Also, be aware that it is common to encounter deer, sheep and other animals on the road in rural areas. However, I first saw Fonab Castle as I drove past it on the dual carriageway and it was so impressive that I had to stop and shoot it from the side of the road. I went to Scotland this summer, drove around a bit, took some photos, hung out with some cool people, saw some live tunes, ate lots of food, and had a great time exploring the country. For a 10 day itinerary you can pace this road trip as below:    >>> READ MORE, This whisky themed tour itinerary takes you around distilleries that represent the different characteristics of Lowland, Highland, Speyside and Island malts. At this point in my 10-day road trip around Scotland, I will admit that a big piece of me just wanted to get back to Spaceships. This itinerary is fully tried and tested as we took this exact road trip last September. It is also worth noting that there are no restroom facilities here, and the road in is very small for large vehicles. However, there was something kind of unique and magical about this fortress-like structure when I saw it in person. A campervan is a great option for road trippers who don’t mind small spaces and want the ability to sleep nearby to shooting locations, but anyone spending more than 7 days in Scotland should consider a motorhome. The city of Elgin was a pleasant surprise, and a place I definitely recommend you include while touring Scotland. Mid-to-late May is considered the best time of year to visit. The reasons I made the switch was that I was assured that I would not be limited by the small country roads, the fuel efficiency was comparable to all but the smallest camper vans, and the Scottish weather forecast called for a LOT of rain. There are a few things you should know about getting to Loup of Fintry if you plan to visit. Days Six, Seven & Eight: Isle of Skye. So impressed!! And the pictures are so beautiful. Assuming you came in on the B834, you will park and begin your walk by making a LEFT onto the A809 (heading south toward Craighat). This is absolutely awesome! I found it was just too much to fit into this amount of time at the pace most people travel. After seeing photos of Brodie Castle, I almost skipped it as it looked rather plain and blocky. A walk up Arthur’s Seat(or Calton Hill for something easier) 6. The new requirement was announced just hours before it entered into force at 4am on Monday. You can pace this itinerary over 10 days as follows:   >>> READ MORE, We called this tour plan “Scottish Inspirations” because it visits places associated with Scotland’s famous artists and writers. It is possible to get to the bottom of the falls during low tide, but we never figured out how. With the weather relentlessly rainy, we opted to save the time and miles and head around Loch Lomond to Luss instead. (You should be walking along the trail with the water to your LEFT, not your right.). Here’s some fun stats from the trip: Trip Stats. However, I chose to take some extra time here to make sure I not only saw everything, but was there at the right time. Parking can be limited. There is so much more to share, so I will get to work on the details. It is impossible to create perfect Scotland itineraries for everyone who will visit Scotland, as we are all unique in our interests and preferred pace. >>> READ MORE, You could spend a year in Scotland not see all of its castles, but this tour plan lets you visit the truly memorable ones. You should expect at least SOME rain, if not a LOT of rain, almost any time of year. The map below shows the most time and fuel-efficient route for checking off all the major highlights. For the city lovers, your next stop will be a 1.5-hour drive to Glasgow; a city paradoxically known as the murder capital of the United Kingdom, as well as Europe’s friendliest city! The city itself is highly photogenic, especially at night, and also has some awesome fall foliage in Cooper Park. Girl! When we visited Scotland we set up home base at a great B&B and did day trips from there. Though it required a detour, I decided it was worth exploring as we had, thus far, been disappointed by the lack of color. Even in the moody Scotland rain, the castle and grounds were picture perfect. Your photos are definitely inspiration enough to return. Some are designed for first time visitors and cater for the tourist that wants to experience all that makes Scotland memorable. These photos are captured at the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which will be on your way to the Mallaig ferry, or a slight detour for those driving to the Isle of Skye. It has so much to see and free admission. Note: This will largely depend on whether or not you plan on including the NC500 (North Coast 500) route to your 10-day Scotland travel itinerary. Now we are arriving at the most famous region in all of Scotland, and a reputation that is well deserved! Rolling green hills sprout out of nowhere, dressed in the autumn-red fern of the isle. Scotland (and Ireland and Wales) are high on our list to visit soon. Parking is plentiful but comes at a small fee. This is not to say that the national park is not worth exploring, but with only 10 days in Scotland, you will have to prioritize carefully and we wanted that extra time in our pocket for the highlands and Isle of Skye! In it, I will attempt to answer the most common questions that people ask me when planning road trips of their own, including when to visit, how to travel, and what to see in Scotland. The only one I would really recommend to the photographers is Dunalastair Castle; this was my absolute favorite castle in all of Scotland! Eilean Donan Castle is definitely the most photographed castle in all of Scotland and is maybe the best. You … An itinerary for 9 days could be paced as below. The autumn season is arguably the best time for trips to Scotland. If you are hoping to cover the NC500 route as part of your 10 days in Scotland, you should consider skipping Neist Point and the northwestern peninsula altogether. Please feel free to leave constructive feedback in the comments, and please share with friends who are planning their own trips to Scotland! Day 8 -Edinburgh Castle & Calton Hill. What awaits is a very large waterfall in an idyllic country setting. Kincardine Castle is the home of Andrew Bradford and his wife, Nicola. This takes away a lot of the photographic appeal. The Best of Scotland takes you up to Gairloch in the North West Highlands. While the motorhome would be my recommendation for the spring and fall seasons, I definitely missed a few things about road tripping in a camper van. Wow, what a lot of great info! Just be ready to have “Castle on the Hill” stuck in your head for the rest of the day! The town of Inveraray is quite nice in its own right, and a great place to refuel and recharge. I recommend starting in Glasgow, which is a slightly more cosmopolitan city than Edinburgh, but it can also be reversed. Parking would likely have been a major nightmare in the more popular months, but it was no problem at all as my 10 day trip to Scotland took place in October. Get an early start for an exciting day of exploring Scotland’s capital. The main “feature” of Fairy Glen is a geographical curiosity called Castle Ewan. Considering a 10-day visit to Scotland in early/mid October. This was our first encounter with highland cows, which were not as frequent as we expected, so you may want to take a moment to visit them while you are here. Set out on an introductory tour of central Glasgow — a city that flourished in Victorian times due to the shipbuilding industry and international trade. The road to Glencoe is simply too beautiful and loaded with viewpoints, lochs, and mountains to possibly name them all. This 19th-century priory has all the feelings of a haunted house… and legend has it that it just might be! You can see from the photos how unusual it is, but that was where the appeal seemed to end. You can walk down to the lighthouse itself, but the photos you will usually see are from the cliffs to the right of the trail. It may seem like 10 days is quite a long time to spend in Ireland and Scotland combined. Were Braemar Castle not on your way back to Edinburgh anyway, I might suggest skipping it. It is worth noting that, unless you arrive during open hours, you will not be able to see the castle except through the gate. In fact, I strongly recommend doing what I did and arriving for sunset, staying until the lights come on after dark, and sleeping nearby to visit again at sunrise. (Plus we had an amazing stay in a Scottish castle booked!). An itinerary for 10 days could be scheduled as below. Before deciding which corner of the island to cover first, take some time to explore the scene near the Sligachan bridge. This is one of the few stops where daytime lighting may be best. The majority of visitors will begin their road trips in Edinburgh, including myself. There will be an obvious walking trail along the road. Most tours of Scotland will take you to Aberdeen via the east coast route. Be prepared with the most accurate 10-day forecast for Wick, Scotland, United Kingdom with highs, lows, chance of precipitation from The Weather Channel and Weather.com I pulled out at some random laybys chasing the autumn leaves and happened upon a lot of stunning natural beauty in locations that certainly wouldn’t be on any sort of tourist trail. It’s hard to explain what it was that I liked so much, except that it felt like the “perfect sized” city. There are many good blogs on the NC500 route, but this travel itinerary does not include that route. However, once I got used to the size and started to understand all the different tank levels and such, I found myself embracing the freedom it provided! I’ve put together a 10 day Scotland road trip itinerary just for you! It is very much a modern residence so access is limited and seasonal, but it is a truly beautiful home and well worth the stop! It is very pretty, but not as grand as some of the other sunrise destination in Skye. For the nature and small-town lovers, such as myself, this is the route that I took and recommend! READ MORE: Top 20 Best Castles in Scotland. This geographic wonder is one of the most photographed locations in all of Scotland, and for good reason. • Inspirock It technically took second on my list of the best castles in Scotland, but I captured a lot more photos here. Its unique shape and size, coupled with the majestic Etive Mor Waterfall, make for a stunning photo. ), The weather begins to cool slightly, while remaining tolerable. Though Kilchurn Castle is little more than ruins and scaffolding these days, it is a must-see for most visitors and photographers because of the stunning scenery that surrounds it. There is something so spooky and haunted about this dilapidated old building that I found enchanting. Just a short drive away from Inverness resides the beautiful Cawdor Castle home and gardens. Rather than speak to its beauty, I’ll let the photos speak for themselves. These summer months are the most popular time to visit Scotland, and with good reason. >>> READ MORE, A visit to the Scottish Islands is a special experience, but Lewis & Harris offer something extra special. Visit Edinburgh Castle for a majestic tour like no other. Without buying a castle ticket, you can still access the front view of the castle, as well as the gift shop, tea room, and restrooms. This is a short and easy walk that allows you to get right up next to the castle. This itinerary includes the best places to visit in Scotland if you love to eat and drink. While there are certainly many other places worth exploring on the Isle of Skye, 10 days in Scotland only allowed time for the highlights. My love of dark tourism has made me especially excited to see the Glasgow Necropolis – a spooky cemetery dating back to the 1830s with graves and mausoleums of well-known Glaswegians. Quick overview of this 10 days in Scotland road trip guide, Planning your 10 days in Scotland road trip itinerary, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, FIFTH LEG: Inverness to Cairngorms National Park, FINAL LEG: Cairngorms National Park to Edinburgh, Final thoughts on spending 10 days in Scotland, Scottish whisky tour at Ben Nevis distillery, Top 10 Isle of Skye Photography Locations, Dunalasatir Castle was my favorite in Scotland, Top 10 Isle of Skye Photography Destinations, An Unforgettable Overnight Stay in a Scottish Castle, Best Castles in Scotland: 20 Scottish Castles You …, Potentially even some snow-dusted peaks still lingering. At this point, the castle is little more than some old stone ruins in a fairly pretty setting. *Note on autumn colours: Of course, it is impossible to predict the exact week of peak foliage. If you are a landscape lover, make sure you schedule some time for this portion of the road trip! First, Inveraray Castle is one of those postcard-perfect, Disney-like castles you dream about seeing. This is the trail you want! If you want to visit and are in a motorhome, you may be best off coming near sunrise when you will have the road and parking lot to yourself. If you decided to drive to Skye instead of taking the ferry, you will have already passed Eilean Donan Castle on your way in. You will save some money upfront in rental fees and fuel costs, though you will undoubtedly be spending significantly more on accommodation. If you wish to make the hike, be prepared for a strenuous, steep walk that takes about an hour. Thank you! Well, not when you have decided to rent a car and drive around the entire Island(s). It is a country steeped in history that just feels magical. Now, before you write this off as not for you because maybe you don't like whisky enough to plan a whole road trip around it, know that I don't drink Scotch at all! You can enjoy that thrill again and again with our Island Adventure tour plan which hops up the west coast from Arran to Mull and then to Skye. Answer 1 of 10: Hello, I'm planning a trip to Scotland for about 10 days (will be between May-Aug). It is one of the many homes of Queen Elizabeth, which makes accessing the castle impossible without booking a tour. >>> READ MORE, The Scenic Flexi tour plan caters for people who want to see a lot of Scotland, but also like the idea of staying 2 - 3 nights in each location. They are not to be used for any purpose without the expressed, written consent of their owners.**. However, I am sure that no matter where you go, Scotland will capture your heart as it did mine. Real Mary Kings Close 3. I hope you have found this 10-day road trip itinerary helpful, but I am always looking to improve it! See the best 10 day tours through Scotland. While we had blue skies for much of the morning, the weather turned just as we arrived at Castle Fraser. I have seen some neat photos at sunrise or sunset, but unless you really get some sky fire you won’t be able to capture much color in your frame. You’ll see the Scottish coast, visit a Scottish island, and lose yourself in the Scottish … Can we fit in Glasgow as well ? As Urquhart Castle is on your most natural route to Inverness, you may as well stop in. They say good things come in threes! The tour is called “Flexi” as we provide lots of day trip options around Oban, Skye, Inverness and Edinburgh. I plan on renting houses via AirBnB or something along those lines, but need the "perfect" itinerary. A good choice if you are a first time visitor and wish a fairly relaxed pace. After leaving Storr travelling north, your next stop will be Lealt Falls viewpoint. I don’t think The Old Man of Storr needs any words of introduction. First, parking is extremely limited! Have a look at the photos below and make the choice for yourself; personally, I likely would have skipped this section, as well as the Fairy Pools, and made an attempt at the North Coast instead if I could do it again! Balmoral Castle is potentially the most picturesque, idyllic castle in all of the UK; certainly in Scotland. Instead, take the route the buses go, circling the north of the peninsula. The best Scotland road trip itinerary is one that prioritizes time and fuel efficient routes, while still allowing a flexible schedule. Dates & length Places Filters. Either way you choose to travel, you will pass through Fort William. I absolutely recommend a motorhome if you are planning a road trip during off-peak seasons, and loved my experience with Spaceships UK. Braemar was neither of those things. When it returns, the front of the train will be backwards, facing the rest of the train. I was told that the fall colors would be brilliant here, particularly in the Aberfoyle area and Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. We Dream of Travel participates in various affiliate marketing programs. We found parking lots and other roadside pull offs to stay in. 1 or 2 days in the magnificent wild scenery of the North West Highlands. Jump to bottom. We recommend you allow 9 - 10 days in Scotland for a satisfying tour of the country’s diverse scenery and history. Following the Fairy Pools, which I visited on my way out, it was off to Inverness. This may have been my first choice had they been available, but I was honestly happy to have the motorhome after my first 5 days of perpetual rain and mud! In 2019, the best 10 days in Scotland for leaf chasers occurred from Oct 15-Oct 25. We call this the “Classic Scotland” as it is a tour plan that covers all the famous places that come to mind when you think of Scotland. 10 days in Scotland may seem like plenty, but I can almost guarantee you will wish you had more time at the end! I personally wouldn’t spend much time here, but you may as well peek over the fence and give it a gander, or pay the admission and visit if you have good weather and are loving what you see. This is not a local tradition but is actually something that local people are working hard to prevent. Tickets for the castle and gardens cost £12.50 if you pay on arrival or £11.50 if you pay in advance online. The tour route also explores some of the quieter corners, so your pictures won’t be “photo-bombed”. We recommend you allow 9 - 10 days in Scotland for a satisfying tour of the country’s diverse scenery and history. 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Hookup for the wildlife and red deer autumn-red fern of the stops in.!

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