They are great to enjoy typical Scottish Breakfast and meet locals. When backpacking it can be hard to treat yourself, but this tour has some great indulgences like whiskey distilleries and a chocolate factory. Stop by some of the beaches along your drive, like Lunan Bay. Scotland is a great country to plan a road trip. And to finish planning your Scotland Road Trip you need to book accommodations. Scotland and road trips go together like the Isle of Skye and photographers. Here you’ll find ruins which are free to roam around! Take the time to explore the neighbouring town of Galashiels. Head to Loch Fyne Restaurant and Oyster bar for some delicious seafood, or head into the town of Inveraray. 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. While you might be used to using trains or buses to get around as a backpacker, renting a car is an exciting way to see Scotland. There’s also a museum teaching about the Iron Age period in Scotland. Here is some inspiration for your Scotland road trip itinerary to make your one week in Scotland a visit to remember. You’ll pass the towering Arrochar Alps before reaching the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint in Glen Croe. Read on if you’re ready to be inspired to #MeetTheWorld BEYOND the tourist brochure! A basic manual car hire from Edinburgh for 4 days is around £80. We’ve suggested some attractions, when you could visit, where to stay and possible itineraries. 1-2 days (1 hour 40 minutes driving time). 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. Plan a road trip to see some of Scotland's most awesome sights. While you might be used to using trains or buses to get around as a backpacker, renting a car is an exciting way to see Scotland. Nearby you can see the Old Man of Storr – a scenic walk around a large pinnacle of rocks. The main companies located in Scotland are: Hertz, Avis, Thrifty, Alamo, Budget, Europcar and Enterprise. The best way to see Scotland is by car with a Secret Scotland itinerary to guide you. Hostels are open and here’s what you need to know…. Drive along to Torridon for the afternoon and evening. Selkirk → Moffat (Scottish Borders, A708) 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. If you need to get some shopping done, check out Lochcarron of Scotland – an iconic Scottish textiles company. Settle into the town of Wick for the afternoon and evening. This is a great time to find your inner adventurer and take part in activities like kayaking, mountain biking, surfing and hiking. This road trip starts in the small town of Greenloaning. Scotland Road Trip Itinerary Planner & Route Map | VisitScotland Nothing beats the freedom of exploring a new place on your own personalised road trip. 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. Here you can see Mar Lodge Estate, which is a section of Cairngorms National Park. This reserve contains the Burn o’ Vat – a giant pothole created in the Ice Age, and one you can now explore for yourself. Best Scottish road trip for: sea lovers, beachgoers and Harry Potter fans. It will take most of the day (upwards of 5 hours). Explore, take selfies, do your thing. The final day to take in the stunning Scottish landscapes. Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley. Dunvegan Bakery has some delicious sweet and savoury treats to take along on your journey. Or if you like dry land, there’s archery, mountain biking, ziplining and climbing – even laser tag. The Deeside Tourist Route runs for 108 miles from Perth to Aberdeen (or vice versa). The castle is open from mid-April to early October (check their website for specific times). Today’s a big driving day – so chill back, put some music on and admire the views right from your car seat. Balmoral Hotel: This is where JK Rowling wrote most of the final instalment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – room 552 to be exact. Here are 20 of my favourite routes, many of them easily linkable for longer trips. The most famous ones are on the Isle of Skye with sites such as: Move on to Pitfichie Forest, which is a popular stop for mountain biking (with 3 different cycling routes). Here you can kayak, fish and bike ride. My favourite things to do in Edinburgh include: See attractions such as the Royal Burgh of Culross and the Dunfermline Palace and Abbey. Starting in the pretty city of Perth, drive to nearby Scone Palace. Here are 12 of the best Scotland road trips. 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? Explore intel scotland road trip road trips 2019. Nearby are Loch Mealt and Kilt Rock – two picturesque sites worth seeing! Isle of Lewis, Isle of Harris & Stornoway. 1-3 days (2 hours 10 minutes driving time). Explore the historic town and head to Wick sea for some stunning views of the Scottish coastline. The train crosses over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct – the bridge in the movies! Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, : Colin Baird. There’s an affordable café on the grounds for a good lunch spot. It varies in landscape as it covers national parks, farmland and the Royal Deeside. Self-drive tours of Scotland include rental car, accommodation, maps and more, but the road trip music is up to you! This is a great country for a road trip. The North Coast 500 is the most popular road trip in Scotland and we’ve put together a comprehensive 7 day North Coast 500 itinerary to help drivers navigate this driving route. Although this road trip is all about Scotland’s natural beauty, the first day is dedicated to Edinburgh getting a feel for the all things Scottish. Basecamp café at Laggan Outdoor offers locally sourced food with picturesque views of the coast. If you still haven’t had enough whiskey, close by is Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery. The Borders Historic Route Scottish road trip runs from Gretna Green to Edinburgh for a charming sightsee of cute villages and green countryside. They are estimated to be around 4,000 years old and were predicted to be used for religious ceremonies. I love antique shopping on the weekends. With this Scotland road trip, you’ll become the ultimate Potterhead! Take a look at images from Scotland's 12 National Tourist Routes and the epic North Coast 500, some of the best drives in Scotland. Then head to the Galloway Activity Centre for some fun! Spend the first day in either Stirling or Edinburgh. Grab some food here and visit the Cathedral and Castle before continuing to one of Scotlands most famous sights, Loch Ness. Touring Scotland on your own is easy, the scenery is stunning and the locals friendly. 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. You can easily do an entire tour of Scotland in a week. We’ll give you a sneak peek into hostel life, solo travel and the friend filled adventures you can have on the road! 14 totally secret things you never knew you could do in Scotland, The ultimate guide to backpacking Scotland, Just another Aussie living in London with travel on the mind. Starting in Aberdeen, head to the first museum on the tour: Gordon Highlanders Museum. Drive to Achnasheen for food and savour the stunning landscape as you head back to Inverness. Another one of the best road trips in Scotland is the Argyll Coastal Route. 2-3 days (2 hours 55 minutes driving time). An adult day return ticket is £37.75. This popular seaside town is a great place to explore further! For a basic manual car hire from Inverness, it’s around £100-130 for 5 days. I have a bad habit of spontaneously buying cheap flights to random places. Dragging yourselves away from Loch Lomond might be tricky, but there are islands, boat trips and many more adventures ahead! Here, look out at the stunning cliffs as time stops for a moment. 35 minutes away is Glen Coe, which featured in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as the setting for Hagrid’s Hut. If you drive from Edinburgh directly to the Isle of Skye, it takes between five and six hours with 235 miles of driving. But chances are Edinburgh Castle, The Real Mary King’s Close and the back alleys of the Old Town will be on your itinerary. 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. Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye :@czermak_photography. These are the entrances to the largest cave system in Scotland. In Scotland, the journey is just as good as the destination. Here you can learn about the lengthy history of Scotland’s kings, including the famous Macbeth. For more tips, here’s a look at my outdoorsy highlightsof the capital. Then head to the first location of the trip – Gilnockie Tower. Once you’re full to your stomach, drive to Ballnluig for the end of your road trip! 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). S cotland is one of THE best countries in the world to take a road trip. 5-7 days (13 hours 35 minutes driving time). The best time of year for white-water rafting is in the colder months! 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! Castles: Dunrobin Castle, Inverness Castle, LOTS of whisky distilleries (47 to be exact), Inverness is a great starting point for the road trip. St Christopher’s Inn in Edinburgh has its own sports bar with delicious dinners! Drive to the Hill o’Many Stanes – which is around 200 small stones in rows. Then head to Aberdour Castle and the town of Burnisland for some history and charming coastal views. Or you could spend some time in Ben Nevis for hiking or mountain biking. 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. A Scotland road trip is perfect for the backpackers who are thrill-seekers, adventurers, beach lovers, history lovers and all those in between. Thank you. Talisker Bay is a spectacular walking spot caved in by looming cliffs. Drive to the town of Ayr to finish your road trip. Start your road trip in the town of Tarbet, around 1 hour 15 minutes from Glasgow. Have lunch in Dunfermline or in the neighbouring seaside towns of North Queensferry and Inverkeithing. Also visit Drummond Castle Gardens – its stunning formal gardens were created in 1490. There’s also Braemar Castle, to cross another castle off your list. Further down is Cuillin waterfalls, which if brave enough you can swim in! Here you can check out Hawick Museum, Wilton Lodge Park or Hermitage Castle. With a well-crafted route, 10 days in Scotland is just enough time to see most of the major points of interest that beckon millions of travelers each year. Changing the World with WaterAid – Art Activists Need Your Vote! In Edinburgh you can stay at the very Harry Potter-esque, Fort William has some excellent hostels like, For the start of your Scottish road trip, stay in the country-style hostel, Stay in Perth for a night before beginning the road trip and get to know this fascinating town. Settle in Anstruther for the evening and take a walk along the beach. The Angus Coastal Route extends from where the Fife Coastal Route ends, so if you’ve got some extra time and want to soak up more of the Scottish coast why not combine two road trips in one? VisitScotland have produced this information in good faith and have taken reasonable steps to confirm the accuracy. Spooky. From the starting point of Gretna, head to the town of Dumfries to explore. It’s not just for kids! Admire the coastline, you’re at one of the most northerly points in the UK. But this road trip doesn't just consist of visiting distilleries and drinking whisky – it also includes exploring Edinburgh, a taste of the isles, and time spent in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. Upon arrival in Oban, take the Calmac ferry across to the Isle of Mull and explore this island for the day, before heading back to the harbour town for a stroll and some of Scotland's freshest, quality seafood. Scotland has a good selection of Hotels, Guesthouses, BnBs and Rentals. The neighbouring town Dalmore also has its own whisky distillery that was founded in 1839, and they offer hour-long tours. This way, you avoid the high crowds AND the midges, which are mostly around in July and August. But I can take only so much November weather and needed to start somewhere with my Scotland road trip. Complete the coastal drive at North Ballachulish. With a range of hiking trails, the 92-mile Galloway Tourist Route will get your heart rate spiking. You can even go on a mill tour to see how they make their tartans. Explore the picturesque Fairy Glen – a range of tiny green hills – and the standing stones of Eyre. Take the optional drive to the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, giving crystal clear views of the night sky and the sprawling mountains. Drive 20 minutes further to Strathnaver Museum, which explores the history of this town that’s been inhabited for over 8,000 years! From there, drive to the main town of Portree, where you can find great food options. Drive (or take the train) from Edinburgh to Fort William. Pull off at the roadside viewpoint and picnic area to stretch your legs and soak up the stunning vistas. We’ve broken it all down for you, so you can prepare for the greatest road trips that the country has to offer! This isn’t totally a Scottish road trip, as it includes a train trip (aboard the Hogwarts Express) and is spread out around Scotland. 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. But road trip to the Inverness-shire glens of Glen Affric and Glen Strathfarrar in Strathglass, just 20 minutes south of Inverness, an ancient and undisturbed Scotland is revealed. 1-3 days (2 hours 55 minutes driving time). In the town of Dunnet and Dunnet Bay you can take surfing lessons (if the weather permits it!). Days 4-5: Cairngorms National Park Edinburgh is jam-packed full of Scottish history and culture, from the 12thcentury Edinburgh Castle, to elegant streets lined with colourful Georgian townhouses, to bagpipes playing traditional melodies in the background. It’s free entry, but donations are recommended. 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 embark on your final location of Aberdeen! Your email address will not be published. Here you can also go to Inveraray Jail in a fun interactive museum. These stone arrangements are super rare in Europe so it’s definitely worth a visit! Guests of the hostel also get an extra 25% off. 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). Drive further inland to explore some of the mountains and hiking trails along your drive back to Inverness. From the town of Sanquhar, venture around the north of the driving route to marvel at the grand mountain ranges. The drive from Glasgow to Inveraray, hugging the shoreline of beautiful Loch Lomond, follows one of the best roads in Scotland. There are lots of snow sport locations in Scotland, with Cairngorms National Park being a popular choice. Spoon: This is where she wrote the majority of the first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Steep climbs, '… These ruins were originally two castles with Girnigoe estimated to have been built between 1476 and 1496 and the Sinclair castle built around 1606. Prepare your Insta. 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? If you want to visit somewhere more reachable, check out Inchnadamph and the River Caves. Here you can learn about the history of the Gordon Highlanders and their service to the British Army. Stop by the little town of Girvan for food and then drive on to Culzean Castle (closed in winter). Check out our suggestions for what to see and do on each of the routes and plan your ultimate Scottish road trip. Then on to Newport-on-Tay, where your coastal tour is now complete! Expert local knowledge, gifts and inspiration. A Scotland Road trip is not complete without old Scottish tales of fairies and old men. If you’re in the mood for some adventure, head to Comrie Croft where there are many mountain biking tracks. Within the grounds of Scone Palace is a great café with even greater views. These 13 suggested routes are intended as a guide to help you plan your Scottish road trip. TIP 6 - Below are suggested pre-defined itineraries, but if you want to create your own itinerary for Scotland, check out my 2 Road Trip Guides with practical maps, GPS coordinates, my selection of the most scenic locations and planning information: 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. The Columba 1400 Restaurant is a good stopping point for food, as the café windows overlook The Quiraing. 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. Not hungry? It takes about 4 hours, so this would be a full day trip. There is a lot to explore, so take your time to research! Ready to see how we cover Scotland in a week? The best part of a road trip through Scotland however is that you can experience so much in so little time! This road trip combines both mountains and coastline for a priceless experience. Here you can also visit the Clan Armstrong Information Centre to learn about the local history. Why not warm up with a hearty meal to finish your epic road trip? 1. Running through the eastern portion of this magnificent landscape, the route owes its name to the highest public road in Britain, and boasts some of the wildest, most dramatic Highland scenery imaginable. Spanning 90 miles of snow-capped peaks, rugged glens, outdoor adventures, cycling and delicious food and drink; the Snow Roads Scenic Route is a distillation of the finest elements of the Cairngorms National Park. This domineering castle dates back to 1792. 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