Take one of the most beautiful drives Scotland has to offer, drive from Glasgow to the Isle of Skye. The drive showcases some of the best landscape spots throughout various natural parks as well as beautiful castles and different cities. Beginning in lively Glasgow, you will be making your way up north through Loch Lomond to the famous Glencoe and into the glorious Highlands until arriving at the picturesque Isle of Skye.
For a more hands-on experience, you may want to hire a campervan from Compass Campers and take your time to visit each of the stops all the while enjoying Scotland's open roads.
Travelling by car overland from Glasgow, the A82 northbound leads you to the Isle of Skye while opening up Scotland's dramatic landscapes en route through the Highlands. As for this road trip, you're looking at about 216 miles of driving in approximately five to six hours (though many explorers make a day or two of the drive to enjoy attractions along the way).
Drive from Glasgow into the largest freshwater loch in Scotland, Loch Lomond, and beyond through beautiful stops such as Tyndrum, Glencoe and Fort William. Leaving Fort William, you will see you follow the famous A87 with a great photo spot, Eilean Donan Castle.
Take the Skye Bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh, which takes you from the mainland to the southern tip of the island. Alternatively, take a ferry from Mallaig to Armadale on Skye's southern shore, reached by the scenic "Road to the Isles," a detour from out of Fort William.
Whatever you opt for, the route offers stunning views and wildlife all along it. For something special, consider hiring a campervan from Compass Campers and making random stops along your route so that you can soak in more of Scotland's rugged beauty.
For the ultimate Glasgow to Isle of Skye road trip, hiring a campervan from Compass Campers offers both comfort and convenience. Our high-spec campervans are designed for adventure, featuring a crash-tested Evolution 2 roller bed, cosy Espacher diesel heating, and a fully-equipped kitchen with a gas hob, Panasonic microwave, sink, and Waeco fridge.
With blackout curtains, mood lighting, and a side overhead locker, you’ll have everything you need for restful nights.
Additional features like air conditioning, Apple Play, heated seats, and a 6-speed automatic transmission ensure a smooth, enjoyable drive. Compass Campers makes exploring Scotland’s scenic beauty effortless and stylish.
If you’re planning on taking your trip from Glasgow to the Isle of Skye and want to make the most out of it. There are some important stops we recommend you take along the way. These 10 locations can make your journey even more memorable:
Start your road trip in Glasgow; it is a lively city with a lot of history, culture, and art. Glasgow is known for its mix of old and newer architectural buildings, such as Glasgow Cathedral, the stunning Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Riverside Museum. Stroll through the West End, where you will find cute little cafes and boutique shops perfect for a pitstop.
The mixture of Victorian and modern architecture and green areas, including the Botanic Gardens and Kelvingrove Park, will occupy you plenty. Use it as a base before heading north, and take in Glasgow’s vibrant vibe to warm you up for the beautiful drive that is to come.
Loch Lomond is a tranquil treasure in the heart of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. It is known for its clear waters and surrounding hills, making it perfect for kayaking, enjoying a picnic, or soaking in the views. Luss is a picturesque village with cute cottages and a beach.
Loch Lomond is a little taste of peaceful beauty and outdoor activity to ease you into the flavours of the Highland landscapes that lie ahead, whether you opt for a boat cruise, forest walk, or local pubs.
The historic town of Inveraray is located on the shores of Loch Fyne and makes for a lovely stop-off with various sights. Head to Inveraray Castle, an 18th-century treasure and home of the Duke of Argyll; you can explore its opulent halls and stunning grounds. The town also hosts the compelling Inveraray Jail — a former prison turned museum with stories of 19th-century life.
Dine in a lochside restaurant overlooking the waters of Lochs, shop for local food or take views of any of the mountains facing it. Inveraray is a sleepy little village filled with history and charm, one you won’t easily forget on your travels.
Kilchurn Castle, perched on the edge of Loch Awe, immediately transports you back to medieval times. The castle provides sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Built in the 1400s, it looks particularly breathtaking during sunrise. A short walk to the castle gives plenty of opportunities for photos of the loch and surrounding hills.
Kilchurn is one of Scotland's most photographed castles, and its sombre presence makes it a sight to behold. The stone ruins and a bit about its history as a fortress make for an interesting little stop on your road trip.
Glencoe, known for its striking scenery, is one of the top things to see on a Scotland road trip. Thanks to its painful past, it has been nicknamed the Valley of the Weeping. Glencoe charms travellers with its rugged peaks and soaring waterfalls between vibrant valleys.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Lost Valley and the Pap of Glencoe hiking trails or simply take in a mile of stunning vistas from numerous lay-bys along this road. This area, pivotal to Scottish folklore and history, is scattered with national parks and pause points that offer powerful scenery at every turn.
Ben Nevis is the UK's highest mountain and an attraction for climbers and other outdoorsy types. For the adventurous, the Mountain Track is a well-used route to the top with views over the Highlands. For a less active adventure, there are beautiful walks and viewpoints around Fort William with views of Ben Nevis.
The mountain, with its impressive size and often slightly covered in snow, is a divine image of the Highland landscape and one of the highlights for travellers who would like to fulfil their spirit with the beauty of Scottish wild nature.
Fort William sells itself as the "Outdoor Capital of the UK" and is a bustling town serving up nature, history, and Highland hospitality. Fort William is a well-known outpost for nearby Ben Nevis (and many subsequent paths across Loch Linnhe). During the day, old buildings littered with comfortable cafes and little shops help bring life to its busy High Street, while in the evening, local pubs go on to do their part by keeping the town loud and lively until late at night.
Take a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, known as the Hogwarts Express, for an unforgettable experience with breathtaking scenery on the way to Mallaig. Fort William is the perfect pause for those in Highland activity and culture.
Situated where three lochs meet, Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. With its rugged little island and a charming stone bridge connecting the fortress to the mainland, this mediaeval fort evokes a fairytale environment. The visitor centre offers an opportunity to explore the restored interiors of the castle and its history.
Eilean Donan's views are extraordinary, with the surrounding mountains and loch mirroring the ambience. The castle itself is beautiful, but in addition to that, it has also been featured many times in films and TV shows, so it serves as a nice little stop before heading across into the Isle of Skye.
The colourful town of Portree is the beating heart of the Isle of Skye, and this makes for a perfect end to your road trip. Portree is a pretty harbour town known for its colourful houses, lively pubs and traditional restaurants. Walk along the waterside or browse local shops specialising in Highland crafts.
From here, you have easy access to Skye's natural attractions like the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. Portree has that lovely mix of community feels while also being near some glorious landscapes, so it is a hive of activity both as a base and as part of the experience on the Isle of Skye.
The Glasgow to Isle of Skye road trip is a fantastic journey through Scotland, bursting with picturesque landscapes, Scottish history and memories (from city vibes to complete ruggedness!). Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Ben Nevis and star attraction Eilean Donan Castle are points of interest. From visiting charming little villages to hiking along beautiful trails, you have a real Scottish adventure in the making here.
If you want to make the most out of your trip, check out the campervan options here at Compass Campers. Experience nature the way you want to, with equipped vans that deliver comfort and flexibility — so you can roam at your own pace. Book your campervan today with Compass Campers.
