One of the most beautiful road trips in Scotland you can do is driving from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye.
From the hilly and historical capital, through the scenic Glencoe area and all the way to one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Skye.
Discover seven of the most beautiful stops you’ll love on your road trip from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
1. Calton Hill, Edinburgh
As you start your Scotland Travels in Edinburgh, I recommend spending some time on Calton Hill, especially at Sunset.
From there you have unobstructed views of the old town, Edinburgh Castle, and the volcanic Arthur’s Seat. Locals and tourists alike (and wedding photographers) come to enjoy one of the most beautiful views in the country.
2. Buachaille Etive Mor, Glencoe
When you reach Glencoe, you will see the impressive Buachaille Etive Mor Mountain from far away (1022m). This is probably the most photographed peak in Scotland because of its wonderful triangular shape.
As you drive towards it, the excitement builds up, as you know it is the beginning of a scenic valley.
And if you are a James Bond Movie fan, take the dead end road at its foot called Glen Etive, to see some filming locations of the Skyfall movie!
3. Etive Beag, Glencoe
Not much further after that is another stop with a grandiose view of Glencoe. I just wish I had had the technology to take a 360° panorama for you.
From there you can see many of the Glencoe summits. It is the departure point for several hikes including Munro Bagging options – like they say in Scotland (meaning climbing peaks over 3000ft-915m).
This is a perfect place to stop for awhile on your road trip from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye if you like hiking.
4. Loch Atriochtan
As you continue your Edinburgh to Isle of Skye road trip, you drive by other famous stops like the 3 Sisters but I recommend a stop often overlooked, the one near Loch Atriochtan.
At this point the valley is narrow and the small loch offers a great perspective of the mountain wall.
5. Glen Shiel
Further north, between Glencoe and the Isle of Skye, the main road takes you through Glen Shiel. There the road winds through the valley, following River Shiel and nested between towering mountains.
One of its most famous stops is the view of the 5 Sisters of Kintail, a ridge with peaks rising to 3505ft (1068m).
6. Eilean Donan Castle
Our last stop on the Edinburgh to Isle of Sky road trip before the Isle of Skye is the famous Eilean Donan Castle. Built on an islet from the 13th century, it was protection against the Vikings at the meeting of 3 lochs.
Abandoned in the 18th century, a passionate man restored it in the early 19th century and it can still be visited today.
One of the best views is actually not at the main parking spot but from the other side of the bridge. From there, you can capture the Castle, its bridge and the stunning mountains of Glen Shiel in the background.
7. Old Man of Storr
As you arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh, you drive on the Skye Bridge to access the Isle of Skye. The road does not stop there though as the island is bigger than you think.
You still have to drive to the main town of Portree. And to finish your 7 stops on the road between Edinburgh and Skye, I recommend driving just a little North of Portree to admire the icon of the Isle of Skye the Old Man of Storr.
Legend says that the 48m (160ft) high pinnacle is the thumb of a giant lying in the Earth.
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Planning a road trip in Scotland?
The drive from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye (Portree) will take you 6 hours if driving via the Trossachs and Glencoe and not stopping.
For more ideas about things to do on that road trip, planning information, beautiful photos, and practical maps to help you plan your travels, check out ZigZag On Earth’s eBook: The Road Trip Guide: Edinburgh to Skye and if you are traveling further in Scotland, you will want her Road Trip Scotland guide.
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Gorgeous, my heart is breaking… went to Loch Etive for many holidays when I was a girl and we sailed all around Skye too. Lovely, lovely photos. I was in Scotland in January seeing my Mum and it’s pretty where she lives near Edinburgh but there’s no drama like there is in the west.
I can recommend Zig Zag’s guides, have been reading the one for Oman where hubby is off to imminently – without me!
Thanks you so much Seana. I am glad you are finding my guides useful.
What an amazing post and a beautiful part of the world. I loved Scotland but I haven’t been for over 20 years. Your photos look sensational
I agree Calton Hill in Edinburgh is not just ONE of the best views in the country in my view (so to speak). It’s the best view.
The tragedy of the day was that the only day I could make it I had bad exposure to my film. Yup, that trip was a while ago, when cameras had film. Not of the pics were even half way comprehensible, sigh…
I really liked Edinburgh and it was by far my favorite city in Scotland.
The best photos are the ones in our head 🙂
Wonderful post! well, Old Man of Storr will be the first on my list the next one is Loch Atriochtan if ever I have a chance to visit Scotland and I think you brought out some very good points for us to put Scotland on our traveling list. Thanks.
Amazing..Calton Hill is a spectacular place!! I have been there and I recommend it to all those who love sunsets. There are other great views too that one can enjoy.
I love Scotland! We made this drive last year and it was one of the most beautiful and most memorable trips yet! | http://ourpassportpages.com/
Heading to Scotland later in the summer to retrace my heritage, and I’m absolutely dying now. Gorgeous post with great, great photos!
Thanks Tracy. I also have some Scottish heritage. My Dad was glad to go back to Scotland 40 years later… I wish you a wonderful trip!
Wonderful post! Old Man of Storr will be the first on my list the next one is Loch Atriochtan if ever I have a chance to visit Scotland. I think you brought out very good points for us to put Scotland on our traveling list. Thanks.
What an amazing post and a beautiful part of the world. I loved Scotland but I haven’t been for over 20 years. Your photos look sensational
What a post ! it’s wonderful and thanks for sharing half of the world with us.
Scotland is such a beautiful country…one that we must explore more (we live here and still haven’t done a lot of exploring) Would love to visit Eilean Donan Castle and also head over to Skye!
These places seem like something everyone must see! Great and detailed post, Claire!
Absolutely beautiful photographs, if I didn’t live here already I’d definitely want to visit! Another scenic route to the Isle of Skye is the ‘Road to the Isles’ via Fort William to Mallaig and a short ferry ride to Skye. There are stunning views of some of the west coast islands and the famous Silver Sands of Morar beach. It also passes the Glenfinnan monument and the rail viaduct used in Harry Potter. Personally I recommend a road-trip loop taking this route to Skye and coming back via the route you have mentioned for a double dose of incredible Scottish scenery 🙂