11 Days in Scotland - Itinerary

Personally, I'd ask why bother with Oban if not planning to use it as a means to get to Mull or as a base for exploring around Glencoe. So I'd ditch Mull. Or I'd ditch Inverness unless you want to see Culloden. Both would then allow more time on Skye. Or enable an extra night exploring the Fife coast (assuming you are planning to visit St Andrews - there are lovely villages on the coastal trail). But then I might be a teeny bit biased about Skye!

We just returned from our first trip to Scotland, and even though I am certainly not a Scotland expert, I think you are doing too much. The driving around Scotland is slow because there are many one-track roads so getting from point A to point B will take you longer than you think. I also would never plan my itinerary around Rick's itineraries. Sorry, but he has mostly 1 and 2-night stays which doesn't give you a lot of time in any one place.

For example, we spent 4 nights on Skye which is beautiful with stunning and unique scenery. Do you plan on doing any hiking or walking? Seeing Scotland from a car doesn't do it justice. You really need to get out and take some walks. I followed this blog for a 3-day driving itinerary of Skye, and we saw a lot, and took some beautiful walks.
https://www.ontheluce.com/isle-of-skye-itinerary/

Another beautiful place in Scotland is Glen Coe. Spectacular scenery. Drive down the Etive road. This was one of the highlights of our trips. Glen Coe is a walker's and hiker's paradise.

I don't think you have enough time in Edinburgh. It's a beautiful city with an evocative Old Town. Great for walking and exploring. We took a Mercat Tour of the Royal Mile that included tickets and an introductory tour to the castle. Loved the fascinating National Museum of Scotland and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

I also wouldn't stay in Inverness. It's a busy commercial city. We stayed in Nairn on the sea at the wonderful Sunny Brae B&B. We visited Elgin Cathedral, Cawdor Castle, Culloden Battlefield, and had a whisky tasting in Elgin. I also recommend visting Urquhart Castle while staying in Inverness or some place nearby.

You will see a lot while driving but only if you make stops along the way to take photos and explore. This means it will take you much longer to get from point A to point B.

If it's too late for you to make too many changes, at the very least, stay in Glen Coe on the way from Stirling to Portree. We stayed in Glencoe Village on A82 to explore Glen Coe. You can also visit the Glenfinnan viaduct from here if that interests you. The drive from Stirling Castle to Glencoe village is about 2.5 hours.

• You're right, there is a lot of driving. We did a 16 day drive of the Highlands last June and one thing to be aware is that driving can be slower than what is stated on Google Maps. I'd add up to 1/3 to your time in some cases.
• Some of the roads you'll be on are so narrow and winding that the driver isn't going to have time to enjoy the scenery, so your sense of adventure for the drive may not be as scenic as you think (driving will be an adventure though).
• Stirling Castle is outstanding, we spent about 5 hours there.
• Oban itself is one of those places that people stay to get to other places and I wouldn't go out of my way to go there.
• We skipped Skye because we had other priorities so I can't comment on that, but from everything I read, you may want more time than 1 full day.
• We stayed in Inverness for three nights and enjoyed day trips from there. I'm curious what your plans are for the day of the drive there and your full day?
• Here's a link to my Trip report if you think it would be helpful. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/trip-report-scotland-the-search-for-jamie-fraser