9-Day Scottish Highlands Highlights Road Trip 9D

Duration9 Days
Difficulty 1 star
  • Program Outline
  • Dates
  1. D1: China - Edinburgh

    Arrive in the charming city of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Recognized by UNESCO as a City of Literature, Edinburgh is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and historically rich cities in the United Kingdom. Nestled on the coastal highlands of eastern Scotland and overlooking the North Sea, the city offers breathtaking views and a unique cultural atmosphere.

    Depending on your flight schedule, you may explore the city at your own pace and immerse yourself in its distinctive character. If you arrive early, you’ll have the opportunity to join a guided City Walk, strolling through the story-filled Old Town and heading up to Calton Hill for sweeping views of the Edinburgh skyline — a perfect way to begin your journey.

    Along the way, you’ll visit iconic landmarks such as the Royal Mile and Victoria Street — places that directly inspired J.K. Rowling in her creation of the Harry Potter series. Walking these historic streets feels like stepping into the real-life foundations of the wizarding world, as your guide brings to life the stories behind beloved characters and magical settings.

    Later in the day, we will hold a brief welcome and pre-departure meeting to introduce your trip leader and fellow travelers, go over key itinerary highlights and important notes, and ensure everyone is well-prepared for the journey ahead through Scotland.

    Transport : Enterprise Rent-A-Car (0.5-1 hour)

    Accommodation : Edingburg Local Hotel (or similar)

    Meal : (On Own)

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  2. D2: Edinburgh - Stirling

    【Morning】: Edinburgh John Muir Way Highlights Walk
    (A curated section of the John Muir Way through Edinburgh, offering a modern interpretation of John Muir’s vision of harmony between people and nature.)

    【Afternoon】: Wallace Monument In-Depth Tour
    (A nationally significant historical landmark commemorating Scottish hero William Wallace. Climb the tower for sweeping views of the Battle of Stirling Bridge site, and gain deeper insight into 13th-century resistance history and the symbolic power of this monument within Scotland’s national identity and commemorative tradition.)

     

    Accommodation : Stirling Local Hotel (or similar)

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch

    Trekking Distance : 10 kilometers

    Trekking Time : 4-5 hours

    Altitude Gains & Losses : 100 meters

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  3. D3: Stirling - Cairngorms National Park

    【Morning】: Exclusive Private Visit to Glamis Castle
    (Enjoy privileged access to one of Scotland’s most legendary castles, guided by a storyteller closely connected to the estate’s history. Hear tales of royal intrigue and centuries-old secrets, and experience the quiet grandeur and hidden legacy of aristocratic life in an intimate and atmospheric setting.)

    【Afternoon】: Hiking in Cairngorms National Park
    (Explore the UK’s largest national park on foot, passing through Highland forests and rugged foothill habitats. Trace the elusive signs of the endangered Scottish wildcat and immerse yourself in the serene harmony between wilderness and nature.)

    Accommodation : Hotel Near Cairngorm National Park (or similar)

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  4. D4: Cairngorms National Park - Inverness

    Morning: Loch Ness Cycling
    Cycle from Inverness to Dores along tranquil countryside roads, with glimpses of Loch Ness and Highland peaks. Ride e-MTBs for a relaxed pace, stopping at scenic points and a lakeside pub for a full Highland experience.

    Afternoon: Highland Farm Visit
    Visit a local Highland farm to learn about rural life, meet the farmers, and interact with iconic Highland cattle and sheep—an intimate encounter with the land and its traditions.

    Accommodation : Inverness Local Hotel (or similar)

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  5. D5: Inverness - Skye - Ullapool

    Departing from Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands, we begin the first day of the North Coast 500 (NC500) journey. We take a special detour to the legendary Isle of Skye—though not part of the official NC500 route, its epic landscapes and rich Gaelic heritage make it an unmissable hidden gem of any Highland adventure. By evening, we return north along the scenic west coast to reach the picturesque harbor town of Ullapool, where the meeting of loch and sea offers a tranquil setting for the first overnight stay.

    Accommodation : Ullapool Local Hotel (or similar)

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  6. D6: Ullapool - Thurso

    Departing from Ullapool, the journey follows the northern stretch of the North Coast 500 (NC500)—widely regarded as the most raw and dramatic section of the entire route. With its wild beauty and striking geographical contrasts, this is where the landscape truly earns its reputation as “the road to the edge of the world.”

    Along the way, highlights include the haunting ruins of Ardvreck Castle, the elegant Kylesku Bridge, and countless untamed vistas where sea and history meet. By evening, we arrive in Thurso, one of Scotland’s northernmost seaside towns. With views stretching toward the Orkney Islands, we end the day at the remote northern edge of the mainland, where sky meets sea in quiet majesty.

    Accommodation : Thurso Local Hotel (or similar)

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  7. D7: Thurso - Inverness - Fort William

    Departing from the northern town of Thurso, we head south along the east coast, gradually completing the full loop of the legendary North Coast 500 (NC500). As we leave the windswept edge of the mainland behind, the route winds past scenic lochs and villages—offering a final chance to reflect on the dramatic landscapes and cultural soul of the Highlands.

    After passing through Inverness, we continue westward, traversing glens and sea lochs, and finally arrive in Fort William—the hiking capital of Scotland. Nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, this vibrant town is a dream gateway for hikers and climbers, setting the stage for new adventures to come.

    Accommodation : Fort William Local Hotel (or similar)

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  8. D8: Fort William

    In the early morning, we drive to the highland village of Kinlochleven to begin the most iconic final stage of the West Highland Way. The trail leads from Kinlochleven through the dramatic landscapes of Glen Nevis, all the way to Fort William, a renowned destination for hikers in Scotland.

    Covering approximately 24 kilometers with a total ascent of 504 meters, this route offers diverse terrain and a dynamic rhythm—an unforgettable Highland journey that blends stunning scenery, physical challenge, and the true spirit of long-distance trekking.

    Accommodation : Fort William Local Hotel (or similar)

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch

    Trekking Distance : 25 kilometers

    Trekking Time : 6-7 hours

    Altitude Gains & Losses : 504 meters

    - Reference Hotel Pictures

  9. D9: Fort William - Glasgow; Departure or Extension Program

    After enjoying a delightful breakfast, we return to Glasgow. Before parting ways, gather for a farewell lunch accompanied by a live bard performance—a poetic tribute to the journey through the Highlands.
    You are then free to choose your preferred time to depart, or continue onward from Glasgow to your next destination.

    (Transfer provided to both Glasgow Train Station and Glasgow Airport)

    Meal : Breakfast; Lunch

Date of departureDate of return
2025-10-012025-10-09招募中
2025-10-112025-10-19招募中

Route Type Trekking Adventure

Route CodeNA

Independent Group
Customized Itinerary
Family Tour

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