Forever locked in an almost-friendly rivalry with Edinburgh, the proud city of Glasgow serves up a heady mix of heritage and culture. Find out about car rental for this Road Trip route. Loch Lomond and the surrounding Trossachs showcase Scotland at its most mesmerizing. A magnificent mountain backdrop, rolling hills, hidden waterfalls and lush greenery set around the serene waters of the loch make for a heady mix in this expansive national park.
The winter snowfall creates some fantastic skiing, with 20 trails of varying difficulty to choose from. However, just heading out for an invigorating walk still allows you to soak up unforgettable views of iconic Buachaille Etive Mor.
You can hitch a lift on the mountain gondola for views from the face of Aonach Mor, or enjoy the mountain from afar with a walk through neighboring Leanachan Forest. Linked to the Scottish mainland by road bridge, there seems to be magic in the air on the Isle of Skye. The picture-perfect capital of Portree is a highlight, with its pretty pastel houses overlooking the bay. Warm up with a walk around The Lump park with its magnificent harbor views, then head to see Lealt Falls in full flow.
Though it may seem a little out of the way, Ullapool is plugged in when it comes to culture, with a calendar full of live music performances from big names and literary festivals celebrating the best of Gaelic writing. A gateway to the Northern Highlands, Ullapool is a must-visit on your Scotland road trip. Overlooking the loch, Urquhart Castle is a grand 16th-century fortress.
The Cairngorms National Park is 1, square miles of natural beauty, including a sprinkling of villages and towns each with their own distinct identity. Visit the Strathspey Steam Railway for fun and adventure on an old-time train ride, or stay in Aviemore for activities including winter walks, rugged cliff-side climbs and a feast of winter sports. This stunning example of Georgian Gothic architecture will fill your mind with historic wonder. See regal finery from centuries past and tour the very chambers where Scottish kings such as Robert the Bruce were crowned.
