Magical 4-Day West Coast of Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

Planning a west coast of Scotland road trip? You’re in for one of the most scenic and majestic adventures! From the rugged landscapes of Glencoe to the legends of Isle of Skye, this 4-day Scotland itinerary will take you through some of the most captivating and iconic spots on the Scottish west coast.

As I’ve lived in Scotland and spent many seasons on the west coast, I’ve got you covered with all the details, tips, and hidden gems to make your journey unforgettable and unique.

Here’s how to plan an amazing road trip on Scotland’s west coast.

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About this West Coast of Scotland Road Trip

Whether you fly into Edinburgh or Glasgow, I highly recommend starting your west coast of Scotland road trip from Glasgow. It’s the largest city in Scotland, resting in the west-central part of the country, and it’s one of the most iconic places to see.

The route will take longer if you rent a car from Edinburgh. However, if you are coming from Edinburgh, just take the train from Edinburgh Waverly or Haymarket to Glasgow Queen Street Station and then get your car in Glasgow.

This is a 4-day Scotland road trip, perfect for those coming to the country for a full week. If you are coming to Scotland for a week, I would suggest flying into the Edinburgh Airport. Spend 2 days in Edinburgh (see my itinerary) and then take the train to Glasgow to begin the trip. Yay!

Here’s an outline of this West Coast Scotland road trip:

Day 1:

Day 2:

• Eilean Donan Castle
• Isle of Skye
• Stay in Portree, Isle of Skye

Day 3:

• Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig
• Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Castle Stalker
• Stay in Oban or Appin

Day 4:

• Oban
• Inveraray
• Loch Lomond
• Stay in Glasgow

There are a lot of places to see/stop at along the way. I will cover all the details of the itinerary, so you’ll be fully prepared for your trip.

Where to Rent a Car in Glasgow

I recommend using DiscoverCars.com to rent a car in Glasgow, Scotland. You’ll be able to find many different types of cars, including luxury, automatic, manual, electric cars, etc. Many of the pick-up spots are at the Glasgow Airport. However, there is a fantastic pick-up point by the Glasgow Central Station. 

I recommend aiming to get a car from the city and not the airport. The location by Central Station is the one I used when I most recently rented a car in Scotland, and it was very convenient and the customer service was top notch. I even got a free upgrade when I arrived! Meaning I got to drive an Audi around the west coast of Scotland.

You can get insurance for your rental during the booking process on DiscoverCars.com or you can choose to get insurance from the car provider at the time of pick up or before.

Speaking of insurance, be sure you have travel insurance before going abroad! SafetyWing will give you reliable, affordable insurance covering accidents, lost luggage, etc. 

Cellular Data for Scotland Road Trip

You’re going to need data for your Scotland trip if you’re coming from abroad. Most US phone plans offer international travel plans, but they are generally expensive. For example, AT&T charges $12/day to use data abroad.

On the other hand, you can get a UK eSIM for over half the price you’d pay with your carrier. This international eSIM provider offers unlimited data with all its eSIM plans, which will be super handy when you’re navigating Scotland and needing to use Maps, Google, and not to mention all the photos you’ll want to upload to socials.

West Coast of Scotland Road Trip – 4 Day Itinerary

Scotland’s west coast is by far my favorite part of the country. I may be a bit biased as my family hails from Dunoon, a seaside town in Argyll & Bute, and I’ve been able to explore a lot of the area in my many years of visiting.

Nonetheless, this area is a popular spot for Scottish road trips… and it’s no wonder why! This itinerary follows the bulk of one of my recent trips combined with a previous one to include the Isle of Skye. 

I have visited all of these places during road trips in Scotland. So, rest assured these routes are completely doable within the time frames I’ve provided. 

Let’s get into all the details of what you’ll see and do during this spectacular 4 day Scotland road trip. 

Day 1: Glasgow to Fort William

Total drive time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Glasgow

Begin your journey in Glasgow. If you haven’t had a day to explore the city yet, then don’t worry. You will spend the night here on the 4th day of the itinerary. You can also see my 1-day Glasgow itinerary for more advice on this delightful city.

Set a time to pick-up up your rental car. A realistic time might be around 9:30 a.m. if you are already in Glasgow. If you are coming from Edinburgh, you may wait to get the car by 10 or 10:30 a.m. 

Your first day will be about 2.5 hours or drive time. And if you’re doing this itinerary in summer, you’ll have plenty of daylight (sunshine not guaranteed hehe.)

If you are using a company in Glasgow City Centre, you can pick up coffee from Gordon Street Coffee in the train station. They have some of the city’s best coffee along with pastries, focaccia sandwiches, and other light bites.

Where to Stay in Glasgow

• The Z Hotel in Glasgow: My go-to in Glasgow; it’s budget-friendly and centrally located
• Motel One Glasgow: Trendy, modern hotel by the Glasgow Central Station
• Point A Hotel Glasgow: At the heart of Glasgow with functional, compact rooms
• Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa: Elegant, 5-star hotel with views

Doune Castle

So, the Doune Castle is not actually on the west coast of Scotland. However, it was a huge highlight of one of my most recent Scottish road trips. This day is actually a complete replica of that itinerary.

From the location, you’ll be on a super scenic route to reach Glencoe. However, if you aren’t interested in visiting the castle, you can continue through Loch Lomond but you will repeat this portion on the way back to Glasgow as a result.

Anyways, the Doune Castle has something for everyone. Love Outlander? It’s Castle Leoch! Big Game of Thrones fan? It’s Winterfell! What about Monty Python and the Holy Grail? Yep, it’s Camelot!

Even if you haven’t seen any of those, the Doune Castle is a well-preserved medieval stronghold with lots of history. The free audio guides available with your ticket gives you an excellent rundown on the lore of the castle. There’s lots of fun for Outlander fans with our very own Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) talking about the castle with behind-the-scenes details.

Entrance tickets cost £10.00 and the castle is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can buy tickets at the door or online.

If you don’t want to go to the Doune Castle, you can visit Luss on day 1 instead of day 4 as you’ll have more time to walk through the town and get nice views of Loch Lomond and the munros compared to day 4.

Distance from Glasgow: 40 minutes

Glencoe Drive

The journey from the Doune Castle to the Three Sisters of Glencoe is one of the most majestic routes you’ll take during the next 4 days of your west coast Scotland road trip.

You’ll see mountains, waterfalls, lochs, rocky terrain, Highland cows, sheep – the whole lot! Make sure the passenger is ready to snap photos from the window.

There will also be various points where you can pull off to the side and snap some photos. So, be prepared to make some stops and account for that when planning your Glencoe itinerary.

Some highlights along the way include: Lochan na h-Achlaise view point, Rannoch Moor Viewpoint, River Etive Bridge, Wee White House Glencoe, Glencoe Viewpoint, and finally the Three Sisters Car Park.

Once you get to the car park, you’ll be able to park and walk around. There are some trails here if you’d like to get a little bit closer and feel the soft earth beneath your feet. I highly recommend you enjoy a little slow travel moment here and just breathe in the magical Highland air!

Distance from Doune Castle: 1 hour 30 minutes

Fort William

This will be your sleepover point for the first night of the west coast of Scotland road trip. Fort William is considered the outdoor capital of the UK, as many hikes stem from this area (such as the famous West Highland Way).

From the town, you’ll have views of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest point. It’s also right on Loch Eil and Loch Linnhe so you’ll have pretty waterfront views, providing a scenic walk.

There, you’ll find plenty of fantastic traditional restaurants. serving Scottish cuisine and other popular staples like macaroni & cheese, gourmet burgers (many veggie friendly), and seafood.

Some dinner options include:

• The Crofter Bar: Comfort food menu (pasta, burgers, soups) with drinks and sports on TV
• Crannog at Garrison West: Popular for mussels, oysters, fish & chips
• Ben Nevis Bar: Cozy space with a big whisky menu serving seafood & hearty dishes

Where to Stay in Fort William

Depending on your budget or travel style, you can choose from hostels, hotels, bnbs, etc. 

• Alexandra Hotel: Traditional hotel in historic building, minutes from trails
• Guisachan Guesthouse Phill & Carmen Beale: Cozy guesthouse with lovely loch views
• Fort William Backpackers: Hostel popular with hikers and budget travelers

Day 2: Fort William to Isle of Skye

Total drive time: 3 hours 25 minutes

Today is likely a highly anticipated day – I mean, probably all of it is, but you’ve probably had the Isle of Skye on your bucket list for some time now. So, leave your hotel in Fort William, grab some breakfast and make your way west and up toward Skye.

Eilean Donan Castle

Just before you cross the Skye Bridge, you’ll want to stop at the Eilean Donan Castle – one of my absolute favorite Scottish castles.

The location of the castle is unique. It’s at the meeting point of three lochs and the structure dates back to the 13th century. However, there is evidence that a small community existed on the island from the 7th century.

The Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most picturesque in the country. So, coming here is largely about getting some amazing photographs. You can go inside if you’d like, but it’s generally small and not wildly impressive.

Plus, there is still much to see on the Isle of Skye! That’s why I’d recommend parking, walking around the exterior (on the mainland; you won’t be able to access the island without a ticket) and getting photographs.

If you do go inside, tickets cost £12 for adults and you can purchase inside.

Distance from Fort William: 1 hour 30 minutes

Broadford

After you cross the Skye Bridge, follow signs for Broadford. This is the second largest community on Skye with a little over a thousand residents. You’re now exploring the Inner Hebrides, the archipelago off Scotland’s west coast.

The main reason for stopping here is to have some lunch and refuel, if necessary.

One of the most popular places to eat on Skye is Cafe Sia & Siaway. They serve specialty coffee, handcrafted pizzas, pastas, fresh soups, and some seafood.

Distance from Eilean Donan Castle: 1.5 hours

River Sligachan & Sligachan Old Bridge

Next up is one of my favorite hidden gems on the Isle of Skye. I don’t see a lot of people mentioning it in their itineraries, but it’s absolutely worth checking out. 

Once upon a time when I was at university in Glasgow, I worked as a tour group leader for an organization that led activities for international students. Basically, I was in charge of making sure everyone got back on the bus after each stop. Anywho, I did a tour with Haggis Adventures and they took us to this quirky river and I’ve been back here on all my trips to Skye.

So, what’s the deal? It’s just a bridge and a river with a legend of granting eternal beauty to those who stick their face in the running water for 10 seconds.

I cover the legend of River Sligachan here, if you’d like more info on the folklore and what you need to be gifted eternal beauty. 😉 

Distance from Broadford: 20 minutes

Fairy Pools

One of the most iconic things to do during your 4-day west coast of Scotland road trip is to explore the Fairy Pools on Skye. As you probably know, the Fairy Pools are a natural series of waterfalls and aqua-colored pools known for their mystical ambiance and folk legends.

When you arrive by car, you will need to pay a £5 parking fee. Other than that, you’ll be free to explore the trail that leads up to the top of the pools at the foot of the Cuillin mountains.

As for free, you can expect to spend one or two hours. And if you’re feeling bold, bring a swimsuit and immerse yourself in the water.

Distance from Sligachan Old Bridge: 15 minutes

Portree

Next on your Skye road trip, you can drive to Portree (the capital of the isle and largest community) and check into your hotel.

Portree is a really cute village with colorful buildings and a small harbor with picturesque views. Feel free to do a little walk and grab a coffee at Birch Cafe or Cafe Arriba before continuing north via car.

Distance from Fairy Pools: 27 minutes

Old Man of Storr Viewpoint

The isle’s most famous landmark, the Old Man of Storr is a must-see during your road trip. And hopefully the weather will cooperate so you can see it in full form.

To get there, put the Old Man of Storr Car Park into your GPS. It will take 15 minutes from Portree.

The view isn’t very good from the car park, so if you’re up for it, spend the rest of the afternoon hiking up the best Storr viewpoints. The hike is a 2-hour loop. You can do as much or as little as you’d like, given the timeframe. 

If you don’t want to hike, you can still get a lot of distant views of Storr when driving from Portree. However, the hike is really unique with that quintessential rugged Scottish terrain.

Plus, the lack of trees prevents you from getting lost and opening up view after view. If you don’t have a lot of time to spare, you can walk up the trail for about 20 minutes and enjoy some pretty views in all directions.

There is coffee and light bites available across from the trailhead at Storr View Coffee.

Distance from Portree: 15 minutes

Back to Portree

After a wonderful day of hiking, scenery, and Scottish legends, you’re probably feeling a bit tired. So, head back to Portree for dinner and a nightcap in Portree. The Isles Inn and Merchant Bar are two cozy options. If you’re staying at The Portree Hotel (or not), Antlers Bar and Grill is attached to the hotel.

Where to Stay in Portree

• The Portree Hotel: Cozy Scottish hotel with attached bar & restaurant
• Cuillin Hills Hotel: Upscale guesthouse with authentic Scottish cuisine
• Viewfield House: Scenic guesthouse in a historic, 200-year-old house

Day 3: Portree to Oban

Total drive time: 3 hours 50 minutes

It’s another exciting drive day, and your longest one as well! Today you’ll get to experience taking a car ferry from Skye back to the mainland. You could take the Skye Bridge again, but the ferry route will be more efficient and save you some drive time.

Fairy Glen

There are a few more spots to check out before you depart Skye today. After breakfast, head north via the A87 road towards Dunvegan to see the mysterious Fairy Glen. It’s a unique landscape formed by a landslide that has magic-like geological formations. It’s no wonder it’s known for its myths and legends – like so much of Skye!

You can park at the Fairy Glen parking area and explore the area. I recommend the Fairy Glen Circular Route, which takes just 30 minutes to complete. It will bring you to the famous circular stones, the base of much of glen’s enchantment.

Distance from Portree: 25 minutes

Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig

Enjoy a scenic drive from Portree to Armadale on the southern coast of Skye. Once there, drive toward the Armadale Ferry.

Check the ferry timetable before you go, but generally there are nine ferries a day in summer and three ferries a day in winter.

You can also buy your ferry tickets online. There’s no need to print your ticket. Just have the QR code handy when you board.

Once you’re on the ferry, you can relax and catch some coastal views. There is no need to stay in your rental car. You can get out, walk around the ferry, and grab a coffee and snack from the cafe.

Distance from Fairy Glen: 1 hour 25 minutes

Glenfinnan Viaduct

One of the coolest things to do during your west coast of Scotland itinerary is to watch the historic Jacobite train pass the Glenfinnan Viaduct. However, it only happens twice a day so it can be tricky to catch.

I’ve actually never been able to see the Jacobite steam train pass, but I have seen the viaduct and it’s quite lovely either way!

Assuming you want to watch the train pass, you will need to either be at the visitor center hillside by 10:30 a.m. or just before 3 p.m.

For this itinerary, 3 p.m. is your best bet. In order to do so, you will want to take the ferry to Mallaig for 12:30 p.m. to arrive at 1:15 p.m. Mallaig to Glenfinnan is about a 40-minute drive, giving you enough time to stop for lunch at the Glenfinnan Station Dining Car.

Distance from Mallaig Ferry Terminal: 39 minutes

The Old Inn

One of my absolute favorite restaurants in Scotland, I highly recommend having dinner at The Old Inn in Appin. It’s a small, old-world restaurant with stone walls and yellow-lit lights featuring an ever-changing menu, Meat and veggie friendly options are both available.

The restaurant is the spot around this area of Scotland, so it tends to stay booked up. We’ve managed to eat here without a reservation in groups of 2. However, I suggest calling or messaging them on Facebook to confirm a booking in advance.

Distance from Glenfinnan: 1 hour 10 minutes

Castle Stalker

The Old Inn isn’t only a lovely place to eat but it also overlooks Castle Stalker, a tower house on an island right off the coast.

The castle was featured at the end of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which my boyfriend thought was pretty cool. It’s surrounded by water and you’ll be able to take some nice photos from the grassy area behind the restaurant.

Oban or Accommodation Near Appin

From here, you can either make your way to Oban where you’ll spend the night or stay somewhere close to Appin. We stayed at a lovely airbnb 10 minutes from the restaurant.

We checked in after dinner and then went back out for another drink at The Creagan Inn Whisky Bar. I was pleasantly surprised by the place, as the photos on Google didn’t do it justice. It actually has a nice outdoor space that overlooks the water. The variety of beers and traditional ales is also a bonus.

Anywho, you’ll have more options if you stay in Oban, but I really liked staying somewhere tucked away for the night.

Where to Stay in Appin or Oban

Here are some of my recommendations for hotels and accommodation in the area, including Oban.

• Appin Bay View Guest House: Right across from the Old Inn & Castle Stalker
• Barcaldine Castle: Stay in a gorgeous castle between Appin & Oban
• Cruachan Cabin: Cozy tiny house studio
• Oban Bay Hotel: Classy 4-star hotel by the coast
• Oban Backpackers: Cool, budget-friendly hotel in town centre

Day 4: Oban to Glasgow

Total drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Today you’ll explore Oban and enjoy a couple of quick stops before returning to Glasgow – finishing off the last day of your Scotland west coast itinerary!

Oban

Start the morning off by driving to or waking up in Oban. Go for breakfast at Cuan Mor. They have an excellent assortment of breakfast staples. They open at 8 a.m., so it’s ideal if you’re off to another early start.

Nearby you can grab a specialty coffee at Hinba Coffee Shop, where I had the best coffee of my most recent west coast of Scotland road trips!

Afterward, enjoy a leisurely walk around Oban Bay and soak up views of the McCaig’s Tower & Battery Hill, aka the Colosseum of Oban.

If you love oysters the way my boyfriend does, you might like to stop at the Green Shack Oban Seafood Hut. It’s near the train station and it’s super casual with only outdoor seating.

Keep in mind they only take cash, but the prices are great with oysters available for £1.50 a pop.

And if you want to get off land, here’s a cool guided boat ride for history and wildlife lovers. The ride only lasts an hour if you wanted to squeeze it into your itinerary.

St. Conan’s Kirk

This is one of the most interesting churches I’ve visited in Scotland, and I highly recommend you stop by. You will quite literally pass it either way when following signs for Glasgow.

It’s set on Loch Awe and was built in the late 19th century combining multiple architectural styles, and was built on the site of an ancient chapel. 

It’s free to visit, so take a walk around and be sure to step out the back for views of the loch.

Distance from Oban: 30 minutes

Inveraray

Take a drive through Inverary, my favorite town in Argyll. This is a small town with all white and black architecture set on another loch. It’s famous for the Inveraray Castle, which is located right outside of the downtown hub.

Go around and take photos as you’d like. If you are ready for lunch, I highly suggest going to The George. It’s one of the most beautiful pubs/restaurants in the area and their food is also top-notch.

If you’re looking for more things to do, you can see my guide to Inveraray.

Distance from Oban: 25 minutes

The Rest and Be Thankful

One of most famous viewpoints, the Rest and Be Thankful will be one of your final stops of your Argyll road trip. It’s a lush valley view where Glen Kinglas and Glen Croe meet.

Simply pull into the car park and take in some views before continuing. This won’t be a long stop, but it’s still well worth it.

Distance from Inveraray: 20 minutes

Loch Lomond

Now, just continue to follow signs for Glasgow and before you know it you’ll be driving along Loch Lomond, the largest loch in all of Scotland. And fun fact, the county has at least 31,460 freshwater lochs!

There will be various opportunities to pull off and look at the loch and the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. So, make any stops that fancy your interest.

If you have extra time before your rental car is due back, you can visit Luss. It’s a popular town for tourists visiting Loch Lomond as it has a charming row of cottages that line the path to the loch.

Otherwise, just head back to Glasgow to drop off your rental car! The agent will access your car for any damage, and if everything is good to go, you’ll be out in no time.

Distance to Luss from The Rest: 25 minutes

Glasgow

It’s safe to say you have another night in Glasgow. It will probably be late afternoon by the time you arrive. Check into your hotel, take a moment to get refreshed, and then enjoy a slow travel evening. I’d recommend a walk around the city centre/Merchant City followed by dinner and drinks.

The Butterfly and the Pig is a fantastic local spot for dinner in Glasgow’s city centre. It’s sort of eclectic-casual meets chic. The menu is a mix of pastas, meaty dishes like steak pies and sirloin, salmon, and even a tasty vegan burger.

If you’d like to go for drinks after, you’ll have plenty of options, but Waxy O’Connor’s is a favorite of mine when I’m showing someone around the city. It’s a unique spot that is much like a tree house with various levels and bars serving different beers and drinks. I just wish they’d pay some sort of mystical, fantasy music to really play up the otherworldly feel of the pace.

And if you have time the following day, spend the morning on the West End. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, walk through the Kelvingrove Park, and along the bustling Byres Road with many shops and eateries.

Distance from Loch Lomond: 30-45 minutes

What to Wear in Scotland

Choosing outfits for your road trip largely depends on the time of year and weather of the hour. This is because Scottish weather has a mind of its own so it can go from sunny and warm to downright dreary within the same hour/day.

That’s why I always recommend layers and bringing an extra layer while you’re out exploring.

For my absolute best packing tips, see my posts on what to wear in Scotland in summer and Scotland outfits guide for every season for the most relevant information.

However, some of my go-to Scotland packing essentials include:

• My Olympus camera for photos
• A Columbia rain jacket; I’ve had this one since 2015 and it’s in fantastic condition!
•  A thin but warm later like this 100% merino wool top; wool is excellent because it wicks away moisture and is a Scottish staple fabric
• Jacket suitable for the season
• Quality, water-resistant booties
• Neutral color tops and bottoms suitable for the season
• Hiking boots; I prefer these Columbia boots

Conclusion

You’re going to cover so much ground during your 4-day Scotland road trip! From gleaming lochs to moody cliff sides and coastal villages, the west coast of Scotland is one of the most majestic areas for a road trip itinerary.

Feel free to tweak any parts of this itinerary that do not suit your travel style. It’s hard to craft a perfect one-size-fits-all travel itinerary, but I included a good range of activities that appeal to lots of different interests: hiking, natural scenery, drinks, cool restaurants, and cultural excursions.

And remember, my notes on how long it takes to get from place to place is not guaranteed. The roads in Scotland are not big and accidents can happen, which could cause delays in your drive time.

Even if you don’t make it to all these places on this Scotland driving itinerary, you will still get to see SO much of the west coast. Embrace the beauty of it!

Please comment any questions or concerns you have below and I will get back to you as soon as I see it. 🙂 Happy travels!

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