Glen Coe, Argyll, Galloway & The Southern Uplands
A compact but rewarding 4-day loop through the Southern Uplands, Argyll’s sea lochs and the vast dark-sky landscape of Galloway Forest Park – one of Scotland’s most overlooked regions.
Distance & Duration
Approx. 400–500 miles. Allow 4 days / 3 nights.
Key Highlights
- Stirling Castle – one of the largest and most historically important in Scotland
- Glen Coe and Rannoch Moor – dramatic landscapes and great mountaineering
- Arnamurchan – remoteness and one of Scotland’s best beaches at Sanna Bay
- Oban – a charming costal town, and principle port to the Hebridean islands
- Argyll, Loch Fyne and The Trossachs National Park – classic sea and inland lochs
- Galloway Forest Park – UK’s first Dark Sky Park – Loch Trool and the Raiders’ Road Forest Drive
- The Southern Uplands in the Scottish Borders – Scotland’s overlooked and least populated area, defined by dramatic hills
Suggested Stops
- Ardnamurchan (around ‘B’ on the map)
- Tayvallich / Crinan (around point ‘C’ on the map)
- Galloway Forest Park or the Southern Uplands (around point ‘D’ and ‘E’ on the map)
Where to Stay / Camp
Hotel / hostel / B&B accommodation is limited on most of the suggested stops on this route, but there is scope for campsite and wild camping. Galloway Forest Park offers some of Scotland’s finest wild and formal camping, or press on top the Southern uplands with scope for wild camping.
Links to campsites around each stop can be found here, in Ardnamurchan, Tayvallich and Galloway Forest Park
Other Tips
- Stop and see The Kelpies – Falkirk’s famous outdoor sculpture – and the Falkirk Wheel: the world’s only rotating boat lift
- Stop for lunch in the charming town of Aberfeldy or village of Kenmore
- See the Falls of Dochart in the village of Killin
- Climb the mountain of Ben Cruachan, or go inside it to see the underground power station
- Swim with basking sharks!
- Visit Kilmartin Glen, one of Scotland’s most important prehistoric sites
- World class mountain biking at the 7 Stanes, around Dumfries, Galloway and the Scottish Borders
Best Time to Visit
Year-round, though spring and autumn offer the finest conditions. Winter visits to the dark-sky park can be spectacular for stargazers.
Planning this route?
Our fully equipped Land Rover Defenders and Toyota Hilux vehicles are designed for exploring Scotland’s remote landscapes.
