Scotland has the most stunning scenery and landscapes and therefore it would be crazy not to enjoy a road trip here. We have put together our recommendations for the best road trips in Scotland from the magical Aberdeenshire Castle Trail to the Snow Roads Scenic Route in the Cairngorms. There’s something for everyone!
1. Glasgow to Glenfinnan (a82)
In our opinion this is the best drive in Scotland! Not only because it includes our favourite place, Glen Coe, but because we feel you get the best of everything on this scenic road trip. Picture breathtaking mountains, picturesque villages, majestic deer and a little Harry Potter nostalgia. Is it time to get the car ready yet?
Duration: 3 hours (approx. 12 hour round trip with stops)
Miles: 125 miles one way
Must Stops: Luss Pier (views of Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond), The Drovers Inn (hauntingly beautiful building for a quick pit stop), Falls of Falloch (hidden waterfall), TJ’s Diner (delicious food and milkshakes in the small village of Tyndrum), Kingshouse Hotel (beautiful scenery and popular place to spot deer), Buachaille Etive Mòr (incredible mountain), The Three Sisters Car Park (in our opinion the best landscape view in the world), Glenfinnan Viaduct (bridge featured in Harry Potter)
Soundtrack: Biffy Clyro – Only Revolutions
2. NORTH COAST 500 (NC500)
The NC500 is Scotland’s answer to Route 66, with over 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery, white sand beaches and cute towns. It’s a very popular route for camper vans and motorcyclists. For our full recommendations on driving this route check out our NC500 blog post.
Duration: 3 days minimum (ideally 5 to 10 days)
Miles: 516 miles
Must Stops: Dunrobin Castle (castle straight from a fairytale), John O’Groats (iconic sign and unique Nordic style accommodation), Dunnet (mainland Britain’s most northernly point and quirky distillery), Durness (Smoo cave and Cocoa Mountain for hot chocolate), Bealach na Bà (coolest road with spectacular views)
Soundtrack: Paolo Nutini – Sunny Side Up
3. ABERDEENSHIRE CASTLE TRAIL
Home to over 260 castles, it’s no wonder Aberdeenshire is known as Scotland’s ‘Castle Country’. So why not go on a castle hunt from Stonehaven to Craigievar and take in the historic sights? To discover our favourite castles in Scotland check out our top castles in Scotland blog post.
Duration: 3 to 6 days
Miles: 311 miles
Must Stops: Dunnottar Castle (ruined fortress on a dramatic clifftop setting), Crathes Castle (fairytale castle with impressive garden), Castle Fraser (grand z-plan castle), Fyvie Castle (eerie castle with a haunted past), Craigievar Castle (pink enchanting castle), for full route click here.
Soundtrack: Deacon Blue – Raintown
4. GLASGOW TO OBAN
Head to the beautiful resort town of Oban enjoying the drive alongside Loch Lomond on the way. A highlight is stopping at the Kilchurn castle ruins and the scenic drive along the A85 starting in Tyndrum.
Duration: 2 hour 15 mins (7 hour round trip with stops)
Miles: 100 miles one way
Must Stops: Luss (views of Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond at the pier), Tyndrum (home to the iconic Green Welly stop), Kilchurn Castle (castle ruins where highland cows roam), McCaig’s Tower (Oban viewpoint)
Soundtrack: Lewis Capaldi – Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent
5. ISLE OF SKYE
The Isle of Skye is home to the most surreal landscapes and postcard-perfect towns making it an ideal place for a road trip. You can drive across a bridge from mainland Scotland to Skye making it even more accessible for driving. For our full recommendations check out our Isle of Skye blog post.
Duration: 3-5 days trip
Must Stops: Eilean Donan Castle (iconic castle to visit before reaching Skye), 57.2925690, -6.0895405 (highland cow field), Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls (waterfall on the A855 coastal route), The Fairy Glen (landscape where everything looks miniature), Portree (Skye’s largest town with a colourful harbour), Fairy Pools (natural waterfall pools)
Soundtrack: Skippinish – The Seventh Wave
6. Glasgow to INVERARY (REST AND BE THANKFUL)
The scenic journey from Glasgow to Inverary is beautiful. The highlight being the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint.
Duration: 1 hour 30 mins (approx. 7 hour round trip with stops)
Miles: 64 miles one way
Must Stops: Luss (view of Ben Lomond and Loch Lomond from the pier), Rest and be Thankful (scenic viewpoint), Butter bridge (quick photo stop), Inverary Castle (romantic castle in the charming town of Inverary)
Soundtrack: Gerry Cinnamon – Erratic Cinematic
7. Snow Roads Scenic Route (Cairngorms)
The Snow Roads Scenic Route from Blairgowrie to Grantown-on-Spey travels the highest public road in Britain through the outstanding landscapes of the Cairngorm Mountain Range.
Duration: 2 hours
Miles: 90 miles
Must Stops: ‘Still’ – Tomintoul (viewpoint installation), Ballater (Victorian village home to the Carriage Cafe), Balmoral Castle (Queen Elizabeth’s holiday home), Braemar (home to Braemar Castle and The Fife Arms Hotel), Spittal of Glen Shee (gorgeous scenery)
Soundtrack: Primal Scream – Give Out But Don’t Give Up
8. SOUTH WEST COAST 300 (SWC300)
The SWC300 is a 300 mile road trip loop highlighting the beauty of Scotland’s South West coast. We have yet to do this road trip but have heard great things! It’s on the top of our list for after lockdown.
Duration: 3 days
Miles: 300 mile loop
Must Stops: Coming soon
We hope you enjoyed our recommendations of the best road trips in Scotland. If you are planning to drive in Scotland for the first time make sure to check out our driving tips. Drive safe and happy road tripping!
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