What can I discover in Scotland in a week?

A reader wonders if it’s feasible to explore much of Scotland within just a week. Our expert offers some insights.

The team at Dinogo Planet is ready to tackle your travel questions and offer advice for a smooth journey. Dinogo Planet contributor Luke Waterson, author of three guidebooks and many articles on Scotland, assisted us with this inquiry.

Inquiry: We plan to spend a week in Scotland. Can we visit Inverness, Portree on the Isle of Skye, and spend a few days in Edinburgh? If not, what alternatives do you suggest? We appreciate beautiful landscapes and historical landmarks.

Luke Waterson: These locations are all fantastic choices for a top-notch Scottish adventure. You can visit them all in a week, but be prepared for a hectic pace. To ensure a more enjoyable experience and to create lasting memories of Scotland, consider adjusting your itinerary a bit.

Although it may not seem so on a map, the distances between Edinburgh, Inverness, and Portree on the Isle of Skye are significant when it comes to travel time. Driving non-stop between these three locations will take about seven hours, assuming conditions are favorable. You suggested starting in Inverness, but for a smoother trip, it’s logical to kick off your journey in Edinburgh, which offers better connections by air, rail, and road.

Embarking on a journey to Skye

After enjoying some time in one of Europe’s most breathtaking capital cities, the best choice for your travels is to rent a car, given your desired destinations and the limited time available. You should depart Edinburgh on the third day to spend two nights in Inverness, and then leave by lunchtime on day five to drive three hours to Portree, arriving in the late afternoon. You can spend the evening of day five and all of day six in Portree, but you’ll need to start back early on day seven to catch your onward connections from Edinburgh (or Inverness or Glasgow, the other transport hubs you might consider). However, if you've made it this far, you're likely eager to explore some of Skye. The catch is that the roads become slower, the views more stunning, and the urge to stop frequently increases, which means your tight schedule may lead to some frustration.

My advice: skip Inverness. It’s pleasant enough if you need to visit, but the primary reason most people go is for a cruise on Loch Ness, which is one of Scotland’s more overrated attractions. It’s not ugly—just lower on the list of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs, despite the throngs it draws.

An alternative: extend your stay in Edinburgh and discover the Highlands

Spend an additional day in Edinburgh; the city has so much to offer. You can fit in the essential sights like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile in one day, then dedicate two days to immersing yourself in local life. Explore the relaxed atmosphere of Stockbridge with its Georgian architecture and upscale cafes and delis; climb Calton Hill, a favorite viewpoint of writer Robert Louis Stevenson; visit Leith for delightful seafood and the Royal Yacht Britannia; and stroll through the charming fishing village of Cramond. On day four, drive to Portree. Make your journey memorable with a stop at Glencoe or take a three-hour round trip to Coire Gabhail (the Hidden Valley) to enjoy some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in the Scottish Highlands, or pause at the stunning Eilean Donan Castle, perched on a causeway-connected island in Loch Duich. This plan gives you three full days on Skye.

I believe your idea of staying in Portree is a great one. Your extra day opens up fantastic options. Drive around the Trotternish peninsula to explore some of Britain’s most remarkable rock formations, like the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr. Alternatively, visit Glenbrittle or Elgol for breathtaking views of the Cuillins, often regarded as the UK’s most picturesque mountain range. You'll also have plenty of time to enjoy Portree’s vibrant harborfront houses and the inviting restaurants and cafes.

Most importantly, you’ll find that you can unwind a bit.