Discover the Highland Fling Scotland Road Trip with Hertz Car Rental
Ready for a Scotland road trip like no other? From a holiday in Glasgow to the fairy-tale landscapes of the Isle of Skye, this route takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Use this handy Scotland travel guide to explore the route, plan your stops for the journey ahead.
SCOTLAND ROAD TRIPS, HIGHLAND DRIVES AND TRAVEL INSPIRATION
Plan your next Scotland road trip with curated routes and scenic stops, driving through the Highlands with your favourite rental car
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Highland Fling
Glasgow - Glasgow
The Scottish Highlands are like nowhere else on Earth. Rolling hills and lush valleys give way to mountainous peaks, centuries-old castles emerge as if from a time warp and world-famous lochs provide an epic, enchanting backdrop. This wild and beautiful country is perfect for a road trip and this route takes in everything from Glasgow museums to sprawling national parks, the magic of Loch Ness and the otherworldly air of the Isle of Skye.
Highland Fling
Stop 1: Glasgow 1/11
Forever locked in (almost-friendly) rivalry with Edinburgh, the proud city of Glasgow serves up a heady mix of heritage and culture. Set in one of the old shipyards where Glasgow’s shipbuilding industry once flourished, the Riverside Museum of Transport and Technology houses a century’s worth of objects, from skateboards to trains, along with fascinating interactive exhibits. Afterwards, take a stroll down Buchanan Street – Glasgow’s main pedestrian boulevard is lined with architectural jewels and some of the city's best shopping.
Highland Fling
Stop 2: Loch Lomond 2/11
Loch Lomond and the surrounding Trossachs showcase Scotland at its most mesmerising. A magnificent mountain backdrop, rolling hills, hidden waterfalls and lush greenery set around the serene waters of the loch make for a heady mix in this expansive national park. There’s too much incredible scenery to be enjoyed in a single day – if you’re the outdoors type, pitch your tent overnight or retreat to a nearby hotel, before doing it all again in the morning. If you want to pitch a tent, ensure you book a National Park camping permit online in advance, as strict seasonal conservation management zones are actively enforced.
Highland Fling
Stop 3: Glencoe 3/11
You don’t need to jet off to the Alps in search of stunning slopes – Glencoe more than holds its own, with scenic views, rolling hills and mountain trails to explore. The winter snowfall creates some fantastic skiing, with 20 trails of varying difficulty to choose from. In the summer, you’ll still find plenty of activities to get stuck into, from mountain biking to tubing. But just heading out for an invigorating walk still allows you to soak up unforgettable views of iconic Buachaille Etive Mor.
Highland Fling
Stop 4: Fort William 4/11
Ben Nevis – Britain’s tallest peak at more than 4,000 feet – awaits hardy adventurers. But if you’re not quite up to tackling a mountain climb, there’s still plenty of adventure to be had nearby. You can hop on the mountain gondola at the Nevis Range Mountain Resort for panoramic views from the slopes of neighbouring Aonach Mòr or enjoy the mountain from afar with a walk through neighbouring Leanachan Forest. A short hop away, the town of Fort William features the fascinating West Highland Museum, where you’ll find exhibitions on regional life and insights into the area’s history. West Highland Museum is completely free to enter and holds a world-class collection of Jacobite artefacts.
Highland Fling
Stop 5: Isle of Skye 5/11
Linked to the Scottish mainland by road bridge, there seems to be magic in the air on the Isle of Skye. The picture postcard capital of Portree is a highlight, with its pretty pastel houses overlooking the bay. Warm up with a walk around The Lump park with its magnificent harbour views, then head to see Lealt Falls in full flow. The most popular walk is a fairly easy clamber up the Old Man of Storr – the most iconic of Skye’s countless rock formations with spectacular views out over the Sound of Raasay. Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland. The trail base at the Storr now features a modernised, upgraded pay-and-display parking area to accommodate seasonal foot traffic.
Highland Fling
Stop 6: Eilean Donan Castle 6/11
When you drive down the Isle of Skye, you will pass right through Dornie to reach Eilean Donan Castle, one of the world's most recognised and photographed fortresses. Situated at the intersection of three sea lochs, this 13th-century icon lets you walk across a historic stone footbridge to explore inner courtyards and restored medieval banqueting halls.
Highland Fling
Stop 7: Loch Ness 7/11
You simply can’t miss out on seeing Scotland’s most famous natural wonder – the beautiful Loch Ness. Whether the waters are inhabited by the mythical Nessie or not, it’s still worth bringing your binoculars to catch a glimpse of the sensational surroundings and wildlife. Overlooking the loch, Urquhart Castle is a grand 16th-century fortress. It’s mostly in ruins now, but you can climb to the top of the tower to peer into the prison cell that still remains. You must pre-book a timed entry ticket online through Historic Environment Scotland ahead of time, as gate tickets sell out daily in peak months.
Highland Fling
Stop 8: Aviemore 8/11
The Cairngorms National Park is around 1,700 square miles of natural beauty, including a sprinkling of villages and towns each with their own distinct identity. Visit the Strathspey Steam Railway for fun and adventure on an old-time train ride, or stay in Aviemore for activities including winter walks, rugged cliff-side climbs and a feast of winter sports. A prehistoric stone circle bears testament to the site’s historical importance, while there are several spots in town to go and get a view of the beautiful Cairngorms.
Highland Fling
Stop 9: Scone Palace 9/11
This stunning example of Georgian Gothic architecture will fill your mind with historic wonder. See regal finery from centuries past and tour the very chambers where Scottish kings such as Robert the Bruce were crowned. Cap it off with a stroll through the grounds, where Britain’s first ever Douglas firs were planted. Manicured lawns, perfectly trimmed topiary and a star-shaped maze make your walk a memorable one – as will the peacocks busy strutting their stuff. The legendary Stone of Destiny is located just few minutes away at the brand-new, free-to-visit Perth Museum in the city centre. Drop in before heading to Edinburgh!
Highland Fling
Stop 10: Edinburgh Castle 10/11
Perched high on an extinct volcano overlooking the city’s Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most recognisable symbols. Discover royal secrets with a guided audio tour of the magnificent rooms, including the Great Hall with its stunning wooden roof and display of fearsome weapons, then gaze at some of Britain’s oldest crown jewels.
Highland Fling
Stop 11: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum 11/11
Finish your Scotland road trip where it all began. Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum contains more than 20 galleries honouring the work of icons and newcomers alike. This is a great place to indulge in a day of culture among some of the world’s best-known art. The French Gallery features works by the likes of Monet and Van Gogh, while the Arms and Armour collection showcases the history of European warfare through stunning pieces, including complete suits of armour.
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