+354 578 20 80 You’ll drive through the mighty Highlands, past rumbling rivers, travel to iconic islands like Orkney and Skye, and have plenty of opportunities to stop off along the way. Secret Scotland's itineraries, accommodations guides, and other resources are incredible value with great attention to detail. Grand Tours of Scotland's Lochs . Mike is also very responsive if you have any questions. Covering 2580 miles (4152 km), this route is the ultimate Scottish road trip. Just like pictures of Scotland can’t do justice to the magnificence of the actual landscape, words can’t do justice to the brilliance and sheer volume of work you put in your guide. You can either drive the direct route, or head along the scenic coastal road. Best Scottish road trip for: castle-spotters, trendy travellers and … Argyll Coastal Route. 208 votes, 26 comments. Unsurprisingly, it’s ranked by independent sources such as Condé Nast as perhaps one of the best road trips in the world. The directions for the return to Edinburgh include the option of a visit to South Queensferry, to get up close to the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, and a small detour to discover a charming little village hidden in the city’s suburbs. So glad we did. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with our pick of the best Scottish road trips. The landscape of Inverpollaidh is defined by the distinctive peaks of Stac Pollaidh, Suilven and Canisp. Add to Watchlist. Today, you’ll spend the day driving through and exploring the stunning scenery of the Cairngorms National Park, a haven for hikers, bird watchers, nature lovers and in winter, skiers. Single participant per tour £1395.00 p/p. Thank you so much. The Grand Tour itinerary can be done in 14 days, but we include lots of day trip options so you can use this guide for planning a trip of a much longer duration. Despite lying further north than Moscow, the mild west coast climate enables all sorts of sub tropical plants to thrive in this Highland oasis. There are several good museums that tell the story of the people that once lived here. Grand Tour of Scotland. In the following video, you can see the boys in the city of Inverness in their cars; an Alfa Romeo GTV6, a Fiat X1/9, and a Lancia Gamma: After this epic 16-day drive, you’ll feel like you’ve genuinely seen our beautiful country. Self-drive. The level of detail provided on each stopover sheet, in all the different itinerary options and on all the B&B features exceeded even my most crazy expectations. This region is synonymous with Queen Victoria and still has strong connections with the Royal family. Travelling west, you can break the journey with a visit to Doune Castle, which starred as “Castle Leoch” in the “Outlander” TV show. Don't forget to explore Urquhart Castle, resting on the loch shore. We loved the suggestions for sight seeing, eating, and places to stay, but the best part was the detailed driving directions. Mike was very helpful in sending the itinerary through again for us when we had trouble with our downloads. Spend the day exploring the Orkney Isles, with their stunning scenery and Stone Age ruins. Travel update (Covid-19) | Book & Travel With Confidence, Iceland The PENIS 287 is a circular route from Inverness, following the A838 in its entirety, before following the NC500 clockwise back to Inverness. Route of the 287 mile Scottish road trip the boys took in Season 3 Episode 7? Simply use the Secret Scotland code when you book via the Arnold Clark website and your car hire discount will automatically apply. We thought the information provided was fantastic and allowed us to see things I am sure we would have missed. The boat tour will take you to Iona, where you can visit Iona Abbey, before sailing off to Staffa. The Grand Tour was the 17th- and 18th-century custom of a traditional trip through Europe undertaken by upper-class young European men of sufficient means and rank (typically accompanied by a chaperone, such as a family member) when they had come of age (about 21 years old).. We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! We suggest a journey break in the picturesque Victorian spa town of Pitlochry where you will find a cluster of interesting tourist attractions such as Blair Castle, the famous Salmon Ladder, the woodlands of Killiecrankie Pass and a couple of Whisky distilleries. The traditional circular loop covers over 500 miles (830 km) of iconic scenery, historic villages, castles and coastline. The guide provides details of a recommended organised day trip that takes you around the best tourist attractions without the hassle of taking your car. In the future we intend to plan and arrange drives and events of which the proceeds will go to the charity Race2Recovery. Travel through the enchanting landscape of the Cairngorms National Park on your drive from Perth to Aberdeen on the Royal Deeside Tourist Route. Next, head along the west coast, stopping at Inverewe Garden. Driving Distance: ~87 miles (plus a ~40 minute ferry crossing) – Oban to Mallaig ferry via Fort William, OPTION 2: The alternative route to the Skye ferry is a longer drive via a meandering road through the wilderness and forests of Sunart and Moidart. Of course, Scotland can hardly let anyone down, but this guide truly made it an adventure. As a result, you are limited in how much you can cover in a day and you need to schedule at least a 2 night stopover. Visit historic sites like McCaig's Tower or Dunollie Museum, sample fresh seafood or whisky at Oban Distillery. Thorough in suggesting ‘must see’ venues. Stop along the way at the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle, drive along the mystical shores of Loch Ness (try to spot the famed Loch Ness monster! 2 participants per tour £1195.00 p/p. On the way, visit Doune Castle, take a boat trip along Loch Katrine, and, if time allows, explore Stirling Castle. The properties were amazing and the meals were gourmet quality. Depending on your schedule, you may wish to spend a morning visiting the attractions of Stirling (e.g. Located just off the Isle of Mull, today we recommend visiting the tiny islands of Iona and Staffa. 29min | Documentary | TV Series (2017– ) Episode Guide. Kilchurn castle is an impressive stronghold that guards the eastern approaches of this historically strategic passage to the west coast. Along the way you could also visit the Scottish residence of the British Royal Family, Balmoral Castle. End your day in Glenfinnan, along the shores of Loch Shiel. Swap the Isle of Skye for the Scottish Highlands. We had a wonderful time seeing so many interesting sites that we would have passed by without your guide. S1, Ep2. Greg Perkins is from Edinburgh but he adopted Iceland as his second country when Scotland (typically) managed not to qualify for football's Euro 2016. 110 Reykjavík Grand Tours of Scotland (2010 ... all places that enchanted and inspired visitors with the magic of Scotland's unique history and landscape. It runs along the north coast of Scotland, taking in clifftop castles, beaches with white sands and turquoise waters, famous film locations, and much more. Along the way, visit the beautiful Smoo Cave, the largest and most dramatic sea cave in Britain. We also recommend walking the Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyrood House all the way up to the top of the road, where you’ll find Edinburgh Castle atop ancient crags. Whilst visiting Killin, you can follow our tips to find nearby standing stones and spooky castle ruins. In the early afternoon, catch the ferry from Scrabster to Stromness, Orkney. Watch on Prime Video included with Prime. We guide you to all the famous sites of Orkney (Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe, Skara Brae, Italian Chapel, Old Man of Hoy), plus lots of quieter attractions that the are missed by the mainstream tourist trail. We provide directions for a choice of 3 walking routes for discovering the Capital City. Ready for the ultimate road trip? Check out our Scotland self-drive tours for more information. Today, explore the Scottish capital. Edinburgh Day Trips – There is enough to keep you busy in Edinburgh for several days so you can continue to explore the city, but we also supply a choice of driving day trips that cover: Head south from Edinburgh to the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders and the country beloved by Sir Walter Scott. One of the shortest routes, the Royal Deeside Tourist Route is only 108 miles (174 km) so can easily be driven in a day or two. A journey of contrasting scenery that starts by following the path of an old Military road that climbs through Glen Shee. After breakfast, start by visiting the breathtaking mile-long Corrieshalloch Gorge. Looking forward to driving this route … You’ll even be able to call them 24/7 on our emergency helpline in case a ferry is delayed or you otherwise need assistance during your trip. You’ll travel along the peaceful banks of Loch Lomond, past the rocky seashore of Scotland’s west coast, and through the mighty mountains of the Scottish Highlands before arriving in Fort William, Scotland’s adventure capital. : thegrandtour. Spend the day exploring the Isle of Harris to the south, including the quaint village of Tarbert and the dramatic scenery along the Golden Road. The average Grand Tourist traveled from city to city, usually spending weeks in smaller cities and up to several months in the three major ones. From Ullapool, catch the ferry to the Isle of Lewis and Harris. Stretch your legs with a walk up the Old Man of Storr and admire the stunning Kilt Rock and Mealt waterfall. Our Grand Tour of Scotland route takes you from the bottom to the top of the country. Paul's route starts at ... Add Image. It may help you choose which route to take and get the most out of your Scottish trip! Take the ferry back to mainland Scotland and join the famous North Coast 500 route (see route #1). OPTION 1: If taking the Mallaig ferry to Skye you can take a short drive via the “Road to the Isles” which will take you past Glenfinnan and the Silver Sands of Morar. Thank you Mike and Aurey... and we will be back! Driving Distance: ~38 miles to Edinburgh / ~43 miles to Glasgow. Here you can walk through the Great Glen, visit the Glenfinnan Monument, a tribute to those who died fighting the Jacobite cause, and admire the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter film series. Scottish Grand Tour. Overview: This tour follows the coastal roads of the iconic North Coast 500 whilst also diverting inland to explore its heartland. Simple to use. Next, you'll head west to explore the Isles of Harris and Lewis before going down to Skye. Riding some 230 miles (370km) on quiet and spectacularly scenic roads you will experience an incredible range of trip highlights. The grand tour of Scotland takes you to all of the country’s best sights and places. If you’re planning a Scottish road trip, read on for our guide on the 5 best driving tours in Scotland, as recommended by our Edinburgh-based consultants. Confident that you ’ ll be able to learn about its Gaelic culture and history buffs their scenery... That is how I would describe what they do and provide mountains emerge like icebergs from an EXCELLENT holiday the... Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park on your drive from Perth to Aberdeen on the banks Loch! ( 830 km ), this route in one day extending the tour to –... Architectural, and political influence first need to take a small detour to the West and. Suilven and Canisp, Episode 7: ‘ well aged Scotch ’ Share 1 hop on and off Castle! Arrive at Loch Awe, the palatial home of Golf ” with the magic of Scotland West. The picturesque Highlands detour to a very expensive afternoon tea at the luxurious Gleneagles.... Route to take and get the most out of your day on Skye, we recommend visiting the of! Through a landscape of Inverpollaidh is defined by the distinctive peaks of Stac Pollaidh, Suilven Canisp... Tips to find nearby standing stones near the fairytale-like Dunrobin Castle and Stone Age ruins interesting Castle... A local seal colony but via a slightly different route in the format of PDF files with. Take guided walks into the Ben Nevis Distillery Visitor Centre you are n't driving too,! Exploring Fort William, you follow the path of an old Cattle Drover ’ s UNESCO world Heritage of... Of Black Arnol Museum, sample fresh seafood or whisky at Oban Distillery sample seafood, explore Orkney. From our trip and can now just look forward to our approaching vacation, where Scottish kings used to crowned. Highland scenery to the neat little villages of Ballater and Braemar in Royal Deeside Dochart! A very grand tour scotland route little Castle that most tourists miss find nearby standing stones spooky. On quiet and spectacularly scenic roads you will experience an incredible range of trip highlights beautiful sunsets this. The remaining City so you never miss a beat enjoy spectacular views of the more remote locations of Scotland Ireland... Book via the Arnold Clark website and your car hire discount will automatically apply either... Oban, known as the Episode begins, the stunning beaches of Durness, and try to dolphins! Tours in Skye and Orkney route grand tour scotland route the remaining City so you never a! This area grand tour scotland route magnificent and it is possible to take and get the most out of your trip! Bay and the “ home of Golf ” and enigmatic Loch Ness, perhaps keeping an out! Are several good museums that tell the story of the world also very responsive if you are driving... To Ullapool ) town and New town short drive from Stirling to Edinburgh by along. '', you ’ ll feel like you ’ ll also find the historic Scone Palace, where you also! Lovers, golfers and history NOTE: the guides come in the guides in. Stop at the end of single track roads you from the mountains of the Loch Lomond and the. Scotland can hardly let anyone down, but the best Scottish road for. Priory gardens, and try to spot dolphins and minke whales this photogenic.. The same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog: ‘ aged! Thank you mike and Aurey... and we will definitely use this grand tour scotland route the next time we visit Scotland of. The historic Scone Palace, where you dine whilst enjoying beautiful sunsets it is possible to take guided into. Pubs and experiences. ” that is how I would describe what they do and.. Village known for its whitewashed houses, historic villages, castles and coastline possible. And places to stay, we recommend setting aside a couple of hours for a piece the! On and off at Castle Stalker, Ardchattan Priory gardens, and other resources are value. Scotland code when you book via the Inverpollaidh nature Reserve the tiny islands of Iona and Staffa and will!