First of all, we would like to congratulate you on your decision to visit Scotland! It is one of the most beautiful countries in the world (if not the most), often ranking above places like New Zealand and Canada. Its grand scenery of mountains, lochs, and glens will leave you breathless at every turn. This is going to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life and leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling every time you’re reminded of Bonnie Scotland.
We spent an entire month in this gorgeous country and we could easily have spent longer!
Whether you are a keen landscape photographer or want to see the country at its best then this blog will guide you through the land making sure you’re in the right place at the right time for the best views.
The best way to experience Scotland is by car and a road trip is highly recommended. Scottish law allows you to wild camp pretty much anywhere as long as you are tidy and don’t cause a disturbance. This also extends to parking your camper van at the side of the road provided it is in a safe spot.
You can pack a tent or rent a campervan and see it all. However, renting a camper van can be pretty expensive and camping is not to everyone’s taste. So you do you, camp, campervan or stay in cosy BnBs. But one thing is essential and that is renting or bringing your car.
So let’s jump into how to spend 12 days in Scotland!
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Day 1 – Loup of Fintry Waterfall
The Loup of Fintry is a stunning waterfall on the River Endrick with a height of 94 feet.
It is somewhat of a hidden gem and a little off the main tourist track but in our opinion, it is one of the most beautiful photography locations in Scotland!
It is located just 45 minutes north of Glasgow and makes for the perfect start to your 12-day Scotland Itinerary if you are heading North or have flown into Glasgow.
How to get to the Loup of Fintry?
Parking is downright terrible for this spot. There is room for 5 cars at most, even then it’s likely your car will be sticking out into the road or tightly squeezed against a stone wall.
There are other parking spots along the road but you will have a bit of a walk ahead of you. Getting here with plenty of time to account for parking troubles is essential for a stress-free visit.
If you have managed to park in the nearby layby then the walk to the waterfall will take less than 5 minutes. You will likely spend an hour to see the waterfall and explore the area.
Best time of day to visit the Loup of Fintry?
This gorgeous waterfall near Glasgow shows its true colours at sunset so aim to arrive at least an hour before the sun goes down. With the setting sunlight shining into the waterfall and a purple-red sky in the background, you will get to see why this is ranked as one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Where to stay on Day 1?
There is a spot for wild camping just above the waterfall which is the best option if you want to see this place both at sunrise and sunset. It’s also fairly close to Glasgow so if camping isn’t for you then you will be able to find accommodation nearby very easily.
Day 2 – Balmaha Village & Milarrochy Bay in Loch Lomond National Park
Situated on the eastern shore of the lake of Loch Lomond, Balmaha is often referred to as one of the most picturesque villages in the area.
How to get to Balmaha Village?
It takes 40 minutes to drive to Balmaha from the Loup of Fintry. Or if you decide to stay in Glasgow it is 50 minutes from the City centre.
Best time of day to Visit Loch Lomond?
Aim to arrive in Balmaha around midday. You can spend an afternoon exploring this quaint fishing village. Enjoy a local fish and chips at the pub and head out to the dockyard to photograph the countless fishing boats moored there.
There is a walk just north of the village which is part of the west highland way and will give you some stunning views over the loch.
Photography Tip
Aim to head to Milarrochy Bay for sunset as it is home to the perfect subject for photography, the Lonely Tree. Sometimes the loch comes into the shore so far that the tree sticks out from the loch which makes a great subject for a photo.
Where to stay on Day 2?
The Milarrochy Bay campsite is a great place for camping and caravanning. It has great facilities including tent pitches with electric outlets.
Balmaha has a couple of hotels and B&Bs to choose from or if there is no room at the Inn then try the nearby village or Drymen.
Loch Lomond has plenty more you can do than in one day but for the sake of this 12-day Scotland Itinerary, you will be spending one day visiting its eastern shore and staying one night at the campsite or B&B
Day 3 – The Devils Pulpit & Kilchurn Castle
The Devil’s Pulpit also known as Finnich Glen is a huge 70ft deep gorge cut from orange sandstone and covered in fluffy green moss.
It’s quite the scene and one of the most unique places we have seen during our travels around the UK. In stark contrast, Kilchurn Castle is a 15th-century fortress and medieval castle nestled on an island on Loch Awe. Both are beautiful additions to your 12 days in Scotland.
How to get to the Devil’s Pulpit & Kilchurn Castle?
The Devil’s Pulpit of Finnach Glen is a 15-minute drive from Balmaha and is a beautiful natural gorge cutting down into sandstone.
Head down the signposted trail to the gorge and you will see a set of very steep steps which you will need to lower yourself down with a rope.
It can be pretty unnerving when the bank is wet but once you get to the bottom it is very much worth it.
After dipping your toes into the Devil’s Pulpit driving to Kilchurn Castle will take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
There is a large car park with ample parking so keep an eye out for parking signs when you get close.
Best time of day to visit The Devil’s Pulpit & Kilchurn Castle?
Devils Pulpit
Mid-morning around 9 am is the best time to visit this beautiful natural gorge cutting down into sandstone. Although it can get busy during the summer months it will be its greenest, looking as if you’ve just stepped into the pages of The Lord of the Rings.
Visiting Tip: Bear in mind on busy days the parking fills up quickly and you may need to park further down the road.
The hike from the car park will take around 20 minutes and see you descending a steep bank holding onto a rope.
On icy or rainy days this bank can be quite treacherous and must be approached with care. Aim to spend 30 – 40 minutes exploring the gorge, this will make the round trip around 1 hour and 20 minutes
Kilchurn Castle
Kilchurn Castle is a very famous spot among landscape photographers and it’s in your best interest to trust a landscape photographer’s opinion when it comes to the most beautiful places to visit. Spend the early afternoon at this place taking in the scenery and enjoying the views of the castle over the lake.
On a calm day the ruined 15th century castle will be reflected in the water of the surrounding lake and with the mountainous backdrop it is one spectacular sight to see.
Visiting Tip: The walk from the car park should only take 5 minutes and then you will arrive at the banks of Loch Awe. From here you can view the castle and walk around the area which will take around 20 minutes.
Where to stay on Day 3?
Given that on Day 4 you will be visiting the gorgeous Glencoe, the best place to stay on the evening of Day 3 is Fort William, which is a 1 hour 20-minute drive from Kilchurn Castle.
This means after seeing Kilchurn Castle you will be driving through Glencoe, one of the most beautiful places in Scotland, and is guaranteed to knock your socks off!
We highly recommend stopping the car at every opportunity on the way through to admire this amazing landscape.
Do bear in mind that Day 4 will be Glencoe day so try not to tire yourself out too much because tomorrow there will be some serious sightseeing to be done!
Day 4 – The Area of Glencoe
Glencoe is a stunning village in Western Scotland known for its dramatic scenery and majestic mountains.
We have been to some stunning locations known for mountainous scenes in the UK including a trip photographing Snowdonia National Park and exploring North Wales.
But Glencoe in Scotland remains at the very top of our favourite places we have ever been! It is simply breathtaking and one of the most popular photography locations in Scotland!
How to get to Glencoe?
It should take about 30 mins to drive from Fort William to Glencoe so you will need to factor this into your early start. Plan for a full day out at Glencoe. Taking a packed lunch will help you cram a few extra things into your day.
Best time of day to visit Glencoe?
The area of Glencoe is famous for photography, hiking, mountain biking as well as having some more unique activities like Kayaking and even Skiing in the winter.
It has been the backdrop for countless TV shows and movies. You can even visit the spot where Hagrid’s hut stood in Harry Potter!
With all this in mind, you will need to get there as early as possible to get the most out of your day. Get to the three sisters’ sunrise viewpoint for one of the most breathtaking sights you will ever see!
Top sights to see in Glencoe
Three sisters viewpoint
This spot at the side of the road makes for an easy place to get to for sunrise with a big payoff.
Picture three mountains towering over a lake with the rising sun’s golden glow lighting them up as you stand next to the car sipping coffee out of your canteen.
There are many paths leading up the hills on the other side of the valley which offer a higher viewpoint, a better option if you want to get a good shot of the mountains with the valley in it.
Glencoe is one of those magical places where despite the fact you are almost always taking photographs in cloudy conditions, it still looks stunning!
Buachaille Etive Mor car park
Next up is another world-famous landscape photography spot. Walk down from the car park to the path that leads to the little farmhouse dwarfed by the Etive Mor mountain.
If you want a great photo, make sure you zoom in on your camera to make the farmhouse look even smaller and the mountain behind even bigger!
Buachaille Etive Mor Viewpoint
Head to Buachaille Etive Mor Viewpoint on Google Maps and you will find a parking spot with a path on the other side of the road.
Head down the path to another famous photography spot with crashing waterfalls in the foreground backed up by the Etive Mor mountain.
Kings House Hotel
If you want to see some wild deer then the Kings House Hotel has many roaming around its surrounding land.
It is best not to feed the deer as they are wild animals and this can be dangerous for both you and the deer. You can however admire them from a distance grazing through the bracken.
Glencoe Mountain Resort
If you want an easy ticket to the top of one of the mountains then head to Glencoe Mountain Resort.
Even in the summer, the ski lifts will take you up to the top of the mountain to enjoy the panoramic views of Glencoe, this will be significantly easier on your calf muscles and at this point, with the days ahead it’s best to save your strength! The price for one adult return ticket on the lift is £15
Where to stay on Day 4?
Head back to Fort William for a well-earned rest after this jam-packed day.
Day 5 – Corpack Shipwreck and Glenfinnan from Fort William
AM: Corpach Shipwreck & Glenfinnan Viaduct – The Harry Potter Train
PM: 2- 3 hour Drive to Eileen Donan Castle
Home to Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK and famous for its part in the Jacobite rebellion of 1745.
While the town of Fort William itself doesn’t have much to offer in the way of scenic landscapes it is a great base to visit Glencoe and other parts of the Highlands such as Glenfinnan.
Fort William is also home to one of the most unique things we saw whilst in Scotland, The Corpach Shipwreck and in our opinion, this is the best place to see Ben Nevis in all its grandeur!
Travel Tip: You will also find cheaper accommodation here compared to Glencoe, and there are Airbnb options if you plan on staying for longer periods.
Corpach Shipwreck
The abandoned shipwreck found on the shores of Loch Linnhe is quite a unique sight measuring an epic 26 metres long! It also has the dramatic backdrop of the mighty Ben Nevis so makes for a perfect photograph!
How to get to Corpach Shipwreck?
The first stop of the day is the epic Corpach Shipwreck. Corpach Shipwreck is a 9-minute drive from the centre of Fort William and can easily be found on Google Maps. There is a car park within a very short walking distance from the boat.
Get here in the early morning for the best chance to have the place to yourself but make sure you don’t spend too much time here and miss the Harry Potter train at Glenfinnan at 10 am! (There is another train at 3 pm if you want a slower morning.)
Accounting for an hour or two here is more than enough time to explore and take it all in.
Visiting Tip: There is a cute little coffee shop right near the shipwreck so grab yourself a coffee and take it all in whilst perched on one of the many rocks on the stoney beach.
Glenfinnan Viaduct & The Harry Potter Train
If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, Steam Trains or just want to check out one of the most famous railways in Scotland then you can’t miss the Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig.
The best spot to view the train is from beneath the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The train passes over the viaduct often pumping out steam and tooting as it goes by. The train will pass over the viaduct at around 10:15 to 10:30 am.
If this is too early for you then you will be pleased to know that the train also passes by around 3 pm.
It’s best to arrive early to get a good spot, as it attracts over 300,000 visitors a year and it can get very busy during the summer months.
How to get to Glenfinnan from Fort William?
The drive from Fort William to Glenfinnan will take approximately 30 minutes. If you are driving on from Corpach it should take around 15 minutes. Once you arrive at the Glenfinnan Viaduct car park it will take a further 15 minutes to get up the hill where you view the train from.
From the car park, it will take around 5 minutes to get to the shipwreck. As it is not an official attraction most people take a photo and walk around the ship which will take around 15 minutes.
The train has a 15-minute window where it will be crossing the viaduct. From our experience, it was 20 minutes later than we expected.
That including the round trip to the car will take 1 hour. You could also spend some time walking down to the loch as it has some fantastic views.
Where to stay on Day 5?
From Glenfinnan, you will be driving towards Eilean Donan castle which will take 1 hour and 45 minutes with no stops. You will be driving past mountain ranges and Lochs with viewpoints and panoramic views.
You will without a doubt be stopping to take in the views. With this in mind, the journey could take around 2-3 hours with a stop for lunch and a few wow moments.
On day 6 you will be visiting Eilean Donan Castle in the morning. With this in mind try to find some nearby accommodation. There are plenty of campsites, roadside stops, and hotels in the area.
Day 6 – Eileen Donan Castle and a drive to The Isle of Skye
Built in the 13th century, Eileen Donan Castle is famed for its beauty, set upon the Loch and cradled by water against a backdrop of mountains. It’s one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland – and the most photographed!
How to get to Eilean Donan?
Eilean Donan Castle sits beside the A87 which you will not be able to miss unless you drive with your eyes shut.
As the car park is right next to the castle you could literally park up, have a look, and set off again. We however recommend walking up to the castle and exploring the grounds, reading about the history of Clan Mackenzie and Clan McRae.
There is also an upper viewpoint which is a 15-minute walk from the car park which we highly recommend to get an elevated view of the castle and landscape. In total expect to spend about an hour at this location.
Visiting Tip: You can also go inside the castle and explore for a cost of £12 per adult and £6.50 for children over five. The castle does sometimes close due to weddings though so be sure to check their website for opening dates and times.
Best time of day to visit Eilean Donan?
Sunrise is the best time to view the castle and you will potentially have the place to yourself allowing you to enjoy it undisturbed. It’s a good idea to check the tide times before visiting.
The castle achieves its most beautiful state when surrounded by the water from the Loch. Conversely, when the tide is out and the water around the castle recedes, it reveals the bare rocks and seaweed which can eclipse its potential beauty.
Where to stay on Day 6?
You will now be driving to the Isle of Skye, one of Scotland’s most treasured islands. The journey will take 1 hour and you will be heading to the fishing village of Portree
It has a lot of accommodation options and is a great staging point for adventures around the northern part of the Isle of Skye.
We would suggest booking accommodation for the next two nights in Portree as it makes the perfect base for some of the most iconic sights.
Day 7 – The Old Man of Storr and The Quiraing
AM: Old Man of Storr; PM: The Quiraing
The Old Man of Storr is probably the Isle of Skye’s busiest attraction and for good reason.
This impressive rock formation is very unique and is rumoured to be the final stroke of a giant’s hammer that was laid there to rest.
How to get to The Old Man of Storr?
Driving from Portree to the Old Man of Storr should take 15 minutes driving along the A855. As it’s just one road, driving there couldn’t be easier. There is a large car park as well as some parking along the roadside.
Hiking up the mountain takes around an hour each way. Unfortunately for us, it was raining heavily and the whole mountainside was a boggy slippery slope.
For every two steps forward we were sliding on a step back. This meant it took us a little longer to get to the top. Factor in some time to take photos and explore the area for 1-1.5 hours.
Once you’ve gotten your stunning sunrise shot of the old man in the bag you can head back down to Loch leathan and the bride’s veil waterfall for more photo opportunities.
Standing to the side of the bride’s veil waterfall you can still get the old man of Storr in your photo for a 2 in 1 scenic shot! It’s just a 3-minute drive from the old man’s car park.
Best time of day to visit The Old Man of Storr?
It’s a fantastic place to be for sunrise but it won’t come easy. The hike itself up to the top is pretty grueling for most people, doing it in the dark on top of that will make it even more difficult. But having the place (pretty much) to yourself will make it all the more worthwhile!
The Quiraing
The Quiraing walk is a circular hike that leads you around a landslip of steep cliffs, pinnacles of rock, hidden plateaus and back to the car park.
Its iconic landscapes are some of the most breathtaking Scotland has to offer and a must for any photographer or admirer of scenic landscapes.
How to get to the Quiraing from The Old Man of Storr?
The Quiraing is a 26-minute drive from the Old Man of Storr or a 38-minute drive from Portree. To arrive at the Quiraing in the afternoon/evening then you should drive back to Portree for a rest/lunch stop beforehand.
The circular walk takes about 2 hours with no stops, so if you want to take lots of photos and explore the area, allow 3 to 4 hours to see it all.
Arriving early in the afternoon will give you a chance to do the walk and scope out the area to decide the best spot to get your perfect sunset photo.
Visiting Tip: Not far from the Old Man of Storr is Kilt Rock, a waterfall that runs off the side of a cliff and into the sea. It’s an easy stop off on the way to the Quiraing and the waterfall is right next to the car park. You can easily get a few photos of this place in 15 minutes.
Best time of day to visit the Quiraing?
Weather permitting this place can look fantastic in the afternoon-evening with the low sun casting its golden light across the hills.
Day 8 – Fairy Glen and Neist Point
AM: Fairy Glen; PM: Neist Point Lighthouse
Fairy Glen
Near the village of Uig lies the magical Fairy Glen. The enchanting geographical formations are sometimes described as the mini Quiraing, due to their unusual patterns of hilltops and random boulders.
How to get to Fairy Glen?
It’s a 30-minute drive from Portree along the A38. Once you get to the village of Uig find the turning on the right-hand side to Sheader Road. There is an official car park which can get very full during the day time.
Or if you are arriving for sunrise you may be lucky enough to get one of the two free parking spots in a layby a little further down the road from the main car park.
The site is relatively small so factor in around 45 minutes to an hour to explore and take photos.
Best time of day to visit Fairy Glen?
We visited early in the morning but the rain did not relent for the whole time we were there meaning we couldn’t even get out our camera for fear of destroying our camera for the rest of the trip.
Sunrise (so we’ve heard) is a wonderful time to visit, where the sun lights up the stone circle in the middle of the central area.
Neist Point Lighthouse
Another iconic Scottish photography spot is Neist Point, the perfect spot to watch the sun go down with the crashing waves of the North Sea beating against the cliff face upon which the lighthouse sits.
We have been to some epic coastal locations in the UK including Cornwall in the South West of England and the dramatic Jurassic Coast in Dorset, and Scotland’s Coasts are still our absolute favourite!
You will undoubtedly see many photographers lined up not far from the car park with their tripods to capture this amazing scene.
How to get to Neist Point?
To drive from Fairy Glen to Neist Point you have to pass back through Portree and it will take around an hour and 15 minutes driving along the A450 and turning onto the B844 at Lonmore. The walk down from the car park will take about 20 minutes so allow some time to get down before sunset.
Walk along the edge of the hill to reveal the side of the cliff and the lighthouse. From here you will find that the horizon line goes through the middle of the lighthouse.
This is a much more pleasing composition compared to the shot from the top of the car park where the horizon oddly runs along the top of the lighthouse.
Depending on your preference you can either stop at the car park, take your shot, and then drive home. Or spend a couple of hours here exploring and enjoying the area and waiting for the perfect shot. If you want to walk to the lighthouse itself then it will take around 1 hour from the car park.
Photography Tip: You may see many photographers lined up not far from the car park with their tripods to capture this amazing scene. But we highly recommend walking down the hill towards the lighthouse for a closer view and a photo that hasn’t been taken a thousand times!
Best time of day to visit Neist Point?
This spot is perfect for a sunset shot and even through to the blue hour. The light of the setting sun sets onto the sheer cliff face giving dramatic contrast to the rock formations.
Day 9 – Sligachan & The Fairy Pools
This morning you will pack up and check out of your Portree accommodation ready to explore the middle and southern parts of the Isle of Skye.
Sligachan
Sligachan is one of the most beautiful Isle of Skye photography spots on the island. Given its location set in the middle of the island at a crossroads, you will pass by Sligachan more than once.
But visiting it on the way to Fairy Pools is the perfect option for slotting it into your 12-day Scotland Itinerary.
How to get to Sligachan?
It takes 15 minutes from Portree and lies at a crossroads between the North and South of the Island. It is only a short walk from the car park but factor in an hour to walk along one of the short trails and take in the view from the bridge.
Visiting Tip: The Seumas bar close by offers a whisky-tasting experience (probably not the best idea first thing in the morning but perhaps an afternoon activity) and the pub next door serves great food.
Best time to visit Sligachan?
The bridge itself can get very busy which is why we recommend coming for sunrise or early in the morning to get a photo of this iconic bridge with the backdrop of the Cullin mountain range.
The Fairy Pools
On the northern slopes of the Cullin mountain range are Sky’s famous fairy pools. The crystal clear water running down from the cullins forms a series of pools and mini waterfalls running down the landscape.
How to get to The Fairy Pools?
It’s a 25-minute drive from Sligachan along the A863 turning onto the B8009 and then looking out for the signposted nameless road on your right.
There is official parking with a fee of around £5 per car, and the path up to the start of the trail is a 20-minute walk from the car park and the moderately challenging route up to the top of the fall should take around 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete with no stops, so allow extra time for ogling and photos.
Best Time of day to visit Fairy Pools?
Another spot to try and get the jump on early before it gets too busy, the earlier the better!
Visiting Tip: If there has been very heavy rain in preceding days take extra caution when crossing the stepping stones across the river as the water can become very high.
Where to stay on Day 9?
The Dunollie Hotel in the village of Broadford sits right by the harbour and it is a great place to stay to view the next few places on the Isle of Skye. We suggest booking two nights here or three if you want to move at a slower pace.
Photography Tip: Get out onto the harbour at sunset to see the beautiful colours reflecting off the sea in front of the Skye landscape in the background.
Day 10 – The Villages of Ord and Elgol
AM: Ord; PM: Elgol
Ord
Ord is a beautiful little village on the Northwest Coast of Skye and home to a peaceful little coral beach boasting stunning vistas across the waters to the Cuillin mountains.
It’s a real hidden gem and we were the only two people on the beach when we visited. The perfect place to spend a few hours with a flask of coffee.
How to get to Ord?
This spot is a great place to spend the morning to experience the atmosphere of a tiny fishing island fishing village and is just a 30-minute drive from Broadford.
The car park sits right next to the beach and a short walk can see you back in the car in under 30 minutes but we recommend staying a while to take in this beautiful place.
Photography Tip: From here you can watch the smaller local fishing boats go out to sea with views of the mighty Cullins in the background.
Best Time of Day to Visit Ord?
Head to the Fishing village of Ord in the early morning and walk along its white sandy beaches as the rest of the world wakes up.
Elgol
Elgol is a small fishing village in the south of the island and along with its rocky beach boasts some unique geographical features which make a great viewpoint for photography.
It’s also a great jumping-off point for some nature excursions and you can get fishing boats from the village to go whale and dolphin watching in the right season.
You may even be lucky enough to see some highland coos roaming the beach.
How to get to Elgol?
To drive from Elgol to the village of Ord you have to pass back through Broadford and it will take around an hour driving along the A450 and turning onto the B844 at Lonmore.
If you wish to stop off back in Broadford for some lunch then drive to Elgol from the town takes around 32 minutes along the B8083.
Elgol is a very small village and can be explored in a short amount of time. But expect to spend at least an hour here to walk along the beach and get an ice cream.
Best Time of Day to Visit Elgol?
Head to Elgol 2-3 hours before sunset to give yourself time to get there and also take in the journey.
The drive to Elgol is one of the most beautiful picturesque drives on the Isle of Skye so you will find a few stop-the-car moments along the way.
There are also so many highland coos along the way that you may find yourself driving rather slowly!
Day 11 – Loch Ness
AM: The highland village of Inverimoriston; PM: Falls of Foyers Waterfall
This morning you will wave goodbye to the beautiful Isle of Skye and continue to one of the most famous places in all of Scotland, Loch Ness!
Loch Ness
This world-famous Loch infamously the home of the Loch Ness monster needs no introduction.
There are many things to do in the area as well as seeing the Loch itself, so prepare for a day of adventure.
Invermoriston Village
To get to Loch Ness you will need to pass through the town of Invermoriston.
Most people drive past this wonderful spot without realising it’s a tourist attraction meaning it’s a relatively peaceful spot considering its location.
Not only is it a beautiful village worthy of a stop in its own right but it’s also home to Invermoriston Falls which makes a perfect photo opportunity.
How to get to Invermoriston?
Driving from Broadford to Invermoriston will take around an hour and a half.
Head to the Invermoriston Falls walking car park. From here follow the route to the Invermoriston Falls where you will the the twin stone bridges and the falls running through them.
The waterfalls are just a five-minute walk from the car park. So you can probably get some very nice photos and take it all in under 45 minutes.
Best Time of Day to Visit Invermoriston?
The village and falls are especially good to visit in the early morning as they are quiet and the light makes for a picture-perfect scene.
Loch Ness Visiting Tip:
One of the most popular things to do when visiting Loch Ness is to join one of the many boat tours across the Loch, where you can join a crew and go in search of Nessie! You can book online or head to Fort Augustus on the way to Falls of Foyer to jump aboard.
Whether you decide to jump on a cruise or not we highly recommend a stop at Allt na Criche (just before Fort Augustus) for a view of the old Fishing boats left to die at the side of the Loch. These boats have loads of character and make for a great photo of the Loch.
There is no specific spot on Google Maps for the boats so just keep an eye out as you’re driving along Loch Ness on the way to Falls of Foyers. You will see them, we promise.
The Falls of Foyers
The Falls of Foyers is a spectacular 140ft drop waterfall and is found in the small village of Foyers on the south side of Loch Ness.
It’s a beautiful spot and has many gorgeous vantage points as you make your way down into the gorge.
How to get to Falls of Foyers?
The drive from Invermoriston to the Falls takes around 35 minutes and passes some beautiful views and landscapes so do leave some time to stop off by the side of the road.
The Falls have a free car park which is located just a short walk from the start of the trail.
It’s a short walk of around 1km or less down a steep path into the gorge and back again, passing many beautiful viewpoints that will lead you to two dramatic waterfalls.
Allow around 1.5 – 2 hours to explore.
Best Time of Day to Visit Falls of Foyers waterfall?
This spectacular walk where you will be walking through the forest in this dramatic gorge is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Where to stay on Day 11?
After visiting the Falls of Foyers drive to Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park which will take around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
There are many great B&Bs and campsites to choose from. If you are camping consider staying at Glenmore campsite which is the area you will be visiting the next morning for sunrise.
Day 12 – The Cairngorms National Park
AM: Loch Morlich & Glenmore Forest Park
PM: Adverekie Estate & return to Glasgow
The Cairngorms National Park is the UK’s largest National Park and is often overlooked on a typical 12-day Scotland Itinerary.
This is a mistake in our opinion as the Cairngorms offer an abundance of mountains, forest trails, castles, and gorgeous landscapes just waiting to be discovered. This is also where you can feed wild reindeer (an ethical animal encounter!)
If you have more time to spare we would highly recommend extending your stay here.
Loch Morlich & Glenmore Forest Park
How to get to Loch Morlich?
From Aviemore, the drive to Loch Morlich takes around 15 minutes and you should easily be able to park right next to the lake before sunrise.
Spend around 30 minutes to an hour at the lake taking in the beautiful scenery and capturing the sunrise light with the fog on the lake.
Best time of day to visit Loch Morlich?
The sandy bay at the end of Loch Morlich is a perfect early morning spot to watch the sun rise over the Cairngorm Mountain reflecting the stunning landscapes in its calm misty waters.
Glenmore Forest Park
Continuing from Loch Morlich you will find Glenmore Forest Park just a short 8-minute walk from the Loch with beautiful walks suitable for all abilities.
Pick one of the trails to explore the surrounding century-old forest. There will be information for the trails at the visitor centre but in the event you want to plan you can check out the trails here.
Ardverikie Estate
A 19th-century Scottish house and grounds Adverikie Estate is home to a castle that is straight out of a Disney movie. A popular filming location and featured in The Crown and Monarch of the Glen to name but a few.
While the public is welcome to walk the estate and enjoy the beautiful grounds and wildlife, you will not be allowed to drive through it so ensure you are wearing comfortable walking shoes!
How to get to Adverikie Estate?
It should take an hour to drive here from Glenmore Forest Park.
Parking is not the easiest and a nearby layby and walk down a road with no path is required.
Once on the estate expect to spend up to an hour walking to the famous building.
You will not be allowed to walk on the actual building grounds as it is rented out to guests but you can view it from the nearby path. There are no facilities on the estate and you will need to bring some food with you as the walk there and back can take up to 3 hours.
There are however many beautiful stop-off points and the path is largely in shade.
Best Time of Day to Visit Adverikie Estate?
The estate itself rarely gets too busy so any time of day you may find you have the walking paths and castle all to yourself. That said visiting in the afternoon means you can combine a trip here with a packed lunch on the grounds!
Return to Glasgow
The drive from Adverikie Estate back to Glasgow takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes which takes you back to where your Scottish adventure began.
Read more about Scotland
Essential Tips for Visiting Scotland
Best Things to do in Inverness, Scotland
17+ Best Castles in Scotland to Visit
16+ Awesome Things to do on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Save “12 Day Scotland Itinerary” for Later
Author Box:
This is a guest post from Steffan & Emma from InWanderment. Steffan and Emma are a husband and wife team from the UK and the founders of InWanderment. Steffan, a self-taught photographer, is passionate about sharing his photographic knowledge to inspire others to explore the great outdoors with their cameras.
Emma, an avid traveller, passionate writer, and storyteller, has ventured through over 40 countries and loves sharing her knowledge and experiences gathered from across the globe. Currently, Steffan and Emma are travelling through Asia to uncover the best photography spots, hidden gems, and breathtaking landscapes.
The Fairy Glen is stunning! Wow!
From the Harry Potter Train to the castle, to even Loch Ness, Scotland has just been added to my travel wishlist. My brother is a photographer and I’m sharing your post with him and saving it for myself for a future itinerary.
Nice itinerary! Loch Ness has been long on my wish list. Fairy Pools look like fairy tale too.
What a fantastic itinerary!Scotland must be amazing for photographers – I want to go there too…