18 Best Road Trips in Scotland
Scotland boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The picturesque landscapes are world famous for their rural wildness and beauty, in any season. From glistening lochs and rivers to lush green valleys and jagged peaks, there’s much to discover on your Scotland road trip.
We’ve put together a handy guide on the best scenic drives and roads in Scotland to ensure you don’t miss out on any breathtaking views during your Scotland road trip, including information on the Crerar450 route. Read on to find out the must-do road trip in Scotland - adventure awaits around every bend.
1. Crerar450 Scenic Road Trip Route
Consider us blissfully biased but the Crerar450 is an excellent option for those looking to explore The Highlands. This road trip begins at Inveraray and ends at Inverurie with stops in some iconic spots such as Oban, Glencoe, Nairn, and the Isle of Mull.
The breath-taking route, which takes in the 450 miles between all seven of our idyllic locations, guarantees any adventurous road trippers the chance to explore famous towns and take in iconic landmarks including west coast islands, the Great Glen, Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Loch Ness, and the Cairngorms. For more detailed information on Crerar450, see our blog post about it here.
Another more recent addition to our collection of Scotland road trips is the ultimate wellness road trip named the ‘Wellness Trail’. Our hotels offer some of Scotland’s most iconic locations as a backdrop, so our ‘Wellness Trail’ caters for the ideal balance of relaxation, exhilaration and escapism, taking advantage of our collection of spas for the perfect road-trip-spa-break.
Ultimate Crerar450 Experience Gift Voucher: Give your loved ones the gift of Scotland. This 7-night break across Scotland includes one night at each hotel and dinner each evening with drinks included. Find out more about the Crerar450 Experience Voucher here.
Crerar450 Special Offer: We're offering 15% off when booking two or more properties. To book this offer, call us on 08430502020.
2. Road to Skye Scenic Road
The Isle of Sky is the largest of the Inner Hebrides and offers some of the most stunning views in all of the UK. Known for its rugged landscapes, medieval castles, picturesque fishing villages, its history and outstanding scenery, Skye is one location you won’t want to miss on your Scotland road trip, and the route there is just as beautiful with winding roads, rolling peak of greenery and loch that sparkle under the sun.
To reach the Isle of Skye, you can either catch the ferry from Mallaig, or take the Skye Bridge. If you have the time for the longer route, we would recommend the bridge option as the views are unparalleled. To drive, go further north to Kyle of Lochalsh and cross to Skye via the bridge on the A87.
3. Trotternish Peninsula Scenic Drive (Isle of Skye)
This famous Trotternish ridge is well worth visiting on your trip to the Isle of Skye. Not only is the ridge a popular walking route on the island, but it also offers some of the most memorable sights in Skye such as the approach to the Old Man of Storr in the south, and The Needle and The Prison in the Quiraing.
The main road sticks close to the sea and, although some amazing views can be admired from this route, for the more adventurous types, there’s another route. Take the narrow, winding road that runs from Staffin to Uig, which climbs to the top of the ridge and runs across the high Trotternish plateau before finally dropping back down to the sea.
4. Borders Historic Route
This more well-known road trip in Scotland runs 89 miles along the Scottish borders. On this road trip you can discover historic sights, abbeys, and peaks. For history buffs, get your fill of Scottish history at the National Mining Museum Scotland. Discover Eildon Hills, just south of Melrose, which inspired poet Sir Walter Scott to build his home there.
Stretch your legs and uncover the mystery of Rosslyn Chapel, known for its elaborate stone carvings that played a key role in Dan Brown’s best-selling novel ‘The Da Vinci Code’.
5. Argyll Coastal Route
Starting in Tarbet and finishing in Fort William, this 129-mile road trip is one of the most popular driving routes in Scotland. Start your trip off in the iconic Loch Lomond and enjoy the sights as you wind through the towns and villages and reach Inveraray. This quaint seaside town is famous for its fairytale castle and Inveraray jail, which you can visit to get your fix of local history.
If you’re looking to stay the night in Inveraray and soak up the town’s history, enjoy a luxury stay in our Loch Fyne Hotel for a restful night’s sleep.
Continue on your route and you’ll end up in Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland known for its fresh, top-quality seafood. For those looking for a hike, take to Battery Hill to enjoy the views from McCaig's Tower over Oban Bay.
Follow the West Coast route through Benderloch and Appin, then continue on along the banks of Loch Leven to reach the famous Glencoe before arriving in Fort William.
6. Deeside Tourist Route
Spanning from Perth to Aberdeenshire, this Scotland road trip has a distance of 108 miles and has plenty to offer. Visit the Scone Palace for a touch of royal decadence, as the Palace was once home to the Earls of Mansfield and the ancient crowning place of Scottish Kings.
The route continues through Glenshee, where you can find a host of winter sports, and onto Braemar where the Highland gathering takes place - an event in which members of the Royal Family attend. Balmoral Estate was purchased by Queen Victoria in 1852 and has been their vacation spot every year ever since - earning the area the title Royal Deeside.
On this route, you can also visit the famed Crathes Castle and Gardens or Drum Castle, which boasts an incredible medieval banquet hall. The route ends in Aberdeen, where you can uncover the local history and enjoy the vibrancy of the city.
7. Clyde Valley Tourist Route
Discover scenery, historical sites and more between Abington and Hamilton on the Clyde Valley Tourist Route. This drive may only be 30 minutes long, but it has some fantastic sights to admire. At 38 miles long, you can enjoy this route in an afternoon on any day of the week. Explore the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve and admire the rushing waterfall and enjoy a hike up the West Forth Forest to take in the breathtaking view from the top.
8. Angus Coastal Route
Admire views of the west coast on this road trip that spans from Dundee and Aberdeen. You’ll pass picturesque towns, historic sites, nature reserves and more on this 68-mile drive.
Discover the 200-year-old method for grinding grain at the Barry Mill, try your hand at some science experiments at the Dundee Science Centre, and soak up local history at the Broughty Ferry Castle and the Arbroath Abbey.
9. Fife Coastal Route
Spanning 77 miles, the Fire Coastal Route is a popular choice as the roadtrip boasts incredible views and passes some great spots such as the Kincardine Bridge and the coast of the Firth of Forth.
Catch a glimpse of the iconic red squirrel as you explore the Devilla Forest and its historic sites. Dunfermline Palace and Abbey can be found on this route, so stop off and see the spot where Robert the Bruce is buried. For those travelling with kids, make a stop at Deep Sea World and explore an underwater world complete with interactive tanks and the ocean tunnel.
10. Perthshire Tourist Route
Running 43 miles from Greenloaning to Ballinluig, this route is full of chances for adventure. Visit Comrie Croft and challenge yourself with a day of hiking the peaks for amazing views from the top. Founded in 1680, the Library of Innerpeffray is Scotland’s oldest library, now a museum - for book lovers, this spot is one for the bucket list!
Also on this route, admire the yew hedges of Drummond Castle Gardens or visit the Glenturret Distillery for a sampling of single malt whisky and how it’s made.
11, Moray Firth Route
One of the longer routes on our list, the Moray Firth Route spans 80 miles from Inverness to The Mound on Loch Fleet. On the scenic drive, you’ll pass Easter Ross and Sunderland, locations which are considered two of the most rugged and untouched parts in all of Scotland.
On this route, experience craft beers at the Black Isle Brewery, admire the rushing waters of Rogie Falls and the Falls of Shin, and experience breathtaking views from Struie Hill Viewpoint and Dornoch Firth.
12. Drumbeg Loop B869 Scenic Road
This scenic road, while just as stunning as the rest, is generally considered a more challenging drive due to the single road with steep hills. The road is 22 miles long and runs from Lochinver to Ullapool. Please note that due to the narrow roads, this route is not suitable for caravans and coaches.
13. Forth Valley Tourist Route
This Scottish road trip is 43 miles long and spans from Edinburgh to Stirling and is a great choice for those looking to hit all the local tourist spots. Blackness Castle, which is featured in Outlander, can be visited on this route as well as Linlithgow Palace, and the Kinneil Museum and Estate. There are many more sights and views to explore on this route as you discover the area.
14. Galloway Tourist Route
One of the longer road trips in Scotland, the Galloway Tourist Route runs for 92 miles from Gretna to Ayr. On this west coast route, you can visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Galloway red deer range, Threave Castle, and the Devil’s Porridge Museum.
15. Highland Tourist Route
Experience Scottish countryside at its absolute finest on this route from Aberdeen to Inverness. This route spans 116 miles and is a real treat for those eager to experience the beauty of Scottish scenery on your drive and uncover Scottish history.
Practise your parallel turns at The Lecht 2090 for an afternoon of skiing, no matter the season in the Cairngorms National Park. Whilst in the park, you might just spot some rare wildlife like the red squirrel - keep your eyes peeled! You can also visit some important local spots and historical sights such as Cawdor Castle, Fort George, and the famous battlefield, Culloden, where you can experience reenactments.
16. North and West Highland Route
This route runs from Ullapool to John o’Groates and spans for 158 miles. This Scottish road trip sweeps through the beautiful North West Highlands Geopark. Coupled with panoramic seaside views and the rogue wildness of the countryside, this route offers unforgettable views.
On this route, there are many things to discover, such as the Rhue Lighthouse which can be reached after a short hike and boasts views of Loch Broom. Discover thousands of seabirds at Handa Island after a short boat ride - a must for animal enthusiasts! Strathnaver Museum is included on this route, where you can learn all about the tragic history of the Highland Clearances.
17. North Coast 500 Road Trip Route
Also known as the NC500, this 516-mile route links all of the top spots in the Highlands and starts and ends at Inverness Castle. Although this route typically takes 5 - 7 days to complete this scenic route, it’s one of the most popular - and famous - on our list. This road is often described as the road trip of a lifetime and it certainly delivers. Due to the length of this one, make sure you have accommodation set up in advance if you require it as you will need to rest between days or locations.
On this route you can enjoy white-sand beaches, rolling peaks and hills, quaint fishing towns and hidden gems - there is plenty to uncover. From the Black Isle, Caithness, Easter Ross, Inverness-shire, Sutherland and Westerland, you can explore every inch of the North Coast with the NC500. Aptly named ‘Scotland’s Route66’, this one is definitely a bucket-list item for many!
18. The Kintyre66 Road Trip Route
This route is one of the newer ones and, although short, offers great views and lots of options for exploring, not to mention food and drink. At just 66 miles long, this road trip in Scotland is a great one for a day trip to get out of the cities and breathe in some fresh, countryside air. Sample world-famous scotch whiskies and dine on the freshest seafood, straight from the waters to your plate.
Visit famous, historical castles and marvel at ancient standing stones. Enjoy time on the water and kayak in the turquoise waters as you soak up the magnificent views that surround you.
The Choice is Yours
No matter which of these incredible Scotland road trips you decide to embark on, one thing is certain, each one will blow you away with its unrivalled panoramic views and rich history. There is something for everyone to enjoy in every inch of the Highlands.
Make Crerar Hotels your hub and enjoy spa treatments, luxury rooms and award-winning dining at any of our Highland locations on your once-in-a-lifetime trip.
