Clava Cairns

Dreaming of Scotland’s breathtaking highlands, historic castles, and unforgettable hikes? ⛰️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🐮🏰✨ After two incredible road trips around Scotland, I’ve created the ultimate 12-14 day itinerary to help YOU explore everything this beautiful country has to offer. This is inspired by the same route I used, refined with local tips and my personal experiences. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a foodie, or a history lover, this itinerary will help you fall in love with Scotland like I did and give you everything you need for the perfect road trip! WHAT’S INSIDE: ⛰️ fully detailed day-by-day itinerary mapped out for you 🌳 visits to BOTH of Scotland's stunning national parks 🥾 13 hikes recommendations – My favorites + AllTrails links ⚡️ 22 cultural activities – Castles, museums, ruins & more 😋 10 memorable food recommendations 🚗 travel tips – Car rentals, drive times, and more ✨ first-hand advice and tips 🔗 Helpful links – Direct to official sites for bookings or more info BONUS: Budget Breakdown – Full transparency on my travel costs, including meals, accommodation, and activities, so you can plan accordingly. This is more than just a list of places to see—this is the authentic Scotland I’ve come to love. If you're looking for a road trip that’s packed with adventure but not rushed, this is the one for you. Save this itinerary now for later or click below to purchase the full 12-14 day guide and start planning today! ✨ Feel free to adapt this itinerary to make it your own so you can have the most memorable trip possible!

As a teenager, I visited Scotland for a few days, and that in addition to Outlander binge watching ended up with me moving to Edinburgh next year. I spent a few years living there and falling more and more in love with the country. The only problem was that it was my university years which meant a tight budget but still the need to explore. So this guide is a summary of a few years of budget travel in Scotland and what I think it's the best compromise between budget and exploring everything this magical country has to offer. ⛰️ This guide will help you plan your perfect Scotland trip - on a budget and without a car. The base of this trip is a loop which you can start in either Glasgow or Edinburgh and which will take you 8 days. Then, at every stop, I'll give you some day trip options so that you can extend your trip depending on what you want to see and how much time you have. If you go for all-day trips this full itinerary will take 17 days. 💷 I'll give you a full breakdown of the cost. The basic loop will require around 210£ for all transport and accommodation. I'll provide you with a spreadsheet that breaks down each cost and each day trip so you can also plan and adjust your trip according to your budget. I'll also share with you accommodation recommendations and a breakdown of all the buses/trains you'd need to take.

The Scottish Highlands, a rugged and enchanting region in the north of Scotland, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and traditional culture. Towering mountains, deep glens, and sparkling lochs characterize this wild and untamed terrain, offering endless opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure. Visitors can embark on scenic drives along the North Coast 500 route, hike through the majestic peaks of Ben Nevis or the Cairngorms, and cruise the mysterious waters of Loch Ness in search of the legendary monster. The Highlands are also steeped in history, with ancient castles, clan battlegrounds, and archaeological sites scattered throughout the landscape, telling tales of Scotland's turbulent past. This guide includes: - introductory note - places to visit (museums and cultural venues, open squares, and others) - photo spots Get to see more from my travels on my Instagram (@pedralexpereira) and Flickr (flickr.com/photos/pedralexpereira)