The Ultimate Scottish Journey: From Glasgow to Skye and Edinburgh

A curated route through Scotland's varied landscapes, from castles to lochs

One of the most well-travelled routes in Scotland connects Glasgow, Skye and Edinburgh, and it’s easy to see why. This circuit includes the country's largest city, its most accessible island and its capital. It offers a practical and rewarding itinerary through Scotland’s urban and rural highlights. The journey suits both first-time visitors and returning travellers, combining city culture, Highland scenery and historic landmarks with some of the most scenic drives in Europe.

Scotland’s appeal lies not only in its destinations but also in the travel between them. The route from Glasgow to Skye and onward to Edinburgh takes you through landscapes that shift from calm lochs to rugged mountains, castle ruins to coastal cliffs. The route is diverse and reveals something new at every stage.

The enchanting fairy pools on the Isle of Skye

Fairy Pools of Skye: Photo Credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

From Glasgow to Loch Lomond

The journey begins in Glasgow and heads north toward the Trossachs. While this guide focuses on the journey beyond the city, a dedicated guide to Glasgow including its neighbourhoods, cultural spots and food scene can be found here. Within an hour, you reach Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in Scotland by surface area. Inveruglas is a good first stop with short walking trails, a visitor centre and wide views across the loch.

Despite its peaceful surface, Loch Lomond is surprisingly deep at nearly 200 metres. The surrounding hills mark the gateway to the Highlands.

Autumn scene of a lake surrounded by colorful trees, with mountains in the background and a waterfall in the foreground.

Waterfall at Loch Lomond : Photo Credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Into the Highlands: Glencoe

North of Loch Lomond, the terrain becomes more mountainous. Glencoe soon opens up ahead, framed by steep ridges and valleys. A recommended stop is the Kings House Hotel, a historic inn near the entrance to Glencoe surrounded by some of the country's most impressive peaks.

A short drive deeper into the glen brings you to the Three Sisters viewpoint. These distinctive peaks — Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh — rise steeply from the valley floor.

Glencoe also carries a historical weight. It was the site of the 1692 massacre, a sombre episode that gives added depth to the glen's dramatic landscape.

The iconic three sisters in Glencoe

The Three Sisters, Glencoe: Photo Credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Through the Highlands to Fort Augustus

The road from Glencoe to Fort Augustus passes through a changing mix of forests, small lochs and open moorland. There are many opportunities to stop at viewpoints or enjoy a short walk.

Fort Augustus lies at the southern end of Loch Ness, where the Caledonian Canal links several inland lochs. The town is a popular place for lunch, offering waterside views and a good base to pause before continuing north. While the mythical Loch Ness Monster is unlikely to appear, the loch's dark waters and steep shores make a lasting impression.

Sailboats docked at a marina along a calm river with green grassy banks and trees, and hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

The Caledonian Canal at Fort Augustus joining Loch Ness: Photo Credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

A Castle Beside the Sea: Eilean Donan

Eilean Donan Castle is among the most photographed in Scotland. Situated where three sea lochs meet, the 13th-century structure stands on a small tidal island and has a striking presence.

For a broader view, take the short scenic road to Mam Ratagan pass. From this vantage point, the Five Sisters of Kintail form a dramatic ridge above the loch and castle, especially impressive in the evening light.

Eilean Donan embodies the romantic ideal of a highland castle

Eilean Donan Castle: Photo Credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

The Scenic Route to Skye via Glenelg

For a quieter approach to Skye, consider the route through the small village of Glenelg. The road is narrow and winding, with glimpses of the Inner Hebrides across the water. Glenelg is a peaceful village with white cottages and a sheltered bay.

The Glenelg Inn offers a pleasant place for lunch or dinner. It serves local food in a relaxed setting, close to the shoreline and with clear views of Skye across the sound.

The highlight here is the historic turntable ferry. Operating since 1969, it carries just a few vehicles at a time across the narrow Kyle Rhea strait. The short crossing is slow but memorable, and the ferry’s manual turning mechanism is a curiosity in itself.

Camping is possible at the nearby beach, where the sounds of the sea and the lights from Skye create a simple but rewarding overnight experience.

Skye’s Natural Landmarks

Skye is known for its dramatic scenery and remote landscapes. While the island offers enough for a longer stay, a few places stand out for any visit.

The Fairy Pools, near the Cuillin mountains, are clear blue pools fed by waterfalls. They are easy to reach on foot and particularly popular for short walks and photos.

The Quiraing, located on the Trotternish Peninsula, presents some of the island's most unusual scenery. The result of a massive landslip, it features rock spires, grassy slopes and winding paths. The walk here takes a couple of hours and offers broad views over the sea and hills.

Another popular spot is the Old Man of Storr, a tall rock formation standing above the coast. The uphill trail is well marked and gives rewarding views across to the mainland and surrounding islands.

For a quieter walk, the Elgol peninsula offers sea views across Loch Scavaig and panoramic scenes of the Cuillin ridge. The circular route combines cliffs, beaches and mountains.

A rugged mountain trail leading toward steep grassy hills with rocky formations and fog at the top.

The Storr and Old Man of Storr, Skye: Photo Credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

A View Worth the Climb: Sgùrr na Strì

For those looking for a more ambitious walk, Sgùrr na Strì is one of Skye’s finest viewpoints. The hike begins near Elgol and takes most of a day. It is steep in parts but does not require technical climbing.

From the summit, the entire Cuillin ridge rises sharply above the waters of Loch Coruisk. On clear days, you can see as far as the mainland and the mountains of Knoydart.

Returning South: Inverness and the A9

The journey back to Edinburgh begins with the road to Inverness. Along the way, you can stop at Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness. Its setting on a rocky point overlooking the loch makes it one of Scotland’s most scenic ruins.

From Inverness, the A9 leads south. While often seen as a main transport corridor, it offers several worthwhile detours.

Bruar Falls is an easy woodland walk that leads to a series of waterfalls. Pitlochry is another useful break point with riverside paths and cafes. The town is surrounded by hills and forests, and its salmon ladder offers an unusual look at local wildlife.

Just beyond Aviemore, Loch Morlich surprises many visitors with its sandy beach backed by pine forests and mountain views. It is a popular stop for swimming, walking or simply enjoying the scenery.

Sandy beach with leafless trees on the left, calm lake on the right, and snow-covered mountains in the distance under a clear blue sky.

Loch Morlich: Photo Credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

A Final Stop: North Queensferry

Before reaching Edinburgh, consider one final stop in North Queensferry. The village sits beside the Firth of Forth and offers clear views of all three major bridges. The original railway bridge, built in the 19th century, remains a striking example of engineering and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The newer road bridges, including the Queensferry Crossing, create a dramatic contrast in style and remind visitors of Scotland’s industrial past and modern development. For those looking to explore more of Scotland's capital at the end of the route, our detailed Edinburgh city guide is available here.

A large red bridge over a body of water with a small town and cars visible nearby, under a clear blue sky.

The Forth Bridge viewed from North Queensferry: Photo Credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Planning the Trip

This route can be completed in three or four days, but a full week allows for more stops and easier pacing. Summer offers long days and warmer weather, though it is also the busiest season. Spring and autumn are often quieter and provide good travel conditions with fewer visitors.

Whatever the time of year, this route offers a well-rounded look at Scotland’s landscapes and culture. From the energy of Glasgow to the dramatic views of Skye and the historic streets of Edinburgh, this journey highlights the variety and richness of Scotland in a manageable and rewarding route.