Scotland Road Trip: Discover the Best of Scotland's Coastlines

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Scotland, exploring its rugged landscapes, ancient castles, and rich culture. From the dramatic Highlands to the breathtaking West Coast, this journey promises stunning vistas, intriguing history, and delightful surprises at every turn.

What’s the best way to reach Scotland?

To kick off your Scotland road trips, whether in Inverness or Glasgow, you can take a train or a domestic flight after arriving. Alternatively, you can pick up your rental car for the journey directly at the airport and hit the road from there.

The same applies to your return journey; after your vacation, you will either need to take a train or a bus from Inverness to Edinburgh to catch your international flight home, or you can add one more scenic drive to the airport.

If you're beginning your road trip in Europe, you may be able to find a direct flight to Inverness or Glasgow.

Ideal vehicles for your Scottish road trip

The type of rental car you choose will depend on your route, the season, and the number of travelers. It's important to ensure there's enough space for everyone and your luggage, and to select a fuel-efficient vehicle. Additional features like a built-in GPS and air conditioning (yes, even in Scotland!) are also wise choices.

In most areas, you won’t require an all-wheel drive vehicle, but it’s wise to check the weather forecast before you head out. Generally, a standard car or a compact SUV will suffice. Ultimately, choose a rental car that fits your budget and comfort needs. And don’t forget to get comprehensive rental car insurance for peace of mind!

Note: Scotland drives on the left side of the road! Opting for an automatic car can make your driving experience a bit smoother.

Optimal times for a Scottish road trip

As frequent travelers across Scotland, we can confidently say that the best times for a road trip in Scotland are May and June or September and early October.

During spring and early summer, the landscape bursts with vibrant hues as flowers blossom and trees regain their leaves. The weather is typically mild, offering extended daylight hours for exploration, and the roads experience less tourist traffic. You'll also steer clear of the notorious Scottish midge, which peaks in July and August.

In autumn, the scenery transforms into a breathtaking canvas of red, orange, and gold foliage. With summer tourists gone, you can enjoy a more tranquil road trip experience, while the weather remains relatively mild.

Remember that Scottish weather can be quite changeable, especially in coastal and mountainous areas, so it's wise to pack with the possibility of rain in mind!

Calculate your road trip budget

Before you finalize your travel plans, it's beneficial to understand the costs associated with road-tripping in Scotland. Here’s a breakdown of expenses, derived from comparisons across numerous travel providers to help you plan your budget:

*Cost estimates are sourced from numbeo.com as of May 2024

Scotland road trip: 5 days along the 500 route

Day 1: Inverness (one night stay)

Inverness, beautifully situated along the banks of the River Ness, marks both the beginning and end of your North Coast 500 adventure. With a stunning castle at its heart, Inverness is a vibrant city that's perfect for exploration.

Every visitor to Inverness should partake in the timeless tradition of hunting for the legendary Loch Ness monster. You can choose to take a cruise or rent a boat to try and spot Nessie. Even if you don’t see her, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views, fresh air, and a fantastic start to your NC500 journey!

Other attractions include a visit to the nearby Culloden Battlefield, the historic site of the Jacobite uprising’s final battle, where Charles Stuart’s forces were defeated in 1745, and hiking to Craig Phadrig, once the stronghold of ancient Pictish rulers.

Where to stay in Inverness: Kingsmills Hotel offers a prime location and comes highly recommended by guests.

Day 2: John o’Groats (one night)

Distance from Inverness: 120 miles - 3 hours

As you journey through the picturesque region of Easter Ross to John o’Groats, make sure to stop at Black Rock Gorge, a stunning mile-long gorge from the Ice Age that was featured in a popular wizarding film.

John o’Groats is a charming village set in a breathtaking landscape at the northeastern edge of Scotland. To reach the very tip, you’ll need to hike 2 miles from John o’Groats to the Duncansby Head Lighthouse. To witness the impressive 6,000-year-old Duncansby Sea Stacks, continue along the coastal path for another mile.

If that seems too far, the famous John O'Groats signpost is just a ten-minute walk north of the village, and snapping a photo there will create a memorable keepsake from your journey.

Where to stay in John o’Groats: Seaview Hotel is conveniently located in the village and offers stunning views.

Day 3 & 4: Tongue (two nights)

Distance from John o’Groats: 62 miles - 1.5 hours

As you journey west along Scotland’s northern coast, be sure to stop by the Castle of Mey. Once restored by the late Queen Mother, this castle provides a rare insight into the history of the British royal family, who used it as a holiday retreat.

Further along lies the stunning Melvich Beach, adorned with golden sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s an idyllic spot for a leisurely stroll or beachcombing, and with a bit of luck, you might catch sight of dolphins frolicking in the waves.

Take a moment to visit the charming village of Bettyhill and discover the intriguing Strathnaver Museum. Just a short walk from the pristine sands of Farr Bay, the museum offers an enlightening glimpse into Highland culture and history.

Tongue serves as an excellent base for a couple of nights, giving you the opportunity to venture further west into Sutherland before heading south.

The area boasts numerous untouched and often secluded beaches, the impressive Smoo Cave featuring one of Britain's tallest sea cave entrances at 50 feet, complete with its own waterfall, and the Balnakeil Craft Village, where local artisans craft glassworks, ceramics, wood creations, paintings, and prints—perfect souvenirs for your journey.

Where to stay in Tongue: The Tongue Hotel offers a traditional Scottish experience right in the heart of the village.

Day 5: Lairg (one night)

Distance from Tongue: 38 miles - 1 hour

Nestled deep in the Scottish Highlands, Lairg, often called the crossroads of the north, lies amidst a tapestry of moorlands, woodlands, and crofts along Loch Shin.

The route from Tongue to Lairg is a single-track road with designated passing spots, meandering through some of Scotland's most isolated landscapes, adorned with lochs and the ever-present mountains.

Visitors flock to Lairg for its fantastic hiking opportunities and to catch a glimpse of the stunning Atlantic salmon as they leap at the Falls of Shin, situated less than 5 miles away. From April to October, these remarkable fish make their upstream journey to spawn, with the best chances of witnessing their jumps in the later months.

Where to stay in Lairg: The Invershin Hotel Bunkhouse and Bar provides comfortable rooms and a taste of traditional Scottish hospitality.

Day 6: Inverness

Distance from Lairg: 49 miles - roughly an hour’s drive.

As you make your way back to Inverness, take a detour to hike up to the impressive Fyrish Monument for breathtaking views over Cromarty Firth.

Commissioned in 1782 by Sir Hector Munro, a British Army general with service in India, this monument was constructed to provide work for local people during the Highland Clearances. It holds great historical importance and is a favored hiking spot.

Scotland road trip: the ultimate two-week itinerary

Days 1 & 2: Glasgow (two nights)

Glasgow is a city rich in culture, history, and lively atmosphere. Its remarkable Victorian and Art Deco architecture, along with landmarks such as the medieval Glasgow Cathedral and the elegant buildings of George Square, contribute to its distinctive allure.

The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, featuring a multitude of museums, galleries, and theaters waiting to be discovered. Highlights include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the award-winning Riverside Transport Museum, ensuring there's no shortage of activities.

Glasgow also boasts a dynamic music scene, with many local restaurants, cafés, and bars hosting live music performances. Why not indulge in Scotland's delicious cuisine while enjoying some great tunes?

Where to stay in Glasgow: Motel One offers a fantastic location and dedicated parking facilities.

Day 3: Loch Lomond (one night)

Distance from Glasgow: 35 miles - under 1 hour

Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in Great Britain, is celebrated for its stunning natural scenery, framed by beautiful hills and mountains.

On your journey from Glasgow, make a stop at Balloch Pier, the southernmost point of Loch Lomond, where you can see the paddle steamer, Maid of the Loch, a splendid Clyde-built vessel featuring a striking Art-Deco interior.

From Balloch Pier, head north to the delightful village of Luss on the western shore, where you can enjoy activities like cycling, fishing, and water sports such as dinghy sailing, or take a scenic boat cruise.

The region boasts abundant wildlife, providing chances to see red deer, otters, and a variety of bird species.

A stroll to the end of the small pier to take in views of Ben Lomond, the southernmost Munro (a Scottish mountain over 914 meters high), is a must!

Where to stay in Luss: The Loch Lomond Arms Hotel is a charming 4-star establishment featuring traditional Scottish decor.

Day 4: Inveraray (one night)

Distance from Luss: 31 miles - approximately 45 minutes

Inveraray is a charming town located on the western shore of Loch Fyne, celebrated for its breathtaking views and well-preserved Georgian architecture, with elegant buildings gracing its picturesque streets.

The striking Inveraray Castle, the family home of the Duke of Argyll and Chief of Clan Campbell, showcases an impressive example of Scottish baronial architecture.

Inveraray also features the historic Inveraray Jail, a living museum and former prison from the 19th century. Visitors can explore the jail to learn about Scotland's criminal history and experience what life was like for Victorian prisoners.

Where to stay in Inveraray: The Inveraray Inn is a historic hotel with stunning views of Loch Fyne.

Days 5 & 6: Glen Coe (two nights)

Distance from Inveraray: 93 miles - about 2.5 hours

Today is all about the journey, and we’re choosing the scenic route! Set your GPS to follow the A83 south, then head north along the stunning coastline of the Argyll and Bute region.

Make a stop at Auchindrain to discover the Highlands' somber past. This picturesque site is Scotland’s last inhabited Highland farming township before the Highland Clearances, which occurred between 1750 and 1860, offering a beautiful yet reflective experience.

Other noteworthy stops along today’s journey include: Kilmartin Glen, home to 800 cairns and monuments, as well as the remnants of Dunadd Hill Fort, where Scotland's first kings were crowned; Oban Distillery, one of the smallest and oldest distilleries in Scotland; and the frequently photographed Castle Stalker.

Day five is dedicated to exploration. Shaped by glaciers and volcanic activity millions of years ago, Glen Coe is a landscape brimming with natural wonders, and the Glen Coe Geotrail reveals the area's ancient volcanic history.

Be sure to visit the charming village of Glencoe, where you can delve into local history, including the infamous 1692 Massacre of Glencoe, when members of the Campbell clan murdered those of the MacDonald clan under the orders of the English Crown.

Where to stay in Glen Coe: The Clachaig Inn is ideally situated and boasts excellent reviews.

Days 7 & 8: Glenfinnan (two nights)

Distance from Glen Coe: 33 miles - under 1 hour

As you depart Glen Coe, the majestic mountains call. From the market town of Fort William, you've officially entered the Scottish Highlands.

Make sure to stop at Banavie to see the incredible Neptune's Staircase, Scotland's longest staircase lock flight. This impressive series of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal elevates the waterway by 62 feet over a distance of 1/4 mile, taking around 90 minutes for boats to navigate through them.

It's the ideal place to indulge in 'gongoozling', the delightful pastime of watching boats and activities on canals!

The stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct arches gracefully over the valley, creating a breathtaking scene. Made famous by a beloved series of wizarding films, the viaduct has been crossed by the Jacobite Steam Train since 1897, offering travelers spectacular views of Loch Shiel and its majestic mountains.

Glenfinnan is historically significant as the location where Bonnie Prince Charlie summoned local clansmen to rise against the British throne. At the head of Loch Shiel, you can find the Glenfinnan Monument, erected to commemorate the Jacobite Uprising of 1745.

Where to stay in Glenfinnan: The Glenfinnan House Hotel is a prestigious lochside country house hotel, perfect for a memorable getaway in a Scottish castle!

Days 9, 10 & 11: Isle of Skye (three nights)

Distance from Glenfinnan: 73 miles - approximately 2.5 hours (including a ferry ride).

Today, you’ll journey across the sea to Skye. Continue your adventure on the A830, known as the historic Road to the Isles—one of Scotland’s most scenic drives, leading to Mallaig, where ferries depart for Rum, Eigg, and Skye.

Take a moment to visit Camusdarach Beach, located south of Mallaig, a stunning crescent of white sand kissed by the clear turquoise waters.

Once you reach Skye, make Portree your home base, providing easy access to all the island’s top attractions.

Some of our favorite activities on Skye include:

• Trek the 2.3-mile path leading to the Old Man of Storr on the Trotternish peninsula. This impressive rock formation, a result of an ancient landslide, rises high and is visible for miles, making it one of Scotland's most photographed landmarks.
• Explore Dunvegan Castle, the historic seat of Clan MacLeod. Nestled on the shores of Loch Dunvegan, its gardens offer a tranquil retreat filled with beautiful plants.
• Enjoy some invigorating wild swimming in the stunning Fairy Pools. These crystal-clear pools and waterfalls lie at the base of the majestic Cuillin mountains.
• Visit the renowned Talisker Distillery for a tour, concluding with a delightful taste of their distinctive peaty single malt whisky.
• Venture onto the water in a canoe or take a boat trip to connect with local wildlife, including seals, dolphins, porpoises, and various seabird species.

Where to stay in Portree: The Tongadale Hotel boasts a central location, making it an ideal base for exploring the island.

Day 12: Applecross (one night)

Distance from Portree: 75 miles - approximately 2 hours drive.

You’ll begin your journey by crossing the Skye Bridge over Loch Alsh, preparing to conquer the legendary Applecross Pass. Also known as Bealach na Ba, this winding single-track road features passing places and weaves through rugged, dramatic landscapes.

Featuring hairpin turns and steep inclines, this 11-mile stretch of road isn’t suited for the faint-hearted or inexperienced drivers; however, for those who dare, the spectacular views and unforgettable experience make it worthwhile!

With a population of only a few hundred and just two roads, Applecross Village offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Day 13: Fort Augustus (one night)

Distance from Applecross: 87 miles - approximately 2 hours

On Day 13, you'll traverse back over the Applecross Pass and journey through the Highlands, ultimately reaching the charming village of Fort Augustus, which serves as the gateway to Loch Ness and its southernmost point.

Take a break along the way to visit the acclaimed Attadale Gardens, renowned for their unique plantings and delightful paths to wander, especially when the sun is shining!

Further along, you’ll find Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most photographed landmarks. Situated on an island where three sea lochs converge, this stunning castle is enveloped in breathtaking scenery and rich history.

Fort Augustus is where the 60-mile-long Caledonian Canal departs from Loch Ness, winding through the village on its journey south. Don’t miss the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre to discover the canal's history and enjoy watching boats navigate the locks—a captivating sight!

Where to stay in Fort Augustus: The Loch Ness Guest House is highly rated and includes a complimentary breakfast.

Day 14: Inverness (one night)

Distance from Fort Augustus: 36 miles - around 1 hour

As you head east along Loch Lomond toward Inverness, make a stop at the 13th-century ruins of Urquhart Castle in Drumnadrochit, where you can explore a millennium of Highland history against the stunning backdrop of Loch Ness.

A bit further along the A82, you'll find Clansman Harbour, where you can embark on a boat tour of Loch Ness and indulge in some monster hunting—a perfect finale to your Scottish adventure!

Where to stay in Inverness: The Kingsmills Hotel is conveniently located and boasts excellent reviews.

Conclusion

Once you complete your road trip around Scotland, you will have encountered majestic mountains, scenic coasts, serene lochs, and quaint villages, all while enjoying some of the most picturesque driving routes.

From exploring Scotland's rich history to the wild landscapes of Sutherland and the stunning beaches along the west coast, you'll be able to check off many of Scotland's must-see attractions from your bucket list.

Why delay? Begin planning your Scottish road trip adventure today and uncover the beauty that lies ahead.

How was this guide created?

We are based in the UK and have dedicated our lives to road-tripping across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

We thrive on outdoor adventures mixed with a dash of history and culture, and we consider road-tripping—whether by car, motorhome, or bike—our favorite mode of travel.

Over the past five years, we've dedicated ourselves to our blog, The Gap Decaders, traveling across the UK and Europe by car, and mastering the art of planning and executing the ideal road trip!