Help finishing itinerary for July?

If you haven't looked at www.visitscotland.com it is a great gateway site with lots of info. The photos show most of the regions. There is also a site called Secret Scotland. Historic Scotland covers most of the Castles. Some of the Puffins sites can be reached by boat tours. Some roads are windy, but we had no trouble driving everywhere. Bon Voyage!

Well, you probably won’t be able to find lodging on Skye at this late date. But there are other islands besides Skye. For example, you could head down to the Isle of Arran which is a lovely island with lots of hiking available and generally not as crowded as others, other than on the weekends when Glasgow residents tend to come.

There’s also Lewis and Harris, part of the outer Hebrides, which is a wonderful place to visit. That would require a bit of driving though. Probably at least an 8 hour drive with several ferries.

Or what would be my first choice, the Isle of Raasay, which is a tiny island right next to Skye but with no crowds and lots and lots of hiking available. There’s not a lot to do there other than hiking, but it’s a wonderful place to visit if you want some solitude. There’s a very nice place to stay. Actually I think there are two places now, as the distillery has rooms, and also the Raasay House Hotel. I love this little island so much, and it’s so well worth a visit.

But, as I mentioned, you’re looking somewhat late in the season for July lodging, so I would definitely start checking now.

@Mardee,

Yes I am a bit late - last minute cheap flight and couldn't resist. There are still some options on Skye just wasn't sure if it was worth the crowds. I will look into these other recos - thank you! There is SO much information on how to roadtrip Scotland I just got very overwhelmed

You might want to read some of the Scotland trip reports, which could give you some ideas. FWIW, here is mine. :-) https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/scotland/solo-in-scotland-trains-cars-and-ferries-and-a-wee-dram-or-two

Have you looked into St. Andrews and the fishing villages of Fife?

Or Perthshire with castles and waterfalls and lochs and gardens?

@Mardee - this is so amazing, thank you! I get so overwhelmed with all the opinions all over the internet so its helpful to see such a thoughtful explanation

Skye is always worth it and it's not THAT busy IMO - certainly more traffic around Glencoe and on route there too.
There are plenty of luxury stay options on Skye too though whether any are available...check out Kinloch Lodge or Three Chimneys or Edinbane Lodge for starters.Fab food in these places too though I haven't tried KL yet since the chef changed.

Hiking is second to none, from coastal to mountains - absolutely world class and outstanding.

It's around a 5.5 hr journey back to Edinburgh from Portree so better to break it up with an overnight - Pitlochry perhaps which also offers nice walk options and fine places to stay and eat.

The quickest way to Skye from Mull is via either the Kilchoan ferry from Tobermory or Fishnish to Lochaline then drive to Salen and onwards to Lochailort and Mallaig.Single track involved in all those routes - around 1 hr 40 -2 hrs driving.BUT - if any ferry is going to go off it's that Mallaig run.
Oban to the Skye Bridge is around 3 hours.

All these routes of course have fabulous scenery.

Thanks scotlandmac! I decided to go to Skye another time when I can bring a friend - think it would be more fun. Decided on Isle of Arran so I can easily get to Glasglow and return my car there instead and drive less overall. I am excited to do Skye another time!