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I loved Scotland and my multiple trips  I’ve taken there, so I decided this amazing Scotland Itinerary with you…

Scotland enchanted me so much, I’ve decided to move there. Well, I would if my partner didn’t want to live in the rain.

Nope, that is not a joke. In the next year and a half I am planning to head to Scotland for approximately six months and live in Edinburgh.  Just kidding – COVID ruined that.

I’ve been wanting to get back over to Europe for nearly 2 years now and this seems like the golden opportunity! And while I may have not moved to Scotland as planned, I am now living in Palma de Mallorca, Spain – and we’ve spent quite a bit of time in Scotland!

What enchanted me about Scotland exactly? When I was planning my Scotland Itinerary the first time I visited, I had no idea what to expect. Maybe it was the stories of the wee folk that captured my attention, I love good folklore.  Perhaps it was the bloody history of revolutions and wild men running amok inthe hills.  Perhaps it was the idea of men in kilts playing the bagpipes.  Maybe the tragedy of Mary Queen of Scots and her overturned throne.  But from the history to the wilderness and the kilts to the folklore, it is all marvelously rapturous.

I planned out a Scotland Itinerary that I  believe allowed me to see the best of the country and get a taste of it in the short amount of time I had. While I’m certain I did not see nearly enough, I am glad for the Scotland Itinerary I created allowing me to get the perfect taste of everything to initiate my love for all things Scotland! Just enough to tease the palate and let me make the decision to come back longer and for more.

I have extensively researched Scotland, how to travel there, and how to live there. I wish to share my knowledge with you to help you plan out your absolute best one-week Scotland vacation! From royal and prestigious Edinburgh to the rugged highlands, this one-week Scotland Itinerary has a little bit of it all.

If you want to learn more about my prepping for my Scotland moves my life in Spain, the travel agency, day to day life, and other goodstuff. (like my podcast!), don’t forget to give me a follow on Instagram!

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This Scotland Itinerary is fast-paced with the best of Scotland brimming in one week. With this itinerary, You can expect busy mornings & days with relaxing evenings.

There is a little wiggle room with one day where you could choose to take another day in one location. I would recommend this location be either Edinburgh or Inverness, but totally up to you!  On each of the stops on this Scotland Itinerary I have included additional places to visit and see should you have more time or not like a particular aspect of my itinerary! 

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More about Scotland from The Boho Traveller

Isle of Skye Guide

The Best Tours in Scotland

 

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Why should I plan a trip to Scotland?

Scotland has a long and rich history – that has actually been recorded and written down. This is not so much rare, but the details of the history are so well articulated is allows for it to truly come to life when you visit! So much of history is just hearsay, and verbal stories told, but Scotland’s written history dates far back. Not only that, but the landscape is remarkable, and there are more castle ruins interspersed throughout the land than you could ever hope to visit.

The people are welcoming, the public transport plentiful, and it is easy to travel to and from America or other parts of Europe to Scotland. I managed to fenagle a flight with EasyJet for only $60.  This trip is good for anyone of any age, moreover is an exceptionally great trip for first-time solo travelers, couples, or people looking for a little bit of everything.

There is literally no reason NOT to go to Scotland! 🙂

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Essentials to Know about Scotland Travel

Currency: ????  Great British Pound

Climate: ⛅️  Typically rainy and cool.  Pack layers and prepare for the weather to turn at any minute.  Temperature is measured in Celcius.

Driving: ????  KEEP TO THE LEFT. Distances are measured in miles, though you might hear people reference in kilometers as well.

Language: ????  Everyone speaks English, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to understand it. Scots can be a little hard to comprehend in their dialect, especially after a few pints. You’ll also see and hear Gaelic as well.

Tipping: ????  Not expected, but if the service was good 15% is always appreciated.

Getting around: ????  The train is relatively easy to navigate and tickets can be purchased online.  If you plan on solely relying upon public transportation, you should look into the ScotRail Travel Pass.  This ticket covers most busses, trains, and ferries, and covers multiple days of travel.

Travel Insurance: ???? I ALWAYS recommend purchasing travel insurance. You never know when something crazy is going to happen in the world (and I wrote this back in 2019) and all of your plans will change.

At the travel agency we exclusively recommend Travel Insured – they have amazing coverage that is a great rate.  I personally always add on the “cancel for work/cancel for any reason & Optional Bed Rest).  You can book insurance through Travel Insured Here.

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Other Resources for Scotland travel

I always purchase the Lonely Planet guidebook for any location I am traveling to. I recommend you do the same!

Many times you can get the ebook for free on your eReader. I prefer a hardcopy to toss in my backpack.  The reason I like these books, especially if not traveling with a tour, is you get a lot of the history and the importance behind the things you are seeing. If you’re doing a self-drive trip, this is a must-have in your car.

They explain microclimates, details you might not otherwise know while traveling, and fun little must-sees that you forget about and are reminded of while you are reading on a bus to your next stop.

You can get it on Amazon Prime for 20$

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What should I Pack for a Week in Scotland – What will I need for this Scotland Itinerary?

Waterproof Boots

As far as boots go, I wholeheartedly recommend Sorels. I wore my Columbia Snow boots (that were white) for most of my trip and while comfort/practicality wise they were perfect, I really wish they hadn’t been white! After a few hikes through some mud, they are permanently stained. Sorel offers a bunch of fashionable boots that will last you forever and are perfect for trekking through the muddy landscape of Scotland since they are pretty easy to clean as well!

Raincoat

My favorite raincoats come from Columbia and Helly Hansen.  For more of my wardrobe staples, check out my Amazon List!

Beanie/ Hat

Smartwool is my favorite brand when it comes to gear for your extremities!  Make sure to invest in a good beanie before you head to Scotland, Your ears will be thanking ye!

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One Week Scotland Itinerary

One Day & One Night in Edinburgh

Most travelers when arriving in Scotland will land in Edinburgh. If you are coming from London it is a four-hour train ride on the fast train into Edinburgh center. This is a great place to start your weeklong Scottish adventure.

What’s Important to Know About Edinburgh / Why should Edinburgh be in my Scotland Itinerary

Edinburgh is where most Scotland Itineraries are going to start! Edinburgh was the seat of the Scottish Crown before Scotland was officially joined with England by James I, son of Mary Queen of Scots, heir to Queen Elizabeth I, who never had any children of her own.

Edinburgh has a rich history and many tours and museums with take you deep into all the conflict that has rippled through Scotland for thousands of years. From resisting Viking raids, fighting off British rule, the highlanders becoming unwelcome by the city folk in the Highland clearances, and so much more.

Not only is Edinburgh rich in history, but it has a bustling atmosphere and is easily navigable. The historic citycenter is relatively small and walkable. Plus, the winding streets are worth traipsing down any day. You never know when you’ll stroll down a side street that is the perfect Instagram opportunity, or see a man in a kilt playing the bagpipes.

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Day One:

Walking Tour of Edinburgh

If you’ve never been to a particular city before, I usually recommend starting with a walking tour! This helps you get the lay of the land.This walking tour on Viator covers all of the basics and is reasonably priced for what you get. Don’t forget to tip your guides! What is covered on most tours of Edinburgh?

If you want a different take on an Edinburgh walking tour, don’t fret!  Potterheads unite – this Harry Potter Walking Tour is just the one to take.

• Royal Mile – The royal mile is the stretch of old streets and shops that leads from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace through oldtown Edinburgh.  It is almost exactly 1 mile long, hence it’s named!
• Castle of Edinburgh – The Castle of Edinburgh is the main feature of Edinburgh’s skyline.  It is a massive fortress which sits on Castle Rock at the head of the Oldtown. The Castle of Edinburgh was involved in many conflicts, and many famous ones during the Scottish fight for Independence in the 14th Century and the Jacobite Rebellion later on.
• Greyfriars Kirk- Old Graveyard in the Heart of Old Edinburgh.  One of the most haunted graveyards in the world.  Make sure your ghost tour, later on, includes this in its tour!
• Grassmarket – The Grassmarket is an old and historic marketplace area in old Edinburgh.
• Stories of Mary, Queen of Scots & Bonnie Prince Charlie
•  Old Tolbooth – No longer standing, the Old Tolbooth was a major facet of the burgh’s history for more than 400 years.  The location of Parliament, public executions, and much more.
• Edinburgh High Tea Experience – Journey through Edinburgh on a vintage bus while sipping on your high tea – one of the most unique things to do in Edinburgh.

After your tour grab lunch at one of the many pub options around town! Try some traditional Scottish food, like haggis, or just stick to your traditional pub food! After lunch, wander around and get lost in some of the streets of Edinburgh. You’ll probably be exhausted from your overnight flight, so maybe a nap before dinner and your ghost tour are in order!

If two tours in a day seem like a bit much, you can always opt-out of one, but the Underground Edinburgh Ghost Tour is TOTALLY worth it. I always do a ghost tour of some sort when I visit a new city, and underground Edinburgh is one of the best ones I have ever done.

Underground Edinburgh Ghost Tour

This Underground Edinburgh Ghost Tour was absolutely fabulous. You learn so much about the history of Edinburgh that nobody likes to tell. From how they treated the highlanders during the clearances, to other more ghastly graveyard scenes, this tour is intense. You are taken into places most of the public is never allowed in to see and it is worth every penny.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

Hotels in Edinburgh

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian
The Balmoral Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Homestays in Edinburgh

VRBO – Greyfriars Studio – Castle View
VRBO – NO.1 Apartments – Castle View
VRBO – Luxury Royal Mile Retreat

Hostels in Edinburgh

Castle Rock Hostel
High Street Hostel
Kick-Ass Greyfriars

Other Things to do in Edinburgh if You Have More Time

1. Royal Mile – The royal mile is the stretch of old streets and shops that leads from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace through oldtown Edinburgh.  It is almost exactly 1 mile long, hence it’s named!
2. Edinburgh Castle – The Castle of Edinburgh is the main feature of Edinburgh’s skyline.  It is a massive fortress which sits on Castle Rock at the head of the Oldtown. The Castle of Edinburgh was involved in many conflicts, and many famous ones during the Scottish fight for Independence in the 14th Century and the Jacobite Rebellion later on.
3. Calton Hill – Calton Hill is located in central Edinburgh, and hosts one of the city’s best views!  Come here at sunrise or sunset for spectacular lighting of magical Edinburgh!
4. Midhope Castle – Outlander Filming Location (Lallybroch Castle) -10 minutes outside of Edinburgh
5. National Gallery – The Scottish National Gallery is one of the best art galleries in Edinburgh.  The entrance is free, and there is a rooftop terrace with a gorgeous view of the city.
6. Grassmarket – The Grassmarket is an old and historic marketplace area in old Edinburgh.
7. Haunted History Tours – The Scottish are a superstitious folk, and Edinburgh is no stranger when it comes to ghost stories.  Take a Haunted History tour in Edinburgh, and you will definitely not be disappointed.
8. Arthur’s Seat – Arthur’s Seat is an excellent way to get a panoramic view of Edinburgh and the surrounding hills.  This glorious little hike on an extinct volcano is said to be named after the famous King Arther who pulled the sword out of the stone.
9. Whiskey Tasting – Love Whiskey?  The Scotch Whiskey Tasting Experience will give you the history and of course samples of Whiskey!  Fun for the whole family!
10. National Monument of Scotland –  Located on Calton hill – this unfinished monument was “completed” in 1829 and is often referred to as Scotland’s Folly
11. Scott Monument – The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic Monument to honor author Sir Walter Scott.  You can climb all 287 steps for a 200+ foot view from central oldtown Edinburgh.
12. Camera Obscura – A great place for kids and adults alike, this unique tourist attraction hosts a myriad of oddities and ends in its walls.  There is also a fantastic rooftop view of Edinburgh.
13. St Giles Cathedral – A major feature of the royal mile, this Gothic Cathedral stands out in the old town.  Made protestant by John Knox during the Scottish Reformation, the current building dates from the 14th Century.
14. Royal Botanic Garden – Founded in 1670 as a physic garden to grow medicinal herbs and plants, it is absolutely stunning to visit.  Entrance is free at the time of writing.
15. Brittania – This royal ship is kept in Edinburgh and was intended for several purposes, one to use as a hospital ship during the time of war, and also for Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh to escape upon the northern coast of Scotland should war break out.  It has never been used for either of these reasons but was in commission by the queen from the ’50s to the ’90s and is now a major tourist attraction.  Tickets cost around £9.

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Days Two and Three

     Two Days /  Two Nights in Inverness

Inverness is about a three-hour train ride from Edinburgh. No Scotland Itinerary would be complete without a visit to the Scottish Highlands, a place that is imbued with so much history and is the true heart and soul of Scotland. The highlands are what make you fall in love with Scotland. Sure, Edinburgh is vibrant, bustling, and full of life, but the highlands are where you can feel the Scot Spirit.

Near Inverness, you will find locations of the great Jacobite uprisings, as well as the fabled Loch Ness monster. Not only that, but when you travel this way north you’ll also find famous filming locations from popular TV shows Outlander and Reign.

What’s Important to Know About Inverness / Why should Inverness be in my Scotland Itinerary

Like I mentioned above, Inverness is the heart of the highlands. It was an epicenter for trade for the highlands, producing wool, timber, and much more. It is the grounds for nearby significant battles, and an easy location to make day trips to other parts of the highlands!

Inverness has a bustling pub life and is full of cute shops, and interesting activities. It is nestled at the northern end of Loch Ness and the River Ness flows through the city center.

Day 2

For this leg of your journey, you will want to take the early train to Inverness. If you have rented a car you will still want to get up early and get to driving. This will give you more time to explore Inverness and the surrounding areas! Once you get into Inverness drop off the luggage at your accommodation and then head to the Bus Station. If you drove, go ahead and map straight for Culloden Battlefield.

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Culloden Moor

Culloden is a mega important part of Scottish history. Its the location of where thousands of Jacobites gathered for battle to return Bonnie Prince Charlie, a Stuart back on the throne. In the bloody history between the Scottish and the British, this is considered the final battle in the resistance of absorbing Scotland into England.

The politics are confusing, but what is important to know that thousands lost their lives and it was a bloody mess.

Clava Cairn

Outlander fans rejoice – you may be able to find your own Jamie Fraser! Not too far from Culloden Moor are the Clava Cairns, a 4000+-year-old burial sites and standing stones. There is no public transportation to the stones, so if you didn’t rent a car you will have to walk. It takes about 30 minutes to walk to the stones from Culloden Moor and is about a 5-minute drive.

Inverness

After your adventure into history, head back to Inverness for dinner and wander around this cute little down. Nestled away in the highlands, Inverness has an amazing charm about it. Stroll along down the river ness and find yourself chatting with some locals.

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Day 3

Visit Fortrose & Rosemarkie

This little day was one of my favorite parts of my entire trip to Scotland! I walked SO MUCH and spent the entire day just wandering and exploring and it was utter class.

You can walk in between the two towns of Rosemarkie and Fortrose. I got dropped off by the bus driver in the middle of the town of Fortrose.  Make sure to take a moment to see the ruined Fortrose Cathedral.  From there I walked along the edge of a golf course to Chanonry Point. Here is a great spot for dolphin watching, and there is a cute little lighthouse. In the summer a woman sells ice cream from a truck. Right behind the building, there is a path that leads to Rosemarkie in between the beach shore and the golf course. It’s a stunning little walk – maybe 20/30 minutes just to get to the next tiny little town.

Once in Rosemarkie I wandered around the little streets and met some really cute locals. I also visited the Rosemarkie Faerie Glen. A beautiful little waterfall about a 30-minute walk down a trail. Super cute, loads of locals walking their dogs, and when you arrive, everything seems to go silent and the world just feels energised and magical.

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Urquhart Castle

After that fun little morning adventure, I hopped on the bus and went to Urquhart Castle. This castle is located right on Loch Ness and something you DEFINITELY need to do while you are visiting Inverness. You can almost feel the Scottish Jacobite Rebellion tensions floating in the air around you. You can also visit Nessieland here and take Loch Ness boat tours in search of the famous monster.

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Fort Augustus

After Urquhart, I continued to Fort Augustus which had the most spectacular views of Loch Ness. There also was a great little bothie there where I was able to eat some homemade haggis on toast (my first time!) I also visited an infamous bridge that is collapsing which the government has not helped the residents upkeep in funds or any other manner. In Fort Augustus there is also a famous castle that has been turned into a beautiful hotel, should you wish to stay there. Fort Augustus is a quaint little town and worth the pretty views of Loch Ness.

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Where to Stay in Inverness

If you’re dreaming of living out all your Scottish Higland Dreams and staying in a Castle,

Tulloch Castle Hotel is a Boutique Hotel is located just outside of Inverness and well worth the stay!

Hotels in Inverness

The Royal Highland Hotel
The Glenmoriston Townhouse
Glen Mohr Hotel

Homestays in Inverness

Riverside Apartment
Wells Street Cottage
Spacious City Center Apartment

Hostels in Inverness

Bazpackers Hostel
Inverness Student Hostel

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Other Things to do in & Near Inverness if You Have More Time

• Loch Ness Boat Tour
• Nessieland  – A goofy little tourist trap theme park, if you want to entertain your kids or just have endless hours in Scotland, you could stop by here.
• Culloden Battlefield
• Clava Cairn
• Urquhart Castle
• Weird and Offbeat: Leakey’s Bookshop – I stumbled across this incredible little bookstore in Inverness and I think about it often.  Go pop in and maybe find a fun used book.

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Days Four and Five

Two Days / Two Nights in the Isle of Skye

Click this link for my full blog post on the Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is deep in the highlands and is truly a magical place to visit. Fairy pools, incredible falls, intense hikes and so much more await you in Skye! This rural section of Scotland is full of one-lane roads and very little transportation.

To get to Skye from Inverness you will want to take the bus. You could take a train part of the way then transfer to a bus. But that’s a bit more complex than to just take the bus the whole way where there is no transfer required. It takes about 3.5 hours on the bus to get to Portree from Inverness. By car, it takes near 2.5 hours.

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What’s Important to Know About the Isle of Skye?

Why should the Isle of Skye be in my Scotland Itinerary?

The Isle of Skye is a mostly outdoor location. There are tons of castle ruins, hikes, and different outdoor sights to see. Just driving around is phenomenal, and there will always be another trail leading you further into the rugged landscape. The scenery will simply take your breath away, and it’s not something you can truly describe until you experience it for yourself.

The Isle of Skye is the innermost island of the archipelago of islands known as the Hebrides. Skye is 50 miles long. There are more sheep than people on this island! Two highland clans come from Skye, and they both still have castles on the Island.

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What to do in the Isle of Skye

Day Four

You will arrive in Skye at about midday if you are taking public transport. If you are driving in head straight to Dunvegan Castle for the afternoon and explore the area. The road down from the castle is a beautiful walk, and some of my favorite photos from Scotland were taken there! Dunvegan, home to the Macleod Clan, is the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland. The castle is closed during winter, but in the summer months, you can tour and see this stunning castle and gardens.

If you are opting to take a tour of all the main sights of Skye on Day 5, I would opt to instead explore a nearby hike like the Scorrybreac Trail, as Dunvegan Castle will most likely be covered in the tour. Be sure to check with the operator first before making any decisions!

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Day Five

Explore the Sights of Skye

There are two options for your second day in Skye! The first option is to rent a car and the second is to go about it with a tour group!

I chose to rent a car and go my own way, but I definitely would recommend seeing most of the sights of Skye by a tour group. If you are going with a tour group I recommend this one! If you’re traveling in the summer, a tour is going to help you best navigate the crowds and know the tips and tricks. A tour will also give you more of the historical background, local myth and lore, and take all the stress off of you!

Here is a list of day trips in the Isle of Skye.

The busses in Skye don’t run to most of the famous landmarks, and with renting a car the roads can get a bit tricky. Most of the roads are single lane and this can be stressful for many drivers in a foreign country. I was up for more of an adventure, hence why I chose to rent a car, but when I go back, I would love to do a tour to get a little more out of my experience and learn more about the folklore.

If you choose to go on your own you may be able to see more, but you also may not get as much of the history. Here are the big sights to add to your list if you do decide to go on your own.  If you head to my blog post on the Isle of Skye, there you will get a map for a road trip for the day that includes all of these places!

• Old Man of Storr
• Kilt Rock
• Lealt Falls
• The Quiraing
• Fairy Glen
• Fairy Pool
• Armadale Castle
• Neist Point

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Where to Stay in the Isle of Skye

Portree is the largest town in Skye and this is where you most likely will want to make your home base while you are here as it gives you a central location to explore the rest of the island.

Hotels in the Isle of Skye

Skeabost View Pods Skye
Skeabost House Hotel
The Royal Hotel

Hostels in the Isle of Skye

Portree Youth Hostel

Other Things to do in and Near Skye if You Have More Time

• Climb the Cuillin – A small mountain range in the Isle of Skye that many walk and hike
• Claigan Coral Beach – Ocean therapy and a walk on this stunning beach to pass the time and feel alone in the world.
• Visit Raasay Island –  Get on the ferry and head over to sparsely populated Raasay island for a day to feel truly remote.
• Explore Boreraig – A ghost town that has been deserted due to the highland clearances.
• Walk/Hike Brother’s Point (Rubha nam Brathairean)– A hidden treasure of Skye, this hike is one of the most beautiful on the island.
• Talisker Distillery – Located near Neist Point – this is the oldest functioning distiller on the Isle of Skye.
• Elgol – Cute little seaside village on the Isle of Skye.
• Dinosaur Museum
• Point of Sleat Walk – Pretty scenic walk with an unmanned lighthouse.
• Dunscaith Castle – A ruined castle that is tricky to get to and great if you don’t mind climbing a few rocks. One of my favorite experiences in Scotland.  Be sure to bring your camera equipment!
• Scorrybreac Circuit Walk – Trail with guesses what – more beautiful views! Located just outside of Portree.
• Eileen Donan Castle – Beautiful little castle with lots of history located just off of Skye.  Worth the trip if you are driving by or in the area.
• Museum of Island Life
• Kilmur Graveyard – interesting graveyard in Portree
• Duntulm Castle – Castle Ruins of Clan MacLeod
• St. Colomba’s Isle – Tiny little island in the River Snizort near Portree.
• Fairy Bridge – Easy little photo opt and cute bridge to see on your way to/from the Quiraing

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Day Six

One Day / One Night in Fort William

This day is completely optional, you can alter this day to be Edinburgh, Inverness, or Skye depending on what you want to see more of- and if you want to move locations less! The main reason I visited Fort William was so I could see the Glenfinnan Viaduct – a HUGE location in the Harry Potter films! If that isn’t something that interests you, I would skip Fort William and add an extra day in Edinburgh!

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What to do in Fort William – Why is it on this 1 Week Scotland Itinerary

The true reason I have included this stop in the itinerary is for all of you Potterheads out there! Also, Glen/Ben Nevis is absolutely stunning and worth the trip if you have extra time. Loads of beautiful hikes, trails, and more await you in this area!

Day Six

Travel to Fort William – I took the first bus out of Portree as the bus ride is around 3.5 hours. On travel days I always opt for an earlier rather than a later start. You can always sleep on the bus, or if you rent a car, take turns driving so one of you gets to nap at a time!

This leaves you only a few hours to do one thing, and I chose to head to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. I gave myself 3 hours at the Glenfinnan Viaduct. When you get dropped off you just follow a little trail that takes you right up to the base of it! There is loads of room to take photos, and I even flew the drone some.

To the left of the viaduct, there is a little trail. I started the walk up to get a better view and decided to keep going for a little while. The hike goes for 2.2 km or more I believe, and I didn’t do the whole thing, but if you go up for about 15 minutes, you will come across some incredible viewpoints of a loch and the surrounding mountains. It’s absolutely grand.

The bus driver will tell you when the last bus back to Fort William is, and where to pick up. If you miss it, you’ll be stuck hitchhiking back.

If you don’t want to stay the night in Fort William you can always opt to take the late train back to Edinburgh! If you packed light this is a fantastic option, since you won’t have anywhere to leave your luggage.

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Day Seven

1 Day / 1 Night in Edinburgh

With your last couple of hours in Scotland, I recommend what I always do at this point in my trip – take the remainder of my budget and shop til ya drop!  If you’ve never been to a Primark before, now is the time.  I also recommend heading to Calton Hill to catch a glimpse of your last Scottish Sunset before you head home!

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Shop my Favourite Scotland Gear!

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