Edinburgh
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh City Centre
Fort Augustus (Loch Ness)
Loch Ness is a top destination in Scotland, best known for being home to a certain creature in Scottish folklore. Set on the southern tip of Loch Ness, Fort Augustus is a famous monster-hunting spot. A highlight of any good Scottish Highlands road trip is a chance to see Nessie, while the area is also the perfect base for visiting some of Scotland’s most iconic sites.
Top Experiences in Fort Augustus (Loch Ness)
Where to Stay in Fort Augustus (Loch Ness)
The Lovat, Loch Ness is an award-winning eco-conscious hotel set in a beautiful Victorian building. In addition to gorgeous Loch Ness views, elegant rooms boast modern furnishings as well as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Upgrade to a Grand Master Bedroom for a sitting area and standalone tub. It’s on-site restaurant Station Road serves gourmet cuisine, while The Waypoint boasts a creative cocktail menu showcasing whisky and gin.
Isle of Skye
Top Experiences in the Isle of Skye
- Marvel at the sea cliffs at Kilt Rock and snap photos of the majestic, 51-metre-tall Mealt Waterfall.
- Enjoy world-famous sunset views at Neist Point Lighthouse, the most westerly point of the island.
- Enhance your Scottish Highlands road trip experience with a day trip to the sandy beaches on the Isle of Harris.
Where to Stay in the Isle of Skye
Offering a jaw-dropping location at the southern tip of Loch Snizort, Skeabost Hotel is the only hotel on Skye with its own golf course. Set on 9 hectares of woodland, its small collection of rooms feature high ceilings, period features and luxury fabrics. Petite Double rooms have stained glass windows or fireplaces, while Garden Superior rooms feature a deck area overlooking Loch Snizort. Grab a pre-dinner drink at the cocktail bar or afternoon tea in the Morning Room before enjoying a meal at West Pier, which has loch views and casual dining.
Top Experiences in Fort William
- Hit the slopes at Nevis Range Mountain Resort or climb to the summit of Ben Nevis for panoramic mountain views.
- Walk to the cascading Steall Falls before sampling local whiskey at Ben Nevis Distillery.
- Visit the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct to see the steam-powered Jacobite train made famous in the Harry Potter films.
Where to Stay in Fort William
Feel like royalty when staying at Inverlochy Castle, a beautiful 19th-century castle surrounded by lush greenery in Fort William. Dining at Albert and Michel Roux Jr is a culinary experience, showcasing fine dining using local produce. The small collection of elegant rooms boast loch views as well as flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi. Alternatively, opt for the two-bedroom Gate Lodge with Ben Nevis views. On-site facilities include a billiard room, games room and cosy lounges, while scenic boat trips are available.
Top Experiences in Glen Coe
- Follow the scenic trail at the Coire Gabhail, or Lost Valley hike to see a wooded gorge and open valleys.
- Go skiing, snowboarding or sledging at the 200-hectare Glencoe Mountain Resort.
- Movie fans can stroll the road leading to Clachaig Inn, where Hagrid’s hut was built.
Where to Stay in Glen Coe
Holly Tree Hotel & Swimming Pool offers a beautiful seaside location, set at the water’s edge overlooking Loch Linnhe. Not only does it boast an indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub and sauna but also an award-winning seafood restaurant and waterfront rooms. Choose from cosy rooms, sea-view lodges and quaint cottages, or upgrade to the four-bedroom Beach House with a full kitchen and decked terrace with hot tub. Unwind at the Captain’s Bar, which has an elevated outdoor deck with sea views.
Glasgow
Wrap up your Scottish Highlands road trip in Glasgow. Located on the River Clyde, this cultural enclave is home to excellent museums, art galleries and gardens (many of them free to visit). Known as Scotland’s music capital, it’s also famous for its concert venues, including the Theatre Royal (home to the Scottish Opera) and the Concert Hall. While often overshadowed by Edinburgh, the reward of visiting Glasgow is that you’ll find a less-crowded city with authentic Scottish experiences.
Top Experiences in Glasgow
- Browse notable artwork, including pieces by Van Gogh and Salvador Dali, at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
- Take a guided tour of the medieval, 12th-century Glasgow Cathedral.
- Soak up the serene setting at the 146-hectare Pollok Country Park, which features gardens, woodland walks and various cycle routes.
Where to Stay in Glasgow
Bonus Trip – The Orkney Islands
Have extra time to explore on your Scottish Highlands road trip? Add the Orkney Islands to your itinerary. An archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland, it boasts a fascinating history, striking landscapes and a long list of outdoor excursions. If you plan a trip in autumn or winter, you might even see the Northern Lights. Feeling adventurous? Take the ferry from Orkney Islands to the Shetland Islands to see some of the most incredible landscapes in the United Kingdom.
Top Experiences in the Orkney Islands
- See 5,000-year-old sites in the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
- Catch a sunrise at the ancient Ring of Brodgar, an impressive standing stone circle dating back 5,000 years.
- Enjoy cliffside walks on the Isle of Hoy or meet the famous sheep on the Isle of North Ronaldsay.
Where to Stay in the Orkney Islands
Hotel Location
Cairngorms National Park
Twice the size of the Lake District, a visit to Cairngorms National Park is an added bonus to your Scottish Highlands road trip. Catering to all types of travellers, the adventure-filled park has everything from castles and distilleries to exciting outdoor activities. In addition to watersports, snow sports and wildlife watching, nature enthusiasts will love following the various scenic paths dotted around the park.
Top Experiences in Cairngorms National Park
- Hike the scenic Kingussie Crag for panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
- Get your adrenaline pumping with whitewater kayaking, mountain biking or cross-country skiing.
- Enjoy bucket list-worthy whisky tasting in one of the multiple distilleries or sip pints at Cairngorm Brewery.
Where to Stay in Cairngorms National Park
Set in a quaint country house, The Rowan Tree Country Hotel overlooks Loch Alvie in Cairngorms National Park. This Scottish Highlands hotel has just 12 rooms, individually styled and features high-end linens, flat-screen TVs, a refreshment tray and Wi-Fi. In addition, the hotel welcomes well-behaved dogs and has free on-site parking. Enjoy award-winning dining at the on-site restaurant before setting off to your next road trip destination.
Inverness
Top Experiences in Inverness
- See where the last battle on British soil played out at Culloden.
- Catch a show at Eden Court Theatre or shop ’til you drop at Eastgate Centre.
- Stand in awe of Fort George, an impressive 18th-century military garrison.
Where to Stay in Inverness
Set in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the 4-star Kingsmills Hotel Inverness offers old-fashioned Scottish hospitality. Romantic Garden Rooms feature private garden patios, while Family Rooms add extra space and Luxury Rooms boast deep soaking tubs. Treat yourself to seasonal dishes at one of the two on-site restaurants, then sip single malt whiskies at the bar or book a pampering spa treatment. Further, world-class golf courses are nearby, including Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart Golf Club and Nairn Golf Club.
Create Your Own Scottish Highlands Road Trip Adventure
