7-Day Scenic Road Trip from Swancombe to Inverness, Scotland

Day 1: Journey to Lake District

Swancombe to Lake District, England on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Departure from Swancombe

Begin your road trip early morning to make the most of your day heading northwest towards the picturesque Lake District, approximately a 5-hour drive.
GBP0, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Drunken Duck Inn, Ambleside

Enjoy traditional British cuisine in a cosy inn renowned for locally sourced ingredients. Open from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
GBP25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Ambleside

Stroll through Ambleside’s charming town centre and visit the Armitt Museum to learn about the local history and culture. Open 10:00am-5:00pm.
GBP5, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check-in at local B&B

Settle into a comfortable bed and breakfast in Ambleside to rest after the journey.
GBP70, overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Lake Road Kitchen

Savour seasonal dishes with a view of the lake, open 5:00pm-9:00pm.
GBP30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Lake District to Edinburgh

Ambleside, England to Edinburgh, Scotland on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Roslyn Coffee

Grab a hearty breakfast and artisan coffee to fuel your drive to Scotland.
GBP12, 1h0m

9:15am

Drive to Edinburgh

Drive approximately 3.5 hours north to the historic city of Edinburgh.
GBP0, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Edinburgh Larder

Enjoy fresh Scottish ingredients in a welcoming cafe, open daily 12:00pm-4:00pm.
GBP18, 1h0m

2:30pm

Edinburgh Castle Visit

Explore the iconic fortress overlooking the city, rich with history and stunning views. Open 9:30am-5:00pm.
GBP20, 2h0m

4:45pm

Walk the Royal Mile

Stroll along the historic Royal Mile with shops, street performers, and historic sites.
GBP0, 1h15m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ondine Seafood Restaurant

Dine on fresh Scottish seafood in an elegant setting, open until 10:00pm.
GBP40, 1h30m

8:30pm

Check-in at Edinburgh hotel

Rest overnight in central Edinburgh.
GBP90, overnight
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Day 3: Edinburgh to Inverness

Edinburgh to Inverness, Scotland on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Loudons

Enjoy a trendy breakfast spot offering a variety of hearty and healthy choices. Open 8:00am-3:00pm.
GBP15, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Inverness via Cairngorms National Park

Travel approximately 3.5 hours north passing through scenic Cairngorms National Park with optional short stops for photos.
GBP0, 3h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore

Traditional Scottish pub fare located near Cairngorms, open 12:00pm - 3:00pm.
GBP20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Inverness city centre

Walk along the River Ness, visit Inverness Cathedral and the Victorian Market, perfect introduction to the Highland capital.
GBP0, 2h0m

5:30pm

Check-in at Inverness hotel

Settle in for 3 nights in Inverness to explore the Highlands thoroughly.
GBP100, overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Rocpool Restaurant

Known for innovative Scottish cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere, open until 9:30pm.
GBP35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Loch Ness and Highland sightseeing

Inverness and Loch Ness, Scotland on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Mustard Seed Café

A riverside spot offering wholesome breakfasts to start your day near Inverness city centre. Open 8:00am-5:00pm.
GBP12, 1h0m

8:45am

Drive to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

A 30-minute drive to visit the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness, open 9:30am-6:00pm in April.
GBP12, 1h30m

11:00am

Loch Ness Cruise

Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Loch Ness with views of the surrounding Highlands, tours run 10:00am-4:00pm.
GBP15, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dores Inn

Relax with fresh local produce at a charming pub by Loch Ness shore, open noon-9:00pm.
GBP22, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Inverness and visit Inverness Museum

Discover the rich history, culture and natural heritage of the Highlands and Inverness. Open 10:00am-5:00pm.
GBP6, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Ness Islands

Take a leisurely walk along the wooded Ness Islands, a chilled spot in the city centre.
GBP0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Kitchen Brasserie

Contemporary dining with Scottish ingredients in a stylish setting, open 5:00pm-9:00pm.
GBP30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Highland Exploration Day

Inverness and Cairngorms on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Velocity Café & Bicycle Workshop

Quirky café with excellent coffee and pastries to start your outdoor day. Open 8:00am-4:00pm.
GBP10, 1h0m

8:30am

Take a day trip to Cairngorms National Park

Drive approximately one hour to enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, and stunning mountain scenery in this national park.
GBP0, 6h0m

12:30pm

Picnic lunch in the park

Pack a picnic or grab light snacks from Inverness before departure to enjoy amidst beautiful natural surroundings.
GBP10, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Highland Wildlife Park

Located near Kingussie, open 9:30am-6:00pm, see native and rare species like Highland cattle and Scottish wildcats.
GBP15, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return to Inverness

Drive back to Inverness to relax.
GBP0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Mustard Seed

Enjoy a delicious meal in a converted chapel, open for dinner 5:00pm-9:00pm.
GBP35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Inverness to Stirling

Inverness to Stirling, Scotland on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at coffee shop

Have a relaxed breakfast at a local café in Inverness before the drive south.
GBP10, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Stirling

Approximately a 3-hour drive to Stirling, a historic gateway between the Highlands and Central Scotland.
GBP0, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Smithy

Enjoy hearty Scottish fare in a historic setting near Stirling Castle. Open 12:00pm-2:30pm.
GBP20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Stirling Castle Tour

Explore one of Scotland’s grandest castles, full of history about Scottish royalty. Open 9:30am-5:00pm.
GBP18, 2h0m

4:30pm

Walk the Stirling Old Town

Discover quaint streets and the historic Church of the Holy Rude.
GBP0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Portcullis

Traditional pub serving local ales and Scottish dishes, open until 10:00pm.
GBP25, 1h30m

8:30pm

Overnight in Stirling

Rest overnight at a comfortable hotel.
GBP80, overnight
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Day 7: Return to Swancombe

Stirling to Swancombe, England on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast to prepare for the return journey.
GBP10, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive back to Swancombe

Travel approximately 5 hours south back to Swancombe, concluding your memorable week-long road trip.
GBP0, 5h0m
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