You give you a little background - I'm a Californian, have visited Scotland countless times, and over the years have driven probably close to 20,000 miles on everything from the M9 to single track roads in the farthest corners of the country, and am fully comfortable driving a stick in a RHD vehicle (another issue with a city-center car rental -- there may be no automatics available if that might be an issue for you. Because of the much larger locations and more inventory, getting an automatic is almost guaranteed at the airport. Also opening hours in city center locations will be much more limited) . . . and I absolutely LOVE driving in Scotland. I personally would not consider hiring a car for one day trip to places like Glencoe, the Cairngorms, or other parts of the Highlands.

Just for an illustration -- from Edinburgh to Glencoe to Spean Bridge to Pitlochry and back to Edinburgh which would give one a little taste of the Highlands and some magnificent scenery - is about 300 miles and easily 7.5 hours butts in seats time without a single stop. So in reality a 12+ hour day with stops.

Day trips I might consider . . . Fife for sure, visiting the Border Abbeys - maybe, Loch Lomond - possibly, but only if Loch Lomond was a 'must' for a traveling companion.

I've been silent so far as you have already received very good advice. However, if it was me with your aims, here's what I'd do.

Rent a vehicle from Edinburgh airport and book two nights' hotel stay in Oban. Why Oban? Because it's big enough that there will likely be accommodations available, unlike places on Skye or other very popular destinations in the Highlands. There are hotels, B and Bs, good places to eat and drink, all that.

On the first day, travel to Oban via Glen Etive and Glen Coe. This will be a full day's itinerary, but since you're traveling in a few days' time, you'll have very long daylight hours (remember, you're at high latitudes) to accomplish this plan. Map - https://maps.app.goo.gl/7UxBbRMib9izPtYF8


The next morning (arranged in advance) join one of the "three isles" tours that operate from the Oban waterfront. These include the ferry to the Isle of Mull, bus travel from the ferry dock to the village of Fionnphort ("finna-fort") and boat trips to the islands of Iona and Staffa, then a return to Oban. Iona is the cradle of Christianity in Scotland and the north of England - stunningly atmospheric. And Staffa is an even more stunning natural wonder, with basalt columns creating a wonderland of cliffs and caves, most notably Fingal's Cave, immortalized by Mendelssohn. There are countless seabirds including puffins on the island - it's a very special place.



On the final morning, take off to the south from Oban and drive an hour to the village of Kilmartin. Kilmartin sits above Kilmartin Glen, home to more than 150 prehistoric sites - standing stones, stone circles, burial cairns... You can visit e.g., the Nether Largie stones, or browse through the small but lovely little museum in the village, then carry on.

Stop, maybe for lunch, in picturesque Inveraray on Loch Fyne, then continue back to Edinburgh, maybe with a mid-afternoon stop in the pretty village of Luss next to Loch Lomond. Map - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rzz2BZ49pxYfaPZJ7

This would give you exposure to a couple of the most beautiful glens in Scotland, a taste of the Inner Hebrides, history running from the neolithic to the present, castles, puffins, and great food. Hard to beat over three days and two nights.

If it appeals, booking space in Oban is job no. 1.

Do the up to Edinburgh bit, then Edinburgh for a couple of days, although it is worth more time, then cut out the highlands, drive down to the Scottish Borders for 2-3 days, Holy Island or Hadrians Wall, then train from Berwick upon Tweed or Newcastle, which does have an airport, back to London. Less crowded, and beautiful, but different from highland scenery.

janisj JohnEW2912 Gardyloo joto Apologies for the late response, the trip planning was overwhelming and did not get to respond to each of the posts here. However, I did take into account all the suggestions and ended up doing Edinburgh -> Loch Lomond -> Glencoe -> Fort William -> Pitlochry -> Edinburgh loop with one night in Fort William. It was a pleasant experience and had a great time overall. The extra daylight in the summer also helped make this possible without rushing through the sights.

Thanks all for the helping me plan this trip :)