The Scottish Highlands are almost supernatural in their beauty. Vast and remote yet peppered with some of the most stunning, remarkable and unearthly sights in the UK, perhaps in the world. The only way to see the Highlands properly is by car, on your time, stopping when you need and lingering at scenes that move you. It’s pricey though, innit? No, it doesn’t have to be. How about a 7-day road trip through the Highlands with flights, accommodation, just four days off work and car hire for under £275 per person? Let’s look at how we did it
Ok, so, there are a tonne of different ways you could choose to plan your road trip through the Scottish Highlands, but as just one example, and as we previously did for Spain, we thought we’d share our expertise and plot out the route we’d most like to take this summer. The criteria we set ourselves was: a complete holiday trip with flights, car hire and hotels for under £275 per person. Included in our travel tips are super comfortable, cheap as chips accommodation and a multitude of fantastic sights. We have made suggestions of amazing food, bars and restaurants along the way. Some are on a budget and some are a bit more extravagant but a wee splurge on holiday is always well worth it. We have created the trip with two people in mind and hotel prices shown are for a double room. The dates we have chosen are the 23-29th of August, chosen in part because they fall over a weekend and a bank holiday meaning you can get away for a full week and only use 4 of your allocated holiday days up. Read on, McDuff…
✈Departing for Glasgow from London on the 23rd of August and returning on the 30th can cost as little as £33, but if you are looking at other times of the year you can sometimes find tickets for as low as £26 per person return
Some examples of other flight possibilities are:
✈ Flying from Belfast to Glasgow from £53
✈Flying from Bristol to Glasgow from £57
✈ Flying from Manchester to Glasgow from £82
Once you’ve landed in Glasgow you can hire a car from £13 a day (we’ll need one for a full week, so £91 for 7 days for the most basic model) either directly at the airport or in the city. The Glasgow Airport Express will get you there in 15 minutes and costs £7.50.
- Travel costs for 2 people: Flights + Car Hire £129 (excluding food, entrance fees, petrol etc.)
Scottish Highlands Roadtrip Day 1: Glasgow – Oban, August 23rd
Glasgow is a wonderful city and definitely worth a holiday of its own. But for the purposes of this trip, most of what you’ll see of Glasgow is probably an airport toilet, the car hire office, a takeaway coffee and sandwich outlet and a quick glimpse of the city’s architecture as you navigate your way towards the open road.
There are two main routes one can take from Glasgow to today’s destination of Oban, but we recommend you take the A82. This scenic-but-slower highway winds through national parks and along the shores of Loch Lomond. With a postcard-perfect view hiding around every corner you’ll really realise that you are in the highlands, your holiday has really started and the daily grind has been left behind. The drive from Glasgow to Oban takes about two-and-a-half hours if you drive through direct, but hey, it’s day number one. Take your time, stop off somewhere like The Village Rest for some tasty treats, anything from a soup or sandwich right through to haggis, neeps & tatties and arrive in Oban full and content.
In Oban, it’ll be worth your while staying near the centre of this harbour town. One example of a lovely place to room for the night is the Corran House Guest House & Hostel where you can pick up a double room with a sea view from £75 for the night. Depending on how leisurely you took the drive it should be early to mid-afternoon now and the time before dinner is totally yours. Maybe you fancy a round of golf? Maybe you want to explore the ruins of Dunstaffnage Castle & Chapel, one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles? Maybe you want to wile away the afternoon at the Oban distillery tasting single malt just a stone’s throw from the sea? Or maybe you just want to wander the town breathing in the sea air.
Oban is considered to be the seafood capital of the UK so there is no end to fantastic eateries specialising in the fruits of the sea; EE-USK, The Seafood Temple or Oban Fish and Chips, to name but a few. Afterwards, a stop in at the pub is the perfect way to end the day, but if you are indulging in an alcoholic beverage or two do keep in mind you’re going to need your sea legs tomorrow.
- Travel costs for 2 people: Flights + Car Hire + Accommodation £204 (excluding food, entrance fees, petrol etc.)
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Scottish Highlands Roadtrip Day 2: Oban – Glencoe, August 24th
Day two is all about the islands. There is a range of tours leaving from Oban or close by, but the most popular ones take a full day. The Three Isle Tour from Staffa Tours which takes you over water, past castles and through the wild landscapes of Mull. After Mull, you return to the water to visit the island of Staffa, home of Fingal’s Cave. One of the most stunning sights in the whole of the UK, this naturally-formed basalt structure rises to the sky in columns framing the mouth of the cave, the interior of which is akin to a cathedral, with the acoustics to boot. From here it’s on to the Isle of Iona where you can walk among the Benedictine Nunnery, the Iona Abbey and the Reilig Oran burial grounds, the resting place of kings. Oh, and you can get a hot drink and a bite here.
Of course, there are shorter tours, but making the 3-hour trip to Fingal’s Cave and back should be done at the very least. Oh, and while you’re out on the water keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins, sea eagles and even basking sharks.
After returning from your incredible trip, no one is going to blame you for being bushed but you still have a drive ahead of you. But fear not, the early evening light makes the easy 1-hour drive nothing but pleasant.
Accommodation tip: A lot of the accommodation round Glencoe is found in gorgeous, stately lodges and grand country houses with a price tag to equal the grandeur. One great example is the Ballachulish Hotel, at £135 a night, but if you are looking for something a bit more moderate, the Homagen B&B, which has an excellent rating and rave reviews from guests for its comfortability and relaxed vibe, is a fantastic choice. A comfy price starting from £68 for the night.
- Travel costs for 2 people: Flights + Car Hire + Accommodation £272 (excluding food, entrance fees, petrol etc.)
Scottish Highlands Roadtrip Day 3: Glen Coe – Skye, August 25th
Today’s a today to rise early and greet the day with gusto! Which you’ll need as you embark on your hike through Scotland’s most famous, historic or romantic glen (depending on who you are speaking to). We recommend the Pap of Glen Coe. Considered by serious hikers to be a short and straightforward walk, you should still expect the whole jaunt to take 4-5 hours and make sure to be appropriately kitted out as parts of the terrain can be steep, boggy, rocky and rough. However, the views are so dramatic and wild that the time will fly by and you’ll hardly notice the strain in your calves. Especially once you reach the summit’s sensational viewpoint.
KAYAK Tip: By the time you get back down we guess you have built up quite the appetite, so you’ll be wanting to stop somewhere for a hearty meal before you get back on the road proper. There are a bunch of great country pubs scattered throughout the area, but you can’t go wrong when visiting the award-winning Clachaig Inn. The atmosphere is tip-top, the food is excellent and they do a killer vegetarian haggis for those not tempted by other locally sourced delicacies such as salmon or venison.
Feeling content, happy and full, it’s time to jump back in the car and set off again as you still have the longest drive of this road trip ahead of you. You should give yourself around three and a half hours from Glen Coe, destination – The Isle of Skye if you’re planning on driving straight through. Of course, there are many opportunities along the way to stop off and take a photograph or make a memory, but those amongst you who love the stories of that certain lightning-scarred Boy-Who-Lived will want to factor in some extra time and make a detour to Glenfinnan Viaduct to catch a familiar sight in the flesh (see below).
KAYAK ACCOMMODATION: Now, in more isolated areas we at KAYAK sometimes encounter a Travel Search Engine anomaly. As you search for accommodation on somewhere like the Isle of Skye you’ll notice that a lot of hoteliers do things the old fashioned way. So, while we still share all sorts of fantastic accommodation options with you, rather than a crisp pound sign followed by a price you’ll see that these fine establishments like to do business by phone. Simply have a look for something you fancy and give them a call to settle on a price. As you’ll be staying in Skye for two nights we’ve done some research for you and found a few choice recommendations that tend to fairly priced for a double room per night. Of course, there are hostels for much, much cheaper and luxury establishments for much more. If you’d like to have a look yourself either click on the orange button above or here. Otherwise, here are some of our recommendations:
- The Dunollie Hotel is located at the foot of the mountains that lead to the famous Cuillin Hills on Broadford Bay. The rooms are comfortable, the views are great and the in-house bar and restaurant are fantastic.
- Tullochard House B&B is a cosy B&B in Dunvegan that is secluded, quiet and ultimately relaxing. Plus there is free cooked breakfast to boot.
- Uig Hotel is a 3-star hotel that guests have given an ‘excellent’ rating to. As with everywhere in Skye, the location is amazing and the in-house bar/restaurant is superb.
Scottish Highlands Roadtrip Day 4: Skye, August 26th
Today you have some travelling to do but as you’re staying two nights on Skye it’s all about the sights. It may feel like today will be breezy but it may prove to be the toughest day of all due to the fact that with so many amazing things to see on the Isle of Skye you’re only going to be able to choose a few. If the previous day has given you the hiking bug then you should really do the Storr walk and visit the Old Man at the top. The Old Man of Storr is a large pinnacle of rock that can be seen for miles round and the panoramic walk up to him and back is the Isle’s most popular clocking it at about 75 minutes. If the sound of a lighthouse, solitary on windswept clifftops with an outlook across the seas to the outer Hebrides, sings to you then head to Neist Point. During summer months it’s not uncommon to see whales and basking sharks from the cliffs around the lighthouse.
If it’s castles you’re after, you’re spoilt for choice. There is Caisteal Maol, Dun Scaith, Duntulm or Armadale Castle if it’s ruins you’re after, or Dunvegan Castle if you’d like to wander the grounds of somewhere still inhabited. Another of Skye’s most famous spots is the Fairy Pools (see below). The naturally occurring waterfalls and pools are well worth a detour and the 40-minute walk. Brave visitors can even take a dip but be forewarned, these waters run cold.
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Another top highlight that has to mentioned is exploring The Quiraing. Free of castles, waterfalls or other distractions this terrain was (and part of it is still slowly evolving) formed by landslides. As you pass by the imposing triple summit of The Prison, navigating buttresses and pinnacles and looking out over the formation know as ‘The Table’ to the valley below you’ll by struck by how eerie everything feels and even the most sceptical of you might feel the press of the supernatural out here.
Of course, you’re going to want to relax after such a hectic day and a dram of a local spirit might be exactly what you need. Talisker is the name that springs to mind when you think of quality booze from the Isle of Skye, and a visit to the distillery might be the perfect way to break up your day. Otherwise, there are plenty of great local pubs to visit in the evening that serve the local tipple as well as local ales and a particularly fine local gin. Of course, if alcohol isn’t your thing the food, local flavour and warm environment to be found at public houses across Skye is fantastic, no matter what your poison.
- Travel costs for 2 people: Flights + Car Hire + Accommodation £332 (excluding food, entrance fees, petrol etc.)
Scottish Highlands Roadtrip Day 5: Skye – Ullapool, August 27th
– Highland Cattle, © Zoltan Gabor/Shutterstock.com
As previously stated, it’s going to be hard to leave Skye, but keeping in mind that today’s drive to Ullapool is roughly three and a quarter hours there is definitely time to tick one more of the aforementioned Skye related sights off of your list before you go. In fact, it might be just the thing to sweep the post last-nights-shenanigans cobwebs from your head. If you want to break up the next leg, a great detour to make is to Red Point, so named because of the colour of its sands.
Ullapool is a gorgeous fishing village located on the shores of Lochbroom and is often thought of as the gateway to the Northern Hebrides (sadly, not somewhere we are heading on this trip but feel free to add to your personal itinerary). While it might feel small with only 1,500 residents it is actually the most densely populated place around and the small population doesn’t in any way lessen its vibrancy and lust for life. While the surrounding landscape is achingly beautiful (somewhat of a trend out here in the Highlands), after the last few days adventures you’d be forgiven for not launching off on the next expedition and instead, taking your time to enjoy the town.
Accommodation tip: In Ullapool, a good place to stay is the Caledonian Hotel with prices starting at £74 for the night. As traditional as they come, this classic hotel is smack bang in the middle of town and perfect for falling into bed after an evening out at one of the fantastic local pubs or restaurants.
Accommodation tip: If you could do with a quiet night after exploring the town you could also drive 45 minutes north-west to the town of Achiltibuie and stay at the Acheninver Hostel. A treat to your pocket, rooms from £50, as much as your senses this simple-as-they-come no-star accommodation still manages to receive a 9.2 rating from verified customer reviews due to its comfort, super helpful staff and incredible location.
- Travel costs for 2 people: Flights + Car Hire + Accommodation £406 (excluding food, entrance fees, petrol etc.)
Keep track of everything you’ve booked! If you want tips on how to keep a good overview of all your saved search queries or booked flights, hotels and/or car hires, read more about KAYAK Trips (number 6 on the list of how to hack your holidays).
Scottish Highlands Roadtrip Day 6: Ullapool – Cairngorms National Park, August 28th
Rise and shine! We going to assume last night was relatively chill so we are going for an early start, a big breakfast and then it’s time to get back out on the water. You’d do well to book a half day trip with an outfit like NorWest Sea Kayaking as far in advance as possible. Take them up on a half day tour where you’ll discover the North-West coastline and rocks in a totally new way.If that sounds like too much work you could relax on a boat cruise operated by companies Shearwater Cruises or Seascape Expeditions.
Once you’ve said your goodbyes to Ullapool is time to start slowly heading back in the direction from whence you came. Our last big stop is going to be the Cairngorms National Park, the UK’s largest, chock-a-block full of wildlife, walks, castles and greenery as far as the eye can see. The drive takes about 2 hours and passes through Inverness, so if Inverness is a city you’ve always wanted to see, stopping in for a bite, a walk and even the night is totally feasible.
Accommodation tip: For those that want to get there explore on straight away, you can head a little further and stay in one of the many towns. One great example of fantastic accommodation in the park is Ossian Lodges in Aviemore. Starting from £68, this welcoming house is in a wonderful location and guarantees a good nights sleep leaving you rested for your final day.
- Travel costs for 2 people: Flights + Car Hire + Accommodation £474 (excluding food, entrance fees, petrol etc.)
Scottish Highlands Roadtrip Day 7: Cairngorms National Park – Glasgow, August 29th
Chin up! No need to let the fact that today is the last day get you down. There’s so much to do in the Cairngorms that there’s no time for moping. The self-described natural playground of a park has a fantastic website with a detailed breakdown of all the things to see and do here. From watersports to snowsports (season permitted), walks in the highlands or lowlands, castles and museums, watching rare and quintessentially Scottish wildlife in its natural habitat or just general frivolity in unparalleled nature, you are bound to find the icing to your road-trip cake here.
While some of us love pouring over maps and researching historic battlegrounds to come up with the perfect itinerary for a day trip, others prefer taking expert advice. The Cairngorms recommend four quite different pre-planned routes for your day at the park, as an example, we are going suggest following Itinerary 1:
Leaving from Aviemore and travelling through the west side of the park along the wide valley of the River Spey, this route includes art, history, woodlands and waterfalls and finishes close to the Dalwhinnie Distillery.
- Part 1: The Craigellachie National Nature Reserve – This splendid woodland is the perfect place to start, follow the trail through the birch trees to –
- Part 2: The Frank Bruce Sculpture Trail – This walk through the Inschriach Forest is populated with statues from the late Frank Bruce. The Scottish sculptor’s works are inspired and thought-provoking, a wonderful contrast to that tranquil woods that lead you to –
- Part 3: The Ruthven Barracks – The remains of these barracks, built by the British Government during the Jacobite rising looks pretty much today as they did on the day in 1746 when they were razed to the ground. It’s time for more history with a visit to –
- Part 4: The Highland Folk Museum – This award winning museum showcases the life and developments of the Highland people from 1700 onwards. Illuminating and fascinating. Perfect for a quick tea break as well, and then on to –
- Part 5: The Pattack Falls – These gorgeous waterfalls that tumble through a rocky gorge are a perfect way to end this trip.
From here, it’s back to the car and off to Glasgow in a leisurely fashion.
Accommodation Tip: The last night of your trip is probably going to feel a little morose, so why not treat yourself a little and stay at the Point A Hotel Glasgow. With prices starting at £71, this 3-star hotel with an ‘excellent’ rating is right in the centre of the city allowing you have one more proper night of holiday. As you fall asleep, the bustling city outside contrasts with the solitude and haunting beauty of the Highlands, repainting your memories with a new and vivid sheen leaving you slightly changed by your travels and ready to return to reality.
Fancy a road trip, but one that is chasing the sun? Or maybe you need a contrast after travelling the winding Scottish roads? Check out our article on road tripping in Andalucia, Spain – 6 days in the South: Flights, accommodation and car hire from £176
Note: These rates are based on search queries made on KAYAK.co.uk on May 17th, 2017. The prices are quoted in GBP. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
