Recommended itineraries for Scottish Highlands

Where to go and what to see in the Scottish Highlands to get the most from your trip – a 10-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Lucy Gillmore.

Editor note – Lucy has not included specific recommendations of where to stay each day unless it’s necessary. Instead, see the ‘Where to stay’ section in our Scottish Highlands destination guide.

The 500-mile loop skirting the north coast of Scotland is a spectacular coastal route that takes in some of the unmissable sights of the Highlands. Head clockwise or anti-clockwise as it careers along snaking mountain passes, across vast swathes of wild, windswept moorland and beside craggy cliffs and endless white-sand beaches. Travel by sports car, motorbike, campervan or bike and tick off ancient castles, whisky – and gin – distilleries, bagpipes and a must-try haggis.

Here’s your 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Lucy Gillmore.