Glasgow to Inverness: The West Highlands & Skye Drive

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The route · 7 stops

1
Glasgow
1 night
Scotland's largest city is the natural entry point for flights from London and international hubs. Reserve the day for Glasgow Cathedral, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the Merchant City before the driving begins. Fill the tank here; fuel becomes more expensive heading north and west.
Scotland's largest city is the natural entry point for flights from London and international hubs. Reserve the day for Glasgow Cathedral, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the Merchant City before the driving begins. Fill the tank here; fuel becomes more expensive heading north and west.
Leave central Glasgow early on day 2 to clear the A82 south of Loch Lomond before it narrows. The road past Luss is slow in peak-season traffic.
2
Glencoe
1 night1h 54m · 137 km from previous
Drive north via Loch Lomond's west shore, stopping at Luss village and the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint. Glencoe valley arrives as the road descends from Rannoch Moor: a flat glacial floor flanked by the Three Sisters ridge. Allow the afternoon for a short valley walk or the easy stroll to the Signal Rock viewpoint.
Drive north via Loch Lomond's west shore, stopping at Luss village and the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint. Glencoe valley arrives as the road descends from Rannoch Moor: a flat glacial floor flanked by the Three Sisters ridge. Allow the afternoon for a short valley walk or the easy stroll to the Signal Rock viewpoint.
The Three Sisters viewpoint pullout on the A82 fills by 10 am in summer. Arrive before 9:30 am or visit after 4 pm. Waterproofs essential even on clear mornings.
3
Fort William
1 night17m · 20 km from previous
The largest town in the western Highlands and gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak. The Nevis Range gondola is the easiest way up for non-climbers. Neptune's Staircase at Banavie, a series of eight canal locks, is a short drive north and a surprisingly memorable sight.
The largest town in the western Highlands and gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak. The Nevis Range gondola is the easiest way up for non-climbers. Neptune's Staircase at Banavie, a series of eight canal locks, is a short drive north and a surprisingly memorable sight.
The Nevis Range gondola runs weather permitting; check the website before driving up. Last major outdoor gear shops before Portree are here.
4
Eilean Donan Castle
1 night1h 1m · 73 km from previous
The 13th-century castle sits on a tidal island where three sea lochs meet, backed by the mountains of Kintail. The drive west from Fort William via Invergarry and Shiel Bridge is dramatic in its own right. Overnight at Kyle of Lochalsh or Dornie to visit the castle early, before coach parties arrive.
The 13th-century castle sits on a tidal island where three sea lochs meet, backed by the mountains of Kintail. The drive west from Fort William via Invergarry and Shiel Bridge is dramatic in its own right. Overnight at Kyle of Lochalsh or Dornie to visit the castle early, before coach parties arrive.
Arrive before 9:30 am to beat the tours. The castle interior is worth 45 minutes; book tickets online to avoid queuing.
5
Portree, Isle of Skye
3 nights48m · 57 km from previous
Cross the Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh (no toll) and drive 50 km to Portree, the island's small colourful capital. Three nights gives time for the Trotternish Loop, Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, Fairy Pools and Neist Point without rushing. Roads to outlying spots are single-track and slower than they look.
Cross the Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh (no toll) and drive 50 km to Portree, the island's small colourful capital. Three nights gives time for the Trotternish Loop, Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, Fairy Pools and Neist Point without rushing. Roads to outlying spots are single-track and slower than they look.
Book accommodation three to six months ahead for July and August. The Quiraing car park holds about 40 vehicles; leave Portree by 7 am for peak-season visits.
6
Mallaig
1 night54m · 65 km from previous
Drive south through Skye to Armadale (75 minutes) and take the CalMac ferry to Mallaig (30 minutes). Mallaig is a compact fishing port with seafood restaurants and ferry connections to the Small Isles. The following morning's drive east on the A830 passes the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Silver Sands of Morar on the way to Fort William.
Drive south through Skye to Armadale (75 minutes) and take the CalMac ferry to Mallaig (30 minutes). Mallaig is a compact fishing port with seafood restaurants and ferry connections to the Small Isles. The following morning's drive east on the A830 passes the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Silver Sands of Morar on the way to Fort William.
Book the Armadale to Mallaig CalMac ferry at calmac.co.uk. Timed to leave Mallaig by 8:30 am the next morning, you catch the Jacobite Steam Train on the viaduct mid-morning.
7
Inverness
1h 59m · 143 km from previous
The final drive goes east from Mallaig on the A830 past the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Silver Sands of Morar to Fort William, then north through the Great Glen alongside Loch Ness to Inverness. Stop at Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness for the classic view across the water. The drive takes about 3 hours 20 minutes with stops.
The final drive goes east from Mallaig on the A830 past the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Silver Sands of Morar to Fort William, then north through the Great Glen alongside Loch Ness to Inverness. Stop at Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness for the classic view across the water. The drive takes about 3 hours 20 minutes with stops.
Inverness Airport has direct flights to London, Amsterdam and other European hubs. The city centre is 15 minutes from the terminal by bus or taxi.

Glasgow to Inverness: The West Highlands & Skye Drive

The route · 7 stops

Glasgow

Glencoe

Fort William

Eilean Donan Castle

Portree, Isle of Skye

Mallaig

Inverness

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