Discovering Scotland’s Highlands: A 9-Day Nature Trail

1. Day 1: Edinburgh – Loch Lomond & The Trossachs – Inveraray
   3 hours (105 miles) from Edinburgh

   Explore Scotland’s first National Park, enjoy a cruise across Loch Lomond, and visit the historic town of Inveraray.

2. Day 2: Inveraray – Glen Coe – Fort William
   2.5 hours (55 miles) from Inveraray

   Discover the stunning valley of Glen Coe on the way to Fort William. Take a hike to see the famous Steall Waterfall.

3. Day 3: Fort William – Ben Nevis – Eilean Donan Castle
   2 hours (60 miles) from Fort William

   Take a thrilling drive to the top of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK. Visit the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle.

4. Day 4: Eilean Donan Castle – Isle of Skye
   1 hour (18 miles) from Eilean Donan Castle

   Cross the iconic Skye Bridge to reach the breathtaking landscapes of the Isle of Skye. Visit the famous Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock.

5. Day 5: Isle of Skye – Portree – Dunvegan Castle
   1 hour (30 miles) from Old Man of Storr

   Explore the charming town of Portree and enjoy a visit to the red-tinted Dunvegan Castle.

6. Day 6: Isle of Skye – Urquhart Castle – Inverness
   2.5 hours (100 miles) from Isle of Skye

   Stop to see the ruins of Urquhart Castle, take a Loch Ness cruise, and learn about Scotland’s history in Inverness.

7. Day 7: Inverness – Cairngorms National Park – Aviemore
   1.5 hours (40 miles) from Inverness

   Experience the rugged landscapes of Cairngorms National Park, take a ride on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, and enjoy a mountain biking tour.

8. Day 8: Aviemore – Castle of Mey – John o’ Groats
   3 hours (120 miles) from Aviemore

   Visit the picturesque Castle of Mey, take in the views of the northern coast, and take a ferry to the stunning Orkney Islands.

9. Day 9: John o’ Groats – Dunrobin Castle – Dornoch – Inverness
   3.5 hours (120 miles) from John o’ Groats

   Explore the breathtaking Dunrobin Castle and the charming town of Dornoch before returning to Inverness.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Loch Lomond cruise (1 hour, £16)
• Ben Nevis cable car (2 hours, £20)
• Urquhart Castle entrance (2 hours, £12)
• Cairngorm Mountain Railway (1 hour, £12)
• Castle of Mey tour (2 hours, £12)
• Dunrobin Castle entrance (2 hours, £10)
• Total estimated costs: £82

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Outer Hebrides or taking a Highland distillery tour. If you have less time, prioritize the Isle of Skye and Cairngorms National Park. Keep in mind that weather conditions can impact plans in the Highlands, so be flexible with your itinerary.