Fabulous lakes and gloomy mediaeval ruins, romantic castles and picturesque landscapes - how can little Scotland accommodate so many contrasts? Indeed, from Glasgow's super stylish boutique hotels to the mysteries of Loch Ness, you get a place that harmoniously combines seemingly incompatible things. That’s why Scotland is such a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. 

Surprisingly, despite its smaller size compared to England, Scotland is replete with wonderful sights. They cover the entire country and offer a stunning travel experience wherever you go. 

Want to see the best Scotland has in store? Then hire a car in the UK and take a big cruise to some of its most charming spots. A 5-day Scotland road trip will be a perfect solution for your vacation. If you are travelling with family or friends, pick up a spacious car hire for 9 people - you can book one at Rental24.co.uk. 

Of course, it can be a headache to put together a Scotland road trip itinerary for 5 days. Therefore, we have planned the optimal route according to the experienced travellers’ recommendations and are ready to share it with you. Start your engine and let's go! 

Day 1 

Most often, Edinburgh becomes the starting point for journeys around the country. Its airport receives flights from all over the UK, Europe, and the world. Moreover, you can get behind the wheel immediately after landing, picking up the car at the terminal. So, consider all the waypoints on your first-day itinerary. 

Linlithgow 

If you want to start your ride with mysticism, head to Linlithgow, which houses a haunted castle. Queens from the Stuart family once lived there - they adored this place for its tranquillity and views of the wonderful lake. So, quickly inspect the stone walls, climb the tower, and enjoy the lovely rural scenery from the window. Then, visit the nearby 14th-century church and move on. 

Falkirk 

The next point on your itinerary for a Scotland road trip is the Falkirk Wheel, a unique system of 11 locks with a boat lift. This superstructure connects two canals, with one 35 metres higher than the other. After a thorough inspection, browse through the Kelpie sculptures. They look like 30-metre-high horse heads, which seem to soar in the evenings thanks to the backlight. 

Stirling 

Let's digress from technology and plunge into history. Stirling is convenient to explore by car as you may stop near interesting sights on your own. Don't miss the atmospheric gothic churches, stone bridges, and Stirling Castle. At the entrance to the city, you will see the monument of the knight William Wallace in the distance. This is perhaps the main local attraction that stands on a hill and offers you a wonderful view of the city and the valley. After exploring Stirling, head to Glasgow to stay overnight and continue your adventure!

Day 2 

Glasgow is so big and diverse that we recommend devoting a whole day to it. Against the backdrop of mediaeval castles, lakes and quiet nature, it looks like an insidious troublemaker. The main attraction of this modern dynamic city is the Science Center with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a 127-metre-high observation tower. However, Glasgow is full of greenery and a mediaeval atmosphere too. Its parks, cathedrals, and cultural attractions will keep you busy from morning to evening.

Day 3 

Continue your road trip around Scotland with a route heading north. You will reach the following wonderful places on your way: 

Loch Lomond 

There’s nothing better than spending the morning surrounded by nature. Loch Lomond is just an hour's drive from Glasgow, making it possible to enjoy a cup of coffee overlooking the lake. 

The coastline of Loch Lomond is about 150 kilometres long. Almost the entire section allows you to admire the picturesque views. You will see hundreds of hills and ancient castles against the background of the water’s surface. This landscape looks like it stepped off the cover of a Victorian novel. Multiple islands complete an incredibly spectacular picture. 

Want to enjoy the spectacle from the water? Then take a boat cruise on the lake. 

Glencoe 

Located 60 miles away, the fabulous Glencoe Valley is the perfect spot to take a break from driving. It’s part of a national park that sits surrounded by 5 mountain peaks - people call them the Five Sisters Of Kintail. So, walk around the forest lake along the Glencoe Lochan Trail and hike through the green hills. Finally, find a suitable place to spend the night. 

Day 4 

Visiting the Isle of Skye is an essential part of any must-see Scotland road trip. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, it’s simply created for leisurely driving. 

Prepare to spend about 3 hours to reach the island from Glencoe. Mandatory sights of this autoroute are the rock with the mythical name "The Storr", the unique Kilt Rock waterfall, and the cosy town of Portree. 

On the way, you can stop by the beach to have a picnic and watch the fur seals. The picturesque coastline with rocks and cute sheep grazing in the background creates a unique spectacle. In addition, be sure to drive through the Kirang Valley, and dine at Three Chimneys serving iconic Scottish dishes. Then, head back to Portree for an overnight stay and rest before the final run.

Day 5 

When planning a road trip to Scotland, you can't miss visiting the famous Loch Ness. This is an ordinary lake in its essence, but you may be lucky to meet a mysterious monster with a long neck and a small head there. If the acquaintance didn’t take place, soothe the bitterness of disappointment by walking around Urquhart Castle. More precisely, in its wonderful mediaeval ruins on the shores of Loch Ness. After the cultural insight, head east to Inverness, a beautiful city, where you can have lunch. 

The final leg of your journey follows the A9 motorway towards Edinburgh. Part of the route cuts through the picturesque Cairngorms National Park, where you can stop to admire the wildlife. With multiple museums, St John's Church, Balhousie Castle, and a selection of wonderful sites, Perth is the last big destination on your way back to the Scottish capital.

So, your road trip in the Scotland highlands is close to completion. Of course, you can plan your unique itinerary involving car pick-up at any other location in Great Britain. Still, we hope you get at least a few ideas from our informative guide!