I am planning on 5 nights/6 days in the Highlands and am looking for help in determining the best route/itinerary to take (will have a car). I will be starting in Edinburgh (3 nights) and end in Glasgow (2 nights; 10 nights total in Scotland). Please help me fill the in betweens. I am interested in castles, history, waterfalls, lochs etc. Am open to having a base and taking day trips if that will allow me to see the most without spending too much time in the car. I have read through some of the older posts about touring the Highlands and I know there is much debate. hoping for some additional insights.
thanks
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1819 posts
We were very happy with our June, 2010 loop trip through the highlands. I generally buy half a dozen travel books and overly research everything. Here is what we did after our first five nights in Northeastern England and the Scottish Borders: 2 nights just west of Fort William (toured Glencoe area); 2 nights Skye (took the Mallaig ferry, one full day exploring Skye; we then took the ferry to Harris / Lewis for 2 nights and spent two nights in Wester Ross - you can skip those two destinations since you have less time), 2 nights at Invermorriston near Inverness - spent the full day visiting Black Isle (which we found about as exciting as Ohio, although we liked Anderson's Pub and the Clootie Well), Glen Affric, and Loch Ness. We then spent two nights in Edinburgh and finally flew to Paris for our last four nights. This is a six night Highlands itinerary, but you might want to consider only one full day in Edinburgh which is enough time for the Royal Mile and maybe a walk up Arthur's Seat. We were very happy with our B and B choices, all of which had views. Let me know if you would like to know what those were.
Posted by
Salinas
124 posts
I went in the opposite direction- Glasgow to Edinburgh for a little more than two weeks. Skye is beautiful, but a bit challenging to drive due to the one-way roads. I loved Oban and my day trip to Iona via ferry was the highlight of my trip- (check Rick Steves comments on this trip in his Scotland Tour book). I stayed in Inverness for a few days and thought that besides Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness, my day trips to the ruins of Elgan Cathedral and the ancient site: 'Clava Cairns" just down the hill from the battlefield at Culloden were very worthwhile . There were charming falls near Moriston Village (Glen Moritston) which we visited on a tour from Loch Ness to Skye. Between Skye and Inverness is Castle Eileen Donan, restored and quite picturesque. I love Scotland, people are so welcoming- have fun!