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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. These Scotland self-drive tours include rental car, accommodation, maps and more, but the road trip music is up to you!

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Classic Scotland

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About Your Driving Tour of Scotland

Explore Scotland independently, driving scenic routes through the country’s captivating landscape of lochs and glens. Immerse yourself in the local culture and soak up views of white sand beaches, ancient castles and heather-clad mountains as you go.

When you book a Nordic Visitor self-drive package, you can expect:

• An Edinburgh-based travel consultant who’ll arrange your tour • A tailored itinerary, route and hand-marked map with personal recommendations • 24/7 phone support during your adventure for peace of mind • Handpicked accommodation at your chosen price point • Car rental with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance • Special themed and seasonal tour itineraries crafted to suit your interests

To begin your adventure with Nordic Visitor, simply follow these steps:

1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour 2. Confirm your package 3. Check your confirmation email 4. Book your flights 5. Get ready for your trip

Why choose Nordic Visitor

Book With Confidence

Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our Cancellation Protection free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.

Trusted local travel experts

Nordic Visitor has been creating unforgettable travel experiences in Northern Europe since 2002. Every aspect of your trip to Scotland is carefully handpicked and vetted by our experts. Your dedicated travel consultant is based in Edinburgh will share their insider knowledge with you.

Car insurance included

Embrace the adventure of a road trip, knowing that you are protected when you book with us. Collision Damage Waiver insurance is included as standard on our trips so you can take the wheel with confidence. You’ll also benefit from unlimited mileage, and a rental vehicle from a tried-and-tested partner.

You are in good hands

You can reach us 24/7 if anything crops up during your trip. Whether it's an unexpected event or weather issue, we will update your tour arrangements while keeping you safe and informed. With help just a call away, you can take the wheel with confidence and enjoy a worry-free travel experience.

Great reviews

Our dedicated teams deliver excellent service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travelers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

Flexible tour options

Nordic Visitor packages are created to delight guests on their adventures and our travel experts can customise tours to suit your wish list. Whether you’d like some extra nights or a special diversion to a must-see attraction, we can change your travel itinerary the way you want.

Handpicked hotels

There’s nothing like a good sleep after a day of exploration, so one of our top priorities is providing the perfect home-from-home where you can recharge your batteries. We carry out regular inspections on hotels and guesthouses for all our tours. Rest easy knowing your accommodation is high quality.

Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your holiday arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

Our Self Drive Customer Reviews

Here’s feedback from our wonderful guests who have driven across beautiful Scotland.

Brittany United States

We had such an amazing time on our trip to Scotland. Our welcome bag had everything we needed and made us feel at... read more

We had such an amazing time on our trip to Scotland. Our welcome bag had everything we needed and made us feel at ease knowing we wouldn't miss anything. We are already looking forward to planning our next trip through Nordic Visitor because of how easy everything was!

Bethany United States

For our 50th wedding anniversary, we trusted Nordic Visitor to make our vacation a memorable one, and they made it... read more

For our 50th wedding anniversary, we trusted Nordic Visitor to make our vacation a memorable one, and they made it beyond special. Chris, our tour planner, did everything to accommodate our needs and answered our questions quickly. It was an absolutely perfect vacation!

Scotland Self-Drive Tour Highlights

Experience the best of Scotland on a road trip and you’ll discover romantic castles, rugged mountains and whisky distilleries aplenty. Soon you could…

• Explore the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town, walk the Royal Mile , and tour Edinburgh Castle
• Marvel at the Isle of Skye’s jagged Cuillin Ridge and enjoy fresh seafood in the colourful town of Portree
• Embark on the renowned North Coast 500 road trip, where remote mountains and white sand beaches await you
• Seek out the real-life locations of film classics, like Glenfinnan which features in Harry Potter and Braveheart
• Step back in time when you visit iconic Scottish castles, including Eilean Donan , Dunrobin and Urquhart
• Sail to Orkney   and Shetland , where you’ll find Neolithic settlements and plenty of Viking heritage
• Stroll along Luskentyre beach and visit the ancient Callanish Standing Stones in the Outer Hebrides
• Hike through forests and look out for the herd of resident reindeer in the Cairngorms National Park
• Take a distillery tour in Scotland's whisky capital of Speyside and find out how this iconic drink is made

Advice For Self-Guided Tours

Raring to go? Read over our driving and travel guides so that you’re prepared for the Scotland road trip of a lifetime.

Driving in Scotland

Read the rules of the road before you start your adventure

What kind of temperatures can you expect in Scotland?

What to bring

Come prepared for all seasons and activities with the right clothing

Health & safety

How to find pharmacies, medical help and emergency assistance in the UK

Frequently Asked Questions About Scotland Self-Drive Tours

You may have a few questions about your Scotland self-drive tour package, so we’ve collected and answered the most important ones for your peace of mind.

You'll find more information to help you prepare for your trip in our Scotland Travel Guide . If you’d like to learn about our processes and payment details, check out these  FAQs .

It’s good to know that when you choose Nordic Visitor, you can Book With Confidence , safe in the knowledge that your payments are protected.

1. IS IT EASY TO DRIVE IN SCOTLAND?

Yes, getting about by car in Scotland is simple thanks to the country’s good road network.

The cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow are connected to the Highlands via two main routes north. This means that you can easily combine city sightseeing with discovering Scotland’s more untouched regions.

To stay safe on your driving tour of Scotland, there are some rules and guidelines to be aware of:

• Remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road in Scotland, and the rest of the UK.
• Do not drink and drive as there are zero tolerance laws in Scotland.
• Wearing seatbelts is compulsory for the driver and any passengers.
• Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is illegal, but you can use your phone if it’s fully hands-free.
• The maximum speed limit is 70 miles per hour (113 kilometres per hour). In residential areas the speed limit tends to be 20-30 miles per hour (32-48 kilometres per hour).  

You can refer to this  guide to driving in Scotland for more information.

2. WHAT IS THE BEST ROAD TRIP IN SCOTLAND?

There are plenty of scenic driving routes waiting for you in Scotland. Take the wheel and you’ll soon be soaking up incredible views, whether you stick to the mainland or opt for an island adventure.

Our local travel consultants have driven around the country and have added their favourite routes to each package. Here are some of their top road trip recommendations:

• North Coast 500, Northern Highlands
• Glen Coe, Central Highlands
• Trossachs National Park, Southern Highlands
• Deeside Tourist Route, Speyside
• Kilmartin Glen, Argyll
• Trotternish Peninsula, Isle of Skye
• The Golden Road, Isle of Harris  

You can get inspired for your journey by reading these blogs:

•  5 best Scottish road trips according to a local

•  Itinerary ideas for 7-day Scotland road trips

3. WHERE IS THE BEST SCENERY IN SCOTLAND?

Take the wheel on a self-drive tour of Scotland from Edinburgh or Glasgow and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views. After some time spent discovering the city sights, it’s time to explore Scotland’s captivating natural landscapes.

Imagine driving scenic Highland roads, strolling along golden beaches, and gazing out across island archipelagos. You’ll find some of Scotland’s most iconic views in these stunning locations:

• Cairngorms National Park
• Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
• Isle of Skye
• Orkney Islands
• Outer Hebrides
• Glenfinnan  

Find out what you can expect in some of the most beautiful places in Scotland  and check out the best Scottish beaches . Or start to plan your trip by checking out these recommended Scottish attractions .

4. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRIVE AROUND SCOTLAND?

The amount of time it takes to drive around Scotland depends on the sights and attractions you’d like to see along the way.

With 1 week in Scotland , you can experience some of the country’s most iconic places. For ease we recommend beginning your trip in Edinburgh before driving north to the Scottish Highlands.

When you leave Edinburgh behind, you could drive through the fishing villages of Fife and explore the Cairngorms National Park. You could visit the Isle of Skye and journey between Inverness and Fort William.

If you’ve got 2 weeks in Scotland , that’s even better. You’ll be able to see the top attractions at a more leisurely pace, or discover more beautiful scenery further afield.

2 weeks will give you time to combine Scotland’s renowned North Coast 500 (NC500) road trip with even more gorgeous locations. You could add stays on Scottish islands like the Isle of Skye, the Outer Hebrides and the Orkney Islands.

Otherwise, simply spend longer exploring the mainland, taking in everything from Edinburgh Castle to the untouched landscapes of Scotland’s far north.

If you’re lucky enough to have 3 weeks in Scotland , then you can enjoy driving around Scotland at a relaxed pace. You could even seek out far-flung spots like the Shetland Islands. Alternatively, opt for a holiday package to Scotland and Ireland .

5. WHAT IS THE FAMOUS DRIVE AROUND SCOTLAND?

The North Coast 500 (also known as the NC500) is Scotland’s answer to Route 66 and is the ultimate Scottish road trip. This popular route takes in around 830 kilometres (516 miles) of scenic roads in the wild landscapes of northern Scotland.

Scotland’s far north has so much to offer you, so why not head to the Highlands and experience them for yourself? Soon you could be soaking up views of rugged mountains, towering sea cliffs, and incredible west coast sunsets.

Read this guide to the North Coast 500 for tips and advice on this iconic road trip. Get inspiration for your trip by browsing our range of North Coast 500 self-drive holidays .

6. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DRIVE ROUTE 66 IN SCOTLAND?

At 830 kilometres (516 miles) long, the North Coast 500, or Scotland's Route 66, could be driven in 2-3 days without stopping. That said, this would certainly not give you enough time to savour the journey or see the best of the region.

We recommend allowing yourself at least 1 week, so there’s time for you to appreciate the epic scenery and visit the top sights. For instance, you could see filming locations for The Crown along the way. Delve into this guide to Scotland's Route 66 for itinerary recommendations and ideas for things to see and do along the way.

7. WHAT IS THE LEGAL ALCOHOL LIMIT FOR DRIVING IN SCOTLAND?

Scotland has strict drinking and driving laws, with an almost zero tolerance policy. The legal blood alcohol limit for driving is up to 50 milligrams in 100 millilitres of blood. This low level means that we recommend not drinking any alcohol at all before driving.

Please check the Scottish Government’s advice for more information about the legal alcohol limit for driving in Scotland.

8. WHAT SIDE OF THE ROAD DO DRIVERS USE IN SCOTLAND?

When in Scotland, and the rest of the United Kingdom, you should drive on the left-hand side of the road. This means that you’ll be using a right-hand drive car, and changing gears with your left hand.

It’s also possible to rent an automatic car for ease of use, which we recommend if it’s your first time driving in the UK.

If you can, take advantage of our two-driver allowance. That way, you can both take breaks to enjoy the scenery as well as drive on some of the most stunning routes in the world.

9. DO I NEED AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVER’S LICENCE IN SCOTLAND?

Exploring by car is one of the best ways to discover Scotland at your own pace. But how do you know when you need an international driving licence (often referred to as an international driving permit or IDP)?

You don’t need an IDP if your national driving licence is valid and recognised in the UK. In this case you’ll be able to drive any small vehicle (including our rental cars) that’s listed on your licence.

If you’re visiting from the below places, and you have a valid driving licence, then you don’t need an IDP as your national licence will suffice:

• European Union or EEA
• India  

If your country’s driving licence is not recognised in the UK, then you can apply for an IDP. Please check your government’s website for up-to-date information on whether or not you need an IDP to drive in the UK.

10. CAN I DRIVE IN SCOTLAND WITH A US LICENCE ?

If you have a valid driving licence in the USA then you can drive any small vehicle (including all of our rental cars) in Scotland. Your US licence will also be valid in the rest of the UK.

It’s worth remembering that cars in the UK are right-hand drive, with the gear stick on your left-hand side. You’ll also be driving on the left-hand side of the road throughout your time in the UK.

Read this guide to driving in Scotland for more advice. Here you’ll find out how to get around Scotland by car, along with information on local driving laws.

11. ARE THERE ANY AGE LIMITS REGARDING CAR RENTAL FOR SELF-DRIVE TOURS IN SCOTLAND?

When you rent a car for your self-drive tour of Scotland with Nordic Visitor, there are some requirements that you should be aware of.

To rent a car in Scotland, you must hold a valid and full driving licence for a minimum period of 4 years. This reduces to 1 year if you are over 23 years of age.

Drivers aged 23 or 24 can take a self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, subject to a young driver surcharge of £25 per day. You can hire vehicles in our rental car groups A, B, C or F.

The minimum age to rent a car in Scotland is 21. So if you're aged 21 or 22, we would be delighted to arrange your tour and provide you with information on how you can arrange your own car rental with specific suppliers who can cater to those aged 21 and 22.

If you are aged 80 or above, you can rent a car in Scotland so long as you provide medical proof that you are fit to drive. Please note this should be issued no earlier than 4 weeks before your travel date. You can hire vehicles in our rental car groups A, B or C.

Learn more about vehicle groups and car rental in Scotland on our travel guide.

Alternatively, you could leave the driving to a local expert when you pick one of our privately guided trips or guided small group tours of Scotland .

12. WHAT IS COVERED WITH CAR RENTAL FOR MY SELF-DRIVE TOUR?

When you’re planning your driving vacation, factors such as insurance and mileage can come to mind. We’ve got you covered, though, as all the car hire essentials are included in our Scottish self-drive tour packages. Read our rental information for the terms, conditions and full details.

In short, you receive a collision damage waiver (CDW), unlimited mileage and authorisation for 2 drivers. We don’t cover your road trip music: that’s all up to you!

13. CAN YOU DRIVE TO ENGLAND AND IRELAND FROM SCOTLAND?

You can indeed drive to England from Scotland and vice versa. But as Ireland is separated from Scotland by the Irish Sea, you would need to take the ferry to drive to Northern Ireland.

That said, you can easily combine Scotland and Ireland self-drive holidays by taking a short flight. This is included in your Nordic Visitor package and you'll have a dedicated travel expert to arrange it for you.

You can fly from Scotland’s two largest airports, Edinburgh and Glasgow, to the Irish capital, Dublin. Your flight would take around 1 hour.

In Dublin you'd pick up your rental car and set off on your self-drive adventure around Ireland.

With travel between Scotland and Ireland being so quick and easy, a combination tour is a great way to discover both Celtic countries in one trip. Get help from the experts, and let us plan an unforgettable journey to Scotland and Ireland for you.

14. WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO VISIT SCOTLAND?

Deciding when to go to Scotland depends on where you’d like to go and what you want to do on your trip. Scottish weather is often variable and can be described as “four seasons in a day”, so you can’t always rely on a clear forecast.

That said, from April to September, you can expect mild temperatures and the most sunshine, along with brighter, greener landscapes. Visit in August, and you can enjoy Scottish festivals such as the Fringe that bring the capital, Edinburgh, to life. Plus, there are plenty more things to do in Edinburgh year-round. 

Scotland is equally beautiful in autumn, from October to November, when you can appreciate the fiery autumnal foliage on the trees. If you’re more keen on brisk walks, frosted fields and snow-dusted mountains though, December to March are ideal.

If you decide to spend New Year or Christmas in Scotland , you can join in with special festive activities. Some of the most famous include Edinburgh’s Christmas Market and the Hogmanay street party.

Discover which of our tours suit you best by using our tour filters to choose packages by seasons or dates. Come rain or shine, you’ll enjoy all that Scotland has to offer.

Find out more about Scottish summer packages and winter breaks in Scotland by reading these helpful blogs:

• Best time to visit Scotland: your complete guide
• Summer in Scotland guide: what to do and where to go
• Scotland in winter: what to do and where to go
• Why you should spend next spring or autumn in Scotland  

15. DO PEOPLE TIP IN SCOTLAND?

Yes, people do tip in Scotland. Below you’ll find a summary of standard tipping practices:

• Eating out: it’s normal to tip around 10% of the food bill when you get table service at a café or restaurant.
• Bars: tips aren’t expected when you are buying drinks, as you’ll usually order at the bar.
• Taxis: you can round the fare up to the nearest pound, or give a bigger tip if you feel it's appropriate for a longer journey.
• Hotels: it’s common to tip your concierge, porter and house-keeping staff depending on the level of service.

You can find out more about tipping in Scotland, along with other useful information , in our Scotland Travel Guide .

16. CAN I STAY IN A CASTLE IN SCOTLAND?

Absolutely, Scotland has a few luxury castle hotels dotted around the Highlands where you can spend the night.

Get in touch with us to fulfil your dream of staying in a Scottish castle or to add a special touch to your romantic break. Your local travel expert will let you know where you can add a castle stay to your itinerary and make the arrangements for you.

Perhaps you don’t want to stay in a castle, but you’d like to visit as many as you can during your trip. In this case, you’ll find your perfect Scottish getaway in our range of castle tours in Scotland .

17. WHEN SHOULD I ORGANISE MY FLIGHTS?

We’d advise that you look over flights for timings and dates, but hold off on purchasing until you’ve booked your preferred tour. Once you’ve had a confirmation email from your personal travel consultant, you can then choose and pay for your flights.

Why? Once you’ve been introduced to your travel consultant, you’ll have all the information you need to make informed choices on timings. If you have any questions, you can always contact your consultant for advice.

18. CAN I CUSTOMISE MY SELF-DRIVE TOUR?

Our local experts have a wealth of knowledge to pass on to you, ensuring every sight or attraction you visit is one that you won’t forget. When creating packages, our consultants plan routes carefully with this in mind, so that you see the best of Scotland.

You can get in touch with us if you’d like to add something to your trip. For example, if there’s a particular attraction you’re keen to see, or a specific region you’d like to spend time in. We can also include extra nights at some of your overnight stops, so you can experience more of Scotland.

Alternatively, you can request a customised tour . Depending on the timeframe and things you’d like to do, your travel consultant will work with you to create your ideal road trip around Scotland.

If you would prefer to explore the highlights of Scotland while someone else does the driving then look into our guided small group tours . With a maximum of just 15 travellers on the tour, you’ll get to meet like-minded guests while benefiting from the knowledge of your guide.

Or you could opt for a private tour of Scotland . This way, you and your loved ones can make the most of your time with a personalised experience from your guide.

19. WHAT DO I NEED TO PACK FOR MY SCOTLAND ROAD TRIP?

In Scotland you could experience everything from glorious sunshine to rain, all in one day. As a result, it’s best to be prepared for every season when deciding what to pack for your trip.

So, no matter the season, we recommend that you bring:

• Walking boots or shoes with good grip
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm, insulated jacket
• Warm fleece or jumper
• Light base layers
• Warm hat, scarf and gloves
• Reusable water bottle
• UK plug adapter

You might also like to bring an umbrella, handy for city sightseeing on a rainy day. And, birdwatchers, don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars. For more information, read our useful packing guide for Scotland , complete with advice on what to bring depending on the season.

Get in touch if you have a question about our self-drive tours, or if we create a customised travel package for you. We’re happy to help so please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our Scottish phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Road trip articles

7-day scotland road trips: itinerary ideas from local experts, 7 of the best places to visit in beautiful scotland, 5 best road trips in scotland : a local expert's view, scotland's nc500 - your guide to the north coast 500 route.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

Self Drive Tours Scotland

We do all the planning, you just drive., where in scotland do you want to go.

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Want to be in control of the tour? Go Scotland Tours offers an alternative option to tour Scotland. Self drive tours will give you the independence to tour the country on your own. But we will do all the planning for you so all you need to do is drive. Your itinerary, attractions, hotels and cars will be all arranged by Go Scotland Tours. We have set up a few sample self drive packages, but we can also tailor make an itinerary for you. Contact us now to get started. Have your own car? Great! We can also plan your Self Drive Tour Package without the car rental.

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Grand Tour of Scotland

• Discover Scotland in its entirety on a journey from the east to the west coast
• Historic St Andrews, home of golf and the oldest university in Scotland
• Picturesque Royal Deeside and Balmoral, the Queen's Scottish home
• Drive Scotland's Route 66 (the NC500) round the rugged north coast
• The wild west coast, Isle of Skye and atmospheric Glencoe

Your trip starts from Edinburgh, and if you have the time we highly recommend adding on additional nights in our vibrant capital city to make the very most out of your time in Scotland.

From Edinburgh, we recommend a scenic route via the Queensferry Crossing and the charming coastal villages of Fife to reach St Andrews, with a possible detour to Falkland Palace, adored by Mary, Queen of Scots. On arriving in this ancient town, home of golf and also Scotland's oldest university, take time to walk along its wide sandy beach (featured in the film Chariots of Fire), discover its impressive Norman cathedral, and enjoy a pint of beer in one of its traditional pubs. 

Driving Time:  Approx 2 hours

Doune House is a carefully maintained Victorian townhouse with many original features and modern comforts. The accommodation has been completely modernised to offer the highest quality of comfort and the rooms have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay. 

You can be assured a warm welcome at this small and friendly 3-star hotel. The first in St Andrews to be awarded the prestigious title ‘Townhouse Hotel’ by the Scottish Tourist Board. The quaint old building has a warm personality all of its own boasting many original features and 22 en-suite rooms. This is the perfect location for exploring the glorious town of St Andrews.

The Saint, St Andrews, is located in the heart of the picturesque town famed for golf. There are 4 comfortable ensuite bedrooms that are spacious and have been decorated in modern style. The restaurant serves high-quality food with a menu that combines contemporary and traditional dishes.

Head north to Highland Perthshire this morning. Explore the ancient town of Dunkeld with its beautiful Cathedral on the banks of the River Tay, and the bustling town of Pitlochry, where you can enjoy a short walk to the salmon fish ladder and dam, or enjoy your first sample of whisky at the Blair Atholl distillery. 

Continue to Royal Deeside, and walk in the footsteps of Queen Victoria who fell in love with this area, and is home to picturesque villages Braemar and Ballater, as well as the famous Balmoral Castle, the holiday home of the Royal family.  

Driving Time:  Approx 3 hours

The Alexandra Hotel offers a friendly service, comfortable accommodation and excellent meals. All rooms are en-suite with free Wifi, tea and coffee making facilities, satellite television and other essentials that go to make up everything you would expect of a quality family run hotel.

The Deeside Inn is known for its traditional Scottish hospitality and lively music scene as much as it is for its homely lounge, open fires and welcoming bar with quality homemade food. The lovely rooms have complimentary tea and coffee making facilities.

Stay in an early Victorian Scottish Free Church building that is set in the heart of Royal Deeside, within the Cairngorms National Park.

There isn't as far to drive today, which allows plenty of time to explore the region of Speyside & the Cairngorms. Speyside is famed for its delicious malt whiskies, and Glenlivet, Glenfiddich & Aberlour are just some of the well-known distilleries you can visit here. If you can drag yourself away from whisky tasting (you will need to designate a responsible driver!) we also recommend taking time to explore the Cairngorms National Park. There are some fantastic short walks to enjoy in the area around Aviemore and Rothiemurchus, which may help to burn off some of that whisky! 

Driving Time:  Approx 2.5 hours (allow extra for exploring more of the Cairngorms)

Ravenscraig has 14 bedrooms providing 4-star bed and breakfast accommodation in Aviemore. It is ideally situated on the main street just a short stroll from the town centre with its numerous shops, bars and restaurants.

Carn Mhor is a bungalow on the outskirts of Aviemore, providing light and airy accommodation with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.  Your hosts Adrian and Carol will make you feel at home and although this property is slightly off the beaten track, we assure you that the hospitality and breakfast are more than worth it!

Cairngorm Guest House is a 12 bedroom Victorian house located in the centre of Aviemore. All rooms are en-suite and the guest house enjoys amazing views across the Cairngorm Mountains. At night you can relax next to the log burning fire in the lounge as you reflect on your day. 

A scenic route from Aviemore leads you down to Fort Augustus, a picturesque town sitting on the Caledonian Canal and the most southern tip of Loch Ness. Watching the canal boats navigate the locks here is a fascinating experience, or take a boat trip on Loch Ness to see if you can spot Nessie herself! Continue up the scenic A82 road alongside the banks of Loch Ness, stopping off to visit the grand ruins of Urquhart Castle. 

Once in Inverness, there is plenty to discover nearby including the atmospheric Culloden Battlefield, where the Jacobite rising came to an end in 1746, and the 14th century Cawdor Castle with its literary connections to Shakespeare's Macbeth. 

Driving Time:  Approx 2.5 hours

Ballifeary Guest House is an impressive Victorian Villa with many original features. It has a large private car park for guests use and a secured shed for those with bikes. It is ideally located only a matter of yards from Eden Court theatre and a short walk from the River Ness where many restaurants, the Cathedral and Castle can be found. The rooms have been recently refurbished to a high standard offering every comfort you would expect.  

All rooms are equipped with high speed free wifi, USB charging ports, Smart TV, Scottish fine soap toiletries, and coffee & tea making facilities with yummy biscuits!

The house that this accommodation is located in was built in the mid-19th century by a local shipping merchant. It is full of character and still has the original fireplace. It is an approximate 8-minute walk from the city centre and a large choice of restaurants and pubs. The rooms are warm and cosy. 

Today you join Scotland's very own answer to Route 66, the NC500 route. Enroute to Thurso, visit Dunrobin Castle and the scenic Black Isle, where if you are lucky, you may even spot dolphins! Stopping off at John O'Groats it is possible to enjoy a short walk to Duncansby Head, a 5-mile round trip which leads you to the most north-easterly point of mainland Scotland with some incredible sea stacks. You will also pass the rugged peninsula of Dunnet Head, the most northerly point and home to some incredible birdlife including puffins, razorbills and guillemots. The fresh air and sea breezes mean you will enjoy a welcome rest in Thurso this evening! 

Driving Time:  Approx 3.5 hours 

Bed and Breakfast at 4 is a stylish townhouse centrally located in Thurso, Scotland's most northerly town. It is located within easy walking distance of shops, pubs, and restaurants. The rooms are all well-appointed with ensuite facilities and breakfast is served in a spacious conservatory.

The hotel retains much of its character with the thistles above each of the dormer windows and a cockerel above the main entrance. The restaurant uses locally sourced seasonal produce and has a warm and relaxed atmosphere, there is also a well-stocked bar area for you to relax in after a day’s sightseeing.

The seafront Marine B&B offers 5 superior en-suite rooms with outstanding views of the bay, Orkney Islands and Pentland Firth. Rooms are simply furnished and have all the amenities you need.

Continue on the NC500 right across the top of Scotland to reach Durness. The wild and rugged beaches along the way are the real highlight of today, so take your time to enjoy them! Melvich Beach with its sandy dunes and large areas of machair, Strathy Bay with its caves and sea stacks, and Torrisdale Bay, where you can spot seals and sea otters are just some of the untouched beaches which will entice you. The Smoo Caves, the largest coastal caves in the UK are another real highlight of this section, and you should be sure to take time to enjoy one of the geological tours here before finishing in Durness. 

Fiona and Robbie will welcome you warmly to their scenic retreat with every aspect of Highland hospitality. All seven bedrooms are individually decorated with their own unique style, offering total relaxation and comfort.

This small family-run hotel is situated in the east of Durness the most north-westerly village in Mainland Britain and was named after the famous Smoo Cave. Set in a tastefully extended traditional crofting house the hotel has developed with character and in keeping with its surroundings.

You will be guaranteed a warm welcome when you check into this accommodation. This guest house is a modern property and the guest rooms have all the amenities you require for a comfortable overnight stay.

Leaving Durness, the Kylesku Bridge takes you over the Atlantic to Scourie, where you continue south through Sutherland. Discover the white sands of Achmelvich beach, and then arrive in Assynt, a wild landscape of mountains and lochs. If you fancy getting your walking boots on, it is possible to climb the little, craggy hill of Stac Pollaidh, which offers a perfect viewpoint over Assynt. Finish in Ullapool, a pretty fishing village nestled at the head of Loch Broom. 

Harbour House is a family-run bed and breakfast situated on the shores of Loch Broom just a short stroll from the village of Ullapool. The comfortable and pleasantly furnished en-suite bedrooms have modern amenities and look out to either the loch or the rugged mountains. The spacious lounge with its panoramic view of the harbour, loch and hills, provides a place to relax and unwind.

The Arch Inn in Ullapool offers comfortable ensuite rooms with views over Loch Broom and the Fannich Mountains in the distance. It is also known as a great place for live music and the restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced products such as local scallops, langoustines, lobster and oysters. Meet the locals in the Drink Inn Bar before enjoying a night of restful sleep.

A warm and friendly welcome awaits at this family-run guest house that is perfectly located on the shores of Loch Broom with views out across the water. There are seven ensuite rooms and a delicious breakfast is served in the Conservatory overlooking the garden, Loch Broom and the Beinn Dearg mountain range.

Continue to wind your way through the mountains and lochs of the breathtaking landscapes of Wester Ross. Stop for a picnic lunch beside the island-strewn Loch Maree, widely regarded as the most beautiful in Scotland, and reputedly with its own monster! Or head right round the Applecross Peninsula, driving over the twisting Bealach na Ba mountain pass, and tucking into a freshly caught seafood platter at the Applecross Inn. From Applecross, drop down to the Kyle of Lochalsh. It is here you will find the 13th century Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland's most photographed castle and a true icon of the country. Once you have filled your camera with fantastic shots, drive over the Skye Bridge to the magical Isle of Skye. Depending on availability you may stay in either Broadford or Portree whilst in Skye.

As there is so much to see today, we suggest an extra night in Torridon or Applecross to make the most of your sightseeing today.

Driving time:  Approx 4-6 hours (depending on the route you take)

The Broadford is a 4* hotel that has been redecorated in contemporary style to offer a warm welcome and excellent service and food in beautiful settings. 

Independently owned and run, the proprietors pride themselves on the quality of service, food, high standards of cleanliness and the warmth of welcome! Each guest receives an individually tailored experience and you are assured a most comfortable and indeed very enjoyable stay at this splendid accommodation. Broadford House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in a selection of tastefully decorated rooms. The rooms all have television with tea and coffee making trays. The bed and breakfast cottage overlooks Broadford Bay with plenty of eating places nearby.

The Hebridean Inn is a simple small hotel with great views over Broadford Bay. Their comfortable en-suite rooms have all the amenities you require for a comfortable stay.

Quite rightly one of Scotland's most popular islands, there is plenty to do here to fill a day and in fact, if you have time, we highly recommend adding some extra nights if you can. Some highlights include the dramatic Nest Point lighthouse, the fairy pools below the jagged Cuillin Ridge and the dramatic landscapes of the Trotternish Peninsula including the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr. We will provide details of a couple of optional walks you can do, or take it easy and explore other highlights including Dunvegan Castle and the colourful town of Portree.

This B&B is located only a five-minute walk from the lively town centre, where there are parks, restaurants, pubs, shops and banks. All guest rooms are en-suite and have blackout curtains, complimentary toiletries and wifi.

Erisco is a most relaxing accommodation on the Isle of Skye, very close to the town centre attractions of Portree. Recently refurbished and renovated, all rooms are en-suite, comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay. Jessie and John will provide you with a very warm Skye welcome at this lovely property.

The Portree Hotel has recently undergone extensive refurbishment, now offering 24 redesigned en-suite rooms, with all the expected facilities including 32” flat screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryers and irons. The new Antlers Bar and Grill and West Highland Bar have also been tastefully refurbished, this includes wood burning stoves, which creates a cosy and comfortable atmosphere.

Leaving Portree drive south to a contrasting part of Skye, the green Sleat Peninsula. In Armadale enjoy a walk through the beautiful gardens of the ruined Armadale Castle and visit the Clan Donald museum before taking the ferry (1 hour) to Mallaig on the mainland.

Follow the "Road to the Isles" south along the white sandy beaches of Arisaig Sound before reaching the Glenfinnan Monument at the head of Loch Sheil, where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the start of the Jacobite rebellion and the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct - where the "Harry Potter" steam train passes over daily. Take a short detour to pass by the mighty Ben Nevis and discover the atmospheric valley of Glencoe, famous for the tragic Massacre of Glencoe which took place in 1692. If you have the time recommend adding in an extra night in Fort William or the Glencoe area to give you more time for sightseeing. Continue to Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland and an attractive seaside town. 

Driving Time:  Approx 4 hours

Gramarvin B&B has been fully refurbished over recent years and is tastefully decorated throughout. The bedrooms are individually designed with a bright attractive colour scheme and each with private bathroom facilities. 

The Barriemore is a splendid example of a Victorian 3 storey town house. It is situated by the water on Oban’s sea front. With stunning views of the narrow shipping channel which passes alongside the patio at the front.

Elderslie Guest House is situated just on the outskirts of Oban. It is a quiet location with private parking. The local cycle track passes by and give an alternative route to town by foot. There is free internet access and garden area to relax in.

The islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa are easily visited from Oban on a short day trip. Mull is home to Tobermory, famous for its lovely multi-coloured houses lining the bay, Iona is a small crofting island known to be the "Cradle of Christianity" in Scotland, and Staffa, home to the spectacular Fingal's Cave, the inspiration for Mendelssohn’s Hebridean overture. If you would prefer to stay on the islands, we can arrange extra nights in Mull for you. 

Alternatively, you may wish to spend the day relaxing in Oban, enjoying one of the amazing seafood restaurants or perhaps visiting Dunollie or Dunstaffnage Castle. 

Gramarvin Guest House has been fully refurbished over recent years and is tastefully decorated throughout. The bedrooms are individually designed with a bright attractive colour scheme. There is a welcome refreshments tray, colour television, hairdryer and radio alarm provided in each bedroom. Free WiFi is available. The accommodation tariff includes a full Scottish breakfast or continental breakfast served in the dining room.

Either Glasgow or Edinburgh can be your final destination today. If heading to Glasgow, we recommend a route taking in the 18th century Inverary Castle, home of the Duke of Argyll, and then skirt the banks of Loch Lomond as you return to Glasgow, perhaps stopping off to enjoy lunch in the pretty lochside town of Luss on the way. Alternatively, if you would like to get back to Edinburgh, head round the northern edge of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park before taking in the Trossachs (home of the legendary Rob Roy), stopping to visit his grave in Balquhidder or the bustling little Trossachs town of Callendar is perfect for lunch. One last stopover in Stirling is a must to visit impressive Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument, a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of William Wallace.

We can arrange additional nights in either Glasgow or Edinburgh for you. Just let us know where you would prefer to finish up!

Driving Time:  Approx 2h 15 (to Glasgow) or 3 hours (to Edinburgh)

This trip has a carbon score of 11kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our greenest trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 11kg is equivalent to 2 Neapolitan margherita pizzas. Buon appetito!. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips .

Other Information

Never been to Scotland and would like the complete Scottish experience? Then this is the trip for you! You will discover everything from Highland castles steeped in history, to whisky distilleries brewing up the local dram, to beautiful white sandy beaches and rugged islands. Allow our local expertise to guide you on a hassle-free journey of cultural discovery around Scotland and experience Scottish hospitality at it's finest.

Discovery | Think of it as a ‘local’s guide’ to the best of the region. It includes a combination of activity and transportation to give you the freedom to explore and cover more ground at your own pace. We do all the research and organisation for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy!

Drive and Hike | Exploration of picturesque and remarkable destinations by car combined with walks that highlight the best of a country or region.

Solo Travellers

The minimum age for this tour is: 5 Years

You will stay overnight in hand-picked small hotels, B&B's and guesthouses, all of which have been chosen to ensure you experience warm Scottish hospitality at its best!  We regularly use the below properties but may accommodate you elsewhere if these are unavailable. 

Single Rooms

This holiday is available to solo travellers but as all our tours are priced per person based on two sharing there is a single supplement payable to cover the additional costs. If you require single rooms within your party we will, of course, try to accommodate your request subject to availability.

Breakfast is included each morning and normally consists of a continental buffet with tea and coffee, fresh fruits, yoghurt, cereals, eggs and bread with jams. Often also on the menu are cooked options like freshly made porridge, a traditional cooked Scottish breakfast and smoked fish with scrambled eggs. 

We don't include lunch and dinner so you are free to choose from the available options. Your information pack includes details and recommendations of convenient lunch stops, cosy cafes and restaurants along the way. A couple of decades ago the food scene in Scotland was somewhat lacking, but now you'll find a range of high quality, varied options with everything from award-winning fish and chips to intimate Michelin-listed dining experiences, and casual restaurant menus showcasing delicious locally-sourced produce. 

Additional Nights

You can add additional nights wherever you please on the route. Of course we highly recommend additional nights in the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow at the start/end of your trip!

Your information pack will include a day-by-day itinerary, with recommended driving routes between overnight stops, as well as recommended detours and must-see sights and attractions. You can use Google maps to navigate the route on your phone, or your car's sat-nav. If you are hiring a car we recommend adding on a sat-nav as internet signal in the Highlands isn't always reliable.

Recommended Reading

If you would like more information on the route please see our recommendation below:

• Lonely Planet Scotland
• Philip's Navigator Scotland Atlas (Road Maps of Scotland)
• Overnight in 3 and 4* B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
• Ferry ticket (car included) from Skye to the mainland
• Detailed information pack brimming with our local knowledge
• Our daily recommendations for places to see and visit
• Our daily recommendations for top places to eat and drink
• 24/7 emergency support from our UK office
• Car hire (available as an optional extra)
• Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
• Travel Insurance
• Personal equipment
• Accommodation in Edinburgh or Glasgow
• Entrance fees
• Additional nights

You can start this tour on any day of the week from March to October, subject to availability. The busiest times of the year are around Easter and May when accommodations fill up quickly, so book as early as possible if you are planning to travel then. If you travel before Easter, and after mid-October it is worth noting that some attractions may either be closed, have limited access (i.e. castle interiors may be closed but the gardens open), or may open later and close a little earlier in the day. We always recommend checking the links in our information pack for up-to-date opening times to avoid disappointment. 

During the shoulder season - March to early April and after mid-October - the Scottish weather tends to be more unpredictable and is often colder and rainier. It is worth keeping in mind that the driving conditions, particularly in the far north of Scotland, will also be more challenging at this time. However, attractions and popular viewpoints will generally be quieter. 

Scotland enjoys a temperate climate, meaning it's relatively mild all year, except in winter when temperatures occasionally dip below 0 degrees Celsius for short periods. The Highlands are renowned for variable weather so you should be prepared for everything; from 'dreich' days (a Scottish word for drizzly days that are a bit bleak) to days with beautiful blue skies and warmer weather. Whatever the weather it tends to be breezy so spare layers are always recommended.

From the end of April to October average daily temperatures vary from 9-15 degrees Celsius. Monthly rainfall varies from 10-16 mm per month on average. Generally, May to July is the driest and mildest months, but exploring later in the year from September to October is pleasant in cooler temperatures and the autumnal scenery is spectacular as the leaves begin to change colour.

Your trip begins in the well-connected city of Edinburgh. If traveling in your own car from across the UK, or Western Europe via the Channel Tunnel, you'll find the city is easily accessible and well-connected by the M8, M77, M74, and M6 motorways. If you are driving or traveling from further afield we recommend an extra night in Edinburgh at the start of your trip so you can make the most of your first day of sightseeing. 

By Road:  Edinburgh  is served by an excellent motorway network. It's a 1h 15m drive from Glasgow to Edinburgh on the M8 motorway.   Newcastle is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Edinburgh, and Manchester and Birmingham, 4 and 6 hours respectively.  London is 7.5 hr (via the M1 and A1), and if arriving in Folkestone from France (via the Channel Tunnel) it's an 8-8.5 hour drive via the M20, M11, and A1 roads. 

Alternatively, if arriving in Edinburgh by public transport and renting a car please see the excellent   Traveline   Scotland website for timetables and fares and more information regarding public transport in Scotland. Edinburgh is well-linked across the UK,  Europe, and beyond by flying into either Glasgow or Edinburgh international airports. Glasgow and Edinburgh are just over an hour apart by road and it doesn't take much longer to travel between the two by an express bus or train service. 

By Air:  Located 8 miles east of the city of Edinburgh, the international airport is served by routes from around the UK and the world. There are regular shuttle bus and tram services running from the airport into the city centre, with a journey time of around 30 minutes. There's also a taxi rank outside the airport to take people into the city centre. 

By Rail:  Edinburgh is also connected to central Scotland and England by good rail links. See the   Scot Rail   website for Scottish locations and   National Rail   for UK-wide locations.

By Bus:   Services from UK destinations are operated by   National Express . Services from Scottish destinations are operated by   Scottish Citylink . 

We don't include car rental in the cost of our discovery tours to keep things flexible as we realize many people may wish to use their own car. If you decide to arrange car rental through us, we have a partnership with Europcar and can arrange this easily for you. As standard, we would book an Economy category car (suitable for up to 4 people) with included comprehensive insurance and sat-nav. Prices are on a request basis, so please just add this on as an option if you would like to book car hire, and we will confirm the cost. 

If you have a preferred sailing time for your ferry journeys, please let us know at the time of booking. Once the ferry journeys are confirmed, we can't guarantee new amendments or changes to the sailing times.

Getting from Glasgow

By Road:  Glasgow is served by an excellent motorway network. It's a 1hr 15 min drive from Glasgow to Edinburgh on the east coast. Manchester is approx a 3.5 hour drive or Newcastle on the east coast is approx 3 hours. 

If dropping off a rental car and continuing your onward journey by public transport we recommend breaking the journey by adding an extra night in Glasgow or Edinburgh. For specific information regarding public transport in Scotland, please see the excellent   Traveline   Scotland website for timetables and fares. 

By Air:  Located 8 miles west of Glasgow, the international airport is served by routes from around Britain and the world. A regular shuttle bus service runs from the city centre to the airport. Or if you wish to drop your car off in Glasgow and enjoy some time there before heading back to Edinburgh, regular bus and train services link the two cities, taking approx 1 hour. 

For further information regarding public transport in Scotland, please see the excellent   Traveline   Scotland website for timetables and fares. 

By Rail:  Glasgow is also connected to central Scotland and England by good rail links. See the   Scot Rail   website for Scottish locations and   National Rail   for UK-wide locations.

On confirmation of your booking, you will receive a personalized itinerary and comprehensive information pack. This carefully curated pack, designed with our extensive local knowledge and expertise, will include recommended driving routes, personal recommendations for places and attractions to stop at en route, and our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink. 

We don't include car rental in the cost of our discovery tours to keep things flexible as we realise many people may wish to use their own car. If you decide to arrange a car rental through us, we have a partnership with Europcar and can arrange this easily for you. As standard we book an Economy category car (suitable for up to 4 people) with included comprehensive insurance, prices are on a request basis. Please just let us know if you would like to upgrade your car.

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

Your information pack will include a day-by-day itinerary, with recommended driving routes between overnight stops, as well as recommended detours and must-see sights and attractions. You can use Google maps to navigate the route on your phone, or we recommend using your car's sat-nav. If you are hiring a car we recommend adding on a sat-nav as the internet signal in the Highlands isn't always reliable.

The Biggest Choice

Around since 2003, 21,000+ customer reviews, positive impact.

At Macs, we don’t do tour buses, groups, or guides. Instead, we give you the freedom and confidence to have your own self-guided hiking or biking adventure.

This is active travel led by you.

You choose your departure date and who you travel with, we do the rest.

We sort accommodation and luggage transfers and provide your route in an easy-to-use app.

We give you everything you need to travel independently but we're here 24/7 if you need us.

Getting from A to B under your own steam is intensely rewarding. With Macs, you'll see the world, and yourself, differently.

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

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Grand Road Trip of Scotland

• Fully customisable itinerary
• Prices from: £2330 per person
• Best time to go: April - October
• Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Loch Lomond

Relax on the bonnie banks of famous Loch Lomond at the heart of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, where quaint loch-side villages enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Magical islands

Enjoy the outstanding scenery of the Isle of Mull, home to magnificent sea cliffs, and visit its neighbour, the tiny and tranquil Isle of Iona. Further north, experience the Isle of Skye, popular for its stunning and dramatic volcanic scenery.

Wester Ross

From Lochcarron to Achiltibuie, the area of Wester Ross has some of the most beautiful and unspoilt scenery in the world. Journey along a spectacular coastline and visit undiscovered beaches, hidden glens, bird sanctuaries and breathtaking twisty single-track roads.

Malt Whisky Trail

Speyside is home to the world-famous 70-mile Malt Whisky Trail. This area is the heart of the whisky industry, and concentrated within a few miles are more distilleries than any other area in Scotland.

Balmoral Castle Estate

Visit the Queen’s stunning Scottish ‘holiday home,’ a royal retreat since the 1850s, where you can enjoy the extensive castle grounds, gardens, and exhibitions of artwork and royal tartans.

The home of golf

Explore the lovely town of St Andrews, with its many historic buildings and spectacular beaches. St Andrews is home to the oldest university in Scotland as well as the world-famous Old Course.

The Ultimate Scenic Self-Drive Tour of Scotland

Journey through wonderful lochside and mountain scenery, from the banks of Loch Lomond into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Discover the magical Isle of Skye and the outstanding natural beauty of wild Wester Ross. Travel through whisky country and visit fairytale castles in Royal Deeside, as you continue southward through the Kingdom of Fife towards beautiful Edinburgh.

Beginning on the western banks of bonnie Loch Lomond, this self-drive tour takes you on a journey across the Scottish Highlands towards the dramatic west coast. Wander around the picturesque town of Oban, the hub of the southern Hebrides and northern Argyll. Hop on a ferry to the Isle of Mull, where you will be amazed by the picturesque harbour town of Tobermory, famous for its pretty coloured houses along the seafront.

As you continue northward along the west coast, you will cross the inspiring Isle of Skye, visited for its wild mountains, stunning seascapes and geological scenery. From here, Wester Ross awaits, a raw and remote region on the northwest of the country which features breathtaking unspoilt scenery. After navigating through spectacular mountainside windy roads, enjoy a relaxing stay at the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool.

It will now be time to begin your journey south, as you head towards Inverness, the Capital of the Scottish Highlands. Visit Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield before travelling eastward towards Speyside, home to the world-famous 70-mile Malt Whisky Trail. Discover Royal Deeside, with its fascinating Victorian history and home to countless romantic medieval castles and grand country houses. 

As you travel along the East Coast, enjoy a round of golf at St Andrews and explore the East Neuk of Fife on your way to your final destination in Edinburgh.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer.  Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

Arrive in Edinburgh, collect your hire car, and travel west to the beautiful banks of Loch Lomond. Enjoy a boat trip on the loch or simply relax in your beautiful surroundings. Your first night will be spent in a quaint lochside village with stunning views across the famous loch. Overnight – Loch Lomond

Day 2: Loch Lomond to Oban

A wonderfully scenic journey leads to the picturesque coast of Argyll. Visit charming Inveraray and explore the 18th century Inveraray Castle, home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Campbell Clan. Travel on to Oban, ‘the Seafood Capital of Scotland.’ Overnight – Oban

Day 3: Oban Sightseeing

Kilmartin Glen, the cradle of ancient Scotland and brooding Castle Stalker are short journeys from Oban. Cruise and experience the exceptional variety of wildlife on the west coast of Scotland. See one of the classic malt whiskies being made at Oban Distillery, or visit 13th century Dunstaffnage Castle, which overlooks the entrance to Loch Etive. Overnight – Oban

Day 4: Isles of Mull and Iona Sightseeing

Take a day trip to the Isle of Mull, one of Scotland’s most beautiful island retreats. Visit Duart Castle, once home to the Chief of the Clan MacLean. Tobermory is the island’s main village with its multi-coloured houses scattered around the peaceful harbour.

Nearby, the Isle of Iona, known as ‘The Cradle of Christianity,’ is a special place with impossibly clear turquoise waters, dazzling beaches and hidden coves. Overnight – Oban

Day 5: Oban to the Isle of Skye

Travel on the beautiful coastal route between Oban and Fort William and into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. On the way, take a detour to visit Glencoe, Scotland’s most famous and atmospheric glen, and pass Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain. Take the magnificent Road to the Isles and then the ferry over the sea to the Isle of Skye. The short sailing across the Sound of Sleat provides great views of Skye and back across to the west coast. Overnight – Isle of Skye

Day 6: Isle of Skye Sightseeing

A full day on Skye to visit romantic Dunvegan Castle, sample some fine island whiskies, enjoy a great day’s walking or take a fabulous cruise into the heart of the Cuillin Mountains. Overnight – Isle of Skye

Day 7: Isle of Skye to Ullapool

Depart Skye and visit the most famous of Scotland’s castles, Eilean Donan. Your route now travels through an idyllic corner of northwest Scotland as you discover the tranquil Applecross Peninsula. Enjoy a spectacular road trip before travelling along the splendour of Loch Maree, and perhaps pay a visit to Inverewe Gardens. Continue your journey north to Ullapool, a beautiful white-washed fishing village and the largest settlement in Wester Ross. Overnight – Ullapool

Day 8: Ullapool Sightseeing

Explore the stunning scenery of the North West Highlands, with undiscovered beaches, forests, hidden glens with stags grazing and magnificent waterfalls. There are many opportunities to wander on a deserted sandy beach at Gruinard Bay, Laide or Aultbea, climb one of the iconic peaks of Wester Ross, or just sit by the side of a loch and soak up the romance and history of the area. Overnight – Ullapool

Day 9: Ullapool to Inverness

Your route now takes you south to Inverness – the Capital of the Highlands – via the brooding shores of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. Overnight – Inverness

Day 10: Inverness Sightseeing

A full day to explore Inverness, visit the 14th century Cawdor Castle and Culloden Battlefield, where, in 1746, the last battle on British soil took place. Overnight – Inverness

Day 11: Inverness to Royal Deeside

Travel into Royal Deeside with a drive through the heart of the Malt Whisky Trail and one of the loveliest areas of Scotland. Visit the famous distilleries of Glenfiddich, Glenlivet and Macallan before heading into the castle country of Royal Deeside. Overnight – Royal Deeside

Day 12: Royal Deeside Sightseeing

Discover the close associations Royal Deeside has with the Royal family in the pretty Highland towns of Braemar and Ballater. Visit Balmoral Castle, the Queen’s official ‘holiday home’ with its wonderful grounds and exhibition of paintings, artwork and royal tartans. Explore the nearby Castle Trail, home to some of the most splendid examples of castellated architecture in Scotland. Let your imagination run wild in dark romantic ruins or magnificently furnished castles from the Norman era, to the Renaissance. Overnight – Royal Deeside

Day 13: Royal Deeside to St Andrews

Travel south from Royal Deeside through the Angus Glens and into the Kingdom of Fife, to the medieval seaside town of St Andrews. Overnight – St Andrews

Day 14: St Andrews Sightseeing

St Andrews is most famously known as the home of golf, with the Old Course located just off the town centre, next to the long sandy beach, which itself was featured in the opening credits of ‘Chariots of Fire.’ The town is also home to a huge Norman cathedral and the oldest University in Scotland. Overnight – St Andrews

Day 15: St Andrews to Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland’s majestic capital is your final destination. On your journey south, visit the quaint fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife.

Edinburgh is a great place to wander – narrow alleys, flights of stairs and hidden courtyards tempt you off the main streets at every turn, and take a walk up Arthur’s Seat for one of the most spectacular views of any city in the world . Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 16: Edinburgh Sightseeing

Enjoy a City Sightseeing Bus Tour and a visit to majestic Edinburgh Castle. Sample a dram at the Scotch Whisky Experience and take a walk through Princes Street Gardens to enjoy the fine views of the Castle high above. Take a tour to nearby Rosslyn Chapel and uncover the myths and legends around the Da Vinci Code. Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 17: Edinburgh Sightseeing

Visit the Palace of Holyrood House and the Royal Yacht Britannia. Enjoy a walking history tour along the Royal Mile, as Edinburgh’s glorious past is brought to life. Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 18: Depart Edinburgh

Today, your unforgettable Grand Road Trip of Scotland will come to an end.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

• Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 17 nights including traditional Scottish breakfast
• Comprehensive information pack
• Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
• Map of Scotland with our recommended driving route
• 15 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including
• Tickets for the Edinburgh City Sightseeing Tour
• All ferry crossings (as per your itinerary)
• 24-hour emergency contact number
• Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

• Travel insurance
• Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience.

It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels.

These are truly magical places and amongst the best Scotland has to offer. The perfect choice when you would like somewhere really special which can be a treat for the night or for your entire holiday.

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

• Collision Damage Waiver
• Super Damage Excess Waiver
• Third Party Insurance
• Theft Waiver
• Good for 2 people
• Maximum of 4 passengers
• 2 large suitcases
• Manual or automatic transmission
• Good for 2 – 4 people
• Maximum of 5 passengers

Intermediate

• Good for up to 4 people
• 3 large suitcases
• Good for 5 people
• Maximum of 7 passengers
• 3 – 4 large suitcases

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Self drive tours of Scotland

We also offer self drive tours of Scotland – we provide all the organisation, but you do the driving. We’ll book your accommodation and provide maps and a detailed itinerary.  We also provide a list of our handpicked recommendations for essential sights and places to visit on your self drive tour of Scotland.

We have used all our experience to create unique and wonderful self drive tours of Scotland. If you don’t know the country like we do then it can be a time consuming process to plan and research to make sure you get to see the best that Scotland has to offer.  Rely on our expertise and let us mange the logistics and planning for you, in order that you get the best experience possible.

Our self drive tours of Scotland will let you experience the best that the country has to offer. We aim to get you off the beaten track and see the most spectacular sights and locations. Visit the iconic sights and discover the lesser known secrets which are always the best part of self drive tours of Scotland

Accommodation

We have expert knowledge of the huge range of accommodations on offer throughout Scotland and will we organise perfect overnight accommodation on our self drive tours of Scotland. We will discuss with you to get an idea of your requirements and preferences, and then recommend a range of options to suit any budget or any type of accommodation preference.

Options include guest houses, boutique hotels, luxury hotels and country houses and lodges. We make sure the evening accommodation is as memorable as the sights on our self drive tours of Scotland.

Car & Motorcycle Hire

Through our car hire partners we offer the widest range of vehicles for our self drive tours of Scotland. Whatever your budget or preference we will get you the vehicle that you need. Motorcycle self drive tours of Scotland are also available.

Interested in a Tour of Scotland?

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Scotland Self Drive Tours

Our scotland self drive tours.

Scotland is a nation simply made for driving tours; from the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh in the South to the spectacular wilderness of the Scottish Highlands and Islands , you’ll enjoy drives of unrivalled natural beauty passing glistening lochs, dramatic mountain ranges and barren moorlands, not to mention a wealth of historic sites along the way. Scotland is easily navigable, the roads are well-maintained and traffic is generally far lighter than the more populated areas of Britain making Scotland a practical, as well as desirable, destination for a self-drive vacation.

Our Scotland self-drive itineraries offer the independent traveller an ideal way to tour this beautiful nation; enjoy the freedom to explore at leisure each day whilst also benefitting from a structured itinerary and pre-booked accommodation which is essential in the remote Scottish Highlands where there are limited lodging options. Choose from our suggested Scotland driving itineraries as featured on our website below, develop a variation in conjunction with our local experts or let us tailor-make your ideal Scottish driving adventure from scratch!

Our Scotland driving tour packages are fully inclusive of quality car-rental from a reputable provider and pre-booked lodgings from our hand-picked portfolio of local, characterful accommodations , not to mention any required ferry crossings when visiting the Scottish Islands . We can then enhance your trip as requested with a range of additional services such as sightseeing passes, other attraction admissions, city-tours, additional meals and local experiences. Let us know your group size and preferences and we’ll select the car group and levels of accommodation best suited to your needs; Scotland is home to and array of quality and unique lodging options from quaint B&Bs, family-run inns and stunning castle hotels.

The flexibility of our Scotland driving tours ensures that you can collect your vehicle from a host of locations across the country as preferred including both Edinburgh and Glasgow airports and downtown locations. You can travel Scotland whenever you want and stay as long as you like; but whether it’s Edinburgh in August to see the Military Tattoo or a week in the Highlands in the Winter to experience cosy dinners and a dram of whisky by a log-fires, you’ll enjoy the security and support of travelling adeo Travel.

  Key features

• Fully customizable Scotland tour itineraries
• Car rental made easy – we include all mandatory taxes and insurances as standard
• All overnight accommodation to suit your preferences and budget
• Fully cooked Scottish breakfast each morning
• Expert advice from your adeo Travel Britain Expert during the planning of your trip
• A dedicated out-of-hours contact number for use during travel
• Full travel documents pack including suggested sightseeing outline Britain map travel vouchers and our local hints and tips.

  Tour benefits

• Travel independently but with the support of adeo Travel’s local expertise
• Choose how long you spend in each area or region
• Travel when you want - you’re not tied to set departure dates
• Decide on your level of accommodation and we’ll propose the specifics
• Choose the car category best for your budget comfort and group-size
• Hassle-free planning with your own dedicated expert based here in Britain.

A driving tour of Scotland's Far North - Journey through the most dramatic and breath-taking scenery Britain has to offer. You may have heard of the Scottish Highlands, but you may not have heard of the North Coast 500 – Scotland’s answer to Route 66! Following the far northern Scottish coast for 500 miles to the farthest tip of Britain, you naturally pass through the most remote areas, unchanged since Vikings stormed the shores. The untouched landscapes bring with them spectacular vistas and a wealth of wildlife such as stags, puffins, seals and porpoise. This comprehensive tour packs together all of the best parts of Scotland (the famous and the unheard of) with some unique experiences to make your journey; the journey.

A driving tour of the Scottish Isles - Hopscotch across Scotland’s Inner Hebridean Islands, each one being a world of their own. Explore vast untouched landscapes, world class whisky distilleries and encounter endless unique wildlife species. With all of your ferries included, this tour allows you to see some of the most remote areas of Scotland, taking you far off the beaten track. Even for frequent Scotland visitors, this route allows you to visit SEVEN isles making you fall in love with the country all over again; the perfect mix of sea sprayed shores, soaring mountains and deep set valleys.

A Scottish Isles Driving Tour – Take the road to the isles along Scotland’s stunning West Coast to explore the beautiful inner Hebridean islands of Skye and Mull.  On these secluded Scottish islands, you’ll enjoy spectacular natural beauty - pass dramatic mountain ranges, see sparkling lochs and experience an abundance of wildlife on land and in the coastal waters. Skye and Mull are also peppered with unique archaeological features and intriguing historic sites just waiting to be explored.

A Scottish Castle Driving Tour - Experience Scottish hospitality at its traditional best on this exclusive tour staying in sumptuous and historic castle and manor-house hotels. This itinerary takes you from historic Stirling and Edinburgh to the remote Mull of Kintyre and the dramatic West Coast to the Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands. Along the way you’ll experience the very best of both Scotland’s landscapes and heritage. Enjoy included admission to dozens of historic attractions by day and the utmost of comfort and character at your accommodation each night.

A Scottish Islands Driving Tour - Escape to an enchanting wilderness as you explore the frontiers of the Scottish nation and her remote outer islands.  Experience the raw natural beauty of Glencoe, Scotland’s West Coast and the isles of Skye, Lewis and Harris on our Hebridean Highlights tour. The tranquillity of the Western Isles provides visitors with a peaceful retreat from modern life to a back-drop of dramatic natural landscapes. On your journey you’ll see sparkling lochs, barren moorlands, deserted golden beaches, fascinating historic sites and wildlife in abundance.

A Driving Tour to Skye – Our Skye and the Highlands tour does what it says on the tin offering an itinerary which takes you away from the bustling cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow to the remote wilderness of the Scottish Highlands. Experience the enigmatic scenery of Glencoe Valley, Scotland’s West Coast and the majestic isle of Skye. Then onwards along the Great Glen to the capital of the Highlands itself! Along the way you’ll see sparkling lochs and ancient castles, the perfect Highland escape.

A succinct Scotland Driving Tour – Our Simply Scotland itinerary offers you a great introduction to this enchanting nation. In the course of just a few days you’ll experience the rugged landscapes of Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands and the magical capital city of Edinburgh.  Highlights along the way include historic Stirling, Loch Lomond, the West coast and Scotland’s most famous body of water - Loch Ness.

A Scotland Car Tour – Journey from Edinburgh or Glasgow to the furthest reaches of Northern Scotland. Experience the enigmatic scenery of Glencoe Valley, Scotland’s West Coast and the majestic isle of Skye before travelling deep in to the Highlands and along the world-famous NC500 route. Along the way you’ll enjoy some of Europe’s oldest and most awe-inspiring landscapes from towering mountain passes, cascading waterfalls and craggy coastlines. Then on to the enchanting island of Orkney to explore it’s host of ancient prehistoric sites and weather-beaten landscapes. A breath-taking and unique Scotland driving tour experience.

One of our best Scotland Driving Tours – Enjoy an enchanting drive through Scotland’s majestic Highlands on this charming and leisurely-paced itinerary. From the rustic shores of Loch Lomond, you’ll journey over the sea to the Isle of Skye and onward through the heather-strewn hills and glens of the Highlands and the heart of Scotland. Not to mention, experiencing the elegant city of Edinburgh. Your evenings throughout will be spent in some of our superior, hand-picked hotels boasting the best in Scottish hospitality, cuisine and accommodation.

One of our best Scotland Driving Tours – Scotland Explorer offers a comprehensive itinerary taking you on a journey to the corners of this beautiful nation; see Scotland from the bustling cultural and historic cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh to the expansive wilderness of the Scottish Highlands. From the rugged beauty of the West coast and Isle of Skye to the cultural sites of the East Coast and Aberdeenshire. Along the way see sparkling lochs, towering mountain ranges, ancient castle ruins, and whisky distilleries – a truly Scottish experience.

Welcome to Epic Travel Plans!

Epic Travel Plans

Destinations that will leave you Breathless. Plans to make it happen

7-Day Self-Drive Tour of Scotland: Highland + Island Gems!

My husband and I still talk about our road trip through the Scottish Highlands, Lowlands and Islands. This country is a beauty! And it has something for every traveler. Rugged peaks, hidden beaches and seaside cliffs. Fascinating geological landmarks. Gritty historic sites, modern galleries, and excellent shopping. And lots of sheep!

You’re gonna LOVE it.

• MAP of Your 7-Day Self-Drive Tour of Scotland
• Best Places to STOP: Cities and Islands
• Things to SEE in the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands
• Best Time to GO

Can you drive around Scotland?

Yes! I’d argue that the BEST way to tour Scotland is by car, driving around yourself.

Now, you’ll be driving around Scotland on the LEFT side of the road. My husband and I did this just fine coming from Canada (where we drive on the right-hand side), but it definitely took some getting used to. 

If you’re nervous about this, check out our simple tips to safely driving on the left side .

How many days do you need to drive around Scotland?

You need at least seven days to drive around Scotland and enjoy it. Below is a suggested itinerary, with plenty of flexibility and suggested options to make it exactly as you imagine.

Best Road Trip in Scotland: Your 7-Day Self-Drive Tour of Scotland

On a 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland, you can weave together your favorite spots to see in the Scottish Lowlands, Highlands and Islands. Start your Scotland road trip in Edinburgh, head up to Inverness, and end in Glasgow. Fill in the rest with your must-do’s on your bucket list!

Below is a suggested itinerary for your Scotland tour by car, with lots of ways to make it your own. Pick a few favorite spots to spend two nights. And for the other days, leave early and spend the afternoon and evening enjoying the new spot.

My biggest tip: Take the backroads whenever possible. Roads are narrow and windy (and sometimes terrifying!), and give you the best taste of this beautiful country. Take along a GPS so you don’t get lost! (We still say our Garmin GPS saved our marriage on this Scotland road trip.)

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links to excellent travel-related products. If you use the links below to make a purchase, we’ll receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

MAP of 7-Day Self-Drive Tour of Scotland

Below is a map to visualize this 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland. To personalize it to your own trip, save a copy and add/delete/modify each layer to fit your plans.

Day 1: Explore Gorgeous Edinburgh

Historic Edinburgh is absolutely gorgeous. I love this city. Climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park for an incredible view and to get your bearings. And Calton Hill, with more views and neoclassical monuments. Wander through Leith, the busy waterfront district with seafood bistros, shops and the Royal Yacht Britannia. 

Spend plenty of time in elegant New Town shops, galleries and museums. And adjacent Old Town, with more museums, St. Giles’ Cathedral and Royal Mile pubs, under the watchful gaze of Edinburgh Castle.

And CASTLES! Of course there’s the imposing Edinburgh Castle right in the middle of town. It’s home to the Crown Jewels and the National War Museum of Scotland. But you’re also surrounded! To the north are Lauriston, Barnbougle, Midhope and Blackness castles. And in the south, Craigmillar Castle. Plus, Rosslyn Chapel, and many more castle ruins, too.

Where to STAY in Edinburgh

• Old Waverley Hotel : Stay in a gorgeous historic building with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, with onsite bar and restaurant. Includes wifi. Parking is at a nearby car park.
• House Rental : You’ll find so many lovely private house rentals in Edinburgh on Plum Guide. Discover your very own perfect space near Edinburgh Castle, like The Bay Tree.

Day 2: Drive from Edinburgh to Inverness

Day 2 of your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland will take you north to the pretty city of Inverness. 

There are three stops you should make just north of Edinburgh. First, the impressive Stirling Castle in all its historic significance. Then, Drummond Castle Gardens. And finally, Scone Palace in Perth, where Macbeth and Robert the Bruce were crowned. Driving along these three stops will take 2.5 hours, plus tour time. From Perth, there are two routes you might take.

Your first route option from Perth to Inverness is the A9 highway. This is the fastest, most direct route (just over 2 hours). It skirts along Cairngorms National Park, with lots of pretty hikes (check details on AllTrails ). And it takes you past Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery and Speyside Distillery.

Where to STAY in Inverness

• Heathmount Hotel : A beautiful boutique hotel in a central location. Inverness Castle is only a 10-minute walk. Rooms are classy and comfortable, complete with robes. Onsite restaurant, bar and delicious breakfast. Price includes wifi and parking.
• House Rentals : On Plum Guide, you’ll find a variety of lovely house rentals of various styles, sizes and locations. Like the cozy Lady Of The Ness, a pretty period home in a quiet neighborhood, but only 10-minute walk to restaurants and pubs.

The second route option from Perth to Inverness is through Aberdeen (4 hours). You might visit the two coastal cities of Dundee and Aberdeen, and many inland and coastal castles. The coastal Dunnottar Castle is my absolute favorite! 

Continue on to Inverness, or if you love Scotch as much as my husband, stop in Dufftown for two nights. It’s the perfect central location to visit 16 distilleries! You could easily spend a full day (or more!) touring your favorite Speyside Distilleries .

Where to STAY in Dufftown

• Dunvegan B and B : A pretty little inn in downtown Dufftown, only a 15-minute walk to Glenfiddich Distillery. Your room includes a seating area and private washroom. Price includes wifi, parking and breakfast.
• Conval House Bed and Breakfast : A warm, cozy B&B in central Dufftown, a 20-minute walk to Glenfiddich Distillery. Your king room has an ensuite and seating area. Price includes wifi, parking and breakfast.

Day 3: Drive North to Orkney or South to Skye

Day 3 of your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland is a great day to head to one of the Scottish Islands! You might continue north to the Orkney Islands or south and west to Isle of Skye. Both islands have stunning coasts, fascinating ruins and excellent distilleries.

Driving Route #1 to Orkney Islands

Option 1 is to head to the rugged and beautiful Orkney Islands. You can either fly from Inverness or drive to Thurso (2 hours), where you catch a ferry. If you drive, stop at Dingwall Castle and Glenmorangie Distillery (one of my favorite Scotches!) along the way. Highway A9 hugs the coast much of the way, so it’s a pretty drive.

Check AllTrails for the best hikes on the Orkney Islands.

Where to STAY on Orkney Islands

• Standing Stones Hotel : Located on a rolling property overlooking Loch of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, this quiet and comfortable retreat is only 5 minutes from the ferry. Onsite restaurant, garden and shared lounge. Price includes wifi and parking.
• Albert Street Apartment : This cozy private apartment is centrally located in Kirkwall, with shops and restaurants nearby. Twenty minutes from the ferry and highly rated by guests.

Driving Route #2 to Isle of Skye

If you’re not visiting Orkney Islands on this trip, option 2 is to head south along Loch Ness, and then west to Isle of Skye. This drive will take 2 hours, plus another hour to the town of Portree on Skye. As you near the island, stop at the remarkable 13th-century ruins of Eilean Donan Castle.

Plan your epic hikes on the Isle of Skye with AllTrails .

Where to STAY on the Isle of Skye

• Cuillin Hills Hotel : A classy boutique hotel with wonderful views over Portree Bay and the Cuillin Mountains. Rooms have seating areas to enjoy the views, or enjoy them from the award-winning restaurant and bar. Price includes wifi and parking.
• House Rental : My goodness, you can find such beautiful house rentals on the Isle of Skye through Plum Guide! Most have gorgeous views, like The Rock. Enjoy these views of the sea from pretty gardens, your outdoor terrace or oversized windows.

Day 4: Follow the Lochs to Fort William

Wherever you were on day 3 of your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland, today you’re heading south!

If you’re driving from Thurso in the north, you really should take the coastal route to Durness (2 hours). This stretch of road is known for its beauty, with plenty of rugged ruins and perfect beaches along the way. In Durness, visit the historic Balnakeil Chapel ruins, relax at Balnakeil Beach and breathe in the gorgeous Durness Bay. For the night, make your way back to Inverness (2.5 hours) or follow Loch Ness to Fort William (4 hours).

If you’re starting today in Portree on Skye, you have two route options. Either return to the A82 to reach Fort William (2.5 hours). Or, have a little fun with the road-less-traveled by taking the Armadale ferry from Skye over to Mallaig, and then you hug lochs all the way to Fort William (3 hours).

Where to STAY in Fort William

• Inverlochy Castle Hotel : A 5-star castle hotel on the lake, what could be better?? This award-winning luxury hotel and restaurant features wonderful mountain views, cozy rooms and onsite tennis, fishing and clay pigeon shooting. Price includes wifi and parking.
• Myrtle Bank Guest House : This warm guest house has a lovely garden and terraces overlooking the loch. Rooms are comfortable, some with lake views and all with a patio. Guests praise their breakfast. Price includes wifi and parking.

Day 5: Ascend Ben Nevis

Let’s take a breath on day 5 of your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland by taking in the views. Spend today experiencing the natural beauty of Ben Nevis and Glencoe Valley.

Ben Nevis is Britain’s highest peak, and takes up to 8 hours up and down. It’s a challenging, rocky path but rewards you with gorgeous valley and loch views along the way. I’m hoping your day 5 is sunny, ‘cause it’s common for clouds to steal the view at the top. Find the best hikes near Fort William on AllTrails .

If a hike sounds too intense, take the Nevis Range gondola to the top. Hike to one of the lookouts for spectacular views. Then, ride a mountain bike down!

Another great idea is to drive the Glen Nevis road to Steall Waterfall. You pass by the lush valley where the Braveheart village was filmed, and then have a moderate 6.5 kilometer hike to this 120-meter tiered waterfall. It’s the second tallest in Scotland.

End your day in Oban, Glencoe or Glasgow, depending how you plan to spend the next two days of your Scotland road trip.  

• Oban is a charming coastal resort community with ferry access to the Isle of Mull and Islay.
• Glencoe Valley gives you more gorgeous mountain scenery and historic sites to visit.
• Or, return your car rental to the Glasgow Airport and fly out to one of the islands. You can easily rent another car on the islands.

Where to STAY in Oban

• Oban Bay Hotel : An elegant 4-star hotel and award-winning restaurant, overlooking the Sound of Kerrera, Isle of Mull and Firth of Lorne. Onsite sunlounge, steam room, sauna and luxury thermal spa. Price includes wifi and parking (limited onsite plus nearby).
• No17 The Promenade : A gorgeous new hotel in Oban with fantastic reviews, featuring an onsite restaurant, bar and free bikes. All rooms have a seating area and cozy slippers, some with water views. Price includes wifi. Private onsite parking is 5 GBP/day.

Day 6: Explore Mull, Islay or The Trossachs

Day 6 of your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland is exploring the Isle of Mull, Islay, or Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Visit Isle of Mull

Isle of Mull has quirky rock formations and cool caves, best explored by boat. Visit the 13th-century Duart Castle ruins and Iona Abbey and Nunnery. And finish your day at the Tobermory Distillery.

Find the best hikes on the Isle of Mull on AllTrails .

Where to STAY on Isle of Mull

• Western Isles Hotel: Located in the pretty village of Tobermory and overlooking the Bay, this lovely hotel has a restaurant and bar onsite. Book a room with a view! Price includes wifi and parking.
• Iona Pods : In the far southwest, actually on the small island of Iona just off Mull, are these cute pods. You can walk to the Iona Abbey and Nursery, as well as two restaurants. Leave your car at the ferry and walk everywhere you need to here! (Or, get a taxi from the ferry.)

Visit Islay

Islay is all about the peaty Scotch distilleries. Even if you’re not into Scotch, you’ve likely heard of Bowmore, Laphroig and Lagavulin. And you’ll be charmed by their pretty fishing villages, whitewash buildings and lovely beaches. Plus, their sheep and Highland cows, with the best views in the world!

Now, Islay also has some gorgeous cliffs, bays and rock formations, too. Check AllTrails for the best hikes.

Where to STAY on Islay

• Lochside Hotel : This warm, cozy hotel features a fantastic restaurant and bar, overlooking Bowmore Harbour. It’s a 5-minute walk to Bowmore Distillery and central to visit the others. Price includes wifi. Parking is along the street (and plentiful, from what I remember).
• Machrie Hotel & Golf Links : A 4-star golf and spa resort, with preferred green fees at the 18-hole championship links course. Onsite restaurant, bar and afternoon tea in the lounge. It’s in Port Ellen on the southeast coast, near the Port Ellen, Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg Distilleries. Price includes wifi and parking.

Plan your itinerary with this post on Islay Distilleries .

Or, use Day 6 of your Scotland road trip exploring Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Check out AllTrails for the best hikes that match your interest, time and effort.

Day 7: Enjoy Glasgow

Wrap up your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland by enjoying Glasgow’s galleries and shops.

Top-rated galleries in Glasgow include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel, and Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Stroll the historic University of Glasgow and Necropolis, and finish it off at a cozy neighborhood pub.

Where to STAY in Glasgow

• Native Glasgow : This elegant 4-star historic hotel was once the headquarters for the Anchor Line Shipping Company and its decor is inspired by a 1920s ocean liner. Located in central Glasgow with onsite restaurant and bar. Book a penthouse apartment for a terrace! Price includes wifi. Discount on nearby parking. A 15-minute drive to Glasgow Airport.
• Dakota Glasgow : A luxurious 4-star hotel with rich decor, located in central Glasgow near shopping, museums and galleries. Onsite restaurant, bar and library. Rooms feature a monsoon shower. Price includes wifi. Discount on nearby parking. A 15-minute drive to Glasgow Airport.

Best Places to Stop on a 7-Day Self-Drive Tour of Scotland

Stop at these beautiful cities:.

• Edinburgh is where we recommend starting your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland. It’s an absolutely gorgeous historic city, well-worth sticking around for at least a full day.
• Stirling is home to the famous Stirling Castle that sits atop a plateau high above. Stirling Castle is a fascinating palace and city-within-a-city.
• Perth is another beautiful historic city, home to the famous Scone Palace, tree-lined river walkways, gardens and galleries.
• Dundee is most known for its naval and war history museums, with plenty to entertain history buffs at Discovery Point.
• Aberdeen sits on the eastern coast, and near the gorgeous ruins of Dunnottar Castle. The granite buildings weren’t that interesting to me, but the cobbled roads and historic university buildings of Old Aberdeen are picturesque.
• Inverness is picturesque, and the perfect spot to call home while exploring the Scottish Highlands. Explore historic Fort George military base. 
• Oban is a resort town right on the water, with ferry access to many of the Scottish islands. It’s surrounded by lush green scenery, and home to the excellent Oban distillery and historic McCaig’s Tower and Battery Hill.
• Glasgow is known for its excellent galleries, nightlife and shopping. Top-rated galleries include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel, and Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Stroll the historic University of Glasgow and Necropolis, and finish it off at a cozy neighborhood pub.

Stop at these SCOTTISH ISLANDS:

A 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland MUST include at least one Scottish Island. Each one is rugged and beautiful, with its own special features, historic sights and distilleries to thrill you!

Below are the top 4 islands to visit on your Scotland road trip.

1. Isle of Skye

This Scottish island is a natural wonderland and makes for epic travel pics. Isle of Skye is certainly the most popular of the Scottish islands, and it’s easy to see why. It’s dramatic and enchanting, with waterfalls thundering over oceanfront cliffs and mysterious rock formations and massive boulders scattered along rolling green hills.

Popular sights include the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, Fairy Glen, Kilt Rock and Trotternish Ridge. Plus the many castle ruins, like Dunvegan and Eilean Donan just off Skye. And Talisker Distillery, of course. Find the best hikes on AllTrails .

Accessible by bridge.

2. Isle of Mull

Dramatic scenery isn’t limited to the Isle of Skye. Isle of Mull has some incredible rock features of its own, and dramatic coastal cliffs and waterfalls, too.

Most famous natural landmarks on the Isle of Mull are the deep-sea cavern of MacKinnon’s Cave, rock formations at Dervaig and climbing Ben More. Then, there’s the 13th-century Duart Castle ruins and Iona Abbey and Nunnery. Iona is a small separate island accessible by foot ferry only. (Leave your car at the Isle of Mull port and get a taxi or just walk on Iona.)

Find the best hikes on the Isle of Mull on AllTrails . And don’t forget to visit the Tobermory Distillery!

Accessible by plane from Glasgow and ferry from Oban.

If you love peaty Scotch whiskies, you gotta come to Islay . This pretty island is home to nine distilleries, and if you time it right, you can visit all of them in only two days. You can also take a short ferry ride to Jura to visit their distillery, too.

I read some bad reviews on Islay’s scenery but was pleasantly surprised with its lovely coasts and rolling hills. And you can meet plenty of sheep and Highland cows! Find pretty coastal hikes on AllTrails .

Accessible by plane from Glasgow and ferry from Oban or Kennacraig Ferry Terminal. Map out your Scotch tours with this Islay Distilleries post.

4. Orkney Islands

Mainland Orkney is off the northern tip of Scotland, a hauntingly beautiful island to warm the hearts of those who venture this far. Think: rushing waterfalls and rugged cliffs that drop into the ocean. And rugged rolling green hills and quiet beaches. Find the best hikes on AllTrails .

It’s home to Orkney Brewing and Highland Park Distillery, which is one of our favorites. Check out the odd Ring of Brodgar from the Neolithic period and ruins at Corrigall Farm Museum.

Accessible by plane from Inverness and ferry from Thurso.

Things To See on Your 7-Day Self-Drive Tour of Scotland

Scottish lowlands highlights.

• Stirling Castle is certainly grand and impressive. It sits high above the city of Stirling, with fantastic views. Inside are well-preserved and reconstructed buildings from this city-within-a-city, including the Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Tapestry Studio and Regimental Museum. Home to Mary Queen of Scots. Simply walking the grounds and the walls reconnects you with history!
• Scone Castle is where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II were crowned. It’s home to the Earls of Mansfield and hosts high-profile events. Stroll the beautiful gardens and lush estate.
• Dunnottar Castle is a romantic and haunting ruined cliff top fortress, with the wild ocean at its feet. Cross the narrow land bridge, scramble through the underground vaults and climb the ruined towers for epic views. Dip your toes at the beach below. This historic castle played a part in the 18th-century Jacobite risings and is super fun to explore.

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS Highlights

• Loch Ness is a lovely inland lake that runs down the middle of Scotland, but it’s the legend of Nessie and the chance of spotting this lake monster for yourself that keeps your eyes peeled! Stop for a peek of the famous Urquhart Castle (but it’s crazy busy, so I suggest other, better ruins to see). Take a quick tour of Nessieland (a bit silly but fun, with great souvenirs). And dip your toes at the quiet Fort Augustus view point, and see if you can lure out ol’ Nessie.
• Nevis Range near Fort William, including the highest peak in the UK, Ben Nevis. Ski here in winter, or hike, bike or take the gondola up the Nevis Range. Lower Falls and Steall Waterfall are beautiful.
• Glencoe Valley is a beautiful area to explore, with wildflowers, waterfalls and peaks you can climb to gorgeous views. Hike up Buachaille Etive Mor or Bidean nam Bian. Visit the Glencoe Folk Museum thatch cottages from the 1700s and tribute to the 1692 Glencoe massacre.
• Loch Lamond and The Trossachs National Park is a lovely way to end your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland, just north of Glasgow. Your drive is nice, but the best way to see the park is to get out for even a short hike to a viewpoint. Check out AllTrails for inspiration and directions!

Best Time To Go on Your 7-Day Self-Drive Tour of Scotland

The best time for a 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland Highlands and Islands is summer, between May and September. These are the warmest months of the year, and winters in Scotland are COLD and snowy. Not super fun for road trips.

So, tell us about your plans! Please share your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland plans, highlights and tips in the comments below.

Enjoy this post? Share with your friends!

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5 of the best road trips in Scotland

Mar 6, 2024 • 7 min read

Be inspired by these stunning road trip routes in Scotland © iaminut / Shutterstock

The cities of  Scotland  may be full to the brim with history and atmosphere, but it's the countryside in between that captures most visitors' hearts.

Quintessentially Scottish landscapes of lochs, glens and mountains begin right on the limits of Edinburgh, Glasgow and other major cities, setting the scene for road trips to rival James Bond's flight across the Highlands in Skyfall (2012).

Scottish roads are generally well-maintained, and driving is a great way to get off the beaten track and escape the crowds who mob the most famous sights. En route, you can stop off in charming country pubs, drop into ruined castles and ancient kirks (churches), wander on windswept beaches and find solace in silent glens far from the maddening crowds. 

These five road trip itineraries take in the epic grandeur of Skye, culture-packed Edinburgh and the whisky distilleries of Speyside, amongst other classic Scottish experiences. Along the way, you'll pass rolling farmland, heather-burnished hillsides, ruined castles and eerie lochs, as the stories of Scotland unfold right in front of you.

1. An Isle of Skye driving loop

Best for making family memories Fort William–Fort William; 310 miles (498km); allow 4 days

So long as you’re not after guaranteed sunshine, Skye has it all. This atmospheric island off the west coast is a riot of craggy peaks, towering sea stacks and waterlogged shorelines, famed for its Gaelic culture and vibrant food scene. This round-trip route from Fort William allows you to take the bridge to the island in one direction (passing grand Eilean Donan Castle en route), returning to the mainland via the ferry to Mallaig.

Once you’re on the island, a classic counterclockwise loop starts with a visit to Skye’s largest town, Portree , with its pretty harbor, before roaming over the volcanic cliffs of the Trotternish Peninsula . Next, the Duirinish Peninsula offers wild hiking country and some excellent restaurants, while the jagged ridges of the Cuillin Hills are a destination in themselves for hikers and photographers.

In between, there are castles , almost Caribbean-looking beaches and some of Britain’s best wild swimming spots, plus side trips by ferry to the surrounding Small Isles, which offer great bird-watching, particularly in spring and autumn.

2. North Coast 500

Best for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure Inverness Castle–Inverness Castle; 516 miles (830km); allow 7 days

Scotland’s wild northern coastline is the star of the country’s most famous driving route. The North Coast 500 begins and ends in Inverness , the likable capital of the Highlands , making a giant loop around the north end of Scotland along the deeply indented coast.

If you follow the route counterclockwise (saving the best scenery till last), you’ll head past the moors and sandy beaches of the east coast before hitting John O’Groats and nearby Dunnet Head – mainland Britain’s northernmost point. The north coast has a windswept beauty that gets increasingly rugged as you continue west past bogs, cliffs and crofting villages. The views as you head down the loch-strewn west coast are perhaps Britain’s finest, with sweeping vistas of mountains and islands.

Taking the route at a more leisurely pace will give you the chance to seek out fine local foodstuffs such as venison, smoked fish and craft beer, while activities such as sea kayaking on the west coast or scrambling up the lonely peaks of Assynt are a great way to throw yourself into Northern Scotland’s epic landscapes.

Planning tip:  When planning a road trip in Scotland, be aware that many places to stay on popular routes, such as the North Coast 500, will only accept bookings for two or more nights in the summer peak season. Book accommodations well ahead of time.

3. North East 250

Best for whisky distillery touring Spittal of Glenshee–Spittal of Glenshee; 257 miles (414km); allow 4 days

Northeast Scotland is famous for its whisky distilleries, Braemar (the home of the Highland Games ) and Balmoral Castle (the Scottish home of the British Royal Family) – so yes, it's as Scottish as it gets. The North East 250, a route inspired by the success of the North Coast 500, takes in these big-ticket attractions, but also shines a light on an often-overlooked region of photogenic glens, farmland and wave-lashed shorelines.

The village of Spittal of Glenshee (a popular base for skiing in winter) is a good starting point and easily accessible from Edinburgh and Dundee. Taking the route clockwise, you’ll head through the Cairngorms National Park , the biggest national park in Britain, which includes some of the UK’s highest peaks and offers phenomenal hiking opportunities.

The North East 250 then cuts through Speyside before hitting the Moray Firth coastline and the oil-rich city of Aberdeen . It’s a route lined with castles, beaches, small villages and historic estates; stop along the way to sample local delicacies such as Cullen skink (a thick, warming fish soup) and sweet, peaty whiskies.

Local tip:  Do your research when choosing which whisky distilleries to tour – if you try to hit them all, you’ll be here for months.  Balvenie in Dufftown is a good choice: its small-group tours visit one of Scotland’s last remaining malting floors.

4. Borders Historic Route

Best for a short route through moorlands Carlisle–Edinburgh; 97 miles (156km); allow one day

There are more famous road trips than this easy itinerary that follows the A7 north from the English border past Hawick and Galashiels to Edinburgh , but there is plenty to engage body and spirit along the way. This rolling landscape of villages and farmlands was once a battlefield for cross-border raids, and it finishes at Edinburgh’s hulking castle .

The area’s industrial history is showcased by educational centers celebrating tweed, tartan and glasswork, as well as an interesting mining museum . The landscape provides opportunities for varied activities – anglers can cast flies in the hope of snagging salmon along the Tweed’s wooded banks, while mountain bikers can hit the trails at Glentress and Innerleithen.

Ruined abbeys and author Walter Scott’s fabulous country house, Abbotsford , are more cerebral highlights, although the undulating moorlands of the Scottish Borders are arguably the star of the show.

5. Clyde Sea Lochs and the Argyll Coast

Best for mountains and lochs Glasgow–Fort William; 240 miles (386km); allow 3 days

Visitors to Scotland are often surprised by how close the country’s most populous city is to the rugged terrain of the Highlands. Glasgow’s high culture and lively pubs are worth an overnight on any trip to the region, but don’t stay up too late – you'll want to be clear of the suburbs by mid-morning to see the hills turn to mountains and lochs eat into an increasingly rugged coastline.

This route (combining two official tourist trails ) winds north and west, taking in the popular walking country of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. En route, you can enjoy majestic views, excellent seafood, ancient standing stones, historic towns, kayaking on the lochs and whale-watching offshore.

But the biggest hitters come at the end: Glen Coe has aching natural beauty and a tragic backstory of Highland betrayal, while Fort William is the striking point for ascents of 4413ft (1345m) Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest peak – a challenging climb of seven to eight hours from the visitors center.

Tips for driving in Scotland

Note that while some of the road trips follow major "M" or "A" roads, others rely on smaller roads for long stretches. These are often tight and hedge-lined, with few places to overtake, and they can be blocked by snow in winter (read our tips for getting around in Scotland ). The police in Scotland take speeding and drunk driving seriously, so stay below the limits. Petrol stations can be widely spaced in the Highlands and on the islands – fill up when you get the chance.

Be ready to take your time, pausing for a day or two to explore the local area at each overnight stop. Our route durations assume you'll be taking diversions to see more of the region and making regular stopovers, so the distances provided are not direct between the start and end points.

This article was first published Jun 9, 2021 and updated Mar 6, 2024.

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The 12 best road trips around Scotland

Hostelworld Blog | Posted on October 31, 2019 |

Whatever type of Scotland road trip you’re planning, there are many different routes you can take to see the most of this wild, beautiful, rugged country. There are plenty of road trips in Scotland that are planned by tour companies, but there’s also the flexibility of tailoring your own trip depending on what you want to see and how much time you have. Want to discover the best road trip in Scotland? We’ve broken it all down for you, so you can prepare for the greatest road trips that the country has to offer!

A Scotland road trip is perfect for backpackers who are thrill-seekers, adventurers, beach lovers, history lovers and all those in between. While you might be used to using trains or buses to get around as a backpacker, renting a car and having a driving tour is an exciting way to see Scotland. We’ve suggested some attractions, when you could visit, where to stay and possible itineraries. We have also estimated the length of the road trip, but your trip may be longer or shorter depending on what you decide to do! Here are 12 of the best Scotland road trips .

Quiraing, Portree  📸: @aridley88

Best Scotland Road Trips:

• North Coast 500: the best Scottish road trip for the ultimate getaway
• Fife Coastal Route: the best Scottish road trip for beach lovers
• Angus Coastal Route: the best Scottish road trip for the all rounder
• Argyll Coastal Route: the best Scottish road trip for classic road trip lovers
• Highland Tourist Route/Aberdeen to Inverness: the best Scottish road trip for history buffs
• Galloway Tourist Route: the best Scottish road trip for thrill-seekers
• Harry Potter road trip: the best Scottish road trip for Harry Potter fans
• Deeside Tourist Route: the best Scottish road trip for lush landscapes
• Borders Historic Route: the best Scottish road trip for learning about Scottish life and culture
• South West Coastal 300: the best Scottish road trip for getting off the grid
• Perthshire Tourist Route: the best Scottish road trip for those who want to spoil themselves (while on a budget)
• Isle of Skye: the best Scottish road trip for photographers

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The best time to take a Scotland road trip

Spring/summer.

With longer and warmer days, spring or summer would be the easiest time to admire the dramatic coastlines on a driving tour. This is a great time to find your inner adventurer and take part in activities like kayaking, mountain biking, surfing and hiking.

Autumn/winter

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. 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!) When planning what to see, check online for opening times as a lot of attractions are closed during the winter.

The best time of year for white-water rafting is in the colder months! There are lots of snow sport locations in Scotland, with Cairngorms National Park being a popular choice.

The Isle of Skye is incredibly popular with travellers during the peak season of around early April to mid-October, with July and August being the busiest. If you consider going around November, you’ll find that it will be much easier to drive around and get those all-important Instagram shots!

Useful info

• If you’re a young backpacker it’s best that you research different car hire companies, as some don’t loan to people under 25 – or make it very difficult to do without spending a lot of money.
• Check if your driver’s licence from your country legally allows you to drive in Scotland.
• Consider getting a GPS navigation system, as some areas are remote and difficult to reach.

When going on a road trip in Scotland, it’s probably easiest to hire a car from one of the main cities (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen). The main companies located in Scotland are: Hertz , Avis , Thrifty , Alamo , Budget , Europcar and Enterprise .

Prices vary depending on the size of the car. It’s also cheaper for a manual car rather than an automatic.

A basic manual car hire from Edinburgh for 4 days is around £80. A basic automatic car is around £80-100.

For a basic manual car hire from Inverness, it’s around £100-130 for 5 days. An automatic car is around £180-200 for 5 days.

Cars can be rented from Stirling for around £50-70 for a manual and £90-100 for an automatic over 3 days.

1. North Coast 500: the best Scottish road trip for the ultimate getaway

This is the Route 66 of road trips guys. Hailed as one of the best coastal touring routes in the world, the North Coast 500 is a must do if you’re planning a Scottish Highlands road trip. Running over 500 miles through Scotland’s North Highlands, this is your chance to see sparkly beaches, ancient castles and draw-dropping coastlines. Prepare your Insta, this is a contender for the best road trip in Scotland.

Dunrobin Castle,  📸: @colinhorn

Major attractions

• Historic ruins: Hill o’Many Stanes, Sinclair Girnigoe Castle , Whaligoe Steps , The Broch
• Museums: Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Experience
• Castles: Dunrobin Castle, Inverness Castle
• RSPB Scotland Dunnet Head Nature Reserve (the most northerly mainland point in Britain)
• LOTS of whisky distilleries (47 to be exact)

Length of road trip

5-7 days (13 hours 35 minutes driving time)

Around 30 minutes from Inverness is the small town of Alness, where there are plenty of eating options. The neighbouring town Dalmore also has its own whisky distillery that was founded in 1839, and they offer hour-long tours.

Head further up the road to Dunrobin Castle . This fairy-tale like castle is open from April to October and is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.

Drive to the Hill o’Many Stanes – which is around 200 small stones in rows. They are estimated to be around 4,000 years old and were predicted to be used for religious ceremonies. These stone arrangements are super rare in Europe so it’s definitely worth a visit!

Settle into the town of Wick for the afternoon and evening. Explore the historic town and head to Wick sea for some stunning views of the Scottish coastline.

First stop is the Sinclair Girnigoe Castle . These ruins were originally two castles with Girnigoe estimated to have been built between 1476 and 1496 and the Sinclair castle built around 1606. Throughout history it has been desired for its strategic position.

Next stop by Sinclair’s Bay for some Instagrammable views. The day’s major stop is RSPB Scotland Dunnet Head Nature Reserve , which is the most northerly mainland point in Britain. It’s free entry, but donations are recommended. Here, look out at the stunning cliffs as time stops for a moment. In the town of Dunnet and Dunnet Bay you can take surfing lessons (if the weather permits it!)

Smoo Cave, 📸: @colinhorn

If you didn’t get enough beach yesterday, have a morning walk along Strathy Bay. Drive 20 minutes further to Strathnaver Museum, which explores the history of this town that’s been inhabited for over 8,000 years! Have a hot soup in town at The Store Café to recharge – then hit the road again!

Admire the coastline, you’re at one of the most northerly points in the UK. Base yourself at the town of Durness for the night. Close by is Smoo Cave – the largest coastal cave in the UK! Explore, take selfies, do your thing.

Today’s a big driving day – so chill back, put some music on and admire the views right from your car seat.

If you’re an avid hiker, stop by the stunning Eas a’ Chual Aluinn – Britain’s highest waterfall. This is quite a hike from the end of the road, so only attempt it if you feel physically capable. It will take most of the day (upwards of 5 hours).

If you want to visit somewhere more reachable, check out Inchnadamph and the River Caves . These are the entrances to the largest cave system in Scotland. Stop by the local hotel of the Inchnadamph for some lunch.

Drive along to Torridon for the afternoon and evening. If you want to get in touch with the rough Scottish wilderness, stop by Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve for some great walking trails suitable for all abilities.

Drive to Achnasheen for food and savour the stunning landscape as you head back to Inverness. Why not make a short detour to Loch Ness and try to find the famous Loch Ness monster, or add another day to your trip? Lastly stop off at Glen Ord Distillery in Glen Ord to celebrate your once-in-a-lifetime road trip in Scotland!

Loch Ness, 📸: @ramon_vloon

Where t o stay

• Inverness is a great starting point for the road trip. Take a day to look around the city; Inverness Cathedral and Inverness Castle are beautiful attractions to see! There are also some excellent hostels in Inverness that are close to the city centre, including Bazpackers Hostel .
• Loch Ness is a great place to stay overnight (or many nights), as you’ll probably spend forever looking for the Loch Ness Monster!
• The Lochside Hostel is right by the sea so you can search the waters right from your dorm room.
• If you’re looking to stay far up north in the middle of your road trip, there’s Durness Smoo Youth Hostel in Durness, which would put you right in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, situated right between the sea and green pastures.
• On your way back to Inverness, why not stay at Torridon Youth Hostel where you can enjoy a glass of single malt around the panoramic mountains?

2. Fife Coastal Route: the best Scottish road trip for beach lovers

A breeze in comparison to the (Loch Ness) monster that is the North Coast 500, the Fife Coastal Route tour of Scotland follows along the Firth of Forth coastline over 77 miles, while passing through charming little fishing towns, historic castles and endless beaches.

Edinburgh , 📸: @danoolvnoutchk

• Dunfermline Palace and Abbey
• Kingsbarns Distillery
• Scottish Fisheries Museum
• Devilla Forest
• Royal Burgh of Culross
• Kirkcaldy Galleries
• Deep Sea World
• Aberdour Castle – the oldest standing castle in Scotland
• St Andrews University
• Fife Coastal Path: a walking path that takes you through the beach, towns and parks

1-3 days (2 hours 10 minutes driving time)

Spend the first day in either Stirling or Edinburgh. Soak up some culture, hire a car and prepare for your road trip to the starting point of Kincardine. See attractions such as the Royal Burgh of Culross and the Dunfermline Palace and Abbey.

Have lunch in Dunfermline or in the neighbouring seaside towns of North Queensferry and Inverkeithing. Then head to Aberdour Castle and the town of Burnisland for some history and charming coastal views. Stop in the town of Kirkcaldy and admire the Kirkcaldy Galleries featuring art from local artists.

Settle in Anstruther for the evening and take a walk along the beach. Why not grab some fish and chips to finish the perfect day?

Head to the town of St Andrews to see the famous St Andrews University – the next stop on your driving tour. 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).

Drive up to Tentsmuir forest for a nature walk or mountain biking. Then on to Newport-on-Tay, where your coastal tour is now complete!

Where to stay

Kick Ass Greyfriars , Edinburgh

• Think about staying in the fascinating cities of Stirling or Edinburgh before your road trip as they both have so much to do! Check out our free things to do in Edinburgh .
• Kick Ass Greyfriars in Edinburgh’s city centre is super funky and in a very lively area.
• In Stirling, the Willy Wallace Hostel is only a 2 minute walk from the station, so it’s convenient to get to from a different part of the UK or from Edinburgh airport.
• Along the coast, the Murray Library Hostel in Anstruther is a great base point to explore the neighbouring fishing villages and coastal views.
• For the end of your trip, the St Andrews Tourist Hostel is in a perfect location to explore the lively and historic university town.

3. Angus Coastal Route: the best Scottish road trip for the all rounder

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 on your tour of Scotland why not combine two road trips in one? Along this road trip why not soak up the culture of the city of Dundee, swim in the beach, or explore some castles?

Dunnottar Castle 📸: @rosssneddon 

• V&A Dundee
• Arbroath Abbey
• House of Dun
• Dunnottar Castle

1-2 days (1 hour 40 minutes driving time)

Starting in Dundee, take some time to explore this culturally rich city. Dundee has a Victoria and Albert Museum (the only one outside London), which exhibits the different eras of design. There’s also Broughty Castle , Mills Observatory and the McManus Galleries to visit on your driving tour.

Drive to the coastal town of Arboath and check out the Arbroath Abbey. Founded in 1178, it’s now a ruin which you can explore. Stop by some of the beaches along your drive, like Lunan Bay. Visit the House of Dun, a Georgian mansion where you can stroll along the gardens like you live there. Then hit up the coastal town of Stonehaven for lunch and check out Dunnottar Castle which sits high above the green sea cliffs.

Drive up to Aberdeen for the end of your tour of Scotland.

Citi Hostel Aberdeen

• In Dundee, Dundee Backpackers Hostel is located conveniently on the high street, around the town’s pubs, bars and clubs. Pre-road trip party sorted!
• Check out our hostels in Aberdeen and maybe consider extending your road trip. Citi Hostel Aberdeen is modern, sleek and right in the centre of town!

4. Argyll Coastal Route: the best Scottish road trip for classic road trip lovers

Another one of the best road trips in Scotland is the Argyll Coastal Route . This road trip combines both mountains and coastline for a priceless experience in the form of a driving tour. Gain an understanding of traditional Scottish culture as you cruise through many different lochs.

Ben Nevis, Fort William  📸: @nitin_mathew

• An Ceann Mor: a manmade viewpoint to look at the sprawling landscape of Loch Lomond
• Inveraray Jail
• Auchindrain: a museum about Scotland’s last Highland farming township
• Kilmartin Museum: learn about the historic monuments that surround the area of Kilmartin Glen, including ruins of a 15 th century tower house
• McCaig’s Tower: monument built in 1897 as tribute to a local family in the town of Oban
• Castle Stalker
• Glencoe Folk Museum
• Glen Nevis: the highest mountain in Scotland

2-3 days (2 hours 55 minutes driving time)

Start your road trip in the town of Tarbet, around 1 hour 15 minutes from Glasgow. Make the trip up to An Ceann Mor in Loch Lomond, where you’ll be welcomed to breathtaking mountain views from the viewpoint. Head to Loch Fyne Restaurant and Oyster bar for some delicious seafood, or head into the town of Inveraray. Here you can also go to Inveraray Jail in a fun interactive museum.

Along the driving tour you could stop at Auchindrain, which is a museum dedicated to Scotland’s last remaining Highland farming town. Make your way to other historic spots like Kilmartin Museum , an ancient stone formation. Then head to the town of Oban for the night.

Head to Castle Stalker in the town of Portnacroish for some lush views and top it off with a pint at the Old Inn . Drive to the town of Glencoe where you can visit the Glencoe Folk Museum (open late March – end of October) for some insights into the history of the town.

Complete the coastal drive at North Ballachulish.

Castle Stalker, 📸: @ascend_film

Day 3 (optional):

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. Or you could spend some time in Ben Nevis for hiking or mountain biking. In winter, it’s a great skiing spot.

• On your 2-3 day exploration, the town of Oban is the perfect base.
• Oban Backpackers is a bright and spacious hostel which is a 10-minute walk from the ferry, bus and train stations.
• Spending a night in Glencoe is a great way to end your Scottish road trip, with Glencoe Youth Hostel a popular choice with backpackers.

5. Highland Tourist Route/Aberdeen to Inverness: the best Scottish road trip for history buffs

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 . Let’s take you back in time…

Cairngorms National Park, Ballater 📸 : @mili_vigerova

• Gordon Highlanders Museum: located in Aberdeen, it shows the history of the Gordon Highlanders Regiment up to the Cold War
• Pitfichie: a forest that’s perfect for adventurers, mountain bikers and horse riders
• The Lecht 2090: skiing and snowboarding base
• Glenlivet Distillery
• Grantown Museum
• Cawdor Castle
• Fort George
• Culloden Battlefield and visitor centre

2-3 days (2 hours 50 minutes driving time)

Culloden Battlefield, 📸 : Danny Nicholson

Starting in Aberdeen, head to the first museum on the driving tour: Gordon Highlanders Museum . Here you can learn about the history of the Gordon Highlanders and their service to the British Army.

Move on to Pitfichie Forest, which is a popular stop for mountain biking (with 3 different cycling routes). Or if it’s winter, stop by The Lecht 2090 at Cairngorms National Park, a must-visit for any Snowsports fan. You might want to add a day or two to your road trip! In summer it transforms into a great mountain biking track.

Top off a busy day with a whiskey and a distillery tour at the legendary Glenlivet Distillery , which is open from mid-March to early November (check their website for specific times). Located ten miles from Tomintoul, not only does it offer straight whiskey, but also whiskey cake at their coffee shop!

Explore the small town of Grantown and visit the Grantown Museum; which includes local art and history about the Clan Grant. Drive along the vast Scottish mountains to Cawdor Castle , a picturesque castle dating back to the middle-ages. The castle is open from mid-April to early October (check their website for specific times). Stop by Fort George for some history and dolphin spotting, then drive to the final spot, the Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre , and learn about the Jacobite uprising.

Black Isle Hostel , Inverness

• Starting your journey in Aberdeen , Aberdeen Youth Hostel has a social space with a café.
• Inverness has many options to wind down from your Scottish Highlands road trip, such as the ideally located Black Isle Hostel .

6. Galloway Tourist Route: the best Scottish road trip for thrill-seekers

This Scotland road trip is great for all adventurers and adrenaline junkies! With a range of hiking trails, the 92-mile Galloway Tourist Route will get your heart rate spiking.

Scottish Dark Sky Observatory , 📸 : Colin Baird

• Dumfries Museum
• Robert Burns’ birthplace
• Outdoor activities: mountain biking, kayaking, ziplining etc
• Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
• Visit to Seaside town of Ayr

3-4 days (2 hours 10 minutes driving time)

From the starting point of Gretna, head to the town of Dumfries to explore. Here you can see the Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura (open during winter), telling the local history and displaying artefacts. The town is known for its charming farmer’s market and its medieval stronghold ruins. If you’re a fan of poetry, there’s a Robert Burns road trip that you can take which shows you his birthplace, places that inspired his writing and his gravestone.

First stop – Dalbeattie! In this quaint little town lies a great adventure. This is a great location to mountain bike. 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. This is just one of the seven mountain biking regions in Scotland , so why not make a whole tour out of it?

Threave Castle, 📸 : William Marnoch

Stop by Threave Castle on your tour of Scotland – this haunting ruin is only reachable by boat! Spooky. Tickets to get across start from £3.60. Along the drive, consider stopping at Galloway Kite Trail for some great walking trails and viewpoints. Then head to the Galloway Activity Centre for some fun! Here you can do water sports like kayaking, sailing and windsurfing on Loch Ken. Or if you like dry land, there’s archery, mountain biking, ziplining and climbing – even laser tag. It’s not just for kids!

For the afternoon and evening head to the peaceful town of New Galloway for a traditional pub meal and a rest after an exhausting day. Take the optional drive to the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory , giving crystal clear views of the night sky and the sprawling mountains. They offer guided tours of the constellations and planets, but you’ll need to book in advance.

The final day to take in the stunning Scottish landscapes. Drive to the town of Ayr to finish your road trip. This popular seaside town is a great place to explore further and makes this driving tour one of the best road trips in Scotland (IMO).

7. Harry Potter road trip: the best Scottish road trip for Harry Potter fans – obviously!

This isn’t totally a Scottish road trip, as it includes a train trip (aboard the Hogwarts Express) and is spread out around Scotland. It could also be done completely by train, so if your budget doesn’t stretch for a rental car, then this is a great alternative! With this Scotland road trip, you’ll become the ultimate Potterhead!

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan 📸: @jack_anstey

• JK Rowling’s writing locations
• The bridge that the Hogwarts Express crosses – and where Ron and Harry fly the car!
• Loch Morar (AKA Hogwarts Lake)
• Glen Coe (Hagrid’s Hut)

Admire the city of Edinburgh where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter in many of the cafes.

Spoon : This is where she wrote the majority of the first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. It was originally a coffee shop called Nicolson’s Café, but has since changed ownership.

The Elephant House : labelled the ‘birthplace of Harry Potter’, this café is very popular with tourists. It’s also supposedly hosted other writers such as Ian Rankin.

Balmoral Hotel : This is where JK Rowling wrote most of the final instalment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – room 552 to be exact.

Drive (or take the train) from Edinburgh to Fort William. It takes about 4 hours, so this would be a full day trip. 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? We think that sounds magical.

Glen Coe,  📸: @helloiamtuan

You’ve got your acceptance letter, now It’s time to go to Hogwarts! Take The Jacobite train , AKA the Hogwarts Express(!!), to Mallaig. 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. An adult day return ticket is £37.75. The train crosses over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct – the bridge in the movies! When in Mallaig take a trip to see Loch Morar, which was used as Hogwarts’ Lake throughout the films.

Return to Fort William to see some more of the filming locations. 35 minutes away is Glen Coe, which featured in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as the setting for Hagrid’s Hut. 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. There is a lot to explore, so take your time to research!

• In Edinburgh you can stay at the very Harry Potter-esque Belford hostel – it’s a converted church!
• Fort William has some excellent hostels like Fort William Backpackers and Glen Nevis Youth Hostel .

8. Deeside Tourist Route: the best Scottish road trip for lush landscapes

The Deeside Tourist Route runs for 108 miles from Perth to Aberdeen (or vice versa). It varies in landscape as it covers national parks, farmland and the Royal Deeside.

Lochnagar, Ballater 📸: @paulrysz

• Cairngorms National Park
• Scone Palace
• Royal Lochnagar Distillery
• Cambus O’May Cheese Co
• Drum Castle
• Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve

1-3 days (2 hours 55 minutes driving time)

Starting in the pretty city of Perth, drive to nearby Scone Palace . Here you can learn about the lengthy history of Scotland’s kings, including the famous Macbeth. The palace and grounds are open from 1 st April to 31 st of October. Within the grounds of Scone Palace is a great café with even greater views.

Drive up to Braemar and base yourself there for the night. Here you can see Mar Lodge Estate, which is a section of Cairngorms National Park. In winter you can try your luck at snowboarding or skiing at Glenshee ski centre. There’s also Braemar Castle, to cross another castle off your list. Finish the night with a scotch whiskey at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery (seasonal opening times are on their website).

Stop by the Cambus O’May Cheese Company to learn about the historic process of cheese-making.

Nearby is the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, inside the Cairngorms National Park. This reserve contains the Burn o’ Vat – a giant pothole created in the Ice Age. Plus, there are heaps of hiking trails for you outdoor lovers.

Stop by the town of Banchory for lunch, it has quaint restaurants and teahouses, including Number One Community Café that has affordable meals and is run entirely by volunteers.

Not hungry? Banchory is a great place for mountain biking, hiking or even a round of golf! Head up to Drum Castle to learn about its varied history starting from medieval times (check the website for seasonal opening times). Then embark on your final location of Aberdeen!

Howies Aberdeen offers both British and Scottish food, including dishes like haggis and Cullen skink. Why not warm up with a hearty meal to finish your epic road trip?

Cairngorms National Park , 📸:  Manuel Osdoba

Where to stay:

• With a 10 rating on Hostelworld, Bankfoot Inn just next to Perth is a safe bet. Indulge in their FREE breakfast and feel welcomed into their homely environment. There’s also Perth Youth Hostel which is open from June to August. Check out more hostels in Perth here.
• Along your journey, Braemar Youth Hostel is a great resting stop for the first night. Further into the road trip, Ballater Hostel in the small town of Ballater is another great choice.

9. Borders Historic Route: the best Scottish road trip for learning about Scottish life and culture

The Borders Historic Route Scottish road trip runs from Gretna Green to Edinburgh for a charming sightsee of cute villages and green countryside.

Edinburgh Castle, 📸: @joerga

• Gilnockie Tower
• Lochcarron of Scotland
• Abbotsford House
• Stewart brewing
• Dalkeith Country Park

2-3 days (2 hours 20 minutes driving time)

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! Then head to the first location of the driving tour – Gilnockie Tower . Here you can also visit the Clan Armstrong Information Centre to learn about the local history.

Drive to the town of Hawick for lunch and some exploring. Here you can check out Hawick Museum, Wilton Lodge Park or Hermitage Castle. Drive to the town of Selkirk to settle in for the night. If you need to get some shopping done, check out Lochcarron of Scotland – an iconic Scottish textiles company. You can even go on a mill tour to see how they make their tartans.

Driving from Selkirk, head to the glorious Abbotsford House which was home to the writer Sir Walter Scott. There’s an affordable café on the grounds for a good lunch spot. Take the time to explore the neighbouring town of Galashiels. 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?

As you arrive in Edinburgh, take some time to explore this richly vibrant city. St Christopher’s Inn in Edinburgh has its own sports bar with delicious dinners! Guests of the hostel also get an extra 25% off.

Castle Rock Hostel , Edinburgh

• For the start of your Scottish road trip, stay in the country-style hostel Hillside Farm Bunk Barn in Carlisle.
• Edinburgh has some high-quality hostels , and if you’re keen to match the castle theme of your road trip then why not stay at Castle Rock Hostel ? There’s also St Christopher’s Inn which has a great party vibe.

10. South West Coastal 300: the best Scottish road trip for getting off the grid

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. Set over 300 miles, this is a big Scottish road trip that you should set aside a lot of time to do.

Culzean Castle,  📸: Andy Muir

• Sweetheart Abbey
• Coastal town of Kirkcudbright
• Mull of Galloway Lighthouse
• Culzean Castle
• Moat Brae – Peter Pan’s birthplace

Length of trip

Starting in the town of Dumfries, check out attractions like Moat Brae – the place that inspired Peter Pan, Robert Burns’ house or Dumfries museum. Check out the 13 th century ruins of Sweetheart Abbey close to Dumfries.

Stop in the town of Kirkcudbright for food, where in summer they have a large farmers market. Basecamp café at Laggan Outdoor offers locally sourced food with picturesque views of the coast. Here you can also do activities such as ziplining and Segway tours. Then drive to the Isle of Whithorn, where the local museum tells its unique history of bringing Christianity to Scotland.

Stop by Mull of Galloway Lighthouse for some spectacular sunset views (closed in the winter), before driving around the coast and then heading to the village of Stranraer for the evening.

Mull of Galloway Lighthouse,  📸:  Colin Baird

Admire the stunning coastline as you drive right beside the ocean for most of the day’s journey. Stop by the little town of Girvan for food and then drive on to Culzean Castle (closed in winter). This domineering castle dates back to 1792. US President Eisenhower was even gifted part of it after his many visits! The castle is open from late March to late October but check their website for specific dates. Choose to stop by the town of Ayr, then treat yourself to a dinner under the stars at the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory.

From the town of Sanquhar, venture around the north of the driving route to marvel at the grand mountain ranges. Stop by the town of Moffat for a pint at some of its pubs and bars. Consider stopping by the town of Lockerbie to learn about the town’s influence in modern history, before completing your journey in Dumfries.

11. Perthshire Tourist Route: the best Scottish road trip for those who want to spoil themselves (while on a budget)

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. Take the time to hike around some of the national parks on this road trip to really understand Scotland’s beautiful and untamed landscapes. This is the best road trip in Scotland for those on a budget with a taste for luxury.

When backpacking it can be hard to treat yourself, but this tour has some great indulgences like whiskey distilleries and a chocolate factory. So yeah… you’ve been good, why not live in luxury for a bit?

Glen Artney, Crieff 📸: @fredmarriage

• Library of Innerpeffray
• Drummond Castle and Gardens
• Comrie Croft/Crieff walks
• Glenturret Distillery
• Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery
• Iain Burnett The Highland Chocolatier

This road trip starts in the small town of Greenloaning. As you drive along, there are some significant landmarks worth seeing, like The Library of Innerpeffray – the oldest library in Scotland! Also visit Drummond Castle Gardens – its stunning formal gardens were created in 1490. If you’re in the mood for some adventure, head to Comrie Croft where there are many mountain biking tracks. Stop for lunch at the Glenturret Distillery and explore the town of Crieff.

Drive up to the town of Aberfeldy. Here there’s an ancient house on the bank of Loch Tay. There’s also a museum teaching about the Iron Age period in Scotland. If you still haven’t had enough whiskey, close by is Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery. But here’s the real treat: in the town of Grandtully is the Highland chocolatier – Iain Burnett . Once you’re full to your stomach, drive to Ballnluig for the end of your road trip!

• Stay in Perth for a night before beginning the road trip and get to know this fascinating town. Check out all of our hostels in Perth !
• For the end of the trip, drive to nearby town Pitlochry , where there are some great options. Pitlochry Backpackers has a movie lounge and a pool table, while Pitlochry Youth Hostel has an accommodating lounge room with beer and soft drinks available.

Pitlochry, 📸: @stuchy

12. Isle of Skye: the best Scottish road trip for photographers

My-oh-my, the Isle of Skye . 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. Here you can truly feel in another world.

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. Think about going in the off-season after August to make this tour of Scotland a sustainable one.

Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye  📸: @czermak_photography

• Trotternish Loop
• Mealt Falls
• Old Man of Storr

The Isle of Skye is 2 and a half hours from Inverness, so that’s probably the best place to stay and hire a car from before starting. 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!

Drive in to the town of Broadford, where there are restaurants, pubs and accommodation. Here you can kayak, fish and bike ride. From there, drive to the main town of Portree, where you can find great food options. Nearby you can see the Old Man of Storr – a scenic walk around a large pinnacle of rocks. Nearby are Loch Mealt and Kilt Rock – two picturesque sites worth seeing!

Drive along to Staffin, where the rock formations of Totternish Loop and Quiraing lie. The Columba 1400 Restaurant is a good stopping point for food, as the café windows overlook The Quiraing.

Then drive to the most northerly point to Duntulm Castle along the Trotternish Peninsula. Here you’ll find ruins which are free to roam around!

Skye Coastline , 📸: @simonmigaj

Drive to the town of Dunvegan to see Dunvegan Castle , which has long been home to the Macleod Clan. Dunvegan Bakery has some delicious sweet and savoury treats to take along on your journey.

Skye Museum of Island Life is not far away and will give you more of an understanding about this breathtaking island and its inhabitants.

Stop by the town of Uig for a traditional pub lunch at The Pub at the Pier. Explore the picturesque Fairy Glen – a range of tiny green hills – and the standing stones of Eyre.

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.  Drive to the famous Talisker Distillery for a tour and warm up with a glass of scotch. Talisker Bay is a spectacular walking spot caved in by looming cliffs.

Drive further inland to explore some of the mountains and hiking trails along your drive back to Inverness. This part of Skye is really for true adventurers. 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). Further down is Cuillin waterfalls, which if brave enough you can swim in!

If you’re looking for something more accessible, Glamaig is closer to the main A87 road. It’s still a very tough walk, and if you’re experienced enough the top viewpoints are some of the best in Skye.

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.

Skyewalker Hostel , Isle of Skye

• There are a lot of great hostels on the Isle of Skye thanks to its popularity with backpackers.
• In Broadford, start your journey by staying at Skye Basecamp .
• The Skyewalker Hostel (yes it’s Star Wars themed) is located in Portnalong and gives some of the best views of the glittering sky with a massive see-through tent.
• There’s the shabby chic hostel The Cowshed in Uig, which is a short walk to the Fairy Glen.

Skye , 📸: @tmarquis

To sum it all up…

With our guide to the best road trips in Scotland there’s no need to feel like an outlander! Grab your clan, a bottle of whiskey and a fire playlist (because it’s cold out there) – and you’re good to go. We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the best road trips in Scotland.

Love some of these activities and not others? Why not make your own Scottish whiskey tour or mountain biking tour from the places listed here? Let us know in the comments!

Resources: Best Travel Apps ~ Click to read

Keep reading:

🌟 The best hostels in Scotland

🌟 14 totally secret things you never knew you could do in Scotland

🌟 The ultimate guide to backpacking Scotland

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Best Road Trips in Scotland

Scotland has all the essential ingredients for the perfect road trip. Beautiful ever-changing scenery, incredible attractions and welcoming towns and villages. All you need is a vehicle, an amazing playlist and some great company!

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Road Trip Ideas

Plan a road trip around Scotland to see some of our most awesome sights. 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!

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Scotland's Best Driving Routes

Driving routes in Scotland are some of the world's most breathtaking with scenic drives through Edinburgh and Glencoe.

Scotland’s most scenic driving routes

Experience some of Scotland’s most epic road trips, including stunning National Tourist Routes and the breath-taking North Coast 500.

The Queensferry Crossing

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Charging point outside Poolewe House

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Authentic Scotland

This tour route explores a wide range of Highland landscapes with a focus on rural areas rather than cities.

The itinerary covers a lot of ground, but the driving time between stopovers has been kept to 2 - 3 hours so there's plenty of time for sightseeing.

It is an ideal itinerary if you are touring Scotland by car for two weeks.

Allow a minimum of 10 days to drive this tour route. The guide contains extra day trip suggestions for extending the tour to 17+ days

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Tour Stats :

Guide Updated - 20 January 2024

Core Route Mileage:

Approximately 825 miles / 1330 Km

Tour Duration:

10 to 17 Days

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Tour summary.

We provide a stopover guide to Glasgow’s main attractions and recommended restaurants. The guide also includes directions for a short drive to the villages around Loch Lomond , so you can choose between staying in the vibrant city, or in a scenic rural location.

Stopover in Glasgow / Loch Lomond area

The tour starts with a choice of routes to the pretty 18th century village of Inveraray .

The direct route features Loch Lomond where you could take a short cruise before heading to a small brewery and an excellent smokehouse where you get lunch, or could stock up on some Scottish delicacies for a picnic.

The alternative route is a quieter and more meandering route that crosses into the Highlands via a short ferry trip on the Firth of Clyde. You then drive through the Argyll Forest Park where you can explore the botanic gardens at Benmore, and then take a detour to an award winning restaurant.

There are lots of interesting places to visit in the Inveraray / Loch Fyne area.  We guide you to castles, botanic gardens, and unusual museums. Should you feel energetic, we recommend a short, but steep climb to a magnificent viewpoint above Inveraray castle.

You can end the day in Inveraray, but you might prefer to continue further along the shores of Loch Fyne to the active fishing village of Tarbert where we can recommend some excellent restaurants.   Driving Distance: ~ 60  Miles to Inveraray / ~98 miles to Tarbert

Stopover in Loch Fyne Area (Inveraray / Tarbert)

The first leg of this journey takes you via the bustling seaside town of Oban . We give you 2 route options for the drive to Oban:

• The Direct Route can get you to Oban within an hour, but there are places along the way that you may wish to explore such as the haunting ruins of Kilchurn Castle by the shores of Loch Awe.   The Direct route allows you time to explore  Oban   distillery and maybe get lunch in one of the town's great choice of seafood restaurants.  ~38 miles
• The Longer Route takes you on a road that we rate as our favourite scenic drive in Scotland. Along the way you can explore the mysterious standing stones and burial cairns of Kilmartin Glen . ~62 miles

On the second journey leg,  from Oban to Fort William, you can take a small side trip into Glen Coe , scene of the infamous massacre of the MacDonalds in 1692.  

The drive ends in the Fort William area where you can take a cable car ride up a mountain near Ben Nevis , or pull on your boots for a short hike to see the valley where they filmed the backdrop for  “Harry Potter’s” Quidditch tournaments.

Driving Distance: ~ 83 miles / ~106 miles (Inveraray to Fort William)

Stopover in Lochaber (Fort William) area

We supply 3 different route options for getting to Skye by the bridge or the Mallaig ferry.

Option 1 -  If travelling via the Skye bridge , you don’t need to plan your day around a ferry schedule so you have time for a visit to Eilean Donan castle , a detour to one of the best viewpoints in Scotland and a relaxed drink at a pub in Plockton , which is arguably the prettiest village in Scotland. Driving Distance: ~77 miles – Fort William to Skye Bridge

Option 2 -  If taking the most direct route to the Mallaig Ferry  you follow the “Road to the Isles” , which gives you a good chance of seeing the Jacobite steam train (AKA “Hogwarts Express”). Time your drive right, and you can stop to take a picture of the train as it crosses Glenfinnan Viaduct . Nearer to Mallaig, we guide you to the Silver Sands of Morar and beaches that can rival anything in the Caribbean, although the sea is not as warm. Driving Distance ~43 miles (plus a ~40 minute ferry crossing) – Fort William to Mallaig ferry

Option 3 -  The third option is a longer route to the Mallaig ferry that bypasses Fort William in favour of following a wandering road through the wilderness and forests of Sunart and Moidart . The scenery in this area is magnificent and it is all the better for the lack of other tourists. Driving Distance: ~66 miles (plus a ~40 minute ferry crossing) – Glencoe area to Mallaig ferry

Stopover on Isle of Skye or the nearby Lochalsh area

Skye is a large island with many of the interesting sites located at the end of single track roads. As a result, you are limited in how much you can cover in a day and you need to schedule at least a 2 night stopover.

• Explore Skye - We provide directions for a tour that includes the famous scenic landmarks of Skye as well as Dunvegan Castle, Talisker Distillery , craft shops, tearooms, pubs and walks. More than enough to fill 2 whole days on Skye. Driving Distance: ~138 miles
• Alternative Day Trip around Loch Alsh & Loch Hourn -  Skye can be a very busy place so we also provide directions for a tour around this quieter area where you can visit Eilean Donan castle ,  take in one of our favourite viewpoints , soak up the atmosphere at mysterious Iron Age Brochs , or enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the remotest tearooms in Scotland. You can return to Skye via a tiny car ferry that operates from Easter – October.

We guide you on a route through mountain scenery that we rate as the best in Scotland. If you really want to explore away from the “beaten track”, you can follow an alternative longer route around the remote Applecross Peninsula using a road that was only completed in 1975. The drive also includes a visit to the very pretty village of Plockton and the famous botanic gardens at Inverewe.

The Gairloch area is blessed with stunning beaches and spectacular scenery, so you may want to allow a 2 night stopover here. Our guide gives you details on the best activities for a longer stay.

Driving Distance: ~77 miles

Stopover in Gairloch area

Head up the North West coast through magnificent Highland scenery to the active fishing village of Ullapool . Along the route you can explore great beaches and test your courage by crossing a 200 feet deep gorge on a bouncy little foot bridge.

When you get to Ullapool, you can watch the fishing boat activity in the harbour and then sample the delicious fresh catch in an award winning fish & chip shop. The village is a vibrant place with several good restaurants and range of pubs where you'll find live music and entertainment most nights of the week.

If you wish to extend the day, you can follow our directions for a back road drive to Lochinver that takes you past the distinctive peaks of Stac Pollaidh , Suilven and Canisp. These mountains emerge like rocky icebergs from the wild moorland of the Inverpolly Nature Reserve . This is an area of true wilderness and we recommend some hikes of varying degrees of exertion.

Driving Distance: ~55 miles

Stopover in Ullapool or Lochinver

There are faster routes to Inverness, but we guide you away from the main roads to traverse the Highlands via a more northerly route through Strath Oykel. We supply 2 route options so you can choose between;

• a longer route that includes a visit to the impressively grand Dunrobin Castle and the option of a small detour to the pretty village of Dornoch .
• or a shorter route that gives you time to explore a remote little church with a poignant souvenir of the people who suffered during the “Clearances” .

The last leg of the tour takes you from the Glenmorangie Distillery to Inverness with detour options to explore a very photogenic lighthouse and a Victorian Spa village where you can still sample the mineral waters.

Driving Distance: ~100 miles / 117 miles

Stopover in Inverness area

Inverness is a great touring base for exploring the Highlands and we supply you with directions for a range of day trips:

• Black Isle - A short tour of the Black Isle where you can visit a carefully preserved 18th century village and embark on boat trips to see wild dolphins .
• Moray Coast - A historical tour of Moray with its historical attractions and scenic coastline. This day trip features the highlights of Culloden, Clava Cairns, Cawdor Castle and Elgin Cathedral.
• Glen Affric - A scenic drive into Glen Affric where you can see the last remains of the Ancient Caledonian Forest . This route includes options to explore a Neolithic burial chamber , a forgotten Clan burial ground and a 150 foot high waterfall in a lovely woodland setting.
• Loch Ness –  This day trip does a complete circular tour of the loch with time to take a cruise, visit the “ Nessie ” exhibitions and wander the ruins of Urquhart castle .

Within a few miles of Inverness you can travel through 4,000 years of history. The route passes the Bronze Age burial chambers at Clava Cairns , the 14th century Cawdor Castle, which is still home to the Countess of Cawdor, and Culloden Battlefield , where the tragic events of 1746 changed the Highlands forever.

Travelling southwards, you pass through the Spey valley where you have options for detours to explore the distilleries that Speyside is famed for. From Speyside, you climb over the Cairngorm mountains . This is a great road with wide open vistas and fast sweeping bends. If you aren't driving too fast, you might catch a glimpse of grouse sticking their heads above the heather.

After the high plateau of the Cairngorms, you descend to the neat villages of Ballater and Braemar in  Royal Deeside . You may wish to end the day at Balmoral castle , but there are many more castles here with much longer histories that are worth exploring.

Driving Distance: ~78 miles

Stopover in Royal Deeside

There are many great castles to see in Royal Deeside so we have kept the driving time short in order to allow a morning enjoying the local attractions before heading to Perthshire. The drive to south from Braemar involves climbing through Glen Shee on the path of an old Military Road that was built in the 1700's to enable Redcoat troops to mobilise against the "Jacobite"  supporting clans around Braemar. 

The journey ends in  Pitlochry , which is located in the heart of Scotland’s “ Big Tree ” country. You could simply have a relaxed afternoon in this charming Victorian spa town which has 2 distilleries , a craft brewery, a theatre and the famous “Salmon Ladder”. BUT,   If you feel like exploring, we have included directions for discovering woodland walks, waterfalls, picturesque loch side roads and Blair Castle , the impressive home of the Duke of Atholl.

Driving Distance: ~56 miles

Stopover in Pitlochry / Aberfeldy Area

We guide you back to Glasgow or Edinburgh via a choice of routes that both feature a visit to Stirling Castle .

The shorter route utilises fast main roads to allow you more time for sightseeing. Along the way, you can break the driving with a visit to the romantic ruins of Dunkeld Cathedral . Although it is now a tranquil spot in a pretty village of 18th century houses, the cathedral was once at the centre of a desperate battle between Jacobite and Redcoat soldiers.

Driving Distance: ~99 miles (Pitlochry - Edinburgh)

The longer route takes you west, towards Loch Tay with opportunities to visit standing stones , a distillery and a haunted castle . You then drive through the Trossachs where you can take a small detour for a loch cruise on an old steam yacht. Fans of “Outlander” will be pleased that Doune Castle (A.K.A Castle Leoch) is included in these route directions.

Driving Distance: ~126 miles (Pitlochry - Edinburgh)

Stopover in Edinburgh or Glasgow

Edinburgh is a compact city and easy to explore on foot. We provide directions for three  walking routes that show you different sides of the Capital city; a walk down the historical Royal Mile , a leafy riverside walk to the Botanic Gardens that escapes the hustle & bustle of city life, and a more energetic walk to Arthur’s Seat with a good pub at the end. Edinburgh boasts a great range of atmospheric old pubs and we steer you to a selection of our favourites.

The guide also includes options for day trips around the surrounding area by car or bus / train.

The day trips by car take you to West Lothian where you can visit many of the sites used in the filming of “Outlander” and to East Lothian where you can visit some spectacular castle ruins, a distillery and lots of pretty villages.

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Accommodation

To help you book the best places to stay, we offer a guide to Recommended Accommodation along the route of this tour.

We personally visit all the accommodation featured in the guides and only select places where we would wish to stay ourselves. Read More...

When you "Checkout" , you will have the option to buy the Accommodation Guide.

Preview Accommodation Guide

Car Hire - How to Save Money

When you buy a Secret Scotland Tour Itinerary you will receive a Discount Code that gets you a 10% reduction on the cost of Car Hire from Arnold Clark Rental .

Simply use the Secret Scotland code when you book via the Arnold Clark website and your car hire discount will automatically apply.

Testimonials

I convinced my other half to get the Scenic Tour 4-5 Days guide (even though he very much wanted to do it all himself), and it was the best experience ever. In fact, ever since this trip, we're trying to re-create the experience. Of course, Scotland can hardly let anyone down, but this guide truly made it an adventure. We found so many hidden and not so hidden gems, and everything was perfectly laid out for us so that all we had to do was decide how much time we had and what we wanted to see next. I can't recommend it enough and wish more guides like this existed!

Excellent! We thought the information provided was fantastic and allowed us to see things I am sure we would have missed. Mike was very helpful in sending the itinerary through again for us when we had trouble with our downloads. Would definitely recommend this site. We have been travelling for a number of years and normally would just rely on the internet and books but decided to give this a go. So glad we did.

Secret Scotland is EXCEPTIONAL in providing guidance for itinerary planning and accommodation referrals for those wanting a self guided driving vacation in Scotland.... Simple to use.  Thorough in suggesting ‘must see’ venues. Complete - sites, restaurants, pubs and experiences.” That is how I would describe what they do and provide.  Exceptional accommodation recommendations. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

The itinerary Secret Scotland provided was a trip saver. We loved the suggestions for sight seeing, eating, and places to stay, but the best part was the detailed driving directions. Driving on the opposite side of the road from the opposite side of the car was a little easier without having to worry about how to get there! We will definitely use this service the next time we visit Scotland!

Secret Scotland's itineraries, accommodations guides, and other resources are incredible value with great attention to detail.  Their owners, Mike and Aury, are experienced and honest, and they helped us so much as we attempted to narrow down a very long list of things we hoped to do during our time in Scotland.  I feel so much more prepared for our trip and can now just look forward to our approaching vacation!

We have just got back from an EXCELLENT holiday following the Borders to Orkney route suggestions. We can't say enough about how much the detailed information enhanced our experience in Scotland. We had a wonderful time seeing so many interesting sites that we would have passed by without your guide. Thank you so much.

These guys really are the best.  We used Mike's Flexi Days East to West itinerary last July and it was truly indispensable.  His itinerary is full of detail, including driving directions and options.  Mike is also very responsive if you have any questions.  We had such a wonderful time we are going back again this year, and we will be using his itineraries again for our planning.  I would also recommend his accommodations guide.

Just like pictures of Scotland can’t do justice to the magnificence of the actual landscape, words can’t do justice to the brilliance and sheer volume of work you put in your guide. The level of detail provided on each stopover sheet, in all the different itinerary options and on all the B&B features exceeded even my most crazy expectations.

Mike and Aurey from Secret Scotland prepared a fantastic itinerary for us. It was a huge ingredient in the success and huge enjoyment that we got from our trip. It was absolutely worth every penny and there is no way we could have seen so much and so well without their itinerary. We felt like we belonged in Scotland, we knew what we were doing and what it all meant at every step. We recommend their services wholeheartedly. Scotland is such a marvelous place. Thank you Mike and Aurey... and we will be back!

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Enjoy a fantastic private tour of Scotland with an experienced, certified, friendly, and knowledgeable driver-guide to deliver you to all destinations, attractions, and sites across this majestic little country of ours!

For a complimentary custom itinerary for your tour, simply let us know when you will arrive and what sites and locations interest you. Our tour planning specialist will get started crafting your dream vacation . For complete peace of mind, our tours come with a risk-free booking guarantee.

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Fill out the form below letting us know what dates you will be here and any ‘must see’ destinations and locations for your tour. If you are unsure then simply let us know what type of activities interest you like such as golf, castles, natural beauty sites, highland games, or anything else you wish to experience on your vacation

Your personal tour planner will be in touch within 24 hours of receiving your request to begin planning your custom tour in accordance with your preferences and requirements. This process is totally complementary and we are happy to redraft the itinerary as many times as necessary until you are 100% delighted with the plan.

Upon landing in Scotland, your private driver guide will meet you at the pre-arranged starting point of your tour and you can set off on a vacation you will cherish for a lifetime!

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We love taking clients to experience the world-famous and iconic locations as well as helping them to discover the authentic side of Scotland and the many hidden treasures in each region.

There is simply no better way to explore these attractions, sites, and landscapes than from the comfort of our luxury, executive vehicles while we tour the country at a pace that suits you. Our local tour experts can also organize your group the perfect accommodation as well as recommend and book some of Scotland’s finest dining options for the time you’re touring with us, simply fill in the form below to get your perfect Scottish vacation started today!

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28 Day Driver-Guided Scotland Tour

Discover Scotland's natural beauty and historic charm like never before on this comprehensive 28-day driver-guided...

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