Highlands 5 day trip
5-Day Highlands Adventure
Hello everyone! I’m excited to share that I’m planning a 6-day journey through the Highlands. We have the option to fly into either Glasgow or Aberdeen and will be renting a car for the trip, concluding our adventure in Edinburgh. This will be my first visit to Scotland, and we want to experience all the key attractions along the way.
I would appreciate any suggestions on potential routes. We’re hoping to spend 2 nights on the Isle of Skye. Thank you!
That sounds like an amazing trip! The Highlands and Skye offer breathtaking scenery and plenty of attractions to explore. Here’s a suggested itinerary starting from Glasgow or Aberdeen and ending in Edinburgh:
Option 1: Fly into Glasgow
Day 1: Arrive in Glasgow
– Pick up your rental car and explore Glasgow briefly.
– Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or take a stroll along the River Clyde.
Day 2: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
– Drive to Loch Lomond (about 1 hour from Glasgow).
– Enjoy some hiking or a boat trip on the loch.
– Consider visiting the picturesque village of Luss.
Day 3: Fort William & Glen Coe
– Drive up to Fort William (around 2.5 hours).
– Stop at Glen Coe for spectacular views and hiking.
– Overnight in Fort William.
Day 4: Isle of Skye
– Head to the Isle of Skye (about 2 hours).
– Spend the afternoon visiting the Fairy Pools or exploring Portree.
– Stay overnight on Skye for two nights.
Day 5: Explore Skye
– Visit the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, and Dunvegan Castle.
– Enjoy breathtaking landscapes and maybe some local food.
Day 6: Drive to Edinburgh
– Leave Skye in the morning and head to Edinburgh (about 5 hours).
– Optionally stop at Eilean Donan Castle along the way.
– Arrive in Edinburgh in the evening.
Option 2: Fly into Aberdeen
Day 1: Arrive in Aberdeen
– Pick up your rental car and explore Aberdeen briefly.
– Consider visiting the Aberdeen Maritime Museum.
Day 2: Cairngorms National Park
– Drive to Cairngorms National Park (about 1.5 hours).
– Enjoy hiking, whisky tasting, or exploring charming towns like Aviemore.
Day 3: Fort William & Glen Coe
– Drive to Fort William (around 2.5 hours).
– Explore Glen Coe and enjoy the scenery.
– Overnight in Fort William.
Day 4: Isle of Skye
– Drive to Skye (about 2 hours).
– Spend the afternoon visiting locations like Portree or the Fairy Pools.
– Stay overnight on Skye.
Day 5: Explore Skye
– Visit key attractions like the Old Man of Storr and Quiraing.
– Enjoy local dining experiences.
Day 6: Drive to Edinburgh
– Leave Skye and head to Edinburgh (about 5 hours).
– Optionally visit Eilean Donan Castle.
– Arrive in Edinburgh in the evening.
Tips:
Whichever option you choose, you’ll have a memorable trip exploring the Scottish Highlands and the beauty of Skye! Safe travels!