Scotland, with its rugged mountains, stunning lochs, and dramatic coastlines, is a dream destination for road trip enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to explore the wild Highlands, visit historic castles, or discover picturesque islands, Scotland offers an array of scenic routes that will take you through its most stunning landscapes. From winding coastal roads to remote mountain passes, here are some of the best road trip routes in Scotland that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
1. The North Coast 500 (NC500)
Often hailed as one of the best road trips in the world, the North Coast 500 is a must-do for any traveler wanting to experience the remote beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Stretching for around 500 miles (800 km), this circular route starts and ends in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and takes you along Scotland’s rugged northern coastline. The NC500 is a perfect blend of historic sites, majestic landscapes, and charming villages.
Highlights of the NC500:
- Bealach na BÃ : A challenging mountain pass with tight hairpin bends, offering spectacular views of the Applecross Peninsula and beyond.
- Dunrobin Castle: A fairy-tale castle located near Golspie, with beautiful gardens and a fascinating history.
- John o’ Groats: One of the most famous points in Scotland, offering fantastic views across the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands.
- Smoo Cave: A stunning sea cave on the north coast, known for its dramatic entrance and waterfalls.
The NC500 takes you through some of the most dramatic scenery in the country, from towering cliffs and sandy beaches to windswept moors and ancient woodlands.
2. The Isle of Skye Loop
The Isle of Skye is one of the most iconic and popular destinations in Scotland, and a road trip around the island is an unforgettable experience. Known for its rugged landscapes, fairy-tale castles, and the mystical Fairy Pools, Skye offers a unique adventure for those looking to explore the Scottish wilderness. The loop takes you through the island’s best sites, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and hikes.
Highlights of the Isle of Skye Loop:
- The Old Man of Storr: A striking rock formation that dominates the island’s landscape, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Fairy Pools: Crystal-clear waters nestled beneath the Cuillin Mountains, perfect for a refreshing dip or a short hike.
- Dunvegan Castle: The oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, home to the MacLeod clan and a fascinating piece of history.
- Neist Point Lighthouse: A dramatic lighthouse perched on the edge of a cliff, offering one of the most photographed views on the island.
This route will allow you to fully embrace the island’s natural beauty, from the mist-covered peaks to the sparkling lochs.
3. The Atlantic Highway (A87 to A836)
For a coastal road trip full of incredible seaside vistas, head to Scotland’s Atlantic Highway, which stretches from Inverness on the east coast to Ullapool and further on the west coast. Along the way, you’ll discover remote beaches, charming fishing villages, and magnificent cliffs. This route offers the perfect combination of rugged terrain and ocean views.
Highlights of the Atlantic Highway:
- Loch Maree: A stunning freshwater loch surrounded by forested hills, perfect for a peaceful stop or a scenic boat ride.
- Gairloch: A picturesque village on the North West Highlands, known for its charming harbor and stunning beaches.
- Ullapool: A small fishing village with a bustling port, where you can take a ferry to the Outer Hebrides.
- Inverewe Garden: A stunning botanical garden with exotic plants, located near Poolewe, showcasing the rich flora of the Highlands.
This route offers a peaceful, quiet drive with plenty of opportunities to explore Scotland’s coastline, wild beaches, and lesser-known gems.
4. The Kintyre Peninsula Loop
For a more relaxed, less-travelled route, consider driving around the Kintyre Peninsula, located on the west coast of Scotland. This road trip is perfect for those looking to experience the beauty of the inner Hebrides, with scenic coastal roads, historic landmarks, and plenty of wildlife.
Highlights of the Kintyre Peninsula Loop:
- Campbeltown: A charming town on the Kintyre Peninsula known for its whisky distilleries, including the famous Springbank Distillery.
- Kintyre Peninsula Beaches: Drive along the coast and stop at some of the beautiful, secluded beaches that dot the peninsula, like Westport Beach.
- Tayvallich: A picturesque village on the shores of Loch Sween, offering a peaceful escape and the chance to explore nearby castles.
- Dunaverty Rock: A massive, dramatic rock formation at the tip of the peninsula that offers stunning views of the surrounding waters.
This route takes you through tranquil landscapes, perfect for those wanting a more intimate and laid-back road trip experience in Scotland.
5. The Borders Historic Route (A68)
Scotland’s Borders region is a hidden gem, rich in history and filled with scenic beauty. The A68, which runs south from Edinburgh to the border with England, is a fantastic road trip route that leads you through medieval towns, rolling hills, and ancient castles.
Highlights of the Borders Historic Route:
- Melrose Abbey: A stunning ruined abbey in the heart of the Scottish Borders, dating back to the 12th century and connected to the legendary Robert the Bruce.
- Jedburgh Abbey: A magnificent abbey located in the town of Jedburgh, offering an atmospheric glimpse into Scotland’s religious past.
- Bowhill House: A beautiful mansion in the Ettrick Valley, surrounded by extensive gardens and woodlands.
- The Eildon Hills: Located near Melrose, these hills offer incredible walking trails with sweeping views of the Borders region.
This route is ideal for history lovers, as it takes you through the heart of Scotland’s ancient borderlands, with plenty of castles and abbeys to explore.
6. The Fife Coastal Route
For a coastal road trip that combines charming towns, rugged cliffs, and the beauty of the Firth of Forth, the Fife Coastal Route is a perfect choice. This scenic drive stretches from Kincardine in the south to St Andrews in the north, offering a mix of sea views, historic landmarks, and quaint fishing villages.
Highlights of the Fife Coastal Route:
- Anstruther: A charming seaside town famous for its fish and chips and its proximity to the Isle of May, a nature reserve home to puffins and other seabirds.
- Crail: A picturesque village known for its cobbled streets, ancient harbor, and stunning sea views.
- St Andrews: The home of golf, and a historic university town, offering plenty of cultural and historical attractions, including St Andrews Castle and the St Andrews Cathedral.
- Forth Bridge: One of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, this red-painted bridge spans the Firth of Forth and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Fife Coastal Route is perfect for those who enjoy exploring historic towns, beautiful beaches, and dramatic sea cliffs along the way.
7. The Argyll Coastal Route (A83)
This stunning route runs along the west coast of Scotland, connecting Glasgow to Campbeltown. The Argyll Coastal Route offers a delightful drive through coastal forests, tranquil lochs, and beautiful stretches of shoreline, making it a fantastic road trip for nature lovers.
Highlights of the Argyll Coastal Route:
- Loch Lomond: The first stop on this scenic route, Loch Lomond is a beautiful freshwater loch surrounded by mountains and forests, offering ample opportunities for hiking and boat rides.
- Inveraray Castle: A magnificent castle located near the village of Inveraray, perched on the shores of Loch Fyne and surrounded by stunning gardens.
- Kilchurn Castle: A picturesque ruin on the shores of Loch Awe, perfect for a peaceful stop and some excellent photography.
- Oban: A charming seaside town that’s the gateway to the islands, with a bustling harbor and beautiful views of the surrounding coastline.
This route is ideal for those looking to experience the beauty of Scotland’s western coast, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, wildlife watching, and historical exploration.
Conclusion
Scotland offers some of the most scenic and diverse road trip routes in the world, with each route showcasing different aspects of the country’s natural beauty, history, and culture. Whether you’re exploring the rugged Highlands, visiting ancient castles, or experiencing the charm of coastal villages, these routes promise to deliver unforgettable experiences at every turn. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an adventure through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe.
