Welcome back to part 2 of your ultimate Scotland 8 day travel itinerary. For those of you still needing to read part 1, feel free to click HERE to be redirected. For everyone else, let’s continue on through the Isle of Skye, Inverness, and the great Loch Ness!
Scotland 8 Day Travel Itinerary
Day 3 (Loop from Uig to Portree and back: 1 hour 30 mins)
Wake up for your first full day on the Isle of Skye with stunning views from the Cowshed Boutique Bunkhouse. Make yourself some coffee and breakfast in the common kitchen space, pack some snacks, tie up your hiking shoes and begin day 3 of your ultimate Scotland 8 day travel itinerary!
Leaving Uig, travel north to start your loop of top Isle of Skye attractions. The northernmost part of this route is characterized by rolling hills, countless sheep and pure serenity. As you continue driving further south, you will start to come upon the busier and more popular attractions of the loop. For a more detailed accounting of what to do on the Isle of Skye check out our “Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye” post HERE!
Your first epic stop on this Isle of Skye loop is the Quiraing. The Quiraing is a unique geological formation which offers stunning views of the coast and countryside. The most popular hike is the Quiraing Circuit, which is a challenging 4.3 mile circular trail that gains approximately 1,200 feet of elevation. Stop and appreciate the beauty of this impressive site, but on a tight schedule, save your hiking for later on.
Hike the Old Man of Storr
Your first hike on the Isle should be the Old Man of Storr. This is arguably the best and most popular hike on the Isle and shouldn’t be missed. Similar to hiking at the Quiraing, this popularity does come with its downside though. Parking at the Old Man of Storr trailhead often fills up quickly and early. You should be able to find a spot after driving around a bit, but just know that you may not have the easiest time securing a parking spot. There is a bathroom and small coffee/snack truck near the parking area if needed as well.
Hiking to the top of the Old Man of Storr is a challenging 3.4 miles with roughly 1,200 feet of gain. As you discovered in Glencoe, the trail is more of a choose your own adventure and less of a marked hike. There will likely be so many people that you can simply follow the crowds to the top, but for an optimal experience, we would recommend you plan a little ahead and have a map or app available for reference.
Two can’t miss highlights of this hike are scrambling up onto the Old Man of Storr (a little dangerous so do this at your own discretion) and walking over to the flattened end of the trail where the iconic photos of the region are commonly taken. Enjoy some water, a snack, and some well earned views before hiking back down and continuing your day!
Explore Portree
After a busy morning of hiking and sightseeing, wind down a little and explore the bustling little town of Portree. There is a large parking lot for coach buses and cars that we would recommend found HERE.
After parking, climb the stairs onto Bridge Road and find yourself right in the heart of this picturesque little place. Explore the various shops and boutiques and then walk over to the famed “Colour House Viewpoint.” This viewpoint is often where the stock photos of Portree are taken. After exploring the town, stop in for some well deserved food and drink at one of the many fine establishments Portree has to offer. We decided on gourmet pizzas and cocktails at Caberfeidh Bar and Restaurant and were not disappointed.
Visit the Fairy Glen
The last stop of your day is the Fairy Glen. Conveniently located right next to your lodging at the Cowshed, the Fairy Glen is a great way to end the day and will typically be less crowded and more enjoyable as sunset approaches. Take route A87 north out of Portree to finish your loop and arrive at the Fairy Glen Parking lot.
Arriving at the Fairy Glen requires just a flat and easy ½ mile walk from the parking area. The trail is scenic and has a completely different vibe than the imposing and rugged beauty of The Quiraing and Old Man of Storr from earlier in the day. Think Teletubbies in Hobbiton for a point of reference.
Sheep graze on lush rolling hills as you pass a peaceful pond and groves of crooked gnarled trees. Arriving at the Fairy Glen leaves no wonders why it was named. It is a magical little place that you will thoroughly enjoy. Our three main suggestions would be to climb up Castle Ewen (a cool rock formation shaped like a castle that overlooks the Fairy Glen), look for fairies, and place a coin for luck in the small cave across the trail from Castle Ewen. The cave will be located on your left across the trail from Castle Ewen as you walk back towards the parking lot.
Scotland 8 Day Travel Itinerary
Day 4 (Uig on the Isle of Skye to Inverness: 3 hours)
Start day 4 by unfortunately packing up your belongings to leave the Isle of Skye. Although you will be leaving the stunning sunsets and peaceful living of the Cowshed behind, you still will have a day full of Isle of Skye activities before making your way to Inverness for the next part of your ultimate Scotland 8 day travel itinerary.
As you drive down to the Fairy Pools, you should consider stopping for breakfast in Portree. It’s on the way and offers one last chance to enjoy this quaint little town before leaving the Isle. We stopped at the well reviewed Cafe Arribe and were very pleased with our drinks and breakfast. It’s a great place to try blood pudding for the first time as well!
Fairy Pools
After leaving Cafe Arribe contentedly full and well caffeinated, drive to the Fairy Pools. The Fairy Pools are undoubtedly one of the most popular attractions on the Isle of Skye. This enchanting attraction consists of cascading waterfalls and a series of crystal clear pools created as the Allt Coir’ a’ Mhadaidh River descends out of the Black Cuillin Mountains. As with all popular attractions on the Isle of Skye, parking is for a small fee and can be challenging to come by.
Although the Fairy Pools trail continues for 2.6 miles out and back, we don’t think the whole hike is necessary to thoroughly enjoy the pools. The trail runs right along the river and the best waterfalls and pools are within the first slightly sloping half mile or so. We would highly recommend visitors consider swimming or wading in the pools as a part of this adventure.
Even during the warmest of months, the pools are frigidly cold so plan accordingly. There is no coverage to change your clothing when out on the trail so consider bringing a towel and having your swimsuit on under your clothing when you set out from the parking lot.
Even those who don’t brave the polar plunge will still enjoy their time at the fairy pools. The surrounding countryside is a beautiful blend of rugged peaks, moorlands, and heather covered hillsides sure to enchant all those who visit.
Enjoy some brews
After leaving the fairy pools, consider quenching your thirst at either Talisker Distillery or Cuillin Brewery. Originally founded in 1830, Talisker Distillery is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s most renowned whisky distilleries. Visitors can book a distillery tour or other experience online or simply stop and enjoy a tasting anytime. Cuillin Brewery is located in the scenic town of Sligachan. The brewery takes pride in sustainability, sourcing local ingredients, and brewing some of the finest traditional Scottish ales around. Iconic photos of the Sligachan Old Bridge with its mountainous backdrop can also be taken here as well.
Arrive in Inverness
Check into your lodging, freshen up, and celebrate your return to civilization with dinner and drinks in Inverness. We recommend you find lodging within a short walk to the downtown entertainment area. We had an airbnb just across the river on Wells Street which was a perfect 10 minute walk. Feel free to check VRBO listings in the city HERE now!
Sorry to all the Scots reading this, but don’t expect to be blown away by the cuisine in Scotland. We had laughably bad Mexican food our first night in Inverness and wouldn’t recommend that evil on our worst enemies. We did however enjoy our second night at Scotch and Rye and would recommend this spot to anyone visiting the area. The place is popular so consider making a reservation in advance if possible. If you want to hate your life for a little bit, consider signing up for the hot wing challenge at Scotch and Rye, like Ethan, as well.
After leaving Scotch and Rye, wander down the street to Hootenanny. This vibrant establishment often features live traditional Scottish folk music. Hootenanny seems to cater to an older, more mellow crowd, making it a great way to start your night. From here, perhaps you will catch lightning in a bottle and have the time of your life at Johnny Foxes karaoke night. Perhaps you will almost fall into the river, stumble into your lodging in the wee hours of the morning, and be filled with countless bittersweet memories to last a lifetime. Orrrr, if you would prefer to avoid a horribly hungover boat ride in the morning, go straight home after Hootenanny’s and get ready for another great day!
Scotland 8 Day Travel Itinerary
Day 5 (Inverness to Loch Ness to Culloden Battlefield)
Wake up to your first morning in Inverness, accept the consequences of the decisions you may or may not have made the night before and get ready to see Nessie (whimsical name for the sea monster that lives in Loch Ness).
Tour Loch Ness
Not only is Loch Ness known worldwide for its association with the legendary Loch Ness Monster, but it is also the largest loch (Scottish word for lake) by volume in Great Britain. The loch is surrounded by picturesque Highland scenery with steep wooded hillsides rising up from its shores.
The best way to appreciate Loch Ness is through a guided Loch Ness Boat tour. Drive from your lodging in Inverness to catch your boat tour from the Dochgarroch Lock. We would recommend booking the 2 hour boat tour through Viator from Loch Ness by Jacobite HERE.
Your tour begins in the Caledonian Canal. From here you will join up with the River Ness before entering Loch Ness itself. Now in the loch, your guide will tell you countless interesting facts about the history of Loch Ness. These stories will range from the loch’s use as a military testing site in WWII to the countless costly endeavors of individuals searching the loch still trying to find Nessie to this day. Interesting sights on the tour include passing the Aldourie Castle Estate, seeing the ruins of Urquhart Castle, and marveling at the size and depth of the loch itself.
The tour boats have bathrooms and light refreshments on board. The check-in location also features a robust cafe/deli, a gift shop, an ice cream shop, and some cute highland cows as well.
Visit Culloden Moor
Leave the legend of Loch Ness behind and take to the battlefield of Culloden Moor. The battle of Culloden is one of the most significant in Scottish history. It symbolizes the end of the Jacobite uprising of 1975 and marks a major turning point in Scottish history.
The battle was between the Scottish “Jacobites” who supported Bonnie Prince Charlie and the forces of the British government. The British won a crushing and decisive victory at Culloden which changed Scotland forever after. Harsh measures enacted after the battle such as the banning of family tartans and the disarming of the Highland clans led to the decline and eventual end of the traditional societal clan system of Scotland.
This historic battle is memorialized at the Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Center. The visitor center features a shop, cafe, and museum with exhibits exploring the leadup, battle, and aftermath of Culloden. Parking is for a small fee but walking the battlefield grounds itself is free. Entrance to the museum and guided tours of the battlefield are also available for an additional fee (more information found HERE).
Time travel at the Clava Cairns
From the battlefield of Culloden, drive just approximately 5 minutes to the Clava Cairns. Situated in a quaint wooded area, the Clava Cairns are large circular stone constructions. Although their explicit purpose is unknown, experts believe that these cairns represent the burial sites for prominent figures of the day. Dating back over 4,000 years, these impressive structures are thought to be near the same age as Stonehenge.
Visiting the Clava Cairns takes you back in time. As you walk amongst the three main cairns and various other rock formations, it is hard not to have an appreciation for the deep history and culture of Scotland. For those looking for actual time travel, consider waiting in a long line of women eager to touch the famed “Outlander Stone.” As seen in the popular show Outlander, an occasional lucky lass will touch the stone and be teleported back in time. This lass will undoubtedly meet the beloved Jamie Frasier, fall madly in love, and begin an adventurous romance of epic proportions.
Explore Inverness
End your day exploring Inverness. The downtown area of Inverness is by no means expansive, but it is worth exploring nonetheless. We found the clothing shops with Scottish kilts and tartans particularly interesting. Get some dinner and consider visiting MacGregor’s Pub, winner of the Best Bar in Scotland Award, before heading home for the night to prepare for another great day!
Other Top Posts!
16 Things You Can’t Miss on Your Next Trip to San Francisco
From the Painted Ladies to the Palace of Fine Arts, there is plenty to see in San Francisco, also known as “The Paris of the West!”
Your Guide to an Epic Park City Bachelor Party
If you’re planning a Park City bachelor party and don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn more!
18 Things You Can’t Miss in Mammoth Lakes, California
From desert hot springs to waterfalls tucked away in mountain forests, to coffee shops and breweries, Mammoth Lakes truly has it all!
Your Guide To St. John And Virgin Islands National Park
On the US-owned side of the Virgin Islands, St. John is home to tropical beaches, lush foliage, historic ruins, delicious food, and more!
Exploring Scotland: Epic 7 Day Travel Itinerary (Part 2)
From the Isle of Skye to the shores of Loch Ness, explore the highlands with us in part 2 of this Scotland epic 7 day travel itinerary!
Exploring Scotland: Epic 7 Day Travel Itinerary (Part 1)
Join us from Edinburgh, to the Scottish Borders, back to the highlands and beyond in part 1 of this epic Scotland 7 day travel itinerary!