Scotland: Our tips for a well-prepared trip

When is the best time to visit Scotland?

There isn’t really just one best time to visit Scotland. Every season has its own charm: the days are long in summer, fall brings beautiful colors, and winter transforms the Highlands with its wilder landscapes.

For your first road trip with lots of miles, walks, and outdoor adventures, May through September remains a very convenient time, especially thanks to the longer days. But even in summer, you should expect changeable weather: in Scotland, you can easily experience sunshine, wind, and rain all in the same day.

And that's probably one of the most important pieces of advice I can give you: Never go to Scotland thinking the weather will stay the same all day !

What should you pack for a trip to Scotland?

For me, the rule is simple: Dress in layers and always have a waterproof jacket on hand.

Even when the sun is shining at the start of your trip, conditions can change quickly, especially in the Highlands and on the islands. VisitScotland recommends wearing warm, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes for outdoor activities.

So, I would pack the following in my suitcase:

• a good pair of walking shoes; ;
• a waterproof jacket; ;
• a warm sweater or a fleece; ;
• several layers that are easy to remove; ;
• a small backpack for sightseeing days; ;
• a water bottle; ;
• a waterproof bag or camera case; ;
• an external battery; ;
• and, of course, your camera… because in Scotland, you’ll want to take pictures of absolutely everything!

For a family road trip, I also recommend keeping some clothes within easy reach in the car. A Scottish downpour can strike just as you step out to admire a castle. Of course. 😅

What's the best way to get around Scotland?

For an itinerary like ours, which goes through Edinburgh, Fort William, and the Isle of Skye, I really think a car gives you a lot of freedom.

It allows you to stop in small villages, enjoy the scenery, and, above all, avoid being tied to public transportation schedules. Scotland also has a network of trains, buses, and ferries, but service may be less frequent in rural and remote areas.

If you choose to drive, just be sure to factor in travel time: on a map, two places may seem close, but the roads in the Highlands can sometimes make the trip much longer than expected.

The Top Must-Sees on Our Road Trip Through Scotland

Scotland certainly has no shortage of spectacular landscapes. Among the stops and places I was particularly eager to explore were:

• Edinburgh, for its castle, its narrow streets, and its unique atmosphere; ;
• Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park ;
• Glen Coe, one of the major stops in the Highlands; ;
• Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis; ;
• Glenfinnan, best known for its viaduct; ;
• Mallaig, a small port from which you can take a ferry to Skye; ;
• the Isle of Skye, Of course; ;
• Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in Scotland; ;
• the Loch Ness, If you want to extend the road trip; ;
• and of course Glasgow, If your itinerary allows you to make a stop there.

For activities and excursions, you can also look at the experiences available on GetYourGuide. This is convenient for booking certain visits, excursions or activities before departure.

See the activities in Scotland on GetYourGuide

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My must-haves for a road trip in Scotland

If I had to summarize the things I should especially not forget before leaving, it would be:

🚗 A rental car
To explore the Highlands and Skye with complete freedom.
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🌧️ A good waterproof jacket
Because the Scottish sun can very well be followed by a downpour ten minutes later.

📱 An eSIM
To have internet during the road trip and easily use Google Maps, book a restaurant or check the weather.
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🩺 A travel insurance
Always useful when traveling abroad, especially for a road trip with the whole family.
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📷 A camera
Because the Highlands, the lochs, the castles and the landscapes of Skye really deserve a few photos!

To remember before leaving for Scotland

Scotland is a destination that lends itself perfectly to a road trip, especially if you want to discover the Highlands and the Isle of Skye. The most important thing is first of all Plan ahead for travel times, book your accommodations in advance, and prepare for very changeable weather.

And above all, don’t overload your itinerary. One of the joys of a road trip in Scotland is being able to stop at the edge of a loch, in a small village, or simply on a road because the scenery is beautiful.

That’s exactly what we did during our trip. ❤️