Scenic Drives In Scotland - A Road Trip To Remember
Scenic drives in Scotland offer breathtaking landscapes, stunning scenery, and picturesque views. The vast expanse of greenery, rolling hills, mountains, and beautiful lochs make Scotland a perfect destination for road trips.
Author:Tyreece BauerReviewer:Tobey StricklandMay 09, 2023142 Shares1.8K Views
Scenic drives in Scotlandoffer breathtaking landscapes, stunning scenery, and picturesque views. The vast expanse of greenery, rolling hills, mountains, and beautiful lochs make Scotland a perfect destination for road trips.
Exploring Scotland by car is the perfect way to discover the hidden gems of the country, witness the natural beauty, and immerse yourself in the Scottish culture.
In this article, we will delve into the world of scenic drives in Scotland and what makes them so special.
Best Scenic Drives In Scotland
North Coast 500
The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile scenic route that begins and ends at Inverness Castle.
The route takes you through the stunning Scottish Highlands, offering views of rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, and towering mountains.
This drive will take you through some of Scotland's most remote areas, giving you a glimpse into the country's raw, natural beauty.
Applecross Pass
The Applecross Pass is a winding single-track road that takes you over the Bealach na Bà mountain pass.
The road offers stunning views of the Isle of Skye, the Applecross Peninsula, and the Torridon Mountains.
Be sure to take your time and stop at the viewpoints along the way to truly appreciate the breathtaking views.
Glencoe
Glencoe is a beautiful valley that's steeped in history and legend. The drive through Glencoe takes you through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, where you'll see towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery at every turn. Be sure to stop at the Visitor Centre to learn about the area's rich history and folklore.
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is one of Scotland's most famous lochs, and the drive along its shores offers some of the country's most stunning views.
The road takes you through quaint villages, lush forests, and rolling hills, with the loch always in view. Be sure to stop at the viewpoints along the way to take in the stunning scenery.
Isle Of Skye
The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland's most popular destinations, and for good reason. The island offers some of the country's most stunning landscapes, with rugged coastlines, crystal-clear waters, and towering mountains.
The drive around the island takes you through quaint villages and offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.
Cairngorms National Park
Cairngorms National Park is the UK's largest national park and offers some of Scotland's most stunning scenery.
The drive through the park takes you through towering mountains, deep glens, and picturesque villages. Be sure to stop at the Cairngorms Visitor Centre to learn about the area's rich history and wildlife.
Stirling To Loch Lomond
The drive from Stirling to Loch Lomond takes you through some of Scotland's most stunning countryside.
The road winds through lush forests, rolling hills, and quaint villages, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Be sure to stop at the historic town of Balloch to see the beautiful Loch Lomond.
Fife Coastal Route
The Fife Coastal Route takes you along the stunning Firth of Forth, offering views of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and quaint fishing villages.
The drive takes you through historic towns and offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.
Wester Ross Coastal Trail
The Wester Ross Coastal Trail takes you along Scotland's rugged west coast, offering stunning views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.
The drive takes you through quaint fishing villages, past sandy beaches, and along towering cliffs. Be sure to stop at the viewpoints along the way to truly appreciate the stunning scenery.
Borders Historic Route
The Borders Historic Route takes you through the heart of Scotland's border country, where you'll see historic castles and picturesque villages.
Self-Drive Tours In Scotland
Self-drive tours in Scotland offer a great way to explore the country's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage at your own pace.
With a well-planned itinerary, you can visit some of the most scenic spots in Scotland, from rolling hills to rugged coastlines, and experience the country's unique history and traditions.
There are several companies that offer self-drive tours in Scotland, providing everything from rental cars to accommodation and travel itineraries.
You can also plan your own itinerary and book everything yourself, or take advantage of a guided tour that includes a driver and a knowledgeable tour guide.
Some of the most popular self-drive tours in Scotland include the North Coast 500, which takes you on a 500-mile circular route through the Scottish Highlands, passing by castles, lochs, and rugged coastlines.
The Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway are also popular destinations for self-drive tours, with scenic drives through rolling hills and picturesque countryside.
Whether you choose to go it alone or take a guided tour, self-drive tours in Scotland are a great way to see the best of what the country has to offer.
With a little planning and some careful driving, you can explore Scotland's natural beauty and immerse yourself in its fascinating culture and history.
Is this the most scenic 20 minute drive anywhere in the UK? The A82 in the Highlands of Scotland.
Guided Tours Of Scotland's Scenic Drives
Guided tours of Scotland's scenic drives offer an excellent opportunity to explore the beauty of the country's natural landscapes, historic landmarks, and cultural attractions.
These tours provide a unique and informative way to experience the scenic routes of Scotland while learning about its history and culture from a knowledgeable guide.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, guided tours of Scotland's scenic drives are an excellent way to explore the country's unique natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Some of the popular guided tours of Scotland's scenic drives include the North Coast 500, which is often referred to as Scotland's answer to America's Route 66.
This route takes you on a journey along the stunning coastal landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, passing through quaint fishing villages, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches.
The tour also takes you through some of the country's most scenic towns, such as Inverness, John O'Groats, and Ullapool.
Another popular tour is the Isle of Skye tour, which takes you on a journey through the majestic Scottish Highlands and the rugged coastline of the Isle of Skye.
The tour includes stops at some of the island's most famous landmarks, including the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and the Fairy Pools.
You will also have the opportunity to visit some of the island's charming towns and villages, such as Portree and Dunvegan.
For those interested in exploring Scotland's rich cultural heritage, there are also several guided tours that focus on the country's historic landmarks and cultural attractions.
The Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond tour is an excellent example, which takes you on a journey through the country's medieval history, visiting the historic Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, and the charming village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond.
Overall, guided tours of Scotland's scenic drives offer an excellent way to explore the country's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
These tours are an ideal choice for travelers who want to experience the best of Scotland's natural and cultural landscapes while learning about its unique history and traditions from a knowledgeable guide.
People Also Ask
Can You Do Scenic Drives In Scotland In One Day?
Yes, there are many scenic drives in Scotland that can be done in a day. Some examples include the Applecross Peninsula, the Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park, and the Angus Coastal Route.
What Is The Best Time To Do A Scenic Drive In Scotland?
The best time to do a scenic drive in Scotland is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is mild and the days are long.
What Are The Most Picturesque Routes To Take In Scotland?
Some of the most picturesque routes in Scotland include the A82 through Glencoe, the A87 to the Isle of Skye, the A835 to Ullapool, and the A93 through the Cairngorms National Park.
Are There Any Guided Scenic Drives In Scotland?
Yes, there are many guided scenic drives in Scotland. Some tour companies offer guided tours of the North Coast 500, the Isle of Skye, and other scenic routes.
What Is The Distance Of The North Coast 500?
The North Coast 500 is approximately 500 miles long, hence the name.
Final Thoughts
Scotland is home to some of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the world, featuring stunning landscapes, iconic landmarks, and picturesque villages.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, taking scenic drives in Scotland countryside is an experience that should not be missed.
From the famous North Coast 500 to the lesser-known but equally beautiful routes, Scotland has something for every type of traveler seeking an adventure on the road.
So, pack your bags, hit the open road, and get ready to discover Scotland's natural beauty and rich history at your own pace.
Tyreece Bauer
Author
Tobey Strickland
Reviewer
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