The Scottish Highlands encompass some of Britain's most spectacular scenery, with towering mountains, mysterious lochs, and ancient castles set against dramatic skies. This vast, sparsely populated region offers visitors an escape into wild nature, rich cultural heritage, and warm Highland hospitality.
Our seven-day itinerary balances outdoor adventures with cultural experiences, giving you a comprehensive introduction to the magic of the Highlands. Whether you're drawn by the myths of Loch Ness, the majesty of Glen Coe, or the romance of historic castles, this journey captures the essence of Scotland's northern wilderness.
Day 1: Inverness – Gateway to the Highlands
Begin your Highland adventure in Inverness, the region's capital and a convenient starting point with good transport connections. After arriving, take time to explore this compact, attractive city on the banks of the River Ness.
Morning: Visit Inverness Castle for panoramic views over the city and river. Though the current structure dates only to the 1800s, a castle has stood on this prominent site since the 11th century. Afterward, explore the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery to gain context about Highland history and culture.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk along the River Ness, crossing the picturesque islands in its center via a series of footbridges. These wooded islands offer a peaceful green space with beautiful riverside views. Continue to the Victorian Inverness Cathedral, noted for its striking rose window.
Evening: Enjoy traditional Scottish fare at one of the riverside restaurants – try Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup) or locally sourced venison. Many pubs offer live folk music in the evenings, providing your first taste of Highland culture.
Stay: Spend your first night in Inverness, preparing for tomorrow's exploration of Loch Ness.
Day 2: Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
Dedicate today to exploring Scotland's most famous loch and its surroundings, just a short drive south of Inverness.
Morning: Head to the ruined Urquhart Castle, dramatically positioned on a headland jutting into Loch Ness. Dating from the 13th century, the castle played a significant role in Scotland's Wars of Independence. The visitor center provides excellent historical context, while the castle ruins offer spectacular views over the mysterious waters of Loch Ness.
Afternoon: Take a boat cruise on Loch Ness. While monster sightings aren't guaranteed, the loch itself is impressive – at 23 miles long and over 750 feet deep, it contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. The surrounding hillsides create dramatic reflections on the water's dark surface.
Evening: Visit the charming village of Drumnadrochit, home to the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition, which presents the scientific research behind the Loch Ness Monster phenomenon. End your day with dinner at a local pub, perhaps trying Scotch whisky from one of the nearby distilleries.
Stay: Overnight in the Loch Ness area or return to Inverness.
Day 3: The West Highlands – Road to Skye
Today's journey takes you west through some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes. The drive itself is a highlight, with breathtaking scenery at every turn.
Morning: Depart early and travel west via Glen Shiel, stopping at Eilean Donan Castle – perhaps Scotland's most photographed castle. Situated on a small island where three sea lochs meet, and connected to the mainland by a stone bridge, this 13th-century fortress offers the quintessential Scottish castle experience.
Afternoon: Cross the Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye, heading to Portree, the island's largest town. With its colorful harbourfront houses and scenic setting, Portree makes an excellent base for exploring. Spend the afternoon getting acquainted with this charming port town.
Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at one of Portree's excellent restaurants. The local scallops, langoustines, and salmon are particular specialties. As you dine, watch the fishing boats in the harbor—the same vessels that likely supplied your meal.
Stay: Overnight in Portree.
Day 4: Isle of Skye Exploration
Skye's dramatic landscapes have made it one of Scotland's most popular destinations. Today, explore the island's northern peninsula, the Trotternish, which boasts some of Skye's most spectacular scenery.
Morning: Visit the Old Man of Storr, a distinctive rock pinnacle visible for miles around. A moderately challenging hike rewards you with close-up views of this geological marvel and breathtaking vistas across to the mainland. The entire Trotternish Ridge was formed by a massive ancient landslide, creating a landscape unlike anywhere else in Britain.
Afternoon: Continue to the Quiraing, another striking landslip formation offering otherworldly scenery. If time permits, visit Kilt Rock, a sea cliff resembling Scotland's national dress, complete with a waterfall that plunges directly into the sea.
Evening: Return to Portree for dinner, perhaps trying another local specialty like Cullen skink or haggis (for the adventurous). Skye has developed a remarkable food scene in recent years, with several restaurants focusing on innovative preparations of local ingredients.
Stay: Second night in Portree.
Day 5: From Skye to Glencoe
Bid farewell to Skye as you journey to another of Scotland's most iconic landscapes: Glencoe.
Morning: Leave Skye via the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig (reservations recommended in summer). This sailing offers beautiful views of the Small Isles and Knoydart Peninsula. From Mallaig, drive south along the scenic Road to the Isles, stopping at the Glenfinnan Monument and Viaduct – the latter made famous by the Harry Potter films.
Afternoon: Continue to Glencoe, Scotland's most famous glen. Hemmed in by steep mountains, including the distinctive peak of Buachaille Etive Mor, Glencoe is both breathtakingly beautiful and haunting—site of the infamous 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan. Visit the excellent Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn about the glen's natural and human history.
Evening: Spend the night in or near Glencoe Village. The Clachaig Inn, set against the dramatic mountains, offers hearty food, a wide selection of whiskies, and occasionally live music.
Stay: Overnight in the Glencoe area.
Day 6: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
Your penultimate day takes you from the dramatic Highland landscapes to the gentler but equally beautiful scenery of Scotland's first national park.
Morning: Depart Glencoe heading south across Rannoch Moor, one of Britain's last great wildernesses. This vast expanse of boggy moorland, surrounded by mountains, has a stark beauty and supports unique plant and animal life. Stop at the viewpoint for dramatic photos.
Afternoon: Reach Loch Lomond, Britain's largest lake by surface area. At Tarbet on the lake's western shore, take a one-hour cruise to appreciate the loch's beauty and the contrast between the rugged northern shores and gentler southern basin. Afterward, visit the charming village of Luss, with its picturesque stone cottages adorned with flowers in summer.
Evening: Continue to the eastern part of the Trossachs, perhaps staying in Callander or Aberfoyle. These Victorian resort towns offer a range of accommodation and dining options in beautiful settings.
Stay: Overnight in the Trossachs.
Day 7: Stirling Castle and Return
On your final day, connect Scotland's dramatic landscapes with its turbulent history at Stirling Castle before concluding your Highland journey.
Morning: Visit Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's largest and most important castles both historically and architecturally. Perched atop an extinct volcano, the castle guarded the main route between the Highlands and Lowlands, making it strategically vital. The recently restored Royal Palace offers a glimpse into 16th-century court life, while the views from the ramparts stretch to the Wallace Monument and distant Highlands.
Afternoon: Depending on your departure plans, you might visit the nearby Battle of Bannockburn Centre, which commemorates Robert the Bruce's 1314 victory over the English, or the impressive Wallace Monument, honoring the Scottish hero made famous by the film "Braveheart."
Evening: If time allows before your departure, enjoy a final Scottish meal in Stirling, reflecting on your Highland adventures.
Practical Tips for Highland Travel
- Weather: The Scottish weather is famously changeable. Even in summer, bring waterproof clothing and layers. The Highlands' dramatic beauty is often enhanced by moody skies and atmospheric mists.
- Driving: Many Highland roads are single-track with passing places. Be prepared to pull over to let oncoming traffic pass, and always thank drivers who yield to you with a friendly wave.
- Midges: These tiny biting insects can be a nuisance in the Highlands between June and September, especially in still, damp conditions. Bring insect repellent (look for ones containing DEET or Picaridin).
- Booking: The Highlands have become increasingly popular, particularly Skye. Book accommodation well in advance, especially for summer travel.
- Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for red deer, golden eagles, and red squirrels. Dawn and dusk are the best times for wildlife spotting.
- Language: While English is universally spoken, you'll notice Gaelic on road signs and place names, particularly in the Western Highlands and Islands.
This week-long Highland journey offers just a taste of Scotland's northern treasures. From the mystery of Loch Ness to the majesty of Skye and the drama of Glencoe, the Highlands cast a spell that often draws visitors back time and again. The region's beauty changes with the seasons—from the purple heather of late summer to the fiery autumn colors and the snow-capped mountains of winter—each visit offering new perspectives on this ancient, enchanting landscape.