6-Day Scotland Road Trip to the Highlands, Isle of Skye, Inverness, and Edinburgh
Scotland is one of those rare places where the reality actually lives up to the moody, cinematic expectations you see in films. It is a land of jagged peaks, mist-heavy glens, and warm, inviting people. There is so much to see in iconic Scottish cities like Edinburgh and Inverness, and in scenic regions like the Highlands and the Isle of Skye, but since many often have so little time away, we wanted to share what we think would be an ideal “express tour” of Scotland! This self-guided six-day road trip itinerary hits all the highlights while keeping things manageable. This is the perfect route if you want to see the best of the country in about a week, flying round-trip in and out of Edinburgh.
Driving in Scotland
If you’ve never driven on the left side of the road and the right side of the car, read this first! Before you even turn the key in your rental car, let’s talk about the driving. Picking up a car in Edinburgh can feel a bit hectic at first. Adjusting to the left side of the road while navigating city traffic is a lot to take in. However, you will find that you get comfortable pretty quickly.
The real challenge comes once you hit the Highlands and Skye. The roads are narrow, often turning into single-track lanes where only one car can pass at a time. We were a little nervous about this until we found a video on the etiquette of passing places. It features a little song about how to use these pull-offs, and it quickly became our road trip anthem. It kept the mood light when we were squeezed between a stone wall and an oncoming tour bus! Watch this video below to handle these unique driving conditions! We watched this video many, many times before our trip and found it so helpful!
Day One: Edinburgh to the Highlands
Once you have your car, you will start with a three-hour scenic drive toward Glencoe. This is widely considered one of the most beautiful spots in Scotland. Even if it is raining, the low clouds clinging to the mountains only add to the atmosphere. We suggest taking your time here. Pull over often and just breathe in the damp, mossy air.
You will end your first day in Fort William. This town is a hub for hikers, as it sits at the base of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak. Since we wanted to ease into the trip, we kept things gentle here. For dinner, you have some great local favorites. Crannog at Garrison West is a must for seafood lovers, offering fresh mussels and langoustines. If you want something more casual, the Black Isle Bar has fantastic wood-fired pizzas and craft beers. For that classic, hearty pub feel, head to The Grog and Gruel on the High Street. It is the perfect place to grab a pint and a bowl of stew to end your first day.
Day Two: Highlands to Isle of Skye
Start your morning early and head to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. You have likely seen this in the Harry Potter films, but seeing the massive stone arches in person is something else entirely. From there, it is a two-hour drive to Eilean Donan Castle. It sits on an island where three sea lochs meet, and it is easily one of the most photographed spots in Scotland.
After the castle, you will drive another hour across the bridge to the Isle of Skye. You will be staying in Portree for two nights. One shocking thing we learned on our multiple visits is that it’s crucial to make your dinner reservations as soon as you know your travel dates. Portree is a small village that gets hit with many large bus tours, and the restaurant's capacity is limited. If you do not book ahead, you might find yourself waiting quite a while for a table.
For coffee and a light breakfast in Portree, we highly recommend Birch Coffee or Summer Cafe. For lunch and dinner, we recommend Dulse & Brose for modern Scottish plates, Gasta Port Righ for pizza and pasta, or Sea Breezes for more of that incredible local seafood. For any groceries or snacks, you can find the Co-Op in the center of town.
Day Three: Isle of Skye
This day is all about the landscape. The Trotternish Loop is where you will find the most iconic views on Skye. We spent our day exploring the Quiraing, the Fairy Glen, and the Old Man of Storr. These hikes are legendary for a reason. The terrain looks like something from a fantasy novel!
Our advice is to take your time and hike as much as you physically can. The views from the top of the Storr are incredible, but even the shorter walks around the Fairy Glen feel like you have stepped into another world. Bring waterproof layers and sturdy boots, because the weather on Skye changes every ten minutes. One minute you will be in bright sunshine, and the next you will be sprinting back to the car in a downpour!
Women’s Packing List for Scotland (Spring & Fall)
Day Four: Isle of Skye to Loch Ness and Inverness
As you leave Skye, stop by Lean To Coffee for a tasty light breakfast and a quality caffeine fix. It is a roughly two-hour drive to Fort Augustus, which sits at the southern tip of Loch Ness. We took a short cruise on the loch to see if we could spot Nessie. While we didn't find any monsters, the views of the water and Urquhart Castle from the boat were well worth the time.
One of the absolute highlights of this trip for us was finally meeting some Highland Cows. We are genuinely obsessed with them, so this was a high priority! We went to Drumbuie Farm B&B and Quila Cridhe Tearoom near Inverness. We had heard about it from a YouTube channel we love called Kinging It, and it lived up to the hype. It costs about twelve dollars per person, which covers the feed, but it is so much more personal than a typical petting zoo. The farmer introduced us to the cows by name and told us about their family history! It was a simple, quiet, and authentic moment that didn't feel like a tourist trap at all.
After your visit, drive just a short distance into Inverness to walk around the High Street (the main shopping street), eat dinner, and enjoy Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. For dinner, you have some great local favorites. The Mustard Seed is a must for those who want a unique atmosphere, as it is a converted church right on the river serving up Highland salmon and venison. If you want something more casual, the Black Isle Bar (in Fort William) has fantastic wood-fired pizzas and craft beers from its own local brewery. For that classic, hearty pub feel, head to The Castle Tavern for a pint and some proper pub grub with views of the castle.
Loch Ness Cruise
Cruise along Caledonian Canal and experience panoramic views of Loch Ness and Great Glen on this one-hour cruise!
Day Five: Inverness to Edinburgh
Before heading out of town, enjoy a Full Scottish Breakfast at The Rendezvous Cafe Inverness. This spot is a must for those who love a side of history with their meal, as it is a former dancehall where the Beatles once played. Alternatively, Girvans Click offers a wide range of items from traditional fry-ups to fresh patisserie. After breakfast in Inverness, you have a three-hour drive back down to Edinburgh. After checking in for your final two nights, we suggest heading over to Stockbridge. This area was such a refreshing discovery for us. It is a cozy, quaint neighborhood with a very cool vibe.
Stockbridge is the place to go if you want to escape the main tourist crowds. There are great coffee spots like Cowan and Sons or Books N’ Cup Cafe, low-key restaurants like Little Capo or The Scran and Scallie, and plenty of thrift shops. We always love browsing through charity (thrift) shops, and this neighborhood has some of the best ones we have found! It is the perfect place to spend a slow afternoon after the fast pace of the road trip.
Day Six: Edinburgh
For your final full day, start with a classic Full Scottish Breakfast or coffee and pastries. For a full breakdown on our favorite breakfast options in Edinburgh, check out our blog, First Timer’s Guide to Eating Around Edinburgh, Scotland! You will need the energy for Edinburgh Castle. It sits high above the city on an extinct volcano and offers incredible views. Afterward, explore the Royal Mile and Victoria Street. Victoria Street is famously colorful and serves as the inspiration for Diagon Alley.
Wrapped up your trip with a visit to The Scotch Whisky Experience. We are not necessarily "whiskey people," but this tour was incredibly beginner-friendly. They walk you through the different regions as if you know nothing at all. You get to try whiskey from various areas, which helps us figure out exactly what flavors we actually enjoy. It was a great way to toast to a successful trip.
Scotland has a way of staying with you long after you leave. We share new itineraries all the time, so make sure to follow along for more of our favorite routes to amazing places!