The weather in Scotland during the month of August is the best of the year. That being said, you will need an umbrella and layers of clothes. Because of the warmer weather, just about every community will be having festivals, in the case of Edinburgh, there were three events happening at the same time making finding a hotel and parking at popular sites very difficult.
With all the Fringe Festival, Tattoo, and the Edinburgh International Festival coinciding, reservations and pre-purchasing tickets is essential. The Royal Mile in Edinburgh is crowded with people watching music, comedy, acrobatics, and even magic.
One of the best attractions in Edinburgh is the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Located at the end of the Royal Mile, it's also near Holyrood Park which is a fantastic area to hike an ancient volcano and view the most fantastic vistas of the palace and the city.
St. Giles Cathedral located on the Royal Mile and a must see while in Edinburgh. The two most distinctive features are the glorious stained glass that are illustrated with incredible detail and the blue arched ceiling that is one of a kind.
The top attraction in Edinburgh is the Harry Potter inspired Edinburgh Castle. It's so popular that you almost have to book your tickets in advance as the tickets sell out fast. The castle has several buildings that are currently working military installations, as well as a military dog cemetery.
Just a short walk from Edinburgh Castle is the wonderful neighborhood of Dean Village. Originally, the village was known for the milling of grain on the Leith River.
Every August for the past 160 years, the charming village of Bridge of Allan, hosts the Bridge of Allan Highland Games. The games last all day and have several competitions of sports, bagpipe groups, folkloric dancing. The neighboring and more prominent town of Sterlingis known for its amazing fortress.
The Kelpies are these massive horse-headed sculptures located on the outskirts of Falkirk. These shape-shifting water spirits by sculptor Andy Scott, measure 30 meters high and weigh 300 tonnes.
The picturesque village of Luss on Loch Lamond is probably one of the most beautiful of Scotland.
Although the original Inveraray Castle was built in 1533, the current Gothic Revivalist version of the castle was built in 1746. In 1975, a fire devastated the structure and has since been restored to its former glory. It's a great place to have afternoon tea in the garden.
Kilchurn Castle is the ruins of a 15th century structure that was left in its current state by 1770 after it was struck by lightning. Although accessible by foot during summer months, when the water is high, the land around the castle becomes a temporary island.
Oban is a great place to stay overnight during a road trip to the Isle of Skye. The port city has multiple access modes by trains and ferry systems.
Just a few hours from Oban by car, Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness is easily accessible. Parking is chaotic without pre-purchased castle tickets as the overflow lot is a 30 minute walk from the viewpoint and castle gates.
Undeniably, the views of Eilean Donan Castle are the most picturesque of the many beautiful castles in Scotland. The castle is iconic with well-staged interiors. The surrounding area is gorgeous and easily accessible, as well as ample parking.
One of the best places to see the sunset on the Isle of Skye is where the road ends at the fishing village of Elgor on the west coast of the Isle of Skye.
Portree is the main town on the Isle of Skye and centrally located. But because the island is so popular during the warm weather months, the hotels are fully booked several months ahead of the summer peak season.
Without a doubt, The Old Man of Storr is the most popular attraction on Skye with good reason. To see it in its full glory, you will have to hike a steep trail for about 45 minutes to reach the best views. The 360 degree vistas are absolutely stunning, but the hike is quite taxing.
From Portree to The Quiraing, there are several fantastic waterfalls easily accessible from the main road. Bride's Veil Falls, Kilt Rock Falls, and Lealt Falls are some of the highlights.
Of the many, many amazing landscapes on the Isle of Skye, by far and away, The Quiraing is at the top of the list. The landscape ridge is a slip and is still sliding, as the road needs to be repaired annually. The vistas are insanely beautiful.
Near the settlement of Sligachan, the views of the Black Cuillin Mountains are breathtaking. If you are lucky, you might get a glimpse of Highland Cattle that graze in the area.
The Fairy Pools are another absolute must-see on the Isle of Skye. Weather permitting, bring a bathing suit because the pools are a mystical experience.
One of the most remote places of Skye is the Lighthouse at Neist Point. The view of the peninsula from the left upper cliff is one of the most iconic of the island and quite easy to access.
Dunvegan Castle was built over time on the site of a 14th century fortress. It's another popular attraction on the west coast of the island and on the sea loch of Dunvegan.
Last stop on this unforgettable and challenging trip is Glasgow. There was just enough time to see the cathedral before calling it quits.