When we think of Scotland, it is very often the rugged mountains and glittering lochs of the Highlands that spring to mind. The picture-postcard landscape of northern Scotland is synonymous with much that’s typically Scottish – castles, glens, tartan, kilts, clans and Highland cows – and should be on everyone’s bucket list. It's no wonder it was named one of National Geographic's 'Best of the World' destinations in 2023! However, at over 10,000 square miles there’s a lot of ground to cover, so here’s our guide to a whistle-stop tour of the Highlands…

Loch Lomond © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

It's fair to say that one of the best ways to explore the Highlands of Scotland is by car. Whilst there is public transport, many of the sights and attractions are spread out across many miles, often in remote locations, making local trains and buses less viable. Of course, there are a number of picturesque rail routes in the Highlands, and we offer some fabulous train-based adventures, but for the freedom to explore the Highlands at your own pace, here are our suggestions for a memorable road trip.

The city of Glasgow, just a few miles away from the southern edge of the Highlands, is perhaps the best place to start your tour. Pick up a hire car or meet your driver at the international airport or the mainline station and embark on your odyssey. Why not spend a day or two in a luxury hotel discovering this lively city before setting off for the Highlands?

Almost inevitably, the first stop on your trip will be Loch Lomond. One of the largest and most famous Scottish lochs, this is the perfect place to savour your first taste of the Highlands. The beautiful landscape around the loch should not be missed! Choose your time and place to park up though, as it can get busy with tourists.

Inverary Castle on the banks of Loch Fyne © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Push on to the scenic town of Inverary on the banks of Loch Fyne, with its splendid castle, before arriving at the town of Oban, known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’. From there, you can catch a ferry to enchanting islands such as Mull, Iona and Tiree, or just experience a wildlife watching boat trip before moving further into the Highlands. Oban is ideal for a night or two’s accommodation and, by Highland standards, there’s plenty to choose from to suit all budgets. As the seafood capital of Scotland, Oban is also the perfect place for a delicious meal!

Oban is situated at the heart of the glorious region of Argyll and the Isles, known as Scotland’s Adventure Coast, which is also waiting to be explored!

Ben Nevis © VisitScotland / Airborne Lens

Our next suggested stop on your whistle-stop tour is Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. The coastal route from Oban is the most direct to Fort William, at just over 45 miles, but for your first real taste of Highland scenery, it can be rewarding to head inland again and to approach Fort William through dramatic Glencoe, the steeply sided valley that was the site of an infamous 17th century massacre.

The Pass of Glencoe © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Fort William is inevitably popular with walkers and climbers, but it is the perfect base for exploring this idyllic part of the Highlands. It’s impossible to miss imposing Ben Nevis and there are trails to suit different abilities. Enjoy a boat trip on Loch Linnhe or head up to Glenfinnan to see the famous viaduct which featured in the Harry Potter movies. Take The Jacobite steam train from Fort William on one of the most scenic journeys anywhere and enjoy your own Hogwart’s Express experience!

The Jacobite Steam Train crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

From Fort William, the route to the northern Highlands splits. Head west to Mallaig along the enchanting ‘Road to the Isles’ - travel through glorious countryside to the small port town where you can continue your journey by ferry to the Isle of Skye. Head east to the Cairngorms, or continue north east to Loch Ness and the Highland capital, Inverness.

The scenic road to Inverness runs alongside the brooding shores of Loch Ness, Scotland’s longest and deepest loch. Loch Ness lies in the Great Glen, a fault in the landscape which dissects the Highlands, and provides a natural route for the Caledonian Canal, as well as the A82 road and the Great Glen Way, a popular walking and cycling trail.

A boat trip on Loch Ness © The Loch Ness Centre

Call at Fort Augustus for an unmissable Loch Ness cruise and see if you can spot the famous monster; visit romantic Urquhart Castle on the bonnie banks of the loch and visit the picturesque village of Drumnadrochit – popular with Nessie hunters!

Just beyond Fort Augustus, you may choose to branch off to the north west to follow another impressive route through the Highlands, to Kyle of Lochalsh and the Skye Bridge. Along the way, you can view the incredible Five Sisters of Kintail mountain range from Glenshiel, remote Eilean Donan Castle – one of the most recognisable in Scotland, or push on to Plockton, an idyllic village known as ‘the jewel of the Highlands’.

Eilean Donan Castle © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Located just 30 minutes from Drumnadrochit, Inverness is a delightful small city which is recognised as the capital of the Highlands. Voted as one of the ‘50 Best Places to Travel in 2025’ by Travel + Leisure, Inverness is a great base for exploring the Highlands, but with its ancient castle, historic cathedral, Victorian market and fascinating museum and art gallery, there is plenty to do to while away a couple of leisurely days in the city.

Culloden Battlefield, which tells the story of the turbulent past of Inverness and the Highlands, is just a 15-minute drive from the city centre and is one of the most popular attractions in this part of Scotland.

Culloden - site of the last battle on British soil © VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

For those with the time to spare, the incredible North Coast 500 – Scotland’s answer to Route 66 – is not to be missed. Named as one of the best road trips in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, NC 500 brings together just over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery as it follows the coastal edges of the North Highlands.

For those with less time, either go north west to the pretty fishing village of Ullapool and pick up the NC500 on the west coast, or head north to Thurso, the most northerly town in mainland Britain. From nearby Scrabster, you can then take a ferry to the Orkney Islands.

Ullapool Harbour © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Whichever route you choose, there is a lot to see and enjoy on the north coast of Scotland. The northernmost point of mainland Scotland is Dunnet Head and Duncansby Head is in the north eastern corner – both within easy reach of the famous village of John O’Groats. This part of the Highlands is also the location of the unique Castle and Gardens of Mey. The Castle of Mey is the most northerly castle in mainland Scotland and dates back to the 16th century. It was acquired by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1952 and was her cherished holiday home.

The Castle and Gardens of Mey © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

There is a scattering of accommodation for all tastes and budgets in the north east Highlands, and plenty of eating places, centred around Thurso, John O’Groats and the town of Wick.

Whichever route you decide to take through the northern Highlands, you’re almost inevitably going to end up back in Inverness eventually. From here, you may want to go east to explore the pretty towns and villages along the Moray Firth, as you take the coastal route to Aberdeen. Alternatively, you may choose to start your return journey south by exploring the dramatic Cairngorns National Park as you head towards Perth and Edinburgh. Or you may of course decide to retrace your way back to Fort William to discover more of the western Highlands. The choice is yours!

If you or your group would like to enjoy a whistle-stop tour of the Highlands of Scotland, or perhaps you would like to see the sights at a more leisurely pace, then either way we can help. Please do contact our team today and we will put together the perfect itinerary, whether you choose self-drive or a driver guide.