Scotland in September - where to go on a 10 day / 2 week trip?

[MissAmbrosia]

One of dd's main options for a Masters is Uni of Glasgow. So normally we would think to ferry/drive (from Belgium) with her stuff and then stay in Scotland for a bit of a holiday afterwards. I have only been to Edinburgh before though, so whilst I have a nice romantic view of Highlands and Islands, I have no clue where to start. Any suggestions on must dos/sees? I imagine weather could be nice or not nice?

North Coast 500 might be a good starting point. The website has ideas for where to stay/what to do, even if you don’t want to do the full route 🙂

You could start off with a few days around beautiful Glencoe then drive up to Skye it’s a beautiful drive and there’s a lot to see there., some amazing walks and scenery.

Isn't the NC 500 completely overrun?

I would stick to the west coast. Glencoe, Oban, go over to Mull and explore, Plockton, drive up to Applecross and take in Skye. Weather should be okay and schools will have gone back so is a little quieter.
Have stayed here and the view is gorgeous
https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/cottage/The-Inner-Hebrides-Balmacara/Ferry-Cottage-Balmacara-1060404.html#duration=7&calendar=2025-09&changeover=6

Schools back by September actually lovely time to visit the west coast. Midges gone too!

Not at that time of year, you don’t Mede to stick to it religiously, we hopped over to Skye as well.
Once you get past Spean Bridge, it’s another world 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

ooh interesting.

Ps if money is no object - I’d recommend the Cuillin Hills hotel at Portree on Skye - outstanding - amazing views, food is fabulous- best breakfast I’ve ever had, and the rooms…… serious luxury 🤩, the best part - the staff are very attentive and genuinely interested in making sure you enjoy your stay.

What would you like to do on your trip? Walking (low-level or in mountains), food and drink, sightseeing? Based in one place or moving around?

Hotspots like Loch Lomond, Glencoe and especially Skye will still be incredibly busy in September. Rum, Lewis and Harris, Coll, and Tiree are also nice islands with lovely beaches, though ferries have been unreliable for the last few years.

The far NW is beautiful - though a long long drive back to Dover! If you want something further south, Perthshire will be lovely if you’re far enough into September to get the autumn colours.

Weather-wise, September is usually a better bet than July and August. No guarantees in Scotland though!

I would say 2 or 3 places. Sight-seeing and food. I don't mind some walking but not full on hiking. Would love to visit at least one of the Isles. As for ferry - would look to do Amsterdam to Newcastle I think. Not drive from Dover.

Dd studies in Edinburgh. We did Loch Lomond, Fort William, Loch Ness, Aviemore, Dunkeld, Edinburgh last year. Previously Edinburgh, Falkirk, Stirling and the Trossachs. Had an unexpected heatwave last September!

We went to Mull for a few days last September. We were surprised how quickly the ferry books up so if you plan to do that book in advance. Also be prepared for single track roads, apart from a few miles near the ferry terminal it is all single track with passing places. I suppose we were particularly aware of this because we had hired a camper van!

I have been to Arran a few times and love it. Never had much of a problem with midges there either.

My husband and I had our wedding rings made on Skye and the design is the Cuillin hills.

The NC500/Highlands and Islands are still really busy in September, definitely try and book ferries and hotels as soon as you can. It should be warm but make sure you pack for all weathers 🤣

I wouldn’t bother doing the full NC500 honestly but there are some nice parts of it. Although I would probably stick to the west cost - Ardnamurchan is beautiful, Skye is lovely (but heaving!) and up to Applecross and Torridon is stunning. Of the outer Hebrides I prefer the Uists and Harris.

But the east Morayshire coast and Cairngorms are also really nice and lots to do there too! Particularly if you are into whisky.

If you wanted a few days close to Edinburgh, the East Neuk of Fife is lovely - especially Crail and St Andrews.