Drive to the town of Ayr to finish your road trip. Despite being the Scottish capital, Edinburgh is a surprisingly compact city. 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. 35 minutes away is Glen Coe, which featured in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as the setting for Hagrid’s Hut. Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, :Colin Baird, 3-4 days (2 hours 10 minutes driving time). Scotland’s answer to America’s legendary Route 66 has swiftly established itself as one of the world’s most iconic driving routes. Take The Jacobite train, AKA the Hogwarts Express(!! The Columba 1400 Restaurant is a good stopping point for food, as the café windows overlook The Quiraing. Starting in Dundee, take some time to explore this culturally rich city. Whether you choose to spend a few days just cruising around or weeks really exploring the length and breadth of the country, the possibilities are endless. Oban is a 2-and-a-half-hour drive from Glasgow so Mull makes a great addition to your Scotland road trip itinerary. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glenfinnan :@jack_anstey. These three Scotland itineraries combine some of the best places to visit in the country, include options if you would like to extend, and can all be combined if you have a long time to spend exploring the incredible country that is Scotland! Set over 300 miles, this is a big Scottish road trip that you should set aside a lot of time to do. Set against this glorious natural backdrop are a great deal of historic sites and other attractions. The North East is positively brimming with them with Braemar, Ballindalloch and Balmoral just a few of the magnificent properties you can visit on your route. Go on a Scottish road trip. Think vast open landscapes and lots (and lots) of water, both sea and lochs, along with lofty mountains. Looks like the whole of Scotland is in for some nice weather over the weekend and nowhere better to capture the sunrise than the beautiful Balmedie Beach earlier this morning. The Borders Historic Route Scottish road trip runs from Gretna Green to Edinburgh for a charming sightsee of cute villages and green countryside. We'd wild-camped overnight at the Grey Mare's Tail in the Moffat Hills then headed up the motorway, past the sprawling mass of Glasgow, before this Scottish Road Trip - the A82 to Glencoe . Swing by Scott’s beloved home of Abbotsford, watch as authentic tartan and tweed is woven from scratch at Lochcarron of Scotland and the Borders Textile Towerhouse, and make a very worthwhile stop at a special independent craft brewery on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Discover more about Scotland’s driving routes on VisitScotland.com. Check out all of our, For the end of the trip, drive to nearby town, In Broadford, start your journey by staying at. This is quite a hike from the end of the road, so only attempt it if you feel physically capable. Best Scotland Road Trips: North Coast 500: the best Scottish road trip for the ultimate getaway. It runs along the north coast of Scotland, taking in clifftop castles, beaches with white sands . The best dog-friendly road trip is from the Capital to Kirkwall. Castles: Dunrobin Castle, Inverness Castle, LOTS of whisky distilleries (47 to be exact), Inverness is a great starting point for the road trip. We left at 10am sharp and took the Loch Lomond road as far as Tarbet then on to Arrocher, and stopped to take in the view. Another one of the best road trips in Scotland is the Argyll Coastal Route. Eco Friendly Travel Tips for Travelling through Scotland. COVID-19. The best road trips in scotland. Camping is a hugely popular method of accommodation for this road trip, due to the choice of beautiful, beachside campsites available. It follows a sweeping loop around the whole northern tip of Scotland; from Inverness all the way to John O’Groats in the north east, along jagged coastline overlooking the North Sea to Durness, then down the west coast before returning inland at the Applecross peninsula. And with winding narrow roads, it takes away from the whole experience. Scotland offers . Location: Dumfries - Dumfries. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. 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. 6 min read. 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). 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. A breeze in comparison to the (Loch Ness) monster that is the North Coast 500, the Fife Coastal Route follows along the Firth of Forth coastline over 77 miles, while passing through charming little fishing towns, historic castles and endless beaches. An influential travel guide has just revealed its top pick for a road trip in Scotland as part of an exciting new guidebook. Alternatively, drive back towards Glasgow for our best road trip around the west coast of Scotland, departing from Ayr. Around 30 minutes from Inverness is the small town of Alness, where there are plenty of eating options. Twinkly in the winter, raucous for Hogmanay and buzzing with creativity during the summer's festival season, the Scottish capital is a stellar spot for a quick trip whatever time of year you visit. You can extend your journey by taking a detour off the main route to discover Scotland’s ‘Secret Coast’. North Coast 500 Packages. The bridge that the Hogwarts Express crosses – and where Ron and Harry fly the car! Found insideSchool holiday road trips to the north of Scotland with Mum, Dad and Becky exposed me to the sheer beauty of the natural world. I was much happier playing ... Expert local knowledge, gifts and inspiration. Head up to Drum Castle to learn about its varied history starting from medieval times (check the website for seasonal opening times). An automatic car is around £180-200 for 5 days. You can road trip in Scotland any time of year, but the weather is generally the best during the summer months. From the starting point of Gretna, head to the town of Dumfries to explore. Here you can kayak, fish and bike ride. Junior Content Writer and #HostelworldInsider at Hostelworld. Then head to the first location of the trip – Gilnockie Tower. My husband and I really would like to do a road trip in Scotland and this post is full of ideas for us. This popular seaside town is a great place to explore further! Head to Castle Stalker in the town of Portnacroish for some lush views and top it off with a pint at the Old Inn. Also visit Drummond Castle Gardens – its stunning formal gardens were created in 1490. Found insideIf you plan to stay at Duncan House while you're on this road trip, ... TOP OF CHAPTER TRIP HIGHLIGHT 5 Pittsburgh Scottish-born immigrant Andrew Carnegie ... Day 1 of my Scotland Trip that starts cloudy but ends with something epic. Inside Rick Steves Scotland you'll find: Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more exploring Scotland Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites Top sights and ... Scotland Road Trip Log Book - Journal Your Adventures Around Scotland Plan and document your Scottish road trip with this handy-sized logbook The Journal starts with a map of Scotland to plan your projected journey, then the logbook covers ... Share: One of the best ways to discover Scotland's stunning scenery, rich heritage and culture is to get behind the wheel and set off on a scenic self-drive tour. East Scottish Trail. The castle is open from mid-April to early October (check their website for specific times). Edinburgh to St Andrews via East Neuk. 1. They are estimated to be around 4,000 years old and were predicted to be used for religious ceremonies. Then drive to the most northerly point to Duntulm Castle along the Trotternish Peninsula. At the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain and perched lochside is award-winning caravan and camping park, Glen Nevis. This includes numerous castles, lochs & the Harry Potter train, the Trossachs, Fort William, Oban & Glencoe as well as the islands of Skye & Mull. Subscribe now for inspiration, travel tips, news and visitor offers! 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, Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Experience, 14 totally secret things you never knew you could do in Scotland, The ultimate guide to backpacking Scotland, 12 reasons why everybody is obsessed with Lisbon right now, Best Hostels in Venice Among Palaces And Canals, 14 free things to do in Miami for the perfect kinda vibe . Table of Contents [ show] Scotland Road Trips 3+ Days. Rick's Best Two-Week Trip to Scotland (by Car) This recommended itinerary gives you an idea of how much you can reasonably see in 14 days, but of course you'll want to adapt it to fit your own interests and time frame. Here you can do water sports like kayaking, sailing and windsurfing on Loch Ken. If you're touring the north of England, stop by our southern regions to admire incredible landscapes, bags of ancient history, fascinating culture and more. The Torridon. Explore the historic town and head to Wick sea for some stunning views of the Scottish coastline. 04 Jun 2018. Then embark on your final location of Aberdeen! Drive up to Tentsmuir forest for a nature walk or mountain biking. The castle is open from late March to late October but check their website for specific dates. Whether you choose to spend a few . Most Top Popular Road Trip - NC500. Scotland has all the essential ingredients for the perfect road trip. This Scotland road trip is great for all adventurers and adrenaline junkies! Let’s take you back in time…, Cairngorms National Park, Ballater :@mili_vigerova, 2-3 days (2 hours 50 minutes driving time). along this route, the North and West Highlands Route is also home to steep cliffs, emblematic lighthouses and Scottish . This is the Route 66 of road trips guys. Length: 300 miles / 482 km. Drive to the town of Dunvegan to see Dunvegan Castle, which has long been home to the Macleod Clan. Starting just north of Glasgow, the Argyll Coastal Route is like discovering the romantic Scotland of bygone age. If you need to get some shopping done, check out Lochcarron of Scotland – an iconic Scottish textiles company. We've also got help for you on petrol stations, charging points for electric vehicles, and how to keep Scotland looking beautiful by taking your litter with you and following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Escaping the urban life to Scotland for the first time on a 2-day road trip! Grab your clan, a bottle of whiskey and a fire playlist (because it’s cold out there) – and you’re good to go. We've tried to cover as much as possible during our 7 day Scotland road trip so join us on our trip through this amazingly mystical and magical place. Scotland is home to some fantastic road trips, and in our time living in Scotland we have tackled a fair few of them. Here are just some of the road trips you can take around Scotland. The North East 250 is Scotland’s best-kept motoring secret, encapsulating everything that makes Scotland so enchanting. July and August are the busiest months in Scotland (with August being festival month in Edinburgh), which many people prefer to avoid. NC 500- THE iconic scenic drive in Scotland. fife coastal route: the best scottish road trip for beach lovers. -. In the summer, the most popular Scottish road trips, like the NC500, are flooded with tourists. Find the latest information on travel, and Good to Go (Covid-safe) businesses. Or if it’s winter, stop by The Lecht 2090 at Cairngorms National Park, a must-visit for any Snowsports fan. Skye Museum of Island Life is not far away and will give you more of an understanding about this breathtaking island and its inhabitants. This road trip combines both mountains and coastline for a priceless experience. Follow the generations of eloping couples before you to Gretna Green and continue onwards into the heart of the Scottish Borders, Sir Walter Scott country. All of them can be done as one off road . There’s also Braemar Castle, to cross another castle off your list. From its magical highlands to its medieval towns and cities, traveling to Scotland is a cultural and fascinating adventure. This road trip takes in the best of wild Scotland. US President Eisenhower was even gifted part of it after his many visits! There are castles along fantastic coastlines. Here we share our best travel tips with the help of our favourite travel writers; such as where to find those authentic, soul-filled places, and the hottest hostels to stay in while you’re at it. Final Thoughts on the Best Road Trips in the Scottish Highlands. Then hit up the coastal town of Stonehaven for lunch and check out Dunnottar Castle which sits high above the green sea cliffs. You’ve got your acceptance letter, now It’s time to go to Hogwarts! When in Mallaig take a trip to see Loch Morar, which was used as Hogwarts’ Lake throughout the films. They offer guided tours of the constellations and planets, but you’ll need to book in advance. Here you can check out Hawick Museum, Wilton Lodge Park or Hermitage Castle. Weave through a beautiful countryside strewn with immense ruined abbeys, castles and country houses which hark back to a storied and sometimes turbulent past filled with fierce clashes, fair damsels and daring heroes. Passing the time of day at the Mull of Galloway. The best Scottish road trips to plan ahead for this summer With travel restrictions set to be eased this summer, it may be time to start planning that socially distanced road trip. The final day to take in the stunning Scottish landscapes. 1. 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. Then drive to the Isle of Whithorn, where the local museum tells its unique history of bringing Christianity to Scotland. 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. Return to Fort William to see some more of the filming locations. Try one of these 10 best scenic drives in Scotland, United Kingdom, to reach that life goal. With a range of hiking trails, the 92-mile Galloway Tourist Route will get your heart rate spiking. 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. The ferry from Mallaig to Armadale on the Isle of Skye only takes around half an hour but offers a stunning vista of Skye and the Small Isles called Rum, Eigg, Canna and Muck. Follow this 10-day Scotland road trip and discover the absolute best of the country. Balmoral Hotel: This is where JK Rowling wrote most of the final instalment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – room 552 to be exact. Scottish Highlands Road Trip Route 4: Highland Tourist Route. As soon as the sun broke through today, the house and gardens once again looked their very best. Making the most of the wild beauty of the Highlands, the 500-mile loop starts in the northern city of Inverness before heading west to Applecross and then northwards towards Ullapool, before passing John O'Groats and back down to Inverness to finish. All rights reserved. Change your preferences at Next stop by Sinclair’s Bay for some Instagrammable views. The road from Glencoe to Fort William is undisputedly one of the most scenic road trips Scotland has to offer, with breath-taking mountains and the grand, green woodlands of our high land. Admire the coastline, you’re at one of the most northerly points in the UK. Drive up to Aberdeen for the end of your trip. 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. Think about going in the off-season after August. With travel restrictions set to be eased this summer, it may be time to start planning that socially distanced road trip. Dundee has a Victoria and Albert Museum (the only one outside London), which exhibits the different eras of design. Option 2 sees you forego the above to head directly north for the ultimate Scottish road trip. Some of the oldest rocks in Europe also feature heavily (literally!) Take the time to hike around some of the national parks on this road trip to really understand Scotland’s beautiful and untamed landscapes. Stop by the town of Uig for a traditional pub lunch at The Pub at the Pier. The Scottish Road Trip: NC 500 What could be more liberating than an adrenaline-fueled road trip criss-crossing along The North Coast 500 (NC 500)? Explore the picturesque Fairy Glen – a range of tiny green hills – and the standing stones of Eyre. Drive along to Torridon for the afternoon and evening. 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. Here you can also visit the Clan Armstrong Information Centre to learn about the local history. All pretty great countries but pretty far away too. Have lunch in Dunfermline or in the neighbouring seaside towns of North Queensferry and Inverkeithing. Enjoy over 300 miles of quiet roads through the beautiful countryside of Dumfries & Galloway and south Ayrshire. If you still haven’t had enough whiskey, close by is Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery. Consider getting a GPS navigation system, as some areas are remote and difficult to reach. The top ten road trips for breathtaking views and motoring thrills around the UK From the rolling hills of The Atlantic Highway to terrifying twisties in the Scottish Highlands, here's our pick . Organise your transport, accommodation, route and more to stop by the o... 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