The Scottish Highlands are a realm of myth and legend, where misty mountains rise from ancient forests, castles stand sentinel over deep lochs, and centuries of rich history weave through spectacular landscapes. This seven-day itinerary will guide you through the essential Highland experiences while also revealing some of the region's lesser-known treasures.
After exploring the Scottish Highlands for over fifteen years, I've crafted this itinerary to balance iconic destinations with hidden gems, active adventures with relaxing scenic drives, and cultural immersion with natural wonders. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to delve deeper, this guide will help you make the most of your Highland journey.
Day 1: Edinburgh to Glencoe – The Gateway to the Highlands
Begin your Highland adventure by departing Edinburgh in the morning, heading northwest toward Stirling. Your first stop should be Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most historically significant fortresses, which commands a strategic position overlooking vast swathes of central Scotland. Allow 2-3 hours to explore the meticulously restored Royal Palace, the Great Hall, and the castle's museums.
Continue your journey through the Trossachs National Park, often called "the Highlands in miniature." Stop at the charming village of Callander for lunch at Mhor Bread, a local bakery and café known for its artisanal sandwiches and traditional Scottish baked goods.
In the afternoon, drive through the haunting expanse of Rannoch Moor before reaching the dramatic valley of Glencoe. The three sisters of Glencoe – three distinctive ridges on the south side of the glen – provide one of Scotland's most photographed vistas. Take time to stop at the Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn about the infamous 1692 massacre and the area's fascinating geology.
Where to stay: Spend the night at the historic Clachaig Inn, nestled in the heart of Glencoe. This traditional Highland inn offers comfortable rooms, excellent local cuisine, and a pub with over 200 whiskies and regular live music.
Day 2: Glencoe to Fort William – Mountains and Monuments
Begin your day with an early morning walk in Glencoe. For experienced hikers, the Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail) offers a moderately challenging 2.5-hour round trip into a hidden valley where the MacDonalds of Glencoe once hid their rustled cattle. For a gentler option, the An Torr trail provides beautiful forest views and takes about an hour.
After your morning hike, drive north to Fort William, the outdoor capital of the UK. Here you'll find the imposing Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. While climbing to the summit requires proper preparation and a full day, the lower slopes offer accessible walking trails with spectacular views.
In the afternoon, visit the West Highland Museum in Fort William town center to discover the region's rich history, from Jacobite relics to Victorian-era Highland life. Later, take a short drive to Neptune's Staircase, an impressive series of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal designed by Thomas Telford in the early 19th century.
Where to stay: Check into The Garrison Hotel in Fort William, a boutique hotel housed in the former police station with contemporary rooms and an excellent restaurant focusing on Highland produce.
Day 3: Fort William to Skye – Islands and Castles
Today's journey takes you along the Road to the Isles, one of Scotland's most scenic routes. Depart Fort William and make your first stop at Glenfinnan, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard to begin the 1745 Jacobite Rising. The Glenfinnan Monument commemorates this historic event, while the nearby viaduct has gained fame for its appearance in the Harry Potter films. If your timing aligns, wait to see the Jacobite Steam Train (the real-life Hogwarts Express) cross the viaduct – typically around 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM in summer.
Continue to the fishing port of Mallaig, where you can enjoy fresh seafood at the Cornerstone Restaurant before catching the ferry to Skye. After a 30-minute sailing across the Sound of Sleat, arrive in Armadale on Skye's southern peninsula.
As an alternative route, you could drive further north from Fort William and cross to Skye via the bridge, stopping at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle on the way. This 13th-century castle, set on its own little island where three sea lochs meet, is one of Scotland's most photographed monuments.
Whichever route you choose, make your way to Portree, Skye's colorful capital, by evening. Take a stroll around the picturesque harbor with its painted houses before dinner.
Where to stay: Spend the night at Cuillin Hills Hotel in Portree, offering panoramic views over the bay and the Cuillin mountains with elegant rooms and a restaurant specializing in local seafood.
Day 4: Isle of Skye – Fairy Pools and Dramatic Landscapes
Dedicate a full day to exploring Skye's otherworldly landscapes. Begin with an early visit to the Fairy Pools in Glenbrittle – a series of crystal-clear blue pools and waterfalls set against the backdrop of the Black Cuillin mountains. Arrive before 10 AM to avoid crowds, and allow 2-3 hours for the complete walk.
Next, head north to the Trotternish Peninsula to see the Old Man of Storr, a dramatic rock pinnacle created by an ancient landslide. The hike to the base of the rocks takes about 1.5 hours round trip and offers spectacular views across to the mainland.
Continue further north to Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls viewpoint, where water plunges 60 meters from cliff to sea. Your final stop should be the Quiraing, perhaps Skye's most extraordinary landscape – a landslip that has created an otherworldly terrain of pinnacles, buttresses, and hidden plateaus. Take the 2-hour loop walk if weather permits, or simply admire the view from the parking area.
Return to Portree for dinner at Scorrybreac, where Chef Calum Montgomery creates innovative dishes from Skye's finest ingredients.
Where to stay: A second night at your Portree accommodation allows for a full day of exploration without having to relocate.
Day 5: Skye to Inverness via Loch Ness – Myths and Monsters
Leave Skye via the bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh and head east toward Inverness. Your first destination is Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness. These magnificent ruins have witnessed significant moments in Highland history, from Saint Columba's reported encounter with a monster in the loch in 565 AD to the Wars of Independence. The castle's dramatic setting offers excellent vantage points for Loch Ness viewing – keep your camera ready for any suspicious ripples!
After exploring the castle, continue to the village of Drumnadrochit and visit the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition, which presents the natural history of the loch and examines the facts and myths surrounding its famous resident monster.
In the afternoon, drive north to the picturesque village of Beauly. Visit the 13th-century priory ruins and stop at Campbell & Co, a traditional Highland outfitters established in 1858 that sells authentic tartan and tweed products.
Arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, by late afternoon. Take a walk along the River Ness and visit Inverness Castle for panoramic views across the city.
Where to stay: Check into Rocpool Reserve Hotel in Inverness, a boutique hotel in a converted Georgian mansion offering luxurious rooms, many with private hot tubs, and an excellent restaurant.
Day 6: Inverness and Culloden – Highland History
Begin your day with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, just a short drive east of Inverness. This sobering site saw the final confrontation of the Jacobite Rising and the devastating defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie's forces in 1746. The excellent visitor center uses immersive technology to explain the conflict and its far-reaching consequences for Highland culture. Allow 2-3 hours to fully appreciate both the center and the atmospheric moor where the battle took place.
Next, visit the nearby Clava Cairns, a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex consisting of passage graves, ring cairns, and standing stones dating back about 4,000 years. These prehistoric monuments were the inspiration for the fictional "Craigh na Dun" in the Outlander series.
Return to Inverness for lunch at Mustard Seed, a riverside restaurant in a converted church offering contemporary Scottish cuisine. In the afternoon, explore the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery to learn more about Highland heritage, or take a dolphin-watching cruise from Inverness Marina to spot the resident bottlenose dolphins of the Moray Firth.
End your day with dinner at The Kitchen Brasserie, known for its innovative approach to Highland ingredients and extensive Scottish gin menu.
Where to stay: A second night at your Inverness accommodation.
Day 7: Inverness to Edinburgh – Whisky and Forests
Begin your final day with a drive south into Speyside, Scotland's most prolific whisky-producing region. Visit one of the area's distinguished distilleries for a tour and tasting – Glenfiddich in Dufftown offers excellent tours for both whisky novices and connoisseurs. Remember to arrange a designated driver or consider a small group tour for this portion of your trip.
Continue south through the Cairngorms National Park, stopping at Aviemore for lunch at The Mountain Cafe, known for its wholesome food and spectacular views. If time permits, take the funicular railway up Cairngorm Mountain for panoramic views across Scotland's largest national park.
In the afternoon, visit the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore, an open-air museum that brings Highland heritage to life through reconstructed buildings and demonstrations of traditional skills.
Complete your Highland circuit by returning to Edinburgh through the dramatic mountain pass of Drumochter and the rolling hills of Perthshire. For a final scenic stop, visit The Hermitage near Dunkeld, a beautiful stretch of forest along the River Braan featuring Ossian's Hall, a mirrored Victorian folly overlooking a spectacular waterfall.
Practical Tips for Your Highland Adventure
- While summer (June-August) offers longer daylight hours, May and September typically have fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices.
- Scottish weather is notoriously changeable – pack layers, waterproofs, and sturdy walking shoes regardless of season.
- Book accommodation well in advance, especially for Skye, which experiences high demand throughout the summer.
- Consider adding an extra day in Skye or the Cairngorms if your schedule allows for a more relaxed pace.
- Driving is on the left, and many Highland roads are single-track with passing places. Always allow faster vehicles to overtake.
- Mobile coverage can be patchy in remote areas – download offline maps and accommodation details before setting out each day.
The Scottish Highlands offer a rare combination of breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. This seven-day itinerary provides a comprehensive introduction to the region's diverse attractions, from iconic landmarks to hidden treasures. Whether you're gazing across the misty mountains of Glencoe, exploring ancient castle ruins, or sampling rare whiskies in a traditional distillery, the Highlands promise experiences that will linger in your memory long after you've returned home.