Scotland is often said to be at its best in August, but I couldn’t wait that long. Instead, I planned my trip for the end of May, and with a few sunny days on my side, I made the most of it with my family.

After recently sharing my favourite things to see in Edinburgh, today DOYOUSPEAKLONDON invites you to join me on a driving tour across Scotland! A fantastic way to discover the beauty and character of this remarkable country!

A glimpse of Scotland…

I’ve always wanted to explore Scotland, and I finally got the chance to hit the road with my family. From historic cities to wild landscapes, this part of the UK is full of surprises, cosy corners, and views that take your breath away.

Steeped in fascinating history, Scotland is a land of ancient castles, battlefields, royal traditions, and clans. Every town and landscape seems to tell a story, shaped by centuries of legends and resilience.

With all that history in mind, we set off on a scenic journey from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond, 79 miles of stunning scenery, taking about 2 hours and 20 minutes by car.

Edinburgh to Loch Lomond: a scenic drive (79 miles, 2h20)

We set off from Edinburgh and made our way to Loch Lomond. About an hour in, we stopped in Stirling to stretch our legs, admire the charming city centre, and catch a glimpse of its iconic castle.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to explore the castle properly, as our schedule was packed.

Still, it’s easy to see why it’s so famous: with a history stretching back to the Wars of Independence, including civil conflicts among the Scots and battles with England, the castle changed hands eight times in just 50 years!

Perched atop a dramatic volcanic rock overlooking the River Forth, its impressive structure alone is worth a visit. On top of that, the many events held there make it a lively and fascinating place to explore.

We arrived at Loch Lomond between two heavy showers. The sky was as dark as the water, but we still enjoyed our walk and I snapped a few photos from a lovely vantage point. At one point, I even stopped to admire the beautiful bluebells.

Loch Lomond, in southern Scotland, is part of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. With more than thirty islands and rich wildlife, it’s a stunning natural spot with plenty to explore!

For anyone keen on watersports, Loch Lomond is one of Scotland’s top spots for boating and activities on the water. You can also check out The Maid of the Loch, the last paddle steamer built in Britain. She sailed the loch for 29 years and is now being lovingly restored at Balloch Pier.

I have to say, the scenery in this part of Scotland reminded me of our trip to the Lake District a few years ago. Big lakes, sprawling forests, and lush landscapes. An absolute paradise for walkers!

After soaking in the beauty of Loch Lomond, it was time to continue our journey westward. Next stop: Fort William, a scenic 76-mile drive that takes about 2 hours.

Loch Lomond to Fort William (76 miles, 2h)

I absolutely loved the scenery along this stretch, truly breathtaking. It’s easily my favourite part of the whole trip across Scotland!

Driving across such a big country can be tiring, but the joy of discovering incredible scenery and vibrant colours along the way made it all worth it! The sky kept changing, sometimes darkening the landscape and making it dramatic, other times revealing crystal-clear turquoise waters and bright green fields. A pure paradise!

In this part of our trip, we drew closer to the mountains, and the landscape started to change dramatically. Rolling hills gave way to towering peaks and misty valleys, making every turn of the road feel like stepping into a postcard.

The closer we got, the more the air seemed fresher, the colours richer, and the scenery truly awe-inspiring.

About 10 miles before reaching Fort William, we stopped to admire Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles at 1,345 metres. The area was quite busy, but we still enjoyed the surrounding mountain views, with some peaks still dusted in snow.

If you’re up for a hike, climbing Ben Nevis or exploring the surrounding trails is a truly memorable experience.

Fort William – Glencoe

After admiring Ben Nevis, we continued our drive toward Glencoe, passing through Fort William. A perfect gateway to some of Scotland’s most dramatic and breathtaking landscapes.

Even though people warned us that Fort William is usually rainy, we stayed optimistic, and were lucky enough to enjoy two sunny days there!

Fort William itself is a small, bustling town at the foot of Ben Nevis, with a handful of shops, cafés, and local pubs.

While it’s not a major sightseeing destination on its own, it serves as an essential hub for exploring the surrounding Highlands. Many walkers and hikers use it as a starting point for trails to Ben Nevis, Glen Nevis, and the dramatic landscapes nearby, making it the perfect base for outdoor adventures.

On our first morning, we decided to take a walk along the Glencoe Lochan trail, tucked away in the peaceful woodlands just behind Glencoe Village. We set off from the Glencoe Lochan car park and spent a couple of hours wandering the serene paths before returning to our starting point.

During our stay in this part of Scotland, we learned that a “lochan” is just a small loch, basically a tiny lake. The Glencoe Lochan trail winds up and around this scenic little body of water, making for a peaceful and picturesque walk.

We couldn’t have imagined a more perfect spot to soak in the peace, natural beauty, and quiet of the Highlands. Surrounded by towering trees, shimmering waters, and distant mountains, every step felt restorative. I truly recommend this walk, it’s an ideal introduction to the magic of the Scottish Highlands.

On the second morning, we made our way to Glen Nevis, a breathtaking valley at the foot of Ben Nevis, surrounded by towering peaks and lush greenery. Our destination was Steall Falls, one of Scotland’s highest and most dramatic waterfalls, cascading down a rugged cliff into a serene gorge.

The combination of the roaring water, misty air, and sweeping mountain views made it an unforgettable spot for a morning adventure.

The walks we chose were generally family-friendly: easy enough for everyone to enjoy, but still offering a little challenge along the way.

The scenery was so varied and stunning, from rolling hills to sparkling lochs and dramatic mountain views, that we never had trouble staying motivated. Every turn brought a new surprise, making each step feel like a small adventure in itself.

After starting our walk through the forest, we emerged onto a viewpoint with a sweeping panorama of the surrounding mountains, and in the distance, we could spot the dramatic Steall Falls cascading down the cliffs…

Just before reaching the ultimate destination, we paused at ‘The Rope Bridge,’ where anyone tall (and brave!) enough could unleash their inner adventurer!

Fort William is the perfect crossroads for a variety of stunning walking routes, offering something for every taste: majestic mountains, serene forests, lush woodlands, and charming canalside views. We truly enjoyed the two walks we managed and could only regret not having more time to fully explore all that the area has to offer…

By this point, we were halfway through our Scottish adventure, with so much more still to discover. Stay tuned to my blog for the next article in this road trip across Scotland!

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I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found some inspiration along the way. If you’re planning your own Scottish adventure, I’d love for you to share your experiences and thoughts on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON blog!

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To go further:

The Maid of the Loch website
Stirling Castle website
Loch Lomond things to do
Ben Navis website
Fort William things to do
The Scottish Highlands information

Check out my other travel recommendations for Scotland, Wales, England.

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