Scotland Road Trip on North Coast 500: Highlands, Lochs, Castles, Camping & Trekking!

Hosted by

Mara

7 Days30 Days!

Extra Cancellation Days
only for the first TripMate

01 Sep 24 → 08 Sep 24

Guided trip

8 days

10 stops

3 - 5 Mates

United Kingdom

What's special?

Scenic North Coast 500 Route

Steam Train Journey

Join me to discover the beauty of Scotland in this amazing road trip!! Embark on this adventure with me! We will rent a car from Edinburgh for this guided trip and stop camping at the Cairngorms National Park, at Loch Ness and other beautiful spots. We will travel on the popular North Coast Route 500 around the Highlands, one of the most scenic and beautiful roads of the world! A must do experience for road trip lovers like me! We will enjoy breathtaking views, mountains, beaches. We will stop to admire the beautiful castles of Scotland and then go to explore Isle of Skye. We will also get on board of the popular Jacobite steam train known as the 'Hogwarts Express' for Harry Potter's fans! We will end our adventure with a glamping experience in Loch Lomond before coming back to Edinburgh!

About Me! My name is Mara and I am an Italian actress, theatre maker and event organiser based in London. I define myself as a 'Gypsy Artist', always ready to go on adventure so that I always have great stories to tell! I love exploring the world, I am keen to meet new people and make new friends sharing my passions with them. So expect morning yoga and meditation sessions full immersion in nature and some drama games too! I have already organised a trip to Scotland and I fell in love with the beautiful Scottish landscapes. But I didn't have the chance to travel along the NC 500 yet. So I would like to organise a proper road trip this time to explore everything Scotland has to offer! If you are a nature lover who loves road trips, camping and trekking adapting to different weather conditions this trip is for you! Would you like to join me exploring this beautiful corner of the United Kingdom and create nice memories together?

During our adventure, we'll primarily be camping, so it's essential to bring along your own tent and sleeping bag. Rest assured, we'll be staying at campsites equipped with modern facilities such as proper toilets, hot showers, and nearby pubs and restaurants for convenience. Laundry facilities will also be available for your use. For a change of pace, we'll spend one night in a cozy hostel in Edinburgh, where our group will enjoy the comfort of a private room and bathroom. Additionally, we'll experience a unique night of glamping, where we'll share rooms and indulge in a special treat to commemorate this memorable experience! (Private room or pod option is available on request at an extra fee). Any questions about the trip? You can let me know in the Q&A section!

What's included?

Accommodation

Transportation between stops

Your Booking includes free protection from Trip cancellations.
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Mara

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I am an Italian actress and theatre maker and I'm currently living in London.

You can chat with Mara once you reserve your spot.

Edinburgh

Day 1-2

We will meet in Edinburgh and go exploring the city together. We will walk to the main landmarks: the Scottish Parliament, the Palace of the Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile. We will visit the Edinburgh castle and rest enjoying the Prince Street Gardens. We will wilk through the historic and bustling Grassmarket area in the evening where we will find stunning medieval architecture, castle views, lively bars and a great selection of restaurants. We will spend our fist night in a hostel in city centre where we will have a private room and bathroom all for us.

Cairngorms National Park

Day 2-3

Our adventure begins as we arrive at Edinburgh airport to collect our car and hit the road! Our first destination is the majestic Balmoral Castle, followed by the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park. Upon arrival, we'll set up camp in a scenic campsite near Aviemore, where we'll spend the night under the stars. The following day, we'll embark on a full day of trekking, immersing ourselves in the stunning landscapes of the park. We'll explore winding trails and discover picturesque lakes, enjoying a delightful picnic amidst nature's splendor. After a day of adventure, we'll return to our campsite for a restful night's sleep in our tents, ready to continue our journey the next day.

Loch Ness

Day 3-4

We will visit the village of Fort Augustus and do trekking to reach the Falls of Foyers. We will then explore the legendary Loch Ness taking a cruise with Urquhart Castle view (optional) and who knows we might see the famous lake creature too! We will spend the night camping here.

Inverness

Day 4

We will visit the city and see the beautiful castle of Inverness! Then we will officially start driving along the North Coast 500 route from here and we will stop to see other castles and beaches along the way like Dunrobin Castle, Portmahomack Beach, Dunbeath Castle, Castle of Old Wick, Sinclair's Bay.

John o' Groats

Day 4

This is the far North point of Scotland and of course It is a must stop on our NC 500 Scotland road trip! We will explore its iconic village with its colourful houses and admire its jaw-dropping scenery.

Ullapool

Day 4-5

We will drive down to Ullapool stopping at Castle of Mey, Smoo Cave, Ardvreck Castle along the way. After completing the scenic view of the Scottish coasts, we will stop exploring the village of Ullapool and Loch Broom. We will spend the night camping at a Holiday Park here.

Skye

Day 5-6

We will spend all day travelling around the Isle of Skye. We will stop at different beaches and villages and enjoy breathtaking views of the island. We will then explore the picturesque town of Portree. We will spend the night at a campsite here.

Fort William

Day 6

We will drive to Fort William early in the morning to try our luck and get the train tickets available only on the day for the Jacobite steam train well known as the 'Hogwarts Express' for Harry Potter's fans! We will have the chance to admire the Highlands on board of this iconic train and cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. We will stop at the beautiful seaside village of Mallaig and then return to Fort Williams enjoying the sunset on board of the train. Unmissable experience!

Loch Lomond

Day 6-7

Continuing our journey, we'll venture through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Ben Nevis and Glencoe en route to Loch Lomond. Upon arrival, we'll indulge in a luxurious glamping experience, treating ourselves to a special surprise! The following day, we'll immerse ourselves in the beauty of Loch Lomond as we embark on a trekking adventure and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the lake. After a leisurely morning, we'll take time to unwind and relax before visiting the nearby Stirling Castle, steeped in history and grandeur. As our journey draws to a close, we'll make our way to our final destination: Glasgow, where we'll reflect on the memories made during our unforgettable Scottish adventure.

Glasgow

Day 7-8

Our final city to explore before completing our circle and returning to Edinburgh is Glasgow! We'll take a tour around the bustling city center, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral and George Square. As evening falls, we'll immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Glasgow, indulging in the culinary delights and lively ambiance of its renowned restaurants and bars. We'll spend our last night in a comfortable hotel, savoring the final moments of our Scottish adventure. The next morning, we'll bid farewell to Glasgow as we head to Edinburgh airport to return our car and conclude our unforgettable journey through Scotland.