15 days in Edinburgh, Fort William & Drumnadrochit Itinerary

World Heritage-listed Edinburgh combines ancient and modern in a uniquely Scottish atmosphere.

Explore Edinburgh's surroundings by going to Glasgow (Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum & Pollok Country Park) and The Paisley Cenotaph (in Paisley). There's lots more to do: explore the historical opulence of Edinburgh Castle, take in the dramatic natural features at Arthur's Seat, contemplate the long history of The Real Mary King's Close, and get a new perspective on nature at National Museum of Scotland.

To see maps, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Edinburgh road trip app.

Manchester to Edinburgh is an approximately 4-hour train ride. You can also drive; or fly. In September, daily temperatures in Edinburgh can reach 19°C, while at night they dip to 9°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Wed) so you can go by car to Fort William.

Fort William is the second largest settlement in the Highlands of Scotland with around 10,000 inhabitants – and the largest town: only the city of Inverness is larger.Fort William is a major tourist centre, with Glen Coe just to the south, Aonach Mòr to the east and Glenfinnan to the west, on the Road to the Isles. Get out of town with these interesting Fort William side-trips: Arisaig (Maelrubha's Chapel & Camusdarach Beach), Glenfinnan Church (in Glenfinnan) and Eilean Donan Castle (in Kyle of Lochalsh). Next up on the itinerary: appreciate the views at Glen Coe, take in the awesome beauty at Nevis Range Mountain Resort, contemplate the waterfront views at Loch Linnhe, and identify plant and animal life at Glen Etive.

To see where to stay, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, use the Fort William driving holiday website.

Getting from Edinburgh to Fort William by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: do a combination of train and bus; or take a bus. You will have some time to spend on the 14th (Tue) before leaving for Drumnadrochit.

Drumnadrochit is a village in the Highland local government council area of Scotland, lying on the west shore of Loch Ness, at the foot of Glen Urquhart.HistoryThe settlement grew up around a bridge over the River Enrick and the name Drumnadrochit derives from the Scottish Gaelic 'druim na drochaid' meaning the 'Ridge of the Bridge'. Get out of town with these interesting Drumnadrochit side-trips: River Foyers (in Foyers), Fort Augustus (Suidhe Viewpoint, General Wade’s Military Roads, &more) and Strome Castle (in Lochcarron). There's much more to do: get a dose of the wild on Plockton Seal Trips, look for gifts at Iceberg Glass, take in the dramatic scenery at Invermoriston Falls, and steep yourself in history at Beauly Priory.

For maps, other places to visit, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Drumnadrochit itinerary maker app.

Traveling by car from Fort William to Drumnadrochit takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. September in Drumnadrochit sees daily highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 18th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.