One of the Most Far-Out Scotland Itineraries You’ll Ever See

I don’t know why, but there’s something romantic about Scotland, isn’t there? Not romantic in the sense of Italy (i.e., Roman in origin), but the fresh highland air and old castles-type romantic. It’s no wonder there’s a shit-ton on Scotland itineraries out there. I don’t need to add to the list… but come on! Too many are vanilla beans-bland. I’m putting out a custom trip plan with that slightly off-kilter approach I’ve made my trademark. (Get it? Off-KILTer? Okay, I’ll stop now.)

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Scotland Itineraries With Castles, Islands, Whisky, and a Little Chaos

Looking Over our Scottish Routes (another pun!)

There is so much to see in Scotland, and Jeff and I went all out during our trip there. We wanted to visit all the major cities and the islands, so our Scotland road trip itinerary is a bit convoluted.

You can follow in our steps or chop it up and switch it out – but here’s a basic overview of what we did:

Fly into Heathrow Airport. Tour in Glasgow.
Train to Edinburgh. Tour in Edinburgh.
Fly to the Faroe Islands for a day trip.
Return to Edinburgh and rent a car.
Drive through the Scottish countryside, making various stops.
Arrive at Inverayray and stay the night.
Take a ferry to Islay Island.
Drive to Oban and take a ferry to the Isle of Mull.
Ferry from Fishnish to Lochaline. More driving.
Ferry from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye. Tour the Isle of Skye.
Drive through the Scottish Highlands before returning to Glasgow.

PLANNING A TRIP TO SCOTLAND SOON?

Below are some of the best tours, hotels, and more to kickstart your plans! Before you go, check out our tips for packing light and ways to save money on travel to make the practical side of the trip a little easier.

Popular Tours & Activities in Scotland:

Top Places to Stay in Scotland:

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Glasgow

Getting Around Glasgow

Most people can get away with walking everywhere since most of Glasgow’s sightseeing is smack-dab in the city center. But in case you want to stretch out your wings a bit more…

By Subway: The subway’s pretty straightforward since a single company runs it. It runs two circular routes, going clockwise and counter. It’s also super regular, with a train sure to stop by every four to eight minutes. A one-way ticket is around £2 (USD$2.50), so it’s cheap, to boot.

By Bus: Glasgow’s got a pretty sweet trip planner for their bus. Pricing starts similar to the subway, but it’s based on distance. So, the further out you go, the pricier it gets.

By Taxi: Go with either the black city taxis or Uber for this. During regular business hours, it will cost £15 (USD$19) or less, but they charge extra for early morning and late night rides.

By Bicycle: The bike-sharing system is the cheapest option, starting at 1 pound (USD$1.50) for a 30-minute ride. It’s a good alternative if you want to stay in the city center (and on a budget), but your feet are sore from walking.

Where To Stay in Glasgow

I’d suggest citizenM Glasgow. It’s a bit pricey, but frankly, everything with a decent location is. And you want a convenient area to maximize your travel time.

On top of that, citizenM has top-notch service and a cool, modern interior for its rooms and lobbies. The bar and lounge is a nice hangout, too. If the hotel bar isn’t enough debauchery for you, check out some of the city’s cocktail bars in Glasgow or take things upstairs at these rooftop bars in Glasgow.

Modern hotel lounge and bar with a long red counter, black bar stools, and a spacious seating area featuring dark blue sofas and bright red tables. Colorful cushions, pendant lights, framed artwork, and wooden flooring create a contemporary atmosphere.

Modern accessible bathroom with a white toilet equipped with grab rails, a wheelchair accessible sink with a large mirror, and a chrome towel rail holding white towels. The spacious bathroom features white tiled walls, dark floor tiles, and a walk in shower with a foldable seat and white curtain.

Modern hotel room with a bright red sofa and matching cushions beneath colorful abstract wall art. A double bed sits beside a large window overlooking the city, with red chairs, small white tables, bedside lamps, mirrored walls, and warm wooden flooring.

Spacious hotel lounge with grey sectional sofas, colorful cushions, two wooden lounge chairs, and a low coffee table on a vibrant patterned rug. Floor to ceiling windows overlook the city, while wooden flooring, black shelving, modern lamps, and decorative accents complete the contemporary space.

PHOTO CREDITS: CITIZENM GLASGOW VIA HOTELS.COM

Glasgow Must-Sees

While Glasgow was fun enough, there isn’t much to see – at least, for my tastes. I’m sure plenty of travelers are spitting at the screen because I didn’t love it. At least your wallet doesn’t have to suffer for it. There are plenty of free things to do in Glasgow if you want to give the city a little more time.

Still, you can always check out some other Scotland itineraries expounding on Glasgow’s beauty if you’re curious.

Glasgow Cathedral	George Square
Necropolis

Low angle view of a historic Gothic cathedral with a tall stone spire, pointed arch windows, intricate stonework, and a green copper roof. The imposing building rises against a vivid blue sky with scattered white clouds.

Historic Glasgow Necropolis cemetery with elaborate Victorian gravestones, tall stone columns, and ornate Gothic monuments scattered across a grassy hillside. A seated stone figure and several towering memorials stand beneath a pale blue sky with soft white clouds.

George Square in Glasgow with the tall stone column of the Scott Monument in the foreground and the ornate Glasgow City Chambers behind it. Pedestrians cross the open square beneath a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds, surrounded by trees and historic buildings.

PHOTO CREDIT: DepositPhotos.com

Edinburgh

Getting Around Edinburgh

If you plan to travel a lot, you might want to consider a DAYticket for Edinburgh. It gives you unlimited bus and tram rides for £4.50 (US$5.80), excluding the NightBus and Airport Bus.

By Foot: Like Glasgow, you can get around most of Edinburgh (and its surrounding towns and villages) just by walking. It really is a wonder not having to deal with the troubles of urban sprawl.

By Bus: You can pay the £1.80 (US$2.30) bus fare with exact change or pay in advance through their app.

By Tram: Trams are an excellent wheelchair-accessible option and cost about the same as the bus. It’s also a clean, inexpensive way of getting from the airport, with airport fare being £6.50 (US$8.35)

By Taxi: Another great option to get from the airport, though pricier than the tram at £20-25 (US$25-32). Still, it might be worth it if you don’t want to worry about your luggage on public transit.

By Rental Car: Since Jeff and I went road-tripping, we rented a car from Edinburgh. There are loads of companies to pick from, and you should definitely get the GPS add-on. You can’t trust your cellphone to keep a signal in the countryside, so don’t risk it!

Where To Stay in Edinburgh

Let me tell you: Edinburgh hotels are expensive. But there are some reasonably priced places that are still gorgeous to visit.

Case in point: EDI B&B. The rooms are simple, but the building has the castle aesthetic down to a T, and the location can’t be beat. It’s just a short walk from the Royal Mile, an essential stop for any traveler going through the Old Town of Edinburgh.

Small entrance area with pale green walls, concrete steps leading to a dark green door with a narrow window, and a bright red wall mounted postbox. A small white framed window sits above the postbox, with exposed pipes running along the ceiling.

Simple twin bedroom with two wooden single beds dressed in white bedding, folded towels on the nearest bed, and a small bedside table. The room features pale patterned walls, a pink door, dark green carpet, and a central pendant light.

Small bathroom with pale mint green walls, a white sink set into a wooden cabinet, and a toilet with a bright yellow wooden seat. A pink curtain covers the window above the toilet, while patterned grey floor tiles and a wall mounted storage cabinet complete the space.

Compact kitchen and dining area with white cabinets, wooden countertops, a freestanding electric cooker, and open shelving stocked with household items. A wooden dining table with white upholstered chairs sits beside an open doorway leading to a utility area with a washing machine.

Compact kitchen dining area with a wooden table, cream upholstered chairs, an open laptop, and a small television. White and wood cabinets line the wall beside a microwave, while floral curtains cover the window above a radiator and a white refrigerator stands in the corner.

PHOTO CREDITS: EDI B&B VIA HOTELS.COM

Edinburgh Must-Sees

Edinburgh is a historical haven. It’s got a very different feel to it than Glasgow, with narrow alleys and winding staircases. It’s also really easy to take day trips from Edinburgh to nearby villages and towns, even without a car.

If the Royal Mile starts feeling a little too respectable, these unusual things to do in Edinburgh bring the weird back. And if you’re ready to replace sightseeing with sipping, here are some of the best places to taste test whisky in Edinburgh.

The Royal Mile	Princes Street Gardens
St. Giles’ Cathedral	Dean Village
Edinburgh Castle	Stockbridge

Edinburgh Royal Mile on a sunny day, with a cobblestone street lined by historic stone buildings, shops, and pedestrians. The tall clock tower of the Tron Kirk rises in the distance, while three bright red telephone boxes stand along the pavement.

Interior of a historic Gothic church with a striking blue vaulted ceiling supported by intricate white stone ribs. Tall stone arches frame a large pointed stained glass window at the far end, while ornate hanging lights illuminate the space.

Edinburgh Castle perched atop a steep rocky hill, with its historic stone buildings and fortified walls overlooking the city. The ornate Ross Fountain stands in the foreground among leafy green trees, beneath a bright blue sky with sweeping white clouds.

Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh on a sunny day, with people relaxing on the expansive green lawn and walking along tree lined paths. The Gothic Scott Monument and historic Balmoral Hotel rise above the park beneath a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds.

Dean Village in Edinburgh with the Water of Leith flowing between lush green riverbanks and historic stone buildings. Colorful yellow and white half timbered houses line the river beneath a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Two historic stone towers rising against a clear blue sky. The taller tower has a steep slate spire and arched louvered windows, while the shorter tower features a round clock face and a decorative weather vane.

PHOTO CREDIT: DepositPhotos.com

The Faroe Islands

Getting Around the Faroe Islands

By Rental Car: The Faroe Islands are a bit sparser in terms of public transit, so your best bet is getting a rental car. Also, do yourself a favor and look up the rules of the road for the islands. Most notably, you don’t want to speed demon it on the rural gravel roads.

By Bus: The buses go through major points on the island and pretty reasonably priced. There’s a multi-day Travel Card that you can use for both the buses and ferries, but um. Well, it’s DKK 500, or US$74. Which is why I stuck to the rental car. It’s just more freedom.

By Ferry: Thanks to the underwater tunnels linking the islands together, you don’t need to board a ferry to go island-hopping. But in case you want to anyway, they start around DKK 15 (US$2.20) per ticket, which is pretty sweet, I admit.

By Taxi: Taxis exist on the islands as well, but they’re mostly only good for getting you from the airport to your hotel. And hey, considering the capital is a 45-minute drive from the airport, it might be worth it. Speaking of…

Where To Stay in the Faroe Islands

Travelers, take note! The Faroes don’t have a huge number of accommodations to choose from, so you want to pick carefully.

We stayed in Tórshavn, the capital, and I’d recommend Hotel Brandan. You can’t expect huge, spacious rooms – pretty much the whole city is tiny, from its roads to its buildings. But they’ve got clean, comfortable beds and friendly staff.

Modern hotel bedroom with a large double bed dressed in white linens and a navy blue throw, set against a colorful mural of radiating stripes and flowers. Floor to ceiling windows overlook a green landscape, while a wall mounted television, black desk, gold lamp, and grey carpet complete the room.

Dimly lit wine bar with rows of wine bottles displayed in illuminated glass cabinets behind a long wooden counter and black bar stools. Warm glass pendant lights hang overhead, while a single wine bottle and glass sit on the counter.

Spacious modern bathroom with a long black countertop, two white sinks, chrome faucets, and a large wall mirror. Beige tiled walls, dark floor tiles, and recessed lighting surround a white bathtub with a glass shower screen and a partially concealed toilet.

Hotel breakfast spread with a white cup of black coffee, a glass of apple juice, and a plate of fresh fruit, pastries, sliced vegetables, cheese, and a boiled egg. A bowl of cereal sits in the foreground, with a softly blurred dining area in the background.

Hotel Skálavík in the Faroe Islands, a modern black building with bright green grass covered roofs, surrounded by rolling green hills. A parking area with several vehicles sits beside the hotel, beneath a partly cloudy blue sky.

PHOTO CREDITS: HOTEL BRANDAN VIA HOTELS.COM

The Faroe Islands Must-Sees

One thing I liked about driving around the islands is that we got to see the famous Faroe sheep everywhere, just roaming the hillsides and roads.

The lambs, especially, were so small and cute. You can also take a look at my Faroes to-do list to learn more about each.

Village of Saksun	Tjørnuvík Cliffs
Sørvágsvatn Hanging Lake	Múli’s Abandoned Settlement
Gásadalur Waterfall	Tórshavn Harbor Town
Mykines Puffins

Traditional turf roofed cottages and stone walls scattered across a lush green valley in the Faroe Islands. A winding stream and narrow road lead toward a tranquil lake surrounded by steep rocky mountains, with a waterfall cascading down the hillside beneath low clouds.

Sørvágsvatn lake in the Faroe Islands, appearing to float above the Atlantic Ocean behind dramatic sheer cliffs and a towering rock formation. Rolling green hills and distant mountains surround the lake beneath a partly cloudy blue sky.

Múlafossur waterfall in the Faroe Islands plunging from a steep green cliff into the dark blue Atlantic Ocean. The small village of Gásadalur sits on the grassy plateau above, backed by towering rocky mountains beneath a partly cloudy sky.

A group of Atlantic puffins perched on a steep grassy cliff in the Faroe Islands. Their black and white plumage and colorful orange beaks stand out against the vivid green grass, with a blurred coastal landscape in the background.

Peaceful coastal inlet in the Faroe Islands with a narrow stream winding through lush green grass and bright yellow wildflowers toward a rocky beach. Steep grassy hills frame the calm water, with towering sea cliffs and distant rock formations beneath an overcast sky.

Traditional stone hut built into a grassy hillside in the Faroe Islands, with a weathered wooden door and thick turf roof blending into the surrounding landscape. Lush green grass, scattered rocks, and rolling hills surround the rustic structure.

Narrow cobblestone passage between traditional red wooden buildings in the Faroe Islands, with white painted foundations and a small grass covered roof. A steep green hillside is visible through the gap between the buildings beneath an overcast sky.

PHOTO CREDIT: DepositPhotos.com; PanWoyteczek Wikimedia Commons CC BY 4.0

Inveraray and the Scottish Countryside

Getting Around the Scottish Countryside

By Rental Car: The best way to see the countryside is to rent a car. Head to a car rental place in Edinburgh, and freedom is yours! Quick note: a lot of Scottish roads are narrow and only allow one car at a time, so you have to pull over if there’s someone coming from the opposite direction.

By Train: Alternatively, you can see quite a bit by taking a train. It’s the more expensive option, but if you’re nervous about tackling Scotland’s roads, this will let you sit back and relax a bit. And isn’t that what your vacation is for?

Where To Stay in Inveraray

I would adamantly not recommend the hotel we stayed at. The beds were rock-hard.

Instead, go with Maggie’s B&B – friendly staff with a very “home away from home” feel to it. Best part is that reviews say the beds are nice and comfy.

Seems to be a rarity in Scotland, but then again, maybe I was just unlucky during my stay.

Simple hotel bedroom with a double bed dressed in pale grey bedding, a burgundy upholstered headboard, and folded towels. Wooden bedside tables, a wardrobe, and a dresser with a television surround the bed, while purple curtains frame a bright window.

Compact bathroom with white tiled walls, a curved bathtub with an overhead shower, and a chrome heated towel rail. A small white sink sits beneath a window, while dark floor tiles and a potted plant complete the space.

Simple hotel bedroom with a double bed and a single bed dressed in matching white and beige striped bedding, with burgundy upholstered headboards. Framed floral artwork hangs above the single bed, while a wooden dresser with a television sits beside a bright window with beige curtains.

Whitewashed two storey cottage with a dark slate roof, two dormer windows, and red trim around the doors and roofline. Small front gardens with colorful flower pots border the roadside, with blue water and distant green hills visible on either side of the house.

Spacious wooden deck overlooking a blue loch and rolling green hills, with two picnic tables, built in bench seating, and a floral parasol. Dark wooden fencing surrounds the outdoor seating area beneath a partly cloudy sky.

PHOTO CREDITS: MAGGIE’S B&B VIA BOOKING.COM

Must-Sees in the Scottish Countryside

I took loads of pictures of the Scottish countryside, but I must admit, photos don’t do the views justice. It’s way more gorgeous in person, especially the Devil’s Pulpit.

Also, for those who are curious, I heard that the town of Luss was supposed to be nice, but it was pretty clearly a tourist trap. So, you can just skip that one.

Stirling	Balquhidder Parish Church
Lake of Menteith	Argyll Forest Park
The Devil’s Pulpit	Inveraray Castle
Jacob’s Ladder	Auchindrain Township

Dense evergreen forest with towering conifer trees, thick trunks, and exposed roots covered in vibrant green moss. Ferns and mossy mounds carpet the forest floor, while soft sunlight filters through the branches.

Traditional whitewashed stone cottage with a thick thatched roof, dark wooden doorway, and small window, standing in a lush green meadow. A narrow footpath leads to the cottage, with a large tree, low stone wall, and rolling hills beneath a cloudy sky.

Inveraray Castle in Scotland, with its grey stone facade, four pointed corner towers, and Gothic windows overlooking landscaped gardens. Colorful flower beds and a manicured lawn fill the foreground, with a wooded hill rising behind the castle beneath a cloudy sky.

Stirling Castle perched on a rocky hilltop in Scotland, surrounded by dense green woodland and rolling hills. The tall Gothic Wallace Monument rises from a wooded ridge in the distance, with sunlight illuminating the castle and surrounding landscape.

Historic stone church with a steep slate roof, pointed arch windows, and a small bell tower, surrounded by weathered gravestones and Celtic crosses. The churchyard features bright green grass and leafy trees beneath an overcast sky.

A series of small waterfalls cascading through a narrow rocky gorge into a dark pool. Towering sandstone walls covered in vibrant green moss frame the stream, while leafy trees form a canopy overhead.

A tranquil lake at sunset, reflecting a narrow band of fiery orange light breaking through dark clouds. Layers of blue mountains and forested hills rise beyond the water, with a distant peak visible against the dusky sky.

Uneven stone steps wind uphill through a narrow wooded passage, with moss covered earth banks, ferns, and exposed tree roots on either side. Overhanging branches frame the path as it climbs toward an opening in the leafy canopy.

PHOTO CREDIT: DepositPhotos.com; Panoramio, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; Thesupermat2, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0; GeographBot, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0; Panoramio, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0; David Hawgood, Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0

Scottish Isle Hopping

It’s important to distinguish between “getting to” and “getting around” the isles.

For getting to, you’ve got to go by boat or air. For getting around, you walk, take a bus, or drive your rental car.

The procedure is roughly the same for all the islands, so we’ll just tackle it in one fell swoop here.

By Rental Car: My personal recommendation. There are even car ferries designed to let you drive your rental car onto them so that you can have a nice, comfy ride while you’re on the island. This option makes sure you don’t have to worry about memorizing bus routes for every single island you visit.

By Ferry: This will be the only “getting to” option for most islands. You want to make sure to book ahead of time and triple-check you’ve got all the bookings you need for your trip. If by chance you missed something, though, most ferries have a “stand-by” policy where you can board without a reservation so long as there’s room. I wouldn’t bank on it during peak travel seasons, but it’s a nice fail-safe.

By Air: Domestic flights can take you from Glasgow directly to the Isle of Islay… but you’re fresh out of luck if you want to get to Mull or Skye. Maybe someday in the future, when we have air taxis…

By Bus: Islay and Mull have their own unique bus systems. Skye also has one, but it’s much more scant.

Isle of Islay

Where To Stay on Isle of Islay

We stayed at Glenegedale House, and I 100% recommend it. Its owners, Emma and Graeme, are well-known on Islay, and they were amazingly accommodating. Emma’s cooking is also top-notch, with fresh eggs from their very own hens – delicious!

I’d forgotten to sort out our ferries to Islay before coming, and they not only helped us book it but also found out where the departure port for our next ferry would be. (It kept changing on us.)

If Glenegedale House isn’t your jam, I’ve rounded up more accommodation on Islay so you can pick your own island hideout.

A plated full English breakfast with fried egg, bacon, black pudding, tomato, mushrooms, and a small cup of beans sits on a white tablecloth. Tea cups, cutlery, and other breakfast plates are softly blurred in the background.

A bottle of whisky stands on a small table beside two glasses and a clear water jug. The table sits in front of a dark leather sofa with pale pillows and bird patterned wallpaper behind it.

A neatly made bed has a tall dark blue headboard, layered white bedding, dark pillows, and a plaid blanket. Matching bedside lamps glow against leafy patterned wallpaper with plaid curtains on one side.

A narrow paved lane runs through bright green fields toward the flat horizon under a wide cloudy sky. White roadside stones, a fence, and an open gate make the rural landscape feel quiet and windswept.

A large white country house sits beside a bright green lawn under a blue sky. The slate roof, tall chimneys, garden shrubs, and quiet gravel drive give the building a peaceful rural feel.

PHOTO CREDITS: GLENEGEDALE HOUSE VIA HOTELS.COM

Isle of Islay Must-Sees

Islay is very beachy and a great place for distillery tours. I’d highly recommend booking one that lets you indulge in a bit of taste-testing!

Kildalton Church	Bowmore Church
Ardbeg Distillery	Portnahaven Seal Cottage
Laphroaig Distillery

Traditional Scottish whisky distillery with whitewashed buildings, dark slate roofs, and distinctive pagoda shaped kiln chimneys. Rows of wooden whisky casks fill the courtyard behind a low stone wall, surrounded by green grass beneath a clear blue sky.

Historic whitewashed church with a dark slate roof and square bell tower overlooking a grassy cemetery filled with weathered gravestones and Celtic crosses. A coastal village and the sea stretch beyond the churchyard beneath a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Intricately carved Celtic stone cross standing on a raised base in a grassy historic churchyard. Weathered gravestones, low stone walls, and the ruins of a stone building surround the cross beneath a clear blue sky.

Whitewashed coastal cottages overlooking a rocky harbour with a small fishing boat floating in the blue water. A tall white lighthouse stands on a grassy headland across the bay beneath a partly cloudy sky.

Large copper pot still inside a whisky distillery, with a bulbous base, tapered neck, connecting pipes, and a circular inspection window. A hanging sign reads "Low Wines & Feints Still No. 1 Contents 7270 Litres."

PHOTO CREDIT: DepositPhotos.com; Rob Farrow, Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0; Cizeta111, Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0

Oban and Isle of Mull

Where To Stay on the Island of Mull

Make sure to book accommodations way in advance for Mull, because if you don’t, you might end up with the craptastic hotel hell we endured during our stay.

Aim for the Carnaburg Guesthouse in Tobermory, which is highly-rated and affordable, but please note that it is not the place where we stayed.

Bright bedroom with a double bed dressed in white and pale grey floral bedding, decorative cushions, and folded towels. Botanical wallpaper accents the headboard, while a large window overlooks the sea and a wicker chair sits beside a white wardrobe on soft grey carpet.

Modern bathroom with a spacious glass enclosed walk in shower, white marble effect walls with grey veining, and chrome fixtures. A white toilet sits beside a dark wooden door, while warm wood flooring, a navy blue bath mat, and a heated towel rail complete the space.

Bright red harbourside building with textured walls, white framed windows, and flower boxes filled with yellow blooms. A Scottish Saltire flag hangs above the pavement, with the building stretching into the distance beneath a vivid blue sky.

Bright bedroom sitting area with a red two seater sofa, patterned cushions, and a large window overlooking leafy greenery. A wooden chest of drawers holds tea and coffee facilities beneath a wall mounted television, while a black reading lamp, grey carpet, and white wardrobe complete the room.

Sunny waterfront view of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, with colorful harbour buildings, a stone pier, and small boats scattered across the calm blue bay. A waterfront promenade with benches and a parked car overlooks the water, with rolling hills in the distance beneath a clear blue sky.

PHOTO CREDITS: CARNABURG GUESTHOUSE VIA BOOKING.COM

Oban and Isle of Mull Must-Sees

If you’re taking one of the ferries to the Isle of Mull, you’ll most likely be passing through Oban first, and there’s a surprising amount to see once you’re there. If you have the time, take a quick side tour of some nearby castles. Mull is full of forests and picturesque villages, so it’s perfect for photo-taking.

Then branch out with these unusual things to do on the Isle of Mull, including plenty of time to explore the island’s beaches. And because all that ferry-hopping and castle-hunting requires fuel, bookmark a few Isle of Mull restaurants while you’re at it.

Oban Distillery	McCaig’s Tower
Saint Columba Cathedral	Tobermory Village

McCaig's Tower in Oban, Scotland, with its grey stone walls, battlements, and tall arched openings. A paved path winds uphill through bright green lawns and leafy trees toward the historic hilltop monument.

A white and grey seagull stands beside a weathered fishing creel on the stone harbour wall in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Colorful red, yellow, blue, and black waterfront buildings line the harbour across the water beneath a cloudy sky.

The Oban Distillery in Scotland, housed in a large grey stone building with white trimmed windows and a tall red and black chimney. The cobbled courtyard features parked cars, green bollards, and the distillery entrance beneath a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Oban waterfront in Scotland, with the imposing stone tower of St Columba Cathedral beside the turreted Alexandra Hotel. A tree covered hillside rises behind the historic buildings, overlooking the harbour and rocky shoreline beneath a clear blue sky.

PHOTO CREDIT: DepositPhotos.com; GeographBot, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0; GeographBot, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Isle of Skye

Getting to Skye is part of the adventure, especially if you’re bringing the rental car along for the ride. Check out my guide to ferries to the Isle of Skye before you start island-hopping.

And if ruins and fortresses are more your speed, there are some seriously dramatic castles on the Isle of Skye worth working into the drive.

Where To Stay on the Isle of Skye

Skye has a bunch of gorgeous hotels, and while I can’t fully recommend the one I stayed at (mold in the bathroom), Aurora Rural Retreats is as good as gold. It’s got beautiful views and you can rent an entire chalet for maximum privacy.

Bright bedroom with a double bed dressed in white bedding, a mustard yellow throw, and matching cushions. A navy blue sofa and round wooden coffee table sit beside the bed, while antler wall decorations and a large window overlooking a grassy landscape complete the room.

Compact hotel bathroom with a white toilet, a small window with a beige blind, and a chrome towel rail beneath a shelf of folded white towels. Two white bathrobes hang on the wooden door, while cream walls and light grey floor tiles complete the space.

Two modern holiday cabins with pitched roofs and wooden decks, set in a gravel courtyard surrounded by rolling green hills. A wooden fence borders the property, with parked cars and scattered cottages visible across the sunlit countryside.

Compact studio accommodation with a double bed dressed in white bedding and a pale green throw, beside a kitchenette with white cabinets, a mini fridge, and a washing machine. A small dining table with navy blue chairs, a microwave, and antler inspired lighting complete the space.

Private wooden deck with a grey picnic table and matching benches, overlooking a grassy lawn and rolling golden hills. A dark wooden railing frames the countryside view beneath a blue sky filled with large white and grey clouds.

PHOTO CREDITS: AURORA RURAL RETREATS VIA HOTELS.COM

PHOTO CREDITS: AURORA RURAL RETREATS VIA BOOKING.COM

Isle of Skye Must-Sees

Skye has a lot of dramatic yellow-grass hills and stunning sights. It’s a bit like the Faroes that way – perfect for nature buffs. All that dramatic scenery pairs suspiciously well with whisky, so you can also work a few Isle of Skye distilleries into the route.

Old Man of Storr	Brother’s Point
Fairy Glen	Dunvegan Castle
Kilt Rock

Rugged Scottish coastline with grassy cliffs, scattered rocks, and a small pebble beach beside the deep blue sea. A winding dry stone wall crosses the green hillside beneath a dramatic sky filled with white and grey clouds.

A historic stone castle with a tall square tower, crenellated walls, and narrow windows, perched on a rocky hillside. Dense green woodland surrounds the castle, with towering evergreen trees rising behind it.

Two small waterfalls cascading over rugged rocks into clear turquoise pools in the Scottish Highlands. A grassy valley stretches toward jagged mountain peaks beneath dramatic dark storm clouds.

Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls on the Isle of Skye, with a tall waterfall plunging over a sheer coastal cliff toward the rocky shoreline. Dramatic columns of volcanic rock rise along the green headland, overlooking the calm blue sea beneath a partly cloudy sky.

The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye, with towering jagged rock pinnacles rising from a vivid green hillside. Winding trails, distant lochs, and rugged mountains stretch beneath dramatic dark storm clouds.

PHOTO CREDIT: DepositPhotos.com; Colin, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Scottish Highlands

Getting Around the Scottish Highlands

By Rental Car: The best way to get around and capture the scenery. And if you go by this itinerary, it’ll be the same one you’ve had since Edinburgh! Convenient, that.

By Train: Not ideal since you won’t be able to get everywhere, but you can hit the major cities. A one-way ticket ranges from £22 to £68 (US$28-87), or you can buy the Highland Rover Pass for four days of unlimited travel at US$105.

By Bus: It’s much cheaper than going by train, even if it’s a bit of a bumpier ride. Expect prices around £19 (or US$25) to reach Inverness.

Where To Stay in the Scottish Highlands

If you want to swing by Fort Williams, I’d recommend spending the evening at the Clan Macduff Hotel. It has all the slick, modern conveniences you could wish for after spending all day roaming the countryside.

It’s next to a lovely loch, and all the reviews rave about the delicious breakfast buffet.

Clan MacDuff Lounge Bar with a white counter, backlit shelves of spirits, beer taps, and three copper pendant lights. Tartan upholstered chairs and booth seating complement the patterned carpet, while the bar counter displays the words "Clan MacDuff Lounge Bar" and "Slàinte Mhath."

Modern bathroom with a white bathtub, wall mounted sink, and toilet set against dark grey and white walls. A wooden vanity provides storage beneath the sink, while a large mirror, chrome heated towel rail, and neatly folded white towels complete the space.

Bright hotel bedroom with two double beds dressed in white linens, red bed skirts, and matching tartan cushions and throws. A large window with red curtains overlooks a scenic loch and mountains, while grey carpeting, wall lights, and a small seating area complete the room.

Cozy hotel lounge with two upholstered armchairs and a small round table set for afternoon tea, featuring silver teapots, cups, pastries, and a glass of beer. Floor to ceiling windows offer panoramic views of a tranquil loch and lush green mountains in the Scottish Highlands.

Modern hotel exterior with white walls, dark slate roofs, and large glass windows overlooking a spacious paved courtyard. Glass balcony railings, outdoor seating, and warm exterior lighting complement the contemporary building, with leafy trees in the background.

PHOTO CREDITS: CLAN MACDUFF HOTEL VIA HOTELS.COM

Scottish Highlands Must-Sees

The highlands have some majestic sights and even more majestic (and hairy) cows. But don’t bother going to Loch Ness unless you’re really into the Loch Ness monster stuff. It honestly bored the living daylights out of me.

Inverness	Cawdor Castle
Clava Cairns	Ben Nevis

Historic stone castle courtyard with white framed windows, an ornate carved coat of arms, and an open doorway. A solitary rust colored metal sculpture of a standing human figure occupies the paved courtyard, surrounded by tall grey stone walls.

Ancient stone burial cairn surrounded by standing stones on a grassy clearing in Scotland. Tall leafy trees frame the prehistoric site beneath a vivid blue sky with a single white cloud.

Panoramic view of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, with the River Ness winding through the city beneath a bright blue sky. A suspension footbridge crosses the water, while the twin spires of Inverness Cathedral rise above the riverside buildings and leafy trees.

Rocky stone hiking path descending a grassy mountainside toward a deep blue mountain lake in the Scottish Highlands. Rolling green hills and distant mountain ranges stretch across the horizon beneath a clear blue sky.

PHOTO CREDIT: DepositPhotos.com

Scotland, Whisky, and a Wee Bit of Chaos

From Glasgow and Edinburgh to the Scottish countryside, Islay, Mull, Skye, and the Highlands, this trip covers a whole lot of ground. Throw in a Faroe Islands detour, some questionable ferry-planning skills, and more castles than your camera roll can handle, and you’ve got one hell of an adventure.

If there’s one place worth slowing down for, it’s Islay. Between the distilleries, wildlife, and weird little historic stops, there’s plenty more to do than knock back whisky. I’ve mapped out an Islay day trip if you want to give the island a little extra love.

Still itching for more road-trip chaos? Keep those car keys handy and head south with my UK road trip itinerary. This time, we’re hitting England and Wales, with plenty of cool stops along the way.

And if Islay and the Faroes have you dreaming about more places that fly under the radar, check out my hidden gems in Europe. There are plenty more wonderfully offbeat adventures out there.

So, what do you think? Would you follow this Scotland itinerary as-is, or switch things up with a few detours of your own? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Cheer!