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The Heart of Scotland: Edinburgh and the Highlands

Experience the best of Scotland starting from the historic streets of Edinburgh. This route balances the capital's gothic charm with the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, the Isle of Skye, and the serene waters of Loch Ness.

7days
21stops
621km

The route

Tap a day or a town

You sleep in Edinburgh · Fort William · Portree · Uig · Inverness — start and end in Edinburgh.

DAY01

Old Town Edinburgh → Victoria Street

2.1 km · 10m driving · Overnight in Victoria Street
  1. 09:00
    Old Town Edinburgh· start
  2. 1.6 km · 7m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Edinburgh Castle
  4. 0.5 km · 3m
  5. 15:00
    Victoria Street· overnight
DAY02

Palace of Holyroodhouse → Calton Hill

4.3 km · 16m driving · Overnight in Calton Hill
  1. 09:00
    Palace of Holyroodhouse· start
  2. 1.8 km · 6m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Arthur's Seat
  4. 2.5 km · 10m
  5. 15:00
    Calton Hill· overnight
DAY03

The Kelpies → Fort William

190 km · 3h 1m driving · Overnight in Fort William
  1. 09:00
    The Kelpies· start
  2. 41 km · 50m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Glencoe
  4. 149 km · 2h 11m
  5. 15:00
    Fort William· overnight
DAY04

Glenfinnan → Portree

69 km · 1h 4m driving · Overnight in Portree
  1. 09:00
    ⭐ Glenfinnan Viaduct· start
  2. 27 km · 27m
  3. 12:00
    Mallaig Ferry Terminal
  4. 42 km · 37m
  5. 15:00
    Portree· overnight
DAY05

Old Man of Storr → Quiraing Viewpoint

25 km · 28m driving · Overnight in Quiraing Viewpoint
  1. 09:0011:00
    ⭐ Old Man of Storr· start
  2. 11 km · 15m
  3. 12:00
    Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
  4. 14 km · 13m
  5. 15:00
    Quiraing Viewpoint· overnight
DAY06

Eilean Donan Castle → Inverness

187 km · 2h 43m driving · Overnight in Inverness City Centre
  1. 09:00
    ⭐ Eilean Donan Castle· start
  2. 101 km · 1h 35m
  3. 12:00
    Urquhart Castle
  4. 86 km · 1h 8m
  5. 15:00
    Inverness City Centre· overnight
DAY07

Culloden Battlefield → Edinburgh

144 km · 1h 57m driving
  1. 09:00
    Culloden Battlefield· start
  2. 8.7 km · 14m
  3. 12:00
    ⭐ Pitlochry
  4. 135 km · 1h 43m
  5. 15:00
    Edinburgh City Center
Booking timeline
Book these before you go
  1. Days 1–2Stay in Edinburgh · Nights 1-2
  2. Day 3Stay in Fort William · Night 3
  3. Day 4Stay in Portree · Night 4
  4. Day 5Stay in Uig · Night 5
  5. Day 6Stay in Inverness · Night 6
Heads Up
  • Driving is on the left side of the road; many Highland routes are single-track with passing places.
  • Weather can change rapidly; waterproof layers and sturdy footwear are essential even in summer.
  • Advance booking is highly recommended for Edinburgh Castle and the Skye ferry.