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Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries to explore by car. A week's driving would only give a taste of the wonders of Scotland, as there is so much to see and do. We have selected only one of many possible driving trip planners to whet your appetite for a more leisurely trip. The Highlands and Islands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, the Borders or the Kingdom of Fife, the towns and countryside of this stunning country each need time to savour its delights. With its ancient traditions and timeless beauty of its landscapes, Scotland is also a new and exuberant country, with a new parliament and a burgeoning economy, and an enthusiastic population looking forward with optimism to its new status as an autonomous country within Europe.
Day 1-2
Because of its many hills, its high culture, and its uncompleted Parthenon on top of Calton Hill, Edinburgh is known as the Athens of the North. The city is divided into two distinct sections: The Old Town is to the south, with the stunning Edinburgh castle as its focal point, from where the ancient Royal Mile leads down to Holyrood Palace. Wander down this ancient thoroughfare, taking in St Giles Cathedral, the Law Courts, John Knox's house and take time to investigate the numerous closes, an architectural feature peculiar to Scotland; these are narrow passageways, sometimes with a very steep flight of steps, leading to the courtyards of tenement blocks.
On your way down this majestic street, you will see Arthur's Seat, Europe's highest urban hill, and the Salisbury Crags rising up ahead of you. The climb up is worth the effort, though you can also drive up, and will reward you with the most amazing views of the surrounding area, and on clear days, you can see as far as the southern tips of the Highlands. The New Town spreads out to the north of Princes Street, below the castle rock with its beautiful gardens, and the gracious unique Georgian architecture, leafy squares and parks provide days of pleasurable meandering. Explore the Left Bank village of Stockbridge, only a stone's throw from Princes Street. You could spend weeks in Edinburgh and still discover more delights. The most exciting time to visit is in August, during the Edinburgh Festival with every sort of cultural activity on offer 24-hours-a-day, as well as pubs, restaurants and cafes to suit every taste and purse.
Day 3
Head for Perth, north out of Edinburgh on the A90 to the Forth Road Bridge, on your way, taking in the sleepy, picturesque village of South Queensferry from where you will see the old Forth Bridge, the world famous railway bridge built in the late 19th century, 'the real bridge', as it's known in Scotland. Once you are over the road bridge, stay on the A90, which becomes the M90 as far as Perth. The scenery around this area gets better and better the further north you drive. You can briefly leave the motorway to take a good look at the beautiful Loch Leven on your right. As it is only around 40 miles to Perth from Edinburgh, you will have lots of time to spend in Perth, taking in Scone (pronounced Scoon) Palace, the seat of the Scottish kings, as well as galleries and museums. You could spend the night in one of the town's many hotels, guest houses, or inns, but if you want to wake up in the real highlands, take the A85 out of Perth and on to Creiff, a pleasant market town in a lovely highland setting, where you can sample the whisky at the local distillery.
Day 4
From Crieff, continue on the A85, heading for the charming village of Comrie, notable for its beautiful shop signs, works of art painted by a local artist, which pepper the main street, a great cheese shop and restaurant, lovely old bridge and stunning setting. Keep going on the A85, passing Loch Earn on your right as far as Lochearnhead, where the road will take you through the mountains to a junction. Turn right onto the minor road, the A827 along the shores of Loch Tay, through the villages of Killin, Lawers - from where you will spot one of Scotland's highest peak, Ben Lawers - and Aberfeldy, until you reach the A9. Turn left, north, towards Piltlochry. This sounds like a long day's driving, but it's a very pleasant route, and is not much more than 60 miles. There are so many places you will want to get out of the car to breathe in the fresh highland air, and the absolutely amazing landscapes full of mountains and lochs are so gorgeous that it's worth it.
Day 5
Pitlochry is a pleasant small town with lots of places to stay and to eat. Walk around the town and between April and October you might be lucky enough to see the salmon leaping up the River Tummel on their way to the spawning grounds. Set off on the next leg of your journey, a leisurely drive along the winding A924, through the small village of Tarvie and stopping off to spend time in the Tummel Forest Park. Road now heads south to Kirkmichael and on to Bridge of Cally, where you could stay, or join the A93 heading to the picturesque small town of Blairgowrie, where there is plentiful accommodation.
Day 6
From Blairgowrie, take the A93 again and head back almost to Perth, picking up the A9, which leads to the lively town of Stirling, a small university town in a stunning setting, where you will see the impressive old fortress high on a rock, in a miniature imitation of Edinburgh Castle. There are many small roads off the A9, which will reward exploration, if you are not in a hurry to get to Stirling.
Day 7
On the way back to Edinburgh, take in a short trip to The Trossachs, a narrow valley between Loch Katrine and Loch Achray and surrounding area, famous for its asscociation with Rob Roy McGregor. A beautiful area of hills and lochs makes the detour well worthwhile.
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