There is a visitors centre on-site. Located in Jedburgh is also the Mary Queen of Scots House, which is now a museum. The Grassmarket was the site where the city’s marketplaces were held. You won’t have time to complete both of the hikes I recommend below, however, you can see both of these locations from your car, so you could easily visit them both in the evening. We started in Edinburgh because we flew from Maryland to New York to Edinburgh, so didn’t want to continue on to Glasgow. Today you will visit the Fairy Glen, the Quiraing, Mealt Falls, Brother’s Point, and the Old Man of Storr. You could also choose to stay in Melrose for the night, and visit Peebles the following day, or skip it altogether. Today will be a leisurely drive- there are many lay-bys and car parks you can pull into on your way to Glencoe to take photos and admire the rugged mountains and vast lochs! camper van road trip itinerary seven days in Scotland. I remember reading somewhere in one of your Scotland posts you suggested possibly needing something else besides your US license to drive in Scotland? Last two nights it has dropped to 3C in the Highlands. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. Loch Ness is ‘home’ to the legendary Loch Ness Monster- or Nessie, as the locals like to call her! There is a car park at a hotel which is close to the paddock as you enter the village. In 1452, James II had the Earl assassinated and his body was flung from a castle window down into the gardens. Here’s the itinerary for our 10 day epic Scotland road trip! On day four of my 10 day Scotland itinerary, you will begin your adventure into the Scottish Highlands! Historic castles, legendary outlaws, and mythical sea monsters all vie for your attention. Bed and Breakfast: JustB, located on the edge of Edinburgh is hands-down the best bed and breakfast I’ve stayed in! The Official North Coast 500 route begins and ends in Inverness at Inverness Castle. Most people stay in Portree, one hour away from Eilean Donan Castle. We have seen a couple of itineraries online where folks took a train from Edinburgh to Glasgow and then headed to the Highlands/Isle of Skye to/from Glasgow. Hostels: Kailzie Bunkhouse is located 10 minutes from Peebles. Where We Stayed in Glasgow: We stayed at the Premier Inn Glasgow City Centre Buchanan Galleries. Your email address will not be published. Here are some estimated costs (all prices are in USD): Rental car:  $50 to $75 per day for a midsize car Walk the path through the birch trees to the Falls of Moness– a spectacular waterfall- which inspired the poem during Burns’ tour of the Scottish Highlands. They also have great deals on car insurance. The Quiraing is my favourite location on the Isle of Skye. Shopping: Princes Street in New Town has a large collection of department stores. In Scotland, the journey is just as good as the destination. Climb to the top of the Scott Monument 7. The castle was burned shortly after Culloden by English troops, however, the walls of the castle refused to yield and have survived to this very day! On your way, drive through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Facebook. As you enjoy the breathtaking scenery, find a spot to stop and explore. It took over 70 years to build during the 12 century! Day 7: Glasgow. There are plenty of outdoor activities to satisfy the adventurer, and here are a few of my favourites: If you wanted to go somewhere a little quieter than Glencoe [it can get very busy with tourists] I recommend staying in Killin. Suggested time: You can spend a couple of hours on the Mural Trail up to a couple of days; don’t expect to see it all in one day, just pick out a few murals that appeal to you and visit those. Renting a car isn’t as cheap as it is in the United States, but it ultimately will save you time and money if you’re planning on spending some time here. St. Mary’s Chapel on the Rock is also located nearby; this chapel was built in the late 1300s on the site believed to be the original location of St Andrew’s relics. While this is a five-day itinerary, you could most definitely spread this out longer as there is just too much to see and do along the way! You’ll take a slight detour to visit Invergarry Castle next, my favourite castle ruin which was once the seat of the Chiefs of the Clan MacDonnell of Glengarry. Fancy walking to an island? I think it needs a minimum of 2 days and there are countless optionshere. Each year in fall, amateur celebrities will play against the pros at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. EDINBURGH BUDGET TIPIf you’re saving your pennies, the Cowgate area in Old Town has a selection of cheap pubs and nightclubs. Scenic drives and short hikes will fill your day. Not sure if you want to visit Loch Ness? North Coast 500 Map. I also recommend checking prices directly with your chosen hotel, hostel or bed and breakfast. It was surprisingly delicious! There are many great restaurants to try in this area. Kelso is also a very pretty town, being the subject for many artists since the late 17th century! Cattle and horses were sold in this area (which is quite hard to believe today!). ).Live music: Stramash is a large and popular with tourists and locals, and has everything you want and need in a music bar. Thank you so much! Glasgow University is assumed by many to be the inspiration for Hogwarts from Harry Potter. Scotland does have a great public transport system, however, to experience the very best of Scotland [and to complete this itinerary] I highly recommend hiring a car. Be sure to arrive early, as it fills up quickly. Experience classic Scotland on a 10-day itinerary. Start your day at one of Edinburgh’s best museums. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out in this Orkne y Post. The Three Sisters is a lively sports bar that is usually thriving that also plays your classic dance tunes. The route gives the ability to cut the country right through the middle and see it all. Oh beautiful Scotland. The road through to the village of Glencoe takes you through the heart of an ancient volcano. Read more about me here. If you're planning a motorhome or campervan holiday in Scotland you'll find many ideas here for great places to visit in Scotland! The cottages in this village are super cute and picturesque, and there are some fun gift shops selling products made by Scottish creators. This local restaurant is located off of the Royal Mile in a local neighborhood in Edinburgh. Midrange Hotel, double room with two people: High end hotel, double room with two people: Planning a trip to Scotland? If you plan on spending more time in Edinburgh, check out my comprehensive list of things to do. Greyfriars Inn and The Keys Bar are popular pubs. You can use them to plot your road trip around Scotland! Day 5 Scottish Highlands Itinerary: Isle of Skye to Edinburgh. Hotels: The Dunstane Houses are traditional and beautiful, or the Ibis Edinburgh Royal Mile if you’d like to stay in Old Town. What can you see with 10 days in Scotland? Suggested time: 2-5 hours if you plan on hiking, but you can also see it from the roadside. Our entire family agrees that we prefer Scotland over Ireland, although both are amazing places to visit. Follow the path back into the town and marvel at the famous colourful houses along Portree harbour, and go for a spot of shopping in the town centre. Airbnb: Mary Queen of Scot’s chamber at Neidpath Castle– treat yourself and spend the night in a castle! If you’re planning your Scotland itinerary, 10 days should be enough time to see all the main attractions. Don’t forget to purchase your skip the line ticket in advance online. Thank you for taking the time to put in so much concise, detailed information. Bla Bheinn (Blaven) is one of the most spectacular hikes on the Isle of Skye. Is One Day Enough to Explore Orkney? I recommend that you go with the flow and drive the NC500 at your own pace. Lady Anne Livingston (a Jacobite) hosted and distracted the general of the English army while Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army approached and took the English army by surprise, which led to the victory of the Battle of Falkirk Muir. I have wanted to do this forever and Im sure I could spend … If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, driving is the best way to go. There is a fantastic view of Linlithgow Palace from across the Linlithgow Loch. Day 9 - Inverness to Skye; Day 10 - Tour Skye; Day 11 - Skye to Oban; Day 12 - Oban to Glasgow / Edinburgh . We can recommend Helen, who planned a custom tour according to our specific requests and interests. I’ve written a comprehensive 2-day Isle of Skye itinerary here that I recommend you check out. Start at Edinburgh Castle, the centerpiece of the city. Explore the infamous ‘bottle dungeon’ and the underground mine and countermine. From Portree, it takes about 35 minutes to drive to the Fairy Pools. The Battlefield of Culloden is the site of the fateful final Jacobite Uprising in 1746, where supporters of Bonnie Prince Charlie clashed with the Duke of Cumberland’s government troops. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. It is a detailed itinerary of how to spend two days in Edinburgh, with maps, recommendations on where to eat and where to stay. If you’d like to complete one or both of the hikes, you can do them on your second day on Skye. In Scotland, we drive on the left-hand side of the road. All donations go towards running this site and my caffeine fix. It was the primary residence of Mary Queen of Scots, and the site where her private secretary was murdered by her husband, Lord Darnley (which ultimately led to his undoing). This leafy and tranquil canal-side village is quite a contrast to the bustling city centre which is located a short 20 minute walk away. , Hello Shelley. Accommodation I recommend in Melrose includes Burt’s Hotel and The Barn at the Coach House. The Old Man of Storr can also be seen from The Lump in Portree if you look carefully. It might have been on our post about driving from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye. Book your ferry tickets at least several days in advance, especially during the busy summer months. Glasgow Cathedral (also known as the High Kirk of Glasgow) was built in the 1100s on the site of where St Mungo was supposedly buried in AD 612. Scotch Whisky Experience 4. I recommend walking the Glasgow Mural Trail to collect some great snaps for Instagram. Here's the full itinerary we used, in case you want to steal it to help plan your own trip! Be sure to check out the Billy Connolly murals, which were created to mark the 75th birthday of the much-loved Glaswegian comedian. Peebles Kirk is beautiful in late April, early May when the large cherry blossom trees that tower over it are in flower. To allow yourself enough time, leave Edinburgh no later than 9 am (although earlier is better). 1. Hiking option #2 is the Kintail Saddle. From Portree, drive clockwise, going against the heaviest tourist traffic. Airbnb: The Edinburgh Wizarding Residence on Grassmarket for Harry Potter lovers! There are plenty of hiking opportunities in the area, including Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve where you can hike one of Scotland’s highest Munros, Ben Lawers. It consists of a complex of passage graves; ring cairns, kerb cairns and standing stones. I’ve been to Invergarry during the summer, autumn and winter and I always spot this herd in the paddock next to the bridge on the A82 as you drive into Invergarry. At whatever point you wish, catch the train to Edinburgh (taking around an hour) and spend the last part of your tour there. If you follow the path that leads from the front of the building out to the road, you will see the ditch which ran along the northern side of the wall. You will visit many different cities, towns and villages. In order to see and experience Scotland off the beaten track, you will need to hire a car. Here is a sample 7 day Scotland itinerary. It costs to go inside St. Andrews Castle- or if you’re trying to save money, there is a good view of the castle from the small beach next to the castle! In addition to the Malt Whisky Trail, our 14 day itinerary takes you along the the West Coast Whisky Trail, which blends incredible scenery and visitor attractions with some of the best single malt whisky in the world for an unforgettable holiday. I recommend The Black Cat for whisky lovers and Panda and Sons for cocktails. The house lies along the line of the Antonine Wall, a Roman fortification which was built in AD 142 (20 years after Hadrian’s Wall). Basically, you will experience everything you should experience when visiting Scotland in 10 days- plus some wonderful off-beat options! Edinburgh Castle: Things to Know before you go. So does the seafood, fished from cold North Sea waters, as well as the water of life—more commonly known as Scotch whisky. 4. One of the most famurs murals is the one of St Mungo, near Glasgow Cathedal. It’s located just 25 minutes south-west of Pitlochry. Invergarry Castle cannot be entered (it’s fenced off) but you can get close enough to look inside the ruin. Your day ends with dinner. Your email address will not be published. Hostels: Castle Rock Hostel is a fantastic hostel and is one of Scotland’s top hostels [I once lived in this hostel and can confirm it is incredible]; if you’re wanting to save your pennies. Before you head off on your road trip around the Isle of Skye, you can stop at the large Co-Op shot in Bradford to get groceries and cheap fuel! Be warned, this is a very popular location and the car park does get busy. Cramond Island in Edinburgh is a tidal island you can walk to at low tide. After picking up your rental car, depart from Glasgow Airport and begin the drive to Oban. Bed and Breakfast: An-Airidh Bed and Breakfast. Spend the middle of the day strolling the Royal Mile, visiting places like the Scotch Whisky Experience, St. Giles Cathedral, the Camera Obscura, Real Mary King’s Close, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. We LOVED it here. This location is also the perfect place to watch the sunrise, so you may want to delay visiting until the following day. Reception is intermittent in the Highlands, so make sure you print a copy and keep it with you. The planning can be daunting! This seven-day Scotland touring itinerary has something for everyone, whether you're an urban connoisseur or a wilderness fan. Get settled into your hotel or bed & breakfast and get ready to explore the awesome Isle of Skye. If you’re going to spend a night out anywhere in Scotland- it’s in Glasgow! If you’d prefer to visit an area that isn’t as touristy as Pitlochry I recommend going to Aberfeldy instead. The downstairs cafe even has a reading area- so if you’re a book lover and want to purchase some beautiful books about Scotland, take a break here! WhatsApp. You will drive alongside Loch Lomond for 25 miles- and there will be lots to see out the window! There is a large tomb within the ruin of the abbey where this famous Scottish writer is buried alongside his family. You’ll be surprised by how many incredible attractions you can fit in a Scotland itinerary in 10 days! The Sleat Peninsula isn’t as touristy as the north-east part of the island, and it definitely feels like you’ve gone off the beaten track. We decided to do this trip straight from our North Coast 500 campervan journey in a Bunk Camper, so we started our trip from Dornoch. Working as a travel blogger and being an ex-travel agent, I know the best way to book reliable accommodation at the cheapest rates. Harry Potter fans rejoice- Greyfriars Kirkyard is a graveyard that J.K. Rowling sought inspiration for her character’s names. Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. I don’t think that it is necessary for Scotland but it’s a good idea to have one, just in case. The ultimate 10 day Scotland itinerary- created by a local. Based on your thoughtful descriptions and responses in your blog, we are guessing you had a good reason, and were wondering what it was. Option: If you’d prefer to spend more time in another area, you can cut this day out of the itinerary and spend the extra day somewhere else! During the summer months, Skye can get very busy, so it is worth rising early to avoid peak traffic times or travel in the shoulder-season. >> Read more: Common questions about visiting Scotland answered. What was it and will I need it? Along the way visit Pitlochry, the home of Edradour, Scotland’s smallest whisky distillery. Celebrities that have played in the past include Michael Douglas, Samuel L Jackson, Morgan Freeman, Hugh Grant and Jamie Dornan. The pleasant mixture of colourful flats and 19th-century brick buildings on either side of the Water of Leith canal make for a fantastic Instagrammable opportunity- or just simply enjoy the serenity. The whole point is to pick and choose the things you want to do. Day 7:  Epic Hiking or more of the Isle of Skye, Day 10:  Fly Home or Continue your Journey, Glasgow: 24 Hours of Fun for the Whole Family, 10 Day Ireland Itinerary: The Ultimate Irish Road Trip, 3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary, Kjeragbolten: Our Favorite Hike in Norway, Driving to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh or Glasgow, The Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye, Scotland, driving from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye. For this Scotland itinerary, you will need to rent a car. This itinerary is fully tried and tested as we took this exact road trip last September. The Royal Mile measures 1.81 kilometres, but this measurement system hasn’t been used since the eighteenth century. 10-Day Budget Iceland Itinerary for S$2.8k — The Epic Camper Van Road Trip. 2. Auto Europe is a car rental agency I recommend for many reasons. Take a tour, do a tasting, or purchase some whisky in the souvenir shop. Or if shopping isn’t your thing, there are a range of other interesting things to do. It automatically scans the internet for discount codes and applies them to your cart during checkout. Always book with a reputable third-party accommodation provider. Check out my 2 day Inverness itinerary. Glasgow is often an overlooked destination in Scotland. © Copyright 2016-2020 Wayfaring Kiwi | Privacy Policy. Blair Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan Murray, is a vast white castle set amongst a nine-acre walled garden. If you have any questions about planning a trip to Scotland, why not join my Scotland Travel Tips group on Facebook? If you like hiking, you could fly to Stavanger, Norway and hike Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten (if your trip is in the summer). Jess 10th September 2020 48 HOUR GUIDES. There is a car park on the A82 you can park your car in [search for ‘parking for Buachaille Etive Mor‘ on Google maps], to wander down to take a snap. Meals can cost $15 to $35 per dish, depending on the restaurant. Dean Village is a small, residential area in Edinburgh. There are tons of options to fill your time in Glasgow. 4 DAY CAMPERVAN ITINERARY IN SCOTLAND. Inverness is located at the north-eastern end of the Great Glen, a line of five lochs extending from Fort William in the south-west and which has historically been an important area of trade and movement through the highlands. After the Fairy Pools, visit Talisker Distillery, the only whisky distillery on the Isle of Skye. So would 3 days in Wales. You can always add anything you’ve missed into a future trip to Scotland. The drive itself takes you through Lochalsh, home of the Five Sisters of Kintail, before you drive over the bridge to the Isle of Skye (that’s right- there’s a bridge so there’s no need to catch a boat across!). Read all of our articles in our. But for your kids, it could be a fun thing to add onto your itinerary. Hotels: The Boathouse is an amazing holiday home; The Ballachulish Hotel or the Isles of Glencoe Hotel are other fantastic options. Check into your hotel and take a quick nap if you need it. This is certainly an off the beaten track experience you can brag about. Camping in Scotland is always a lottery. You’ll spend two nights in the main town of Portree, a great base for exploring the island, features harbourside pubs and boutique shops. Each membership grants you free entry to many of Scotland’s main attractions, free parking, and discounts at selected shops. If you’re an Outlander fan, you’ll recall this was the battle that Claire and Jamie were trying to prevent from happening in season one. When I visited in November, I barely saw one tourist on the road! Pinterest. Honey is a fantastic free tool you can download and pin to your browser. Days 1-2: Glasgow. 5. Day eight of my 10 day Scotland itinerary is more relaxed; you can either tick off some more activities in Inverness in the morning or drive straight to Pitlochry, a charming burgh located at the foot of the Cairngorms National Park. I recommend having lunch here at either the Ship Inn for cheap pub food or the George & Abbotsford Restaurant if you want to eat somewhere a bit nicer. It’s the location where Prince William met his future wife, Kate Middleton, while they were attending St Andrews University together- one of the oldest universities in the world! After the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, Robert the Bruce destroyed Stirling Castle to stop it falling into English hands. It was always my dream to move to Scotland and I am proud to call West Lothian home. Go Hiking or Spend More Time on the Isle of Skye. The Royal Mile connects Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Required fields are marked *. This Scotland itinerary includes only one full day in Orkney, so make the best of it by hiring a private guide. For hostels I use Hostelworld, and I only book hostels with a rating of 8 or higher, if possible. While it’s unlikely you’ll spot Nessie, the views from atop the castle ruin make for a fantastic photo opportunity. The speed limit isn’t always obvious in Scotland, but on motorways and dual carriageways it’s 70 mph (112 km/h), single carriageways are 60 mph (96 km/h) and generally 30 mph (48 km/h) in areas with street lighting, unless otherwise specified. We would stay here again, no doubt about it. Hotels: McKays Hotel is fabulously located in the centre of the town and has a bar and restaurant downstairs. Founded in 1136, Melrose Abbey is the most spectacular of the four abbeys and is the burial place for several notable Scottish figures. Once Scotland’s largest church, St. Andrews Cathedral is the most famous attraction in the town, and perhaps the most famous ruin in Scotland. We will be traveling with our two kids who are big Potter fans – I didn’t see the train travel in your itinerary and wondering about your thoughts. Take a look at their menu and consider making a reservation in advance if dinner at the Scran and Scallie interests you. This is a great country for a road trip. I recommend going for a walk down to the course to see the Swilcan Bridge, a famous spot to get a photo. Fun fact: A Scots mile is actually longer than a traditional mile!