4-Day Itinerary: Through the Highlands

This Highland itinerary is perfect for those using our 4×4 hire services to go on a Scottish adventure. This is a 4-day trip, with 3 overnight stops. We have provided recommendations for a hotel for each night if you are on our 4×4 vehicle hire only package, and a registered campsite if you’ve added the camping package. You’ll also find links to helpful apps and What3words accounts, designed to assist you when out exploring.

Itinerary Overview

DAY 1 – DUNKELD, ABERFELDY, GLENCOE (DRIVE TIME: 2HR 30)
DAY 2 – FORT WILLIAM, NEWTONMORE, AVIEMORE (DRIVE TIME: 2HR 15)
DAY 3 – BRAEMAR, BALMORAL (DRIVE TIME: 2HR)
DAY 7 – BACK TO NOMADIC SCOTLAND (DRIVE TIME: 1 HR 30)

Suggested apps

park4night | Android | iPhone
iOverlander | Android | iPhone
what3words | Android | iPhone

 

Signpost in the Scottish Highlands pointing the way to Newtonmore

Day 1 - Perth to Glencoe

From Perth head up the A9 to Dunkeld. Visit Dunkeld Cathedral, then go for a walk just a wee drive further North at the Hermitage. From here drive to Aberfeldy. There’s an award-winning chocolatier in Grandtully (Highland Chocolatier) just before you reach Aberfeldy. From Aberfeldy, you drive to Killin. Nice stop for the Falls of Dochart and potential for lunch at the pub. Next, you’re heading for Glencoe. The ‘Skyfall Glen’ is before Glencoe and is called Glen Etive. In Glencoe, there’s a nice walk into the Lost Valley. It’s a 2-3 hour round trip so please be mindful of daylight hours, proper footwear etc. After your walk there’s a great pub called the Clachaig Inn.

CAMPSITE: Red Squirrel Campsite, Glencoe
HOTEL: Ballachuilish Hotel

Day 2 - Highland Adventure

Head to the town of Fort William, where there are plenty of breakfast options if you haven’t managed any yet. There’s a chance to get supplies here too. One big supermarket and a few smaller ones. A great way to start the day is a walk to Steall Falls. This walk is shorter than the Lost Valley route, but no less beautiful. From Fort William you should head right through the heart of the Highlands towards Newtonmore. You can explore the Creag Megaidh National Nature Reserve if you choose or get refreshments at the Laggan Coffee Bothy and Gallery. Just outside Newtonmore, you’ll find the Highland Folk Museum, for an interesting look back at life in Scotland through the ages. Next, you’re heading towards the town of Aviemore. There’s a nice walk to the Green Loch or on Loch Morlich Beach just out of town. Alternatively, head up to the Cairngorm Mountain car park and explore some of the walks around there.

CAMPSITE – Glenmore Campsite
HOTEL – Coylumbridge Resort Hotel

Day 3 - Snow Roads to Braemar

Today, it’s a wonderful drive over to Braemar through the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. There’s an opportunity to see ospreys at Loch Garten just outside Aviemore. Then, if you haven’t visited a distillery yet there are loads going through this area. You would need to add one on as a stop on Google Maps, otherwise it will take on the most direct road, which often skips some of these highlights. The Glenlivet Distillery is very highly recommended and would add a scenic loop to this journey. Before you reach the village of Braemar you’ll pass the entrance to Balmoral Castle. There’s a great walk here to the Prince Albert Cairn. After your walk it’s only a short drive to the village of Braemar, take some time and explore at your leisure.

CAMPSITE – Braemar Caravan Park
HOTEL – Thainstone House

Day 4 - Back to us

From Glenshee, head down the Devil’s Elbow. Take a break in the village of Blairgowrie to break up the final drive. We ask that our vehicles are back no later than 11 am with a full tank of diesel. We will send you a reminder the evening before you return, which will have the address of the nearest gas station to our base.

Bespoke itinerary service

We hope you enjoyed this example itinerary! At Nomadic, we can tailor any trip to ensure you have the best experience and leave with lasting memories of Scotland’s beauty and charm. Let us create a journey that’s perfectly suited to your interests.

Itinerary Service

4x4 vehicle and camping hire Scotland

Book online today or contact us here if you need any further information. We are here to help! Did you know that we offer a friendly shuttle service from the airport or train station? And drop you back at the end of your holiday. Please don’t hesitate to ask. Also, remember that our vehicle pickup and drop-off times are flexible. When booking it only offers a set time. But this can be amended post-booking.

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Testimonials

Had a fantastic wee trip up the North West Coast of scotland in a Land rover Defender supplied by Nomadic Scotland. Great vehicle, spotless and well maintained. All equipment supplied and the roof tent and awning were very easy to put up and of very good quality. Would definitely recommend this business if you are looking for an adventure in a land rover with a roof tent.

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