Scotland’s A9 corridor from Edinburgh to Inverness is more than just a road; it’s a journey through centuries of royal intrigue, battles, and architectural splendor. This route is often called the Highland Highway which connects Scotland’s capital to its northern gateway and passes some of the country’s most impressive fortresses.
Whether you’re hiring a car, joining a day tour or planning a self‑drive adventure, this guide shows you how to pack the best top castles to see between Edinburgh and Inverness into a single, unforgettable day. We’ll cover their history and why each stop is worth your time, and we’ll offer practical tips on timing, routes, and travel logistics.
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Why a Castle Road Trip Between Edinburgh and Inverness?
Driving from Edinburgh to Inverness takes roughly 3 hours on the fast route, but stretching that drive into a full day lets you explore hidden gems and witness the gradual transition from Lowlands to Highlands. The castles along this path showcase different eras from medieval strongholds to Georgian palaces while their settings vary from island‑bound ruins to hilltop fortresses.
Seeing these sites in one day offers a condensed history lesson and a scenic adventure without straying far from the main route. A castle day trip also satisfies families and couples alike; you can picnic on palace grounds, wander through grand halls, or climb a ruined tower for panoramic views.
Pro tip: Consider starting early (around 8 a.m.) from Edinburgh. This allows enough daylight to visit multiple sites without rushing and gives flexibility for lunch or tea stops.
Map and Overview of Castles on the Route
Before diving into the details, here is a quick overview of the castles you can visit along the way. (Later we’ll suggest a sample itinerary.)
| Castle | Location & Highlights | Approx. Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Lochleven Castle | Island fortress on Loch Leven where Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned in 1567–68. Access by small boat; mainly ruins. | 1–1.5 hours |
| Scone Palace | Near Perth; ancestral seat of the Earls of Mansfield built in red sandstone. Historic crowning place of Scottish kings including Robert the Bruce | 1–2 hours |
| Stirling Castle | Hilltop fortress dominating the “Gateway to the Highlands”; notable for its Great Hall (1503) and lavish Royal Palace. | 1.5–2 hours |
| Doune Castle | Medieval stronghold near the village of Doune; built by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, in the late 14th century. Famous film location (Monty Python, Outlander). | 1 hour |
| Blair Castle | Seat of Clan Murray in Perthshire. Commands a strategic position on the main Highland route and is a Category A‑listed building. | 1–1.5 hours |
| Cawdor Castle | Built around a 15th‑century tower house; legend says it was constructed around a holly tree. Associated with Shakespeare’s Macbeth. | 1 hour |
| Urquhart Castle | Ruined castle on the shores of Loch Ness. Built between the 13th and 16th centuries and later blown up to prevent Jacobite use. | 1 hour |
Top Castles To See Between Edinburgh and Inverness
1. Lochleven Castle – Island Fortress with Royal Intrigue
Lochleven Castle sits on a tiny island in Loch Leven, near Kinross. The original fortress dates to the late 13th century, and it later became a state prison. Its most famous inmate was Mary, Queen of Scots, who was held here from 17 June 1567 until her daring escape on 2 May 1568. During her captivity she was forced to abdicate in favour of her infant son, James VI.
Today only the curtain walls and the five‑storey tower house remain, but the island setting is atmospheric. Access is by small boat, which adds to the sense of adventure. Allow at least 30 minutes on the water plus time to explore the ruins.
Getting there: Lochleven is about 40 minutes from Edinburgh via the M90. Parking and boat tickets are available at the Historic Environment Scotland visitor centre.
Pro tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grassy area outside the tower. The island has no café, so pack snacks and water.
2. Scone Palace – Crowning Place of Kings
Built with red sandstone and topped with castellated turrets, Scone Palace near Perth exemplifies Gothic Revival style. The site was originally an early Christian church and later Augustinian priory. For centuries, the Stone of Scone (now at Edinburgh Castle) was housed here; Scottish kings including Robert the Bruce were crowned on it.
The palace has been home to the Earls of Mansfield for over 400 years. Visitors can tour the ornate State Rooms, wander the Moot Hill where kings were proclaimed, and explore the star‑shaped gardens.
Getting there: About 1 hour north of Edinburgh along the A90/A9. A convenient stop before heading deeper into the Highlands.
Highlights: Don’t miss the needle statue representing 26 kings crowned here. The star‑shaped parterre garden is perfect for photos, and the café serves excellent scones, fitting, given the palace’s name.
3. Stirling Castle – The Key to the Kingdom
Strategically perched on a volcanic crag above the River Forth, Stirling Castle was fortified since ancient times. Its position meant whoever controlled Stirling effectively controlled the gateway between the Highlands and Lowlands.
The castle’s Great Hall, completed in 1503 for James IV, is the largest medieval banqueting hall in Scotland and painted in a distinctive ‘Royal Gold’ harling. Nearby, the Royal Palace was built for James V and his French queen, Mary of Guise, and later served as the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Inside you’ll find recreated royal apartments, costumed guides and the Stirling Heads Gallery, beautifully carved 16th‑century portraits. On a clear day, the battlements afford sweeping views across the Forth Valley to the Wallace Monument and Ochils.
Getting there: Stirling is a 50‑minute drive from Edinburgh via the M9. There’s a park-and-ride bus from Stirling city centre.
Pro tip: Arrive at opening time (usually 9:30 a.m.) to enjoy quieter corridors. If you have children, the Unicorn Café offers a decent lunch menu with castle‑themed treats.
4. Doune Castle – Medieval Stronghold & Film Star
Nestled on a wooded bend of the River Teith, Doune Castle lies about 8 miles northwest of Stirling. The current structure dates to around 1400 and was built by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany. Once used as a royal hunting lodge and dower house, it later fell into ruin before being restored.
Doune is remarkably intact, with a three‑storey Great Hall and complete curtain wall. Fans of film and TV will recognise it as Castle Leoch in Outlander, Winterfell in Game of Thrones (pilot), and the backdrop for Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Getting there: A 15‑minute detour from the A9 via the A84.
Highlights: Climb the battlements for views over the Teith Valley; then listen to the audio guide narrated by Terry Jones (Monty Python).
5. Blair Castle – Ancestral Seat of Clan Murray
As you drive north into Perthshire, Blair Castle appears like a white fairy‑tale palace against wooded hills. The castle stands near the village of Blair Atholl and commands a strategic position on the A9 through the Highlands. It is the ancestral home of Clan Murray and the seat of the Duke of Atholl.
The oldest part, known as Comyn’s Tower, dates to the 13th century (originally built by the Comyns on Atholl land). Over the centuries the Murrays expanded and remodelled the castle, adding Georgian and Victorian wings. The interior exhibits fine furniture, a weapon collection and a ballroom with 175 antlers.
Visitors can also explore the Hercules Garden (a walled Georgian garden) and the Diana’s Grove with giant fir trees.
Getting there: Approximately 1.5 hours from Edinburgh; 30 minutes north of Pitlochry.
Pro tip: Check the schedule for the Atholl Highlanders, Britain’s only private army who sometimes march on the castle grounds.
6. Cawdor Castle – A Legend Enshrined in Stone
Heading further north, Cawdor Castle sits in Nairnshire, roughly 30 minutes east of Inverness. Built around a 15th‑century tower house, the castle was originally owned by the Calder family and passed to the Campbells in the 16th century.
The castle’s story is intertwined with Macbeth: In Shakespeare’s tragedy, the title character becomes Thane of Cawdor, leading to legends that the castle existed in Macbeth’s time. In reality, the historic Macbeth lived in the 11th century and had no connection to this later castle, but the association draws literature enthusiasts.
Legend also claims the castle’s location was chosen by a donkey carrying gold; it rested under a holly tree, and the castle was built around that tree, which is still visible inside the tower.
Inside you’ll find lavishly furnished rooms, including the Tapestry Bedroom and the Thorn Room featuring the preserved holly. The gardens are equally impressive, particularly the 18th‑century walled garden with colourful borders and labyrinth.
Getting there: From Blair Castle, continue north on the A9; Cawdor is signposted via B9090.
Highlights: Stroll the wild woodland paths along the Cawdor Burn and keep an eye out for red squirrels and pheasants.
7. Urquhart Castle – Ruins on the Shores of Loch Ness
No journey to Inverness would be complete without a glimpse of Loch Ness and there is no better viewpoint than Urquhart Castle. The ruins sit on a rocky promontory near the village of Drumnadrochit, about 21 kilometres (13 mi) southwest of Inverness.
The castle dates from the 13th to 16th centuries and played a central role in the Wars of Scottish Independence. It passed among competing clans and Scottish kings before being granted to Clan Grant in 1509. In 1692, government forces partially destroyed the castle to prevent it from falling into Jacobite hands.
Visitors can explore the fragmented Grant Tower, the Great Hall and remains of the gatehouse. The visitor centre screens a dramatic film that ends with the curtain rising to reveal the castle and loch.
Getting there: From Inverness, follow the A82 for about 30 minutes. There is ample parking and a café at the visitor centre.
Pro tip: Climb the tower for panoramic views of Loch Ness. Keep your camera ready, you might spot Nessie!
One-Day Itinerary: Castles from Edinburgh to Inverness
Below is a suggested schedule if you want to maximise castle visits in one day. Adjust times based on interests and season (daylight hours vary greatly between summer and winter).
08:00 – Depart Edinburgh.
09:00 – Lochleven Castle: Arrive at Loch Leven, catch the first boat and spend about 1 hour exploring the island fortress. Enjoy coffee and pastries at the visitor centre beforehand.
10:45 – Scone Palace: Drive 30 minutes north to Scone. Tour the palace interiors and wander Moot Hill. Grab a mid‑morning snack at the palace café.
12:30 – Stirling Castle: Continue 45 minutes to Stirling. Walk through the Great Hall and Royal Palace. For lunch, either picnic on the castle esplanade or head into Stirling old town.
14:30 – Doune Castle: Drive 15 minutes west for a quick visit (1 hour). Listen to the audio tour and climb the battlements.
16:00 – Blair Castle: Back to the A9 northwards. Spend an hour wandering the interiors and gardens.
18:00 – Cawdor Castle: If time allows, continue north to Cawdor (approx. 1 hour). Explore the tower, gardens and holly legend.
19:30 – Urquhart Castle & Inverness: For those with stamina, push on to Urquhart Castle for sunset over Loch Ness (30 min detour from Inverness). End your day in Inverness, where you can overnight or return south.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Castle Day Trip
- Buy tickets in advance. Many of these castles are managed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) or private estates. Booking ahead secures your spot, especially in peak summer. Consider a Scottish Heritage Pass if visiting multiple sites.
- Start early and prioritise. You likely can’t see every castle in one day. Decide which ones interest you most—history buffs may prioritise Stirling and Urquhart, while garden lovers might prefer Blair and Scone.
- Pack for changeable weather. Even in summer, Scottish weather can shift quickly. Bring waterproof jackets and layers.
- Mind driving conditions. The A9 is a major trunk road but can be busy, with average speed cameras and occasional single‑carriageway sections. Avoid speeding and take breaks if you feel tired.
- Check seasonal openings. Some castles (e.g., Cawdor and Lochleven) close in winter or operate reduced hours. Verify dates before setting off.
Pro Tip:
If you don’t want to drive, book a small‑group tour. Our company runs tailor‑made castle day trips with door‑to‑door transport, a knowledgeable guide, and timed entry tickets. You’ll spend less time navigating and more time exploring.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Which castles can you visit between Edinburgh and Inverness?
The key castles along the A9 corridor include Lochleven Castle, Scone Palace, Stirling Castle, Doune Castle, Blair Castle, Cawdor Castle, and Urquhart Castle. Each offers a unique glimpse into Scotland’s history and architecture.
How long does the castle road trip take?
Driving non‑stop from Edinburgh to Inverness takes around 3 hours, but a castle‑focused day trip requires 10–12 hours. Start early, visit 3–5 castles, and plan for a late arrival in Inverness.
Do I need a car to see these castles?
A car offers maximum flexibility, but you can also join organised day tours from Edinburgh or Inverness. Public buses connect some sites (e.g., Stirling Castle), but others like Lochleven and Cawdor are easier by car.
Are the castles suitable for children?
Yes! Most castles have interactive exhibits, gardens and open spaces for kids to explore. Stirling and Urquhart offer family-friendly activities, and Blair Castle’s gardens are ideal for letting children roam. Note that some towers have steep stairs; supervise young children accordingly.
When is the best time of year to visit?
Late spring through early autumn (April–October) provides longer daylight hours and open castle facilities. Summer sees peak crowds; shoulder months offer a quieter experience. Winter visits are possible for year‑round castles like Stirling and Urquhart but check closures for others.
Ready to Plan Your Castle Day Trip?
A castle‑packed journey between Edinburgh and Inverness is the ultimate way to experience Scotland’s layered history in a single day. Whether you choose a few highlights or follow our suggested itinerary, you’ll traverse from royal palaces to rugged ruins and finish with a sunset over Loch Ness.
If you’d rather relax and let someone else handle the driving, join one of our castle day tours. Our small‑group trips depart from both Edinburgh and Inverness and include comfortable transport, entry tickets, and local guides who share stories you won’t find in guidebooks. Contact us today to reserve your spot and make your Scottish castle adventure seamless.
Emma is a solo traveler and freelance travel writer from New Zealand who spent three weeks exploring the Scottish Highlands. With a deep appreciation for history and landscapes, she booked a series of day tours and a private chauffeur journey with Scotland Highland Trip. From Loch Ness to the Cairngorms, she documented her experience through vivid blog posts and drone footage.
