Itinerary: 8 days in Scotland

Planning A Personal Intinerary In Scotland

Itinerary: 8 days in Scotland

This Itinerary you are reading right now is a personal itinerary I wrote for someone that was travelling to Scotland. This was based on their likes and dislikes, the places they wanted to see, their budget and their time frame.

You can read this article to get advice to write and plan your own Itinerary, Maybe follow this. But for the best results, you can commission me to write you a personal article just like this one. There is a link at the end of the article.

Day 1- Edinburgh Arrival

Welcome to Scotland, Today is about going at your own pace. I understand you could be extremely tired from travelling or just wanting to get going and seeing what Scotland has to offer.

I will take you straight out of the city of Edinburgh so you can explore all the little castles, Manor houses, ruins, and small historic towns.

There is no must-see thing to do today but a list of places that are recommended for the area.

Today’s Accommodation is based on trying to get to stay in a castle.

Journey time today – 1 hour to 2 hours (not including time at stops)

This is the journey without stops. (Depending on which accommodation is chosen)

Pick up car at airport

These are some the car rentals at the airport. Look at booking one of these before you arrive for online discounts and piece of mind. Keep an eye on mileage allowance as your looking around 1000 miles round trip

The pictures below show rough prices for your trip size.

Pick up car at airport, explore towards Earlston Area

On route on I have mapped out a lot of interesting places that you should see on the way. Research these places beforehand so you can decide if you want to add any to your list or take them off.

Places that might be of interest

In order From North to South (Current travelling Direction)

  • Crichton Castle (Crichton Castle is a ruined castle)
  • Soutra Aisle (The remains of the House of the Holy Trinity, a church that was part of a complex comprising a hospital and a friary.)
  • Thirlestane Castle (I believe this will be shut when you arrive as the season runs until September) https://thirlestanecastle.co.uk/ it might just be parts that or closed of to the public might be worth a stop when you pass.
  • Whitslaid Tower (Whitslaid Tower was an ancient Berwickshire seat of the Lauder family for over 300 years. It is today a ruin)
  •  Abbotsford (The Home Of Sir Walter Scott) https://www.scottsabbotsford.com/visit
  • Scott’s View (View Point)
  • St Boswells (Town)
  • Dryburgh Abbey (was nominally founded on 10 November 1150 in an agreement between Hugh de Morville)

Explore these places and the small villages on the way to your Accommodation. Don’t tire yourself out, rest from travel and take in some of Scotland there is much more to see.

Accommodation

Here are some of my picks of Accommodation, I would book these before you arrive due to the unique nature of the hotel and their likelihood to sell out.

Please Note: The accommodation is found near the furthest point of todays journey so please make sure you don’t travel straight here if you were planning on stopping on route.

Places to eat

  • Abbotsford The Home Of Sir Walter Scott (This place is on your places of interest. There is a restaurant onsite and might make a nice place to enjoy some food)
  • The Hoebridge  A highly reviewed place for a evening meal https://www.thehoebridge.com/menu

For cafes head up to Tweedbank there are many small coffee shops. These normally close between 4-5pm

Day 2 – Wake up At Earlston

Hopefully you got a good sleep in one of the oldest buildings you have ever slept in. Today I take you on a journey crossing over into England to see a wall that was built to secure the Roman Empire’s north-western border in the province of Britannia.

You won’t need any extra visas and there will be no passport checks. Just a welcome to England sign which can be hard to miss.

Of course today’s do not miss is the wall itself but there are many historic places you can see on the way if you chose too.

The accommodation today has a bit of range, choose from a hotel, B&B (Bed&Breakfast) or a Budget Hotel to fit your financial needs

Journey time today –2 hours  (Leave Early to get the most out of your day)

Drive down to Hadrian’s Wall spend the day exploring the wall.

Places that may be of interest

Here are all the places you can visit.

A great walk is THE BIRDOSWALD ROMAN TRAIL

If you have seen enough of the wall

Accommodation

Places to eat

Mr Browns (Café near the wall) 17 Front St, Brampton CA8 1NG

For restaurants heads to Carlisle it has the most range. Fells Restaurant has good reviews

Day 3 – Wake up Carlisle

Today is all about books and great views, Showing you Scotland’s Book town and showing you some of the most untouched parts of Scotland at Bruce’s Stone in the Galloway national park.

Hopefully today your find your new favourite book to read at your favourite view.

Two must see places are Wigtown and Bruce’s stone.

As you are in one of Europe’s dark skies (meaning you can see the stars the best) the accommodation has been selected to match this.

Journey time today –2 hours (Leave Early to get the most out of your day)

Places of Interest

In order From East To West (Current travelling Direction)

  • Wigtown here are all the great books shops. https://www.wigtown-booktown.co.uk/bookshops/
  • Newton Stewart – Last built up town before the massive national park, get supplies if needed.
  • Bruce’s Stone in Galloway National Park (This one of my Favourite places in Galloway National park, This is my Video on the National Park https://youtu.be/dWkEEfJJDF8
    You can find many walks around the park. But Bruce’s stone is home to one of the most untouched parts of Scotland and it is beautiful. It was placed in this spot in 1929 to commemorate King Robert’s victory over the English in 1307. You’ll notice a lot of Scotland’s history contains a common theme that the English are bad people, but I promise we aren’t.

Accommodation

Award winning off-grid shepherd’s hut  https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/33335625
This hut I personally stay here it’s part of my video https://youtu.be/kW9M2t3ietI, you will see and read about the fact it doesn’t have a shower. This might not be best but with correct planning if this may or may not be a problem

Creebridge House Hotel https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/creebridge-house

Enterkine House Hotel https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/enterkine-house

Places to eat

  • ReadingLasses is a coffee shop in wigtown with great reviews
  • Bruce’s stone area you will find a café and benches, Weather depending this could a great place for a picnic you can get food at Tesco in Newton Stewart
  • The best place for an evening meal would be Newton Stewart.

Day 4 – Wake up at Galloway Area

Today is about short stops on a bit of a driving day, I will give you lots of places you can see on this drive as you will be going past so much and I don’t want you too miss out.

You can choose from the list below and choose the places you really want to see or just see how the drive takes you.

Please note Glasgow is a beautiful city and when making this itinerary for you it was extremely hard to not have a day stay in this city. But I felt to fit your needs more it was best to use it as a stop so you could see more.

Must see is Loch Lomond, You cant miss it, you drive right around it. You will notice the change in Landscape.

Also, the drive though Glencoe where so many movies have been filmed like James Bond and Harry Potter. When you get to Glencoe, and you see all the beautiful mountains you’ll see why.

The accommodation today is 1-2 nights depending on if you want a day off driving on the 10/11 ( UK 11/10) With extra driving on the 10/12 (12/10 English)

Journey time today – 5 hours  (Not including stopping time)  You would be best to arrive at Fort William for 6pm as sunset is around this time. Some of the roads around Loch Lomond are not best to take in the dark. So If you want the most of this day leave early.

Places of Interest

In order From South To North (Current travelling Direction)

Please note these are just some of the places that I recommend, this route is beautiful and you will end up stopping and just taking photos or taking in the beautiful scenery. Please allow as much time as possible and take your time.

  • Silverburn (Glasgow) BigShopping centre – Great for clothes
  • Glasgow – The history in the city is seen from its high street and better yet the Glasgow Necropolis as it’s a great lookout of the city ( If you really want to go to glasgow message me, I’m more than happy to give a lot of recommendations for the city as I currently live here. But I don’t want you to miss out on of stuff in your journey.
  • Loch Lomond-  Inveruglas Pyramid – An Ceann Mòr – This is the best look out on the Loch.
  • The Drovers Inn – Historic and great food
  • Falls of Falloch – 5 minute walk from the car park, its beautiful
  • Loch Tulla Viewpoint – a carpark on the side of the road to look at something you past giving the driver some time to enjoy the beauty
  • Glencoe Visitor Centre – National Trust for Scotland – A place to stop at and learn a little about Glencoe
  • (Harry potter fans) Hagrid’s Hut – Background for nearly all the Harry Potter films is in Glencoe – If you’re a Harry potter fan it’s a good sight up a little bit of steep climb, if your not a fan probably wouldn’t mean much
  • You will Drive down the Road James Bond drives on in Skyfall – Don’t need to stop but cool fact if your into James Bond
  • Ben Nevis Visitor Centre – Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Scotland

Places to eat

  • Gro Coffee ( ayr) 4 Highfield Dr, Ayr KA8 9SH- Excellent cakes and coffee, perfect for the long drive ahead
  • The Drovers Inn (oldest licenced pub in Scotland)- Real traditional Scottish food, Tatties Neeps and Haggis is a must try
  • The Real Food Café Tyndrum, Crianlarich FK20 8RY- Highly recommended café based foods

Accommodation ( book these for one or two days depending on your plan)

Day 5 – Wake up At Fort William

Cho- Cho, All Aboard. You might be a fan of trains and know of the world-famous Jacobite. Or maybe you’re Harry potter fan and you want to see ride upon the Hogwarts Express over the Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in all the films.

Take it easy today and relax on the train, Return ticket to Mallaig ( Ma-lay-guh) please! Leave at 10am and back for 4pm just in time for tea.

You might of booked two nights in fort William if so relax and unwind, finish your tea and take a bit of tomorrow’s journey.

One must see thing is the Jacobite!

Book your tickets here and do so before they sell out.

Accommodation (if you have decided to move on, if you did book these for 2 days)

Day 6 – Wake up At Dornie ( or Fort William)

Today, is all about Skye. If you Went to Dornie you have a little bit more of a lay in, if you Stayed in Fort William, you have a bit of an earlier Start today but don’t worry whatever you have picked you won’t miss out.

Today there is a must-see bakery on this list, A hansel and Gretel style Bakehouse with delicious food. Other than that, is the Fairy pools. I hope you get some good weather today but it is Scotland after all.

Accommodation today is Staying at a place near Dornie, You might be already staying here or you might be booking your 1st night, this is what you chose when you were at Fort William.

Things to do

Explore the Eilean Donan Castle, this castle has a brilliant moody look to it.

Then move on the check out Manuela’s Wee Bakery, this is on the list of places to see as it’s a unique bakery, its food is delightful, but the fairytale style buildings make it a must go to place.

Head towards Skye and cross over the bridge and take time to drive around this beautiful island stopping where you see fit.

Journey time today – 6 ½ hours if you travel from Fort William to and around Skye and see all the sights listed. I would recommend leaving around 8am to get the most from this day around the Isle

There are a couple of must-see places on this list

  • The Fairy pools (famous landmark on the Isle of Skye)
  • Dunvegan Castle (heart of the 42000-acre MacLeod Estate on the Isle of Skye)
  • Portree (for its shops and cafes)
  • Quiraing viewpoint (you can do some really nice walks from here)
  • Jurrasic Footprints @ An Connan Beach (best to see at low tide)
  • Kilt Rock (Natural landscape)
  • Old Man of Storr, (This is a big hike. You can see it from the car park.)

Here is my video on the Isle of Skye and this area https://youtu.be/blCSbS0lqeQ

Places to eat

  • Manuela’s Wee Bakery (Great bakery a must stop)
  • The Three Chimneys and The House Over-by (Restaurant Near Dunvegan Castle)
  • Dulse and Brose (Restaurant near Portree)

Accommodation

Head back to Accommodation Dornie (or book for 1st night)

Day 7 – Wake up At Donnie

Today is another driving day, we need to back to Edinburgh for 1 o’clock tomorrow, but there is still so much to see.

We head up to Loch Ness and try and find the Monster,

long driving day to see loch ness and the castles and some small beautiful towns on the way.

Must see the loch ness Monster.

Accommodation is the biggest range yet and I recommend booking close to the airport for the last night, but out of ease that might be best to book two nights at an airport accommodation or you might feel like you want to go out with a bang and head to the posh Balmoral hotel.  Just be aware parking is not included with all the accommodation below and you might need to use city parking.

Journey time today – 5 ½ hours travel time there is a lot of stops again. I recommend spending more time at the small town of Pitlochry.

Things to do

  • Loch Ness (don’t put this in google maps, skip it and put in Urquhart castle)
  • Urquhart Castle (Urquhart Castle, a ruin, sits beside Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland)
  • Aviemore (beautiful Ski Town)
  • Dalwhinnie Distillery (A Malt Whisky Distillery)
  • Blair Castle & Gardens (It is the ancestral home of the Clan Murray, and was historically the seat of their chief, the Duke of Atholl,)
  • Pitlochry (Beautiful town with a Huge Dam)
    https://youtu.be/L8Gie96M0iI (My Video on the area)
  • House of Bruar (A posh Scottish gift shop with café)
  • The Hermitage (Nice woodland walk (Tay Forest Park)
    https://youtu.be/bILkl0AeFAU (my Video on The area)
  • Huntingtower Castle (Huntingtower Castle, once known as Ruthven Castle or the Place of Ruthven, is located near the village of Huntingtower)
  • Balvaird Castle (Balvaird Castle in Perthshire is a traditional late medieval Scottish tower house.)
  • Forth Bridges Viewpoint (Perfect area to capture all three bridges that cross the Firth of Forth)

Places to eat

  • Port-na-Craig Inn & Restaurant ( Riverside restaurant in Pitlochry)
  • House of Bruar Café
  • The Kings Highway – JD Wetherspoon (Budget pub in Inverness)

Accommodation

Day 8 – Wake up At Edinburgh (Edin-bruh)

Today is your last full day and you need to explore the beautiful city of Edinburgh there is so much to see here but one thing is a must climb up the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle for the 1oclock gun.

Again there is a lot of places to see on this list but take it at your own pace. Enjoy your final day

I would highly recommend heading to an airport hotel tonight if you are not already at one. As you will need to get up early and catch your flight.

Things to do in Edinburgh

There is only one thing on this list that needs to be done at a certain time and that’s seeing the Edinburgh castle make sure your in castle for 1 o’clock. Maybe head there 12 or half 12 latest. You want to see the cannon!

  • Dean Village (looks lovely after dark)
  • Royal mile is fantastic for all the old historic buildings
  • Check out the parliament building (not the biggest fan as its a new building around lovely old buildings)
  • For the best view of the city check out Arthurs seat. This is a climb though.
  • Learn about the story of Greyfriars Bobby and rub his nose for luck (Greyfriars Kirkyard nearby inspired many characters names in Harry Potter novels.)
  • See the The Elephant House, where JK Rowling Wrote The Philosophers (Sorcerers) Stone.
  • Edinburgh is the home of art with the Fringe. Unfortunately, you could of missed this so festival but there are many more https://www.sisf.org.uk/about-the-festival/
  • See these Museums, National Museum of Scotland and National Galleries of Scotland
  • Do a Johnnie Walker Experience (Tour and Tasting) https://www.johnniewalker.com/en-gb/visit-us-princes-street/

This Website has some great information on it things to do and places to eat.

Where To eat and drink

Accommodation

Moxy Edinburgh Airport https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/moxy-edinburgh-airport

Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/marriott-dalmahoy-country-club

Day 9 – Wake up near the Airport

Today you leave I really hope you enjoyed your time in Scotland, make sure you pick up some goodies at the airport.

Must see, getting on the plane.

Would recommend getting to the airport 4/5 hours beforehand just in case in delays in security.

Must do things in scotland

  • Try a deep-fried Mars bar or pizza (Probably don’t do both. That’s a lot of grease)
  • Scottish breakfast ( potato Scone and square sausage is a must try)
  • Haggis neeps and tatties ( haggis, turnip and potatoes)
  • Edinburgh gin and tonic ( it’s a good gin)
  • Try a malt whisky or four ( scotch)
  • Find the Loch Ness monster (good luck)
  • See an highland cow (nearly as rare as the loch ness monster)
  • Try original Irn bru (1901 glass bottle)
  • Try the local seafood (oysters are “nice” apparently)
  • Get some shortbread (best to take some home with you)
  • Try a Tunnock’s teacake (these squish easily so eat them whilst your here)
  • Cadburys Chocolate (it’s much creamier in the UK)
  • Listen to the Bagpipes (there is normally a piper situated on the Royal Mile most of the locals hate the bagpipes, but it is a Scottish tradition after all)
  • Have a pint at the Airport not recommended if you’re driving on the other side but if there’s an opportunity to drink the Scots will take it
  • Scottish Tablet its essentially solid sugar but lovely with a tea or coffee
  • Greggs Sausage Roll a great lunch time snack
  • Tap Water, this may seem strange but its free and safe to drink and some of the nicest in the world.

Ways to save money when travelling in Scotland

  • Aldi and Lidl are the cheapest supermarket
  • Tesco Clubcard’s are free to get you get just put a hotel address when signing up, these will save you money on a lot of purchases in Tesco. Download the app.
  • Tesco do meal deals (sandwich, drink and crisps for £3 or £3.50 with no Clubcard) Meal deals are available in nearly all supermarkets, but Tesco is known to be the best for range and taste
  • Get snacks for the road
  • If you want cheap breakfast, lunch or dinner look for your nearest Weatherspoon’s pub
  • Your never to far from a Greggs bakery which is a good place for a snack
  • Carry a reusable water bottle most Scottish cities have free water bottle filling stations or their streets also available after security at the airport.

Things to do before you go

  • Read this Itinerary and look to the places make sure your happy with the route and the sights that you’re going to see
  • Decied on the accommodation that you are going to stay at in the area for each day using my list of recommendations or adding your own.
  • Book the Accommodation as soon as possible
  • Book the Return train journey as soon as possible
  • Book the Car Rental as soon as possible
  • Must sure you have the correct visa, travel insurance and flight details.

If you want your own personal Intinerary

As i said at the start of the article I make, custom made Scotland Intineraries. These can be anything from a weekend away in Scotland, a short holiday or a life changing backpacking trip.

These itineraries can be budget for you guys that want to live out of hostels and want to hike the mountains or expensive for you guys that want to go up in smoke on the Jacobite express.

I will take in all your interests, you may like history, books and trains like the personal intinerary above or maybe your more into hikes, beaches and food. They are tailored around you.

If there is places that you want to see. Maybe you want to find the Loch Ness Monster, or maybe you want to see the Isle of Arran and all its beauty, I can help plan this.

Check out my Gig on Fiverr here: https://www.fiverr.com/prawnbutt/plan-an-amazing-tripin-scotland-for-you