Highland Road Trips in Scotland with Luxury Hotel Stays

Perth to Pitlochry

Start your adventure holidays in Scotland with your first stop exploring Dunkeld and Birnam. This part of Perthshire inspired the author Beatrix Potter and playwright William Shakespeare. There’s a lovely walk, from Dunkeld, which highlights the natural beauty of the area. Taking in the Birnam Oak and Beatrix Potter Garden.

From Dunkeld, head to Aberfeldy a very picturesque village with plenty of options for lunch. Before or after, it’s well worth a walk through the birks of Aberfeldy. Made famous by none other than Robert Burns.

Then a short drive up to Pitlochry to enjoy a night at the luxury hotel – Pinetrees Hotel. Nestled in the heart of Perthshire, enjoy its understated luxury and indulge your senses in the Fauna restaurant, serving a wealth of local Scottish produce from its fields, forests and shores.

Pitlochry to Fort William

After your hearty breakfast, head for the Queen’s View a short drive North from Pitlochry. A royal viewpoint that has caught the imagination of many over the centuries. While driving down the side of Loch Tummel, around Schiehallion and on to Kenmore, you may recognise many vistas which featured in the filming of the Outlander TV series.

With the mighty Ben Lawers mountain range on one side and the stunning Loch Tay on the other, you’ll eventually reach the village of Killin. The drive from here to Glencoe is quite quintessentially Scottish. You’ll head through Rannoch Moor and can even take a detour down ‘The Skyfall Glen’ signposted for Glen Etive.

The ever-present mountains of Glen Coe await and a walk in the Lost Valley will work up a mighty appetite. Then it’s a short drive up to Fort William and the Glen Nevis campsite for your first night camping. There’s a bar and restaurant nearby and an onsite kitchen if you don’t fancy cooking.

Fort William to Aviemore

Start the day with a walk to Steall Falls, one of Scotland’s highest waterfalls, the walk is constantly named as one of the best in the country. If time allows, you could also detour to check out the Glenfinnan Viaduct aka the Harry Potter Bridge.

Continue your journey to the Great Glen. This is one of Scotland’s ancient fault lines and home to its most famous resident: the Loch Ness monster. There are several places to stop and jump on a boat cruise. Some are fast-paced and on RIB boats, others are more sedate and informative, all of them are fun.

After this, you will be heading to the ‘Capital of the Highlands’ – Inverness. There are plenty of foodie options in the city. Once you’re recharged it’s time to step back in time. A couple of recommended stops are Clava Cairns: a prehistoric burial site dating back some 4000 years (some say the magic of the Outlander TV series can still be captured here), or the impressive visitor centre at the Culloden Battlefield.

Finally, you’ll make your way to the shores of Loch Morlich and the Glenmore campsite – a picturesque setting with an opportunity for watersports or a wild swim.

Aviemore to Aberdeenshire

Today is all about full immersion experiences. Head to the RSPB reserve at Loch Garten to spot the ospreys that nest amongst the Caledonian pines. Or perhaps you’d like to get a buzz from an adventure activity, if so head to Bike Glenlivet a purpose-built trail centre, with bike hire. Whatever you choose the drive in the Speyside Valley is dominated by one thing more than anything else: whisky distilleries.

One of Scotland’s 5 whisky regions, this area has 50 distilleries to choose from. You’ve got big hitters like Macallan and Glenfiddich to smaller producers like Glen Farclas or Glen Allachie. If whisky isn’t your thing Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens are suitably located on the drive for a visit too.

Tonight, you stay at another luxury hotel – Meldrum House Hotel. This country manor is tucked away in 2,140 acres of its own private grounds. Combining history and luxury, relax and enjoy with exemplary service and a warm Scottish welcome.

Aberdeenshire to Nomadic Scotland

You won’t be in a rush to leave but after a sumptuous breakfast and a fond farewell, you will head into Royal Deeside. Wind your way to Balmoral Castle, the castle and gardens are open to the public. However, the opening times vary depending on when the royals are in residence, best to check ahead.

Stop in at the lovely village of Braemar for a refreshment before making your way over the mountains of Glenshee and driving down the ‘Devil’s Elbow’. You’ll pass through Blairgowrie, another possible spot to stop for a snack or lunch if you have any space left. Finally, you’ll work your way down into Perthshire and back to us. Crossing the river Tay via The Destiny Bridge opened in April 2025.

Once you drop the vehicle back to us, we can transfer you directly to the airport. Alternatively, why not extend your road trips around Scotland and we can drop you at one of the Apex hotels in Edinburgh. Where you can enjoy a couple of days of cosmopolitan living in the capital of Scotland.

Book your Nomadic Scotand road trip today with a little bit of luxury with Apex Hotels.