Over two days, we drove about 500 miles. On our first day, we drove from Glasgow, past Loch Lomond, through Glencoe to Fort Augustus. We cruised Loch Ness and explored the ruins of Urquhart Castle before enjoying dinner and staying overnight at Drumnadrochit.
On our second day, we ventured past Inverness to Fort George, soaked up the spiritual energy at the Culloden Battlefields and the Clava Cairns, and returned to Glasgow along the same route.
We had planned on travelling back via the Cairngorms; however, a road accident closed the A9 for several hours, so we travelled the route in reverse when we returned to Glasgow.
Travelling through Glencoe and Rannoch Moor from both directions (South to North and North to South) is amazing. The view is never the same due to the changing weather and light conditions.
The first three photos are from this trip and show Glencoe Valley’s left, middle, and right views. The other three photos are from our previous trips, and show how the weather can change the atmosphere, showing sunny and misty moods.
Loch Ness is the UK’s largest freshwater loch (lake) by volume and its second deepest. It stretches for 23 miles (37km) from Fort Augustus to Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. Depth is estimated to be more than 270 metres in places. It contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. The World’s population (7.3 billion people) can fit in the Loch 15 times, with 260 million people able to stand on the surface. Due to its high peat content, visibility is exceptionally low (at about 4 inches), and the water appears nearly black. The first recorded sighting of the Loch Ness Monster (‘Nessie’) was by Saint Columba in 565AD. You can visit the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition.
<noscript><img decoding=async class=wp image 81362 size full lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109LochNess cruise fpjpg alt=Loch Ness cruise width=1000 height=750 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109LochNess cruise fpjpg 1000w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109LochNess cruise fp 300x225jpg 300w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109LochNess cruise fp 768x576jpg 768w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109LochNess cruise fp 600x450jpg 600w sizes=max width 1000px 100vw 1000px><noscript> Cruising Loch Ness Peat makes the water black which severely limits visibility another reason why finding Nessie is so difficult<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81360 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Lochness loch 2 fpjpg alt=Loch Ness loch system width=1000 height=564 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Lochness loch 2 fpjpg 1000w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Lochness loch 2 fp 300x169jpg 300w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Lochness loch 2 fp 768x433jpg 768w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Lochness loch 2 fp 600x338jpg 600w sizes=max width 1000px 100vw 1000px><noscript> Loch Ness loch system<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81359 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Lochness loch 1 fpjpg alt=Loch Ness loch system width=1000 height=564 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Lochness loch 1 fpjpg 1000w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Lochness loch 1 fp 300x169jpg 300w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Lochness loch 1 fp 768x433jpg 768w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Lochness loch 1 fp 600x338jpg 600w sizes=max width 1000px 100vw 1000px><noscript> Loch Ness loch system<noscript><img decoding=async class=wp image 81358 size full lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109loch ness fpjpg alt=Loch Ness on a clear day width=1000 height=593 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109loch ness fpjpg 1000w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109loch ness fp 300x178jpg 300w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109loch ness fp 768x455jpg 768w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109loch ness fp 600x356jpg 600w sizes=max width 1000px 100vw 1000px><noscript> Loch Ness on a clear day
Urquhart Castle
We drove a further 30 minutes north to explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle.
This 1,000-year-old site was home to a medieval fortress for 500 years, with control passing between the Scots and the English during the Wars of Independence. With its commanding panoramic views of Loch Ness, a full-sized trebuchet, and medieval artefacts on display, it is highly recommended. If you plan to visit more than one Historic site in Scotland, save yourself some money by getting a Historic Environment Scotland membership.
Drumnadrochit
Overnight accommodation was at a nearby Airbnb property in Drumnadrochit. Affordable room with three single beds and a private bathroom. We had three adults in three single beds in one room, enjoying each other’s snoring all night.
Dinner was at the Loch Ness Inn. Affordable and tasty.
Fort George
Nearly 250 years ago, the British army built Fort George, taking 22 years to complete. The army base has never fired a shot in anger but is still in use, managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Today, the fort would cost nearly £1 billion to build and equip. You can walk around the main rampart, more than 1km in length, which encloses an area the size of five football pitches. Dolphins can be seen in the surrounding waters of the Moray Firth.
<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81327 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 1 fpjpg alt=Fort George Scotland width=1000 height=665 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 1 fpjpg 1000w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 1 fp 300x200jpg 300w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 1 fp 768x511jpg 768w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 1 fp 600x399jpg 600w sizes=max width 1000px 100vw 1000px><noscript> Fort George Scotland<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81328 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 2 fpjpg alt=Fort George Scotland width=750 height=1000 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 2 fpjpg 750w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 2 fp 225x300jpg 225w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 2 fp 600x800jpg 600w sizes=max width 750px 100vw 750px><noscript> Fort George Scotland<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81329 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 3 fpjpg alt=Fort George Scotland width=1000 height=750 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 3 fpjpg 1000w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 3 fp 300x225jpg 300w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 3 fp 768x576jpg 768w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 3 fp 600x450jpg 600w sizes=max width 1000px 100vw 1000px><noscript> Fort George Scotland<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81330 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 4 fpjpg alt=Fort George Scotland width=1000 height=505 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 4 fpjpg 1000w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 4 fp 300x152jpg 300w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 4 fp 768x388jpg 768w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 4 fp 600x303jpg 600w sizes=max width 1000px 100vw 1000px><noscript> Fort George Scotland<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81331 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 5 fpjpg alt=Fort George Scotland width=750 height=1000 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 5 fpjpg 750w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 5 fp 225x300jpg 225w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Fort George 5 fp 600x800jpg 600w sizes=max width 750px 100vw 750px><noscript> Fort George Scotland
Clava Cairns
Clava Cairns is a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age cemetery near Culloden Battlefield on the outskirts of Inverness. For Outlander Fans, standing stones resemble those at Craigh Na Dun (fictional location). There are also passage graves, a kerb ring cairn, and central ring cairns.
<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81312 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 1 fpjpg alt=Clara Cairns near Culloden Scotland width=1000 height=750 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 1 fpjpg 1000w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 1 fp 300x225jpg 300w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 1 fp 768x576jpg 768w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 1 fp 600x450jpg 600w sizes=max width 1000px 100vw 1000px><noscript> Clava Cairns near Culloden Scotland<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81313 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 2 fpjpg alt=Clara Cairns near Culloden Scotland width=750 height=1000 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 2 fpjpg 750w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 2 fp 225x300jpg 225w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 2 fp 600x800jpg 600w sizes=max width 750px 100vw 750px><noscript> Clava Cairns near Culloden Scotland<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81314 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 3 fpjpg alt=Clara Cairns near Culloden Scotland width=1000 height=750 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 3 fpjpg 1000w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 3 fp 300x225jpg 300w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 3 fp 768x576jpg 768w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 3 fp 600x450jpg 600w sizes=max width 1000px 100vw 1000px><noscript> Clava Cairns near Culloden Scotland<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81315 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 4 fpjpg alt=Clara Cairns near Culloden Scotland width=1000 height=750 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 4 fpjpg 1000w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 4 fp 300x225jpg 300w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 4 fp 768x576jpg 768w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 4 fp 600x450jpg 600w sizes=max width 1000px 100vw 1000px><noscript> Clava Cairns near Culloden Scotland<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81316 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 5 fpjpg alt=Clara Cairns near Culloden Scotland width=1000 height=750 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 5 fpjpg 1000w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 5 fp 300x225jpg 300w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 5 fp 768x576jpg 768w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 5 fp 600x450jpg 600w sizes=max width 1000px 100vw 1000px><noscript> Clava Cairns near Culloden Scotland<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81317 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 6 fpjpg alt=Mushrooms at Clava Cairns near Culloden Scotland width=750 height=1000 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 6 fpjpg 750w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 6 fp 225x300jpg 225w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Clava Cairns 6 fp 600x800jpg 600w sizes=max width 750px 100vw 750px><noscript> Clava Cairns near Culloden Scotland
Culloden Battlefield
The Culloden Visitor Centre presents the journey of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. Sound, vision, and storyboards present the events leading up to and including the Battle of Culloden from the perspectives of the Jacobites and the Duke of Cumberland’s government troops. Artefacts on display include guns, musket balls, swords, and shields.
After going through the museum, you walk onto the Culloden Battlefield to reflect on the tragic events of 16 April 1746. In less than an hour, 1,600 men – 1,500 Jacobites were slain. ‘Leanach Cottage’, a traditional thatched cottage built in the early 18th century, is situated on the battlefield near the red flags of the Government front line. The blue flags indicate the Jacobite front line. Clan markers indicate the graves of the fallen.
<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81318 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden battlejpg alt=Culloden battle width=640 height=480 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden battlejpg 640w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden battle 300x225jpg 300w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden battle 600x450jpg 600w sizes=max width 640px 100vw 640px><noscript> Culloden Battlefields Scotland<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81324 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden Jacobite weapons 1024x577jpg alt=Culloden Battlefields Scotland width=1024 height=577 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden Jacobite weapons 1024x577jpg 1024w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden Jacobite weapons 1024x577 300x169jpg 300w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden Jacobite weapons 1024x577 768x433jpg 768w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden Jacobite weapons 1024x577 600x338jpg 600w sizes=max width 1024px 100vw 1024px><noscript> Culloden Battlefields Scotland<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81323 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden Jacobite linejpg alt=Culloden Battlefields Scotland width=1920 height=1080 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden Jacobite linejpg 1920w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden Jacobite line 300x169jpg 300w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden Jacobite line 1024x576jpg 1024w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden Jacobite line 768x432jpg 768w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden Jacobite line 1536x864jpg 1536w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden Jacobite line 600x338jpg 600w sizes=max width 1920px 100vw 1920px><noscript> Scottish side Culloden Battlefields Scotland<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81320 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden Government line 800x440jpg alt=Culloden Battlefields Scotland width=800 height=440 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden Government line 800x440jpg 800w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden Government line 800x440 300x165jpg 300w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden Government line 800x440 768x422jpg 768w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden Government line 800x440 600x330jpg 600w sizes=max width 800px 100vw 800px><noscript> English side Culloden Battlefields Scotland<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81351 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Leanach Cottage Culloden scaled 1024x768jpeg alt=Leachach Cottage Blackhouse Culloden Battlefields Scotland width=1024 height=768 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Leanach Cottage Culloden scaled 1024x768jpeg 1024w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Leanach Cottage Culloden scaled 1024x768 300x225jpeg 300w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Leanach Cottage Culloden scaled 1024x768 768x576jpeg 768w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Leanach Cottage Culloden scaled 1024x768 600x450jpeg 600w sizes=max width 1024px 100vw 1024px><noscript> Leachach Cottage Blackhouse Culloden Battlefields Scotland<noscript><img decoding=async class=size full wp image 81319 lazyload src=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden clan fraserjpg alt=Clan Fraser Culloden Battlefields Scotland width=640 height=480 data pin description=Scottish Highlands Glasgow to Inverness via Loch Ness 2 day road trip httpshaveswagwilltravelcomscottish highlands glasgow to inverness via loch ness 2 day road trip srcset=httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden clan fraserjpg 640w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden clan fraser 300x225jpg 300w httpshaveswagwilltravelcomwp contentuploads202109Culloden clan fraser 600x450jpg 600w sizes=max width 640px 100vw 640px><noscript> Clan Fraser Culloden Battlefields Scotland
After viewing the museum and walking the battlefield, I highly recommend the cafe for a hot drink and a scone with jam and clotted cream. It helps warm you up after the usually chilly winds on the battlefield and helps bring you back from a sad or serious mood to your former cheery travel/holiday mindset.
Final thoughts
You can cover a lot in two days, but you will have to start early, no later than 8 am.
Check the websites for any attractions/activities you want to include to ensure there is availability and to buy tickets.
Many sites now have scheduled arrival times, and you should aim to be there at least 15 minutes before. If you are taking a cruise on Loch Ness, I recommend arriving 30 minutes before so you can join the front of the queue for a top-deck seat on the boat.
Allow 1-2 hours for each attraction and schedule enough driving time between attractions.
If you are planning your drive using Google Maps or similar, the driving times assume you will be able to drive to the speed limit. I would suggest adding 25-50% to the times to allow for road speed, traffic, bicycles, and the ability to park and take a photo or enjoy a stroll at spots that take your fancy.
Stop in Glencoe, even if it’s only for 10-15 minutes. Get out and walk on the grass to get a better view.
Pull into the Green Welly Stop at Tyndrum for a fuel top-up, food, and toilet break on the way to Inverness.
Plan and book your dinner before you leave. There aren’t too many restaurants that are open for dinner, and they close earlier than in the city and are often booked out.
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