The Borders Historic Route Scottish road trip runs from Gretna Green to Edinburgh for a charming sightsee of cute villages and green countryside. Scotland and road trips go together like the Isle of Skye and photographers. A basic automatic car is around £80-100. Take the optional whiskey distillery tour at Kingsbarns Distillery along the way and try some authentic scotch whiskey (it might be early, but we won’t judge). Then head to the Galloway Activity Centre for some fun! It’s also supposedly hosted other writers such as Ian Rankin. Here you can see Mar Lodge Estate, which is a section of Cairngorms National Park. Self-drive tours in Scotland Enjoy Scotland’s treasures at your own pace. When the scenery is this incredible, you’ll love the freedom to take all the photo breaks you want. Set over 300 miles, this is a big Scottish road trip that you should set aside a lot of time to do. When touring Scotland by car (or camper or bike), your route can vary in length; trips can be as short or as long as you like. Another one of the best road trips in Scotland is the Argyll Coastal Route. Love some of these activities and not others? The site give live traffic conditions and planned roadworks. S cotland is one of THE best countries in the world to take a road trip. An essential guide to a working holiday in the UK. Explore, take selfies, do your thing. It was originally a coffee shop called Nicolson’s Café, but has since changed ownership. If you have an extra day, stay in the town of Glencoe and then head to the far-west coastal town of Ellenabeich for sea-animal watching. Explore intel scotland road trip road trips 2019. Head further up the road to Dunrobin Castle. It’s free entry, but donations are recommended. Planning a Scottish road trip to remember? Pull off at the roadside viewpoint and picnic area to stretch your legs and soak up the stunning vistas. Grab some food here and visit the Cathedral and Castle before continuing to one of Scotlands most famous sights, Loch Ness. There’s also Broughty Castle, Mills Observatory and the McManus Galleries. Plan a road trip to see some of Scotland's most awesome sights. The Perthshire Tourist Route will have you feeling in touch with the natural settings and rocky coastlines that you’ll see out of your window. Stop by some of the beaches along your drive, like Lunan Bay. Head to Castle Stalker in the town of Portnacroish for some lush views and top it off with a pint at the Old Inn. 1. Make the trip up to An Ceann Mor in Loch Lomond, where you’ll be welcomed to breathtaking mountain views from the viewpoint. Prices vary depending on the size of the car. Not hungry? Drive up to Aberdeen for the end of your trip. A Scotland road trip should be about the journey and not the destination. An adult day return ticket is £37.75. Then hit up the coastal town of Stonehaven for lunch and check out Dunnottar Castle which sits high above the green sea cliffs. Whether you need an escape from the big city or just a quick breather, the South West Coastal 300 road trip will have you feeling rejuvenated and at one with nature. Nothing beats the freedom of exploring a new place on your own personalised road trip. Drive further inland to explore some of the mountains and hiking trails along your drive back to Inverness. You can find more information on visiting Scotland during the Covid-19 recovery phases. Admire the coastline, you’re at one of the most northerly points in the UK. Then head to the first location of the trip – Gilnockie Tower. Here is some inspiration for your Scotland road trip itinerary to make your one week in Scotland a visit to remember. A Scotland road trip is perfect for the backpackers who are thrill-seekers, adventurers, beach lovers, history lovers and all those in between. Drive up to the town of Aberfeldy. This reserve contains the Burn o’ Vat – a giant pothole created in the Ice Age, and one you can now explore for yourself. If you plan on hiking in Skye, take some time to research as you’ll need to find the right hiking trails for your capabilities and that are easily accessible. First stop – Dalbeattie! The North Coast 500 is the most popular road trip in Scotland and we’ve put together a comprehensive 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary to help drivers navigate this driving route. Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye :@czermak_photography. A basic manual car hire from Edinburgh for 4 days is around £80. Drive up to Braemar and base yourself there for the night. There are lots of snow sport locations in Scotland, with Cairngorms National Park being a popular choice. As this starts on the border with England in Gretna Green, it might be easiest to hire a car from the town of Carlisle and spend a couple of days exploring – Hadrian’s Wall is not a far drive away! Spend the first day in either Stirling or Edinburgh. Scenic drives on winding roads lead through epic mountain landscapes and lush valleys, along fast-flowing rivers and beautiful coastlines, past waterfalls and castle ruins. Or you could spend some time in Ben Nevis for hiking or mountain biking. We have used our local knowledge and years of experience to craft detailed self drive tour itineraries with all the information you need for a great Scottish adventure. You’ve got your acceptance letter, now It’s time to go to Hogwarts! Leaving arguably the most stunning road trip for last, the Isle of Skye is a must-visit for anyone seeking some of the best landscapes our earth has to offer. They are great to enjoy typical Scottish Breakfast and meet locals. US President Eisenhower was even gifted part of it after his many visits! Nearby is the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, inside the Cairngorms National Park. This isn’t totally a Scottish road trip, as it includes a train trip (aboard the Hogwarts Express) and is spread out around Scotland. Drive to the Hill o’Many Stanes – which is around 200 small stones in rows. Drive to the town of Ayr to finish your road trip. Prepare your Insta. Spooky. Drive 20 minutes further to Strathnaver Museum, which explores the history of this town that’s been inhabited for over 8,000 years! 35 minutes away is Glen Coe, which featured in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as the setting for Hagrid’s Hut. Well-poised to explore a lot of what this region has to offer, spend one day exploring the city itself and another two going on a number of day trips that are available. Next stop by Sinclair’s Bay for some Instagrammable views. Driving from Selkirk, head to the glorious Abbotsford House which was home to the writer Sir Walter Scott. Drive in to the town of Broadford, where there are restaurants, pubs and accommodation. Along the drive, consider stopping at Galloway Kite Trail for some great walking trails and viewpoints. I can’t wait to try one of the sugestions.Thank you. This is just one of the seven mountain biking regions in Scotland, so why not make a whole tour out of it? Head to the town of St Andrews to see the famous St Andrews University. Head up to Drum Castle to learn about its varied history starting from medieval times (check the website for seasonal opening times). Changing the World with WaterAid – Art Activists Need Your Vote! Our aim with this travel blog is to feed and water your wanderlust. Hostels are open and here’s what you need to know…. Here you can learn about the history of the Gordon Highlanders and their service to the British Army. Stop in the town of Kirkcaldy and admire the Kirkcaldy Galleries featuring art from local artists. In summer it transforms into a great mountain biking track. So yeah… you’ve been good, why not live in luxury for a bit? Drive (or take the train) from Edinburgh to Fort William. Then embark on your final location of Aberdeen! Steep climbs, '… © 2021 VisitScotland. This road trip combines both mountains and coastline for a priceless experience. Here you can learn about the lengthy history of Scotland’s kings, including the famous Macbeth. Iconic Ben Nevis needs to be top of your Scottish to-do list. Drive to Achnasheen for food and savour the stunning landscape as you head back to Inverness. The castle is open from late March to late October but check their website for specific dates. Your email address will not be published. Drive to the famous Talisker Distillery for a tour and warm up with a glass of scotch. The final day to take in the stunning Scottish landscapes. Return to Fort William to see some more of the filming locations. Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, : Colin Baird. Here you’ll find ruins which are free to roam around! Here you can check out Hawick Museum, Wilton Lodge Park or Hermitage Castle. Grab your clan, a bottle of whiskey and a fire playlist (because it’s cold out there) – and you’re good to go. Junior Content Writer and #HostelworldInsider at Hostelworld. Have lunch in Dunfermline or in the neighbouring seaside towns of North Queensferry and Inverkeithing. But here’s the real treat: in the town of Grandtully is the Highland chocolatier – Iain Burnett. If you’re jetting in from afar, Edinburgh is very likely to be your starting point. Scotland has a good selection of Hotels, Guesthouses, BnBs and Rentals. Drive to the town of Hawick for lunch and some exploring. When backpacking it can be hard to treat yourself, but this tour has some great indulgences like whiskey distilleries and a chocolate factory. Discover dramatic coastlines with sandy tropical-looking beaches, Harry Potter film locations, and … Then head to the town of Oban for the night. They are estimated to be around 4,000 years old and were predicted to be used for religious ceremonies. Although this road trip is all about Scotland’s natural beauty, the first day is dedicated to Edinburgh getting a feel for the all things Scottish. Stop by Threave Castle on your drive – this haunting ruin is only reachable by boat! A Scotland Road trip is not complete without old Scottish tales of fairies and old men. The first part of this road trip begs for you to dump the car and walk the 11-mile circular path around Loch Affric – one of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring walks. Along this road trip why not soak up the culture of the city of Dundee, swim in the beach, or explore some castles? You can even go on a mill tour to see how they make their tartans. Stop off where you like, see what you like and enjoy the route at your own pace – the perfect holiday! Finish the night with a scotch whiskey at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery (seasonal opening times are on their website). Under an hour from Fort William is Loch Arkaig, which served as the setting for Dumbledore’s resting place in the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and the dragon escape in Part 2. Drive to the coastal town of Arboath and check out the Arbroath Abbey. Spanning 90 miles of snow-capped peaks, rugged glens, outdoor adventures, cycling and delicious food and drink; the Snow Roads Scenic Route is a distillation of the finest elements of the Cairngorms National Park. Edinburgh is jam-packed full of Scottish history and culture, from the 12thcentury Edinburgh Castle, to elegant streets lined with colourful Georgian townhouses, to bagpipes playing traditional melodies in the background. While you might be used to using trains or buses to get around as a backpacker, renting a car is an exciting way to see Scotland. Stop by the little town of Girvan for food and then drive on to Culzean Castle (closed in winter). When planning what to see, check online for opening times as a lot of attractions are closed during the winter. Drive up to Tentsmuir forest for a nature walk or mountain biking. If you’re headed up north, then this is the best time to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and the many stellar constellations at night. We recommend that all information is checked with the businesses prior to visiting/booking. There’s also Braemar Castle, to cross another castle off your list. This domineering castle dates back to 1792. Castles: Dunrobin Castle, Inverness Castle, LOTS of whisky distilleries (47 to be exact), Inverness is a great starting point for the road trip. Lastly stop off at Glen Ord Distillery in Glen Ord to celebrate your once-in-a-lifetime road trip in Scotland! No bull: just the most useful information to get you set up for your perfect holiday! Settle in Anstruther for the evening and take a walk along the beach. Be mindful of visiting this island though, as it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scotland and overcrowding is on the rise. From there, drive to the main town of Portree, where you can find great food options. Make sure you book ahead of time because this train journey is VERY popular – and we’re afraid you can’t use your invisibility cloak. These 7 days in Scotland can be easily stretched into a 10-day Scotland itinerary, which would be much more ideal so there won’t be too much rushing around. Let’s take you back in time…, Cairngorms National Park, Ballater :@mili_vigerova, 2-3 days (2 hours 50 minutes driving time). See attractions such as the Royal Burgh of Culross and the Dunfermline Palace and Abbey. 1-3 days (2 hours 55 minutes driving time). Starting in the town of Dumfries, check out attractions like Moat Brae – the place that inspired Peter Pan, Robert Burns’ house or Dumfries museum. In Scotland, the journey is just as good as the destination. You can purchase my Edinburgh city guide for a full look at the city’s must-sees. With longer and warmer days, spring or summer would be the easiest time to admire the dramatic coastlines. St Christopher’s Inn in Edinburgh has its own sports bar with delicious dinners! With so much stunning Scottish scenery and so many fascinating attractions covering such a small country you are guaranteed to be rewarded whatever direction you head in. Settle into the town of Wick for the afternoon and evening. Please check exact directions and traffic conditions before you begin your journey. 10 most haunted hostels to visit this Halloween! The drive from Glasgow to Inveraray, hugging the shoreline of beautiful Loch Lomond, follows one of the best roads in Scotland. The most famous ones are on the Isle of Skye with sites such as: Take the time to explore the neighbouring town of Galashiels. Why not warm up with a hearty meal to finish your epic road trip? If you need to get some shopping done, check out Lochcarron of Scotland – an iconic Scottish textiles company. Admire the stunning coastline as you drive right beside the ocean for most of the day’s journey. Basecamp café at Laggan Outdoor offers locally sourced food with picturesque views of the coast. The best way to see Scotland is by car with a Secret Scotland itinerary to guide you. Skye Museum of Island Life is not far away and will give you more of an understanding about this breathtaking island and its inhabitants. Make sure to visit the Glenfinnan Monument and climb to its top for even better views of Loch Shiel. If you’re in the mood for some adventure, head to Comrie Croft where there are many mountain biking tracks. You can easily do an entire tour of Scotland in a week. Dragging yourselves away from Loch Lomond might be tricky, but there are islands, boat trips and many more adventures ahead! Howies Aberdeen offers both British and Scottish food, including dishes like haggis and Cullen skink. Here are 12 of the best Scotland road trips. Why not make your own Scottish whiskey tour or mountain biking tour from the places listed here? The castle is open from mid-April to early October (check their website for specific times). Here you can see the Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura (open during winter), telling the local history and displaying artefacts. The main companies located in Scotland are: Hertz, Avis, Thrifty, Alamo, Budget, Europcar and Enterprise. Are you planning a Scotland road trip? Throughout history it has been desired for its strategic position. 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: With this Scotland road trip, you’ll become the ultimate Potterhead! Upon arrival in Oban, take the Calmac ferry across to the Isle of Mull and explore this island for the day, before heading back to the harbour town for a stroll and some of Scotland's freshest, quality seafood. Here you can also go to Inveraray Jail in a fun interactive museum. Edinburgh is just over an hour away from there, so why not stop at some attractions along the way like Stuart Brewing, Dalkeith Country Park or Midlothian SnowSports Centre in wintertime? Nearby you can see the Old Man of Storr – a scenic walk around a large pinnacle of rocks. Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley. From the town of Sanquhar, venture around the north of the driving route to marvel at the grand mountain ranges. It takes about 4 hours, so this would be a full day trip. Whether you're interested in exploring the small towns of the Scottish Highlands or seeing the beaches of the southwestern coast, there's a road trip for every traveler. With our guide to the best road trips in Scotland there’s no need to feel like an outlander! Have a hot soup in town at The Store Café to recharge – then hit the road again! Head down to Dun Beag Broch next to Struan to see ruins from the Iron Age that was once a tower built around 2000-2500 years ago. The Angus Coastal Route extends from where the Fife Coastal Route ends, so if you’ve got some extra time and want to soak up more of the Scottish coast why not combine two road trips in one? Check if your driver’s licence from your country legally allows you to drive in Scotland. Here are 20 of my favourite routes, many of them easily linkable for longer trips. If you’re an avid hiker, stop by the stunning Eas a’ Chual Aluinn – Britain’s highest waterfall. Move on to Pitfichie Forest, which is a popular stop for mountain biking (with 3 different cycling routes). Cars can be rented from Stirling for around £50-70 for a manual and £90-100 for an automatic over 3 days. STEP 6 - Book Accommodations on a Scotland Road Trip. Explore the picturesque Fairy Glen – a range of tiny green hills – and the standing stones of Eyre. The Intel. Stop by the local hotel of the Inchnadamph for some lunch. If you want to road trip Scotland (which we highly recommend- there are some INCREDIBLY scenic roads in Scotland), then the best time to go is either late Spring/ early Summer (May or June) or in early Autumn (September/ October). Head to Loch Fyne Restaurant and Oyster bar for some delicious seafood, or head into the town of Inveraray. Tickets to get across start from £3.60. Stop off where you like, see what you like and enjoy the route at your own pace – the perfect holiday! Note: Place names located above the central belt of Scotland have been translated into Scottish Gaelic to help with navigation. Make your way to other historic spots like Kilmartin Museum, an ancient stone formation. Thank you. Taste test different varieties and maybe have a wine or two. Stop by the town of Moffat for a pint at some of its pubs and bars. This Scotland road trip is great for all adventurers and adrenaline junkies! If you didn’t get enough beach yesterday, have a morning walk along Strathy Bay. Gain an understanding of traditional Scottish culture as you cruise through many different lochs. Start your road trip in the town of Tarbet, around 1 hour 15 minutes from Glasgow. 1-3 days (2 hours 10 minutes driving time). Drive to the town of Dunvegan to see Dunvegan Castle, which has long been home to the Macleod Clan. 1-2 days (1 hour 40 minutes driving time). The options for creating your own driving itinerary are only limited by your time and imagination. Further down is Cuillin waterfalls, which if brave enough you can swim in! From Edinburgh it’s around 5-6 hours and from Glasgow it’s around 5 hours – they’re all stunning road trips in their own right! Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan :@jack_anstey. This is the Route 66 of road trips guys. Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, :Colin Baird, 3-4 days (2 hours 10 minutes driving time). Take a look at images from Scotland's 12 National Tourist Routes and the epic North Coast 500, some of the best drives in Scotland. Stop by the town of Uig for a traditional pub lunch at The Pub at the Pier. If you are willing to make a 50-mile detour, you can also visit Loch Ness. Let us know in the comments! Check out our suggestions for what to see and do on each of the routes and plan your ultimate Scottish road trip. Then get your camera ready for something truly Insta-worthy…. 5-7 days (13 hours 35 minutes driving time). Touring Scotland on your own is easy, the scenery is stunning and the locals friendly. Dunvegan Bakery has some delicious sweet and savoury treats to take along on your journey. Banchory is a great place for mountain biking, hiking or even a round of golf! As you arrive in Edinburgh, take some time to explore this richly vibrant city. This is a great time to find your inner adventurer and take part in activities like kayaking, mountain biking, surfing and hiking. Stop by Sgurr a’ Ghreadaidh and Sgurr na Banachdaich for some brilliant hiking trails (but these are recommended for experienced and dedicated hikers as they are hard to access). Take a day to look around the city; Inverness Cathedral and Inverness Castle are beautiful attractions to see! Favourite place on earth: Nice, France. Here you can do water sports like kayaking, sailing and windsurfing on Loch Ken. 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 also cheaper for a manual car rather than an automatic. Best Scottish road trip for: sea lovers, beachgoers and Harry Potter fans. But I can take only so much November weather and needed to start somewhere with my Scotland road trip. 2-3 days (2 hours 20 minutes driving time). There are heaps of hiking trails for you outdoor lovers. Days 4-5: Cairngorms National Park It’s still a very tough walk, and if you’re experienced enough the top viewpoints are some of the best in Skye. Check out my article to help you plan a road trip. Even if you’re a newbie, this is something all adventurers should try out, because the views are one in a million – and the sunset atop the mountains is something you won’t forget. Then drive to the most northerly point to Duntulm Castle along the Trotternish Peninsula. There are some charming hostels in Fort William so why not snuggle up under the fire and read Harry Potter in the very land that inspired it? These ruins were originally two castles with Girnigoe estimated to have been built between 1476 and 1496 and the Sinclair castle built around 1606. We’ve suggested some attractions, when you could visit, where to stay and possible itineraries. Stop for lunch at the Glenturret Distillery and explore the town of Crieff. The Elephant House: labelled the ‘birthplace of Harry Potter’, this café is very popular with tourists. Check out all of our, For the end of the trip, drive to nearby town, In Broadford, start your journey by staying at. The Heart 200 road trip is one of Scotland's most up and coming routes for visitors to the bonnie lands. Here we share our best travel tips with the help of our favourite travel writers; such as where to find those authentic, soul-filled places, and the hottest hostels to stay in while you’re at it. This road trip starts in the small town of Greenloaning. The day’s major stop is RSPB Scotland Dunnet Head Nature Reserve, which is the most northerly mainland point in Britain. If you want to visit somewhere more reachable, check out Inchnadamph and the River Caves. Miles. Here there’s an ancient house on the bank of Loch Tay. 14 totally secret things you never knew you could do in Scotland, The ultimate guide to backpacking Scotland, Just another Aussie living in London with travel on the mind. It varies in landscape as it covers national parks, farmland and the Royal Deeside. Book on the go with the new Hostelworld mobile apps. Required fields are marked *. With a range of hiking trails, the 92-mile Galloway Tourist Route will get your heart rate spiking. Ready to see how we cover Scotland in a week? Here you can also visit the Clan Armstrong Information Centre to learn about the local history. 2-3 days (2 hours 55 minutes driving time). Your starting point to plan your perfect Scotland road trip for roadtrippers who like adventure, hikes, scenic roads, a dram of whisky, good food, camping & campfires At Scotlandroadtrips.com we aim to help you make the best decisions for your personal road trip. Along the drive you could stop at Auchindrain, which is a museum dedicated to Scotland’s last remaining Highland farming town. Hey Gabriella, thanks so much! You’ll pass the towering Arrochar Alps before reaching the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint in Glen Croe. It’s not just for kids! We think that sounds magical. Explore the small town of Grantown and visit the Grantown Museum; which includes local art and history about the Clan Grant. Read on if you’re ready to be inspired to #MeetTheWorld BEYOND the tourist brochure! But this road trip doesn't just consist of visiting distilleries and drinking whisky – it also includes exploring Edinburgh, a taste of the isles, and time spent in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. Spanning over 116 miles, this Scotland road trip is perfect for history buffs as you’ll see many castles and museums along your journey on the Highland Tourist Route. Think about going in the off-season after August. The Deeside Tourist Route runs for 108 miles from Perth to Aberdeen (or vice versa). The train crosses over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct – the bridge in the movies! There are still plenty of things to do indoors, such as a visit to one of the many whiskey distilleries or tasting the Scottish cuisine (we promise haggis is actually pretty tasty!) Today’s a big driving day – so chill back, put some music on and admire the views right from your car seat. Hogwarts Express (! photo breaks you want of rocks more information on visiting Scotland during the winter, crystal... It will take most of the day ’ s last remaining Highland farming town different. Tripping in Scotland adventurer and take a trip to the writer Sir Walter Scott Oyster bar some... 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