A Weeklong Itinerary Through the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are a landscape painter's dream — a wilderness of rugged mountains, deep glens, and mysterious lochs. This ancient land of clan warfare, Jacobite rebellions, and Celtic legends offers travelers an unforgettable journey through some of the UK's most dramatic scenery.

As someone who has guided countless tours through the Highlands and explored its hidden corners for over 15 years, I've crafted what I believe is the perfect 7-day itinerary that balances iconic landmarks with lesser-known treasures. This route works best with a rental car to give you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Day 1: Edinburgh to Glencoe

Begin your Highland adventure by heading northwest from Edinburgh across the Forth Road Bridge. Make your first stop at Stirling Castle, perched high on volcanic rock and offering spectacular views across the region. This historic fortress was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots and the site of many decisive battles in Scottish history.

Continue your journey through the Trossachs National Park, often called "The Highlands in Miniature." Stop for lunch at the charming village of Callander before driving through the hauntingly beautiful Rannoch Moor, a vast stretch of boggy moorland that feels utterly otherworldly.

Arrive in Glencoe by late afternoon. This spectacular valley (or "glen") is renowned for its majestic mountains and dark history — the site of the infamous Glencoe Massacre of 1692. Take time to visit the excellent Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn about the glen's geological formation and turbulent past.

Where to stay: The Glencoe House offers luxury suites in a historic mansion, while the Clachaig Inn provides more budget-friendly accommodation with a fantastic traditional pub serving hearty Highland fare and over 300 whiskies.

Day 2: Glencoe to Fort William and Glenfinnan

After breakfast, take a morning hike on one of Glencoe's many walking trails. The Hidden Valley (Coire Gabhail) is particularly recommended for reasonably fit travelers — this 4-hour round trip leads to a concealed valley where the MacDonalds allegedly hid rustled cattle.

Drive to nearby Fort William for lunch, passing the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Train enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Jacobite Steam Train (famously featured as the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter), which runs from Fort William to Mallaig during summer months.

In the afternoon, continue to Glenfinnan, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745, marking the beginning of the Jacobite uprising. The Glenfinnan Monument stands at the head of Loch Shiel, commemorating this historic event. Nearby, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is instantly recognizable from the Harry Potter films — walk the short trail up the hillside for the perfect photo opportunity of the viaduct with Loch Shiel in the background.

Where to stay: Return to Glencoe or Fort William for the night, or continue to Mallaig if you've booked the steam train experience.

Day 3: The Road to Skye

Today's journey takes you through some of Scotland's most spectacular coastal scenery as you head toward the Isle of Skye. Drive from Fort William to Mallaig, where you'll catch the ferry to Armadale on Skye's southeastern peninsula (book in advance during summer months).

Alternatively, take the longer but equally scenic route across the Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh. If choosing this route, stop at Eilean Donan Castle — one of Scotland's most photographed castles, perched on a small island where three sea lochs meet.

Once on Skye, head to the island's main town of Portree with its picturesque harbor lined with colorful houses. Spend the afternoon exploring the Trotternish Peninsula, home to some of Skye's most dramatic landscapes including the Old Man of Storr (a distinctive rock pinnacle), the Quiraing (an otherworldly landslip), and Kilt Rock waterfall.

Where to stay: Portree offers a range of accommodations from luxury hotels to cozy B&Bs. Book well in advance as Skye is extremely popular, especially in summer.

Day 4: Exploring Skye

Dedicate a full day to exploring more of Skye's natural wonders. Begin with a morning hike to the Fairy Pools — crystal-clear blue pools on the River Brittle near Glenbrittle. The brave can even take a bracing wild swim!

In the afternoon, visit Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of the MacLeod clan for over 800 years and the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. The castle gardens are particularly beautiful, and boat trips run to see the local seal colony.

Whisky enthusiasts should make time to visit Talisker Distillery, Skye's oldest working distillery, for a tour and tasting of their distinctive peaty single malt.

Where to stay: Spend a second night in Portree or consider accommodations in the southern or western parts of the island to experience different aspects of Skye.

Day 5: Skye to Loch Ness

Bid farewell to Skye and return to the mainland, heading northeast toward Inverness and Loch Ness. This route takes you through Glen Shiel, flanked by the mountain range known as the Five Sisters of Kintail.

Stop at Urquhart Castle, dramatically situated on the shores of Loch Ness. The ruins of this medieval fortress offer the perfect vantage point for Nessie-spotting across the mysterious loch, which contains more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales combined.

Continue to Fort Augustus at the southern end of Loch Ness, where you can watch boats navigate the impressive staircase of locks on the Caledonian Canal. Consider taking a boat cruise on Loch Ness for a different perspective of the Great Glen.

Where to stay: Fort Augustus offers charming accommodations, or continue to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, for a wider range of options.

Day 6: Inverness and the Northeast

Spend the morning exploring Inverness, a compact city with a lovely riverside setting. Visit Inverness Castle, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, and the Victorian Market.

In the afternoon, drive east to visit the Culloden Battlefield, site of the last pitched battle fought on British soil where the 1746 conflict effectively ended the Jacobite uprising and Highland way of life. The visitor center provides a moving and immersive account of the battle and its aftermath.

Nearby, visit the prehistoric Clava Cairns, a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex featuring passage graves, standing stones, and ring cairns (and a source of inspiration for the Outlander series).

Where to stay: Spend the night in Inverness or consider accommodations in nearby Nairn with its beautiful sandy beaches.

Day 7: Return to Edinburgh via Pitlochry and Perthshire

Begin your journey back to Edinburgh, heading south through the Cairngorms National Park, the UK's largest national park. Drive through the spectacular Spey Valley, stopping at Carrbridge to see the old packhorse bridge, the oldest stone bridge in the Highlands.

Continue to the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry. Visit the famous salmon ladder where you can watch salmon leaping upstream during spawning season. Whisky lovers should consider a detour to one of the many excellent distilleries in this region, such as Blair Athol or Edradour, one of Scotland's smallest traditional distilleries.

Make time for a short visit to the beautiful Queens View overlooking Loch Tummel – allegedly named after Queen Victoria who admired the view in 1866. Your final stretch takes you through beautiful Perthshire countryside before arriving back in Edinburgh by early evening.

Essential Tips for Highland Travel

• Weather Preparedness: The Scottish weather is notoriously changeable – pack layers, waterproofs, and sturdy footwear regardless of season.
• Driving Advice: Many Highland roads are single-track with passing places. Be prepared to pull over to let oncoming traffic pass, and always thank drivers who do the same for you – a friendly wave is the Highland way!
• Midges: These tiny biting insects can be a nuisance from late May to September. Pack insect repellent containing DEET and consider a midge net for particularly sensitive areas.
• Booking Ahead: The Highlands have become increasingly popular – book accommodation well in advance, especially for summer travel.
• Responsible Tourism: The increase in tourism has put pressure on local infrastructure. Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, leave no trace, and support local businesses whenever possible.

This itinerary offers just a taste of what the Highlands have to offer. Given more time, you could explore further north to Torridon, Ullapool, and the breathtaking landscapes of Assynt, or venture to the Outer Hebrides. Whenever you visit and whatever route you take, the majesty of the Scottish Highlands will leave an indelible impression that will call you back time and again.