A Short Scotland Road Trip of Castles, Lakes and Epic Wilds

For history and mystery, panoramic views from craggy hill tops, and dimly lit pubs filled with the sound of impromptu ceilidhs, nowhere does it better than Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh.

Spread over seven hills, its dramatic cityscape made up of countless monuments, rich in legend and lore, is perfectly complemented by its cheeky sense of humour and full commitment to having fun. Begin your Scotland road trip as you mean to go on with a visit to Auld Reekie.

Edinburgh’s best explored by strolling. Wander the refined elegance of the Georgian New Town and explore the ramshackle, hodge-podge of the medieval Old Town and the Royal Mile. Still got some energy? Power on up Arthur’s Seat for spectacular views. Or relax in Princes Street Gardens instead. 

When night falls, perhaps a ghost tour is in order? Or head to a traditional pub in Grassmarket, for a cocktail on George Street, or to the buzzing port district of Leith.

Next up on your Scotland road trip, trade Edinburgh’s cobbled roads for winding trails through thick forest and along glinting lochs.

This is the Trossachs, known as the Highlands in miniature. A land beloved by Romantic poets and roamed by plucky Scottish outlaw and folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor — whose supposed grave can be visited in Balquhidder. Check out the epitaph: “MacGregor despite them.” Rob Roy’s very last middle finger to the authorities.

The Trossachs is home to three lochs — because why settle for one when you can have three? Go canoeing on Loch Venachar — or for a dip, if you’re brave. Snap an impressive photo of the glassy waters of Loch Achray. Or take a steam boat out on Loch Katrine.

Fed up of lochs? Pay a visit to the haunting ruins of Inchmahome Priory in the middle of the Lake of Menteith, with its stormy past including providing refuge to Mary Queen of Scots and King Robert the Bruce.

People don’t come to Fort William for the normal urban pursuits of coffee drinking and perusing the shops. Your next Scotland road trip destination is the self-proclaimed outdoor capital of the UK and gateway to Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. 

And it’s not just about nature. Fort William and its surroundings have a dark history, the site of an enormous massacre in 1692, and there is undeniably something desolate and ghostly about this landscape.

One of the best ways to see the area is to hike part of the Great Glen Way. The whole track is 125 km (~78 miles), but you could try the stretch from Fort William to Gairlochy. Or if you’re up to it, attempt the Ben Nevis Summit. 

Not feeling it? Instead hop aboard The Jacobite, a steam train also known as the Hogwarts Express, and which travels to Mallaig and back. And at the end the day, finish off with some of the finest whisky in the world at the Ben Nevis distillery.

Leaving Fort William behind, continue on your Scotland road trip, taking the A82 towards Inverness. This drive takes in some of the most spectacular scenery of your journey so far — by which we mean Loch Ness, of course.

Driving along the side of this vast body of murky water, pull over at one of the many viewpoints and gaze into those deep, dark, depths. Admit it. If you were going to spot a monster anywhere, it would be here.

And then there’s the capital of the Highlands itself. Inverness, sat where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth, is a down-to-earth, cheerful city, and the perfect base for exploring nearby sites. Pop in to see its cathedral, peruse the Victorian Market, and visit Leakey’s Bookshop, a second-hand bookstore swiped straight from Harry Potter.

Then head off to see Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite Rising. And literature lovers should also visit Cawdor castle with its ties to Shakespeare’s dark Scottish tragedy, Macbeth.

On the way back from Inverness to Edinburgh, the detour through Snow Road and will definitely be worth the visit. The trip through Cairngorms, one of Scotland's most picturesque national parks, offers unique nature and a range of fun activities.

Take left off to A938 towards Grantown-on-Spey. Make a pitstop at one of the many activity providers, like Craggan Outdoors , for some ultimate family fun. You can find an activity that fits your trip, with anything from 'foot golf', to kayaking, hiking and White Water rafting available in the area.

Next, head into on of the UK most spectacular drives 'Snow roads', Britons highest public road through the heart of the Cairngorms. The 90 mile drive is definitely worthwhile taking slow to experience the most of what the scenery has to offer. The trip takes you through iconic Cairnwell pass, castles, small whiskey distilleries and includes several viewpoints.

Along the way, you will experience wild Scottish nature and hidden gems such as the 300 ft deep Ailnack Gorge, Queen Victorias favourite spot - the Linn of Quoich and the majestic Glas Allt Waterfall. A few years back, art installations by award-winning architects was added along the route at Glenshee, Corgarff and Tomintoul.