travel blog scotland

• WATCH ME SEE | A SCOTLAND TRAVEL BLOG
• Privacy Policy

• Itinerary Review
• Ready-Made Itineraries
• Bespoke Itineraries
• Planning Your Trip
• Scottish Regions
• Free Checklist
• Scotland Itineraries
• All Blog Posts
• Where to go?
• Scotland Resource Library
• Scotland Travel Journal
• Meine Schottland Bücher
• About Watch Me See
• Work with Me
• In the Press

Plan the Scotland trip of your dreams!

Let’s stop the overwhelm of travel planning. my itineraries help you see scotland on your terms..

In 2013, I followed a calling I could not explain. I packed my bags and moved to Glasgow – without ever having set foot in Scotland before. Needless to say, I never looked back!

Now I want to help you plan your own epic Scotland adventure!

On Watch Me See I share my top tips for planning a trip to Scotland. You will find itinerary suggestions, destination guides, practical advice, ideas for outdoor activities, hiking guides, tips for vegan travellers and lots of travel inspiration to fuel your wanderlust for Scotland!

Thanks for being here!

Plan your trip with my Scotland Itineraries

Written for those who want to see the Scotland on their own terms

Step 1: Plan an epic trip to Scotland that ticks all your boxes.

Step 2: Have the time of your life and make unforgettable memories.

My ready-made Scotland itineraries show you how!

Let me help you with

Trip planning.

Planning advice, practical travel tips and lots of secret tricks for your trip.

your itinerary

Read-made itineraries that highlight the best of Scotland across the regions.

where to go

Get an overview of Scottish regions, where to visit and what to do.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR SCOTLAND ITINERARY?

You deserve a trip to scotland that is 100% you.

I offer itinerary reviews, customised itinerary planning and accommodation research to help you turn your dream of travelling to Scotland into reality.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR ITINERARY?

Where are you going.

Glasgow & Edinburgh

Scottish Highlands

Scottish Isles & Coast

Outdoor Activities

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Destinations A-Z

How to Plan the Perfect Scotland Vacation

From fairy-tale castles to charming small towns, the Scottish countryside is every bit as spectacular as you've heard.

Best Times to Go to Scotland

Best things to do in scotland.

• Getting to the Scottish Highlands

Where to Stay in Scotland

With its stately castles , glass-like lochs, and voluptuous glens, Scotland has always been a showstopper. The country's magic extends from its quaint small towns to the snow-capped peaks of its romantic, rugged Highlands to its dynamic modern cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh. It's home to some of the best national parks in the U.K. and more than 900 offshore islands with extraordinary wildlife like regal red stags, majestic golden eagles, humpback whales, and massive salmon (not to mention the fabled inhabitant of Loch Ness, too).

The raw, poetic beauty of this ancient land — formerly known as Caledonia — is difficult to overstate. If you're hoping to head to the U.K.'s ravishing northern nation, read on for our guide to planning the perfect Scotland vacation.

The bad news is that, like the rest of the U.K., Scotland's weather is far from reliable, even at the height of summer. But as long as you're prepared to accept that and pack a raincoat for the odd shower or two, then you'll be fine from May to September. The smart money is on visiting in June and the first two weeks of July, when Scotland basks in seemingly endless summer evenings (the sun doesn't set until 11 p.m. in some parts of the Highlands) and the British school holidays have not yet begun, so prices remain low.

For winter travelers, Scotland has the U.K.'s best ski resort at Cairngorm Mountain , while the capital, Edinburgh, hosts one of the world's biggest New Year's Eve parties, Hogmanay .

If you like the great outdoors, you'll love Scotland. It's an ideal place for hiking, biking, and generally embracing the wildly beautiful landscape. You can summit magnificent Ben Nevis in a day (the tallest mountain in the U.K., at 4,413 feet), take a ferry out to explore the Hebrides archipelago and its stunning white-sand beaches, tour scores of castles, including the Queen's favorite holiday home, Balmoral (open to the public every April through July), and dive into a quirky food scene encompassing dishes like haggis (an offal and oatmeal combo, which tastes significantly better than it sounds), deep-fried mars bars, and juicy scallops, langoustines, and mussels.

Scotland is also a mecca for both golfers ( St. Andrews Old Course is the headline act) and whisky lovers , with some of the world's best distilleries available to tour, including Johnnie Walker on Edinburgh's lively Princes Street, Glenlivet near pretty Ballindalloch, and the legendary Macallan on a sprawling country estate in nearby Aberlour.

If you enjoy driving, you'll find some of the U.K.'s emptiest, most dramatic roads here, too, (as driven by James Bond in "Skyfall"), including the latest official addition, the North Coast 500 , an action-packed 500-mile route (516 to be exact) featuring mind-boggling coastal scenery, jaw-dropping beaches, rolling hillside, quaint fishing villages, and multiple hidden gems.

And if you prefer your challenges on foot, check out the magnificent West Highland Way , the country's best-loved long-distance walking route. Snaking its way from Milngavie to Fort William, it covers some of Scotland's finest scenery over 96 miles and is normally completed from south to north.

Meanwhile, history buffs will also be agog on any visit to Scotland, thanks to its 3,000-plus castles ( Castle Sween in Argyll is the oldest, dating back to the 1100s), as well as plenty to check out in the winding wynds (narrow lanes) and twisted staircases of Edinburgh's enchanting Old Town. ( Edinburgh Castle , towering over the city, is arguably the grandest in the country, too.)

If you can, make time to visit Perth, the former Scottish capital where kings were crowned on the Stone of Destiny and infamous Glen Coe, a beautiful valley full of waterfalls and deer, also known for the brutal clan massacre of 1692 (which inspired the Red Wedding in George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones ).

Where are the Scottish Highlands — and what is the best way to get there?

Jess Macdonald/Travel + Leisure

The clue is in its name: the Highlands are the mountainous upper half of Scotland, covering 10,000 square miles of picturesque scenery. The region's lively capital is Inverness , which sits centrally and is a superb base from which to explore, while other highlights include mysterious, misty Loch Ness, majestic Cairngorms National Park , and idyllic Isle of Skye , which has been connected to the mainland via a road bridge since 1995.

The easiest way to reach the Highlands is to fly into Inverness Airport from London or elsewhere in the U.K., or rent a car and drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh. However, the way to arrive in style is on the Caledonian Sleeper train from London Euston, a chugging time machine where you can fall asleep to the sounds of black cabs and bustle of the British capital and wake up among the red deer and magical glens of the Highlands. Regularly nominated as one of the world's best train journeys , the scenery gets truly spectacular after Fort William, as the route skirts a dramatic chain of lochs before descending into lush glens and crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter films. For the ultimate Hogwarts experience, steam locomotives work this route during the summer months, so check in advance for these special departures.

The major cities have an abundance of hotels for every budget, headlined by Glasgow's Kimpton Blythswood Square , a boutique property in the former headquarters of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, and The Dunstane Houses in Edinburgh, a pair of beautifully renovated 19th-century townhouses.

Scotland arguably does traditional country house hotels and rustic lodges better than anywhere else in the world, with Fife Arms in Braemar and Gleneagles in Perthshire being particular treats (the latter, nicknamed the "Glorious Playground" boasts three championship golf courses, its own dedicated train station, and the only restaurant in the country with two Michelin stars).

Scotland is, of course, peppered with castles, and many have been converted into hotels and B&Bs in recent years, with some of the better fortified accommodation options including Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire, Inverlochy Castle in Fort William, Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry, and Stonefield Castle Hotel on Loch Fyne.

Wherever you stay, you'll get a warm welcome — not to mention a hot bowl of Scottish porridge or a plate of bacon, eggs, and haggis to start the day in a spectacularly scenic country.

Related Articles

The Ultimate Scotland Road Trip Itinerary: 9 Days in Isle of Skye, Edinburgh, Loch Ness & More.

Scotland has long lingered on my travel bucket list. Its grassy carpet-like fields, uncounted cascading waterfalls, stirring mountains, and craggy coastlines are pure fantasy for the landscape lover. Or really for anyone who yearns for long scenic drives, surrounded by raw nature at its finest.

Scotland’s most worthwhile spectacles tend to be concealed down winding, narrow roads, unruffled by the trivial hustle and bustle of civilisation.

The best way to experience the unforgiving land known by ancient Romans as  Caledonia  is by jumping behind the wheel for a wee road trip.

My circular 9-day Scotland road trip itinerary involves  hiring a car in the capital, Edinburgh , and driving north to Inverness, then delving deep into rugged highlands before climaxing with the fanciful Isle of Skye. Of course, we’ll stop along the way to glimpse cute highland coos and sip authentic Scotch whisky.  

Throw a few  bagpipe anthems  to your road trip playlist, grab yer kilt, crank up  Scotland The Brave , and let’s hit the road!

If you’re Scottish, I apologise in advance if I offend with my sense of humour. I really do love your country!

Phew! That got them gingers off my tail.

Essential Scotland Road Trip Tips

1. pack for cold weather and never believe the weather forecast.

Scotland’s lush green landscapes have one little catch – rain. Lots of rain. The driest and warmest time to visit is during the summer months of July and August. But even then, don’t take the weather forecast too seriously as it seems to change by the hour!

My Scotland road trip was in early September, which seemed to be the sweet spot. Popular stops weren’t too crowded and we only had one day of heavy, non-stop rain towards the end of our trip.

Weather in the highlands ranged from 10°C to 17°C (50°F to 63°F) in September, so remember to pack a warm jacket, scarf, beanie, and umbrella.

2. Stay in local B&Bs and book in advance

I stayed in small B&Bs in the highlands for the cosy, home-away-from-home feeling. All of my hosts were extremely welcoming and treated me to delicious traditional Scottish breakfasts each morning.

Most B&Bs tend to fill up fast, so I suggest booking a few weeks in advance - a couple of months would be better. Alternatively, look for staycation hotels for short trips, as you can find bargains when travelling in shoulder season.

3. Use caution with Google Maps

This app is a life-saver, an essential tool on any road trip. However, some minor “roads” in Scotland that Google Maps sends you down really aren’t roads. They’d barely rate as footpaths in other countries, and you may not always be able to drive on them. Other times they could be a private farm road. So, take directions with a large grain of salt and study your route ahead of time. And remember to download your offline maps while on Wi-Fi.

Day 1 – Edinburgh

Edinburgh is jam-packed full of Scottish history and culture, from the 12 th century Edinburgh Castle, to elegant streets lined with colourful Georgian townhouses, to bagpipes playing traditional melodies in the background.

Although this road trip is all about Scotland’s natural beauty, the first day is dedicated to Edinburgh getting a feel for the all things Scottish. My favourite things to do in Edinburgh include:

Soak up Scottish history at Edinburgh Castle

The history of Edinburgh Castle dates back to the 12 th century when it was a royal residence. From the 14 th century, it became heavily involved in the Wars of Scottish Independence, earning its reputation as the most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked structures in the world.

The castle now offers spectacular views over Edinburgh for visitors from all over the world. Be sure to check out St Margaret’s Chapel , the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh; the Royal Palace , where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to King James VI and where the Crown Jewels and Stone of Scone now reside; the National War Museum ; and, of course, the whiskey shop .

I recommend buying skip-the-line tickets online and visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds. Free guided tours run every 15 minutes (starting under a red clock near Mill’s Mount Battery ), so I suggest starting with a tour then returning to your favourite spots. Our guide summarised the castle’s turbulent history and shared handy tips, from the least slippery parts of the medieval pavement to the best place to watch the one o’clock gun fire at, you guessed it, one o’clock.

Hours: 9:30am – 6pm, daily (summer hours)

Visit length: 1.5 - 2 hours.

Marvel at the beauty of St Giles’ Cathedral

St Giles’ Cathedral started its life as a catholic cathedral in the 12 th century. After being involved in the Scottish Reformation and independence from Catholicism, it came to be known as the Mother Church of World Presbyterianism. St Giles is both fascinating and gorgeous, with grand stained-glass windows and several military and religious monuments.

Entry is free but photography permits are £2 and must be purchased before taking photos inside the cathedral, even on your smartphone.

Hours: 9am – 7pm Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm Saturday, 1pm – 5pm Sunday (summer hours)

Visit length: 30 minutes

Introduce yourself to Scotch whisky at Whiski Rooms

Whiski Rooms is my favourite place to taste single malt whisky in Edinburgh. While you can pre-book an official Whiskey tasting at a set time, you can also simply walk up to the bar at any time and order a whisky flight to taste.

Each flight comes with 4 small glasses of whiskey selected from a menu, from staff favourites to aged classics. I played it safe with the Introduction to Whisky flight and sampled 4 varieties from different regions around Scotland. Hold on to your whiskey menus as they include instructions on how to taste whisky like a pro.

Hours: 10am to 1am, daily

Visit length: 1 hour

Walk in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots at Holyrood Palace

The Palace of Holyroodhouse , or Holyrood Palace, is located at the opposite end of The Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. Tickets include an interactive audio guide which leads you on a journey through the palace, exploring its history from construction in 1528 to modern use by Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family.

Highlights include Mary Queen of Scots’ bedchamber and stories from her life in the palace; the ruins of Holyrood Abbey; and a walk through the palace gardens where the Queen hosts a garden party every July.

Hours: 9:30am – 6pm (summer hours)

Visit length: 1.5 hours

Watch the sunset from Arthur’s Seat

If you’re feeling fit, climb the dormant volcano, Arthur’s Seat , to watch the sun set over the city. Climbing to the top takes about an hour, although there are lower, easier-to-reach lookout points too. Wear suitable shoes as some parts of the climb are quite slippery and bring lots of water.

Visit length: 2 - 2.5 hours

Have a picnic at Calton Hill

For a less exerting lookout point, visit Calton Hill which just has 2-3 minutes’ worth of stairs to climb.  Calton Hill is home to several significant Neoclassical monuments, including the National Monument of Scotland and the Nelson Monument . There’s also a large grassed area, which is the perfect place to relax with a book or have a little picnic and admire the views.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

I spent 2 nights in sophisticated style at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh , conveniently located within walking distance of all attractions listed above.  

I stayed in a spacious Designer Suite with an elegant watercolour theme continued throughout the room from the furniture to the wallpaper. Each Designer Suite is decorated with unique artwork, so you’ll feel like a celebrity with the tailor-made interior.

Celebrity treatment continues at breakfast, with a generous buffet of pastries, cereals, and fruit as well as a cooked-to-order hot breakfast. I ordered the vegetarian breakfast which came with vegan haggis (yum!), sausages and grilled vegetables.

If you’ve already collected your rental car, parking is available at sister hotel, Radisson Blu Edinburgh (5 minutes walk) for £12.50 per night. Otherwise, find a rental car on Rentalcars.com .

Day 2 – Edinburgh to Inverness

Driving time: 3.5 hours

The first actual road trip day involves driving from Edinburgh to Inverness. Inverness is the last major city on the trip so stock up on road trip snacks and anything else you might need, like car chargers and aux cables, as they’ll become increasingly harder to find.

I left Edinburgh at 10am, had lunch in Dunkeld at 12:30pm, and arrived in Inverness at 5:30pm.

See the UNESCO heritage listed Forth Bridge at Queensferry

Navigate to the Binks Carpark at South Queensferry Harbour, a 30-minute drive west from Edinburgh. Most carparks in Queensferry tend to be pretty busy, especially on weekends, so you may need to drive around for a few minutes or wait for someone to leave.

After parking, we walked along the foreshore to the pier , admired the red Forth Bridge , and stopped for coffee at a waterfront café.

Grab lunch by the river in Dunkeld

Next, set navigate to the Tay Terrace Carpark in Dunkeld, a 1-hour drive from Queensferry. Parking is free on Sundays, but otherwise paid so make sure you have a few coins.

We had lunch in the riverfront garden of the Atholl Arms , a tavern serving traditional pub food with a few vegetarian and vegan options.

After lunch, we walked along Atholl Street to explore the town, stopping at the Ell Shop to buy locally made souvenirs. Items for sale include mugs, ceramics, books, cashmere scarfs, and even pet accessories. We then visited the restored, 14 th century Dunkeld Cathedral , located on the riverbank, surrounded by beautiful parklands. Inside the small church is an even smaller museum with ruins of standing stones and informative posters on the history of the cathedral and town.

Visit length: 2 hours

See your first Scottish waterfall at the Falls of Bruar

The last stop is a 30-minute drive northwest from Dunkeld. Navigate to the House of Bruar which has a large carpark and a complex of shops selling clothing, homewares, and local produce like nuts, chocolate, jams, biscuits, cheeses, olives, and of course, whisky. There’s also a café and buffet restaurant. Have a wander around the somewhat overpriced shops, but the real treat is the nearby waterfall.

Around the back of the buildings is a quaint walking trail that leads to the Falls of Bruar and a small stone bridge. The waterfall viewing platforms are a 15-minute stroll north from the shops and carpark.

Check into your B&B in Inverness

The last leg of the day is a 90-minute drive north to Inverness to check into your B&B for the next 2 nights. I stayed in Riverview Guesthouse which I highly recommend for the modern yet cosy rooms, delicious breakfasts, and super friendly staff.

Bubbly owner, Eilidh, recommended the best restaurants in town for our dinner and kindly offered to make reservations for us. Tip: Zizzi have a few delicious Italian-themed vegan options.

Day 3 – Loch Ness

Driving time: 2 hours

Day 3 is spent exploring the region around Loch Ness, the largest water body in the UK by volume. Loch Ness is famous for its fabled elusive sea monster, but it’s also one of the most beautiful and serene places in Scotland.

I left Inverness at 9am, had lunch in Fort Augustus at 2pm, and arrived back at Inverness at 5.30pm.

Learn the legend behind the Loch Ness Monster at Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition

Drive 25-minutes southwest from Inverness to Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition to walk through a series of interactive videos about the history of Loch Ness and the search for the famous Loch Ness Monster, Nessie. Tickets are available at the door for £8.45 per adult.

According to the videos, there’s been over 1,000 sightings of a ‘monster’ in Loch Ness since 1868, sparking scientific studies into lifeforms inside the loch. The videos present the studies’ findings, including possible explanations for each ‘monster’ sighting, but ultimately leave it up to you to decide whether or not Nessie is hiding in the deep, dark waters.

The exhibition ends in a gift shop selling Nessie toys and souvenirs, books, and clothing. I couldn’t help but buy a somewhat-traditional Scottish hat.

Semi-true story: Apparently 40% of people in Scotland have a recessive gene for ginger hair. Mine spontaneously activated.

Visit length: 80 minutes

Explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle

The next stop, Urquhart Castle , is a 7-minute drive southeast from Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. Tickets can be purchased at the door for £12 per adult. The visit starts with an 8-minute introductory video on the castle’s history, covering its construction, involvement in clan disputes and the Wars of Scottish Independence, and its abandonment and destruction in 1692.

After the video, wander through the castle ruins for some of the best views over Loch Ness and to see the interesting rock wall remnants of buildings like the guard house and stables.

Cruise along Loch Ness from Fort Augustus

Navigate to the Fort Augustus Pay & Display Carpark , a 30-minute drive southwest from Urquhart Castle towards the southern tip of Loch Ness. Once you’ve paid for parking, walk 5 minutes to Cruise Loch Ness for a 45-minute boat ride on the loch. I recommend catching the 1pm boat and arriving 15 minutes early to be one of the first in line for the best seats on the top deck. Tickets can be booked online in advance. During the cruise, humorous staff explain the habitats alongside Loch Ness and point out deer, goats, and waterfalls on the water’s edge. The lower deck bar sells snacks, beer, and whisky (of course!) to enjoy while taking in the views.

After the boat ride, grab some lunch at a nearby pub like the Richmond House Hotel then enjoy a quiet walk along the Fort Augustus Locks or pick up a souvenir at the Clansman Centre or the Millshop.

Visit length: 3 hours

Wander alongside the Falls of Foyers

Drive 26 minutes northeast to the free Falls of Foyers carpark , located across the road from the waterfalls. There are 2 viewing points, one for the upper falls and one for the lower falls. I suggest only going to the upper falls which is a 10-minute walk along a fairly easy, but narrow, path to see the dramatic, roaring waterfall. The path to the lower falls is much longer and steeper and leads to a shallow cascading waterfall.

Return to Inverness for dinner and drinks

Drive 35 minutes northeast back to Inverness for your last night at Riverview Guesthouse . I suggest wandering around the city or enjoying a cocktail at Contrast before dinner. We were lucky enough to have Eilidh make dinner reservations for us again. Tip: try The Alleycat for the only dedicated vegan restaurant in town.

Day 4 – Inverness to Ullapool 

Driving time: 3 hours

Day 4 is one of the most scenic driving days of this road trip. Expect a few spur-of-the-moment stops on the side of the road to admire scenery or grazing livestock that will undoubtedly catch your attention.

I left Inverness at 9:30am, had lunch in Achiltibuie at 1pm, and arrived in Ullapool at 5pm.

Walk along the pebbly Ardmair Beach

Navigate to Ardmair Beach , a 1-hour 20-minute drive northwest from Inverness. There’s no official car park here so just pull over on the side of the road and walk down to the serene, pebbly beach for a gentle walk or to practice stone skipping.

Admire the soaring Stac Pollaidh

Next, drive 20-minutes north to the Stac Pollaidh , a soaring rocky mountain with sandstone pinnacles. I suggest navigating to the main carpark which is a short walk from the mountain’s base and primarily used by mountain climbing enthusiasts. This region is where you’ll find yourself pulling over every few minutes to take photos of lakes, spectacular views of the mountain, or herds of cute fluffy sheep.

I didn’t venture too far from the carpark but spent a few minutes admiring the serene Stac Pollaidh, and took a quick drone flight, before continuing on.

Have lunch at the only restaurant in Achiltibuie

Next, drive 20 minutes west to the Achiltibuie Piping School Café , a small, basic restaurant overlooking green fields stretching towards the sea. The restaurant’s veggie burger is delicious and they have free Wi-Fi… not bad for such a remote location!

Stretch your legs at Achmelvich Beach

The next leg is one of the most beautiful and also one of the most nerve-wracking with narrow roads winding around sharp corners and up steep hills. You’ll find yourself pulling over to let people pass as you drive under lush canopies and beside trickling creeks that seem to have leapt out of the pages of a whimsical fairy tale.

Navigate to Achmelvich Beach Car Park , a 1-hour drive north from Achiltibuie, and walk 2 minutes down to the white, sandy beach flanked by rocky outcrops. It was fairly cold and windy on the day of our visit, but we still enjoyed a short walk along the paradisiac shore.

Walk out to the ruins of Advreck Castle

Next, navigate to the Advreck Castle Parking lot to visit the ruins of this 16 th century castle, a 22-minute drive east from Achmelvich Beach. The ‘parking lot’ is more of a shoulder on the side of the road, but don’t worry if it’s full as there are a few other wide shoulders nearby. The castle ruins are located at the end of a sandbar and across a large field with no real footpath. The ruins are exquisite to see up close but make sure you bring waterproof shoes as the field can be quite muddy. Or just do it “Josh style” and dance across the water-logged grass on your tippy toes like a sugar plum fairy . On the opposite side of the road is another waterfall .

Check into your B&B in Ullapool

Drive 35 minutes south to check into your B&B in Ullapool. I recommend staying at Riverside because of its central location within walking distance of several restaurants, friendly staff, and traditional Scottish breakfasts, including a vegetarian option.

I suggest either Ceilidh Place or the Arch Inn for dinner. Ceilidh Place requires an advanced booking while the Arch Inn asks guests to enjoy a drink in the bar until a table is free.

Day 5 – Ullapool to Isle of Skye

Driving time: 5 hours, 45 minutes

Day 5 requires navigating to a few stops along the famous North Coast 500 route to keep Google Maps on the scenic road. If you navigate straight to the Isle of Skye, Google Maps will take you on the most direct route, which involves less driving, but misses the jaw-dropping gorges, rivers, and waterfalls along Scotland’s exquisite north-west coastline.

I left Ullapool at 9am, had lunch in Torridon at 1.30pm, dinner on the Isle of Skye at 6pm, and arrived at my B&B on the Isle of Skye at 7:30pm.

Marvel at lush gardens thriving on a seaside clifftop at Inverewe Garden

Before leaving Ullapool, make a quick stop at Tesco to refill your road trip snack supply. Then navigate to Inverewe Garden , a 1-hour 15-minute drive southwest from Ullapool.  

Inverewe Garden is a lush botanical garden remarkably thriving on a harsh windy, rocky coastline. The garden includes plants from various climates and regions, including a vegetable garden, bamboo forest, South American garden, and succulent garden. The lookout point offers panoramic views over the sea and an old hunting lodge has been transformed into a small museum. Tickets are available at the door for £12.50 per adult. Tip: Keep a lookout for the teeny Venus flytrap!

Visit length:1 hour

Wander through church ruins before lunch in Torridon

Next, navigate to the Torridon Stores & Cafe , a 1-hour drive from Inverewe Garden, and park in the small carpark across the road. Walk about 5 minutes down a gravel path to the Am Ploc Open Air Church Ruins , dramatically located on the water’s edge.

After a peaceful stroll through the ruins, have some lunch either at Torridon Stores & Café or the Torridon Inn , a 6-minute drive away.

Try to spot highland coos on the road to Applecross

Navigate to the Applecross Inn , a 1-hour drive southeast from Torridon via Fernmore . You may see some highland coos grazing alongside the road to Applecross if you’re lucky.

Stop at the Applecross Inn for a coffee break before continuing to possibly one of the most stunning scenic mountain passes in the world… “Bealach na Ba”. Sorry, you can’t buy a vowel. It means “pass of the cattle” in Scottish. I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

Check into your B&B on the Isle of Skye

Next, navigate to the vegan-friendly Café Sia on Isle of Skye where I stopped for dinner at about 6pm. Café Sia is a winding 1-hour 25-minute drive from Bealach na Ba Viewpoint. The route will take you across the Skye Bridge for your first view of the Isle of Skye’s cloud-tipped cliffs and verdant fields. It could only be described as a love child of Middle Earth and Hawaii.

After dinner drive another 50 minutes northwest to Portree to check into your B&B for the next 3 nights. I stayed at Kiloran Bed and Breakfast , a 10-minute drive northwest of Portree and the perfect location for a little peace and quiet with waterfront views. Our host, Neil, made continental breakfast each morning with fruit, cereals, toast, and porridge, and kindly shared expert local tips on each location we planned to visit with the aid of his wall-sized map of the island.

Day 6 – Isle of Skye

Driving time: 2.5 hours

The first day on the Isle of Skye is spent exploring the Trotternish peninsular, home to some of the isle’s most beautiful landscapes.

I left my B&B at 10am, had lunch in Staffin at 1pm, dinner in Portree at 6:30pm, and returned to the B&B at 7.30pm.

Drive along Loch Fada to the Old Man of Storr

Navigate to the Old Man of Storr parking lot to see the rocky mountain face resembling a pointed finger. In fact, from a certain angle it looks like a middle finger. This is Scotland, after all. The carpark tends to be quite busy so you may have to wait for someone to leave or park in a shoulder further up the road. The 30-minute drive from Kiloran Bed and Breakfast will take you along the serene Loch Fada , which I couldn’t resist pulling over to photograph.

If you enjoy hiking, follow the dirt track uphill to see the Old Man of Storr up close, which will take a little under 2 hours. Otherwise, follow the path for 15-20 minutes for slightly better views, then return to the carpark. I chose the second option to fit more into the day.

Look out over Brothers Point

Next, drive 12 minutes north to park at Brothers point (Rubha nam Brathairean) and wander over to the 2 lookout points. One lookout point has views of a waterfall while the other has views of dramatic cliffs soaring up from the sea. If you’re not afraid of heights, follow the dirt path to the edge of the cliffs for a closer look, just don’t get too close!

Quickly admire Kilt Rock

Next, drive 6 minutes north to the Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls Viewpoint for the best views of a large rock that remarkably resembles a Scottish kilt. You’ll also see a man-made waterfall teeming down the side of a cliff into the sea and informative plaques on dinosaur footprints found in the area.

Lunch in Staffin

When you’re ready for lunch, drive 5-minutes north to the small town of Staffin. I chose to eat at Columba 1400 Café which has several vegetarian and vegan options.

Walk among dinosaur footprints at An Corran Beach 

After lunch, drive 5 minutes north to the rocky An Corran Beach to see fossilized dinosaur footprints . There’s a plaque highlighting where on the rocky shore the footprints are located, but I personally couldn’t spot them. Can you see them in the picture below? Squint harder!

Dinosaur footprints or not, the beach makes for a relaxing stroll to admire gently lapping waves and small rock pools.

Marvel at the Quiraing

Navigate 10 minutes west up a steep, winding road to the Quiraing . There are 2 carparks at the top of the mountain, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to pull over along the way for photos.

I recommend spending at least 30 minutes wandering around the iconic landscapes of the Quiraing to appreciate the views. Be careful to avoid muddy patches or wear waterproof shoes.

Stop for a coffee break

We felt like a hot drink after walking around in the beautiful yet chilly landscapes of the Quiraing and drove 17 minutes north to the Single Track Art Gallery & Espresso Bar - one of Neil’s recommendations. I was pleasantly surprised to discover this tiny coffee shop sold vegan hot chocolate (with oat milk) and even had a few vegan cakes.

Saunter among the ruins of Duntlum Castle

Next, drive 5 minutes west to see the ruins of Duntlum Castle , located on the northern tip of the Isle of Skye. Park along the side of the road and walk about 5 minutes north along a somewhat muddy dirt track through a field of grazing sheep to view the crumbly cliffside castle.

Wander through the Fairy Glen

Navigate 25 minutes south to The Fairy Glen and park in a shoulder on the side of the road. The Fairy Glen has some of the most otherworldly landscapes on Skye, bearing an eerily close resemblance to The Shire of Middle Earth. I half-expected to spot hobbits. I suggest spending at least an hour to wander up and down the small hills, admiring the scenery from every possible angle.

Dinner in Portree

Drive 30 minutes southeast back to Portree for dinner and park in the short-term carpark , which is free after 6pm. I had dinner at Caroy House , which doesn’t take bookings but asks guests to enjoy a drink in the bar until a table is free. We only had to wait about 20 minutes. I recommend the millionaires log with vegan ice-cream for desert.

Day 7 – Isle of Skye

Driving time: 2 hours 45 minutes

I started day 7 by venturing to the lesser-known Waternish peninsula then visiting more popular sites at Dunvegan and Neist Point on the Duirinish peninsula.

I left my B&B at 10:30am, had lunch in Dunvegan at 1:30pm, dinner in Portree at 6pm, and returned to my B&B at 7:30pm.

See the ruins of Trumpan Church involved in clan disputes

Navigate to Trumpan Church , a 35-minute drive northwest from Kiloran Bed and Breakfast past several farming fields, a few art galleries, and exquisite views over the sea. There’s a small carpark opposite the ruins with informative plaques on bird watching in the area and the history of the church, which was involved in hideously bloody disputes between the MacDonald and MacLeod clans.

This part of the Isle of Skye is less popular with tourists and the perfect place to enjoy beautiful scenery away from the crowds.

Visit a seal colony from Dunvegan Castle

Drive 26 minutes south from Trumpan Church to Dunvegan Castle and Gardens and park in the carpark across the road. Tickets to visit the castle and surrounding gardens can be bought at the door for £14 per adult.

Before visiting Dunvegan Castle, the traditional home of the MacLeod clan, I recommend walking straight to the jetty to book a boat visit to a nearby seal colony. Boats run every 20 minutes on a first-come-first-served basis and tickets cost £9.50 per adult. Our boat captain shared a few Scottish folk tales and interesting facts about seals, like the markings on their skin being as unique as our fingerprints, as he guided us around small islands to see a colony of common seals. Bring a waterproof jacket as its difficult to avoid getting splashed by the chilly seawater.

After the boat tour, we wandered around the beautiful landscaped gardens and then visited inside the castle, following the set route to see exquisite antique furniture, portraits of former MacLeod clan chiefs, and prized possessions like the Fairy Flag which is said to have brought good luck to the MacLeod clan.

Visit length: 90 minutes

Lunch at The Dunvegan

Drive 2 minutes south to The Dunvegan Deli Cafe for lunch. I recommend the vegan charcuterie board. Yum!

After lunch, walk 2 minutes north along the road to see some locally made jewellery, clothing, art, and notepads at the Makers Market .

Visit the westernmost point of the Isle of Skye at Neist Point

Navigate 32 minutes west to the Neist Point carpark for climactic cliff oceanfront landscapes and the charming Neist Point Lighthouse . It takes about 30 minutes to climb down the steep stairs and follow the dirt path to the lighthouse. Bring a bottle of water as the climb back up to the car park is quite breathtaking – in the un-fit kind of way.

Before heading back to the car, I walked over to the top of the cliffs north from the carpark for the most iconic views over Neist Point and the lighthouse.

Drive 1 hour from Neist Point to the familiar-looking Portree short-term carpark for dinner. I recommend the Taste of India for delicious curries and a cocktail bar.

Day 8 – Isle of Skye to Kyle of Lochalsh

Driving Time: 2.5 hours

Day 8 involves visiting the southeast of the Isle of Skye on the way to Kyle of Lochalsh, where I spent the night to reduce driving time back to Edinburgh the following day.

I checked out of Kiloran Bed and Breakfast at 9:30am, had lunch in Silgachen at 1pm, and checked into my B&B at Kyle of Lochalsh at 5pm.

Walk alongside cascading waterfalls at the Fairy Pools

Drive 1 hour south from Kiloran Bed and Breakfast to the to the Fairy Pools Carpark and walk about 30 minutes down a long rocky path to reach the Fairy Pools . Spend at least 30 minutes walking alongside the cascading waterfalls and admiring the turquoise pools from every angle. Wear suitable shoes as some of the path involves navigating stepping stones across a creek as well as a muddy patch or two.

See more waterfalls at Silgachan

Navigate 25 minutes east to the Silgachan Waterfalls and park in a shoulder on the side of the road. You’ll only need to walk about 5 minutes to reach these waterfalls, which are just as impressive as the Fairy Pools in my opinion.

Visit length: 30 minutes  

Lunch at the Silgachan Hotel

Drive 2 minutes to Seumas’ Bar at the Silgachan Hotel for lunch. I recommend the Mexican 5 bean chilli and a glass of water fresh from the hotel’s natural spring. If the weather is cooperating, you could also wander across the road to quickly visit the Silgachan Old Bridge .

Tour the Talisker Whisky Distillery

After lunch, drive 15 minutes west from Silgachan to Talisker Whisky Distillery to join the 2pm tour. Tours tend to fill up fast so I suggest booking online or by phone at least 48 hours in advance to avoid disappointment. Tickets cost £10 per adult.

Our cheerful guide, Gordon, explained the history of Talisker, which dates back to 1830, as well as the history of crafting single malt whisky. He walked us through the modern process of making whisky, showing us the raw ingredient, barley, and the distillery’s mashing, fermentation, and distilling machines. The best part of the tour was saved for last when we got to taste their most popular whisky, Talisker Storm.

After the tour, you can wander around the gift shop and perhaps pick up a bottle or two of whisky to take home.

Find cute highland coos

Navigate 20 minutes east to this super-secret Coo view point to hopefully spot highland coos up close. I drove past to see where the coos were then turned around to pull into the nearest shoulder. It was pouring with sideways rain on the day of my visit, but the coos didn’t seem to mind!

Visit length: 15 minutes

Visit one last waterfall before leaving the Isle of Skye

Drive 3 minutes south to Blackhill Waterfall and pull over into a shoulder on the side of the road. The waterfall is visible from the road, but you can walk over for a closer look if you prefer.

Check into your last B&B

Drive 27 minutes east to check into your last B&B in the Scottish Highlands. I stayed at Seawinds , a simple, yet comfortable accommodation with everything you need for 1 night.

I recommend having dinner at Hector’s Bothy , an 8-minute walk or a 3-minute drive from Seawinds.

Day 9 – Kyle of Lochalsh to Edinburgh

Driving time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Day 9 is the longest driving day with a handful of scenic stops to stretch your legs.

I left Kyle of Lochalsh at 9:30am, had lunch in Fort William at 12pm, and arrived in Edinburgh at 6pm.

Explore Eilean Donan Castle

Drive 13 minutes east from Seawinds to Eilean Donan Castle , a restored 13 th century castle located on a small island at the meeting point of 3 lochs. Tickets can be bought at the door for £10 per adult and includes an audio guide, which leads you on a route through the castle, explaining its 700-year-long history. Highlights include spectacular views over the sea and mountains, a grand hall, and a replica 13 th century kitchen.

Lunch in Fort William

Navigate to the Viewforth Carpark in Fort William, a 90-minute drive southeast from Eilean Donan. Ignore map directions that lead you along the north side of Loch Lochy which is impassable – I found out the hard way.

Once you’ve paid for parking walk along Fort William’s pedestrian street to find a spot for lunch. I recommend the town’s only vegan restaurant, The Wildcat . Tip: try the chocolate cake.

After lunch, drive 10 minutes northeast to Inverlochy Castle to walk through the ruins of a 13th-century castle for free. A 10-minute stop should be plenty.

Stop at the Glencoe Visitors Centre

Drive 32 minutes south to the Glencoe Visitor Centre which has a well-stocked gift shop, several walking trails, and an amazing view of soaring mountain peaks. Parking costs £4 but is worth it for the decent rest stop.

Visit the roaring Falls of Falloch

Stop for a few minutes just east of the visitor centre at the Loch Achtriochtan viewpoint on the side of the road.

Navigate 50 minutes south, leaving the mountainous terrain behind, for the Falls of Falloch and make use of the free carpark.

Follow the footpath all the way to the end for the best views of the waterfall. Don’t abandon the footpath to follow the sound of rushing water via dirt tracks as this will lead you up the garden path. Literally. Trust me, I tried it, stick to the footpath.

Drive to Edinburgh

Drive 2 hours 6 minutes back to Edinburgh to return the hire car. I recommend spending another night at the Radisson Collection to recover from the long drive before returning home the following day.

If you had another day or two up your sleeve you could spend the time in Glasgow, exploring the city, before returning to Edinburgh. I did a fascinating tour of The Clydesdale Distillery (for more free whisky samples!) and devoured a mouth-watering Durty Vegan Burger – the ultimate way to end an epic road trip.

The Bottom Line

Wow! What a whirlwind adventure around the Scottish Highlands! I don’t think I could call this a “wee road trip” anymore. There were just too many memorable moments. We crammed in bagpipes, castles, haggis (the vegan version in my case), seals, coos, sheep, fairies, churches, museums, waterfalls, whisky, and even a mountain that gave me the finger.

My 9-day Scotland road trip itinerary required over 23 hours of driving , but every minute was divine. While each tantalising location begged for more exploration, I gained a tangible taste for their unique personalities. And with this itinerary, so will you.

There’s really only 1 thing that could make this trip even better, laddie… and that’s wearing an orange wig and sporting a harsh Scoooootish accent the entire time.

Oh wait, nah, I’ve already done that.

True story.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like...

• Italy By Train: Easy 21 Day Rail Itinerary For 6 Destinations
• How To Spend 4 Days In Athens: Best Historical Sites, Discount Tickets, Museums & Restaurants
• The Ultimate Arizona & Utah Road Trip Guide: 15 Days Of Scenic Byways, Canyons, Hiking And Exploring
• Where To Stay In Phuket, Thailand – Best Locations & Hotels

6 Best Walking Tours in London

First time visiting london: 28 best things to see + food, tours & neighbourhoods, more posts from united kingdom.

London is one of my favourite cities in the world. But it wasn’t always that way. The first time I immersed myself in Britain’s capital as a naïve, bright-eyed 20-year-old, it was…

5 Days in London: Best Museums, City Icons & Discount Attractions Pass

Planning a short vacation to the UK’s mega metropolis, London, will inflict decision anxiety even on the most ruthless traveller. How do you trim down a mammoth wish list of…

Most international tourists choose to book a London walking tour to discover the city through the eyes of a savvy local. But choosing the right walking tour is harder than it…

3 Days In York: Long Weekend Itinerary For English History, Culture & Ghost Stories

York’s backstory had no shortage of drama, and the modern city celebrates its past, warts and all, creating a charming fusion of classical and quirky that’s ripe for exploring. My…

17 Tips To Plan The Ultimate UK Road Trip

The United Kingdom is a road tripping paradise - windy roads, scenic vistas, rolling hills, majestic mountains, meandering rivers, quaint towns, castles and history galore. Every…

5 Things To Do With Kids In Mid Wales

Find out where we stayed in Machynlleth, as well as 5 fun places to take your kids on your next holiday to Mid Wales. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as we did.

Facing My Fears Deep Inside The Earth At Bounce Below, Blaenau Ffestiniog

Bounce Below is the world’s first subterranean playground and luckily for us, it is located in north Wales within the Llechwedd Slate Caverns not far from where we were staying.…

Drayton Manor: Theme Park Treat & A Presidential Suite

It’s difficult to find birthday treats for people like us who travel permanently. But I knew my energetic 6-year-old would love nothing more than celebrating their birthday at a…

I Didn’t Know Holiday Cottages In Pembrokeshire Looked Like This!

Living in the big city had worn us down. While we love London we were eager to get away. So eager in fact, we made the 6-hour drive to west Wales in one trip. Now we were in the…

Reader Comments...

Loved your whirlwind trip account! You hit a lot of my favourite places from a small bus trip I took a few years ago but now I am inspired to go back and do a car trip! Thank you!

It's really amazing article. It's good and very informatics points. It will very helpful to everyone. So that's wonderful article. So keep writing good article.

Wow, how much time did it take you to travel the whole land. Amazing!

Great article. Thanks for sharing. Have a good day.

This is a very quality article, the content you bring to the viewer is great, the image is also quality, you continue to share. Thank you very much.

really nice site

Awesome Info In This blog Thanks For Sharing this

Write Your Comment

Please DO NOT include links, URLs or HTML in your comments - they will be automated deleted and you will waste your time.

HOT: My top 48 photos of 2022 .

My name is Josh and I'm an Aussie who has been travelling the world non-stop for 11 years , and explored 70+ countries so far. I'll help make your next vacation awesome with first-hand guides and essential travel tips.

(click my smiling face to find out more)

Latest Post

17 Things To Do In Bali For Couples

Bali is a haven for couples of all ages. I recently returned to Bali for my 20th visit, and I was inspired to explore parts of the island I had not seen before, as well as revisit…

Travel Hacks

Best Free eSIM Plan for Travel: Try Before You Buy

I’m always looking for travel hacks to save money and get more bang for my buck. I recently came across an established international eSIM provider that has just started offering a…

One-week scenic Scotland by train itinerary

Posted on Last updated: February 15, 2024

Explore Scotland by train in just one week on this Scottish rail itinerary featuring castles, lochs and mountains as you travel from Edinburgh and Glasgow to the Highlands and Isle of Skye.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Travel across Scotland by train from the lowlands to the highlands, with historic cities, ruined castles, deep blue lochs, mountain peaks and wild moorland along the way. This one-week railway journey takes you from the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and heads north into the Scottish Highlands, crossing to the magical Isle of Skye before finishing in Inverness – and includes two of the UK’s most spectacular rail routes.

The Scenic Scotland by train one-week itinerary will show you which trains to take, how much they cost, how to book and what to see, do and where to stay along the way.

Day 1: Edinburgh

Start your Scotland by train trip with a full day in Edinburgh. Visit the historic highlights of the Old Town – listen to bagpipers on the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile, learn about Scotland’s history at the National Museum of Scotland, hear the One O’clock Gun being fired at Edinburgh Castle, take a tour of the Queen’s Scottish residence the Palace of Holyroodhouse, or follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter on Victoria Street.

Alternatively head across to the wide Georgian streets of the New Town to admire the artworks at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, climb to the top of the Scott Monument, wander along the leafy Water of Leith or watch the sun set from Calton Hill.

Or why not check out some of Edinburgh’s more unusual attractions ? You can go underground to the buried streets of Mary King’s Close , visit the gory Surgeons’ Hall Museum (if you’re not too squeamish) or take an evening ghost tour.

Edinburgh’s an unexpected gem for foodies, with a range of food and drink tours where you can try local delicacies – from handmade chocolates and Scottish cheeses to whisky tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience * and distillery tours at Edinburgh Gin.

Where to stay in Edinburgh: Splash out on a stay on the Royal Mile at the gloriously over-the-top Witchery by the Castle *. This 16th-century Gothic hotel has nine suites with four-poster beds and rolltop baths, eclectically decorated with antiques, artworks, gilt and velvet. It’s full of old-school glamour, with one of the city’s most romantic restaurants.

Read more: A weekend in Edinburgh: 2-day Edinburgh itinerary

Day 2: Edinburgh > Glasgow

Next morning, catch a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Central/Queen Street (a short walk from each other). The journey only takes an hour and trains run frequently, so you can decide how early you want to leave. Then spend the rest of the day in Glasgow.

Where Edinburgh is all about history, Scotland’s second city has a bit more of an edge, and has transformed itself from an industrial centre to a city of art and culture. Admire the Art Nouveau designs of Glasgow’s famous son Charles Rennie Mackintosh at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or over afternoon tea at the Willow Tea Rooms.

Or explore some of the city’s more contemporary artworks on the City Centre Mural Trail , a self-guided walk through Glasgow which links 25 works by different local artists.

Take a walk along the River Clyde past the modern architecture of the SSE Hydro and Armadillo to the quirky Riverside transport museum, where you can take a tour of the Glenlee , a restored tall ship that’s one of just a few built on the Clyde that are still afloat.

Or visit Scotland’s oldest museum, the Hunterian, on the campus of the University of Glasgow, and explore the city’s medieval cathedral and atmospheric hillside Necropolis.

Where to stay in Glasgow: The Grasshopper Hotel * couldn’t be better located for train travellers – right next door to Glasgow Central Station, close to Merchant City’s shops, bars and restaurants. Rooms are smart and comfortable, with penthouse views over the city and special touches like handmade wallpapers, vintage cameras and free cupcakes.

Read more: A weekend in Glasgow: A 48-hour Glasgow itinerary

Day 3: Glasgow > Fort William

Then head north on the 3 hour 45 minute journey to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands, departing Glasgow Queen Street at 08.21 and arriving in Fort William at 12.08.

The West Highland Line is one of the world’s most scenic train trips, which runs along the banks of Loch Lomond, around Horseshoe Curve at Ben Dorain, past the UK’s highest altitude train station in Corrour (as featured in the film Trainspotting ) and across remote Rannoch Moor on a line suspended above a peat bog.

Fort William is set on the banks of Loch Linnhe in the shadow of the UK’s highest mountain – Ben Nevis – making the town a real hub for hikers, bikers and other adventure-seekers. The climb to the top of Ben Nevis takes five–seven hours, weather permitting, so you might have to add in an extra day to your trip if you want to tackle the peak.

If you fancy something more sedate, it’s a pretty 1.5-mile walk along the River Lochy to the ruins of 13th-century Old Inverlochy Castle and the Ben Nevis Distillery, where you can do a tour and tasting of their whiskies. You can also learn more about the history of the Highlands (and see Rob Roy’s sporran) at Fort William’s West Highland Museum.

Where to stay in Fort William: Spend the night behind bars in former police station The Garrison * in the centre of town. Choose from a modern en-suite room, or an original cell that’s been converted into compact double or bunk room with shared bathroom.

Read more: 13 things to do in Fort William and Glencoe

Day 4: Fort William > Isle of Skye

The following day, reboard the West Highland Line for the 1.5-hour journey from Fort William to Mallaig across the curving Glenfinnan Viaduct and past lochs and the sandy beaches of Morar. If you depart Fort William at 08.15 you arrive in Mallaig at 09.38.

Or from April–October you can also ride the Jacobite steam train , better known as the Hogwarts Express (departs Fort William at 10.15 and arrives Mallaig at 12.26).

Then swap the train for the ferry to the Isle of Skye. Ferry times vary throughout the year, with 8–10 sailings a day in summer. If you have time for lunch before you sail, try locally caught prawns or fish and chips at Mallaig’s Fishmarket Restaurant.

The ferry from Mallaig takes 45 minutes to reach Armadale in Skye. From Armadale you can catch the 52 bus to Portree (changing in Broadford), but buses are slow and infrequent so it may be worth taking a taxi if there are a group of you – it takes an hour and costs around £90–£100, but you do need to book taxis well in advance.

Portree is the capital and largest town on the Isle of Skye, set around a picturesque harbour with pastel-painted houses and surrounded by hills. It’s the hub of transport and tours for the island, and a good place to shop for souvenirs, with local producers including the Isle of Skye Soap Co, Skyeskyns and Isle of Skye Distillers all having shops in town.

Where to stay in Portree: The Cuillin Hills Hotel * is half a mile outside of Portree but comes with knockout views across the Bay of Portree to the Cuillin Mountains from its 15-acre gardens. Inside are traditional Scottish touches, from tartan fabrics to local seafood in the restaurant and a malt whisky bar with over 130 varieties to choose from.

Read more: Isle of Skye itinerary: The best of the island in 3 days

Day 5: Isle of Skye

Today you have the whole day to explore the Isle of Skye – buses connect Portree with many parts of the island, but it’s easier option to either hire a car for the day (book in advance as availability’s limited) or take a guided day tour of Skye’s highlights. A small group day tour * (£80 per person) departs Portree at 9am and returns at 6pm.

The Isle of Skye is known for its magical landscapes, with dramatic rock formations around the Quiraing which look like something from another planet (and are a film location favourite). Admire the 200-foot Old Man of Storr and the steep cliffs at Kilt Rock.

Visit the lighthouse at Neist Point and look out for dolphins and whales, or tour imposing lochside Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.

Skye has plenty of myths and legends – get away with the fairies at the Fairy Glen, a grassy glen with rock spirals and ancient trees dripping with moss. Or follow the 1.5-mile path to the Fairy Pools with their clear green waters and cascading waterfalls.

Day 6: Isle of Skye > Inverness

The next day, catch the CityLink bus from Portree to Kyle of Lochalsh, where you pick up the train for the journey to Inverness. There are a couple of different options – the number 915 bus from Portree Square departs at 10.35 and arrives in Kyle at 11.36.

Or if you’d like to visit nearby Eilean Donan Castle, catch the earlier 07.30 bus from Portree to Dornie, arriving at 08.48. Spend a few hours at the castle before travelling back to Kyle of Lochalsh on the 11.44 service (which takes around 15 minutes).

Then catch the 13.46 train from Kyle of Lochalsh for the 2 hour 40 minute journey to Inverness, arriving at 16.27. The Kyle Line is another of the UK’s top scenic train routes. Opened in 1870, it runs through remote landscapes, following the coast with views of Syke, across moorland and past the Torridon Peaks – keep an eye out for deer on the way.

Spend the evening in Inverness – capital of the Highlands. Follow the path along the River Ness to the Ness Islands, a group of tree-covered islands connected by elegant Victorian footbridges. Or head up to Inverness Castle to watch the sun set over the city, before checking out some of Inverness’ live music scene at pubs like Hootananny.

Where to stay in Inverness: End your trip in style with a night at the five-star Rocpool Reserve *. This Georgian house has been converted into a lavish boutique hotel with bar and restaurant. Its luxurious rooms come with Egyptian cotton bedding, emperor-size beds and 24-hour room service – and some have outdoor hot tubs, saunas or balconies.

Read more: A weekend in Inverness: A 48-hour Inverness itinerary

Day 7: Inverness

Spend the final morning of your Scotland by train trip seeing more of Inverness. Learn about the history and culture of the Highlands at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and shop for secondhand books at Leakley’s. Or if you have time you can take a half-day trip out to either Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle , or the battlefield at Culloden.

Then if you’re flying back home, Inverness Airport is 10 miles north of the city. The two are connected by the 11 bus, which takes around 35 minutes. Or if you’re travelling back to Edinburgh, the train journey from Inverness takes 3.5 hours. There’s also the Caledonian Sleeper overnight train which connect Inverness to London in around 11 hours.

If you have more time, you could head north to John O-Groats – most northerly point of mainland Britain – Caithness and the Cromarty Firth on a day tour * from Inverness. Or catch the train south to Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park for mountain hikes in summer, skiing in winter and the Strathspey Steam Railway. There are also plenty more Scottish cities to discover nearby, including Dundee, Aberdeen and St Andrews .

How much does it cost?

When you’re planning a Scottish rail trip, you can either book individual tickets or get a railpass, which can be a better deal if you’re under 28/over 60, want more flexibility or are booking late. Here’s how prices break down for the two different options on this route.

Individual tickets

Ticket prices depend on how early you book and if you’re booking a specific train or want to be flexible. There are three main fare categories: Advance, Off-Peak or Anytime. Advance are cheapest and can be booked 8–12 weeks in advance, but are non-transferable so you’re tied to a specific train. Off-Peak services are valid on any train outside weekday peak hours. And Anytime are most expensive but can be bought on the day and used on any train.

Using the cheapest Advance fares, the cost of trains on this route starts at £69 per person:

• Edinburgh > Glasgow: from £14.70
• Glasgow > Fort William: from £26.60
• Fort William > Mallaig: from £8.20 (£65 for The Jacobite )
• Mallaig > Armadale (by ferry): from £3.20
• Kyle of Lochalsh > Inverness: from £15.90

You can also save a third on all rail fares with a Railcard *. These cost £30 with different versions for 16–25s, 25–30s, Seniors and Disabled People. You can also get a Two Together railcard for two named adults travelling together, or a Friends and Family Railcard for up to four adults and four children. Both UK and overseas residents are eligible.

The railpass option

There are various rail passes available, and which you’re eligible for depends on where you live. If you live outside the UK, you can can get a InterRail/Eurail pass (InterRail is for European residents and Eurail is for non-European residents).

For the Scotland by train itinerary, the best InterRail / Eurail option is the One Country Great Britain pass for 4 travel days within 1 month , which costs £199 for adults, £167 for youths aged 12–27 or £179 for seniors in second class.

ScotRail also offers its own rail passes, which are available to both UK and overseas residents. The best option for this itinerary is the Spirit of Scotland Pass for 4 days within 8 days , with unlimited travel by train, ferry and coach. It costs £149 for adults and is half price for children aged 5–15, with discounts for Railcard holders.

Passholders are recommended to make seat reservations – though it’s probably only worth doing for long-distance services or at busy peak times so you’re guaranteed a seat – which you can do for free at any UK train station up to two hours before departure.

Please note The Jacobite steam train is privately owned so isn’t covered by any rail passes.

How to book

There are a variety of websites where you can book UK train journeys, but some charge a booking fee. To avoid fees you can book direct with ScotRail and either use a mobile ticket on your phone or collect them from a ticket machine or a counter at the station. Or if you have an international credit card you can book with The Trainline for a small fee.

Don’t want to do it yourself? You can also book a custom trip based on this Scenic Scotland by train itinerary through our partners Byway ,* the flight-free holiday platform, which includes transport and accommodation.

Love Edinburgh?

My new book , Auld and New in Edinburgh , is available to order now. Part of the Curious Travel Guides series, this curated guide features over 100 amazing places to eat, drink, shop and sightsee to help you plan the perfect Edinburgh trip.

Save for later

You might also like

Britain by train: Five great one-week UK rail trip routes

12 ways to save money on train travel in the UK

A guide to the Caledonian Sleeper train from London to Scotland

Sunday 21st of January 2024

Hi Lucy, Thanks a lot for this itinerary, looks great. We are actually planning a week in Scotland in May. We are not really interested in Glasgow and we were thinking about making our first stop after Edinburgh at Tarbet (have a cruise on the Loch and walk around) Can you let me know your opinion and any suggestion ? Thanks a lot. Serge

Lucy Dodsworth

Monday 22nd of January 2024

Hi Serge, yes you could definitely swap that in. It's 2.5 hours by train from Edinburgh to Arrochar and Tarbet (with a change in Glasgow), so if you took a morning train on Day 2 you could do a boat trip in the afternoon and stay the night there, then catch the train to Fort William the next day which is 2.5 hours and carry on the itinerary from there.

Monday 15th of January 2024

Great itinerary! I am considering taking the train from Glasgow to Mallaig, ferry to Armadale and bus to Portlee in one day next month. How do the buses run from Armadale to Portlee this time of year? Are there tours of Skye running in February? I'm planning on a three day stay in Portlee. Any suggestions?

Hi Tim, there are buses Stagcoach 52 buses between Armadale and Portree but they're not very frequent this time of year to you would need to time it carefully (timetable here: https://tiscon-maps-stagecoachbus.s3.amazonaws.com/Timetables/North%20Scotland/Highlands/Skye%20Revised%202022.pdf). You would probably need to take a private tour in February – try Real Scottish Journeys who do winter tours.

Sunday 7th of January 2024

Hi, Great itinerary. Would like to go Glasgow to Oban, Oban to Fort William. What is the best way Oban to Fort William. Additionally, recommend a stop between Inverness and Edinburgh. Thanks

Sunday 4th of February 2024

@Karen, Thank you Lucy for your insight. Any thoughts on the Spirit of Scotland pass? In short,we are two seniors traveling, Edinburgh to Glasgow,train, to Oban,train,to Ft. William,bus,to Skye,train,taxi to Dorrie,bus,Kyle of Lock to Inverness,train, Inverness to Edinburgh,train. In April. I tried to add up separate fares,still confusing.Need flexibility in case of changes.Also, is it advisable to reserve a seat on the Ft. William to Mallaig , ferry section. Would appreciate your guidance

Hi, Oban to Fort William is slow by train (4 hours) but you can take the West Coast Motors 918 bus instead which is less than two hours. It does only run a couple of times a day though (https://passenger-line-assets.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/westcoastmotors/WCMO/918-timetable-20220815-14e38acb.pdf). Between Inverness and Edinburgh you could stop off in Aviemore to see the Cairngorms, or do a short diversion to Leuchars to visit St Andrews which is a lovely city.

Saturday 6th of January 2024

Thank you for your helpful ideas. We will be touring Scotland by train in late April using a very similar itinerary. We plan to purchase the Spirit of Scotland Rail pass. Once I purchase that, am I able to reserve seats for the various legs of the train journey? We live in the US, so I need to do everything I can online. On the Scotrail website, it looks like I need to buy individual tickets in order to get a seat reservation online. If we can't make seat reservations, do we just arrive early to help guarantee we get on the desired train? Thank you for any insight on reserving seats with the Spirit of Scotland Rail pass!

Hi, you don't need to make seat reservations with the Spirit of Scotland pass, and a lot of trains don't take reservations. The ones that do on this route are Glasgow > Fort William and Inverness > Edinburgh – you can't reserve online using the pass but you can do it at stations, so could make reservations when you first get to Scotland, or call 0344 811 0141 when you arrive in the UK.

Friday 29th of December 2023

I am planning a trip from May 4-13. For now, I have a couple nights in Edinburgh, one in Glasgow, and one in Fort William.

Here are some concerns and questions I have: I booked the Jacobite on Thursday. It’s a return—so it’ll go from Fort William to Mallaig, and the back. I’m a little worried about how to get from Armadale to Portree without a vehicle. Should I just take the return train to Fort William and try to go to Iverness?

I’ve never been and we are trying to avoid renting a vehicle if possible.

Also, for the other train trips, other than Jacobite, should I try to book trains in advance?

I’m just worried and I don’t want to get stuck. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Thursday 4th of January 2024

@Lucy Dodsworth, Do you know if there are buses that run from Fort William to Inverness daily?

Saturday 30th of December 2023

Hi Maggie, for the Jacobite you have to buy a return ticket but you can get off at Mallaig and not go back to Fort William. For the journey from Armadale to Portree, I'd advise pre-booking a taxi if you're not keen on relying on the buses (Fort William to Inverness isn't really advisable by train – you have to go all the way back to Glasgow so it takes 8+ hours!). You shouldn't need to book the other trains in advance but you can do if you want to be sure of a seat – they can be booked via Scotrail normally 2-3 months in advance. Hope you have a great trip!

50 Scotland Travel Tips For Travel In 2024

Categories Planning a trip to Scotland , Scotland , Scotland Guides

One of the things I love about travelling to another country is discovering the different ways they do things. Scotland is no exception, and after living here for almost six years, there are still things that surprise me when travelling this bonnie country. In this guide, I’m sharing 50 Scotland travel tips that will save you time, money, stress, and embarrassment- and help you have the best trip ever.

Table of Contents

Scotland is an old country with a plethora of history – this is one of the very reasons it attracts travellers from countries like New Zealand, Australia, the USA, and Canada, who live in relatively younger countries. As a Kiwi myself, I was drawn to Scotland because there were many things I couldn’t experience in New Zealand, such as castles built in the Middle Ages, Roman forts and ancient battlegrounds, and narrow country lanes that lead to tiny cottages built from horse hair and stone.

In my Facebook group, Scotland Travel Tips , many of the same questions about planning a trip to Scotland are asked. This inspired me to answer all of these questions, and offer other advice I think will be helpful to you when travelling to Scotland.

If you find this blog post helpful – make sure you share it!

This is the seventh article in my Planning A Trip to Scotland series . To read the first article in the series, click here . To receive all the articles in this series by email, you can sign up here .

My name is Yvette Webster – I chased my ancestry to Scotland, ended up meeting a Scot and falling in love, and now I live here with my husband, our son, and our dog, Angus. I’m a full-time Travel Writer, and I travel Scotland for a living, writing helpful guides and helping people plan their trips to Scotland via my blog and travel consultation service .

My favourite type of travel in Scotland is discovering the hidden gems and visiting the more off-beat places. In 2018, I was the first solo female to thru-hike the Scottish National Trail , an 874-kilometer / 536-mile hike that runs the length of Scotland. I got to know Scotland on such an intimate level and visited many places that tourists and locals never see – and I love encouraging people to get off the beaten path and explore the lesser-known places!

I have a degree in journalism and used to work as a travel agent. I combined my two passions and created my blog, Wayfaring Kiwi . I also run the popular Facebook group Scotland Travel Tips .

Need help planning your dream trip to Scotland? Sign up to our Planning A Trip To Scotland course which will walk you through planning your itinerary and booking your trip step by step!

50 Scotland Travel Tips You Need To Know

Planning your trip.

The Machrie Moor Standing Stones

1. If you are in the stages of planning a trip to Scotland, be sure to read my blog post on planning a trip to Scotland . It gives you a great introduction to planning your trip, including things to do, car hire, using public transport, how to book accommodation and activities, and more!

Read it once you’ve finished this article.

2. Be sure to include at least ONE hidden gem in your itinerary. Some of my suggestions include South-West Scotland , the Scottish Borders , the Cowal Peninsula, an island that isn’t the Isle of Skye, the Moray coast , and Aberdeenshire .

The Peebles Cross Kirk in the Scottish Borders

3. Slow down! One of the most common mistakes people make when visiting Scotland is that they try to attempt too much in their itineraries.

Choose 2-3 main activities per day, and have backup activities in mind in case you have some extra time. Scotland is a country to be experienced at a slow pace – and remember, you can always come back someday to check everything off your bucket list!

4. Tipping isn’t compulsory in Scotland, however, it is common practice. Wait staff are paid much better wages than you’d get in the USA and Canada , hence why tipping isn’t expected, however, I always leave a 10% tip or round the bill up to the nearest 5 or 0.

I also tip taxi drivers and Uber Eats/Just Eat drivers £1. You don’t need to tip every time you get a drink in a pub, just leave a tip of a few pounds when you leave.

5. Are you wondering when is the best time to visit Scotland? This varies from person to person, however, I personally love travelling around Scotland in April and May . It’s spring and Scotland is colourful, there are fewer crowds, there aren’t many midges around, and accommodation isn’t as expensive as it is during the summer months. The daylight hours are also better balanced.

I’ve written an in-depth blog post about the pros and cons of visiting Scotland each month , which will help you decide when is the best time to visit for you.

Edinburgh in spring

6. Terrified of the Highland midge? You really don’t need to be! But it’s a good idea to be prepared.

• Midges start appearing in late June and die out with the colder weather (usually around the end of September ).
• They hang around bodies of water, and usually appear in the morning and early evening when it’s cooler. If there is a slight breeze, this will blow the midges away so they won’t bother you.
• Only the females bite, and you’ll notice itchy bumps on your skin (similar to mosquito bites) if you’ve been bitten.
• You’re most likely to encounter midges if you are hiking or walking near rivers or lochs.
• You won’t generally encounter them in the cities, unless you’re near a river or canal.
• I recommend buying a few cans of Smidge to keep the midges at bay if you think you might encounter them on your travels. You can buy this in most grocery stores and outdoor shops.

My husband, the Haggis, wrote a great guide on how to avoid midges .

The Grassmarket in Edinburgh

7. Scotland has a large tick population, and to be honest, ticks worry me more than midges! Ticks can cause Lyme disease, but don’t panic because less than 10% of these beasties actually carry the disease. It’s still important to take steps to avoid a tick bite, however.

• You’ll encounter ticks in many parts of Scotland from March to October .
• They cannot jump, but will attach themselves to your clothing if you are walking through long grass. They will climb up your body until they find a warm, damp spot (for example, an armpit or belly button) and burrow into your skin for dinner!
• Smidge will also repel ticks – be sure to reapply it every couple of hours.
• Be sure to do a tick check when you get home if you’ve been in an area known to be rife with ticks, or you’ve been hiking.
• Some good news – I’ve been bitten by ticks many times while hiking in Scotland and I’ve been fine. Don’t let the fear of ticks stop you from hiking! Just use a good bug spray, and wear long pants when hiking in Scotland.

8. The Isle is Skye is a lovely island but it suffers from over-tourism. Personally, I wouldn’t visit Skye during the busy summer months. My favourite time to visit Skye is in April or November when it’s quieter. If you’re visiting during the summer, I recommend pre-booking your accommodation, restaurants, tours and activities that require a booking as soon as you know what dates you’ll be there . All of these things, especially accommodation, get booked up months in advance.

As a general guide, book your accommodation and tours 8-12 months in advance, and make restaurant reservations 1-3 months in advance. Not all restaurants will take bookings three months in advance- but some of the popular ones do. It’s better to be over-prepared when planning a trip to Skye so you don’t miss out!

9. Many people think that in Scotland we still live in the dark ages, due to its long history and the pretty medieval-looking photos that marketing and tour companies love to share. Scotland is an advanced country, and we have everything that most Western countries have – including pharmacies where you can purchase most medicines that don’t require a prescription. Don’t worry, you’re not travelling back in time when you visit Scotland, even if the buildings do look old!

Exploring the Christmas Markets in Glasgow

10. If you want to use your phone in Scotland, first, check with the phone provider you’re with to see what they can offer you.

If your phone is unlocked, you can purchase a sim card when you arrive in Scotland. The main sim cards you can purchase in Scotland are Vodafone , Three , and EE . You can purchase these from a phone store (such as Carphone Warehouse ), a grocery store, corner shops – many places around Scotland.

For around £20, you can purchase a sim card on a 1-month plan that will give you around 4GB of data and unlimited texts and calls in the UK. If you’d like to keep in contact with your family back home, I recommend using the apps WhatsApp or Telegram to make texts and calls – these apps are free to use and all you need is data or a Wi-Fi connection!

If you purchase your sim card in England or Wales, it WILL work in Scotland, and vice versa.

Stirling Old Bridge and the Wallace Monument

11. If you are a tourist visiting Scotland on holiday and you require medical treatment, you will most likely have to pay for it. This is why I ALWAYS recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip.

Residents in Scotland receive most medical treatment for free, because the National Health System (NHS) is funded by the taxes we pay.

So how much medical cover should you get through your travel insurance? Usually, 1 million + will give you enough cover.

12. Did you know there are 15 regions in Scotland? While it’s difficult to visit every region on one trip to Scotland, you can learn what each region has to offer and which ones you should visit in my guide to the regions in Scotland .

13. The most typical itinerary in Scotland (the most touristy one) is Edinburgh – Isle of Skye – Inverness and back to Edinburgh or Glasgow. I jokingly call it the ‘tourist triangle’!

This itinerary is absolutely fine if you want to hit all the tourist hotspots – but believe me when I say there is SO much more to Scotland than just this route. I always recommend getting off the beaten track at least ONCE during your trip to Scotland – because (trust me on this one) these areas are the ones that will be most memorable.

During my first trip to Scotland (you can see the itinerary right here ) my favourite memory was driving to Lochaber to see my ancestor’s castle, Achnacarry .

Packing For Your Scotland Trip

14. Are you wondering what to pack for your trip to Scotland? I’ve written a comprehensive guide on what to pack and wear in Scotland . I include recommendations on what I wear day to day for each season. Give it a read as I cover virtually every topic in this guide!

15. You do NOT need to pack waterproof pants unless you’re planning a multi-day hike or if you’re going hiking in the pouring rain. A rain jacket that covers your bum will be absolutely fine. I’ve written a short guide on the weather in Scotland that discusses how to dress for the rain in Scotland. I also debunk a few Scottish weather myths.

16. Facecloths/washcloths/flannels aren’t something that accommodations provide in Scotland, so if you like to use them be sure to bring some from home. Do not pack disposable washcloths – think of the environment!

Currency and Money In Scotland

17. How much cash should you bring to Scotland? Most places in Scotland accept major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard . American Express isn’t often accepted due to the high fees carriers have to pay.

Contactless payments are the preferred choice in Scotland, and Apple Pay is accepted almost everywhere. It is still worth carrying some cash with you, as there are still some places that accept cash only – usually small, independent shops that are located in remote areas.

It’s also useful to have some cash for tipping or paying for the bus (although contactless is now accepted on many buses in Scotland). I recommend carrying £200 cash at a time, and topping this up whenever you need to by withdrawing money from an ATM.

A note: Always check with your bank to see what they will charge you for withdrawing cash from an ATM in Scotland.

18. Money changers don’t give you a good exchange rate (they have to make money somehow!). If you would like to bring cash with you to Scotland, I recommend going to your bank and purchasing currency there.

Whenever I travel overseas, I just use my credit card and withdraw cash from the first free cash withdrawal ATM I find. There are many free cash withdrawal machines throughout Scotland that will give you a much better exchange rate than a money exchanger or bank.

19. A note on Scottish and English money. You can spend English pounds in Scotland – but you may not be able to spend Scottish pounds in England.

It’s a complicated issue – albeit a stupid one, seeing as both Scotland and England are part of the United Kingdom where the currency is the ‘Great British Pound’ (GBP). Basically, there are three banks that print money in Scotland – the Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland and Clydesdale Bank – and England has its own printers.

To save yourself the stress, you can use English pounds everywhere in the UK, but try to only spend Scottish bank notes in Scotland.

You cannot use Euros or USD in either England or Scotland.

Flying To Scotland

20. Book your flights directly with the airline. I use Skyscanner to see which routes are available and which airlines have the better/cheaper deal. Then I go to the airline’s website to book directly. This means that if there are any changes or cancellations to your booking, you can contact the airline directly for a solution, rather than going through third parties.

You can also book flights through a travel agent (they usually book directly through the airline too). Travel agents usually charge a fee to do the booking on your behalf, but they will also deal with the airline on your behalf if there are any issues.

21. Search for flights into Glasgow , Edinburgh , and Inverness . These are the main international airports in Scotland. You can also search for flights into London, and catch the train to Edinburgh, or book an internal flight to one of the Scottish airports. I recommend catching the LNER train and travelling First Class between London and Edinburgh/Glasgow- I love the journey!

Culzean Castle in South West Scotland

22. I recommend booking your travel with the same ticket or airline all the way to your final destination. That way, if there’s a delay and you miss your next flight, the airline will bump you onto the next flight.

Delays and flight cancellations are unfortunately pretty common now, so be prepared if something like this should happen.

23. Pack your valuables and essentials in your carry-on, just in case your luggage is delayed. Be sure to take a photo of the inside of your checked luggage too – in case you need to do an insurance claim for lost luggage.

Finlarig Castle in Killin

24. Try not to stress or worry too much about travelling to Scotland – worry is one of the most pointless emotions because we can never predict the future. To help curb the worry, be as prepared as possible. I believe things happen for a reason – especially delays.

Whenever I’ve experienced a delay in life, it has always been for a reason – delays have allowed me to capture the most beautiful sunsets, meet lifelong friends, and have even better experiences. My first trip to Scotland was cancelled – if this hadn’t happened, I would have never met my husband!

Accommodation in Scotland

25. Should you book your accommodation in advance or wing it? My advice is to always book your accommodation in advance . Covid-19 has changed the way we travel in Scotland, and there is a lot of pent-up demand to travel here. As soon as you know where you’re going, book your accommodation. There are limited choices even when booking 3 months in advance!

26. I use Booking.com to search for accommodation in Scotland. This website has the largest range of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and self-catering accommodations for Scotland. I will always compare the price on Booking with the accommodation direct and book the better deal/price.

The Border Hotel in the Scottish Borders

27. If booking your accommodation with Booking.com – make the booking on your mobile. They sometimes have mobile-only specials that will save you more money!

28. Top sheets aren’t really a thing in Scotland. A bed usually has a fitted sheet, with the duvet on top, and sometimes an extra blanket for extra warmth. Just go with it.

Food and Drink

A fish supper/fish and chips in Scotland

29. Should you book all your restaurants in advance? In some places – yes. Here are the areas I recommend you pre-book:

• Most restaurants on Friday and Saturday night from May- September (book a couple of weeks or several days in advance)
• Edinburgh (on weekends in the summer in particular) at least 1-2 weeks in advance
• The Witchery By The Castle. This restaurant in Edinburgh is hugely popular with tourists, so I recommend you make a booking one month in advance or earlier to ensure you get a table for dinner. You can make a booking via their website .
• The Isle of Skye during the tourist season (May – September) at least 2 weeks in advance
• Small villages that only have a few restaurants

Don’t go overboard with booking everything – my advice is to book the restaurants that are must-visits for you, and leave some time for you to discover hidden gems on your travels. If you spot somewhere you might like to have dinner during your wanderings, pop in and see if there’s a table available for that night or the following night.

The Witchery By The Castle in Edinburgh

30. Haven’t got a restaurant booking? Try to eat outside the peak times. I’ve secured tables without having a booking at some of Scotland’s most popular restaurants by eating outside the peak times in summer:

• 10am -11.30am for brunch/lunch
• 2.30pm – 4pm for lunch
• 4pm – 6pm for dinner

31. A nice backup plan to have is to visit a local grocery store and pick up some local food from there. Enjoy a picnic in a scenic spot, or take it back to your accommodation (this is when self-catering accommodation comes in handy!).

Kilchoman beach whisky tasting

32. Try the following local Scottish food and drink:

• Full Scottish Breakfast (tattie scones will change your life)
• Steak Pie with Roast Tatties
• Cullen Skink
• Scotch Pies
• Scottish seafood from one of the many seafood restaurants on the coast or the islands
• Fish and Chips
• Scone with jam and clotted cream (in that order)
• Sticky Toffee Pudding
• Porridge with whisky (popular on Islay)
• Whisky (try a whisky from each whisky region – Lowland, Highland, Speyside, Islay and Campbeltown).
• Irn Bru (fizzy drink/pop)

A traditional Scottish steak pie is something you must try in Scotland

33. The most common grocery stores you’ll find in Scotland are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, Marks and Spencer (M&S) , and Waitrose . Co-op stores (similar to a 7/11, dairy, or corner store) have a good range of basic groceries, and you’ll find these in most towns and villages. Spar is another brand that carries basic groceries.

34. Most of the grocery stores above will have a £3 meal deal, which includes a sandwich, snack and a drink. These are very popular, and great to pick up if you have a long drive or hike planned. Look out for these meal deals in a refrigerated section.

35. The vast majority of pubs and restaurants in Scotland cater to all dietary requirements and will have gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. There are some fantastic vegan restaurants in Scotland – use the Happy Cow app to find vegan-friendly restaurants.

Driving and Transport In Scotland

One of Scotland’s steepest roads – Bealach na Ba

36. Fuel (petrol) is currently priced from £1.55 per litre. Yes, it’s expensive at the moment!

37. If you hold a full driving license from your country of residence you can hire a small vehicle and drive with that license in Scotland. You generally do not need an international driver’s license . If your driver’s license is not in English, you may have to apply for an international driver’s license or have an English translation available.

You can take this quiz you can take to determine if you can drive in Scotland on your current license.

38. I recommend driving for a maximum of three hours a day . Any more than that, and you’ll get bored of being in the car and you won’t see much!

The famous Kylesku Bridge on the North Coast 500

39. Waze and Google Maps are popular driving apps to help you navigate Scotland. They will give you a general idea of how long it takes to get from A to B, but I recommend always giving yourself extra time to reach your destination.

For example, it takes around 3 hours to drive from Edinburgh Airport to Inverness without stopping. If you’d like to stop and see the sights along the way, I would recommend allowing yourself 5-6 hours for the drive and sightseeing along the way. As a general rule, double your driving time if you plan on stopping along your driving route.

If you don’t plan on making any stops, add an extra 15 minutes to every hour it says it will take you to reach your destination. This will allow for traffic, road works and other common delays.

Travel by train in Scotland

40. The roads in Scotland are typically narrower than roads in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Many roads in the countryside or more remote areas are single-lane, and some of the roads are made of shingle!

There are passing places on these single roads – and the rule of thumb is that you should pull into a passing place if it’s on your left. If its located on your right – stop next to it and let the other car pass by driving around you.

A quick wave of thanks is always appreciated if someone stops to let you pass by.

You will have to drive more slowly on these roads, so when looking at a map of Scotland, even though she looks like a small country, it does take you longer to drive to your destination than you’d assume!

For more tips, read this guide on driving in Scotland for the first time .

Did you know that we provide private driving tours in Scotland ? We can organise a day trip or multi-day tour for you and take you wherever you want to go! Visit our website  Kiwi and Haggis Tours  for more information.

The Hop On, Hop Off bus in Edinburgh

41. Car hire gets booked up very quickly due to the high demand for travel to Scotland. The price of car hire has also increased drastically since the pandemic. Be sure to book your car hire well in advance. I recommend Celtic Legend or Auto Europe (a car rental comparison site) for booking your car hire.

42. If you’re using public transport, you can purchase train tickets and bus tickets 3 months in advance.

How To Not Look Like A Tourist In Scotland

43. A note on your Scottish ancestry – some Scots will roll their eyes if you bring up that you’re related to Mary Queen of Scots or Robert the Bruce *.

Some Scots also don’t like it if you claim you’re Scottish, but were born and raised in another country. I’m telling you this so you can be prepared if, in the middle of a conversation, you proudly announce your Scottish heritage and you get a muted response. This has happened to me plenty of times! I don’t take it to heart – I’m proud of my Scottish ancestry, and it’s the reason I became so interested in visiting Scotland in the first place.

I think it’s great that so many people feel passionate about their Scottish heritage and want to visit their ancestral home. This has done wonders for Scottish tourism – and has kept the history and culture alive all around the world. Just don’t expect others to be as excited as you are!

*Fun fact: I actually am related to Robert the Bruce! He’s my 23x great-grandfather and I love visiting areas in Scotland where he once visited.

Sitting next to my 5x great grandfather’s grave in Scotland

44. Don’t make assumptions about the Scots – they don’t all drink whisky, play the bagpipes down at the local pub, speak Gaelic, eat haggis, and travel via standing stones.

Think of it this way – what’s an annoying stereotype from your country? What annoys you about tourists when they visit your country?

Modern Scotland is different from what is marketed around the world. Most Scots will choose beer or wine over whisky, go out for dinner at an Indian/Italian/Chinese restaurant, and jet off to Europe for a sunny holiday.

On the flipside, many Scots are proud of their history, and love to chat about it too – especially those who work in the tourism industry.

Be open-minded when you visit Scotland – learn about modern Scotland too – it’s pretty interesting!

Hanging out on the Isle of Islay

45. I don’t want the above two points to make you feel uneasy about visiting Scotland, because the Scots are some of the kindest, most hospitable people on earth! They have amazing wit, are generous, and love to have a good time.

Try staying in a bed and breakfast, to experience Scottish hospitality at its finest!

Read more: 10 Must-Sees in Scotland You Can’t Miss

46. The Scots are passionate about sustainability and looking after the environment – so my advice is to think carefully about what you pack and use during your trip to Scotland. Do not pack or use single-use products, such as make-up wipes, cotton buds, and plastic bottles.

Instead, pack reusable facecloths, a water bottle, reusable shopping bags, and washcloths (or just use your hands!). Please recycle when in Scotland – if you can’t find a recycling bin, just ask a shop, pub, or restaurant if you can use theirs!

For more helpful hints, check out my blog post on tips for sustainable travel in Scotland .

Important, Final Scotland Travel Tips

47. Join my Facebook group, Scotland Travel Tips , if you haven’t already. There is plenty of helpful information to help you plan your trip in this group – be sure to use the search function to find information on the area you want to visit.

48. If you’d like a shortcut to planning your Scotland trip, I created the Ultimate Scotland Travel Bundle which contains an eBook, 70-page printable planner, and 7 must-see Scotland travel planners which list all the must-sees in Scotland’s major tourist destinations. It will save you hours and hours of searching the internet (and wading through misinformation!).

49. My most comprehensive product for Scotland planning is my Planning A Trip To Scotland course . This course features over 70 videos and covers every aspect of planning your trip- from creating your itinerary, to booking your trip, learning how to get around using public transport, money saving tips, travel inspiration and so much more! I created it with my friend and Lonely Planet Scotland writer, Kay from The Chaotic Scot. Between us, there is nothing we don’t know about Scotland travel!

👉 Buy the Planning A Trip To Scotland course

Carrick Castle, a hidden gem in the Cowal Peninsula

50. And finally – have a great time in Scotland! I have a saying, and that is it’s impossible to plan a bad trip to Scotland .

After reading this article, you now know the most common questions that travellers ask – so you are already equipped with some solid knowledge on travelling to Scotland!

Try not to stress if you don’t get everything ticked off your bucket list, or if your flight is delayed – Scotland has a magical way of bringing you into the present moment and enjoying what’s in front of you.

Have an amazing time in Scotland, and please share this article if you found it useful!

Are there any tips you’d add to this list? Leave a comment below and help out your fellow travellers!

This is the seventh and final article in my Planning A Trip to Scotland series . Sign up here to have the whole series emailed to you.

Related posts

Vickie Wyatt

Saturday 16th of March 2024

Congratulations on new baby, seeing Scotland has been a life long dream, I’ve never traveled except neighboring states and we drove, it is a gift from my nephew and we are traveling together. And driving in Scotland. I too have Scott ancestry paternal 2 x great grandfather James Bankhead. During my travel research I was surprised at how many places and areas called Bankhead,the only thing I know is most family were miners including my dad Roy Bankhead was a coal miner, but I’m not doing any ancestry research I just want to see Scotland, I’m so happy to have this opportunity I don’t care if we have any hiccups. We have a few places I want to see but the rest is whatever we decide to see.

Wednesday 18th of October 2023

Thanks for the tips........these will come in handy when make plans.

Frenney Olivia Lobo

Tuesday 10th of October 2023

Hi Yvette, very informative article and Scotland is a very welcoming and beautiful country - greenery, clean air, clean roads, clean everything. I would like to add a point here as I am guessing this article is from covid times. I travelled to Scotland in Sep. 2023 from Dubai, UAE to Aberdeen airport.

My friends in Scotland told me that Scottish currency notes are accepted in England too now (worth a check). I was skeptical of bringing Scottish currency to UAE for exchange however I was also able to exchange it at the exchange house (though not at the Dubai airport) and got the same exchange rate as GBP sterling.

To travel by train and book tickets I used the "train app" and it came very handy, hassle free and paper free.

To the edible must try list you could also add the fruit jams with whisky, gin or champagne and the fruit flavoured delectable homemade gins from the distillery (I got from Stirling Distillery)

Scotland is very beautiful and anyone who loves nature, tranquility and the countryside would quickly fall in love with this place. Hope to visit again - “Haste ye back”

Warm regards,

Saturday 14th of January 2023

Hi I'm coming over this April I want to see as much as I can in the month I'm there

Laura Weems (Clan Wemyss)

Thursday 1st of September 2022

I absolutely love your blog! Is there a way to follow it, get email updates, etc? Thank you!

Yvette Webster

Monday 5th of September 2022

Aww thank you- you certainly can, the best thing to do is sign up to my newsletter: wayfaringkiwi.com/sign-up/ xx

Hi Laura, I give regular updates on my Facebook page and Instagram account (instagram.com/wayfaringkiwi11) and I also send out regular Scotland newsletters! You can sign up for that here: wayfaringkiwi.com/sign-up/

Scotland with Sam

A Scotland travel blog showcasing the best of Scotland

A dog friendly Skye break: Broadford Youth Hostel

Our first island adventure of 2024 was a four night Hostelling Scotland break on the Isle of Skye. Hostelling Scotland have three hostels on the rugged Hebridean island - two are dog friendly. We stayed at Broadford Youth Hostel, a 15 minute drive from the Skye Bridge. The hostel is located in a quiet corner… Continue reading A dog friendly Skye break: Broadford Youth Hostel

A luxury break in St Andrews: Rufflets Hotel Woodland Suites

We recently enjoyed a luxury break in St Andrews, where we stayed at the fabulous Rufflets Hotel. In September 2023, the four-star hotel launched their exquisite new Woodland Suites. We were lucky enough to stay in one of them.  The four individually decorated suites are double shepherds huts, joined by a glass walkway. They sit… Continue reading A luxury break in St Andrews: Rufflets Hotel Woodland Suites

A wonderful pet friendly holiday cottage in Perthshire: Atholl Estates

We recently enjoyed a weekend getaway at Charlottefield - a pet friendly holiday cottage in Perthshire. Charlottefield is one of twelve Highland lodges let by Atholl Estates. The hillside cottage had two bedrooms, a wood-fired hot tub and views to die for. It offered the ultimate 'escape to the country' experience, and being conveniently located… Continue reading A wonderful pet friendly holiday cottage in Perthshire: Atholl Estates

A budget break in the Highlands: Glen Nevis Youth Hostel

We recently enjoyed a fab weekend break at Glen Nevis Youth Hostel near Fort William. The five star Hostelling Scotland accommodation, is dog friendly, family friendly and located in the heart of Glen Nevis - a rugged Highland glen, complete with moody mountains, tumbling waterfalls, soaring eagles and Heilan’ coos. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? And… Continue reading A budget break in the Highlands: Glen Nevis Youth Hostel

A dog friendly break: SCHLOSS Roxburghe Hotel & Spa, Kelso

We recently enjoyed a dog friendly break at SCHLOSS Roxburghe Hotel near Kelso in the Scottish Borders. The newly refurbished and relaunched 5 star hotel sits within 300 acres of gorgeous Borders countryside, and boasts a luxurious spa and championship golf course. Day One - a dog friendly weekend break at Schloss Roxburghe, Kelso Kelso… Continue reading A dog friendly break: SCHLOSS Roxburghe Hotel & Spa, Kelso

May 20, 2020 by Aelyth Savage

Picture this: ostel bay’s bright unfolding, may 6, 2020 by aelyth savage, the caterthuns: hillforts of the iron-age picts, april 22, 2020 by aelyth savage, picture this: a long, bright view, april 8, 2020 by aelyth savage, state of the savage: spring 2020.

About the Traveling Savage

I’m an American driven to explore every corner of Scotland, from the highlands and islands to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the lowlands with my trusty camera, pen, and a whisky-fueled fire in my belly. Have a look around, read my story, and learn how I help people plan their trips to Scotland.

Explore Scotland

Browse the map to find adventures across Scotland, from the highlands to the lowlands and the islands to the cities!

Learn How to Plan a Scotland Trip

Planning a trip to Scotland is deceptively difficult . When you crack open a map of Scotland everywhere looks appealing, and with the Right to Roam nothing is off limits . Do you focus on the highlands? Dedicate a trip to the islands? Relax and party in the cities? All of the above? Every trip has different constraints, from timelines to interests. What’s the best time of year to visit? How much will it cost? What’s realistic? These are just a few of the questions to ask yourself and find answers to  know before you go .

These links will give you a leg up as you start planning your trip to Scotland.

When to Start?

When to go, where to go, trip length, need help planning your trip.

I’ve spent more than a decade ranging across Scotland as an explorer and hunter of fine experiences, and I’m using that knowledge as a Scotland trip planner to craft wonderful trips to Scotland. Why not let me, a detail-oriented travel consultant focused solely on Scotland, share my first-hand experience, deep knowledge, and unshakeable passion with you to help ensure your trip to Scotland is one you’ll never forget? I’ve helped people from around the world who believed in the comparatively small cost of this “great trip insurance.”

Client Testimonials

Before our skype date with keith, we had a meal of scottish foods. terry was ready to go with his whisky while i had my cup of hot tea. i am not tech savy, so i was a bit disappointed that i couldn’t see keith during our skype, but it really didn’t matter. he gave us lots of great ideas on what we could do with our time in scotland. he planned an ..., – christie wiltz, latest photos #travelingsavage, scotland's calling.

• Your Name *
• Email Address *
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

© 2024 Traveling Savage. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Use - Resources

• The Netherlands
• Switzerland
• The Philippines
• South Africa
• The United States of America
• New Zealand
• French Polynesia
• Our destination wedding
• Budget tips
• Travel photography
• Packing lists
• Hotel guides
• Travel guides
• Itineraries
• Work with us
• Search for: Search Button
• Travel blogs on Scotland

Here you will find all my blogs on Scotland

With its rugged mountains, vast heaths and beautiful cliffs, Scotland is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. The beautiful cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh are reminiscent of London but are many times quieter and smaller. Perfect for a weekend getaway. I also find the rich culture and history of the Highlands and Clans very interesting. A visit to Culloden is therefore really a must. Scotland has stolen my heart, so it is not strange that we have visited this beautiful region twice in less than six months.

I wrote quite a few blogs about Scotland. Blogs with practical tips and information, but also diary blogs about our time here. You can find all these blogs on this page. If you have a question, please let me know!

The ultimate itinerary for the highlands of Scotland!

Below you will find the ultimate itinerary for a two-week road trip through the highlands of Scotland. This itinerary is for a round trip by car, but can also be done partly by train.

This two-week itinerary for the highlands of Scotland is as follows: Edinburgh – Cairngorms – Inverness – Fort Rose – Loch Ness- Wester Ross Coastal Route – Isle of Skye – Fort William – Glencoe- Ben Arthur- Glasgow – Edinburgh

All of our blogs on Scotland

We wrote a lot of blogs on Scotland. Scroll down to see them all or read the most popular ones here:

• Scotland budget : How expensive is a road trip through Scotland?
• The ultimate Scotland itinerary for a road trip of 2 weeks!
• All you need to know about road tripping and camping in Scotland !
• Travel guide Isle of Skye

Facts about our trip through Scotland

Period:  December and April Who: Ries en Charlotte Favourite hotels:  click here for the Scotland hotel guide !  

Flight deals: click here  for the most actual flight deals to the United Kingdom! Ferry: click here to book tickets for a ferry to Newcastle from which you can take the bus/train to Edinburgh! How long: 3 days and 2 weeks  

Mega budget tip: book your campervan last minute at Spaceships and get 10% discount on your booking! Click here for more information!

All my blogs on Scotland

Isle of skye travel guide: our experience + tips for isle of skye in scotland, scotland budget: costs and prices of a road trip through scotland., best hotels in scotland: castles, hotels and b&bs in the scottish highlands, a weekend getaway to scotland: glasgow and glencoe, road trip scotland: itinerary for 10 days and two weeks in scotland, diary blogs: dolphins in scotland loch ness and the wester ross, diary: cairngorms national park and a whisky distillery in scotland, all about camping in scotland and a road trip through the scottish highlands, diary blog: sunny edinburgh, start of our road trip through scotland, diary blog: ben nevis, ben arthur and more of scotland.

how to visit scotland’s next national park

Where to visit

Get Outdoors

New posts on love from scotland.

Dunrobin Cottages, the Sutherland Estate, Golspie

Wind your way north through the spectacular landscapes of the far northern reaches of Scotland to Dunrobin Cottages on the Sutherland Estate.

How to visit: Spectacular Sutherland

From Cape Wrath to the tip of Ben Hope, Scotland’s most northerly Munro, Sutherland takes in some of Scotland’s most dramatic coastal scenery – here is how to visit.

How to visit the next National Park in Scotland

Scotland is about to designate at least one new National Park – but you don’t have to wait until one or more is chosen – here is how to visit Scotland’s next national park!

10 off-the off the beaten track and ‘remote’ destinations in Scotland

10 ‘remote’ and off the beaten track destinations in Scotland to escape the crowds on your next trip.

The Kirkstyle Inn, Dunning, Perthshire

In the village of Dunning sits the Kirkstyle Inn. Offering dog-friendly rooms and delicious dining, check in for a weekend in Perthshire.

How to have an adventure in Scotland

The best way to see Scotland? By getting outside! Here is my ultimate guide to outdoor activities in Scotland

where to stay in scotland

Mount Freedom Cabins, Ayrshire

Near the harbour village of Dunure in Ayrshire are the pioneer style Mount Freedom Cabins overlooking the mighty Ailsa Craig. Let’s check in.

The Mash Tun, Aberlour, Speyside

In the heart of Speyside sits the pretty village of Aberlour and the iconic Mash Tun – a riverside inn and whisky bar. Let’s check in.

North Lodge & River Cabin, Glen Dye

Offering up off-grid adventures with a large dollop of luxury let’s check into the North Lodge & River Cabin at Glen Dye.

Inver restaurant and bothies, Argyll

On the beautiful banks of Loch Fyne is Inver, one of Scotland’s best restaurants. Book in to Inver’s bothies for an evening of sustainable fine dining.

Eastside Cottages, Edinburgh

Eastside Cottages are five luxurious self-catering Edinburgh holiday cottages, perfectly located for exploring the Pentland Hills and Edinburgh.

The Queen’s Hut, Aboyne

Sitting on its own tree-lined loch, the Queen’s Hut is a luxury log cabin overlooking the Cairngorm Mountains near the pretty town of Aboyne

planning a trip to scotland?

INSPIRATION FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

The complete guide to the Isle of Skye

My complete guide to things to do on the Isle of Skye – where to stay and what to see on this beautiful island.

The complete guide to The North Coast 500

Your complete guide to driving the North Coast 500 – Scotland’s most famous road trip

10+ things to do in Fort William

Often called the outdoor capital of the UK, and home to Ben Nevis, here are the best things to do in Fort William.

10+ things to do at Loch Ness & Fort Augustus

Beyond the day tripping tour buses and hoards of Nessie hunters lies the real Loch Ness…

The best places to visit in Scotland

It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of blindly following a top ten list… here are my best places to visit in Scotland.

Things to do in the Cairngorms National Park

Looking for things to do in Aviemore and the Cairngorms? Here’s how to get outside and explore the lochs, glens, and Munros of the Cairngorms National Park.

10+ things to do in Edinburgh

We all know how easy it to fall into the trap of visiting the ‘top ten’ places – here are my favourite things to do in Edinburgh.

Things to do in the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

A visit to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is much more than a day trip. Here is my ultimate guide to getting outside and exploring Loch Lomond.

10+ things to do in Glasgow

Forget everything you thought you knew about Glasgow. With a lively music scene, a huge art community and people who can make a party out anything, here’s what to do in Glasgow.

How to explore Glencoe, Scotland

No visit to Scotland is complete without a walk in the spectacular Glen Coe. Follow me!

VISIT SCOTLAND’S ISLANDS

My Love Affair with Scotland

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

The question I get more often than any other is, “So what’s your favorite place?”

Truth? I understand why people ask me this question, but I hate this question. Most other travel bloggers hate it, too. It’s not just that we get asked it constantly, it’s that it’s impossible to boil down years of travel and hundreds of destinations into just one place and to cap it at one is a disservice to your travels and life.

But if you tell people that, they get disappointed. They just want to hear a place.

So I’ve come up with a scripted answer that is both truthful and satisfying for the listener: “Well, my favorite countries are Croatia, Italy, South Africa, Japan, and Thailand. And one place that is very special to me is the island of Koh Lanta in Thailand.”

But that answer is incomplete. It leaves out how much I love the food of Emilia-Romagna, Italy. It overlooks the joy of summer in Finland, the quiet paradise of Little Corn Island in Nicaragua, the outstanding natural beauty of Montenegro, the feeling when you watch a sunset from Boracay in the Philippines. It even omits mentions of my favorite city in the world for 16 years running: Paris.

Worst of all, it overlooks Scotland.

Oh, I love Scotland. I love it FIERCELY. It is a destination that brings me endless joy, no matter where I’m going. And I really need to talk about it more for that reason.

I love the cities. Edinburgh looks like a fairy tale and it’s one of my favorite cities on the planet, and Glasgow is a lot of fun, too.

I love the natural beauty. The mountains, the lakes, even the beaches.

I love the people. Scots are so warm and friendly and welcoming. And the accents are out of this world!

I love the castles. They’re everywhere and they vary so much! My favorite ruined castle to photograph is Dunnottar Castle on the East Coast, not too far north from St. Andrews.

I love the food. Haggis is great. Fried Mars bars are…an indulgence. But go to a nice pub that uses local ingredients and you’ll delight in a real Scottish meal. The single best thing I ate in Scotland was an Arbroath smokie (smoked fish) that came right off the smoker. I ate it like an ice cream cone.

There’s only one thing that I don’t love — the whisky. Sorry, guys. I’ve tried whisky (as the Scots spell it) dozens of times, sometimes at outstanding distilleries in the Scottish countryside. And it always tastes like feet to me. I’m a gin girl , I’m afraid.

(My friend Peter even brought a bottle of whisky to Leipzig last week for the Video Summit and had me take a sip. Nope, still tasted like feet.)

The First Trip: An Introduction to Edinburgh

I first set foot in Scotland in September 2011 — a weekend in Edinburgh to visit my friends Kash and Anthony  and check out  Haggis Hostels , which had just opened back then (and is still going strong — congrats, guys!).

Turns out this was somewhat of an atypical visit. Temperatures were around 30 degrees celsius — 86 fahrenheit — an almost unheard of heat wave. Everyone was lying out in the sunshine! It was crazy — on Anthony’s advice I had packed warm clothing, including tall leather boots, and I went to H&M and Zara to buy sunglasses, only to find out that they sold none!

But I fell for Edinburgh SO hard. The beauty, the friendliness, the walkability, the castle perched on a hill. This was my place.

There were a few late nights at clubs. There were haggis quesadillas (at a place that has sadly closed since). There was a crazy dancing man on the Royal Mile. But above all, this visit lit the spark for everything that came after. I look back at this weekend as a truly happy time in my life.

Quintessential Scotland Experience: Trying haggis for the first time and realizing that it’s delicious as long as you don’t think about what you’re eating!

The Second Trip: Shetland, Up Helly Aa, and the East Coast

The second trip to Scotland was one of the greatest things I have ever done: Up Helly Aa. This Viking fire festival takes place in the remote Shetland Islands, adrift between Scotland and Norway.

I did the Haggis Adventures Up Helly Aa tour  — it was so good, three of my readers booked the same tour the following year! (Worth noting: the tour they run today includes an extra day in Shetland. Excellent!)

After traveling up the coast, we took an overnight ferry to the islands and explored the ruins and the landscape. Shetland is phenomenally beautiful and even has a double beach!

The next day, the Up Helly Aa celebrations began with a parade and Vikings yelling, “Yarrr!” before breaking into the Broadway standard “Enjoy Yourself, It’s Later Than You Think.” We posed for photos with the Vikings and I was even filmed for BBC Scotland!

That night began the burning. Men and boys dressed up in fancy Viking costumes were paraded down the street in a beautifully lacquered Viking boat made for the occasion. Following them were lines and lines of Shetland dressed in various costumes — drag! Marvel villains! Chicken suits! — and holding flaming torches.

The boat was pushed to a field, the Vikings got out…and then EVERYONE THREW THEIR TORCHES INTO THE BOAT AND LIT IT ON FIRE. That beautiful boat had served its purpose.

Next, everyone moved to parties and danced all night long to traditional Shetland music in between performances from the various squads of Shetlanders. They had costumed routines to “Moves Like Jagger” and “Party Rock Anthem.” (I still think of Shetland whenever I hear those songs.)

Our guides taught us all the dances and soon we were whirling around with the kilted locals. And the best part of Up Helly Aa? It goes ALL NIGHT LONG. Seriously. We danced until 8:06 AM and just skipped sleeping that night, falling into bed at around 9:00 PM on the ferry home.

It’s been more than four years and I still consider Up Helly Aa one of the best things I have ever done on my travels. You can read all my posts about it here. Bonus: I’ve stayed close with many of my Up Helly Aa friends and we’ve had reunions in London, New York, Sydney, and even Hvar, Croatia!

Quintessential Scotland Experience: Dancing to traditional music until delirious at 8:06 AM. I will never forget it.

The Third Trip: A Luxurious Return to Edinburgh

I was delighted to return to Edinburgh at the invitation of the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa to check out their new offerings. While this isn’t the kind of trip that I’d do today, at the time I had a wonderful overnight with several of my blogger friends.

And finally I got to experience typical Scottish weather — lots of gray rain!

Quintessential Scotland Experience: Swimming in the outdoor spa at the Sheraton as fierce rain pelted down.

The Fourth Trip: Yet Another Edinburgh Trip

Can you tell how in love with Edinburgh I am yet? With another opportunity to return for a blogger meet up, another opportunity to hang out in Edinburgh with my friends, of course I took it!

This time I got to overturn a new stone: exploring the Water of Leith, a path winding through quiet parts of Edinburgh. Kash and I explored it through the rain, getting soaked before the sun came back out once again — it’s the Scottish way!

Also memorable from this trip is the meetup. It was mayhem, in a nutshell, and I still laugh over the resulting pictures.

Quintessential Scotland Experience: Taking a long, rainy walk along the Water of Leith and warming up with a cup of tea at a cafe afterward.

The Fifth Trip: Glasgow 

Because I can’t keep going back to Edinburgh every time, on my next trip I went to spend a few days in Scotland’s largest city: Glasgow.

One of my favorite ways to travel is to go to a new city for a few days and pretend I live there. I do my thing: I take long walks, I go to cafes, I people-watch. Whether it’s Helsinki or Bogotá, I like to carve a Kate-sized shape in the city. And I think that was the best way to explore Glasgow.

Glasgow may not have the overwhelming beauty of Edinburgh, but you know what it has? Beauty all its own. Lots of culture. Cool small shops and businesses. Incredibly friendly people. And it has several friends of mine, including Emma , who is an authority on all things Scotland travel.

Quintessential Scotland Experience: finally getting to love Irn Bru, the bubblegum-esque bright orange soft drink, and trying my first-ever deep fried Mars bar.

The Sixth Trip: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the Highlands

Scotland is world-famous for its New Year’s celebrations: Hogmanay! I was invited to cover the festival for New Year’s Eve 2012, and I was happy to take part in the traditions.

My favorite part was the torchlight procession the night before New Year’s, joining Scots and visitors from all over in marching up the hill, flaming torches in hand. (Yet another moment in Scotland where I thought, “This could never happen in America.”)

New Year’s itself was a giant party with a concert and much revelry. Personally, I preferred the calm torchlight procession to the party night itself — it gets WILD! Also, I saw a girl walking home in bare feet. In Scotland. IN WINTER.

After the trip, our group went on a Haggis Adventures tour of the Highlands , and this is where I felt a connection to Scotland like never before. My Scottish roots on my mother’s side come from Inverness and the Isle of Skye.

What really affected me was hearing about all the tragedies of the Highlands and how difficult life was here. So many wars, deaths, betrayals, massacres. Thinking of my long-lost relatives and how they could have been victims was deeply moving.

The Isle of Skye was the true highlight of the Highlands for me, and I’d love to go back and explore it more.

Quintessential Scotland Experience: Learning that there’s no colder winter than a Scottish winter. It’s the dampness that gets you. Even after a scaldingly hot shower, the chill remained within me.

The Seventh Trip: Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival with Mom

Traveling with my mom, we went to Edinburgh as part of our genealogy trip . The timing was perfect: August was the time of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival!

This festival features nonstop performances, both paid and free, in the street and in theaters. The Royal Mile in particular is chock full of these performances. I ended up seeing several terrific shows and one truly bad show, roughly half of them paid and half of them free.

The most memorable show, Sing For Your Life! , was a puppet show musical using taxidermied animals for puppets. It was weird and wonderful and hilarious.

During this trip, we stayed with my mom’s friend Sandra, and the two of them often went off while I did my own thing, including hosting my first Edinburgh meetup. I love having alone time in Edinburgh — it gives me time to revisit my favorite places, like The World’s End for a bowl of cullin skink (smokey fish chowder) and a dark beer.

Quintessential Scotland Experience: Waiting in line for a taxi next to a thickly brogued, kilt-wearing Edinburgh tour guide as he told me about guiding: “The German tourists, they look angry. They look like a constipated Woody Harrelson. As the tour continues, you think they’re not enjoying it. Then at the end, they come up, shake your hand and say, “That tour was the greatest experience of my life. I will name my grandchildren after you.”

The Eighth Trip: Inverness and Loch Ness

Finally, last month I returned to Scotland for the Social Travel Summit and hit up a new destination: Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands.

Unfortunately, between a late arrival, being busy with the conference, and being worried over lost luggage, I didn’t get to enjoy the region as much as I could have — but I still had a great time. And just like my first trip, we had some very un-Scotland-like weather: clear blue skies!

I did get to experience a lovely cruise on Loch Ness past Urqhardt Castle, a dressed up soirée at nearby Achnagairn Castle , and the local Inverness nightlife: and by that, I mean some crazy nights at Hootenanny , capped off by some locals asking me to dance.

Quintessential Scotland Experience: Becoming fast friends with the taxi driver who took me to the airport to pick up my luggage. And then I find out he has the same last name as my relatives from Inverness! We posed for a selfie that I sent my mom. (Her response: “He doesn’t look like a [name] but he looks very nice.” LOL!)

Image: iknow-uk

What’s Next? My Scotland Travel Goals

I know a lot of Scotland travel experts will look at this list and say, “Psssh, you didn’t even go to the best spots!” Oh, believe me, I know that! There’s so much more to see.

The following destinations are particularly high on my list:

St. Kilda. This remote archipelago on the far northwest of the Outer Hebrides has some of the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland.

Lewis and Harris. People say that the further north you go in Scotland, the more beautiful it gets. These islands in the Outer Hebrides are home to long, white-sand beaches with crystal-clear water. That picture above is Harris! How crazy is that?!

Loch Lomond. This lake is great for adventure activities and one of the most popular destinations in the country, yet I’ve always missed it.

Orkney. Whenever I mention that I’ve been to Shetland but not Orkney, Scotland lovers lose their minds. Ornkey is home to some incredible archaeological wonders.

Shetland Folk Festival.  I’ve got Shetland fever! If the traditional music I heard at Up Helly Aa was any indication, this festival will be a rollicking good time.

Choose Scotland

I feel like Scotland is one of the best all-around destinations in the world. Here’s what makes it great:

It’s perfect for solo female travelers. Scotland is one of my top choices for solo female travelers because of the ease of travel, the variety of things to do, the friendly people, the relative safety, the pub culture (great for dining alone), and the lack of language barrier for English speakers, on top of being an overall wonderful destination.

There’s enough variety to customize your trip.  Do you want to be in the throes of a festival or have an isolated getaway? Do you want to have an active hiking, biking, and canoeing trip or would you rather visit historical sites? Do you want to drive or take the train? Go solo or with a group? Do you want a foodie adventure or do you have a limited palate? There are endless options.

It’s much cheaper now. The fallout of the pound has caused lots of financial damage to my friends and me (as some of my clients pay me in GBP), which is no laughing matter. But this is good news for tourists to the UK, who now get more for their money than ever before.

The only place where Scotland falls short is the weather. One of my Scottish friends likes to say, “Scotland would be the best country in the world if it had better weather.” Nope, you’re not going to lie around in a bikini here, but if you make peace with that, you’re going to have a great time. I guarantee it.

Have you been to Scotland? What do you love about it?

The Chaotic Scot

SCOTTISH TRAVEL BLOG

My Top Ten Ways to Spend a City Break in Glasgow

Glasgow city break: my perfect ten.

A wee city break in Glasgow? Count me in! I’ve spent a lot of time in the city, on my own personal escapades, and on blog trips; most recently on a paid campaign ‘ The Heart & Soul of Scotland ’ with Wild About Argyll and People Make Glasgow . Here’s a round-up of my ten favourite things to do, featuring street art, sightseeing, and scran! 

This post contains affiliate links to experiences which I love, and may make a small commission from, at no extra cost to you. 

Edinburgh vs. Glasgow. Rival cities you say? Oh aye, there’s a wee bit of that – but it’s only playful. Our cities are wonderfully different; it’s a comfortable sort of contrast. Edinburgh is home, but I can see beyond our fairy-tale aesthetics and give our lively cousin through the west the credit she deserves.

Edinburgh is a blatantly beautiful woman, a real head-turner. Oh, and doesn’t she know it! Immensely photogenic, she’s a bit of a poser. Glasgow on the other: if she were a lassie, she’d be bonnie too, just less polished and more modest. A right down to earth type, colourful and full of banter. I bet she’d drink you under the table too.

‘People Make Glasgow’ really does hit the nail on the head. Have you ever met someone who doesn’t mention the warmth of the people when synopsising Glasgow’s appeal? I’ve not. I mean, one only has to look at the hilariously iconic Duke of Wellington statue with a traffic cone on his head to understand the banter-filled psyche of the Glaswegian people. Legends.

I love a wee city break in Glasgow, and here’s what I like to get up to.

Glasgow is also the gateway to the natural wonders and historic gems of Argyll and its idyllic islands. In just over 45 minutes by train you can grace the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond , or you can take to the sky and be on Islay  with a super-speedy half hour ; you can then travel onwards by bus and ferry to the wildly beautiful Isle of Jura .

I’ve travelled numerous times from Glasgow to Oban on the train, then onwards to Mull and Iona, or over to the Kerrera Tea Garden for the day. I’ve also taken a Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute.   By bus I’ve travelled as far as Campbeltown , with overnight adventures in Inveraray and on the Isle of Gigha . Adventure awaits, just beyond the city!

1) Follow the Glasgow Mural Trail.

Possibly my favourite thing about Glasgow is the vibrant street art scene. Edinburgh has been dipping its toe in with some recent installations, but this expression of art just isn’t encouraged as much in the capital city as it is in Glasgow. Not only is street art considered to be a valuable addition to Glasgow, it is even supported by Glasgow City Council. Street artists can apply for funding to cover the costs of a new installation through the City Centre Mural Fund, which aims to:

“ Enhance the look of the area and add to the experience of visitors to Glasgow while also contributing to local regeneration “

I think it’s really inspiring to see such a bold and modern style of art be both welcomed and financially backed by the city council. Street art breathes new life into sites around the city, and gives locals and visitors a wee treat for the eyes. Every time I visit Glasgow, I seek out new murals, or revisit my favourites.

I absolutely love St Mungo by Glasgow-based Australian street artist Smug; it depicts a modern-day St Mungo, and can be found on a large gable end on High Street. Crazy Cat Lazy by local street artist Rogue One is another of my favourites, as well as his giant Mackintosh mural at the Clutha Bar to celebrate the 150th birthday of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, which was in 2018.

• Learn more and follow the Glasgow Mural Trail using the interactive map here

2) Wander through the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Glasgow is blessed with numerous free museums, which means your time in Glasgow doesn’t have to assault your bank balance. The museums cover a variety of subjects, from transport at the Riverside Museum to design and architecture at The Lighthouse. My favourite is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which has a bit of everything. The architecture is a sight to behold, with vibrant sandstone and a beautiful Spanish baroque style.

The museum itself is one of the best I’ve visited. You’ll find the popularly photographed ‘Expressions’ installation, as well as Scottish artwork, a display of Scotland’s lost wildlife, the Charles Rennie Mackintosh exhibition, and the world-famous St John of the Cross painting by Salvador Dali. There’s also a random Elvis statue, and the much-loved Sir Roger the (stuffed) elephant. You can also time your visit for one of the organ recitals in the stunning main hall.

To make the most of your visit you may wish to pay for a tour with Clare McLeod @IntermezzoArts for her super-impressive and enviable knowledge of everything. My attention span doesn’t generally allow for the absorption of too much information from the descriptive texts, so having Clare show me around on my first visit was truly invaluable.

• Visit the Glasgow Life website for more information

3) Go for afternoon tea at Mackintosh at the Willow.

In 1903, Kate Cranston’s ‘Willow Tea Room’ opened on Sauchiehall Street, and it quickly became the place to be. Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed every detail of the tea room, from the interior and exterior, to the furniture and staff uniforms. As with all his work, the designs were truly unique and way ahead of their time.

The Willow Tea Rooms Trust, founded by Celia Sinclair was established after the original building was purchased in 2014. The plan was to bring the tearoom back to its former glory, and over the next few years it was meticulously restored. Some original features were uncovered, and others were expertly crafted to replicate the originals. The afternoon tea is an absolute treat, and you can pay an extra £5 (the same price as it was over 100 years ago) to enjoy it in the elaborate Salon de Luxe. It is the only one of Kate Cranston’s original tearooms which still exists, and if you spend £10 or more in the tearoom, you get free entry into the onsite exhibition – which I thought was super-interesting and very well done.

• For more information check out my post on where to discover Charles Rennie Mackintosh in Glasgow

4) Spend an evening on Ashton Lane.

Ashton Lane is an absolute dream-boat of a place with inviting bars, a retro-look cinema, and cutesy cobbles illuminated by overhead fairy lights. Admittedly, my exploits in Glasgow throughout my 20s didn’t extend far beyond the vicinity of the train station, unless it was for a ‘cultural’ night at The Arches (RIP), or a gig at the SECC or Carling Academy. The West End was an unknown to me, and visiting for the first time was like discovering a whole new city. This little street there is the prettiest of them all!

Ashton Lane is home to Ubiquitous Chip, a beautiful fine-dining restaurant. The glass ceiling, fairy lights, and foliage entwined around the wooden features create a sublimely romantic atmosphere. For something more casual, the beer garden at Brel is an enchanting wee spot when the weather permits, and you might be lucky enough to time your visit for live music at the Innis & Gunn Beer Kitchen. Perfectly contained within its own wee micro-atmosphere, your night out – from restaurant to bar – needn’t venture outwith this street’s perimeters.

5) Admire the magical architecture at the University of Glasgow.

Admiring the university’s enchanting aesthetics, it wouldn’t take much to convince me that the art of magic was taught in its classrooms. The attractive Cloisters are one of the key visual attributes of the building, and appeared in the filming of Outlander. Despite the unfortunate lack of actual magic, Glasgow University is still something of an ancient wonder.

Established over 500 years ago, its walls have witnessed the education of many a famous face; John Logie Baird, Adam Smith, Nicola Sturgeon, Neil Oliver and Gerard Butler among others. Even the most famous of brains, Albert Einstein, graced the premises, giving a lecture on his ‘Modern Theory of Relativity’ to an audience of 1,500. How cool is that?

• Find out more on the University of Glasgow website

6) Ride the hop-on hop-off bus.

I always like to explore destinations on foot, but when time is limited, your limbs can’t always carry you as far as you’d like. This is where the hop-on hop off bus comes in. Guaranteed to hand your bearings to you on a plate, you’ll see all the sights from the comfort of your seat. It’s wise to study the route map before you set off, to choose the points of interest that tickle your fancy, and merit a closer look.

The bus stops at the new Clydeside Distillery, as well as some of Glasgow’s top attractions – as mentioned above – including the Riverside Museum, Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, Glasgow Cathedral, and Glasgow University. I’ve hopped on the bus a few times, and always enjoy seeing the city’s sights and street art from the top deck, while listening to the commentary about Glasgow. Proper tourist!

• Read more about the tour route here

7) Eat Street Food at Platform at the Arches.

Platform is a new event venue and street food market in Argyll Street Arches, which was once home to the famous nightclub The Arches which, sadly, closed in 2015. This new lease of life somewhat softens the blow, as it brings together some of the city’s top independent food vendors every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Shrimpwreck stall – which has been featured in Lonely Planet and on the BBC – is the most popular, and the Shrimp Bun is not to be missed. I also loved the chicken pachos (poppadom nachos) from Ginger & Chilli, and couldn’t resist a cheeky cocktail from the bar.

• Find out more in my full blog post on where to find the best street food in Glasgow

8) See the city from above at The Lighthouse.

I love a city skyline, and the entry to this viewpoint doesn’t cost a thing – aside from some physical exertion. The Lighthouse was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and was the home of the Glasgow Herald newspaper for the best part of 100 years. Today, it is Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture, with a permanent Mackintosh exhibition. The helical staircase within the tower is a statement feature of the museum, and highly Instagram worthy. The spiralling incline is worth it to reach the top and look out over the roofs of Glasgow.

• Visit The Lighthouse website for more information

9) Go for pizza at Peasano.

There’s pizza and there’s pizza. It has such a mass appeal, yet so many fail to do it justice. Paesano Pizza have got it so wonderfully right, thanks to their quality Napoletana ingredients and authentic cooking methods. The wood-fired ovens were built in Naples, and immense passion and expertise are channeled into the process of proving the dough, and cooking it at the perfect temperature for maximum tasting pleasure. I highly recommend the prosciutto cotto, with Portobello mushrooms, tomato sugo, mozzarella, fresh thyme and evoo. While you’re waiting on your pizza, go and watch the talented pizza chefs perform their magic in the open kitchen.

• You can’t pre-book a table at Paesano – it’s first come first served • For more info and to see the menu visit the Paesano Pizza website

10) Stay in a quirky hotel.

My go-to hotel in Glasgow is the lovely ABode , which is less than a 10-minute walk from Queen Street Station. The building dates back to 1829, and was once home to a Prime Minister. Inside the Edwardian townhouse, you’ll find the hotel’s signature cage lift, stone staircase and Lion Rampant patterned wallpaper. The rooms are modern and homely, the breakfast is amazing, and there are usually special offers which include breakfast, dinner and cocktails.

For something a bit funkier, I love Citizen M . The rooms are compact and contemporary, with colourful remote-controlled lights, music and window blinds. The interior design is striking and modern, the beds are huge, and the buffet breakfast is spot on. A really quirky and comfortable place to stay for a reasonable price.

Finally, and even more budget friendly is the Ibis Styles on Miller Street. The hotel has completely embraced the humour and personality for which Glasgow is known. ‘Have a Belter’ dons the doors as you enter, the carpets are in Rennie Macintosh style, there’s a giant Tunnock’s Teacake print in the hallway, and sketches of Glasgow scenes are dotted around the reception/dining area. Oh, and the ‘Duke with the Cone’ makes an appearance in the bedrooms. Brilliant! The rooms are clean and comfortable, the location is super-central, and continental breakfast is included.

How would you like to spend a city break in Glasgow? 

Happy travels, kay 💙, 2 thoughts on “my top ten ways to spend a city break in glasgow”.

Cripes Kay ! Haven’t you been busy ? (glad to see – keeps you out of mischief )

I certainly have Bob! 2019 is going to be bonkers busy for me – I’m not complaining though. Not sure about keeping me out of mischief

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Article Index
• Activity Map
• Travel Itineraries

Stonehaven War Memorial: A Historical Landmark

Discover the majestic Stonehaven War Memorial, a poignant tribute to the war dead of World Wars on Black Hill.

East Aquhorthies Stone Circle - near Inverurie, Aberdeenshire

East Aquhorthies Stone Circle, a remarkable example of Aberdeenshire's ancient stone recumbent circles.

Balquhain Castle in Aberdeenshire

Learn about the fascinating history of the 14th century Balquhain Castle near Inverurie. Home of Clan Leslie.

The Maiden Stone in Aberdeenshire

Discover the Maiden Stone, a towering Pictish symbol stone rich in history and mystery, located in Aberdeenshire.

The Picardy Stone: A Unique Pictish Symbol Stone

The Picardy Stone, a unique Pictish symbol stone marking an ancient burial site in Aberdeenshire.

The Enigmatic Stonehead Recumbent Stone Circle

The ancient Stonehead Recumbent Stone Circle, a unique heritage site near Insch in Aberdeenshire.

Dunnideer Castle: Medieval Ruins & Panoramic Views

Discover Dunnideer Castle, a historic medieval tower house on Scotland's Hill of Dunnideer near Insch.

Leith Hall, a lovely mansion house in Aberdeenshire.

Delve into the storied past of Leith Hall, from its 17th-century beginnings to its significance during wartime.

Explore the Rich History of Huntly Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Huntly Castle, from its 12th-century origins as the Peel of Strathbogie to its transformation into a grand Jacobean palace.

Bridges in Scotland: A Journey of History and Engineering

Journey from the historic Brig O' Doon to the engineering triumph of the Queensferry Crossing.

Roseisle Beach: Explore Forests, Beaches & Wildlife in Moray

From historical WWII defences to panoramic sea views, discover what makes Roseisle a must-visit destination.

Spynie Palace: Scotland's Largest Medieval Bishop's House

Discover the history of Spynie Palace in Moray, the grand residence of bishops for over 500 years.

Portgordon: Stunning Sunsets & Seal Watching

A picturesque village on Scotland's Moray Coast renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and friendly seal population.

Orcas in Scotland: A Guide to Sightings and Conservation

Discover the majestic orcas of Scotland with our comprehensive guide. Explore the best places for sightings.

A locals guide to Buckie in Northeast Scotland

Uncover Buckie's rich history, and local attractions including the Fishing Heritage Centre and St Peter's Church.

The Highland Clearances: What Happened, When, and Why?

Find out more about one of the most shocking times in Scottish History - families were forcibly removed from their homes.

Discover Elgin, Moray: A Historical and Cultural Gem

Explore Elgin's enchanting history and sights, from the majestic Elgin Cathedral to serene Cooper Park

Free guide: 5 Days in Aberdeenshire Travel Itinerary

Explore Aberdeenshire's hidden gems with our 5-day travel itinerary, featuring castles, coastal trails, and ancient stone circles.

Is Haggis an Animal? Exploring Scotland's Culinary Myth

Is haggis an animal? Dive into the history, ingredients, and cultural significance of Scotland's iconic dish.

Free guide: 5 Days in Ayr/Ayrshire Travel Itinerary

Ayr Travel Itinerary. Immerse yourself in historic castle ruins, and delve into the world of Robert Burns.

Nacreous Clouds Scotland - Capturing Nature's Art in the Sky

Discover the ethereal beauty of Nacreous Clouds in Scotland. Photography tips, and the best viewing locations.

A New Year walk up Castle Hill in Cullen, East Moray

Join my wife and I as we take a short walk up to Castle Hill in the lovely town of Cullen in north east Scotland.

Aviemore Ice Rink: A Highland Gem for Skating Enthusiasts

Explore the history and charm of Aviemore Ice Rink. From its origins to the community-led revival.

Ancient Forest Twi-Lights 2023: Magical Night Walk at Landmark

Explore the enchanting Ancient Forest Twi-Lights at Landmark Adventure Park, Aviemore.

Zipline Aviemore: An Exhilarating Highland Adventure

Discover breathtaking views, safety tips, costs, and personal experiences at Scotland's stunning Alvie Estate.

Free guide: 5 Days in Inverness Travel Itinerary

From Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle, experience the magic of the Scottish Highlands. Plan your trip now!

A guide to Girvan in South Ayrshire in West Scotland.

Explore Girvan, a charming coastal town in South Ayrshire. Discover its golden beach, modern harbor, and historic Stumpy Tower.

Ailsa Craig, a unique island found on the Ayrshire Coast.

Ailsa Craig, a magical island in the Firth of Clyde. Explore its geological wonders and its role as a maritime landmark.

Free guide: 5 Days in Moray Travel Itinerary

Moray Travel Itinerary: How to spend 5 days in Moray in north Scotland, activities, hotels and places to eat.

Free guide: 5 Days in Dornoch Travel Itinerary

Dornoch Travel Itinerary: How to spend 5 days in Dornoch in north Scotland, activities, hotels and places to eat.

Scotland Travel Blog

Welcome to Live Breathe Scotland, my name is Chris Thornton and this is my online space to blog about all things in my home country of Scotland . You'll find it full of practical information and advice on Scottish travel , places to stay / accommodation suggestions, cost, walks , a day trip, road trip itinerary / travel guide and general things to experience around Scotland. Maybe even a few Scottish recipes!  I also go into detail of Scottish history for each location I write about.

Claim Your Free 6 Day Travel Itinerary:

Simply enter your email and we'll send it your way!

Live Breathe Scotland

Scotland is one of the world's premiere destinations with  incredible mountains, ancient castles, fresh air and deep cool lochs . There are many fun road trips such as North Coast 500 & Islands, South West Coastal 300, North East 250, The Argyll Coastal Route and The Borders Historic Route. Golfers will be at home on many of our world-class golf courses, especially at the birthplace of golf - St Andrews .

I'm based in Moray , on the beautiful Moray Firth Coast , famous for its coastline ( Bow Fiddle Rock ) and wildlife.  More than half of Scotland's Whisky distilleries are based here and there are many tours available to see them.

Scottish Highlands is home to the highest mountain in the UK - Ben Nevis near Fort William and Loch Ness south of Inverness, world-famous for the monster legend.

Scottish Cities

The cities of Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow  have a great deal to offer first time travellers with attractions like Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Harry Potter tours or Glasgow Science Centre and the Riverside Museum and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Edinburgh is also world-famous for its New Year's celebrations.

The Scottish Isles

Scottish Isle's such as Orkney, The Isle of Skye and Isle of Lewis & Harris / Outer Hebrides have some of the most rugged scenery and great beaches in Great Britain. Up Helly Aa in Shetland is also a major attraction to experience.

National Parks

Scotland is home to two national parks , an important nature reserve and an area of special scientific interest. These parks have some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland.

Scottish Food & Drink

Scotland is famous for its award-winning food and drink industry to rival anywhere in the world. With over 130 distilleries, Scotch Whisky is a major export to the rest of the world. Distillery tours are popular amongst tourists from America, Europe and Japan... and also with our English neighbours.

We also have the best traditional music! Speyfest and Belladrum festivals attract international visitors.

Visit Scotland for your next destination for adventures with friends, your experiences will stay with you for a lifetime.  Scotland is also ideal for solo female travelers and you will undoubtedly leave having made some new Scottish friends.  This Scotland travel blog will help you plan your trip to Scotland, be it a few days or a few weeks. I love Scotland, I hope you will too!

A location map of articles written on Live Breathe Scotland has now been added here.

Copyright © Live Breathe Scotland 2024

All photography by Chris Thornton, John Luckwell and Alan Butterfield. Some stock photography used via depositphotos.com .

Privacy Policy | Mailing List | Sitemap | Contact Us

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Edinburgh Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

As the capital of Scotland since the 15th century, Edinburgh has a rich history (especially literary history; the city was designated a UNESCO City of Literature in 2004). Both the Old Town and New Town are also UNESCO World Heritage sites and there are centuries of myths and legends about the spooky underbelly of the city ( which you can learn about on a haunted ghost tour .

As the second-most visited city in the UK, there are tons of things to see and do here no matter what your interests are. There are beautiful walks, historic buildings, lively pubs, huge festivals (such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Hogmanay), a castle, Harry Potter tours, and much, much more.

This travel guide to Edinburgh can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this historic and picturesque city!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Edinburgh

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Edinburgh

1. Visit Edinburgh Castle

Built in the 12th century, Edinburgh Castle sits on a hill overlooking the city’s Old Town. It’s the most besieged place in Great Britain and you can easily spend hours here exploring and learning the castle’s history (the Crown Jewel exhibit is worth the price alone). Admission is 15.50 GBP.

2. Hike to Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano on the outskirts of Edinburgh. With a height of 251 meters (823 feet), it provides hikers with a picturesque panorama of the city. The hike takes an hour each way. If the weather is nice, bring a picnic and spend an afternoon looking out over the city.

3. Walk the Royal Mile

This pedestrian road is lined with pubs, restaurants, and shops. While touristy (it can get crowded in the summer), it’s also incredibly beautiful and historic. There are many historical monuments and buildings to check out nearby, such as the medieval St. Giles’ Cathedral.

4. Tour Rosslyn Chapel

Founded in 1446, this historic chapel near Edinburgh was made famous in The Da Vinci Code . The chapel is ripe with intricate artwork and symbolism that has spawned many conspiracy theories. Located just an hour from Edinburgh, admission is 9.50 GBP.

5. See the Scott Monument

Other things to see and do in edinburgh, 1. take a free walking tour.

The best way to get the lay of the land is to take a walking tour. You get a feel for the city and get to see the main sights while also having a local expert on hand to answer your questions. I always take a free walking tour when I arrive at a new destination. It’s the best way to get situated. New Europe has a great free tour that lasts a couple of hours — just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

2. Hang out in Calton Hill

Calton Hill is a quiet place to escape the noise of the city and admire the view. Take a hike to the top of the hill where you can sit and relax in a peaceful park-like setting. The National Monument of Scotland (a memorial to the soldiers who fought in the Napoleonic Wars between 1803-1815) and the Nelson Monument, dedicated to Horatio Nelson (a famous 18th-century British Admiral) are located here.

3. Explore Princes Street Gardens

For another free outing, spend an afternoon at Princes Street Gardens, which boasts a beautiful view of Edinburgh Castle. The garden is composed of two main parks and dates to the 1770s, when Edinburgh’s largest lake, Nor Loch, was drained to create the park. Today, the park is beloved by tourists and visitors alike, with vendors selling food and souvenirs here. At Christmas, the Garden turns into a German-style winter fair, full of stalls selling food, mulled wine, toys, and rides (the Christmas markets usually open mid-November).

4. Tour the Museum of Edinburgh

This museum is in the 16th-century Huntly House (one of the historic buildings on the Royal Mile) and offers insight into the city and its past. The museum is home to the National Covenant (an important Scottish Presbyterian document from 1638) as well as some original city plans and a miniature of the Old Town. There are also works of art, silverware, weapons, and more. The museum is free.

5. Visit the National Gallery of Scotland

This impressive gallery is home to works by Monet, Rembrandt, Degas, Vermeer, and Van Gogh, as well as works by famous Scottish painters like Allan Ramsay, David Wilkie, and William McTaggart. Opened in 1859, the gallery was designed in the Neoclassical style to look like an ancient Greek temple. Works span the centuries from the Renaissance to the 20th century and the gallery is free to enter (some temporary exhibits have a fee).

6. Attend a summer festival

During the summer, Edinburgh is home to several huge festivals. The most popular is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Held in August, this festival brings in performers and entertainers of all kinds — actors, musicians, buskers, and more. The festival lasts three weeks and is the biggest festival of its kind in the world. Keep in mind that during this time, accommodation prices skyrocket and the city floods with people. If you plan to attend, make sure you book your accommodation in advance. The Edinburgh International Film Festival in June and the Edinburgh Jazz Festival in July are two other big festivals worth attending in the summer.

7. Take a ghost tour

Edinburgh has a spooky history and there are many tours that illuminate the city’s eerie past by taking you around to graveyards and through underground tunnels. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, the tours take you to some old and interesting parts of Edinburgh. Don’t miss the Ghost Bus tour as well as a tour of the Vaults (the underground tunnels below the city) — both of which you do at night!

8. Drink some scotch

Learn how scotch is made by touring the Scotch Whisky Experience. It’s part museum, part interactive attraction (there’s even a barrel ride where you sit in a fake barrel and learn about the whisky-making process). There are also exhibits to show you the history of Scotland’s famous drink and how it came to hold such a revered place in the culture. Prices vary depending on what type of tour you want but begin at 17 GBP.

9. Celebrate Hogmanay

Hogmanay is one of the world’s biggest and most famous New Year’s Eve celebrations . Tens of thousands of people gather in the city streets to celebrate with torchlight processions, concerts, and fireworks. Prepare yourself for lots of drinking, holiday festivities, live music, and huge crowds. Book your accommodation far in advance as tens of thousands of people attend the festival.

10. Have fun at Camera Obscura

Founded in 1835, Camera Obscura is a fun and educational interactive museum. It’s home to over 100 exhibits that use light, mirrors, and technology to create stunning optical illusions. It’s located right in the heart of the Old Town making it easily accessible for anyone traveling with kids (or anyone who wants to indulge their inner child). It’s part science, part illusion, and all fun. Admission is 18 GBP.

11. Take a Harry Potter tour

If you’re a fan of J.K. Rowling’s epic fantasy series, be sure to book a spot on The Potter Trail, Edinburgh’s original Harry Potter tour. Tours are held daily and cover all the main sites in the city that relate to the books. The tour lasts 90 minutes and is accessible for both casual enthusiasts as well as die-hard fans. The tour is free, though make sure to tip your guides as well.

12. Visit St. Giles’ Cathedral

Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, St. Giles’ Cathedral is located on the Royal Mile and was originally built in the 12th century. The current building dates to the 14th century and was formerly a Roman Catholic Cathedral (St. Giles is now part of the Church of Scotland). In addition to the beautiful and austere interior, the cathedral is home to some noteworthy monuments, including one to famed Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, who wrote Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde . Admission is free. Remember that this is a place of worship, so dress respectfully.

  For more information on other cities in Scotland, check out these guides:

• Glasgow Travel Guide

Edinburgh Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Most 4-8-bed dorms cost 16-22 GBP, while a bed in a dorm with 10 or more beds costs 12-14 GBP per night. Prices tend to rise a few pounds in the summer and drop a few in the winter. Private double rooms cost 50-75 GBP per night.

Free Wi-Fi and lockers are standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Free breakfast is rare, but a few hostels in the city do offer it. Be sure to book those hostels in advance if it’s a priority.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels cost around 50-65 GBP per night. These usually include free Wi-Fi and some offer free breakfast.

A private Airbnb room costs 30 GBP per night while entire homes/apartments start at 55 GBP per night (though most cost 70 GBP per night or more).

For those traveling with a tent, camping is another option here — especially if you head out to the nearby Loch Lomond National Park. Expect to pay around 17 GBP per night for a basic plot (which is just a flat space for a tent; electricity is generally not included). Most parks close for the winter, so availability is limited come late October/early November. If you’re in a car or campervan, you can use the app ‘park4night’ to find paid overnight parking, free overnight parking, and campgrounds.

Food – Scottish food is hearty, heavy, and filling. Seafood is abundant, and popular traditional dishes include blood pudding, minced beef, fish and chips, smoked herring, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes), and of course haggis (a dish composed of minced sheep’s organs and spices inside a sheep’s stomach casing). Porridge is a common breakfast choice, though a larger breakfast of sausage, eggs, beans, and bread is not uncommon either. Sticky toffee pudding is a favorite dessert, and of course, you can’t visit Scotland without sampling some scotch.

Expect to pay around 10-12 GBP for a basic meal like a Scottish breakfast or haggis. For pub food like fish and chips or a burger, prices are usually between 15-25 GBP. For a full three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant, prices begin around 30 GBP.

A pint of beer is 4 GBP while a glass of wine is around 5.50 GBP. A latte or cappuccino is around 2.70 GBP.

A classic fish and chips from a no-frills takeaway spot is around 6 GBP. Chinese takeout is around 8-10 GBP, while a basic fast food combo meal (think McDonald’s) costs around 6 GBP. Street food (like from a food truck) costs around 6-8 GBP.

The Mosque Kitchen is one of the cheapest restaurants in the entire city. You can get an excellent meal there for 6-8 GBP.

For a week’s worth of groceries, expect to pay 40-60 GBP. This covers basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat. The cheapest supermarkets to look out for are Aldi, Lidl, Asda, and Tesco.

Backpacking Edinburgh Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Edinburgh for about 55 GBP per day. This means staying in a dorm room or camping, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, sticking to mostly free activities like hiking and free walking tours, and using public transportation to get around.

On a mid-range budget of about 100 GBP per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb room, eat out for most of your meals (sticking to a lot of pub foods), do more paid activities like visiting museums or galleries, enjoying a couple of drinks at the bar, and taking the occasional taxi to get around. You’re not going to live large, but you can get by without worrying too much about your spending.

On a “luxury” budget of 200 GBP or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for every meal, drink what you want, and visit as many museums and attractions as you’d like, take taxis, and do whatever else you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though — you can easily spend more if you really want to splash out!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

Edinburgh Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Like the rest of the UK, Edinburgh can be expensive. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to lower your costs and save money here. Here are some quick tips to help you save money in Edinburgh:

• Get the Edinburgh City Pass – If you’re planning to explore Edinburgh, get the City Pass. For 45 GBP, you’ll get access to 22 attractions as well as free transportation to and from the airport. There is also a two-day pass for 55 GBP and a three-day pass for 65 GBP. It’s a good choice for anyone planning to see a lot.
• Eat in a pub – The best food is often in the pubs and at a fraction of the price when compared to a sit-down restaurant. If you’re going to eat out, eat here.
• Eat during lunch – Many cafes, bakeries, nd chains offer lunch deals for as little as 3-5 GBP.
• Use apps to get discounted food – The app Too Good to Go, (on which participating eateries sell severely discounted meals/groceries/baked goods at the end of the day) has good coverage all across Scotland, particularly in Edinburgh. For discounts on takeout try the app Secret Takeaways which supports local restaurants by cutting out the delivery app middlemen (and their high fees).
• Visit the free museums – The public museums in Scotland are free — so take advantage! Free attractions include The National Museum of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery, St. Giles Cathedral, the Royal Botanic Garden, and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
• Avoid eating and shopping in the city centers – Edinburgh is significantly more expensive the closer you get to the city center/Old Town. There are plenty of good restaurants and quirky shops outside of the center, so go for those. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is the best way to save on accommodation as it’s free! You’ll not only save money but have access to a knowledgeable local who can help point you to some of the city’s hidden gems.
• Take a free walking tour – If you want to learn more about the history, architecture, and people of Scotland then be sure to take a free walking tour. They usually last a couple of hours and are a great introduction to the city.
• Cook your own meals – Food in the UK isn’t cheap. Save yourself some money and cook a few meals for yourself. It may not be as fancy as eating out, but your wallet will thank you!
• Use discount websites – Groupon, Wowcher and Living Social have good deals on accommodation, attractions, and dining out.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has plenty of hostels and they’re all pretty comfortable and sociable. These are my favorite places to stay in Edinburgh:

• Castle Rock
• Edinburgh Backpackers
• A&O Edinburgh
• Kick Ass Grassmarket

How to Get Around Edinburgh

Public transportation – Buses and trams are the most common forms of public transportation in the city. A single ticket costs 1.80 GBP and goes up from there depending on how far you go. Buses take only exact change so you may want to download the “Transport for Edinburgh” app to pay for tickets on your phone instead. You can even use it to buy tram tickets to/from the airport.

Day passes can be purchased for 4.40 GBP and a one-week ticket costs 20 GBP (does include the airport).

The Airlink bus to the airport costs 4.50 GBP for the 30-minute journey, while the tram costs 6 GBP.

Taxi – Taxis aren’t cheap here so I would avoid them as much as possible. Rates start at 3 GBP and go up by 1.40 GBP per kilometer. Stick to public transportation if you’re on a budget unless you are splitting the ride with someone.

Gett and Free Now are the two most common platforms used for taxis (they are linked to the Google Maps app so you can use that to get price estimates if you’re comparing modes of transportation). That being said, Edinburgh has safe and reliable public transportation, so I’d avoid taxis and ridesharing unless you have no other options.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Edinburgh, but it’s not always cheaper than taxis.

Car rental – Scotland is a great road trip destination, though I would only rent a car if you’re leaving the city (or if you need it for a specific reason in the city). Getting around the city is easier without a vehicle as public transportation is reliable. I would avoid renting a car unless you’re leaving the city.

You can find rentals for 25 GBP per day and campers for as little as 30 GBP per day. Just remember that traffic flows on the left. Most vehicles are manual transmissions as well.

When to Go to Edinburgh

Summer is the most popular time to visit Edinburgh. In July and August, there’s warm weather and minimal rain, with temperatures reaching highs of around 20°C (68°F). This is also the busiest time of the year, so expect crowds in the cities and lots of people out enjoying the nearby national parks. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes place in August, which is a huge multi-week festival. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance if you’re visiting during this time.

September is a rather wet month, though October offers incredible fall foliage. It’s a good month for road trips — especially if you plan on renting a car or camper and heading into the Cairngorms (Scotland’s biggest national park, which is only a couple of hours from the city). Seasonal businesses and accommodations start to close in mid-October so be sure to keep that in mind when planning. Expect October temperatures to hover around 12°C (55°F) during the day.

The spring is a great time to visit, with April and May offering minimal rain and no crowds. There’s snow and cool temperatures in the highlands, but the city is lively without being crowded.

Winters in Scotland are cold and dark. December is relatively dry but the temperatures dip close to 0°C (32°F). It’s nevertheless a popular time to visit, with many tourists coming to Edinburgh for the huge Hogmanay New Year’s Eve celebration (one of the biggest New Year’s festivals in the world).

By February, snow is common so keep that in mind if you plan on renting a vehicle. Unless you’re coming to engage in winter sports, I’d avoid a winter visit unless you don’t mind the grim and grey atmosphere of the country.

How to Stay Safe in Edinburgh

Scotland is a safe country, and you won’t need to worry about crime while you’re here. Edinburgh is safe for solo travelers — including female travelers — though women should take the standard precautions when traveling alone at night (don’t travel alone intoxicated, keep an eye on your drink, etc.).

As in all cities, stay vigilant when you’re in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation as that is when pickpockets usually strike. Always keep your valuables secure and out of reach just to be safe.

If you are hiking nearby (for example, in the Cairngorms a few hours north) make sure you have the appropriate equipment and that you notify your accommodation of your plans just in case. And if you’re hiking Arthur’s Seat, expect windy conditions at the summit.

While scams here are rare, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here if you’re concerned.

If you experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Edinburgh Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Edinburgh Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Scotland and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Edinburgh

The Best Walking Tours in Edinburgh

Where to Stay in Edinburgh: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Ghost Tours in Edinburgh

A Complete Visitor’s Guide to Rosslyn Chapel

Searching for the Perfect Dram on Islay

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Scotland Travel Blogs (Top Scotland Travel Guides)

Ready to travel around Scotland?

Whether you’re simply looking for inspiration on where to travel to or you’ve already started planning your trip, these Scotland travel blogs will help you kickstart your Scottish adventure.

If you’re wondering why it’s a great place to travel, here are 32 reasons to visit Scotland .

If you can’t decide when to visit, take a look at our guide to the best time to visit Scotland . It gives you suggestions based on the different seasons, weather and special events across the country.

Scotland is an amazing destination when it comes to accommodation. From airships and treehouses to stunning castles, you’ll love these unusual places to stay in Scotland .

Love a tipple? Check out the best gin distilleries in Scotland . Keen to get out and explore? How about planning a trip to the Ben Nevis .

Or if you just fancy a bit of fun, take our Scotland quiz and see how much you know about the country.

We hope you have a great time exploring Scotland.

13 Top Museums in Scotland You Simply Have To Visit This Year

9 Top Things To Do In Durness, Scotland

13 BEST Hidden Gems in the UK

13 BEST Days Out in Scotland

We've refreshed our website design so things may look a little different if you've been here before. We'll be making more improvements soon so watch this space.

The Northern Lights viewed from Oban

© VisitScotland / Oban and Lorn Tourism Alliance / Sheila McIntyre

The Ultimate Scotland Itinerary

Venture across Scotland, exploring some of the most popular attractions and locations in this 14 day Ultimate Scotland Itinerary.

From the well-known scenic landscapes, famed attractions, iconic monuments, and breathtaking locations that have made cameo appearances in TV and Films - Scotland is a must-visit destination. Come and uncover the best of Scotland, which will leave you in awe and itching to come back to explore everything else on the map.

• Distance 548 Miles 877 km
• Transport Bus
• Main theme Sightseeing

Day 1 Edinburgh

Where better to start off your journey than in the Scottish capital?  Edinburgh  is one of Scotland's much loved cities and is home to world-renowned summer festivals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as bags of  history  to uncover.

Explore historic monuments, lovely green spaces, top-class dining experiences, fantastic shopping locations and much more in all the nooks and crannies across the city.

Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh - City Centre

Edinburgh Castle in the sunshine

Time your visit just right so you're there to witness the firing of the famous One o'Clock Gun. 

Just walking up the esplanade on approach, you know you're about to step into one of Scotland's most special historic buildings. Take in the views across the city and learn about the dramatic events which have played out between these ancient walls as you explore great halls, royal chambers, monuments and dungeons. To avoid disappointment, make sure to book your tickets far in advance for guaranteed entry.

• On Public Transport Route
• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
• Level Access
• Cafe or Restaurant

Arthur's Seat Edinburgh - City Centre

Salisbury Crags by Arthur's Seat

Why not take a picnic to enjoy whilst you soak up the views of the city from the top of Arthur's Seat?

Probably not many city getaways involve climbing an extinct volcano, but we think the more adventurous of you are going to love it, especially on a clear day! Head to Holyrood Park, located near the bottom of the Royal Mile, and take in the best views of the city from the top of Arthur's Seat. You'll get incredible panoramas over Edinburgh and beyond, across the Firth of Forth to the majestic Kingdom of Fife.

Calton Hill Edinburgh

Scottish National Monument.

© Kenny Lam, VisitScotland. All rights reserved.

The short walk up Calton Hill is a great place to begin and get your bearings. The whole city can be admired in all directions from the top of this hill, including key landmarks - Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Castle and the Three Bridges. There are views across the Firth of Forth in one direction and the Pentland Hills in the other. The good news is, it's a really quick wander, so you can have the rest of the day to explore the city.

Day 2 Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway

Journey southwards from Edinburgh to the glorious  Scottish Borders  and picturesque  Dumfries & Galloway . From the rolling hills and moorlands that inspired Sir Walter Scott, to the friendly towns and glorious green countryside of Dumfries & Galloway - there are miles upon miles of  landscapes  in  southern Scotland  to explore.

Melrose Abbey Melrose

Melrose Abbey

We're very lucky to share with you wonderful stories of Scotland's historic past, and Melrose Abbey is no exception. Originally founded by David I in 1136 for the Cistercian Order, the abbey is believed to be the final resting place of Robert the Bruce's heart. Although largely destroyed by Richard II's English army in 1385, you can take an audio tour around the site and see its striking architectural details up close. A few significant features to spot include hobgoblins, cooks with ladles and even a bagpipe playing pig. The question is, can you find them all?

Why visit one Borders abbey when you can visit another three, you're on holiday after all! Discover the magnificent ruined abbeys of Dryburgh, Jedburgh and Kelso along  The Borders Abbeys Way . This 103 km walk takes you on a colourful journey through history dating back to the 12th century. Admire the picturesque scenery as you stop off to explore the pretty towns and villages or if you're looking to catch a bite, head to the River Tweed and River Teviot for a bit of morning fishing.

Caerlaverock Castle Glencaple

Caerlaverock Castle

Surrounded by its own moat and built in an unusual triangular shape, kids and adults alike will have a blast exploring the ruins of Caerlaverock Castle. There are multiple levels within the castle to explore as well as a short nature walk through the woods to the site of the old castle.

Day 3 Glasgow

The day starts bright and early as you travel north west to the cultural hub of  Glasgow . Here you can explore a whole host of attractions and gems that capture the true personality of the city.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum Glasgow West End

Exterior of the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Glasgow's trendy West End is home to Kelvingrove, a free museum packed with over 8,000 intriguing objects and artefacts. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of art, from the Dutch Old Masters and the French Impressionists, to perhaps its most famous piece, Christ of St John of the Cross by Salvador Dali.

• Hearing Loop
• Accessible toilets

Riverside Museum and Tall Ship Glasgow City Centre

Riverside Museum

The Riverside Museum is a visual feast - the building itself is one of the most striking modern buildings in Scotland. Inside, the museum houses all kinds of exhibits related to transport. Vehicles, bikes, and locomotives dating from different periods can be found. In addition, you can also explore the Clyde-built Tall Ship, which is berthed alongside the museum.

Day 4 Falkirk

Up next is  Falkirk . Head north east from Glasgow to experience outstanding attractions, modern wonders, and historical treasures, as well as great shopping centres, award-winning boutiques,  restaurants  and more.

The Falkirk Wheel Falkirk

The Falkirk Wheel

The Forth & Clyde and Union canals are linked together by The Falkirk Wheel, an impressive piece of engineering, which opened in 2002. Learn about and ride a canal boat on the world’s only rotating boat lift and enjoy activities by the canal, such as cycling, walking, canoeing, segway rides and playing in the water park. You can hire canoes, bikes and electric boats, so there’s no excuse for not taking to the water! Here you’ll also find a walk to see the remains of the Antonine Wall, which was created from earthen mounds in Roman times.

• Pets Welcome

Stirling Castle Stirling

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's most historically important sites and was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations at the castle. Meticulously restored, today you can meet costumed characters in the roles of bodyguards, court officials, maids of honour and servants who will bring the world of Scotland's 16th century court to life.

Day 5 Stirling

Stay in the area a while longer and explore the gems of  Stirling . It's a wee city with a big history, fascinating attractions and spectacular scenery to enjoy. Don't forget to explore the many places to shop, eat and drink as well as experience lively events throughout the year.

National Wallace Monument Stirling

The National Wallace Monument

An outstanding landmark and one of Stirling’s most striking visits - commemorating the life of Sir William Wallace.

Bannockburn Stirling

Robert the Bruce Statue at the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre

The Battle of Bannockburn changed Scotland's history forever in 1314. Scotland's great warrior king, Robert the Bruce, led Scotland to victory against King Edward II and the English army. The visitor experience puts you at the heart of the action with cutting-edge 3D technology.

Day 6 Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

This extraordinary national park is home to wild scenery, thrilling history and superb local  food and drink .  Loch Lomond  is one of our most beautiful and iconic locations that has inspired love songs, as well as tales and stories throughout the years. At the heart of the park you can find Loch Lomond itself.

Did you know, the park is home to 21 Munros, 19 Corbetts and 22 large lochs?

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

Loch Katrine

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is a hiker's paradise, with stunning vistas in every direction. Lace up your boots and explore the  Luss Heritage Trail , a lovely short walk around a quaint loch-side village. Or, why not spend another day here and challenge yourself to something a little more strenuous? The most southerly Munro  Ben Lomond ,  Ben A'an , and  The Cobbler  are all rewarding climbs nearby.

Inveraray Castle Inveraray

A view of the Castle from the South-West.

Feel like you're in a fairytale and visit one of Scotland's most romantic castles. Visitors will be able to view historic pieces of armoury, a fine collection of china, silver, tapestries and much more. If you fancy staying longer, the expansive estate offers first-class holiday accommodation to help you get a good night's rest.

Day 7 Fort William

Start your day bright and early with a scenic journey northwards to  Fort William . Here you can conquer  Munros , taste some of the finest Scotch  whisky , enjoy loch-side wanders, take a trip aboard the steam train that took Harry Potter to Hogwarts and much more.

Ben Nevis Fort William

The River Lochy with Ben Nevis

You’ve arrived at Fort William, part of the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’, so it’s time to get active! Keen hillwalkers will relish the challenge of scaling Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland, which stands at 4,406 ft (1,343 m). Make sure to visit  Walk Highlands  for detailed maps, difficulty levels and walking advice before you climb.

Day 8 Glenfinnan

From Fort William, make your way along to  Glenfinnan  at the head of Loch Shiel to see stunning scenery and experience the magical atmosphere for yourself. Here you can see the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct up close, which also transports the famous  Jacobite Steam Train  from Fort William to Mallaig. Glenfinnan has also been the scenic backdrop for many scenes in the famous  Harry Potter  films and you can even hop aboard the real Hogwarts Express that was used in the films for an atmospheric journey across the viaduct.

Glenfinnan Monument Glenfinnan

Glenfinnan Monument & Visitor Centre

While you’re here, make sure to snap some pictures of the nearby Glenfinnan Viaduct – it’s a famous filming location from the  Harry Potter  movies.

Stretch your legs and breathe in fresh Highland air as you visit the Glenfinnan Monument on the banks of Loch Shiel. Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Jacobite flag here in August 1745 (beginning the final Jacobite Rising), after arriving on the mainland from the  Outer Hebrides .

Climb the monument for views out across Loch Shiel and pop into the visitor centre to learn more about the 1745 Rising.

Day 9 Loch Ness

Shrouded in mystery, myths and legends,  Loch Ness  is home to the famed creature that is the Loch Ness Monster. The loch is the UK's largest body of water and is around 700 ft. deep, so finding Nessie herself may take a while. Loch Ness is the perfect place for quiet, scenic walks, afternoon picnics and taking in the natural beauty around you.

Urquhart Castle Loch Ness

Urquhart Castle viewed from Loch Ness

St Columba is said to have worked miracles here in the sixth century.

The magnificent Urquhart Castle is located on the banks of the famous Loch Ness. Stand and soak in a thousand years of history - it has witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters in Scotland's past where clan rivalries saw bloody raids carried out in the 15th and 16th centuries. You might even witness a historic event yourself, should you spot the elusive Nessie, Loch Ness's most famous resident.

The Loch Ness Centre Drumnadrochit

View of Loch Ness from Urquhart Castle

In Drumnadrochit, find out more about the legends of Nessie, all the sightings - real or not - and find out where the stories and tales stemmed from all those years ago, at the Loch Ness Centre.

Stay in one of the local cottages, B&Bs or hostels and complete your stay by enjoying some delicious local food, and even try a dram or pint of some traditional Scottish drinks.

Day 10 Sutherland

It's an early start as you set off to Sutherland, near Lairg, for spectacular, sweeping landscapes, fantastic attractions, stunning  gardens , scenic views, and traditional Scottish  wildlife  in every corner. 

Dunrobin Castle Golspie

Dunrobin Castle

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, and was home to the Earls and, later, the Dukes of Sutherland. 

The magnificent Dunrobin Castle is the largest house in the Highlands. Crowned with a myriad of fairytale towers and turrets, Dunrobin is unique for resembling a vast French château rather than the baronial stronghold typical of the Highlands. It has a whopping 189 rooms, making it one of the biggest homes in the country. In fact, it's one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, and was home to the Earls and, later, the Dukes of Sutherland. 

Its lavishly furnished interior, sprawling formal gardens, and grounds which stretch as far as the sea, are nothing short of breathtaking. It's even said to have a ghost...

Aviemore Aviemore

Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel

© Hostelling Scotland

Spend time in the picturesque town of Aviemore set in the north west corner of the park. Surrounded by spellbinding scenery, it makes an excellent base for exploring the park and offers easy access to an incredible range of outdoor activities. Nearby is the  Highland Wildlife Park  where you can get tantalisingly close to Scotland’s rarest indigenous species including the Scottish wildcat and elusive capercaillie. 

Day 11 Cairngorms National Park

The  Cairngorms National Park  is a haven for wildlife, dense woodland, picturesque lochs and miles upon miles of forest trails to explore. Twice the size of the Lake District, this national park has more mountains, forest paths, rivers, lochs, wildlife hotspots, friendly villages, and distilleries than you can possibly imagine.

Did you know that the Cairngorms is where the majority of Scotland's wildcats call home? So make sure you keep your eyes peeled!

Day 12 Aberdeen

Aberdeen  is shrouded in fascinating history, boasts streets lined with astounding architecture, all while featuring a picturesque coastline and harbour. Explore rolling hills, open farmland and towering mountains in the splendour of  Aberdeenshire .

Balmoral Castle Ballater

Balmoral Castle

You'll recognise this iconic castle which featured in the Oscar-winning film  The Queen , a 2006 portrayal of HM The Queen, Elizabeth II.

Royal Deeside is home to the famous Balmoral Castle, a firm favourite with the Royal Family. The estate has been in the family since 1848, after it was purchased by Queen Victoria. Enjoy a stroll around castle gardens, visit the ballroom and special exhibitions or relax with a drink in the coffee and gift shop.

Day 13 Perth

Head south to the wonderful city of  Perth . Here you can explore fabulous city gems, glorious parks and green spaces, historically-significant attractions and much more, all with bustling markets and quirky shops to browse too.

Scone Palace Perth

Scone Palace, Scottish Visitor Attraction, Historic House, Palace, Castle

© Scone Palace

Scone Palace was the crowning place of Scottish kings where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II were once crowned.

Scone breathes history like nowhere else in Scotland. It is the family home of the Earls of Mansfield and the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings on the stone of Scone. See where the Stone of Scone, known as the Stone of Destiny, once stood. It now resides in Edinburgh Castle.

Day 14 Dundee & Fife

The east of Scotland is a gem in itself, featuring picturesque coastline trails, world-renowned city hotspots, scenic hills and glens to explore and much more. Get ready to uncover the unique city of  Dundee  and the glorious region of  Fife  in the final stop of your tour.

RRS Discovery Dundee City

Purple sunset over Discovery Point and RRS Discovery in Dundee. Reflection of RRS Discovery on the water.

Hop on board the ship which has travelled to the ends of the earth and back! Captain Scott and his hardy crew reached the then undiscovered polar region of Antarctica in the early 1900s in one of the most significant expeditions to have ever been undertaken. Wander through the ship, see objects that belonged to Scott and his men, and discover their brave tales of seafaring and difficulties in the Antarctic. At this family attraction, there's plenty of engaging things to see and do that kids will really enjoy.

St Andrews Cathedral St Andrews

St Andrews Cathedral

A ‘must-see’ for any visitor, explore the remains of St Andrews Cathedral, which was once the largest church in Scotland. The cathedral’s museum houses an outstanding collection of medieval sculptures and relics which were found on the site. Make sure to climb St Rule’s Tower, which dates from the 12th century, to see amazing views across St Andrews and Fife.

Find experiences

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see this product search form. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Other things you might like

Scotland trip itineraries

Whisky and the West Coast: 7 Day Sailing Itinerary

Off The Beaten Track In Scotland

The Best Tours of Scotland - Luxury & Scenic Tours

Golf breaks in Scotland

Places to Go

Holiday Ideas for Scotland

Top tourist attractions & places to visit in Scotland

9 of Scotland's Most Inspiring Spots  

Scottish Islands & Island Hopping

Scotland's Stories

Meet the team, there's just two of us and only i do the writing..

Graeme Johncock

Passionate and engaging storyteller and writer, loves nothing better than sticking a kilt on and exploring Scotland with everything it has to offer.

Molly the Labrador

Barketing manager.

Loves eating, swimming and sleeping.

What do I do?

This is just some of the content you'll find here.

Read About Scotland

Here you'll find a Scottish travel blog mixed with traditional stories!

Buy Some Of Scotland

Buy some of Scotland's Stories to enjoy at home or send to a friend.

Driving Tours of Scotland

Book a guided Scotland driving tour and experience the stories yourself!

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Want To See More of Scotland?

Sign up to get blog updates! No spam. Ever.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Legends Of The Cù Sìth – Scotland’s Fairy Dog

Have you ever wandered lonely moors or misty mountain plateaus and had the feeling that you weren’t alone? Did you really hear that distant bark or was it just a trick of the wind? Be Read more…

Journey To Campbeltown By Sea – Visiting Glen Scotia Distillery

If you’re a fan of Scottish whisky, then you need to make the journey to Campbeltown to visit Glen Scotia Distillery. You don’t have to make that journey by sea like I did, but if Read more…

Why You Need To Visit The New Perth Museum!

The wait is finally over and the doors are open to the amazing new Perth Museum! As one of Scotland’s most historic cities, Perth deserves more people exploring its streets and discovering its story. There’s Read more…

Find Your Tour

Scotland Travel Blog February 2024

Game of Thrones Scottish Style - This month we visited Moray, a region of Scotland where several powerful families battled for control. As I dug deeper into the stories of the families and castles that controlled this area, it occurred to me that Scottish history is up there with "Game of Thrones" when it comes to plot twists and debauchery.

Scotland Travel Blog January 2024

Highlights of 2023 - It has become a bit of a Secret Scotland tradition to start the New Year with a Blog about the places and experiences that stand out as the best bits from the last 12 months. This always causes a bit of debate in our house, so some categories have multiple choices as we just couldn’t come to a unanimous decision. We hope you enjoy the blog as much as we did doing the research.

Scotland Travel Blog December 2023

Pubs for a Scottish Winter - December isn’t a time of year that we’d recommend for visiting Scotland. It gets dark too early, the weather can be depressing and most of the tourist attractions are closed. Fortunately, the bad weather gives you an excuse to seek refuge in the warmth of a pub. So here are some recommendations for cozy Scottish pubs to enjoy in the Highlands.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter And Receive 5 Free Guides

Simon & Maria's travel blog

hills, bikes & more

Climbing Meall Greigh and Meall Garbh, and attempting An Stùc, three Munros (Perthshire, Scotland)

April 19, 2024 by Maria Fernandez

A spectacular Munro climb in a fierce gale, with stunning views all around us, and more snow than we’d expected.

Cycle ride from Embleton to Seahouses & Ellingham (Northumberland, England)

July 2, 2023 by Maria Fernandez

An idyllic day full of railway tracks, uninterrupted views of the sea, a familiar castle, and an adventurous duckling.

Cycling in Northumberland (England): Wooler, Ingram, Netherton, Whittingham, Eglingham.

July 1, 2023 by Maria Fernandez

A summer ride in the north of England full of sun, bridges, fords, geese, churches, and a formidable wind.

Climbing Meall Greigh, a Munro in Perthshire – in a snow blizzard

April 14, 2023 by Maria Fernandez

Play the slideshow . or see the photos below #: map & data . 8.4 mile walk in 7h40 from 09.30 to 17.10 – average 1.1 mph https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/munros/meall-greigh https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/perthshire/meall-garbh.shtml after Firbush Blizzard conditions . . Our story heading text Tap the photos to enlarge them . . Camera used: all the photos in this post […]

Climbing Cruach Àrdrain and Beinn Tulaichean, two Munros (The Trossachs, Scotland)

December 9, 2022 by Maria Fernandez

An epic walk in the Trossachs across a frosty landscape with superb views. A day full of frozen streams, puddles, waterfalls, and an immense white ridge.

Climbing Swatte Fell, Hart Fell & Under Saddle Yoke (Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland)

May 14, 2022 by Maria Fernandez

This was the first of our two-day camper van trip to South West Scotland. We went up a few steep slopes, followed long fences, and arrived at a magical spot. All in all, we conquered three Donalds.

Climbing The Cheviot, a Hewitt in Northumberland (England)

March 1, 2022 by Maria Fernandez

A one-day holiday in Northumberland with three hills, gorgeous views, some snow, plenty of fences, peat bogs and a deep blue sky.

3-day tour of Dumfries & Galloway (Scotland)

June 7, 2021 by Maria Fernandez

A 2-night trip to Annan, Rockcliffe, Dumfries, Kirkcudbright and Gretna Green. An instructive tour with abbeys, castles, churches, museums and nature reserves.

Climbing Auchnafree Hill (Corbett) & Ben Chonzie (Munro) – Perthshire (Scotland)

May 1, 2021 by Maria Fernandez

An epic climb with an unexpected snowstorm, magnificent views of Loch Turret, some scrambling, and navigating in the clag.

Climbing four Donalds in the Scottish Borders

April 24, 2021 by Maria Fernandez

An epic spring day full of sun, hills, cairns, fences, lambs, and a long dry bog.

Climbing Beinn Dearg, a Graham (Perthshire, Scotland)

April 17, 2021 by Maria Fernandez

Our first spring climb after several months of lockdown. A glorious day full of sun, peat, fords and grassy hills.

Cycling from Craster (Northumberland, England) back to Edinburgh

July 8, 2019 by Maria Fernandez

Two days cycling along empty country lanes, visiting the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, staying in a quaint B&B, and climbing the Lammermuirs.

Cycling from Tweedbank (Scottish Borders) to Craster (Northumberland, England)

July 3, 2019 by Maria Fernandez

A 2-day cycling tour that took us to Melrose, Kelso, Belford, Bamburgh and Craster, with glorious weather and a superb B&B.

Cycling in the Scottish Borders: Galashiels, Lilliesleaf, Jedburgh, Denholm, Melrose & Tweedbank (Scotland)

May 24, 2019 by Maria Fernandez

A sunny and warm cycle in the Scottish Borders, riding past two ruined abbeys, an old Roman road and some churches; and visiting a familiar farm.

Wild camping, cycling & walking up Meall Chuaich (near Kingussie, Scotland)

May 11, 2019 by Maria Fernandez

Two unforgettable days with glorious weather, a familiar Munro, a visit to our old camp, and an unexpected bridge.

• Next Page »