Scotland Road Trip Itinerary: The Perfect 2 Weeks In Scotland
January 25, 2023
Scotland
By guy yefet
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Planning a Scotland road trip? Great idea. Here you will find the best things to do in Scotland, where to stay and the best Scotland itinerary for 2 weeks.

2 Weeks In Scotland: The Ultimate Scotland road trip

Beautiful views, high cliffs, wild beaches, fascinating islands, and mysterious lakes.

Declared Edinburgh a World Heritage Site, Ancient Culture, and Intriguing History, it's all waiting for you in Scotland.

Scotland is a very convenient and simple country for travelers and has many and varied hiking route options.

This 2 week Scotland itinerary was written inspired by the trip I did in Scotland with the thought of a road trip around the country.

The Scotland road trip itinerary from Edinburgh starts in the urban atmosphere of Scotland and with this fairy tale city.

after it, you will drive to the Scotland Highlands with a visit to the breathtaking Isle of Skye, Inverness and the beautiful cairngorms national park.

In this road trip in Scotland I will take you mainly through small and charming towns and side roads so you can experience the special charm of Scotland as I have experienced.

In this Scotland road trip you will find:

*Scenic Roads

*Castles

*Historic Cities

*Beautiful Hikes

*Wild Experience


shot from a window car with view over the road of scotland and the Mountains


2 week Scotland road trip Map


best time to visit Scotland

Scotland has a reputation for being a very rainy country, and to be honest it is quite justified.

The western highlands, for example, is one of the wettest areas in Europe, and its showers can reach up to over 4,500 mm per year.


In Western Europe, in fact, the major cities in Scotland are not much different in their weather patterns from New York, Barcelona, or Rome.

What characterizes the Scottish climate is not a particularly extreme of heat or cold - but its tendency to be unpredictable and change in the blink of an eye.


The recommended seasons for the Scotland are spring, summer, and early autumn.


It is also worth remembering that since Scotland is in the northern latitude, the winter days are short - sunrise is late and sunset is early.

In summer, however, the days are quite long, with continuous twilight - and in the far north of Scotland, it is even rare to see complete darkness at night.


I visited Scotland in autumn. late October-early November, and luckily I did not experience too much significant rain.

To my surprise, I had many bright days with sun in the sky, although the days were cold in terms of temperature but were very bright.

Another thing is that there were significantly fewer tourists and the days became shorter in November.  

In the autumn season, the beautiful colors of autumn color the whole Scottish highlands and make it an amazing and beautiful landscape with the strong autumn colors taking over the whole Scottish highlands.

amazing experience.

How to get around Scotland?

As I said in the introduction, this route was written with the fact that you are traveling with car.

I always find the best deals on Rentalcars.com because they compare the various well-known car dealerships.

When renting a car in Scotland I recommend renting through one of the big companies like Avis, Hertz, Sixt and the local one Arnold.

I have personally rented a car in many places in Europe, whether it is in Italy, Norway, Scotland, I have always booked over the years through Rentalcars.com so my personal experience with them is great.

small car in scotland road

driving in Scotland

is scotland easy do drive around?

For those who concern about driving on the left side of the road, I tend to point out that Scotland is a perfect place to overcome this difficulty.

This is because unlike extensive parts of England for example, most of the roads you travel on tend to be sparse in vehicles, and you rarely encounter confusing risks like squares and junctions.

For example, for someone starting to drive from Edinburgh Airport on his way north to the Scotland Highlands - and never driving on the left - the most stressful experience will be the ride from the field to the highway.

After that, most of the roads outside the city are direct and convenient, as are the other drivers.

So if this is the main concern, it might be worth diving into the water anyway - because they are not too deep.

Traveling Scotland by car


Driving on Scottish Highlands roads - even without any planning - will lead to countless special adventures.

They are lined with intriguing places on the main road and branch off into side roads that themselves open doors to a host of magical landscapes and surprises.

Parking lots with hilly views and secluded quiet streams at the end of a winding path, a workshop in the middle of nowhere.
These random stops are one of the greatest pleasures of a trip to Scotland.

Alongside all that - for road and driving enthusiasts, Scotland will be a special treat.

Its winding roads, between hills and mountainsides, tend to be enjoyable for brisk driving and offer inspiring views.

Most of them are well paved (and for those who do not sometimes have their charm), and the main ones - outside the cities - are usually quite empty of vehicles and can be indulged in to enjoy the curves of the road.

small car at glen etive road in scotland
Glen etive road

2 week Scotland itinerary

Day 1 / Arrival in Edinburgh

Welcome to Scotland!

Depending on your arrival and landing time you may have limited time for a day trip.

When I arrive at a new place, the first day is dedicated to getting to know the area and the surrounding area and wandering on foot in the nearby area.

After you arrive at the hotel and check-in, I recommend setting out for the afternoon on the main street, Royal Mile.

Royal Mile Street will give you a taste of Edinburgh city, it is a tourist street with lots of shops, restaurants, cafes and it passes between 2 significant locations in the history of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace at the end of the street.

You can end the day with a good meal and a glass of beer at one of the many restaurants on the street.

Scottish man play in local instrument
Royal mile street Edinburgh scotland
Royal mile street


Day 2 / Edinburgh

A full day in Edinburgh when you come you will experience this fascinating city and discover its interesting places.

At the beginning of the day you can visit Edinburgh Castle.

You can visit the castle independently or join a guided tour to Edinburgh castle that will explain to you the rich and fascinating history of the place.

The castle is very prominent in the city as it stands on a mountain in the city center and is very impressive in every direction.

The castle is one of the most important and historic sites in Edinburgh and it provides an excellent view of the city.

For all Harry Potter lovers and those who are not, I highly recommend taking a Harry Potter walking tour and discovering Edinburgh through the world of Harry Potter.

It's a cool experience and a great way to see the city and feel like you're part of the magical world of Harry Potter.

After visiting the castle and the whiskey lovers among you, you can take a tour of the Edinburgh Whiskey Brewery and taste quality Scotch whiskey straight from the source.

Great tour to get know the local culture.

Close to the whiskey brewery, you will find St Giles Cathedral and Holyrood Palace.

From there you can end the day with the best view of Edinburgh, Arthur's Seat.

Arthur's Seat is a volcano, a remnant of an extinct volcano that is the highest point in the city.

A popular and very convenient spot to climb, it is recommended to arrive at sunset to maximize the experience and the view from the hill.

Edinburgh Castle Scotland
Edinburgh Castle
view of Edinburgh from Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat


Day 3 / Edinburgh

Last day in Edinburgh.

The day opens with one of Scotland's most important museums, the National Museum.

A very interesting museum, suitable for all ages and admission is free.

The museum has impressive and varied exhibits ranging from ancient vehicles to zoology and anthropology.

An organized and impressive museum not to be missed.

After visiting the museum, you can get a little away from the city center and reach the colorful and charming circus lane that looks like a customer from some movie, a beautiful place for photography.

From there you can visit the charming village of Dean, a picturesque, quiet, and pleasant village for a walk that to my surprise outside the main tourist route.

view Point on Dean Village Edinburgh
Dean Village
Beautiful street in Edinburgh scotland
Beautiful street in Edinburgh
Callton hill Edinburgh
Callton hill


Day 4 / Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

It is possible to get from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond in an hour and a half drive that passes through Glasgow, I less recommend it.

The road I describe here is admittedly longer but passing through beautiful places along the way, which creates for us a beautiful day trip with lots of interesting stops along the way.

When leaving Edinburgh take the M9 and continue to the town of Stirling, where the first stop will be.

After an hour of driving, you arrive at the impressive Stirling Castle.

Stirling Castle sits high above the former Scottish capital.

There are parts of the castle that remain from the 14th century to the present day.

The castle stood in the form of 8 sieges, many of them during the Scottish Wars of Independence.

Great place to stop.

After visiting the castle, continue on the a84 road towards the small town of Callander, for a walk in the nearby waterfalls.

Park the car in the parking lot before entering the waterfalls and go for a walk.

The route is an easy walking route that from what I have noticed is known mainly to locals and less to tourists. A

wonderful place, very picturesque and worth a visit.

After visiting the falls you will continue towards Loch Lomond.

From Callander take the side road a821.

Here is the summit ben a'an, a great place to hike especially on a day with good visibility.

It is a small mountain with a beautiful view on a route that takes about two to three hours round trip.

A steep climb to worth every moment. Suitable for those looking for a great hike.

There is another hiking trail that is easier and more popular.

A 45-minute drive from Trossachs takes you to Conic Hill, a must-see when visiting Loch Lomond.

The conic hill is an excellent hill to climb and get an impressive view in all directions Loch Lomond and the small islands, in this beautiful route you may for the first time see the cute and special Scottish cow.

The route is considered easy and takes about 40 minutes to an hour to complete.

When you are on the summit you can get a good perspective on where you are and how beautiful the Scotland highlands is.

Conic hill panoramic view loch lomond
Conic hill


Where to stay in loch Lomond?


Alderdale b& b - a homely and magical place located in the town of Luss, excellent location and good value for money.


Birchwood guest lodge - located in the town of Balmaha, suitable for families.


Rowardennan Lodge Youth Hostel - Fantastically located right on the water with a private beach, recommended for anyone planning walks and treks because it is a starting point for trekking in the area.



Day 5 / Loch Lomond

Open the morning calmly in front of the beautiful view of the lake.

Today is the day for all nature and trekking enthusiasts.

A 20-minute drive from Loch Lomond is the cobbler, part of a mountain range called the Arrochar Alps.

The cobbler hike is considered to be one of the most beautiful hiking in Scotland.

I took advantage of the beautiful weather to do this hike and the scenery was amazing.

The route is 10 miles round trip and takes around 4 hours to complete.

Most of the route is easy to walk but towards the end, before climbing to the summit there is a steeper part that is more difficult to climb.

The cobbler is one of the most popular peaks in Scotland and if you love hiking, you can not miss it.


Those who are less into hiking can enjoy other activities in the Loch Lomond area such as daily sports activities, kayaking, paddling, an hour-long cruise in Loch Lomond, and much more.

The Cobbler(Ben Arthur)
The Cobbler(Ben Arthur), Arrochar
man hiking in The Cobbler(Ben Arthur), Arrochar
The Cobbler(Ben Arthur), Arrochar


Day 6 / Loch Lomond to Glencoe

A day of travel on paper is short, but with a lot of beautiful and stunning places on the road not to be missed.

Continue on the a82 road towards Glencoe.

After about 45 minutes drive you will reach the Bridge of Orchy, excellent point with a beautiful bridge for a picnic stop (there are tables by the river).

About 10 minutes drive from there you will find the Loch Ba lookout.

On a beautiful day, you will have a spectacular view of the lake and the mountains around it, a nice shortstop.

As you get closer to Glencoe the scenic line on the ride becomes much more dramatic and special.

Lochan na h-achlaise view point
Lochan na h-achlaise view point
Beautiful white house in Glencoe scotland


Glen Etive

Before reaching Glencoe, visit the Glen Etive valley, the road to Glen Etive is very famous for its beauty.

Without a doubt, one of the beautiful ways I drove.

To get to glen Etiv continue on the a82 and after you pass the Glencoe Mountain Resort turn left onto a side road.

The road itself is located about 17 miles east of Glencoe.

It is a narrow road with one lane (with passing place to allow passage for the next cars opposite), crossing the valley along the Etive river.

The drive is very peaceful and very beautiful.

After a driving of about 4 miles, you will reach the Glen Etive waterfall.

But even before the waterfall, this road is so beautiful that you will want to stop at any moment to take a picture.

This road was filmed and was part of a James Bond “Skyfall” movie starring Daniel Craig and Goody Ganz.

At the end of the road, there is a small parking lot.

It is recommended to park and walk a few meters to the lakeshore The view is spectacular and perfectly reflected in the water surface.

At this point, I did wild camping and spent a night there alone and it was one of the most amazing experiences i had in Scotland.

For those who are interested, you can see the exact location of the campsite on the map above.

Recommended staying 2 nights at Glencoe because there is so much to see in this beautiful area.

drone shot above Glencoe valley in scotland
guy walking on the glen etive road in Scotland
camping spot in glen Etive


Where to stay in Glencoe?


Glencoe youth hostel - a great option for budget travelers.

the Isles of Glencoe - a hotel suitable for couples, great location on the lake.


Glencoe house hotel - a hotel of a particularly high standard. for those who can afford it, Great hotel for couple.



Day 7 / Glencoe

Today you will experience this amazing area.

In principle, you can get around in the area by car, but it is highly recommended to go on one of the many hiking trails in the area.

An unforgettable experience of hiking in the fresh air, flowing water in every corner, lakes, waterfalls, mountains, and wild landscapes.

In the first stage, it is recommended to go to the visitor center to get information, maps, and explanations about their route and current situation, especially in unstable weather.

Note that without a map and explanations it is not always easy to find the starting point for the various trips.

In the visitor center you can listen to the story of the brutal massacre in Glencoe from 1692 in which more than 40 people from the Macedonian tribe were massacred by the Campbell tribe, this event is etched in the memory of the Scots and to this day it is sung in songs and stories.

glencoe lochan


Hiking trails in Glencoe

There are several hiking trails at different difficulty levels.

Recommended routes:

Glencoe lochan - the easiest route. Travel to the lake and then choose one of the circular routes (about a mile and a half) for a walk along the lake.


Lost valley - the route includes a climb of over 300 meters and takes about 3 hours in rocky terrain.


The devil’s staircase - a route that is part of the trek west highland way. The route includes a very strenuous ascent and is suitable for the advanced.


Pap of Glencoe - a challenging and difficult route that takes about 4 hours but with impressive views that start from the beginning and change as you go up. At the top, you will get a 360-degree view that will be worth the effort of the climb.


Cycling

If you prefer cycling, you can do so on the beautiful road between Glencoe and Oban.

A wonderful mostly off-road cycle between Ballachulish and Oban.

Much of this route is on the old railway and goes along the coast many times with beautiful scenery all the way.

Wildflowers on the railway embankment attract butterflies and birds, with sea birds offshore.

It is mostly flat also with long stretches of idyllic cycling. There are stop-off points along the way, and a return trip either from Oban or Ballachulish makes a great day out.

Cycles for hire in Glencoe village if needed.


Via Ferrata

For extreme lovers.

Scotland’s only Via Ferrata is in Kinlochleven and is a great way to test your nerves or try some climbing.

Via Ferrata involves climbing using a series of iron steps and steel cables that are bolted into the rock.

You’re clipped in to minimize falling and so that you can fully appreciate the beautiful views.


man looking at beautiful lake in glen etive


Day 8 / Glencoe to Isle of Skye


A beautiful day trip towards the amazing Isle of Skye with lots of great stops along the way.

The first stop will especially excite all Harry Potter fans and the truth is even those who do not appreciate Harry Potter will be thrilled by the beautiful and cool look of this place.


Glenfinnan viaduct

The viaduct at Glenfinnan was built by Sir Robert Mac Alpine from 1897 to 1901.

The building is made entirely of concrete, including 21 arches that are 15 meters high and it rises to a height of 30 meters above the valley.

The environment in which the bridge is located has made it popular with filmmakers.

The best known and most famous of them is the Harry Potter movie as the role of Hogwarts-Express, the train leaves from Port William and is one of the most popular and original attractions in the area.

The journey takes almost a whole day and if you book tickets in advance and arrive early, you can get a seat on the left side of the caravan and see the bridge from the angle where it was published in the movie "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets".

Those who are interested can board the observation deck that overlooks the train as it passes, boards the observation deck for free, and wait for the train.

The train leaves Port William and within half an hour reaches the point, the view is amazing.

man looking at Glenfinnan viaduct harry potter bridge
Glenfinnan viaduct harry potter bridge

After the visit, you will return to Fort William where you can stop for a picnic or a late breakfast before continuing on your way to the Isle of Skye.

Continue on the a82 road to the town of Invergarry where you turn left on the a87 road and continue until you reach Eileen Donan Castle.

Even before reaching the castle, there are 3 short and beautiful stop options on the way.


Commando memorial - a quick stop, stretch your legs a bit, and go up to the monument. T

here is ample parking and the view from above is breathtaking.

Lots of information boards that explain the place and the memorial place.

commando memorial monument scotland


Loch Lochy Viewpoint - a nice place to stop, you can take some beautiful pictures here.

On a clear day with good visibility, you will see a perfect reflection of the mountains on the water.

Loch Lochy Viewpoint


Clachan Duich Burial Ground - On a87 road, a bit by Eileen Donan Castle, you will find a stopping point with a spectacular view of the loch dutch.

These are the ruins of a church with a small cemetery. The place is calm and peaceful, overlooking the mountains and the lake and far from the crowds of tourists. N

ice to sit there for a few minutes before continuing on the road.

Clachan Duich Burial Ground


Eilean Donan Castle

One of the most famous, beautiful, and photographed castles in Scotland is Eilean Donan Castle.

The castle stands on a tiny island at the confluence of three lakes, about an hour away from the Isle of Skye.

The first castle was built on the site in the 13th century, but since then several "versions" of the castle have been demolished, renovated, and rebuilt.

The last castle was destroyed in the Jacobin Revolt of 1719 and remained in its ruins for about 200 years.

In 1911 Lieutenant Colonel John McRae bought the castle and during 20 years of work the castle was renovated and rebuilt.

The Makri family members own the castle and even live in it to this day (in an area closed to visitors).

In the castle, you will find a large visitor center.

The entrance fee also includes an audio guide that will lead you between the castle rooms while providing various explanations.

After the tour, you will go for a walk on the path that surrounds the castle from which there is an amazing view of the lakes that surround the island.

On a clear day, you can also see the mountains of the Isle of Skye in the distance.

It is recommended to spend about an hour to two hours on the tour, depending on the number of tourists in the place.


After you have finished your visit to the castle there is an hour drive to the Isle of Skye, one of the most beautiful and special places in all of Scotland.

Eilean Donan Castle scotland
Eilean Donan Castle


Days 9 - 11 / Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is one of the most beautiful places in Scotland and has spectacular and special views.

You will find many hiking trails, kind locals and lots of things to do.

The island is reached by a ride via the Kyle bridge that connects the island to the mainland.

Also, the Isle of Skye is one of the wettest places in Scotland with an average of 1480 mm of rain per year.

I was probably very lucky because out of the 5 days I visited the Isle of Skye only one of them was rainy and the rest of the days were bright and warm with sunshine.

And that was in early November! Probably really lucky.


Tourists come to the island every year and their number is only increasing.

The Isle of Skye is also mentioned in Scottish history as the place where Prince Charles fled after the defeat at the Battle of Culloden.

The prince came to the island with the help of Flora McDonald who sailed him in her boat.

It is recommended to spend at least 3 full days on the Isle of Skye and even more if you can.


Read more: The Complete Travel Guide to the Isle of Skye

isle of skye neist point Lighthouse scotland

Day 12 / Inverness

After a few days on the great Isle of Skye, we headed for the city of Inverness.

Inverness is considered the capital of the Scotland Highlands and the main city for services and commerce.

On the way to Inverness stop at the famous Loch-Ness lake.

Loch-Ness is the most famous lake in Scotland and one of the popular destinations, too, but not only due to the myth of the overthrow of Loch-Ness.

The width of the lake in most parts is about 2 kilometers and according to the myth is the home of "Nessie", the nickname given to the monster from Loch Ness.

Try to find her ;)

Close to the lake is Urquhart Castle, the remains of the impressive castle are worth a visit.

From the castle, there is a dramatic vantage point that gives a wide view of the lake.

The beauty of the place combined with the history makes Loch Noss very attractive.

loch ness and Urquhart Castle Scotland
loch ness & Urquhart Castle


After visiting Loch Ness you will continue towards the city of Inverness.

When you reach Inverness it is recommended to wander and explore this beautiful city on a walk along the great Ness River.

inverness city in scotland
inverness


One of the best things to do in Inverness is a visit to Culloden Battlefield.

The Battle of Culloden held on April 16, 1766, was the last battle to take place on British Isles land between the Jacobists who were loyal to Crown Prince Charles Adams Stuart and the forces loyal to King George II.

In the historic battlefield, there is now a tourist attraction that will take you into the depths of the famous battlefield and feel like you are going back in time.

Look at historical Yabqist details and an audio guide will tell you the story directly from the battlefield. A recommended and experiential attraction.

Culloden Battlefield inverness
Culloden Battlefield


Where to stay in Inverness?

Black Isle - Hostel for budget travelers with a great atmosphere.


Inverness Youth Hostel - Another Great hostel for the price, quiet and spacious.


OYO Cedar Villa Guest House - Nice B&B Friendly hosts and great breakfast.

Day 13 / Inverness to ballater

For the last line of the trip you are going to pass and drive on one of the most beautiful roads in Scotland (the snow road), and end the trip in the beautiful and large nature reserve cairngorms, for the last 2 nights before returning to Edinburgh and home.

The scenic snow road is an amazing road with lots of places and possible stops on the way that crosses the Cairngorms national park.

In this area, it is recommended to stay 2 nights to take advantage of some more of the wild and beautiful nature of Scotland and in general to be in an area that is as different and impressive as you have been until now.

Cairngorms National Park road
Cairngorms National Park road

Drive from Inverness on the A9 road for the first stop at a special place, The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre. The only free-wild of reindeer in the UK.

Buy tickets and then go out as a group for a short walk, you will get a full explanation of the reindeer life, and you can feed them from your hand.

Add to that the breathtaking views of the area and you get an amazing and unique experience.

After visiting Reindeer Centre, drive about an hour and a half until you reach the heart of the national nature reserve.

The road is part of the scenic snow road, an amazing and beautiful driving experience with each turn revealing an amazing scene.

You can see colors of gray, green, purple, orange with lots of spots that you will want to stop and photograph.

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

There are 2 castles close to each other, Balmoral Castle and Bremer Castle.


Balmoral Castle - The castle is a large mansion built by Queen Victoria of Scotland on the River Di in the county of Aberdeen.

The building serves as the summer residence of Queen Elizabeth who resides there every year in the summer for 12 weeks starting in August.

The castle is surrounded by spectacular views, it is advisable to book the guided tour in advance (about an hour tour) so you can walk in the area.

Most of the tour takes place outdoors and only one room in the castle is open to visitors but still, it is worth a visit.

balmoral Castle scotland


Braemer Castle - 10 minutes drive away is Bremer Castle, smaller but still worth a visit, be impressed and take pictures.

I did not take the guided tour of the castle and was only impressed from the outside but if you want you can enter the castle itself and visit its nine rooms.

I ended this day by walking from Bremer Castle towards Bob Scotty bothy where I also spent the night.

A beautiful bothy right in the woods.

braemer castle scotland


Where to stay in cairngorms national park?

As mentioned in many places in Scotland there are shelter cabins for travelers called bothy accommodation where it is an experience in itself although it usually takes a walk to get to them or a particular trek.

For those who want to sleep in a hotel or b & b there are some recommended places:


Netherley Guest House - Located in the beautiful town of Ballater, a great base for exploring the area.


Ballater caravan park - An excellent option for camping, high-class facilities, and hot showers. Suitable for those who come with a caravan and also for those who come with a tent.


The lazy duck - For those who want a unique experience. If you are looking to escape the urban landscape and live slowly and simply for a while, the lazy duck is for you. The location is perfect, surrounded by nature and with the Cairngorms in the distance, watching the stars at night. A must-try is the infrared sauna and the jacuzzi made of wood.



Day 14 / exploring cairngorms national park

Another day at the Cairngorms national park where you can go for a walk on one of the many trails in the area.

Because I hiked in the fall I could not climb the high peaks in the reserve.

I chose to go to Lake Muick. There is a walking route of about hours around this beautiful lake, a flat and not difficult walk.

Situated in stunning Highland scenery at the foot of Lochnagar and alongside Loch Muick, the Spittal of Glen Muick Visitor Centre features displays and information on the area, including the local biodiversity and geology.

Loch Muick is a beautiful place for a walk to escape the daily routine.

The car park is small so best to get there early in the day.

You start from the car park then make your way to begin the walk you want to take.

Clear directions and arrows to follow, the walk starts nice and gentle along a road before you turn and gradually walk up a hill.

It then becomes slightly steeper but the views are spectacular and worth the climb. A

s you reach the top you can see for miles around. Hills are amazing and plenty of Heather to gaze at and enjoy and walks to sit and enjoy your lunch.


Of course, there are more walks in the area like climbing Ben Macudi, the highest mountain in the national park and the second highest mountain in all of Scotland.

For less experienced or less capable walkers, the Morrone Ascent is one of the best walks in the region.

A relatively straightforward ascent in good conditions, this moderate difficulty walk takes up to five hours to complete and spans approximately seven and a half miles.

Possibly one of the strangest bothies located on Loch Muick, if only for being a part of the Queen’s hoose.

Glas-Allt-Shiel is an open bothy which is one of the out-houses of the Queen’s holiday home, or picnic lodge towards the west end of Loch Muick.

A picturesque place with a lovely lawn for picnics, you can stay here for the night if you want.

Cairngorms National Park scotland
Cairngorms National Park
hiking in Cairngorms National Park
hiking in Cairngorms National Park
Glas-Allt-Shiel bothy scotland
Glas-Allt-Shiel bothy


Day 15 / Back to Edinburgh

Traveling back to Edinburgh on the scenic snow road, let yourself enjoy this beautiful ride that passes through charming little towns.

About an hour from Edinburgh is Scone Palace, a must-see stop.


Scone palace

Scone Palace stands in the heart of a sprawling mansion on the east bank of the Tay River very close to Perth city center and the village of Scone.

The name Scone has a deep and long connection with turbulent Scottish history.

Scone was the capital of the Pictish kingdom that existed about 2000 years ago, was a religious center and the site of the kingdom of several Scottish kings.

Scone Palace today offers visitors several attractions: a spacious park that also includes a maze. A magnificent palace illustrating how the Scottish nobility lived in the 18th century. And of course, the Scottish history that surrounds the place.


A visit to the palace includes a tour of the ground floor which contains the official guest rooms and of course the dining room wherein 1842 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, her husband, were hosted. Another point of interest is the library whose shelves display the family's porcelain ware collection. Then, head towards the Great Hall which as its name implies, the longest hall in a private house in Scotland - 45 meters. Here the Queen and the Prince first witnessed a display of the sport of curling (a kind of ice hockey). Out of enthusiasm, the prince agreed to be the patron of the Royal Caledonian Association for Curling.

Scone palace scotland

After visiting the palace I wandered around and visited downtown Perth and its oldest building, St. John’s Kirk built-in 1159.

From there I reached Ninian’s Cathedral, a less ancient church but equally impressive.

After lunch in Perth, I made my way back to Edinburgh Airport to return the car to the rental company and board my flight home.


Scotland surprised and amazed me in every way especially the wild nature and the breathtaking pristine and scenic places it has.

The Old Military Road (A93) in scotland
The Old Military Road (A93)

Scotland Travel tips

1 / Driving. In the UK they drive on the left-hand side of the road with speed signs in miles per hour (mph).

Learn how to drive single-track roads. You need to be super alert and ready to back up at a moment’s notice to let others pass.

Lower your speed down around corners with no line of sight and keep a mental note of the last passing point or driveway you can use.

Make sure you feel confident about the driving conditions before embarking on a long road trip.


2 / Check the weather.

The weather can be a very surprising factor in Scotland and can ruin your plans but do not let the rain get in the way, you can plan correctly and be flexible enough if there is a day with less favorable weather.


3 / Stay in undiscovered small villages.

You can’t go wrong, they are all so cute you never know what you will discover.

Take the opportunity of a car to branch out from your accommodation in the main towns.

4 / Use offline maps.

I mainly recommend using maps me app, download the maps in advance and you can use them even if you do not have cellular reception, which will probably happen when you are in the middle of nowhere or remote places.

5 / Try not to run and get all the places at once.

Scotland may look small but it is packed with lots of great places and lots of things to do.

Try for at least 2 weeks in Scotland if you’re planning on getting up to the Isle of Skye.

Final thoughts after 2 weeks in Scotland

Scotland is a beautiful country with lots of things to see and do, even in two weeks in Scotland it is impossible to get to see all the places in Scotland.

Some people choose to combine in 14 days in Scotland also the North Coast 500 which is an amazing road in itself.

But for those who want to travel slowly, peacefully, not run from one place to another or drive long distances every day, this Scotland road trip route is for them.

Hope this Scotland road trip Itinerary will help you plan your perfect trip!

Read My Other Blogs:

5 day barcelona itinerary: the perfect guide

2 weeks norway road trip itinerary

20 best things to do in Edinburgh

15 best things to do on the isle of skye

Norway two week itinerary: the ultimate road trip

5 day barcelona itinerary: the perfect guide

3 Day Madrid Itinerary

how to spend weekend in Amsterdam

2 weeks in sicily: the perfect sicily road trip

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