Scotland’s West Coast Itinerary

Scotland is an incredible place to visit for all types of travellers. But if it’s your first time here, one of the best ways to experience the country is by heading up the west coast, starting with one (or both!) of Scotland’s major cities. For this trip, I recommend renting a car. It will make life a lot easier and give you more flexibility for photo stops and spontaneous detours!

1. Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital is picturesque, with cobbled streets, medieval Old Town and historic architecture everywhere you look. It’s known for its historic Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, ghost tours and cosy side-street pubs. If you haven’t heard of it already, in August the city transforms for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest arts festival. Enjoy comedy, theatre, street performances and live music. But note: book accommodation early, as the city fills up fast! You can easily spend a few days here exploring the Old Town, climbing Arthur’s Seat, trying some classic Scottish food like haggis or mince and tatties and learning some traditional dancing at a ceilidh night.

2. Glasgow

My favourite Scottish city! Only an hour from Edinburgh, Glasgow is often overlooked by tourists, but if you know where to go, it becomes one of the most fun and welcoming cities in the country. The city’s slogan ‘People Make Glasgow’ is completely true, and it’s known as one of the friendliest cities in the UK. Glasgow has a brilliant live music scene, a huge arts culture and beautiful Victorian architecture. Don’t miss the University of Glasgow (often compared to Hogwarts), the Botanic Gardens, Glasgow Cathedral, the West End cafes and bars on Ashton Lane, or a gig on Sauchiehall Street.

3. Stirling

This underrated city is only 30 minutes from Glasgow by train or car. Stirling is sometimes called a “mini-Edinburgh” because of its castle on a volcanic crag and its Old Town. Top sights include Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and the historic battlefield of Bannockburn. I highly recommend visiting in August to catch the Stirling Highland Games for a real cultural experience, where you can watch traditional Scottish sports like caber tossing, Highland dancing and pipe bands.

4. The Devils Pulpit

This add-on to the trip is a great stop to stretch your legs and explore. The Devil’s Pulpit is a stunning red gorge hidden in the countryside. It’s a filming location for Outlander and an amazing spot for photos. It is worth noting that there is no official car park, and the path can be slippery and steep, so wear good shoes and take your time! This short hike is absolutely worth it to marvel at the natural gorge and of course, take some pictures!

5. Loch Lomond

“The bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond” are famous for their stunning scenery and views. You can take a relaxing boat trip, walk along the shore or climb Conic Hill or Ben Lomond for incredible views (though this can’t be guaranteed with Scottish weather of course!). If you’re into wellness, the area is known for wild swimming, Lochside saunas and outdoor yoga classes.

6. Kilchurn Castle

A quick stop, Kilchurn Castle is located on the banks of Loch Awe and is one of the most photogenic ruins in Scotland. Surrounded by mountains, this stop makes for some dramatic and atmospheric photos. Spend a few minutes walking around the ruins and enjoying the scenery before you continue your drive.

7. Oban and the Isle of Mull

Known as the “Gateway to the Isles”, this is a departure point for ferries to Mull that take around 45 minutes. The town itself is lovely for an afternoon, with great seafood, ice cream, small shops, coastal views and the famous Oban Distillery. Hopping on the ferry, once you arrive to Mull prepare yourself for single-track roads, sheep and Highland cow traffic jams and some speedy locals! Mull offers beautiful landscapes to explore and Tobermory, the colourful harbour town made famous by the children’s TV show Balamory. Don’t miss Staffa to see Fingal’s Cave and puffins (best spotted April – August). Another fun event to experience is the Beatson’s Building Supplies Mull Rally – since 1969, this has been one of the UK’s most challenging stage rallies and makes for an exciting watch!

8. Glencoe and Fort William

This is where the scenery becomes really dramatic. Glencoe is full of valleys, jagged peaks and photo stops you’ll want to pull over for every five minutes. Look out for the Three Sisters, one of the area’s most famous viewpoints. Continue to Fort William, the outdoor capital of the Highlands. Home to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, thousands attempt to climb it each year, and more serious hikers often tackle it as part of the Three Peaks Challenge (climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours). Take some time to wander Fort William’s high street, catch a movie in the boutique cinema or browse the outdoor shops.

9. Glenfinnan Viaduct

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this is a must-see. The Jacobite steam train crosses the viaduct twice a day, and the best views are from the small hill above the visitor centre. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive early, as the car park fills up fast and once its full, it closes before the train passes. Timing is everything for this stop!

10. Mallaig and Eilean Donan Castle

Continuing your drive up north, Mallaig is the end point of the Jacobite steam train and a traditional fishing village with great seafood, beaches and coastal views. From here, continue up (about 1 hour) to Eilean Donan Castle, which sits at the meeting point of three lochs and is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. If you’re lucky, there might be a bagpiper playing outside!

11. Isle of Skye

The final leg of the trip! Simply drive over the Skye Bridge onto the island, which has some of Scotland’s best-known natural attractions: the Fairy Pools, Portree’s colourful harbour, Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr. It is a stunning island but very weather-dependent, so pack waterproofs and prepare for midges in summer. See if you can spot some Highland cows along the roadside!

Scotland’s west coast is perfect for travellers who want to mix cities, culture, mountains, wildlife and incredible coastal scenery. Whether you’re looking for a trip focused on hiking, photography, history or breathtaking landscapes, this itinerary is a great way to experience a slice of Scotland!