How long is the Glasgow to Inverness: The West Highlands & Skye Drive route?

This route takes 9 days taking in 7 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Glasgow to Inverness in Scottish Highlands, Scotland.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is May to September: book Skye accommodation well ahead.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Coastal, Nature, Classic road trip, Culture.

Glasgow to Inverness: The West Highlands & Skye Drive

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The route · 7 stops

6 overnight bases · 1 stop on the way

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.

Recommendations

1h 54m · 137 km drive to Glencoe

Glencoe

1 night

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.

Recommendations

17m · 20 km drive to Fort William

Fort William

1 night

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.

Recommendations

1h 1m · 73 km drive to Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle

1 night

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.

Recommendations

48m · 57 km drive to Portree, Isle of Skye

Portree, Isle of Skye

3 nights

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.

Recommendations

54m · 65 km drive to Mallaig

Mallaig

1 night

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.

Recommendations

On the way

Inverness
1h 59m · 143 km
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.
Recommendations

Glasgow to Inverness: The West Highlands & Skye Drive