Scottish Highlands Road Trip: Edinburgh to Inverness in One Day
- Adventures of Matt & Nat
- 6 days ago
- 11 min read
Scottish Highlands Road Trip: Edinburgh to Inverness in One Day
Ready to experience one of the most scenic drives in the world? This Scottish Highlands road trip from Edinburgh to Inverness takes you along what’s known as the West Route, a breathtaking, 220-mile journey through misty glens, mountain passes, and iconic lochs. It’s a route steeped in history, folklore, and natural beauty, and if you're short on time, we've built the perfect one-day itinerary to help you make the most of it.
Driving the West Route from Edinburgh to Inverness takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes without stops, but let’s be honest… you’ll want to stop… A lot! This guide breaks the trip into manageable segments, highlighting the best viewpoints, charming villages, and memorable food stops along the way.
If you have more time, we absolutely recommend stretching this out over two or more days. There’s so much to see, and slowing down lets you soak it all in at a more relaxed pace. Plus, this itinerary doesn’t even cover your return drive to Edinburgh along the East Route! That said, we’re firm believers in the idea that “it’s better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times.” So if one day is all you’ve got, you’re in the right place. This itinerary is your fast-track to a truly unforgettable Highland experience.
⬇️ Watch our Scottish Highlands Road Trip vlog! ⬇️
Quick Tips for Visiting the Scottish Highlands
Before we dive into the itinerary, here are a few helpful tips to make your Scottish Highlands road trip smoother and more enjoyable:
Drive on the Left
In Scotland, vehicles drive on the left side of the road, and most cars have the steering wheel on the right. If this is your first time driving on the left, take it slow and stay extra alert at roundabouts and turns.
Stay Connected with an eSIM
Cell service in the Highlands can be spotty, so it’s smart to have a reliable data connection for navigation. We recommend using an eSIM like Airalo or Holafly. They’re easy to set up and often much cheaper than international roaming.
Know the Currency
Scotland uses the British Pound (£), not the Euro. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially in smaller villages where card and/or contactless payments may not be available. Also, be sure to use a card with no foreign transaction fees to save money on every purchase.
Plan for Limited Facilities
While there are a few well-known rest stops (like the Green Welly), many areas of the Highlands are remote. Restrooms, food, and fuel stations can be few and far between, so plan accordingly (i.e. pack snacks) and don’t wait until the last minute to stop.
Layer Up
The weather in the Highlands is famously unpredictable. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and dress in layers so you’re prepared for sunshine, wind, and drizzle… sometimes all in the same hour.
Fuel Up Early
Make sure to start the day with a full tank of gas, especially before leaving the Tyndrum area. There are long stretches where fuel stations are rare or closed after hours.
Navigation
Offline maps or a reliable GPS are a must. Don’t rely solely on cell service. While much of this route has cell coverage, areas like Glencoe can be pretty spotty, and you don’t want to miss some of the highlights because you lost cell service.
Don’t Try to Do It All
There’s a lot packed into this route, and it’s tempting to try to squeeze in every viewpoint, castle, and hidden gem. But remember… you don’t have to see everything to have an incredible day. Focus on the stops that excite you most, and give yourself time to actually enjoy them. In fact… This itinerary may be too packed for your liking, so feel free to skip some of these stops to spend more time on the ones you’ll enjoy most!
And if tackling a Scottish Highlands day trip on your own sounds like more of a headache than a vacation, then check out these fully guided day trips from Edinburgh where you get to sit back, enjoy the sights, and let someone else do the driving!
6:00 AM: Depart Edinburgh
You’ll need to start early to maximize daylight hours. Leaving around 6:00 AM helps you avoid crowds and gives you the best chance to soak in as much of the scenery along the way.
Tip: Download offline maps before you leave Edinburgh. Cell service can get patchy in the Highlands.
Stop 1: The Kelpies
Arrival time: ~6:50 AM | Drive time: ~50 minutes | Recommended time: 10–15 minutes
Location: 56°01'08.4"N 3°45'19.4"W
Your first stop is The Kelpies! Two towering, 100-feet-tall steel horse-head sculptures in The Helix Park near Falkirk. These monumental works of art pay tribute to Scotland’s industrial heritage and the mythical water spirits of Scottish legend. We only had about 10 minutes here, but it was enough time to admire the craftsmanship and grab some dramatic photos of the sculptures glowing in the early morning light.
Note: The Visitor Center has restrooms, a cafe, and a gift shop, but doesn’t open until 9 AM, so don’t get your hopes up for a hot coffee here!
Stop 2: Stirling Castle Viewpoint
Arrival time: ~7:30 AM | Drive time: ~25 minutes | Recommended time: 5 minutes
Location: 56°07'18.4"N 3°57'06.6"W
As you continue your journey from the Kelpies, you’ll pass Stirling Castle, one of the most historically important castles in Scotland. Perched dramatically on a volcanic crag, it played a key role in the Wars of Scottish Independence and was once home to Mary, Queen of Scots. This makes a great drive-by stop. With just a short detour off the M9, you'll get a clear view of the castle towering above the town from the Stirling Castle Viewpoint. We, unfortunately, didn't put the location into our GPS in time, so we missed this stop. So... Learn from our mistakes and put the coordinates in your GPS BEFORE you leave the Kelpies!
Tip: If you have extra time or plan to stretch this trip over two days, it’s worth a full visit. The castle offers incredible views and a deep dive into Scottish history, but you’ll need to plan for a solid 2-3 hours.
Stop 3: Luss (Loch Lomond)
Arrival time: ~8:30 AM | Drive time: ~55 minutes | Recommended time: 20-30 minutes
Location: 56.1023° N, 4.6362° W
Nestled along the western shore of Loch Lomond, Luss is a picture-perfect village known for its stone cottages, flower-filled gardens, and stunning views across the water. It’s a peaceful place to stretch your legs and soak in classic lochside scenery. We wandered down to the waterfront and loved the stillness of the morning.
Note: There are a couple of cafes in Luss, but they don’t open until 10 AM, so yet again… don’t get your hopes up for a hot coffee here!
Stop 4: The Green Welly Stop
Arrival time: ~9:45 AM | Drive time: ~45 minutes | Recommended time: 10–15 minutes
Location: 56.4382° N, 4.7126° W
Located in the small village of Tyndrum, the Green Welly Stop is a beloved roadside stop that’s part gas station, part café, part gift shop—and all-around Highland institution. It’s the perfect place to grab breakfast, fresh coffee/tea, and any road trip essentials before heading deeper into the Highlands. Whether you’re in the mood for a full Scottish breakfast, a warm pastry, or just a strong cup of coffee to keep you going, this place has you covered. We grabbed a quick breakfast to-go and took a few extra minutes to browse the quirky souvenirs while stretching our legs.
Tip: Don’t miss the shortbread cookies. They are delicious! And don’t waste your calories on the Bacon Roll.
Stop 5: Loch Tulla Viewpoint
Arrival time: ~10:45 AM | Drive time: ~45 minutes | Recommended time: 10–15 minutes
Location: 56.5680° N, 4.7541° W
This scenic pull-off delivers postcard-worthy views over Loch Tulla, framed by pine-covered slopes and distant peaks. It’s your first true taste of Highland wilderness. We hit this spot just as the clouds broke, and the sunlight lit up the hills… it was absolutely magical!
Note: The parking area is fairly small with limited space, so be prepared to wait if it’s crowded.
Stop 6: Glencoe
Arrival time: ~11:30 PM | Drive time: ~30 minutes | Recommended time: 75-90 minutes
Location: 56.6714° N, 5.0822° W
No Scottish Highlands road trip is complete without a visit to Glencoe, one of the most dramatic and beloved landscapes in all of Scotland. Formed by ancient volcanic activity and shaped by glaciers, this deep valley is known for its towering peaks, sweeping vistas, and moody, cinematic atmosphere.
While you could spend a whole day exploring here, even a short visit is unforgettable. If you only have time for a few key stops, we recommend:
Three Sisters Viewpoint: This is the classic Glencoe photo stop. A quick pull-off from the A82 gives you a jaw-dropping view of the rugged peaks that define the valley.
The Meeting of the Three Waters: Just down the road, this waterfall pours through a gorge and into the valley floor, easily accessible and incredibly photogenic.
River Etive Bridge (James Bond’s Skyfall location): Take the narrow road down Glen Etive for 15–20 minutes to reach this cinematic spot where Bond and M watch over the valley.
Hagrid’s Hut Filming Site: Also along the Glen Etive road, Harry Potter fans will recognize the grassy flatlands where Hagrid’s hut scenes were filmed.
Glencoe Lochan: A quiet, lesser-known walking trail surrounded by pine forests and mirrored loch views… great for a peaceful escape from the main road.
The Wee White House (Lagangarbh Hut): One of the most iconic scenes in the Highlands, a tiny white cottage set against the towering Buachaille Etive Mòr. Park at Altnafeadh and follow the trail for the best photo angle.
This was hands-down one of our favorite stops. Standing in the middle of the valley, surrounded by silence and mist, felt surreal.
Tip: If there’s one area we wish we’d had more time at, it’s Glencoe, so if you can, prioritize spending more time here.
Optional Stop: Fort William
Arrival time: ~1:30 PM | Drive time: ~30 minutes | Recommended time: 15–20 minutes
Location: 56.8198° N, 5.1052° W
Fort William is the largest town you’ll pass through on this route and a convenient place to fuel up, grab snacks, or take a quick break. There’s a supermarket (Lidl), several gas stations, and a handful of cafés if you’re ready for a second coffee or snack. It also happens to sit at the foot of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK. If the weather’s clear, you might catch a glimpse of it on your way through. We chose to just drive through, but it’s a great place to top off the tank and get ready for the next stretch of the drive.
Tip: This is one of your last chances for reliable fuel and groceries before heading deeper into the Highlands, so stock up if you need to!
Stop 7: Commando Memorial & Ben Nevis Views
Arrival time: ~1:40 PM | Drive time: ~40 minutes | Recommended time: 10 minutes
Location: 56.8978° N, 4.9441° W
Located just north of Spean Bridge, the Commando Memorial is one of the most moving and scenic viewpoints along the route. The bronze monument honors the British Commandos who trained in the area during World War II, and it also happens to offer panoramic views of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, on a clear day. It’s a quick stop, but one that leaves an impression. The combination of history, Highland silence, and sweeping views makes it a standout moment.
Tip: Visibility can change quickly. If Ben Nevis is hiding behind clouds, don’t worry, it’s still a beautiful spot for photos and a moment to stretch your legs.
Stop 8: Fort Augustus & Monster Fish & Chips
Arrival time: ~2:25 PM | Drive time: ~35 minutes | Recommended time: 60 minutes
Location: 57°08'46.9"N 4°40'53.8"W
Set on the southern tip of Loch Ness, Fort Augustus is a charming canal-side village where boats pass through a series of locks. It’s a great lunch stop, and it doesn’t get much better than Monster Fish & Chips! This was one of our most satisfying meals of the trip! Crispy, hot, and hearty. We’re still dreaming about it! Monster Fish & Chips does have limited outdoor seating, but we recommend taking your food to the Loch Ness Viewpoint, like we did. You’ll get waterfront views of Loch Ness and be able to watch boats glide by on the Caledonian Canal.
Tip: Salt and vinegar is the only proper way to have your fish and chips in these parts, so embrace the local culture… You won’t regret it! Unless you don’t like vinegar. Lol
Stop 9: Urquhart Castle Viewpoint
Arrival time: ~3:50 PM | Drive time: ~25 minutes | Recommended time: 5 minutes
Location: 57.3242° N, 4.4445° W
After lunch in Fort Augustus, take a short detour north along the western shore of Loch Ness to catch a glimpse of Urquhart Castle—a ruined medieval stronghold with dramatic views over the loch. While a full visit requires more time and a ticket, there’s a free viewpoint just before the entrance where you can admire the castle from above and snap a photo. We didn’t go into the visitor center, but the view from the overlook is worth a quick stop.
Tip: If you want to tour the ruins, allow at least an extra hour. Otherwise, the viewpoint offers a perfect quick stop.
Stop 10: Loch Ness Cruise
Arrival time: ~4:00 PM | Drive time: ~5 minutes | Recommended time: ~75 minutes
Location: 57.3373° N, 4.4778° W
No visit to the Highlands is complete without a moment on the legendary waters of Loch Ness. After lunch in Fort Augustus and a quick detour to Urquhart Castle, head to the docks for a one-hour cruise along one of the world’s most famous lakes. The boat glides past lush hillsides and gives you a wide-open view of the loch’s vast, dark waters. On some tours, you’ll even cruise by the ruins of Urquhart Castle from the water, which makes for incredible photos. We didn’t spot Nessie (bummer), but we loved the peaceful pace of this stop. After a full day of driving, it was the perfect reset before our final push to Inverness.
Tip: Book your cruise online in advance to guarantee your preferred time slot. Afternoon sailings sell out regularly, especially during peak season.
Stop 11: Hootananny in Inverness
Arrival time: ~5:40 PM | Drive time: ~25 minutes | Recommended time: 90–120 minutes
Location: 57.4791° N, 4.2272° W
A lively pub in the heart of Inverness, Hootananny serves up traditional Scottish food and live folk music. It’s a favorite with locals and visitors alike and makes for the perfect end to a long day on the road. We made a reservation weeks in advance and were glad we did since the place was packed! Between the haggis, the ale, and the live Scottish folk tunes, we were in Highland heaven.
Tip: Reserve a table ahead of time, especially if you want to catch the evening music.
8:00 PM Drive Back to Edinburgh
Arrival time: ~11:00 PM | Drive time: ~3 hours
If you’re doing this as a day trip (like we did), this is when you’ll make the long drive back to Edinburgh. I’m not going to lie, it was tough. So, if a 3-hour drive sounds like too much, consider staying the night in Inverness. There’s no shame in knowing your limits and staying safe. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to make the return drive along the East Route on day two with a whole new set of must-see sights! Here are a few hotels we recommend in Inverness…
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ness Walk
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ardconnel Court Apartments
We hope this guide helps you plan your own unforgettable journey through the Highlands. If it did, we’d love for you to follow along on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube Channel, where we share even more travel tips, detailed guides, and behind-the-scenes moments from the road. Thanks so much for reading, and happy travels!
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