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The Scottish Highlands offer breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and a unique cultural experience. For travelers looking to explore this picturesque region, embarking on a road trip is a fantastic way to soak in the majestic beauty and discover hidden gems along the way. To help you plan a memorable journey, here are three travel itineraries that showcase the best of the Scottish Highlands.
1. The North Coast 500:
The North Coast 500 is a popular driving route that spans approximately 500 miles around the northernmost part of Scotland, covering stunning coastal scenery, quaint villages, and ancient castles.
Start your journey in Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. From here, drive west along the A835 to Ullapool, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and take a ferry to the charming Isle of Lewis and Harris. Continue along the A857 to visit the stunning white sand beaches at Luskentyre and the famous Callanish Standing Stones.
Head north towards Stornoway and take another ferry to the Isle of Skye. Explore the fairy pools, the Old Man of Storr, and the iconic Fairy Glen. Drive on to the picturesque village of Applecross via the Bealach na Bà, one of the most scenic mountain passes in the UK.
Continue northwards to the coastal town of Durness, where you can visit Smoo Cave and enjoy the dramatic cliffs at Cape Wrath. Make your way east towards John o’ Groats, stopping at Thurso and the enchanting village of Dornoch. Finally, return to Inverness, completing your epic road trip.
2. The Whisky Trail:
For whisky enthusiasts, exploring the whisky distilleries of the Scottish Highlands is a must-do experience. This itinerary will take you through the stunning countryside, while also allowing you to sample some of Scotland’s finest malts.
Begin your journey in Aviemore, a popular holiday destination known for its outdoor activities. Drive along the A95 towards Dufftown, where you’ll find the famous Glenfiddich and Balvenie distilleries. Continue east to Keith, where Strathisla, the oldest operating distillery in the Highlands, awaits you.
Proceed north to the picturesque town of Elgin, home to several distilleries including Glen Moray. Continue along the A96 to Forres, where you can visit the Benromach Distillery, known for its traditional whisky-making methods.
Drive west to the charming village of Nairn and explore the nearby Dalmore Distillery in Alness. Finally, head south to Grantown-on-Spey, where you can visit the impressive Highland Park Distillery.
3. Lochs and Mountains:
This itinerary allows you to discover the serene beauty of the Scottish Highlands’ lochs and mountains. Begin your journey in Fort William, known as the gateway to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. From here, drive north along the A82 to Glen Coe, a breathtaking glen with stunning mountain peaks.
Continue to the picturesque village of Fort Augustus, located on the banks of Loch Ness. Take a boat trip to spot the legendary Loch Ness Monster or explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle.
From Fort Augustus, drive east to Inverness and head south along the A9 to visit the picturesque Loch Tummel and Loch Rannoch. Further south, you’ll find Loch Tay and the scenic town of Killin, where you can admire the Falls of Dochart.
Conclude your trip by driving west to the enchanting village of Oban, perched on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Take a ferry to the Isle of Mull and explore the beautiful Loch Awe before returning to Fort William.
Traveling on the road in the Scottish Highlands is an adventure that promises stunning vistas, historical landmarks, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you choose the North Coast 500, the Whisky Trail, or the Lochs and Mountains itinerary, you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. So, buckle up, hit the road, and prepare to be amazed by the beauty of Scotland’s Highland region.
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