How to get to the Highlands: the best directions to a unique Scottish Highland getaway
Travelling to Inverskilavulin Estate is more than simply reaching your destination; it is the beginning of your Highland experience. Tucked away in the peaceful Glenloy valley, just outside Fort William, the estate is surrounded by mountains, woodland, and open skies, offering a true sense of escape from the moment you arrive.
Whether you’re driving through some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes, travelling by train from London or Glasgow, or flying into Scotland and continuing by car, this guide explains the best and most scenic ways to reach Inverskilavulin Estate.
Driving to Inverskilavulin Estate
Driving is the most popular and flexible way to reach Inverskilavulin Estate and for many guests, it’s the most memorable. There are 2 ways up from Glasgow or Edinburgh and further south. The A82 (Glasgow) or the A9 (Edinburgh). Often people come up one way and back down the other to get the best of both.
The route via the A82 through Glencoe is widely regarded as one of the most scenic road journeys in Scotland. From Glasgow, the drive takes around 3 hours, passing Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and the dramatic peaks of Glencoe before continuing north towards Fort William.
After passing through Fort William, the road gently leads you away from the busier routes and into Glenloy. Traffic thins, the landscape opens up, and the pace naturally slows; a fitting introduction to your stay at Inverskilavulin Estate.
Driving from Edinburgh is a journey that quietly builds in drama and beauty. Leaving the city, you head north on the A9, Scotland’s great Highland road. Urban scenery quickly gives way to rolling countryside as the route passes Pitlochry and climbs steadily into the vast landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park. Here the road opens up, framed by forests, rivers, and wide mountain horizons, with the high point of the journey coming as you cross the sweeping Drumochter Pass. You will pass quaint little villages full of character. Continuing west, the scenery becomes wilder and more remote as you make your way towards Fort William, set beneath Ben Nevis.
You can make use of our Film location and distillery roadmaps to stop at lovely places along both of these routes.
Some guests prefer to use a chauffeur for their trip. Here are a few operators to look into:
How to Get to Inverskilavulin Estate by Train (London & Glasgow)
Travelling by train is a relaxed and atmospheric way to arrive in the Highlands.
The Caledonian Sleeper runs overnight from London Euston to Fort William, allowing you to fall asleep in the city and wake up to mountain views – wasting no time! Finish your 9-5, head over to Euston, wake up far away in the Scottish countryside. Enjoy dinner and a glass of wine or wee dram to get in the Highland spirit before a good night’s sleep and a knock at the door for breakfast. You have a few options of classes to choose from and families with older children usually love the bunk bed experience. This iconic journey is often described as one of the most memorable rail experiences in the UK. It’s also most convenient for travellers from London.
Photo credit: train_photos, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photo credit: Peter Mugridge (Wikimedia Commons), CC BY-SA 4.0
There are also regular daytime services from Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William along the famous West Highland Line, offering spectacular views of lochs, moorland, and rugged Highland scenery.
From Fort William train station, Inverskilavulin Estate is a short onward journey by taxi or hire car, though it’s worth noting that hire cars are not readily available in the area.
Flying to Inverskilavulin Estate: Inverness, Glasgow & Edinburgh Airports
For guests travelling from overseas or further afield, flying into Scotland/the Highlands is often the most convenient option.
- Inverness Airport is the closest airport to Inverskilavulin Estate, approximately a 2-hour drive through beautiful Highland landscapes on the A9.
- Glasgow Airport is around 3 hours away and offers excellent international and domestic connections.
- Edinburgh Airport is slightly further but provides the widest range of international routes.
From any of these airports, we strongly recommend hiring a car. Having your own transport allows you to reach Inverskilavulin Estate comfortably and explore the surrounding Highlands during your stay.
Some guests prefer to travel privately and more directly. You can look into the following providers for this. If you already have a contact, please check nearest landing locations. We are happy to liaise with your operator.
Helicopter operators:
Private Aviation:
However you choose to travel, the journey to Inverskilavulin Estate is an integral part of the experience. Scenic drives, iconic rail journeys, and peaceful Highland roads all lead to the same destination; a private retreat in the heart of the Highlands.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Estate, and helping you settle into the calm and beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Top Travel Tips
Watch for deer on the roads – though majestic and wild to watch, crashes can be fatal. Keep your eyes peeled.
- Fuel up before leaving. There are a few petrol stations and the journey isn’t too long but best to be on the safe side.
- Check tyres, oil, water tank before driving to ensure you have an optimal drive.
- Check the roads before leaving for accidents or closures.
- Allow extra time for scenic stops etc.
- Winter driving precautions (anti-freeze washer and defroster spray).
- Google maps works well and knows us as Inverskilavulin Estate. You can also find a full written breakdown of the route on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Inverskilavulin Estate
- How far is Inverskilavulin Estate from Fort William? Inverskilavulin Estate is approximately a 15-minute drive from Fort William town centre.
- What is the most scenic route to Inverskilavulin Estate? The most scenic route is via the A82 through Glencoe, passing Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and the dramatic Glencoe mountains.
- Can I reach Inverskilavulin Estate without a car? Yes. You can travel to Fort William by train, or air and continue by taxi/hire car. Having a car is recommended for flexibility and exploring the Highlands.
- Which airport is closest to Inverskilavulin Estate?
Inverness Airport is the closest, followed by Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports.
- Is car hire recommended when staying at Inverskilavulin Estate? Yes. Car hire is strongly recommended to make the most of your stay and explore the surrounding Fort William and Highland areas.
