7 day scotland itinerary

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7-Day Scotland Itinerary

Hello! I’m organizing a 7-day itinerary for a family trip with three adults and a 10-year-old. We’re planning to travel in mid-May and will be renting a car in Edinburgh.

Day 1: Arrival in Edinburgh
Arrive in Edinburgh by 5 PM.

Day 2: Edinburgh → Loch Lomond (Luss village) → Fort William (156 miles)
– Morning: Pick up the rental car and drive to Stirling Castle (approximately 1.5 hours).
– Explore Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, two key historical sites—Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s largest castles, perched on a volcanic crag offering stunning views.
– Lunch: Have lunch around 2 PM before heading to Loch Lomond.
– Afternoon: Drive to Loch Lomond via the A82 (approximately 1.5 hours).
– Consider stopping at Luss village or Cameron House for picturesque views of the lake.
– Overnight: Stay in Balloch or Crianlarich.

Day 3: [18th May] Balloch → Fort William → Isle of Skye
– Drive Through Glencoe: Stop at the Three Sisters viewpoint for photos of the rugged landscape. Glencoe’s scenery includes backdrops from films like James Bond’s Skyfall and Harry Potter.
– Lunch: Stop in Fort William for lunch.
– Harry Potter Experience: Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct around 3 PM to see the Jacobite Steam Train (the “Hogwarts Express”) and explore the Glenfinnan Monument.
– Drive to Isle of Skye: Take the Mallaig ferry or the Skye Bridge to reach the Isle of Skye.
– Ferry Note: We plan to take the 6 PM ferry from Mallaig to Armadale. We’ll need to arrive at the Mallaig terminal by 5 PM (26 miles from Glenfinnan, about 45 minutes). The ferry ride lasts 30 minutes.
– Overnight: Stay in Portree, Isle of Skye (budget options include The Rosedale Hotel or Portree Independent Hostel).

Day 4: Exploring the Isle of Skye
– Activities:
– Hike to the iconic Old Man of Storr (30-45 minutes).
– Visit Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls for breathtaking views.
– Explore the Quiraing with its dramatic landscapes (short hikes available).
– Visit Neist Point for incredible coastal scenery.
– Overnight: Return to Portree.

Day 5: Isle of Skye → Loch Ness → Inverness
– Morning: Drive to Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most scenic castles.
– Afternoon: Head towards Loch Ness.
– Stop at Urquhart Castle for stunning views of the lake.
– Visit the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition and consider a short boat tour on Loch Ness (optional).
– Whisky Experience: Tour the Glen Ord Distillery, one of the best in the Highlands, located near Inverness.
– Overnight: Stay in Inverness.

Day 6: Inverness → Edinburgh (via Cairngorms National Park)
– Scenic Drive: Travel through Cairngorms National Park.
– Stop in Aviemore for breakfast.
– Consider visiting Blair Castle or the charming town of Pitlochry, known for distilleries like Edradour.
– Evening: Return to Edinburgh by 4 PM. If time allows, visit Edinburgh Castle before dropping off the rental car.
– Overnight: Stay in Edinburgh.

**Day

One thought on “7 day scotland itinerary”

  1. Your itinerary looks fantastic and well thought out! It provides a balance of cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and historical sites that will keep both adults and your 10-year-old engaged. Here are a few suggestions to ensure everything runs smoothly and you maximize your time, especially on Isle of Skye:

    General Tips:

    • Driving Times: Your estimated driving times are good, but always factor in additional time for breaks, especially if you’re traveling with children. Scenic areas often invite impromptu stops.
    • Weather Preparedness: May can have unpredictable weather in Scotland. Bring layers, waterproof jackets, and good footwear for hikes.

    Day 2: Edinburgh to Fort William

    • Stirling Castle: Allocate at least 2 hours here to explore the castle and visitor center.
    • Lunch: Consider packing a picnic lunch to enjoy near Loch Lomond, taking advantage of the scenery.

    Day 3: Fort William to Isle of Skye

    • Glenfinnan Viaduct: Arriving a bit early could give you more time to explore the area before the train comes. The Jacobite train ride itself might also be a fun experience if time permits!
    • Mallaig Ferry: Make sure to have your tickets pre-booked if possible, and keep an eye on the time as you travel from Glenfinnan to Mallaig.

    Day 4: Isle of Skye Exploration

    Since you only have one full day on Skye, it will be tight but doable. Prioritize:
    – Old Man of Storr: Start early as this is a popular spot. The hike takes about 1-1.5 hours if you take your time with photography.
    – Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls: Quick but beautiful stop.
    – Quiraing: If time is tight, consider one short hike instead of both. The Quiraing has stunning views and is quite iconic.
    – Neist Point: This can be a longer drive, so consider saving it for the late afternoon if your family feels up for more driving.

    Day 5: Isle of Skye to Inverness

    • Eilean Donan Castle: This is a must-see and offers beautiful views. Aim to spend about 1-1.5 hours here.
    • Loch Ness: If your 10-year-old is into the Loch Ness monster, they might enjoy the boat tour! If time runs short, you might skip the exhibit and just enjoy the castle and views.
    • Whisky Experience: Glen Ord Distillery is a good choice. While adults can enjoy the tasting, your 10-year-old might appreciate the distillery tour.

    Day 6: Inverness to Edinburgh via Cairngorms

    • Cairngorms National Park: Aviemore is a charming town; you could also check out the Cairngorm Mountain Railway if you’re looking for scenic views without extensive hiking.
    • Blair Castle or Pitlochry Stop: Pick one of the two to avoid feeling rushed. Blair Castle is larger and more extensive, but if you want a quick visit, Pitlochry might be a good option.

    Day 7: Explore Edinburgh

    • Arthur’s Seat: Great choice for a morning hike. The views are worth it! Also, consider bringing snacks and water.
    • Old Town and Grassmarket: Take your time exploring. The shops and cafes offer a variety of options to explore.
    • Shopping: Decide ahead of time if shopping is a priority, or you might find yourself without enough time to explore Edinburg’s history and culture.

    Final Thoughts

    Your itinerary is doable, but it will involve some time management, particularly in bustling areas like Skye and Edinburgh. Prioritize what your family is most excited about, and make modifications along the way if needed. Have a wonderful

    Reply

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