Journeying through Scotland is a treat for your senses. You’ll encounter beautiful, unspoilt landscapes, rugged terrain, and picturesque views, with all kinds of natural habitats and wildlife along the way.
These road trips are an adventure in themselves, so it’s all about the journey, rather than the destination. Here, we’ve put together three of our favourites for you to enjoy.
1. North Coast 500
Starting and finishing in Inverness, the North Coast 500 is a must for anyone taking a road trip in Scotland, showing the Highlands at their best.
Covering just over 500 miles, the route boasts incredible coastal scenery, picturesque fishing villages, beautiful beaches, and stunning views.
The full route is about 13 and a half hours, but it’s absolutely worth taking it at your leisure and spending five to seven days winding your way along.
It’s an all-weather route, generally busier in summer, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and book your stopping points or accommodation. While the North Coast 500 is a route in itself, you can head off the beaten path to explore, or set up in one of the villages along the way for a few days and venture out from there. This way, you’ll find some beautiful hidden gems away from the tourist crowds.
A good tip is to carry a map and make sure you know where your accommodation is, as there won’t be a phone signal in some of the more remote areas. Booking your accommodation upfront is also wise. There are lots of lovely Highland lodges, bed and breakfasts, cottages, and log cabins to choose from, but these get booked up quickly, so plan accordingly.
2. The Borders Historic Route
This historic route takes you from the English border to Edinburgh – or you can start in the Scottish capital and work your way down.
The route is just shy of 90 miles, so the drive takes a little over two hours. But take your time, take in the stunning scenery, and enjoy plenty of stop-offs along the way.
You’ll find lots of walking and rambling opportunities in the charming countryside, and the whole area is steeped in history. Stop at the famous Scottish village of Gretna Green, once a place for young lovers to run away to get married, with many couples still choosing it for their wedding today.
If you like a tipple, a visit to The Borders Distillery is essential, with tours running every day but Sunday. You can sample its whisky, gin and vodka, or take bottles home if you’re the driver.
Literature lovers will enjoy a trip to Abbotsford, the ancestral home of Sir Walter Scott. This impressive, imposing estate is home to some of his most treasured belongings, and you can explore his collections of artefacts, books, and stories.
The Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels takes you through a stunning visual representation of Scotland’s past, from prehistoric times right through to the present day.
3. The Isle of Skye
Although you can get around the Isle of Skye in about half a day, you really need at least three days to fully enjoy and explore the island. Rugged coastlines, craggy mountains, and rolling hills offer scenic landscapes worthy of a fairytale.
The roads are narrow and winding, and you can drive in a leisurely fashion, taking in the shining lochs and pretty farmsteads along the way.
A trip to the Quiraing is a must. This uniquely shaped landform, created by a series of landslides, is one of the iconic landmarks on Skye. You can walk the trail to take in the spectacular views, or simply visit the viewpoint to take in the sights.
The crystal-clear (and be warned, ice-cold!) waters of the Fairy Pools are another incredible natural attraction, with cascading waterfalls acting as a sparkling backdrop. There’s a walk of around an hour and a half, which allows you to fully explore the area. If you’re not in a walking mood, it’s definitely still worth a visit for the photo opportunities alone.
Although Skye is a small island, there are plenty of places to eat and drink, including The Three Chimneys and Kinloch Lodge, both offering fine dining.
Get in touch
We can’t come on your road trip with you, but we can help you plan how to finance it. If you’d like to talk to us about any aspect of financial planning, please get in touch by emailing enquiries@gag-ltd.com or calling 0131 363 0090.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.