Exploring Scotland in your own car or a hired vehicle is the best way to see this majestic country on your own time schedule.
Scotland is a must-visit destination for people the world over, and if you live elsewhere in the United Kingdom there’s no excuse to put off exploring this historic and picturesque country, especially when driving in your own car or arranging to pick up a hire car when you arrive. Road trips in Scotland will give you the opportunity to see the sights, explore the culture and try all manner of outdoor activities.
Wherever you go in Scotland, you won’t be far from a cosy B&B or hotel, and many areas are suitable for camping overnight. You should be cautious when visiting during the winter though, as many country roads can become hazardous and temperatures may be lower than you’re used to as you head further north.
Most people start their Scottish excursions in either Edinburgh or Glasgow, and it’s well worth spending at least a couple of days in these major cities to get a taste of modern, cosmopolitan Scotland before heading to the Highlands. Once you’ve seen iconic Edinburgh Castle, heading to Sterling Castle will give you the chance to learn more about some of the most famous and bloody periods in Scottish history, in the place where William Wallace triumphed over the English, after which you can head to Callander and the Trossachs to spend time driving around these scenic regions.
From Edinburgh, there are several popular routes taken by drivers, with perhaps the most ambitious being the 250-mile journey to the Isle of Skye, where you can see the diversity of Scotland’s wildlife. This route also takes in Fort William and the Eilean Donan Castle, and you shouldn’t visit Skye without trying some of its famous seafood, especially scallops and oysters.
From Glasgow, it’s only a 30-minute drive to Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s natural wonders, and if you’re planning on visiting Sterling too, you can make the whole trip in an afternoon. From here, it’s just a short drive to the Trossachs and the ‘Gateway to the Highlands,’ where many popular driving routes will be well signposted to offer flexibility on your Scottish road trip.
If you are planning on driving through the Highlands and other remote parts of Scotland yourself, you should make sure you’re up-to-date with car services and maintenance, as well as check your car insurance. If you’ll be hiring a vehicle, make sure your insurance covers you for accidents and damage in hire cars.
About the Author
Jamie Monteath writes about travel and finance topics, and enjoys reading about other bloggers experiences and advice. Jamie is big fan of music and theatre. He makes his home in the UK.
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