Planning Your Highland Adventure
Before diving into the day-by-day itinerary, here are some essential tips for planning your Highland trip:
- Best Time to Visit: May to September offers the best weather, longer daylight hours, and full access to attractions. However, each season has its charm, with autumn foliage, winter snow, and spring wildflowers.
- Transportation: A rental car gives you the most flexibility to explore remote areas. If driving, remember that roads can be narrow and winding, sometimes single-track with passing places.
- Accommodation: Book well in advance, especially during peak summer season. Options range from luxury castles to cozy B&Bs and budget hostels.
- Weather Preparation: Pack layers and waterproofs regardless of when you visit. Highland weather is famously changeable, even in summer.
- Digital Detox: Mobile reception can be patchy in remote areas. Download offline maps and be prepared for occasional digital disconnection.
Day 1: Inverness - Gateway to the Highlands
Begin your Highland adventure in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and an excellent base for exploration.
Morning: Inverness Castle and City Exploration
Start with a visit to Inverness Castle, perched on a cliff overlooking the River Ness. While the castle itself houses court buildings (not open to the public), the grounds offer spectacular views of the city and surrounding countryside. Then, take a leisurely stroll through the compact city center, exploring Inverness Museum and Art Gallery to get an introduction to Highland history and culture.
Afternoon: Culloden Battlefield
Just a short drive from Inverness lies Culloden Battlefield, site of the last pitched battle on British soil. This moving historical site marks where the 1746 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end. The excellent visitor center provides context through immersive exhibits, and walking the battlefield itself is a powerful experience. The stone markers indicating where different clans fell create a somber memorial to this pivotal moment in Scottish history.
Evening: Traditional Music in the City
Return to Inverness for dinner at one of the riverside restaurants, then experience traditional Scottish music at venues like Hootananny or MacGregor's Bar, where local musicians often perform nightly.
Where to Stay:
Inverness offers accommodation options for all budgets, from luxury riverside hotels to family-run B&Bs and budget hostels.
Day 2: Loch Ness and the Great Glen
Today explores the mysterious Loch Ness and its surrounding attractions.
Morning: Urquhart Castle
Drive south along the shores of Loch Ness to the ruins of Urquhart Castle. This 13th-century fortress occupies a strategic position on the lakeshore and played a significant role in the Wars of Scottish Independence. The castle offers both historical interest and stunning views across the loch - perfect for trying to spot the elusive Loch Ness Monster!
Afternoon: Loch Ness Centre and Fort Augustus
Continue to the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition in Drumnadrochit to learn about the scientific investigations into the Loch Ness phenomenon and the natural history of Scotland's most famous lake. Afterward, drive to the charming village of Fort Augustus at the southern end of Loch Ness, where you can watch boats navigate the Caledonian Canal's staircase locks.
Evening: Scenic Drive to Glencoe
Take the scenic drive southwest to Glencoe, passing through some of the Highland's most dramatic landscapes. Arrive in time to check into your accommodation and enjoy dinner with views of the surrounding mountains.
Where to Stay:
Overnight in Glencoe village or nearby Ballachulish, where accommodations range from historic inns to modern hotels, all surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery.
Day 3: Glencoe and Fort William
Today is dedicated to exploring the dramatic landscape of Glencoe and its surroundings.
Morning: Glencoe Valley
Spend the morning in Glencoe, one of Scotland's most iconic and breathtaking landscapes. Visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn about the area's tragic history, particularly the infamous 1692 Massacre of Glencoe. Then take a walk on one of the valley's many trails. The short but steep hike to the viewpoint at Signal Rock offers spectacular valley views, while more experienced hikers might tackle the Lost Valley trail, which leads to a hidden glen where the MacDonalds of Glencoe once hid their cattle.
Afternoon: Fort William and Ben Nevis
Drive to nearby Fort William, nestled beneath Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Visit the West Highland Museum to learn about local history, or for outdoor enthusiasts, take the gondola at Nevis Range for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glens without the strenuous climb.
Evening: Glenfinnan
Take a late afternoon drive to Glenfinnan, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745 to begin the Jacobite Rising. The Glenfinnan Monument commemorates this historic event, while the nearby Glenfinnan Viaduct is famous for carrying the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. If timing allows, you might see the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the viaduct - a magical sight for both railway enthusiasts and Harry Potter fans.
Where to Stay:
Return to your Glencoe accommodation for a second night.
Day 4: Isle of Skye
Today takes you to the magical Isle of Skye, known for its rugged landscapes, medieval castles, and quaint fishing villages.
Morning: Road to Skye
Depart early for Skye, taking the scenic route through the western Highlands. Cross to the island via the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh. Along the way, you might stop at Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most photographed castles, situated on a small island where three sea lochs meet.
Afternoon: Portree and the Trotternish Peninsula
Arrive in Portree, Skye's largest town, known for its picturesque harbor lined with colorful houses. After lunch, explore the dramatic landscapes of the Trotternish Peninsula. Key sights include the Old Man of Storr, a distinctive rock pinnacle; Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, where water plunges from sea cliffs to the ocean below; and the otherworldly landscape of the Quiraing, formed by ancient landslips.
Evening: Skye Sunset
Depending on the time of year and weather, find a scenic spot to enjoy a Highland sunset. The Neist Point Lighthouse on Skye's western peninsula offers a particularly dramatic setting.
Where to Stay:
Overnight on Skye, either in Portree or one of the island's smaller communities like Dunvegan or Broadford.
Day 5: Isle of Skye to Loch Carron
Continue exploring Skye before heading back to the mainland.
Morning: Dunvegan Castle or Fairy Pools
Choose between visiting Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years and the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, or hiking to the Fairy Pools, a series of crystal-clear blue pools and waterfalls at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains.
Afternoon: Return to Mainland
Cross back to the mainland and drive through beautiful landscapes to the Loch Carron area. If time permits, visit the picturesque village of Plockton, with its palm trees (unusual for this latitude thanks to the Gulf Stream) and views across the loch.
Evening: Relaxing Evening
Enjoy a relaxing evening in your accommodation, perhaps sampling some Highland cuisine featuring local seafood, game, or beef.
Where to Stay:
Overnight in the Loch Carron area, a beautiful coastal region with several small villages offering accommodation.
Day 6: Wester Ross and Inverewe Garden
Today's journey takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery of Wester Ross.
Morning: Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
Drive north to Beinn Eighe, Britain's first National Nature Reserve. Take one of the marked trails through ancient pine forest and up to viewpoints offering panoramic mountain vistas. The visitor center provides information about the reserve's remarkable biodiversity.
Afternoon: Inverewe Garden
Continue to Inverewe Garden, a botanical paradise created against all odds on this northern latitude. Thanks to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream, this 20-acre garden hosts plants from across the globe, including Himalayan rhododendrons, Tasmanian eucalyptus, and Chilean fire bushes. The walled garden, woodland walks, and wildlife spotting opportunities make this a delightful afternoon.
Evening: Drive to Ullapool
Complete your day with a drive to the fishing port of Ullapool on Loch Broom, one of the most picturesque villages in the Highlands. Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the harbor restaurants as you watch fishing boats return with their day's catch.
Where to Stay:
Overnight in Ullapool, where options range from harbourside hotels to cozy B&Bs.
Day 7: North Coast 500 Route and Return to Inverness
Your final day takes you along part of the famous North Coast 500 route before returning to Inverness.
Morning: Corrieshalloch Gorge
Depart Ullapool and head east, stopping at Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve. This spectacular mile-long canyon features the 46-meter Falls of Measach. Cross the Victorian suspension bridge for a vertigo-inducing view down into the gorge.
Afternoon: Rogie Falls and Black Water
Continue your journey stopping at Rogie Falls, a beautiful series of waterfalls through dramatic natural rock formations. In late summer and autumn, you might spot salmon leaping upstream to spawn. Take the short walk to the suspension bridge for the best views.
Evening: Return to Inverness
Complete your Highland circuit by returning to Inverness in time for a farewell dinner. Reflect on your week of Highland exploration over traditional Scottish cuisine and perhaps a dram of local whisky.
Extending Your Trip
If you have more time, consider these additions to your Highland itinerary:
- Whisky Trail: Spend an extra day exploring Speyside distilleries east of Inverness, home to the highest concentration of malt whisky producers in Scotland
- Orkney Islands: Add 2-3 days to visit these islands rich in prehistoric sites, including the 5,000-year-old Skara Brae
- Cairngorms National Park: Add a day to explore the UK's largest national park, home to reindeer herds, ancient Caledonian forest, and outdoor activities
- Far North: Continue along the North Coast 500 route to Scotland's remote northwestern corner, where lonely beaches and rugged headlands create a wilderness experience
Practical Tips for Highland Travel
A few final recommendations to enhance your Highland experience:
- Prepare for midges in summer months - these tiny biting insects can be a nuisance, especially in still, damp conditions. Pack insect repellent.
- Respect the environment by following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code: leave no trace, close gates, and keep dogs under control around livestock.
- Learn a few Gaelic phrases - while English is universally spoken, the Highland connection to Gaelic culture remains strong.
- Allow extra time for drives - you'll want to stop frequently for photos, and narrow rural roads require slower driving.
- Support local economies by shopping at small local businesses and enjoying regional specialties.
The Scottish Highlands offer a perfect blend of breathtaking natural beauty, fascinating history, and warm hospitality. This seven-day itinerary provides a comprehensive introduction to the region, but like many visitors, you may find yourself planning your return before you've even left. Slàinte mhath! (Good health!)
