Planning a trip to Scotland - the complete guide

So you are planning a trip to Scotland? Hooray! How exciting!

Don’t know where to start with the rest of the planning? Travelling to any new place can be overwhelming – and with thousands of miles of stunning scenery, to visit, planning your trip to Scotland can be mind-boggling.

Thankfully I can help. Here’s my guide to everything you need to know about planning a trip to Scotland.

Wondering how to get to Scotland? Here’s how.

1. Start with your itinerary

You’ve probably got a few things to do in Scotland on your to-do list already. Want to visit the Isle of Skye? Go to the Edinburgh festival? Drive through Glencoe? See that castle with the wee bridge?

You could spend years visiting Scotland (and I have) and it’s tempting to try and squeeze in all of the ‘top ten places in Scotland’ to visit into your one week trip.

Not sure where to start with your itinerary? These are the places visitors fall in love with – and for good reason.

The Isle of Skye — dramatic Cuillin mountains, the Fairy Pools, Neist Point, incredible food. Scotland’s most photographed island. Visit the Isle of Skye.
Edinburgh — the Castle, the Old Town, Arthur’s Seat, world-class restaurants and the best arts festival on earth. Visit Edinburgh.
Glencoe — the most cinematic glen in Scotland. Come early morning before the coach parties arrive. Visit Glencoe.
Loch Lomond — easy to reach from Glasgow, beautiful in every season. Gateway to the Trossachs. Visit Loch Lomond
The North Coast 500 — Scotland’s answer to Route 66. 500 miles around the north coast through some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe. Drive the North Coast 500.
Orkney — Neolithic standing stones, wartime history, dramatic seascapes and the most extraordinary sense of remoteness. Visit Orkney.
Harris and Lewis — white sand beaches, Gaelic culture, Harris Tweed, and skies that feel bigger than anywhere else. Visit Harris and Lewis.

However if you want to truly experience the real Scotland, why not visit the real ‘top ten’ places you should be visiting in Scotland and 10 of the more ‘remote’ places to visit in Scotland which are worth the effort to get to.

Why not plan your trip around an event or one of our festivals in Scotland.

More places to visit in Scotland

Scotland’s National Parks – visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and The Cairngorms National Park.
Royal Deeside – explore Royal Deeside home to the famous Balmoral Pyramids.
Orkney – visit Orkney and discover 5000 years of history including Skara Brae and famous standing stones.
The Isle of Islay – fall in love with the Isle of Islay – especially if you love whisky.
Moray and Speyside – drive The Moray Firth coastal route visiting some of the north of Scotland’s prettiest villages before heading down into Speyside to tour the whisky distilleries.
The East Neuk of Fife – eat your way around the East Neuk of Fife – Scotland’s Cornwall.
The Western Isles / Outer Hebrides – have an adventure in the fabulous Outer Hebrides.
Ardnamurchan – visit remote Ardnamurchan and the most westerly Point of Scotland.
Aberdeenshire – discover Aberdeenshire with its beautiful coast and hundreds of fairytale castles.

Want to go it alone? Use my guide to planning your own road trip around Scotland and my favourite places to stay in Scotland.

The best road trips in Scotland

Planning a road trip in Scotland is an art. Maybe you have a week, 10 days or if you are lucky, even longer.

You will still want to see EVERYTHING, including going to the Outer Hebrides, Skye, Orkney and Loch Ness – believe me, seeing it all cannot be done.

You will just need to keep coming back – or use one of my itineraries to plan your perfect trip:

Do you want to drive the North Coast 500? Scotland’s most famous road trip takes in 500 miles around the north coast of Scotland taking in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Here is a perfect 7 day north coast 500 itinerary or plan your own with my ultimate NC500 guides.

Want to visit the Highlands of Scotland in just a few days? Explore with this best bits of central Scotland and the highlands road trip. starting in Edinburgh, road trip to Loch Lomond, then head north to explore Scotland’s most famous glen, Glencoe, and on to Loch Ness before returning via beautiful Perthshire.

Thinking of going Island hopping? Get on a ferry and go island-hopping on the west coast. if you just have a fews days, grab a ferry hopping ticket from CalMac and sail from Skye to Mallaig, Kilchoan to Tobermory, and Craignure to Oban.

Really want to get off the beaten track and see Scotland’s west coast? Discover the wilds of Wester Ross. With over 3000 square miles of soaring mountains and atmospheric glens, ancient Caledonian forest and wild beaches set against a backdrop of fjord-like lochs; Wester Ross is one of the world’s most spectacular, and remote, regions.

2. Decide how much time do you need in Scotland

This is one of the questions I get asked most often and the honest answer is: more than you think.

Here is a rough guide:

3–4 days – Edinburgh city break, or a short Highland loop. Good for first-timers who want a taste. You won’t scratch the surface but you’ll fall in love.
5–7 days – The classic Scotland week. Edinburgh + Highlands + Skye is the most popular combination. Do-able but keep expectations realistic about distances.
10–14 days – The sweet spot. Enough time to explore one or two regions properly, take a ferry to an island, and have days where you have no plan at all.
3+ weeks – You can now properly do the NC500, visit the Outer Hebrides, explore Orkney, and still have time to get lost. This is the dream.

A common mistake is planning to drive from Edinburgh to Skye and back in a week, with stops at Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Fort William. That’s technically possible, but you’ll spend more time in the car than out of it. If Skye is your dream, fly into Inverness, hire a car, and give it three days properly.

How to avoid the top 10 Scotland itinerary mistakes

When to visit Scotland

There is no bad time to visit Scotland, but there are better times, depending on what you’re after.

Read my complete guide to where to visit in Scotland – month by month

Spring (March–May) – my favourite

This is when Scotland is at its most alive. Snowdrops in February give way to bluebells in May. The light is extraordinary, long golden evenings from late April. Crowds are manageable, accommodation is often cheaper than summer, and the midges haven’t arrived yet.

Best for: wildflowers, lambs, photography, uncrowded landscapes
Watch out for: unpredictable weather – snow in March isn’t unusual
Events: Six Nations Rugby, Beltane, snowdrop, daffodil and bluebell walks, Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

Read my guide to visiting Scotland in Spring

Summer (June–August) – busy but beautiful

Scotland’s summer is real – honest. Long days (Shetland barely gets dark in June), warm(ish) weather, and the best chances of sunshine on the west coast. It’s also peak season, so accommodation books up fast and the most popular spots can feel crowded.

Best for: island hopping, Highland Games, the Edinburgh Fringe (August), long evenings
Watch out for: midges on the west coast — bring Smidge spray and thank me later
Book ahead: Skye and NC500 accommodation fills up months in advance for July and August

How to avoid the crowds in summer in Scotland.

Autumn (September–October) – arguably the most beautiful

Autumn transforms Scotland. The birch trees turn gold, the bracken goes rust-red, the stags are roaring across the glens and the light in October is nothing short of magical. Crowds thin out after September and prices drop. This is the season that makes photographers weep with joy.

Best for: colours, deer rutting season, photography, quieter roads
Best places: Perthshire (autumn colour capital of Scotland), Glencoe, Glen Affric

Read my guide to where to visit in Scotland in Autumn

Winter (November–February) – underrated and atmospheric

Scotland in winter is dark, yes, but it’s also dramatic, cosy, and surprisingly rewarding. Edinburgh and Glasgow come alive at Christmas. Hogmanay (New Year) in Edinburgh is one of the world’s great celebrations. The hills and glens in frost and snow are astonishing. And you’ll often have them entirely to yourself.

Best for: Hogmanay, Christmas markets, skiing in the Cairngorms, cosy loch-side lodges
Watch out for: short days (Edinburgh gets dark by 3.30pm in December), some roads and ferries restricted in bad weather.

Read my guide to how to visit Scotland in Winter.

3. Prepare for the Scottish weather

It is going to rain on your trip to Scotland. I can guarantee it. Scotland doesn’t stay a wonderful green & verra pleasant land without a lot of rain.

When we talk about the ‘weather in Scotland’ we rarely mean the sun. Instead, we have hundreds of words to describe rain – my favourites include:

dreich (miserable)
drookit (absolutely chucking it down)
stoating (the rain is literally bouncing off the ground, also used to describe very drunk people)
haar (a thick sea mist which means you can’t see a bloody thing, mostly seen in Skye and Edinburgh).

We do get some sun, occasionally, but don’t forget to pack a waterproof coat, that’s all I am saying. To quote Billy Connolly, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing, so get yourself a sexy raincoat and live a little.

My complete Scotland packing list covers everything you’ll need for a memorable trip, from waterproof clothing and outdoor essentials to tech accessories and family-friendly gear.

So, no matter when or where you visit, you’ll be ready for anything the Scottish skies throw your way.

4. Getting around Scotland

How you get around Scotland will shape your entire trip. The short version: if you want to explore the Highlands, islands, or any rural area, you need a car. For cities and some scenic routes, public transport is perfectly good.

Hiring a car in Scotland

A hire car is the single best investment you can make for a Scotland trip. It opens up the Highlands, the islands (via ferry), remote glens, and coastal villages that simply aren’t reachable any other way.

Driving tips for Scotland:

Keep left at all times.
Learn the single-track road system before you go – passing places are used by traffic in both directions, and locals will expect you to know how they work.
Add 30–40% extra time to any journey Google Maps gives you – it does not account for single-track roads, caravans, livestock, or stopping because the view is extraordinary.
Get a paper map or download offline maps: phone signal disappears regularly in the Highlands.

Getting to Scotland’s islands by ferry

The islands are reached by ferry — and planning your island crossings is one of the most important parts of trip planning. The main operator for the west coast islands is CalMac (Caledonian MacBrayne). For Orkney and Shetland, it’s NorthLink Ferries.

Always book ferry crossings in advance in summer — especially if you’re taking a car. Peak season slots sell out months ahead.
Skye is also connected to the mainland by road bridge (no ferry needed)
A CalMac Island Hopscotch ticket offers great value if you’re visiting multiple islands

Read my guide to how to ferry hop in Scotland.

Trains in Scotland

Scotland’s train network covers the cities and many scenic routes beautifully. The West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William – crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct (yes, the Harry Potter one) — is one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. ScotRail runs most services; book in advance for best prices and book 12 weeks ahead for the cheapest tickets.

Edinburgh ↔ Glasgow: 50 minutes
Edinburgh ↔ Inverness: 3.5 hours (stunning journey through Perthshire)
Glasgow ↔ Fort William (West Highland Line): 3.5 hours — book this for the scenery alone

Read my guide to the best places to visit in Scotland by train.

Buses in Scotland

Stagecoach operates most rural bus services across Scotland. For city-to-city travel, Ember and Citylink offer comfortable coaches between major towns. Outside of cities, buses can be infrequent – check timetables carefully if you’re relying on them in rural areas.

5. Where to stay in Scotland

From luxury hotels to glamping and camping there is so much choice. However not everywhere is good – and prices can be very high.

Here are my favourite places to stay in Scotland. to stay in Scotland – tried and tested by us!

Accommodation in Scotland – by type

Hotels – from grand Victorian railway hotels to contemporary design hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The best are independently owned and often in spectacular locations. Here are my favourite luxury and boutique hotels in Scotland.
Self-catering cottages – one of the best ways to experience Scotland — wake up in a Highland cottage with a loch view, cook local seafood in your own kitchen. Great for families and longer stays. Choose one of these self catering accommodation.
Log cabins & lodges – a booming sector in Scotland, from luxury eco-lodges with hot tubs to simpler woodland cabins. Particularly brilliant in the Highlands and Perthshire. Scotland has amazing log cabins, huts and lodges and there are lots of log cabins with hot tubs.
Glamping and camping – Scotland’s wild landscapes make it one of the best places in the UK for glamping – pods, shepherd’s huts, yurts, and some jaw-dropping geodesic domes.
Castle stays – yes, you can actually sleep in a castle in Scotland. Several are available as self-catering lets or hotel rooms. Bucket list stuff. Go all in and choose one of the many castles to stay in Scotland.
Wild camping – Scotland has the right to roam, which means wild camping on most unenclosed land is legal. The west coast and islands are magnificent for wild camping. Why not book one of the best campsites in Scotland?

How to book accommodation in Scotland

For hotels, Booking.com and Hotels.com offer the widest selection with flexible cancellation. For self-catering, Airbnb has grown significantly in Scotland but for the best selection of quality cottages try ASSC (Association of Scotland’s Self Caterers) members, Sykes Cottages, or Rural Retreats.

If you are travelling in peak season, book early. July and August are busy everywhere. The NC500, Isle of Skye, and Edinburgh fill up months in advance. If you’re visiting in summer, aim to have accommodation booked at least 3–4 months ahead for popular areas.

6. The really Scottish things you shouldn’t miss

Let’s start with the really Scottish stuff you want to do shall we?

See a Highland Coo

The ‘Helian Coo’ is an icon of Scotland – so much our tourist board, Visit Scotland, have renamed Tuesday as ‘#coosday’ – check out the hashtag on Instagram for much cuteness!

A photograph of our fluffy gentle monsters will be high up on your list, don’t worry you will see them everywhere.

One of my favourite places to get up close and personal with a coo is on the slopes of Conic Hill above Loch Lomond – you also get a brilliant view of the loch, win win.

Did you know that our actual national animal of Scotland is a Unicorn? Yes really.

Dance with a man in a kilt

Scotland’s national dress is actually rather good and whether yer man is a Skinny Malinky long legs or knobbly of the knee, the kilt turns a Scot into a ScotsMAN and it really does turn every lady slightly wobbly – see Outlander for evidence.

Sadly kilts aren’t worn by men at all times, but the best place to see kilts are at weddings, ceilidhs (Scottish dances) and formal events – so try and get yourself invited to one (or gatecrash, the more the merrier!)

Drink whisky

The ‘water of life ‘is behind many of our late nights (and our jovial nature) so you have to give it a try. There are over 300 whisky distilleries across Scotland – there really is a style for everyone.

Tried a few and really don’t like whisky? There are also over 130 breweries and a plethora of gin producers.

Don’t forget that whisky in Scotland has no E – and you will be corrected instantly, it is a matter of pride.

Read my guide to Scottish Whisky, my guide to The Isle of Islay and how to discover the whiskies of Speyside.

Avoid the Scottish midges

A small biting fly, midges appear in humungous clouds just as you want to enjoy the sunshine and are the bane of our west coast summers.

You can avoid them by visiting Scotland in the offseason, or by staying on the east coast or south Scotland.

You can protect yourself from them somewhat with Smidge spray and head nets. Pray for a slightly windy day as they can’t fly in the wind.

It is also worth watching out for ticks and clegs (massive horseflies) if you are out exploring the countryside in summer.

Read my complete guide to avoiding the Scottish midge.

Try Haggis

We love haggis so much in Scotland that we eat it for breakfast.

The trick is to try and not think about what you are eating (just like black pudding) and forget it is all the bits of a sheep you’d normally thrown away, wrapped up in the stomach.

If you really can’t face it (and its absolutely delicious so you are missing out) there are veggie versions which are just as good – and some say even better.

Haggis is usually served with neeps (turnip) and tatties (potato) but can also be found in bon-bon form.

More traditional foods to try in Scotland.

Stock up on Irn Bru

Drunk too much whisky? The Scottish hangover cure is a fried breakfast and a can of Irn Bru a lurid orange and sickly sweet fizzy juice.

It is an acquired taste (and since they reduced the sugar content, even more so) but it works marvellously the day after the night before.

Hear Bagpipes

Some people love them but stay away from them if you have a hangover. It is truly painful.

7. Scottish food to try

Scottish food isn’t all deep-fried mars bars, steak pies, fish and chips and curries – although you must try a Glasgow Chicken Tikka Masala!

Here are my favourite restaurants in Scotland and more Scottish foods to try

Why not try?

A square sausage and tattie scone roll – a breakfast staple for Glaswegians, this is a fried beef sausage (made in a loaf shape and sliced) with a flat potato cake on top. Served in a fluffy white morning roll.
Scottish prawns – otherwise known as langoustines, Scottish prawns are huge and are served in their shells, hot or cold, and usually come with a big bowl of salty chips.
Tablet – like fudge? You will love tablet. Your teeth won’t as tablet is sugary, buttery, crumbly deliciousness – and addictive.
Cullen Skink – Scotland’s most famous soup, Cullen Skink is a delicious soup of potato, onion, smoked haddock, bay leaves, chicken stock, cream and black pepper. The best place to try Cullen Skink is in the town where it was first made, Cullen on the Moray Firth.
Smoked salmon – served ‘hot smoked’ – which is cooked, or ‘smoked’ which is raw, Scottish salmon is the best in the world, imo. Just add bread and butter, or scrambled eggs.
Porridge – the traditional Scottish breakfast of oats soaked in milk is an acquired taste, especially if you have it with salt (urgh) – it’s much better if you add honey, jam, or even whisky. However, a breakfast of porridge is guaranteed to will set you up for the day – and probably the next day too.
Crab claws – especially from the seafood shack in Ullapool. Grab a bench and tuck in.

If you are anything like me, food is a major part of why I visit a new place. Before I travel anywhere I make a list of restaurants, cafes, bars and distilleries I have to visit.

Over the years I have tried and tested lots of restaurants in Scotland (and have many ‘on the list’ still to visit) and I have popped them all on a google map of all my recommended places to eat and drink in Scotland – from Michelin-starred restaurants to a lobster shack on the beach – download it and start planning your trip around where you want to eat!

The food in Scotland is amazing – fresh seafood, incredible beef, lamb and game, an inventive veggie and vegan scene – and specialities from all over the world.

If you have anywhere to recommend not on the map, please drop me a comment!

Download the map of my favourite places to eat in Scotland

8. Understanding the Scots language

From the road signs to the way we name our mountains, language is a huge part of what makes Scotland, Scotland.

There is even a day celebrating Scotland’s national poet – despite (although probably because of) Burns’ poetry was often about what he got up to in the bedroom.

In all seriousness, you will probably spend your time in Scotland going “what!?” rather a lot. This is because Scots have three languages – Scots, Gaelic and English (which will still sound like Scots). Just politely ask for clarification.

Scottish Gaelic is still part of life in the Outer Hebrides and western Scotland, and Scots is becoming increasingly popular – many of the words you will hear come from Scots.

Some good ones to know describe being drunk… blootered, stoating, steamin, jaked… ahem. Not that you will ever get stottin in Scotland. Honest.

Mines a Bunnahabhain if you fancy joining me for a whisky!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time do I need for a trip to Scotland?

A week is the classic choice, typically covering Edinburgh, the Highlands and the Isle of Skye. However, 10–14 days is the sweet spot if you want to explore a region properly and take a ferry to an island. Avoid trying to see everything in under a week — you’ll spend more time driving than enjoying the scenery.

Do I need a car to get around Scotland?

For the Highlands, islands and rural areas, yes — a hire car is the single best investment for your trip. For cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, public transport works well, and scenic train routes like the West Highland Line are worth booking for the journey alone.

What Scottish food should I try?

Haggis with neeps and tatties is the classic must-try. Beyond that, look out for Cullen Skink (a creamy smoked haddock soup), Scottish langoustines, square sausage rolls, tablet (a crumbly, buttery sweet) and locally smoked salmon. Scotland’s seafood, in particular, is exceptional.

How do I deal with midges in Scotland?

Midges are tiny biting flies that swarm on the west coast in summer. Pack Smidge spray and a head net, and hope for a breezy day — they can’t fly in the wind. You can avoid them altogether by visiting in spring or autumn, or sticking to the east coast and southern Scotland.

How do I get to Scotland's islands?

Most west coast islands are reached by CalMac ferries, while Orkney and Shetland are served by NorthLink Ferries. Book crossings well in advance if you’re travelling in summer with a car — peak season slots sell out months ahead. A CalMac Island Hopscotch ticket is great value if you’re visiting multiple islands.

Ready to start planning your trip to Scotland? Let’s go!

Love, from Scotland x

Planning a trip to Scotland – the complete guide