How Do I Plan A Trip To The Scottish Highlands?

If you are after charming natural outdoors and an escape to the wilderness, you will not find them anywhere else but the Scottish Highlands. From the misty climate, and grassy mountains to hauntingly beautiful lochs and awe-inspiring landscapes, Scotland Highland is a magical draw for thousands of visitors to experience the stunning visuals. 

The Highlands offer an incredible experience with over 33% of the land coverage across Scotland. Whether you are seeking a hiking experience or a smart picnic with friends, Scotland Highlands enables you to feel the synchronisation of the earth with the sky. 

With such a huge area coverage of the Scottish Highlands, it is nowhere possible to fully explore the attractions in a single day. That is why planning a full week of itinerary across the Highlands is highly recommended to feel the pulse of natural habitat and thundering mountains. Let’s discuss how to plan out a smooth trip to the incredible Scottish Highlands.

1. Plan Out Your Itinerary

Travelling to the mountainous region demands special planning for budget, time of the visit, local attractions, luggage and transportation. For that instance, we recommend dedicating a major portion to researching the local attractions that are suitable to visit for your chosen time of the year. 

Your research must also include whether your trip needs a tour guide or not. You can hire a private tour guide to completely immerse yourself in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Or to save some cost, you can book public guided tours of the attractions ahead of your arrival at the Highlands.`

Best Time To Visit The Highlands

While the Scotland Highlands supports year-round tourism, it is surely not an ideal location to visit during the winter. From the unpredictable midnight snowfalls to temperatures dropping to an average of 0°C, winters are the harshest in Scotland Highlands areas. Conversely, July and August are thriving months for the infamous nuisance of midgets that may impact your exploration. 

With winters off the table, April and May are the perfect months to explore the Scottish Highlands for various reasons.

Firstly, the climate conditions between April to May are the most suitable for tourism. Secondly, the tourism scene is just starting during these months, which allows visitors to steer clear of the crowded attractions. Additionally, the calm weather and tourism scene also make it easier to find accommodation and transport without any price hikes which can disturb your overall planning. 

As for the summers, you can plan out your journey from the end of August to September, but it is always recommended to avoid visiting the Scottish Highlands during June and July. 

Narrow Down Destination & Budget

Apart from the tourism season, now is the time to settle for the numerous destinations across the Scottish Highlands and controlled spending. This phase is important because running out of a budget is the last thing you might want to experience during your visit to a remote destination. 

Simply narrow down a list of local attractions that you want to visit in the Scottish Highlands. You can check out our recommendations of the 12 best places to visit in Scotland that will push your outdoor experience on each visit.

Next, you must book accommodation lodges and transport ahead of your visit to these destinations. This part is crucial because tourism in the Scottish Highlands is prone to price hikes. For that instance, restricting the budget by booking everything ahead will help you track your spending without compromising the comfort of your loved ones. 

2. Finding Reliable Transport

With all the notable attractions spread across the Highlands, finding an efficient vehicle is also an important factor that contributes to the overall experience. That is why public transport is not an optimal choice to reach all the remote attractions of the Scottish Highlands. Apart from public transport, you can also rent a car from the capital Inverness to wander around the magical roads of the Scottish Highlands. 

Unfortunately, car rental is highly expensive because of the gas prices and does not include a driver. This increases the risk of car breakdown, or getting lost around unfamiliar roads. To avoid road uncertainty, you can opt for our smart and efficient minibus hire. 

Our well-maintained fleet of minibus hire is inclusive of a native driver to transport your travel members anytime and anywhere in the Scottish Highlands. Not to mention, our minibus hire is highly cost-effective as compared to a car rental because of the personalised quote and zero hidden fees. All you need to do is to let us know the details of your itinerary and we will send you an instant quote tailored to your trip across the highlands. 

3. Find An Accommodation

As said earlier, accommodation is equally important as a reliable vehicle during your visit to the Scottish Highlands. Since it is a multi-day itinerary, you will need a cost-effective lodge or hotel to rejuvenate and continue your journey every day.

Searching for a room or lodge is indeed a daunting process with limited options available. Fortunately, you can find local homestays and glamping vacation rentals for comfortable and cost-effective accommodations for your group members.

These options are easily discoverable as local businesses on Google Maps or social media. Plus, it is a wise decision to book your accommodation ahead of your arrival at each destination per day. This practice will allow you to avoid any price hike during peak season, which will eventually put a dent in your itinerary budget.

Final Words

Navigating a trip around the Scottish Highlands might seem overwhelming. From the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Ness to Glen Coe and heritage reserves like Dunvegan Castle, Scotland is full of jaw-dropping attractions. 

However, planning everything ahead of your road trip can greatly enhance the experience of a whirlwind tour around the dramatic backdrop of mountains and lush outdoors. 

All you need to do is incorporate essential tips for booking ahead of the budget, transport and accommodation to ensure a safe and memorable travel experience. As for comfortable transport, you can always trust our minibuses and MPVs that are inclusive of professional drivers at no extra cost. Drop your details in the form to calculate the cost of your trip across the expanse of the Scottish Highlands.