Ultimate Scotland: 2 Week Road Trip Through the Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye

The historic city of Edinburgh makes the perfect location to begin your trip! Upon arrival, check into one of Fora’s many preferred partner properties in the city (I recommend the Virgin Hotels Edinburgh for modern style or the Balmoral if you want classic luxury) and get settled in. I would recommend spending 2-3 nights here to explore the ancient history of the city and also take advantage of the many day-trip opportunities (St. Andrews, Stirling Castle, etc). There is a wide range of food options, from food halls (Edinburgh Street Food) and traditional pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants such as The Kitchin. Hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city or wander around Greyfriars Kirkyard trying to locate the names that inspired the characters in Harry Potter (also a hotspot for ghost tours!). Shop for tartan scarves and wool sweaters along High Street, then pop into a pub for a dram of whisky (fun fact: Scotland also produces fantastic gin if whisky is not to your liking!) History buffs will marvel at the ancient buildings all around as you feel transported back in time in this medieval city!!

Optional detour: Spend a night or two in St. Andrews to tee off in the birthplace of golf!

After picking up your rental car, you will set off into the Cairngorms National Park! Established as a national park in 2003, Cairngorms offers miles and miles of unspoiled forests, rivers, wildlife hotspots, and five of the six highest peaks in the United Kingdom. For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, I recommend splurging on The Fife Arms in Braemar to stay in a 19th-century hunting lodge turned five-star boutique luxury hotel. For a more budget-conscious option, check in to The Cross at Kingussie—a cozy B&B in a converted tweed mill with a top-notch restaurant on site offering a rotating seasonal menu. Cairngorms National Park offers a range of activities from hiking to whisky distilleries (Glenlivet, Glenfidditch, and Dalwhinney are all in the area) and even the Queen’s favorite estate, Balmoral Castle. Take in the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands before setting off to find Nessie in Inverness.

Head north to Inverness for a few days to tour the Loch Ness area (don’t miss the Urquhart Castle Ruins for a great view of the loch) and Culloden Battlefield to visit the site of the last battle of the Jacobite Rebellion. For Outlander fans, explore the Clava Cairns — the Bronze Age cemetery that served as the inspiration for the series. The city of Inverness has some hidden gems as well, such as Leakey’s Bookshop (the largest secondhand bookstore in Scotland, housed in an old Gaelic church), the historic Victorian Market, and the Inverness Botanic Gardens. There is a range of accommodation options from quaint B&Bs overlooking Loch Ness to modern hotels within the Inverness city center for those looking to be closer to the action.

Optional detour: Continue heading north and take a ferry to the Shetland Islands for a few days to enjoy incredible wildlife sightings such as puffins, orcas, and the famous Shetland ponies!

This portion of the trip takes us back into the wild as we head west to the Isle of Skye, but make sure you don't miss the Eilean Donan Castle ruins while en route to the isle! Have your camera ready because the Isle of Skye offers some of the most stunning natural wonders and breathtaking vistas that you can find in the world! Check into the cozy Cuillin Hills Hotel just outside of Portree, the cultural hub and capital of the Isle. For the more adventurous sorts—head north to one of the glamping pods located around Uig to immerse yourself in nature and take in stunning views of the night sky with no light pollution. Get an early start to complete the Old Man of Storr Hike, search for dinosaur footprints at Staffin Beach and then head to the mystical Fairy Pools to marvel at the crystal clear blue water. In need of some R&R after these outdoor activities? Head to one of the whisky distilleries on the island (Talisker, Torabhaig, Highland Park, or Scapa) or head back to Portree for a fresh seafood dinner.

As we loop back to the southwest of Scotland and travel to the Glen Coe region, we will take the ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig, then embark on the scenic A830 drive, passing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. You can actually book a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, including a high tea service, this is the train made famous by the Harry Potter movies, before arriving in the Fort William area to settle in for the next few days. The Inverlochy Castle Hotel offers a luxurious, five-star option located at the foot of Ben Nevis (the highest peak in the United Kingdom), or the Loch Leven Hotel & Distillery offers a more budget-friendly option that is still cozy and comfortable. This area is home to some of the most breathtaking views in all of Scotland and is the perfect place to explore all that the Glen Coe region has to offer, from the quaint fishing village of Oban to numerous hiking trails on and around Ben Nevis. You can even drive down Glen Etive Road, made famous by the James Bond Skyfall movie!

Optional detour: Catch a ferry to Islay for a night to enjoy some of the top whisky distilleries in Scotland!

Rounding out the end of our two-week adventure, we head east to Glasgow (but the adventure is not done yet!). Set off on the A82 scenic drive, stopping for a brief detour for lunch at the Cladich Fold to visit a highland cattle farm (or hairy coos, as the locals call them), before continuing through the Trossachs National Park (don’t miss Loch Lomond!) After arriving in Glasgow, drop off your rental car and check into the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel or the Voco Grand Central Glasgow (conveniently located adjacent to the main train station). Enjoy a night or two in this flourishing center for arts and culture, taking in the industrial history and many museums Glasgow has to offer! Glasgow’s culinary scene is also on the rise with many delicious and trendy options such as the Ox and Finch, Lobo, or Shucks (don’t miss the Champagne trolley!) Glasgow has an international airport conveniently located around 10 miles from the city center, so it offers a perfect jumping-off point if you wish to continue your travels. Ireland is just a short flight away, or hop on a train south to London! However, if you simply want to return home to rest and reset for your next great adventure, I wouldn't blame you!