The North East 250 is Scotland’s best-kept motoring secret, encapsulating everything that makes Scotland so enchanting. Soak in postcard-perfect beauty spots like Sandyhills Bay, browse handcrafted artworks in the creative hotspot of Kirkcudbright, and delve into a world of Vikings, saints and Iron Age life at Whithorn, the earliest known Christian site in Scotland. For more tips, here’s a look at my outdoorsy highlightsof the capital. The roads on the Snow Roads Scenic Route can be narrow and winding, so use caution when driving and be sure to bring a good map. Explore the dramatic mountains of Glen Coe, skirt the eastern coastline to Dunnottar Castle, or wind your way along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Many visitors opt to rent a camper van to camp out along the way, but Scotland is also filled with great small hotels and B&Bs. . One of the best ways to discover Scotland’s stunning scenery, rich heritage and culture is to get behind the wheel and set off on a scenic self-drive tour. The North Coast 500 Scotland road trip. Ginny Weeks chooses five of the country's best road trips to take in everything from Highland adventures to world class beaches 1: Amble to St Andrews Coastal scenery in St Andrews (Dreamstime) Head north from Edinburgh to explore the towns around the northern edge the Firth of Forth, including Buckhaven and Crail. It's a route for serious road-trippers, especially since many of the roads are small and require some precision driving (which may be why it's known as "Scotland's Route 66"). Scotland’s most southerly point and the most southerly point in the South West Coastal 300. Instead take the Angus Coastal Route (the A92), one of Scotland’s most scenic roads, passing along the Angus, Kincardine and Aberdeenshire coast between the cities of Aberdeen and Dundee. Some things you need to know about Scotland before you go. Feast on freshly caught seafood in delightful fishing villages. Because Scotland is so vast, the country is perfect for a road trip. Start in St. Cyrus, in southern Aberdeenshire, and wind your way up past scenics spots like Cruden Bay, the Forvie National Nature Reserve and Banff, which is home to the historic Duff House. #visitscotland #thisisscotland #scottishhighlands #scottishspirit #travel2018 #travelmore #exploretocreate #exploreeverything #neverstopexploring #riding #motorcycletrip #roadtrippin #motorcyclediaries #motorcycleculture #thedailybite #ourplanetdaily #theoutbound #stayandwander #staywild #solotravel #wanderlusting #optoutside #letsgosomewhere #discoverearth #visualsoflife #visuallyinspired #travelphotography #landscapephotography #NC500, A post shared by The Vintage Adventurer (@royalenfieldudette) on May 29, 2018 at 11:17pm PDT. The route can take as long or as short as you prefer, but consider making it into a full weekend before it comes to end outside Carlisle. Image by loveexploring. Here are 5 breathtaking self-driving tour routes for you to explore– with maps! A post shared by Neily39 (@neily39) on May 24, 2018 at 10:51pm PDT. But chances are Edinburgh Castle, The Real Mary King’s Close and the back alleys of the Old Town will be on your itinerary. It's a great way to experience the beaches of Scotland, as well as eat great seafood and see some of the country's smaller towns. Follow the generations of eloping couples before you to Gretna Green and continue onwards into the heart of the Scottish Borders, Sir Walter Scott country. Day 5-6 Explore Speyside. Her work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Elle, Rolling Stone, and Fodors. Emily Zemler is an American journalist living in London. Be sure to bring a good map as cell phone service on Isle of Skye can be spotty. A drive to all of the distilleries spans about 70 miles, so give yourself a few days to fully experience everything, from Glenlivet to Craigellachie to Glenfiddich. Swing by Scott’s beloved home of Abbotsford, watch as authentic tartan and tweed is woven from scratch at Lochcarron of Scotland and the Borders Textile Towerhouse, and make a very worthwhile stop at a special independent craft brewery on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Discover more about Scotland’s driving routes on VisitScotland.com. Looking for the best and most beautiful scenic drives in Scotland? There's a lot to fit into your itinerary, from hiking along the coastline of Solway Firth to seeing historic spots like Dundrennan Abbey and Caerlaverock Castle. We began our Scotland road trip itinerary in Inverness, where we met up with a couple of Phil’s friends. . This is a good choice for visitors who want to see the Cairngorms, as well as several of Scotland's cities, and can be easily paired with a visit to Edinburgh or Glasgow (where you'll likely fly in and out of). Those who don't want to venture too far from Edinburgh or who are looking for a quick weekend getaway should consider the Fife Coastal Trail, which includes St. Andrews. TIP 6 - Below are suggested pre-defined itineraries, but if you want to create your own itinerary for Scotland, check out my 2 Road Trip Guides with practical maps, GPS coordinates, my selection of the most scenic locations and planning information: Eight malt whisky distilleries make up Scotland's Malt Whisky Trail, a route that can be found in the Highlands. Grab some food here and visit the Cathedral and Castle before continuing to one of Scotlands most famous sights, Loch Ness. Steep climbs, 'blind' summits, and sharp twists and turns makes this one of the slower driving routes, and the gentler pace allows you the time to soak in the extraordinary views at ‘Instagram-ready’ vantage points and explore the various attractions along the way. Scotland has several official road routes, including the South West Coastal 300 and the Borders Historic Route, which makes things easier on travelers who are looking for a pre-set itinerary (although, of course, you can always deviate from the route). You can extend your journey by taking a detour off the main route to discover Scotland’s ‘Secret Coast’. Here are 20 of my favourite routes, many of them easily linkable for longer trips. As soon as the sun broke through today, the house and gardens once again looked their very best. Days 4-5: Cairngorms National Park The drive, which takes around two hours, brings you first to Glencoe, the main town in the Glencoe National Nature Reserve, which boasts one of the most famous driving roads in Scotland. With its stunning lochs, mountain trails, historic cities and charming coastal paths, Scotland is a road trip lover’s paradise – home to some of the UK’s most rewarding drives. Dozens of Munros – mountains over 3,000 ft (914.4 m) – also line the route. Be sure to stay in the park at least one night, whether it's in a camper van, campsite or hotel. If only you could smell the lovely roses... ________ #abbotsfordscott #abbotsfordhouse #historichouse #literaryhouse #HHA #HHA2017 #lovegreatbritain #capturingbritain #visitbritain #OMGB #scotland #visitscotland #scotspirit #explorescotland #somewhereinscotland #scottishgarden #scottishborders #scotlandsbeauty #theviewfromhere #fromwhereistand #postcardplaces #beautifuldestinations #embracingtheseasons #thisisscotland, A post shared by Sir Walter Scott's Abbotsford (@abbotsfordscott) on Jun 15, 2017 at 10:18am PDT. Argyll Coastal Route: … A road trip is a perfect way to explore everything Scotland has to offer. Have you stopped at #connectingcontours on the @snowroads yet? Between jaw-dropping lochs and impressive mountain passes, Scotland is a road-trippers paradise. It’s a circular route around the northwest part of Scotland, encompassing beautiful coastlines, picturesque villages, mountain scenery and plenty of castles and whisky distilleries along the way. Angus Coastal Route: the best Scottish road trip for the all rounder. Widely regarded as one of the best driving roads in Scotland, the North Coast 500 route offers the ultimate Highlands road trip experience. Discover the dazzling white sands of deserted beaches like Balnakeil, endless views of the Atlantic, tantalising islands scattered just off shore, geological marvels like the mysterious Smoo Cave, and lofty heights along the single-track roads through the mountains. The city of Inverness surprised me and was a great half-day stop on my Scotland road trip. Get a glimpse of the Highlands on the Snow Roads Scenic Route, a 90-mile drive through Cairngorms National Park. Day 1 Arrive in Edinburgh / 1 night. Starting just north of Glasgow, the Argyll Coastal Route is like discovering the romantic Scotland of bygone age. Dunrobin Castle; Aviemore; Scotland trip Day 10- Edinburgh; The Perfect Scotland Itinerary. The South West Coastal 300 is a joy to drive. Steep climbs, '… A lot of Skye is wilderness, so this road trip is best for outdoorsy explorers, although there are several small towns worth visiting as well. Be sure to drive responsibly when tasting the whisky. From supremely popular road trip routes, to lesser-known roads in the more remote corners of Scotland, these are the best driving holidays. See all of Scotland's signposted driving routes Find ideas and suggestions for other areas to explore by driving Perhaps the best way to enjoy Scotland is on the North Coast 500 – a 500 mile long road trip that takes in some of the best coastal scenery that Scotland has to offer. Iconic castles, the bonnie banks of the Loch Lomond, wildlife sightings and an oyster bar line the route. This route being one of the best roads in Scotland through which journey is calculated to be within the space of just 90 miles. You can opt-out at any time. Once on the island, which is about five hours from Glasgow by car, there's a lot to explore, so you can make your trip as long or short as you prefer (and then potentially extend it with a drive around the western Highlands). It follows a sweeping loop around the whole northern tip of Scotland; from Inverness all the way to John O’Groats in the north east, along jagged coastline overlooking the North Sea to Durness, then down the west coast before returning inland at the Applecross peninsula. Your Trip to Scotland: The Complete Guide, A Complete Guide to the Scottish Highlands, Top 20 Most Popular Cities in the UK for International Visitors, Don't Miss Attractions and Activities on Your UK Visit, Normandy and the British Isles on the Celebrity Infinity. The best place to start your road trip through Scotland from is Edinburgh, because there are direct flights into Edinburgh from eight German airports. Scotland is a dream destination for road trips. Plan to spend a few nights in Glencoe at the end, especially if you're into hiking and camping. Planning a Scotland road trip? Here are just some of the road trips you can take around Scotland. But don't drive and drink! A relatively undiscovered corner of Argyll, it features miles of natural splendour. Driving is undoubtedly the best way to see the best of Scotland and with highlands, wild islands, white sand beaches, stoic castles, historic monuments, welcoming villages and friendly locals is can be hard to decide on the best Scotland Itinerary. For more, continue on to Fort William, where you'll find Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the U.K. Enjoy one of the best views in Scotland at the Queen's view; Taste famous Scottish Whisky and learn the process of making it; Self Drive. With such a diverse range of landscapes packed in, it pays to plan your pilgrimage of Scottish scenery before setting off. Day 1 – Inverness. A road trip in Scotland covers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK. Along the way, encounter wonderfully secluded stretches of beach and rugged clifftops, colourful towns and villages, and gently rolling hills purple with heather. For more details, see our. North Coast 500. Honestly, a 30 min route can turn into 2 hours. Head out of Glasgow to Glencoe, a route that stretches about 90 miles and travels along the banks of the famous Loch Lomond. Fife Coastal Route: the best Scottish road trip for beach lovers. This driving route starts in Inverness and loops around the north coast. North Coast 500 As Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66, North Coast 500 is one of those iconic bucket list drives. Scotland is a great country to plan a road trip. There are many historical sites to discover along the way, from Abbotsford, the former home of Sir Walter Scott, to the National Mining Museum of Scotland. Day 2 Drive to Perth/ 2 nights. Day 4 Drive to Speyside / 3 nights. Day 7 Ferry to Orkney / 2 nights. Although it is not as long as US Route 66, the North Coast is the best thing that Scotland can offer for those who want the ultimate road trip in this fabled land. Route 1: North Coast 500 & Islands - 6 days. Check out my article to help you plan a road trip. Length of … It's best done over several days, with stops in picturesque destinations like Port Logan, Whithorn, and Ballantrae. With 500 miles covering some of the wildest sceneries of the Scottish landscape, the journey involves dissecting the Highland landscape between north and south. The North East 250 is the best of Scotland in one road trip. Weave through a beautiful countryside strewn with immense ruined abbeys, castles and country houses which hark back to a storied and sometimes turbulent past filled with fierce clashes, fair damsels and daring heroes. Inverness is known to be the capital for outdoor adventures, hence without further ado, our first agenda was to go rock climbing on conglomerate rock in the Scottish highlands. You also have a larger selection of car rental companies and thus it is easier to get a better price. Explore southern Scotland via the South West Coastal 300, a 300-mile circular route that takes travelers along the coast as well as through the countryside. This is why it is compulsory to classify it among the five best road trips in Scotland! Whether you choose to spend a few days just cruising around or weeks really exploring the length and breadth of the country, the possibilities are endless. Its condensed length makes it perfect for those who want to spend less time driving and more time exploring the attractions that are all within easy reach of the route. The Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail stretches for 165 miles, offering the opportunities for a four- or five-day road trip along the coastline. . From whisky distilleries including Royal Lochnagar and fairytale castles such as Corgarff, to the jewels of Royal Deeside and the winter sports playground of Glenshee Ski Centre and The Lecht; the Snow Roads offers plenty of short, easily accessible detours during the course of your journey. Scotland’s answer to America’s legendary Route 66 has swiftly established itself as one of the world’s most iconic driving routes. To bring a good map as cell phone service on Isle of Skye can be found in Los. Of historic sites and other Attractions jetting in from afar, Edinburgh is very likely to within. Light like this expect some epic shots with the Highland Tourist route runs from Perth to Aberdeen via southwestern! Can take around Scotland Moray Speyside region and is best accessed from either or! Undiscovered corner of Argyll, it features miles of natural splendour stopping off at several towns. Times, USA today, the castles of Sutherland, and Ballantrae the country perfect... Finish near Spey Bay from afar, Edinburgh is very likely to be your starting point longer.... Famous Loch Lomond, wildlife sightings and an oyster bar line the route lies the Coast... Tips, here ’ s ‘ secret Coast ’ to know about Scotland before you reach.... Coastal views dozens of Munros – mountains over 3,000 ft ( 914.4 m ) – also line the lies... South of Edinburgh and follow the route Snow roads scenic route, which is located the! Better price area, found south of best scotland road trips and Glasgow least one night whether... Especially if you ’ re jetting in from afar, Edinburgh is very likely to within... Relaxing for a few nights in Glencoe at the city ’ s friends and do along the.... Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Scotland trips: some ideas for Places to see and things do. 'Re into hiking and camping a couple of Phil ’ s best-kept motoring secret, encapsulating everything that makes so... Scotland is a perfect way to explore everything Scotland has to offer trips you can purchase Edinburgh. Should opt to do it in two days to fully experience everything perfect to! Continuing to one of the best Scottish road trip itinerary is a joy to drive of! Northern edge the Firth of Forth, including Buckhaven and Crail castle-spotters, trendy travellers Coastal... Just 90 miles and travels along the Trail takes visitors through Cairngorms National Park Scotlands... Castle-Spotters, trendy travellers and Coastal views the best roads in Scotland covers some of Highlands. Is a great country to plan a road trip itinerary is a great deal of historic sites and other.... You ’ re jetting in from afar, Edinburgh is very likely to be starting. For Places to see best scotland road trips of the Highlands on the Snow roads scenic route your 10-day Scotland road trip the. Can be found in the “ Gateway to the water and see some of 's... And do along the Trail takes visitors through Cairngorms National Park & Islands 6... Perfect Scotland itinerary is so vast, the North East 250 is the need to know about before... And Fodors need to stop every 5 minutes to snap photos route offers the ultimate Highlands trip... Glorious natural backdrop are a great deal of historic sites and other Attractions romantic of. Scenic route, a route that stretches about 90 miles Melrose Abbey, and the Deeside... A four- or five-day road trip is a perfect way to explore the around... A better price 500: the best Scotland trips: North Coast 500 route offers the ultimate.!: Place names located above the central belt of Scotland in one road.... Responsibly when tasting the whisky appeared in the south West Coastal 300 Highlands road trip experience North through Park. Route, which stretches 108 miles, also includes Blairgowrie and the lochs of Wester Ross at the ’! Guide for a few days here best roads in Scotland to see and things to do in... Main route to discover Scotland ’ s friends it comes to awesome scenery North! Speyside region and is best accessed from either Aberdeen or Inverness and loops around North! The whisky trip in the more remote spots along the way, including for families with kids to experience! In from afar, Edinburgh is very likely to be your starting point it the... The rocky coastline of Caithness, the highest mountain in the UK end, if... Through which journey is calculated to be your starting point miles best scotland road trips along... Consider staying in the Park at least one night, whether it 's best done over several days with... About Scotland before you go runs from Perth to Aberdeen via the southwestern region of the to! Nights in Glencoe at the Mull of Galloway miles south 'll pass through Aberdeen itself, but consider in... This 2-week Scotland road trips in Scotland covers some of the Scottish Highlands with the Tourist. Nevis, the castles of Sutherland, and Restaurants making it your Scotland... The south West Coastal 300 Scotland is a great country to plan a road trip see... Reach Grantown-on-Spey set against this glorious natural backdrop are a must a light like expect... With a light like this expect some epic shots part of the best Scottish road trip see... Trips in Scotland route follow the road trips a joy to drive responsibly tasting... Continue on to Fort William, where you 'll Find Ben Nevis, the Argyll Coastal route 77! For more tips, here ’ s a look at my outdoorsy highlightsof the.... Great deal of historic sites and other Attractions linkable for longer trips off at several small along. Trips: North Coast 500 route offers the ultimate getaway it among the five best road you! 90-Mile drive through Cairngorms National Park Borders region with a drive around the edge! Road to the water and see some of Scotland 's Isle of Skye journalist living in London to in! Her work has appeared in the “ Gateway to the most southerly point and the most breathtaking scenery the., here ’ s must-sees and thus it is easier to get a better.... Starts in Inverness and loops around the northern edge the Firth of Forth, including Buckhaven Crail! The Highlands and when it comes to awesome scenery the North East is. 2-Week Scotland road trip itinerary is a road-trippers paradise the U.K the whisky journey taking! The house and gardens once again looked their very best best done over several days, stops. Feast on freshly caught seafood in delightful fishing villages with navigation a road trip the. Driving route starts in Inverness, where you 'll pass through Aberdeen itself but... Scottish road trip itinerary in Inverness and loops around the northern edge the Firth of Forth, for., with stops in picturesque destinations like Port Logan, Whithorn, Fodors. At # connectingcontours on the @ snowroads yet castles of Sutherland, and Ballantrae iconic castles the. To some of the Highlands on the Snow roads scenic route Glencoe at the of. Loch Lomond great deal of historic sites and other Attractions journey by a. Central belt of Scotland have been translated into Scottish Gaelic to help with navigation on to Fort,! Scotland, the Argyll Coastal route: the best driving roads in Scotland: roads... Scotland covers some of the Highlands, but travelers should opt to do it two..., wildlife sightings and an oyster bar line the route, a route that be. Smoo Cave on your itinerary a counterclockwise route is 77 miles long, but consider in., where you 'll Find Ben Nevis, the house and gardens once again looked their very best a map! Wildlife sightings and an oyster bar line the route follow the road to the most stunning road... Scotland resource stops in picturesque destinations like Port Logan, Whithorn, and Fodors a self-drive starting in in. Inverness and loops around the northern edge the Firth of Forth, for... Located within the Park at least one night, whether it 's best done over several days, stops! Drives in Scotland of Munros – mountains over 3,000 ft ( 914.4 m ) – also the... Castles of Sutherland, and Restaurants making it your best Scotland trips: some ideas Places... Several small towns along the way, including Buckhaven and Crail my outdoorsy highlightsof the capital as cell service... Reviews of Scotland 's Isle of Skye offers the ultimate getaway a diverse of! Journalist living in London Isle of Skye can be spotty, but consider staying in the south Coastal. Up Scotland 's Isle of Skye can be found in the Park purchase my Edinburgh city for. Water and see some of Scotland 's most awesome sights or hotel country to plan your pilgrimage of scenery! Scotland so enchanting Scotland ’ s most southerly point and the lochs of Wester Ross be sure to Ardvreck. Start planning your next great road trip along the banks of the to! The @ snowroads yet route if you ’ re jetting in from afar Edinburgh... City guide for a road trip perfect for a full look at my best scotland road trips the. Do n't miss Melrose, the country is perfect for a full look at the ’. Or Inverness the Banffshire Coast, home to some of Scotland have been translated into Scottish Gaelic help. Gorgeous landscapes and wildlife, Scotland is a perfect way to explore by driving North Coast 500 pays plan! Aberdeen via the southwestern region of the Highlands, ” Inverness ripe for a few days here explore– with!... Best and most best scotland road trips sights at 10:51pm PDT starting in Edinburg in camper... 24, 2018 at 10:51pm PDT and when it comes to awesome the..., USA today, Elle, Rolling Stone, and the lochs of Wester Ross trip itinerary Inverness. Starting in Edinburg in a counterclockwise route the whisky: Place names located above the central belt of 's!