A road trip planned by Martin Chandler over 11 days with 65 stops.
Countries: GBR
From 2026-07-27T23:00:00.000Z to 2026-08-06T23:00:00.000Z
Hindhead, Surrey, UK
Banbury Road, Warwick, UK
Newport, Knutsford, UK
Tebay, Penrith, UK
Booked for 1900
Tebay, Penrith, UK
16th Century Coaching Inn offering the warmest of welcomes, friendly service and an atmosphere with real character. Dine in our restaurant, enjoy our open fire in the bar or soak in the scenery in our beer garden16th Cross Keys InnAlex Sawkings01768 639109
Tebay, Penrith, UK
Ullswater Road, Penrith, UK
LPG Top Up
Douglas, Lanark, UK
Tay Terrace, Dunkeld, UK
Booked for 1pmTerrace is first come first served.The Atholl Arms Hotel is a historic 4-star hotel in Dunkeld, Scotland. It sits beside the River Tay. The hotel has about 17 traditional rooms, an award-winning restaurant, and views of the river and cathedral.Dining: Features a Riverview Restaurant that uses local Scottish ingredients. It also has a terrace garden for snacks and drinks.
Newtonmore, UK
Tulloch Castle Drive, Dingwall, Ross-Shire, UK
Booked for 7pm
Tulloch Castle Drive, Dingwall, Ross-Shire, UK
Set in the majestic Scottish Highlands, Tulloch Castle Hotel is a 16th-century former tower house situated upon the hills of the historical town of Dingwall. The hotel boasts breathtaking views of Cromarty Firth and the Black Isle. A stay in this Scottish Highland castle is the perfect place for an unforgettable experience, whether you enjoy the local cuisine at Turrets Restaurant, sit back and relax in front of one of the grand log fires, or explore the beautiful surroundings.
Tulloch Castle Drive, Dingwall, Ross-Shire, UK
Tulloch Castle Drive, Dingwall, Ross-Shire, UK
Culloden Battlefield (National Trust for Scotland), Inverness, UK
UK
Drumnadrochit, Inverness, UK
Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart saw much conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress, especially during the Wars of Independence.
UK
Location and scenery: Situated at the southwestern end of Loch Ness, it offers stunning views and is a beautiful Highland village. Caledonian Canal: The village is defined by the impressive flight of locks on the Caledonian Canal, where you can watch boats pass through, or walk along the canal path. History: It's built around a former military fort and a Benedictine abbey now stands in its place, making it an interesting historical site. Activities: It's a hub for activities, including boat trips on Loch Ness, walking the Great Glen Way, and exploring the surrounding area. Atmosphere: The village has a lively yet relaxing feel, with cozy pubs, restaurants, and shops
Fort Augustus, UK
Scenic Highlands site by the shores of Loch NessA 25-minute drive from Urquhart Castle and 55 minutes from InvernessRestaurant and shop on site; watersports and archery nearbyIf you fancy spending some of your holiday trying to spot Nessie from lakeshores, and some taking in the scenic Scottish Highlands, take a look at Loch Ness Highland Resort, a family-friendly site in the village of Fort Augustus. Just five minutes’ walk (less than half a mile) from the shores of the famed Loch Ness, there are no prizes for guessing what the biggest draw is around these parts. The site’s also about five minutes from boat cruises on the loch, and from the Caledonian Canal (which runs from Inverness to the west coast at Fort William) and the 79-mile Great Glen Way that largely follows its route. For those in need of rather more activity, the site team can recommend local activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, gorge walking, river rafting, rock climbing, abseiling and archery, so staying busy is a cinch. The site itself also spreads across 40 acres of countryside, so kids (and excitable grownups) will also have plenty of space to run about in. All this could possibly be hungry work so it's handy that there's a bar-restaurant right on site to sort meals, and a handful of local eateries in the pretty Fort Augustus. After making sure everyone is fed, spend the long evenings during high season keeping eyes wide open to spy out eagles, ospreys, red stags, pine martens and red squirrels.
Fort Augustus, UK
Laggan Swing Bridge, Spean Bridge, UK
Spean Bridge, UK
Banavie, Fort William, UK
Neptune’s Staircase, the longest staircase lock flight in Scotland. This flight of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal is an amazing feat of engineering that raises the canal by 19m over 1/4 mile. It takes around 90 minutes for a boat to travel the locks. This is the perfect spot to practice your ‘gongoozaling’ – the activity of watching boats and activities on canals for pleasure!
Glenfinnan, UK
UK
Spend some time in the Lochaber area, dominated by Ben Nevis and known as the outdoor capital of the UK. Activity lovers will be in their element here; you can mountain bike, hike, climb, abseil, and enjoy all manner of water sports on the loch.
High Street, Fort William, UK
Aim for 1300Don't take reservations.The Geographer in Fort William is a popular restaurant and bar located on the High Street, offering a modern, casual dining experience in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Known for its eclectic menu, it often features locally sourced seafood, pub classics, and varied street food options suitable for visitors exploring the outdoor capital of the UK
High Street, Fort William, UK
The Ben Nevis Bar and Restaurant is at the heart of the bustling Highland town of Fort William.Built in 1806 as an inn for cattle drovers, the award-winning Ben Nevis today attracts a vibrant mix of locals and tourists, drawn by its fantastic food, local beers and whiskies and lively atmosphere.Newly refurbished with a modern yet traditional Scottish feel, the Ben Nevis has a fast-paced restaurant showcasing the best local produce and fresh seafood alongside hearty favourites – ideal for refuelling before or after the many year-round outdoor activities Fort William has to offer.There’s also a cosy whisky bar, perfect for enjoying a dram from our impressive whisky range (check out our Whisky Bible here); and a stunning terrace offering spectacular views over Loch Linnhe.
Camaghael Rd, Caol, Fort William, UK
Camaghael Rd, Caol, Fort William, UK
Ballachulish, UK
Glen Coe, the site of the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692, when members of the Campbell clan murdered members of the MacDonald clan on the orders of the English Crown.
Ballachulish, UK
Ballachulish, UK
Ballachulish, UK
Ballachulish, UK
Bridge of Orchy, UK
UK
Drive a section of the infamous Skyfall road, from the Bond film of the same name, and one of the most dramatic and scenic drives in Scotland.
Glencoe, Ballachulish, UK
Nestling in the very heart of Glencoe, amongst the spectacular and majestic mountains of the Scottish Highlands, Clachaig Inn has been a source of accommodation and hospitality for travellers for over three hundred years.The atmosphere at Clachaig is legendary, and is known throughout the world. The inn has two bars; choose between the Bidean Lounge Bar and the famouse Boots Bar. Good food is served throughout the day in both. Local venison, prime Scotch beef and Scottish salmon are popular favourites. Imaginative, mouth watering, vegetarian dishes are also featured daily.For the last 20 years, Clachaig has specialised in Cask Conditioned Ales and now provides a wide range of beers from breweries across the Scottish Highlands. Regular Beer Festivals are held each year showcasing the wide variety of ales on offer. In addition there is plenty of live music in the Boots Bar, quiz nights, 'meet the brewer' evenings and Whisky Tasting Masterclasses. Malt whisky is a speciality, with as many as 260 different varieties at the last count - both rare and popular.
Onich, Fort William, UK
Bunree Club Campsite in Onich, just 10 miles from Fort William, is a fantastic highland holiday destination and must be one of the loveliest areas on the network in scenic terms - it is, quite literally, breathtaking. Your caravan or motorhome can be parked almost at the water's edge of Loch Linnhe, with your view overlooking the beauty and the splendour of the mountains across from it. You may even be lucky enough to spot sea otters from your pitch. You'll spend a day or two acclimatising to all this natural beauty at the campsite before you even want to explore further afield.
Onich, Fort William, UK
Appin, UK
Castle Stalker from the shores of Loch Linnhe. Located on a tidal island to the north of Port Appin, this iconic castle and its surroundings make for atmospheric and moody photographs.
Castle Grounds, Dunbeg, Oban, UK
Railway Pier, Oban, UK
Table booked at 1300.The Waterfront Fishouse Restaurant (1 Railway Pier): Best for excellent value set lunch menus. Situated on the first floor overlooking the harbour, it features a relaxed atmosphere with standout dishes like local mussels, scallops, and a cheddar-glazed grilled haddock
Stafford Street, Oban, UK
Tour at 1430.One of the smallest and oldest distilleries in Scotland and makes whisky that reflects the character of its coastal location – definitely worth a stop!
Gallanach Road, Oban, UK
Gallanach Road, Oban, UK
Kilmartin, Lochgilphead, UK
Learn about the 800 cairns and monuments that dot the landscape of Kilmartin Glen and see fascinating 2,000-year-old artefacts from local archaeological digs.
A816, Lochgilphead, UK
Enter some of the cairns, see carved gravestones, and reach the top of what remains of Dunadd Hill Fort, where the first kings of Scotland were inaugurated.
Lochgilphead, UK
Our family run holiday park, overlooked by the Crinan Canal, is perfectly placed to explore Mid Argyll, the islands and the surrounding areas on foot, bike or by car.Or you may just wish to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.LARGE HARD STANDING,FULLY SERVICED PITCHESEnjoy our new centrally heated shower & toilet cubicles while pitched up with your exclusive tap, drain and electric point.We dont have WiFi but are in have excellent mobile and 4g reception.
Lochnell Street, Lochgilphead, UK
Booked for 7pm.The Taj Mahal in Lochgilphead is a popular, small Indian restaurant and takeaway located at 41 Lochnell Street (PA31 8JL), known for friendly service and fresh food. It is a well-regarded local spot, operating as a primary Indian takeaway with limited indoor seating for small parties. It is not licensed to sell alcohol but allows customers to bring their own.
Lochgilphead, UK
Inveraray, UK
Learn about Scotland and some of the Highland’s darkest hours at Auchindrain, a living museum and Scotland’s last inhabited Highland farming township before the Highland Clearances, which took place between 1750 to 1860.
UK
Stop off at Inveraray to visit the Inveraray Jail and Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke of Argyll and Chief of Clan Campbell.
Inveraray, UK
Inveraray, UK
A82, Inveruglas, UK
Visit the viewpoint at An Ceann Mor, in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, to get a sense of the sheer size and incredible beauty of Loch Lomond.
Loch Lomond, Luss, Alexandria, UK
Booked for 7pmSit back and take in our fabulous waterfront Loch Lomond restaurant and it’s panoramic views of the Loch and Ben Lomond while the wonderful relaxed buzz of family and friends enjoying a meal creates a lively, warm ambience around one of the Loch’s best Loch Lomond restaurants.Colquhoun’s promotes dining excellence offering classic cuisine using the best of local Scottish produce. Relax and enjoy the tranquil views of Loch Lomond and the surrounding mountains. Colquhoun’s Restaurant provides honest lodge style service in a relaxed environment, whilst delivering wholesome, comfort food that you simply can’t resist.
Loch Lomond Glasgow, Luss, Alexandria, UK
Loch Lomond Glasgow, Luss, Alexandria, UK
Drymen Road, Balloch, Alexandria, UK
Kirkpatrick Fleming, Lockerbie, UK
Birks Road, Windermere, UK
Located just three miles from Bowness-on-Windermere, this campsite offers a peaceful and tranquil retreat from the pace of everyday life. Park Cliffe caters to a wide range of stays, from leisure vehicle tourers to statics and traditional campers, to glampers looking for stylish pods or lodges, all supported by a warm welcome and consistently high standards. Set in an idyllic location, the campsite enjoys stunning views across Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells and mountains - this is Lake District at its very best. The campsite is rich in wildlife, with regular sightings of squirrels, roe and red deer, foxes and a wide variety of birdlife. Its strong environmental credentials were recognised by the late TV botanist David Bellamy, who awarded the campsite his prestigious Gold Conservation Award. Alongside its beautiful natural setting, Park Cliffe offers modern, well-equipped facilities, including a bar and breakfast restaurant, games room, well-stocked shop, children’s adventure playground, private bathrooms for hire and free park-wide Wi-Fi. Within easy reach of the campsite at Bowness-on-Windermere you can enjoy scenic lake cruises and peruse independent shops. Sample some of the best produce from across the region in one of the tasty pubs, cafes or restaurants. You will also find many attractions, watersports and other activities in the area to explore.
Birks Road, Windermere, UK
Newport, Knutsford, UK
Banbury Road, Warwick, UK
Hindhead, Surrey, UK
27 Jul 2026 - 6 Aug 2026
Culloden Battlefield (National Trust for Scotland), Inverness, UK