Highlights of Our 5-Day Self-Drive Itinerary
Discover Scotland’s Iconic Landmarks
Visit the majestic Kelpies, Stirling Castle, and the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Urquhart Castle.
Scenic Drives Through the Highlands
Journey through the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, Glencoe’s dramatic landscapes, and along the shores of Loch Ness.
Historic Castles & Towns
Explore Dunrobin Castle, Kilchurn Castle, and charming towns like Dunkeld and Dornoch, rich in Scottish heritage.
Outdoor Adventures & Natural Wonders
Walk along the picturesque Falls of Bruar, Rogie Falls, and the serene trails around Loch Lomond.
Whisky & Local Culture
Enjoy a tasting at Blair Athol Distillery and experience traditional Scottish hospitality in Pitlochry and Inveraray.
Seaside & Lochside Beauty
Relax in coastal gems like Oban, explore the tranquil shores of Loch Fyne, and wander through the charming village of Luss.
What’s Included:
Rental car for the entire trip duration
Carefully selected accommodations for a relaxing stay
Optional entry fees for key attractions
Pre-arranged ferry crossings for smooth island travel
Option to book private guided tours at an extra cost
Expertise of a knowledgeable Scotland-based travel planner
Support throughout your journey
What’s Not Included:
Meals (unless specified in the itinerary)
Fuel and personal expenses
Any extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Interactive Map Route For Your 5 Day Self-Drive Tour Itinerary
Overall Total Driving Distance & Time (5 Days)
Total Distance: ~886 km (550 miles)
Total Driving Time: ~14 hours 45 minutes (approximately 15 hours)
Please note that these distances and times are approximate and can vary based on specific routes taken, traffic conditions, and stops along the way.
Vehicle Hire Options For This Tour
Our flexible vehicle hire options allows you to choose from econmy vehicles to luxury models.
Choose from a range of high-quality vehicles tailored to your journey, from compact cars to spacious SUVs and people carriers.
$ - Compact
$ - Economy
$$ - Standard
$$$ - Luxury
$$$ - SUV
$$$ - People Carrier
Detailed 5-Day Self-Drive Itinerary
This itinerary assumes that you will be arriving in Scotland via Edinburgh Airport; however, if you would like to begin from any other destination, contact us, and we will tailor it to your requirements – completely complimentary!
Day 1: Collect your rental car from Edinburgh Airport
Your 5-day adventure in Scotland gets underway as you touch down at Edinburgh airport and make your way to the travel desk where the keys for your hire car will be waiting for you!
Kelpies (45 Minutes Driving Time)
Start your journey with a visit to the iconic Kelpies in Falkirk—majestic horse-head sculptures steeped in Scottish legend.
Optional Extra: We can reserve tickets for the Kelpies Experience tour to step inside a Kelpie to dive deeper into their fascinating story and even climb to the top of the sculpture.
Stirling Castle (30 Minutes Driving Time)
Approximately 30 minutes after your visit to the Kelpies, you’ll drive to Stirling Castle—a striking fortress that has witnessed centuries of royal intrigue and battle.
Perched on a commanding hilltop, its storied walls invite you to explore a pivotal chapter of Scottish history.
Optional Extra: Enhance your visit with an audio guide or an in-person guided tour, offering expert insights into the castle’s rich legacy and architectural marvels.
Pitlochry (1.5 Hours Driving Time)
The drive from Stirling to Pitlochry takes about 1.5 hours via the A9. Upon arrival, explore the charming town, visit the Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder, or take a scenic walk at Faskally Wood.
Enjoy a whisky tasting at Blair Athol Distillery in the evening before settling into your Pitlochry accommodation.
Day 2: Highland Majesty – From Pitlochry to Inverness
On the morning of day 2, set off from Pitlochry and journey through the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park towards Inverness.
Cairngorms National Park (1 Hour Driving Time)
As you head to your first stop, enjoy a picturesque drive through Cairngorms National Park—the largest national park in the UK.
This vast expanse is home to five of the country’s six highest mountains, extensive forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
Optional Extra: If you’d like to include extra outdoor activities during this part of your tour, just let us know, and we will arrange some exciting options for you.
Ruthven Barracks (30 Minutes Driving Time)
After departing the Cairngorms, your next destination is Ruthven Barracks—a striking military site that echoes Scotland’s turbulent past. Set against a dramatic backdrop, these historic barracks invite you to explore the lives of soldiers from centuries ago.
Clava Cairns (20 Minutes Driving Time)
Travel to Clava Cairns, a fascinating Bronze Age burial site near Inverness that takes you back 4,000 years.
This well-preserved cluster of cairns reveals ancient traditions with two distinct phases of use—from grand constructions around 2000 BC to later modifications and additional burials.
Optional Extra: Contact us to arrange a guided tour, or perhaps include this site in a wider tour of destinations from the famous TV series, “Outlander.”
Culloden Battlefield (30 Minutes Driving Time)
Journey onward to Culloden Battlefield, the poignant site of the last pitched battle on British soil, where, On 16 April 1746, a fierce clash marked the end of the Jacobite Rising, forever altering the Highland way of life.
The adjacent Culloden Visitor Centre brings the dramatic history to life through engaging artifacts, interactive displays, and insightful narratives.
Optional Extra: Enhance your visit with a guided tour that offers a comprehensive understanding of the battle’s events and its enduring impact on Scotland.
Overnight at your Inverness accommodation.
Day 3: Coastal Charm & Castle Grandeur – Exploring the North Highlands
Depart your Inverness accommodation and set off on an exciting journey through historic castles, charming coastal towns, and breathtaking natural wonders.
Dunrobin Castle & Gardens (1 Hour Driving Time)
Begin your day with a visit to Dunrobin Castle, the grandest of Scotland’s northern estates.
With 189 rooms and a history dating back to the early 1300s, this magnificent castle—reminiscent of a French château with its towering spires—has witnessed centuries of transformation and grandeur.
Optional Extra: Enhance your experience with a guided tour that explores the castle’s storied past and exquisite gardens.
Dornoch (30 Minutes Driving Time)
Next, journey to the charming town of Dornoch, nestled on the edge of the Dornoch Firth. This historic town offers a serene atmosphere, breathtaking coastal views, and miles of golden sandy beaches.
Its picturesque setting and sunny climate make it the perfect stop for a stroll or a relaxing seaside break.
Rogie Falls (20 Minutes Driving Time)
Conclude your day with a visit to Rogie Falls, where a series of scenic woodland walks along the Black Water lead you to a stunning waterfall renowned for its salmon viewing.
With well-marked trails and a scenic viewpoint, this natural wonder is an ideal spot to immerse yourself in the beauty of the North Highlands.
Optional Extra: Opt for a nature walk with an expert guide to learn more about the local flora, fauna, and the fascinating ecosystem of the falls.
Overnight: Return to your Inverness accommodation (1 Hour Driving Time)
Day 4: Legendary Lochs & Highland Wonders – From Inverness to Oban
Depart your Inverness accommodation and embark on a memorable journey through legendary lochs, historic ruins, and breathtaking highland landscapes.
Loch Ness (30 Minutes Driving Time)
After a scenic 30-minute drive, arrive at the famous Loch Ness, where the deep, mysterious waters stir tales of the elusive Nessie.
Optional Extra: Opt for a boat tour to explore the loch’s hidden coves and gain a fresh perspective on its legendary charm.
Urquhart Castle (15 Minutes Driving Time)
A short 15-minute drive from Loch Ness brings you to Urquhart Castle, where evocative ruins set against the loch create a dramatic backdrop and a perfect photo opportunity.
Optional Extra: Enhance your visit with a guided tour that delves into the castle’s turbulent history and strategic role in Scotland’s past.
Fort William (1 Hour Driving Time)
Next, enjoy a 1-hour drive to Fort William, the bustling heart of the Highlands known for its vibrant outdoor scene and access to majestic peaks like Ben Nevis.
Glencoe (1.5 Hour Driving Time)
Conclude the day with a 1.5-hour drive to Glencoe, where dramatic mountain scenery and scenic trails—especially around the renowned ‘Three Sisters’—await your exploration.
Optional Extra: Book a guided hiking tour to uncover this awe-inspiring landscape’s natural and historical secrets.
Overnight: Settle into your Oban accommodation for a well-deserved rest. (1 Hour Driving Time)
Day 5: Scenic Farewell – Lochs, Castles & Glasgow Bound
Depart your Oban accommodation and embark on a final adventure through enchanting spiritual sites, storied castles, and breathtaking lochs before heading to Glasgow.
St Conan’s Kirk (30 Minutes Driving Time)
A short 30-minute drive takes you to St Conan’s Kirk in Lochawe, where its magical lochside setting and serene architecture evoke a profound sense of spirituality and mystery.
Optional Extra: Enhance your visit with an in-depth guided tour that reveals the hidden history behind the legendary Robert the Bruce relic.
Kilchurn Castle (15 Minutes Driving Time)
After a brief 15-minute drive, explore Kilchurn Castle—a dramatic ruin perched on a rocky peninsula at the edge of Loch Awe, whose ever-changing waters sometimes transform it into a temporary island.
Inveraray Castle (30 Minutes Driving Time)
Next, enjoy a 25-minute drive to Inveraray Castle, an elegant country house on the shores of Loch Fyne that has been the seat of the Duke of Argyll for centuries, showcasing refined heritage and splendid architecture.
Optional Extra: Book an immersive castle tour to uncover fascinating tales of clan history and royal intrigue.
Loch Lomond (1 Hour Driving Time)
Travel for about 1 hour to reach the spellbinding Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in the UK. Its myriad islands and storied glacial origins make it a natural marvel bridging lowlands and highland drama.
Optional Extra: Opt for a scenic boat cruise to fully appreciate the loch’s rugged beauty and learn about its geological past.
Luss (15 Minutes Driving Time)
A quick 15-minute drive from the loch brings you to the charming village of Luss, where cobbled streets and historic cottages invite you to wander, relax, and take in the scenic waterfront views.
Return Hire Car in Glasgow (45 Minutes Driving Time)
Conclude your journey with a comfortable 45-minute drive to Glasgow, where our itinerary comes to an end, and you can return your hired car.
