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A 2-Week Scottish Road Trip
Scotland has so much to offer visitors. From ancient history to stunning wildlife; delicious food to magnificent architecture. But with so much to choose from, what is the best way to use your time to make sure you don’t miss out? We’ve put together a suggested Scottish road trip itinerary over two weeks (or a fortnight as we call that here!) taking in some of the main areas of Scotland that you definitely won’t want to miss. If you are flying into Edinburgh, then start your holiday here at Parliament House Hotel before exploring the wider country.
Day 1-2: Edinburgh
Let’s start in Scotland’s beautiful capital city, Edinburgh. Parliament House Hotel is situated at the foot of Calton Hill, which when climbed gives you a panoramic view of the city and beyond. During your time in the city, make sure you visit Edinburgh Castle after taking a stroll up along the Royal Mile. For a delicious meal in gothic surroundings, try The Witchery.
Other tourist attractions include the Camera Obscura, Mary King’s Close and the National Museum of Scotland. If you are looking for something a bit more energetic, you could always climb Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh’s very own extinct volcano! From Edinburgh, it’s time to jump in the car and get to exploring Scotland.
Day 3-4: Glasgow
Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and offers plenty of activities. Over a two-day break here, you could explore some of the culture such as Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the stunning surroundings of the Botanic Gardens. Look into the city’s past with the Glasgow Necropolis.
Day 5-6: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
After four days in two cities, you might want to escape into the countryside. Few places are as stunning as the banks of Loch Lomond. Book a boat and take to the water to explore the loch’s beaches and islands. You can also start Munro bagging by climbing all 974 metres of Ben Lomond. Enjoy local and seasonal food in eateries such as the popular Oak Tree Inn near Balmaha.
Day 7-8: Oban and the Isles
Island-hopping is a fast way to see some of the many islands along Scotland’s west coast. Starting in the charming town of Oban (not forgetting a visit to McCaig’s Tower for a viewpoint) you can take ferries to see islands such as the Isle of Mull and neighbour Isle of Iona. A visit to the world-famous Iona Abbey, resting place of many of Scotland’s ancient kings, should definitely be on the cards.
Day 9-10: Isle of Skye
Follow in Bonnie Prince Charlie’s footsteps and go over the sea to Skye (or just take the bridge because it’s easier) and enjoy this stunningly beautiful island. There’s so much to explore here, from the famous fairy pools to the Old Man of Storr. Towns such as Broadford have all the shops you need for necessities and gifts. For a special treat, enjoy a meal at the Three Chimneys restaurant.
Day 11-12: Inverness and Loch Ness
Pop back along to the east of Scotland and to Inverness, but not forgetting to check for Nessie in Loch Ness first! You can take a boat trip to enjoy this splendid scenery. Visit Culloden Battlefield before settling in Inverness, the UK’s most northerly city. Here you can enjoy plenty of shopping, and take a walk along the gorgeous River Ness. We recommend stopping for a night in between your stay with us at the magnificent Fort Augustus. Venture into the glens and around Loch Ness and Inverness for some magical locations. From Culloden Battlefield and the Jacobean uprising to the coming of the English fortifications at Fort George and Fort Augustus, now a beautiful village with a stunning abbey you can stay in.
Day 13-14: The north of Scotland & the NC 500
Finish off your time in Scotland with an escape into the wilderness. The north of Scotland offers rugged beauty but also plenty of warm welcomes. Wick is a quaint town with a strong maritime past, and further north you can enjoy the most northerly points on mainland UK.
The road around here is known as the North Coast 500 and is a great place to drive along and enjoy the sights before heading back down and preparing for your travel home. But don’t forget to stop and stock up on some whisky to take home with you first!
A Scottish road trip to remember
Even two weeks in Scotland isn’t enough to see everything. There’s so much to explore in the Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Fife and even Orkney and Shetland. This can only mean you will have to come back again…and again and again! Make sure you start your holiday in the right way and book into Parliament House Hotel for a relaxing start and comfortable end to your holiday.
‘Wonderful, charming hotel! We stayed at the Parliament House Hotel for five nights and absolutely loved it! The location is handy; we were able to walk to the Royal Mile and other places of interest. You can’t possibly find a nicer, more affordable, typical Scottish hotel anywhere in Edinburgh!’
– Tripadvisor Review
