Highlands and islands itinerary

10-Day Itinerary: The Scottish Highlands and Islands

The northern region of Scotland not only has world-famous, icnonic sights, but also a plethora of hidden secrets that only the locals know. Our 4×4 driving Highlands and Isle of Skye itinerary takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes on the whole country including Glencoe and John O’Groats, giving you a Scottish driving holiday to remember. Whether you are looking for hotels to stop at each night, or a registered campsite if you’ve added the camping package, we have suggestions for your Highlands and islands itinerary here.

Itinerary Overview

DAY 1 – DUNKELD, ABERFELDY, KILLIN, GLENCOE (DRIVE TIME: 2HR 30)
DAY 2 – FORT WILLIAM, SKYE (2HR 30)
DAY 3 – SKYE(DRIVE TIME: 2 HR 30)
DAY 4 – BEINN EIGHE, GAIRLOCH, (DRIVE TIME: 2 HR 30)
DAY 5 – AULTBEA, ULLAPOOL, (DRIVE TIME: 2HR)
DAY 6 – STAC POLLAIDH, DURNESS (DRIVE TIME: 2HR)
DAY 7 – SMOO CAVE, THURSO, DUNNET (DRIVE TIME: 2HR)
DAY 8 – JOHN O’GROATS, DUNCANSBY HEAD, GLENMORANGIE, CROMARTY (DRIVE TIME: 3HR)
DAY 9 – CHANONRY POINT, INVERNESS, AVIEMORE, CAIRNGORMS (DRIVE TIME 1HR)
DAY 10 – KILLIECRANKIE, PERTHSHIRE (DRIVE TIME: 1HR 30)

Suggested apps

Stac Pollaidh view with a blue sky behind the mountain.

Day 1 - Into the Highlands

From Perth head up the A9 to Dunkeld – visit the Cathedral – then go for a walk just a wee drive further north at the Hermitage. From here drive to Aberfeldy. There is an award-winning chocolatier in Grandtully just before you reach Aberfeldy. There’s also potential for a distillery tour at Dewars World of Whisky or just a tasting in the bar. There are a few distilleries highlighted across the trip so travellers can pick and choose the one that best suits. From Aberfeldy you drive to Killin. Nice stop for the Falls of Dochart and potential for lunch at the pub. From here you are 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. Great pub called the Clachaig Inn at the end of the Glen for an evening meal or drink.

CAMPSITE: Glenbrittle Campsite & Cafe, Dunvegan
HOTEL: Marmalade Hotel, Portree

Day 2 - Off to Skye

Head to the town of Fort William for plenty of breakfast options if you have not managed any yet. Chance to get supplies here too. One big supermarket and a few smaller ones. There’s a couple on Skye too so you don’t have to go wild. A great way to start the day is a walk to Steall Falls. Shorter than the Lost Valley route but no less beautiful. Bit of driving to do now but heading to Skye. Wonderful drive with a stop at the infamous Eillan Donan Castle for a picture or tour if you want to learn all about it. From here, it’s over the bridge to Skye. Head towards the fairy pools and stretch those legs with a walk and potentially a dip too if you’re feeling brave.

CAMPSITE – Big Sands
HOTEL – Sheildaig Lodge

Day 3 - The Misty Isle

Today you can adventure around Skye. It’s not a massive island, so here are some points of interest/walks. Dunbeg Broch is a great wee spot to learn about the earlier inhabitants of the isle. You’ve got two whisky (Talisker and Torabhaig) and a couple of gin distilleries (57 Degrees and Skye Distillers). The Skye Brewery up at Uig is a friendly spot for a cheeky beer. The Fairy Glen, Neist Point, The Quairaing and the Old Man of Storr are all walks you can do on the north part of the island. They vary in length and difficulty. Most people probably can’t manage all of them in a day, but give it a shot if you are feeling brave! The main town of Portree is quaint, lovely harbour, good fish and chips too. Amazing bar for a pit stop called Seamus Bar at the Sligachan Hotel.

CAMPSITE – Sligachan Campsite
HOTEL – Plockton Inn

Day 4 - West is best

Time to leave the Isle of Skye and soak up some of the West Coast. It can be broken up by exploring the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. A bit further along Loch Maree is Victoria Falls another short walk and a lovely stop, but I’m biased as I got married there! The beaches at Gairloch and Big Sands are amazing. If the weather is good you might want to get the driving done early and just spend the day on the beach. If you want to drive the infamous Belach Na Ba – described as Scotland’s best driving road – it’s approximately an additional 2 hours.

CAMPSITE – Big Sands
HOTEL – Sheildaig Lodge

Day 5 - Western adventures

After the campsite at Big Sands keep heading up the west coast towards Aultbea and over to the Corrie Shalloch Gorge. Stretch the legs and go explore this geological wonder. From here head into Ullapool and explore the town. Again, it’s beautiful Scottish beaches and sea. This part of Scotland is known for its natural rawness. There aren’t so many ‘destination’ spots so will leave it up to you to explore at your own pace.

CAMPSITE – Port a Bhaigh
HOTEL – Kylesku Hotel

Day 6 - Heading north

If the weather is on your side and you’re well equipped there’s an iconic walk up Stac Pollaidh (pronounced stack polly) that is recommended you try. It’s a great way to start the day after breakfast. You’re heading up to Durness today and there are lots of beautiful beaches, waterfalls and viewpoints to explore on your way.

CAMPSITE – Sango Sands
HOTEL – Smoo Lodge B&B

Day 7 - Across the top of Scotland

Why don’t you start your day by exploring Smoo Cave before heading across the very top of Scotland? Too many beautiful beaches to mention and it’s the true north of the Scottish mainland. Thurso is a world-renowned cold water surf spot and lessons can be booked here. There’s an award-winning distillery in Dunnet and a great way to warm up after being in the sea.

CAMPSITE: The Little Croft
HOTEL: Forss House Hotel

Day 8 - What goes up...

Head to the most northly town this morning – John O’ Groats, and get your pic taken with the iconic signpost. Then head over to Duncansby Head and check out the sea stacks along the coast. Look out for Puffins here! As you head South there are two Castles of note – Gringoe (the ruined one) and Dunrobbin (The Fairytale one). Up to you which one visit or both. You’ve also got the infamous Glenmorangie Distillery en route. To finish the day head onto the black isle and the village of Cromarty.

CAMPSITE: Cromarty Camping
HOTEL: The Royal Hotel

Day 9 - Back to the mountains

There’s a fantastic opportunity to spot dolphins along the coast of the Black Isle. You can either take a boat trip or chance your luck at Chanonry Point near Fortrose, one of the best land-based spots for dolphin watching in Scotland.

Afterward, make your way to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. It’s a cool city with plenty of great eateries and well worth a wander around. For history buffs, a visit to the Culloden Battlefield Centre is a must, offering insight into the Jacobite period of Scottish History. If you’re a fan of Outlander or ancient burial sites with standing stones, which pre-date the pyramids, Clava Cairns is definitely worth a stop.

From here, continue your Highlands and islands itinerary towards Aviemore. This lively town is the gateway to the Cairngorms National Park. There’s a popular walk nearby to the Green Loch or you can head up to the Cairngorm Ski Centre and explore the National Park in greater depth.

CAMPSITE: Glenmore Campsite
HOTEL: The Boat House Inn

Day 10 - Back to us

It’s a straightforward drive back down the A9 to us in Perth. You can break up the drive with a walk at Killiecrankie and experience Big Tree Country. Just before you reach back to us there’s a chance to see some Highland Cows at Taste Perthshire – Bankfoot Shop and Restaurant. They reside in the field round the back of the restaurant. It’s a great place to load up on any of those last-minute gifts too. Then back on to the A9 and drop the car back to us.

Route map

A driving route of SKye and the Highlands.

Other camping options

If you are looking to break away and find a more adventurous camping spot with less amenities, we recommend using the Park4night app. While we do not review the places ourselves, we have had very positive feedback from other guests who have used it to find their own places to camp.

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Bespoke itinerary service

We hope you enjoyed this example itinerary for the Highlands and Skye. 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. So whether you want to enjoy our Highlands and islands itinerary or any of our other options, get in touch today.

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Testimonials

Had the pickup for 10 days covering NC500, Skye, Glen Nevis and Glencoe – it was flawless, comfy, fun to drive in each of the variants of Scottish weather and also the envy of everyone else. The roof tent was comfy and has all the kit for camping in the rain and sun. Fantastic recommendations from Michael and prompt responses – easy check-in and check-out, will definitely be booking again for more adventures touring Scotland

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