beginning with a stroll alongside the Royal Mile, from the fort to the palace, in Outdated City. The traditional structure will constantly cease you in your tracks, in addition to the combination of eating places, pubs, and retailers.
After all, no journey to Edinburgh is full and not using a stroll inside Edinburgh Citadel. You may need to stroll up hill to Citadel Rock, however it’s price it for the views. There was human occupation right here because the Iron Age! The fort is now residence to the Scottish Nationwide Battle Memorial in addition to the Crown Jewels. I counsel 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 fantastic church proper by the fort.
An awesome place to cease for lunch is Oink. There may be a line however don’t fret, it strikes quick. That is additionally a fantastic space to stroll round with rainbow coloured buildings on Victoria Avenue.
To not be missed is the Nationwide Museum of Scotland, stuffed with treasures of Scottish antiquities, the constructing itself is an artwork type. It is an excellent place to study Scotland’s historical past. Save time right here as you can spend about half a day simply touring this museum!
As you are popping out of the museum, proper close to the Edinburgh Waverly station, ensure to take a look at the Scott Monument. It is an enormous monument devoted to Sit Walter Scott.
Palace of Holyroodhouse is the place it is best to undoubtedly take a guided tour to be taught in regards to the official residence of the Brits monarch when in Scotland. You’ll be able to discover 14 totally different historic and state flats in addition to the ruins of the 12-century Holyrood Abbey. If you happen to 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 probably the most picturesque views of Edinburgh!
Day 7 – Edinburgh
When within the coronary heart of town, we paid a go to to the Museum of Edinburgh, a cease that will provide you with extra perception into the distinctive tradition and historical past of town. Edinburgh is thought for its numerous myths and legends, together with one which befell in Greyfriar’s Kirkyard. For 14 years, a canine sat by his grasp’s grave. He grew to become a daily 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 day by day appearances grew to become a spectacle, and a statue of him now stands on the Kirkyard gates.
The museum is stuffed with attention-grabbing tales like Bobby’s, and I do know this museum go to made me get pleasure from 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 town was turning into too busy and decrepit. A contest was held to create blueprints of the brand new city, and a person named James Craig gained. The general public considered Craig’s blueprint as an image of modernity, and rich folks started flocking to town, bringing much more industries. Scotland lastly had a worthy capital, and the blueprint may be considered within the museum at this time.
Different websites we visited, which I don’t suppose anybody ought to miss are Dean Village, the Floral Clock, and Digicam 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 photographs 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. Inside the Princess Avenue Gardens is a huge clock fabricated from flowers, the primary of its form on the planet. The design of the clock modifications twice per yr, taking two males 5 weeks and 30,000 flowers to finish.
If you happen to love Harry Potter, ensure to go to The Elephant Home Cafe, the place J.Ok. Rowling wrote the beloved books over espresso and cake! If you happen to’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 Digicam Obscura & World of Illusions. It might sound like a “Ripley’s Imagine 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 probably the most attention-grabbing methods potential. Take a tour of town streets with out transferring, then puzzle your mind with mind-boggling illusions. This place is simply pure enjoyable!
However considered one of my favourite issues we did was to go on a tour of the Actual Mary Queen’s Shut. This was such an attention-grabbing take a look at Edinburgh’s previous and the loopy situations such because the Black Plague that ran rampant in Medieval occasions. The historical past appears frozen in time on this come to life museum.
We rounded out our seven days in Scotland with one closing 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 retailers. For my part, no journey is full with out ice cream, and Mary’s Milk Bar has a number of the greatest within the metropolis.
Have further time?
Head to Glasgow! Many individuals do not consider Glasgow after they consider Scotland. They consider the luxurious, rolling hills of the Highlands, the beautiful 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 stuffed with nice museums, superior music, and loads of full of life 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 out of doors lovers!)
The Cairngorms is the UK’s largest nationwide park, providing breathtaking mountain surroundings, plentiful wildlife, and out of doors 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 fort 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 recognized for its gorgeous 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” fort, Craigievar!
Our seven days in Scotland had been filled with every part from a number of the most opulent 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.
