Oh, to be doing a multi-stop trip in Scotland. We’d argue there’s no better place in the world to plan a multi-stop trip than Scotland. From land to the sea to historic cities and villages, Scotland is literally a dream come true.
And we promise we’re not biased. Almost 4 million people chose to travel to Scotland in 2023, a 19% increase from 2022. We can only imagine how many people made the trip throughout 2024.
There’s a reason so many millions pick Scotland as their destination—too many to fit into one location. Below, we’ll give you our ultimate guide to a multi-stop trip in Scotland.
The Stops You Should Put on Your Multi-Stop Wishlist
OK, so this one was tricky for us. How can anyone ask us to dwindle the list of possible destinations down to just a few? There are so many incredible stops to pick from, and we’d argue hiring a motorhome in Scotland is the perfect way to see them all (again, we’re not biased).
Here are four stops we think you should put on your multi-stop wishlist:
Edinburgh
How can you go to Scotland and not go to Edinburgh? This historic, majestic city is so good you’ll want to visit it twice.
We’d recommend starting at Edinburgh Castle. You can’t go to Edinburgh and not see the castle—it’s a sin! It’s open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM), and tickets cost £18.50 for adults and £11.50 for children. Just check seasonal opening times aren’t different!
You’ll also love a stroll down the Royal Mile; it has everything. Boutique shops, street performers, and fascinating stops like the Real Mary King’s Close (£19.95 for adults) are just a few we could name.
If you feel up to it, don’t miss the opportunity to climb Arthur’s Seat. It’san extinct volcano with panoramic views of Edinburgh.
Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye is next on our list and certainly one of the favourites for tourists thanks to its charm and stunning mountains.
The famous fairy pools near Glenbrittle are well worth a visit – they’re absolutely stunning, free of charge, and open year-round.
History buffs can get an insight into the UK’s history with Dunvegan Castle, Dunkak, open from April to October and only costing £14.
Or there’s Quiraing’s beautiful scenery that’s perfect for a hike!
Portree, the capital of Skye Island, is sure to win over many with its beauty and delicious seafood.
Inverness and Loch Ness
The capital of Scott’s Highlands – Inverness. We’d call it Scotland’s cultural capital. It’s still not the same tourist-level attraction as Edinburgh and has everything you can ask for. It’s the perfect combination of breathtaking scenery and city life.
Another castle for you, we’d recommend Inverness Castle, boasting mesmerising views of the River Ness and peaceful green grounds. You can go inside the castle from Monday to Sunday for only £8!
And how could you go to Inverness without seeing Loch Ness (yes, the monster is real). Sorry, another castle for you, Urquhart Castle has some of the most picturesque views. The castle is open every day from 9:30 AM to 5 PM and the entrance is only £13.
Weather permitting, you can also do a lake cruise searching the stunning waters for the Loch Ness Monster for only £20.
Glencoe
Glencoe Valley is iconic. You have to see it in person to appreciate how utterly beautiful this location is. It’s a haven for outdoor lovers.
If you go to the Glencoe Visitor Centre you can learn all about the Glencoe massacre of the clans in 1692 and all the other interesting things that have happened there (not that we’d call a massacre necessarily interesting). The centre is open daily and charges an entry fee of £7 for adults.
The Lost Valley or Buachaille Etive Mòr should also be on your Glencoe hitlist. Fans of films might see Glencoe in the background of movies like Skyfall and Harry Potter.
Spreading Out Your Days and Accounting for Travel
Scheduling your trip is essential! Here’s how to get between the locations we’ve mentioned:
Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye (Approx. 5.5 Hours)
The driving distance from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye is 235 miles. Take the M90 North, then the A82, passing through the picturesque site of Glencoe, and, finally, the A87, leading you to Skye. You might want to stop at Glencoe first rather than going straight to the Isle of Skye. Traffic tends to get quite heavy on the A82 on weekends and in the summer months.
Isle of Skye to Inverness (Approx. 2.5 Hours)
Inverness is about 110 miles away, and the primary routes to reach here are the A87 and A82. If time permits, you may take a slight diversion through Eilean Donan for a quick stop where there is a great view of one of the most photographed places in Scotland, the Eilean Donan Castle.
Inverness to Glencoe (Approx. 2 Hours)
Travelling south towards Glencoe, stay on the A82 as it promises eye-pleasing views of the Highlands. Try to make a note for breaks and rests at the various splendid spots along the drive to get out and relieve yourself.
Returning to Edinburgh from Glencoe (Approx. 2.5 Hours)
Backtracking towards Edinburgh is your final leg, where again the route is via the A82 and M90. Weekday rush hours have a tendency to create congested roads.
Our final recommendation is to use this as it is – a guide. We’ve picked destinations we think you’ll love, but you’re free to research your own! Don’t forget to check your travel times so you don’t spend too much time in your motorhome (not that we think that would be too bad!).
