I adored Scotland, but the Isle of Skye was something else entirely.
I spent six nights exploring Scotland in April, starting in Edinburgh before making my way to the Isle of Skye and eventually Glasgow.
I didn’t t have much expectations about Edinburgh, so exploring the city, was an incredible surprise. The city felt magical, and I loved exploring its majestic streets. But the Isle of Skye was the real standout for me. The landscapes were unlike anything I'd seen before, and the hiking was some of the best I've ever done.
Though I had a great time in Scotland, there are a few things I'd do differently, particularly how much time I spent in Edinburgh.
In this guide, I'm sharing my six-night Scotland itinerary, including where I stayed, the places I visited, my favourite hikes and what I'd recommend if you're planning a similar trip.
My Scotland Itinerary at a Glance
My trip took place in early April, with two nights in Edinburgh, three nights on the Isle of Skye and one night in Glasgow.
| Destination | Nights | Where I Stayed |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | 2 | Market Street Hotel |
| Isle of Skye | 3 | Glendale B&B |
| Glasgow | 1 | Hotel Indigo Glasgow |
I travelled from London to Edinburgh by train, picked up a rental car in Edinburgh and drove to the Isle of Skye. I then continued to Glasgow, where I returned the car before flying to Ireland.
Looking back, I'd recommend at least three nights in Edinburgh if your schedule allows. Two nights weren't quite enough for me.
Three nights on the Isle of Skye, however, worked well for the hiking I wanted to do.
Days 1–2: Exploring Edinburgh
I arrived in Edinburgh by train from London's King's Cross station. The trip took about four hours, and travelling by train was a convenient way to travel.
Arriving to Edinburgh, you could already feel the magic of the city. Between the historic architecture, winding streets and beautiful Old Town, I really enjoyed just walking around and taking everything in.
I spent most of my time exploring the city centre, particularly around the Royal Mile and the historic streets near Edinburgh Castle.
One thing I appreciated about Edinburgh was how enjoyable it was to explore on foot. There was so much to see at every corner.
But two nights went by quickly.
I would have loved more time to explore beyond the city centre, visit additional attractions and discover more of Edinburgh's restaurants.
Where I Stayed: Market Street Hotel
I stayed at Market Street Hotel for two nights, and I loved it.
The room was incredibly spacious, with a perfect layout, and the staff were great. It was a very comfortable stay and a great base for exploring the city.
Breakfast was included in my reservation, with complimentary bubbly offered at breakfast.
I personally loved that.
The hotel's central location was another advantage, especially with such a short stay in Edinburgh.
Would I stay at Market Street Hotel again?
YES!! I genuinely couldn't have asked for a better stay.
Where I Ate in Edinburgh
I had two very different dinners in Edinburgh, and I'd recommend both for different reasons.
Clam Shell
For fish and chips, I stopped at Clam Shell, a casual takeaway near my hotel. It was a quick, easy meal and exactly what I needed to satisfy my fish and chips craving.
Monteiths
For a sit down dinner, I visited Monteiths, and this restaurant was perfect.
Easily a 5/5 dining experience for me. I don't recall the exact dishes I ordered, but I do remember how much I enjoyed the meal.
If you're planning a visit to Edinburgh and looking for somewhere to have a nice dinner, Monteiths is somewhere I'd highly recommend.
Of the two, Monteiths was definitely the standout dining experience.
Is Two Nights Enough in Edinburgh?
Short answer? I don’t think so.
Two nights gave me enough time to explore part of the historic centre and get a feel for the city, but I left wishing I'd stayed longer.
Edinburgh is somewhere I would absolutely return to.
If you're visiting for the first time, I'd recommend considering at least three nights, particularly if you want to explore beyond the Old Town.
Day 3: Driving From Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye
After checking out of Market Street Hotel, I picked up the rental car in Edinburgh and began the drive to the Isle of Skye.
The journey took approximately six hours.
I didn't make any stops along the way, but once I reached the Isle of Skye, the views were beautiful.
It was such a change from Edinburgh, and the scenery only made me more excited to explore.
Do You Need a Rental Car on the Isle of Skye?
For the kind of itinerary I planned, I would highly recommend renting a car.
Having a car made it easy to explore the island at your own pace, including visiting hiking trails and restaurants in different areas.
That said, driving around Skye was challenging at times.Some of the roads were extremely narrow, including single track sections where you need to be mindful of oncoming vehicles.
I'd also been warned about the potential difficulty of dealing with a flat tire in some of the more remote areas.
Although I appreciated having my own car, I would ensure that you’re comfortable driving with narrow roads before deciding to drive around the island.
If you're not comfortable driving, an organized tour may be a better option.
Days 3–5: Exploring the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye was easily the highlight of my Scotland trip.
The landscapes were otherworldly, and I completed some of the best hiking I've done.
I spent three nights on the island and completed three main hikes: the Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr and Neist Point.
Each was worth visiting, but the Fairy Pools were my favourite.
Fairy Pools: My Favourite Hike on the Isle of Skye
Of all the places I visited on the Isle of Skye, the Fairy Pools stood out the most.
The scenery was unlike anything I'd seen before.
Between the surrounding mountains, waterfalls and natural pools, it was incredibly beautiful.
There was even a film crew recording in the area during my visit, which I found interesting because the landscape genuinely looked like somewhere you'd see in a movie.
It rained lightly during part of my morning hike, but the rain was intermittent and eventually cleared.
I didn't personally find the hike challenging, although trail conditions can change with the weather.
If you're visiting the Isle of Skye and wondering which hikes to prioritize, the Fairy Pools would be at the top of my list.
The Oyster Shed in Carbost
Another stop I really enjoyed was The Oyster Shed in Carbost.
The food was great, and I enjoyed watching the oysters being freshly shucked right in front of me.
The setting was casual, and the seafood was fresh and tasty!
If you're visiting the Fairy Pools and enjoy seafood, I'd recommend considering a stop at The Oyster Shed.
Hiking the Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr was another highlight of my time on Skye.
The distinctive rock formations and surrounding landscape made this a beautiful hike.
I really enjoyed it and didn't personally find it challenging, although the terrain and conditions may feel different depending on your fitness level and the weather.
Dinner at Sea Breezes in Portree
I also visited Portree, where I had dinner at Sea Breezes.
The food was great, and I really enjoyed the restaurant.
I don't recall the exact dishes I ordered, but it was another dining spot I'd happily recommend from my time on Skye.
Hiking Neist Point
Neist Point was my third major hike on the Isle of Skye.
The coastal scenery was beautiful, and it was another hike I really enjoyed.
I didn't find it difficult, but I would mention that it could be challenging for someone who's afraid of heights.
Some of the surrounding landscape is quite exposed, which is worth keeping in mind before visiting.
Where I Stayed on the Isle of Skye: Glendale B&B
I spent three nights at Glendale B&B, and it was the perfect place to stay while exploring the Isle of Skye.
The host was lovely, incredibly welcoming and genuinely enthusiastic about meeting travellers from around the world.
I had some great conversations with her during my stay, and I really appreciated the personable atmosphere.
Although another guest was apparently staying there at the same time, I never crossed paths with them.
It was peaceful, comfortable and exactly what I wanted for my time on Skye.
Would I recommend Glendale B&B?
HUGE YES! I couldn't have asked for a better stay!!
Is Three Nights Enough on the Isle of Skye?
For my itinerary, yes.
Three nights gave me enough time to complete the Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr and Neist Point hikes, enjoy some great food and take in the scenery without feeling rushed.
I was happy with how much time I'd allocated.
However, if you're interested in doing additional hikes or exploring more of the island, I'd recommend considering an extra day or two.
There's certainly enough to see to justify a longer stay.
Day 6: An Overnight Stop in Glasgow
After checking out of my accommodation on the Isle of Skye, I drove to Glasgow and returned my rental car.
Glasgow was primarily a transit stop before flying to Ireland the following day.
I stayed one night at Hotel Indigo Glasgow, which was nice and comfortable for an overnight stay.
I didn't do much sightseeing, so I can't offer a detailed guide to Glasgow based on this visit.
And after several days of hiking and exploring, dinner that evening was McDonald's, ordered through Uber Eats. 😂
The following day, I flew to Ireland.
What I'd Do Differently on a Return Trip to Scotland
Looking back, I was happy with how I planned my Scotland itinerary. Combining Edinburgh with the Isle of Skye allowed me to explore two very different parts of Scotland, and I loved both. There are, however, a few things I'd consider changing.
1. Spend More Time in Edinburgh
This would be my biggest change.
I loved Edinburgh, but two nights weren't enough to explore as much of the city as I'd hoped.I'd recommend at least three nights, especially if it's your first visit.
2. Keep at Least Three Nights for the Isle of Skye
Three nights worked well for the hikes I wanted to complete. I wouldn't shorten my stay, although I'd consider adding more time if I wanted to do additional hiking.
3. Be Prepared for Driving on Skye
Renting a car was worthwhile, but navigating some of the island's narrow roads required more concentration than I'd anticipated. I'd recommend familiarizing yourself with driving in Scotland, namely single track roads and passing places, before arriving.
Practical Tips for Planning a Scotland Itinerary
How Many Days Do You Need for Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye?
I'd recommend at least seven nights if you're planning to visit both destinations and want time to explore.
Ideally, I'd divide that time between three nights in Edinburgh, three nights on the Isle of Skye and one night in a transit city, I’d opt for Edinburgh over Glasgow next time.
My own itinerary included two nights in Edinburgh, three nights on Skye and one night in Glasgow, but Glasgow was simply an overnight stop before my flight.
Is April a Good Time to Visit Scotland?
I visited in early April and had generally good weather.
There was some light rain during my Fairy Pools hike, but it eventually cleared, and most of my time on Skye was pleasant. Scotland's weather can change quickly, so I'd recommend packing layers, waterproof clothing and appropriate hiking footwear.
Is It Worth Driving From Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye?
For me, yes.
The drive took about six hours, and having a rental car made exploring Skye independently much easier.
I'd recommend allowing enough time for the journey, especially if you'd like to make stops along the way.
What Was My Favourite Hike on the Isle of Skye?
The Fairy Pools.Although I loved all three hikes, the Fairy Pools were my favourite because of the incredible scenery.
It was one of the highlights of my entire Scotland trip.
Final Thoughts on My Scotland Itinerary
Scotland is somewhere I will return to one day.
I loved Edinburgh and would definitely spend more time exploring the city on my next visit.
The Isle of Skye was another standout. Between the incredible scenery, hiking and my stay at Glendale B&B, it was easily one of my favourite parts of the trip.
If you're planning to visit Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye on the same trip, I'd absolutely recommend it. Just make sure to give yourself enough time in both destinations, depending on what you'd like to do.
And if there's one place I'd recommend prioritizing on the Isle of Skye, it's the Fairy Pools.