Scotland Route: Orkney Islands to Glasgow, 10 Stops
Explore Scotland's most iconic destinations across 1231.5 km, from the ancient Neolithic sites of the Orkney Islands and Ring of Brodgar to the legendary Loch Ness. This route connects major cities like Glasgow and Kirkwall with natural wonders including Isle of Skye, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, and historic landmarks such as Eilean Donan castle and the Antonine Wall.
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- Places
- Start
- Orkney Islands
- End
- Antonine Wall
- Stops
- 10
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Orkney Islands — Archipelago of seventy islands off the north coast of Scotland.
- Ring of Brodgar — Pre-historic circle of stone formations used in rituals.
- Eilean Donan — Castle located at the point where three lochs meet.
- Loch Lomond and the Trossachs — National park with tranquil waters and forest-filled realms.
- Isle of Skye — The most renowned of Scotland's islands and largest of the Inner Hebrides, connected to the mainland by bridge.
- Loch Ness (#1) — Deep freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands famous for its legendary monster and dramatic scenery surrounded by ancient mountains.
- Kirkwall — Capital and largest town in the Orkney Islands.
- Glasgow — Largest city in Scotland with historic medieval buildings and easy access to the Highlands and Islands.
- Glasgow Cathedral — Historic medieval cathedral in Glasgow.
- Antonine Wall — Historic Roman fortification feature near Glasgow.
Useful for your trip
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- Orkney Islands has 70 islands with 20 inhabited. Visit Ring of Brodgar, a pre-historic circle of stone formations used in rituals, one of Europe's best preserved Neolithic sites.
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- In Orkney Islands, see seals and puffins, and explore local art in galleries and museums. Kirkwall is the largest town in the islands.
- Save money
- Glasgow has more than 1,500 stores for shopping and excellent parks and museums with easy access to Scottish Highlands and Islands.
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- Eilean Donan castle is located at the point where three lochs meet. The current castle dates to the 20th century and has been featured in countless films and TV shows.
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- St Andrews features the 13th century clifftop St Andrews Castle with dungeons and secret passageways, plus a now-ruined 12th century cathedral, the largest church ever built in Scotland.
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- Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park contains more than 30 islands including the largest freshwater island in the British Isles. Offers fishing, golf, walks, camping, bicycling, and climbing.
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- Stirling Castle is positioned atop a mighty crag with views for miles. The nearby Wallace Monument honours the legendary freedom fighter. Bannockburn nearby is where Robert the Bruce defeated the English in 1314.
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- Glencoe is located 16 miles south of Fort William. A monument marks the 1692 Massacre. The glen provides outstanding climbing and walking opportunities.
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- Isle of Skye is the largest and most northerly of the Inner Hebrides, located off the west coast and connected to mainland by a bridge. Often shrouded in mist, offering dramatic photo opportunities.
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- Edinburgh hosts the Fringe, the world's largest international arts festival, and the Military Tattoo. The Royal Mile has many cafes, shops, and restaurants.
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- Loch Ness is more than 750 feet deep in some places and holds more fresh water than all lakes in England and Wales combined. Take a cruise to search for the monster or visit Urquhart Castle ruins.
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- Scottish landscape features breathtaking highlands ideal for hiking and strolling, craggy coastlines, and blue lakes suitable for fishing.
Video on this route
10 Best Places to Visit in Scotland - Travel Video