10 Perfect Scotland Road Trips | Itineraries & Hotels
There is nothing quite as magical as a Scotland road trip. There are endless scenic options and spectacular roads all across our breathtaking country, and having spent most of my life here, I can confirm that road trips are absolutely the best way to experience it all.
But which Scottish road trip should you choose?
From the Highlands to the Lowlands and the dozens of magical islands that scatter the coast, there is much to love.
Routes that visit rugged landscapes, stunning vistas of glens and lochs, pretty villages, castles, whisky distilleries, craft breweries, foodie experiences, boat trips, and historic sites. There are national parks too, mountain ranges, Munros, walking trails, wild beaches, and outdoor adventures aplenty.
And, of course, wonderfully scenic roads.
With careful planning and the perfect itinerary, you can easily incorporate all of these elements into your Scotland road trip.
To help you plan your route, I’ve narrowed it down to my 10 favourite road trips. They vary in time and length; some require less driving than others. Some are more outdoorsy than others, while others focus on cafes, distilleries, and food.
Quick Guide | My Top Scotland Road Trips:
North Coast 500
Glencoe, Classic Highlands & West Coast
West Coast Island Hopping
Isle of Skye
Inverness, East Coast & The Black Isle
Fife Coastal Route
Argyll Coastal Route
Moray Firth Coastal Route
Deeside & Cairngorms
Perthshire
Travel tip: The best way to explore Scotland is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for for our rental cars in Scotland, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Hertz and Sixt. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
Route Notes
One of the biggest misconceptions about Scotland is that it’s a small country and quick to drive around. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
In reality, Scotland is surprisingly expansive.
Plus, the more remote northern highlands and west coast islands are joined by a network of rural roads (and ferries) that often mean getting from A to B takes a lot of planning, time, and driving. My approach to choosing a Scotland road trip is not to try and do it all - instead, cover lesser distance and focus on one or two destinations. This is a slow approach to Scotland, one that savours the best of our wee country.
The best road trips, therefore, are designed to prioritise walks in beautiful landscapes, boutique stays, and slow dinners.
When you’ve chosen your route, it’s time to pack. Read our “Scotland road trip essentials” guide next!
PS - are you booking a Scotland trip soon? We can help!
Plan the perfect Scotland itinerary with our travel planning services & custom itineraries. Using our decades of experience, we’ll carefully craft a route based on your interests, recommend hotels, and find activities, tours, and attractions you’ll love. Find out more here.
10 of the Best Scotland Road Trips | Routes & Itineraries
From the rugged landscape of the Highlands to the spectacular West Coast, these are ten of my favourite Scotland road trips to take this year.
1. North Coast 500
Arguably Scotland’s most iconic road trip, and for good reason, the NC500 is a spectacular route around Scotland’s most northern reaches.
Starting and ending in lively Inverness, it follows a series of roads around the coast through the breathtaking scenery of Sutherland, Caithness, and Wester Ross.
The eastern side of the route is quietly beautiful, full of rolling countryside and pretty beaches, with plenty of quaint stays and cafes. But the West Coast provides the biggest and most dramatic views; areas like Applecross, Drumbeg, Torridon, and Assynt are beautiful beyond words.
The NC500 route takes you on a journey through what is undoubtedly some of Scotland’s best scenery - soaring mountainscapes and sweeping glens, white sandy beaches with turquoise waters, sparkling lochs, and historic castles.
There’s also a host of distilleries to visit, microbreweries, seafood cafes, cosy eateries, and boutique stays. And those looking for an adventure will easily find one, with walking routes and mountain trails that are utterly awe-inspiring.
There’s truly something for everyone.
Number of nights
5 to 10 nights (depending on how many stops you want to make).
Where to stay
Links House at Royal Dornoch, Dornoch
Kylesku Hotel, Kylesku
NC500 Pods, Achmelvich
Ardmore Shepherd's Hut, Lochinver
Croft Cottage, Ullapool
2. Glencoe, Classic Highlands & West Coast
Those who love big landscapes, wild coastlines, outdoor adventures, excellent eateries, and stylish hotels will love this classic Scottish road trip.
Start your trip with a drive north through pretty Callander or along the banks of Loch Lomond to reach Highland town Tyndrum.
From there, the roads converge and head north, winding through the dramatic and barren landscape of Rannoch Moor to our first destination - the Highland masterpiece Glencoe.
There are dozens of beautiful walks and hikes alongside lively Highland pubs and boutique stays.
Those who love big hiking routes and mountains will find themselves right at home in nearby Fort William and mighty Ben Nevis. Another popular attraction in the area is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, an unforgettable experience, especially for fans of the famous steam train.
Away from the mountains, the West Coast is unforgettable and offers a more scenic and quaint charm.
Sleepy fishing villages like Arisaig, wild beaches, shallow turquoise waters, and seafood eateries, plus several coastline walks that are great for catching epic sunsets.
Once you make your way to port town Mallaig, you’ll find an excellent bakery, cafes, boat trips, and, if you want to extend your road trip, the ferry to the Isle of Skye.
Number of nights
3 to 4 nights.
Where to stay
Mhor 84, Balquhidder
Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Glencoe
Glencoe House, Glencoe
Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Fort William
Glenfinnan House Hotel, Glenfinnan
Plan
Read our ‘how to road trip the Scottish West Coast’ guide.
3. Island Hopping
If you’re looking for an island-hopping adventure in Scotland, the West Coast is amazing.
There are hundreds of islands to choose from (over 700, though less than 100 are inhabited); some are hours away by ferry, others far closer and easy day trips from the mainland, often accessible via public transport.
Each island is unique, with its own landscapes, food, and history. Though gorgeous scenery, beaches, and wildlife are common themes, as are a deep sense of community, rural roads, and remoteness.
You can either visit one or an island group (some naturally fit well together), but be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore.
Also, be aware that ferries leave from various ports on the mainland, and very few islands are connected.
This means, for example, that getting between Skye and Islay involves a ferry back to the mainland to drive a few hours to catch another ferry to the next island (we don’t recommend this approach unless you have heaps of time.)
My favourite islands to road trip are:
Isle of Skye and Raasay
Mull, Iona, Staffa, and Ulva
Arran
Islay, Jura, and Colonsay
Gigha
Outer Hebrides
How much time you need will depend on the island, but they’re the perfect place to slow down and relax with nature walks, wild swims, distillery visits, and foodie experiences.
4. Isle of Skye
Those looking for an adventure on Scotland’s most popular island will love driving through the Highlands all the way to the magical Isle of Skye.
Skye is the easiest of all the major islands to reach, as it's accessible by car or a short ferry hop.
We recommend this itinerary, which uses the ferry and road bridge to loop through some of Scotland’s most scenic roads and along the west coast, including one of Scotland’s most famous castles (the dramatic Eilean Donan).
Once on the island, there’s a lot to see, and Skye seriously has something for everyone. In fact, you can easily fill every day with sightseeing, activities, beaches, scenery, and walks.
After visiting the main attractions, head to Skye’s quieter and lesser-visited locales. Carbost, Armadale, Sleat, and Elgol in the south or Uig, Waternish, and Dunvegan in the north are idyllic and postcard-perfect spots.
Alongside its breathtaking landscapes, Skye has some of Scotland's most picturesque towns and villages. From lively Portree to laidback Carbost, Skye’s communities are home to exceptional cafes, coffee shops, seafood shacks, and restaurants.
There are also heaps of small boutique stays, including design-led hotels, traditional crofter cottages, boutique B&Bs, and super modern wooden-clad lodges. Choose either one stay as your base for exploring the island or a ‘hotel hop’ to experience different styles of accommodation.
Number of nights
3 to 5 nights.
Where to stay
Bosville Hotel, Portree
Marmalade Hotel, Portree
Kinloch Lodge, Sleat
Greshornish House Hotel, Edinbane
Hame Hotel, Lonmore
Isle of Raasay Distillery, Raasay
5. East Coast: Inverness, The Black Isle, & Dornoch
Those who love good bars, good food, and stylish hotels will love visiting Inverness, all the way north through the Black Isle and further to coastal town Dornoch. The East Coast has something for everyone, including distilleries, castles, walking trails, scenic coastal views, stylish hotels, and many excellent places to eat.
Start your trip in Inverness.
The capital of the Highlands, this city is perfect for a foodie-centred stay with tons of places to eat, like The Mustard Seed, Black Isle, and Victorian Market. Plus, stylish stays like luxury Ness Walk Hotel and charming Heathmount Hotel.
Spend a day on the Black Isle, a peninsula overlooking the Cromarty Firth. This is one of my favourite places for coffee, food, and beautiful nature walks.
Charming villages and towns to visit include Fortrose, Rosemarkie, and Cromarty. There’s also an excellent foodie scene - check out Slaughterhouse Coffee, Souter Creek, IV10, and Bakhoos Bakery.
On your next day, continue north to the coastal town of Dornoch. Links House at Royal Dornoch is a luxury and chic stay overlooking the coast, and there is so much to love about this exceptional hotel. Alternatively, Heartseed House B&B is a cosy option just outside of town.
If you want to get out and about, walk along the coast or wander around the historic town. After, indulge in one of Dornoch’s many eateries such as Milk & Honey cafe, MARA fine dining restaurant, and Surf & Turf seafood cafe.
Number of nights
3 to 5 nights.
Where to stay
Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness
Heathmount Hotel, Inverness
Allangrange Hotel, near The Black Isle
Links House, Dornoch
6. Fife Coastal Route
Fife is one of Scotland's most stunning (and somewhat underrated) regions. From laid-back Aberdour to the charming harbours of Elie, Crail, and Pittenweem and the historic town of St Andrews, Fife has something for everyone.
Located on the East Coast, only an hour over the Forth Bridge from Edinburgh, you can easily see Fife’s Coastal gems on a long weekend road trip.
Starting in Aberdour means kicking off your road trip with a hike along the coastal path before spending the afternoon on the beach before soaking in the thriving cafe scene.
After Aberdour, head along the coast to the East Neuk for its coastal walks, wild beaches, and the amazing food scene. There are charming villages to explore along the coast, including picturesque Lower Largo, Elie, St Monans, Pittenweem, and Crail.
You can easily drive between them, but if you want to get out and about, walk the most beautiful part of the coastal path. The fishing villages are linked by this beachside trail, with its spectacular views, sandy bays, and calm coves.
End your trip in St Andrews, the popular university and golf town with a lot to see and do. Explore the castle, cathedral, beaches, university buildings, clifftop walk, exceptional restaurants, and boutique stores along the high street.
Number of nights
3 to 5 nights.
Where to stay
7. Argyll Coastal Route
If you’re looking to blend coastal, low-key, and history, a road trip through lesser-visited Argyll is a great way to experience some of Scotland’s most beautiful towns and villages.
Start your trip on the banks of beautiful Loch Lomond before crossing the Rest and Be Thankful pass onto the stunning Cowal Peninsula.
Explore the quaint coastal town of Inverary and soak in the views over Loch Fyne while staying at Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa. From the castle to the museum, there is plenty to see and do. Plus, Inverary is full of excellent restaurants, bars, and eateries.
Inland, Loch Awe is a relaxing place to unwind, with plenty of gentle nature walks, wild swims, and eateries to explore. Be sure to visit Kilchurn Castle while you’re here. More adventurous travellers can even bag a Munro on the nearby mountain peaks.
Further down the coast, Oban is a lively town with plenty to see and do; check out the whisky distillery, the hilltop tower, and seafood eateries.
Along the way, visit Port Appin and Castle Stalker, and nearby excellent restaurants The Old Inn or The Pierhouse. Further down the coast, options include seaside towns Lochgilphead, Tarbert, Portavadie (where you’ll find a cosy and intimate spa hotel) and village Tighnabruaich, with beaches, cafes, and even more picturesque views.
Number of nights
3 to 5 nights.
Where to stay
Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa, Inverary
Killean Farmhouse B&B, Inverary
Perle Hotel, Oban
Portavadie Hotel, Portavadie
Lochaweside Forest Cabins, Loch Awe
Kilchrenan Inn, Loch Awe
8. Moray Firth Coastal Route
If you’re looking to explore a true off-the-beaten-track Scottish destination, then a road trip along the Moray Firth and Aberdeenshire coastline is a great starting point.
Located east of Inverness, this route is perfect for travellers who enjoy the great outdoors, picture-perfect harbour villages, coastal views, and quaint cafes.
Start in whitewashed Pennan with a walk along the harbour and sweet treats from coffee shack Coastal Cuppie. Next, visit the charming village of Crovie; located at the bottom of a steep cliff directly overlooking the sea, there’s lots of character amongst the old stone cottages and distinctive orange roofs.
Along the coast, the charming harbour villages of Portsoy, Sandend, Portknockie, and Findochty are worth exploring, with pretty beaches, coastal walks, and cafes to spend time in. Be sure to visit the Bow Fiddle Rock sea stacks, Findlater Castle, the caves at Cullykhan Bay, and Spey Bay, where you’ll often see the resident dolphins.
However, for those looking for an adventure, you can walk all or some of the 50-mile/80-km Moray Coastal Trail along the cliffs. Larger towns include pretty Cullen and Lossiemouth, both excellent spots for cafes, restaurants, boutique hotels, and longer-stay holiday cottages.
Finally, this shorter trip can be easily incorporated into a Cairngorms, Inverness, or NC500 road trip
Number of nights
3 to 4 nights.
Where to stay
Seafield Arms Hotel, Cullen
Mill Of Nethermill Holidays, Pennan
Fife Lodge Hotel, Banff
9. Royal Deeside
If you’re looking to blend outdoor adventures with Scotland’s best castles, stylish stays, and historic towns, a road trip through Royal Deeside is hard to beat.
Tucked between Aberdeen and the Highlands, Royal Deeside follows the River Dee into the heart of the Grampian mountains. This is the eastern edge of the Cairngorms National Park, and those looking to immerse themselves in nature will find dozens of walking trails, forest paths, mountain hikes, moors, and tumbling rivers to enjoy.
Local estates with the best walks include Glen Tanar and Mar Lodge, both providing access to vibrant and varied landscapes with red squirrels, deer, pine forest and wetlands.
Once you’re ready to explore, the region’s chocolate box towns beckon. Amongst the best places to visit are Braemar (famous for its Highland Games and imposing castle), Balmoral (home of iconic Balmoral Castle and pyramid cairns), Cathie (with its pretty kirk) and Ballater (for its thriving foodie scene).
Other must-do activities include visiting the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, coffee and cake in Tarmachan Café, and dinner in the quirky Fife Arms.
Finally, this trip can be easily combined with a trip to Perthshire (below) or the Moray Coastal route (above).
Number of nights
3 to 5 nights.
Where to stay
Balmoral Arms, Ballater
Aileen Cabin, Ballater
Alba Cabin, Ballater
Glen Dye, Banchory
The Fife Arms, Braemar
10. Perthshire
Perthshire is one of the greenest and prettiest parts of Scotland. From laidback villages to leafy forest trails and postcard-perfect towns, Perthshire is a haven of nature walks, charming towns, and adventures.
Kick-off with a riverside walk in Dunkeld, shop in the boutique stores, artisan delis and speciality wine shops, and visit conservation cottages and the cathedral. There are exceptional eateries, too, like Aran Bakery. And stylish stays, such as The Taybank and Atholl Arms.
There are tons of charming villages to visit nearby, including picturesque Comrie, Grandtully, Auchterarder, Kinloch Rannoch, and bustling towns Pitlochry and Aberfeldy. Foodies will love Perthshire’s cafe and restaurant scene; Comrie Croft, Cow & Parrot, Grandtully Hotel, Three Lemons, and Kinloch Rannoch Tearoom are musts.
More adventurous travellers can go on forest walks in the Hermitage and Faskally, or bigger hikes on nearby mountain Schiehallion, white water rafting at Grandtully, or zip lining at Killiecrankie.
Since a Perthshire road trip isn’t linear, basing yourself in one location and taking day trips works well, or jumping between one or two of the area’s beautiful and cosy hotels.
Number of nights
3 to 5 nights.
Where to stay
The Taybank, Dunkeld
Atholl Arms, Dunkeld
Fonab Castle Hotel, Pitlochry
The Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder
Planning Tips
When to visit
Scotland is at its absolute busiest during the peak summer months, and the most popular places, like Skye and the NC500, can be overwhelmed by the number of travellers. It puts a lot of pressure on rural roads, attractions are overcrowded, and amenities are swamped.
To avoid the crowds, choose a lesser-visited destination like Argyll, Moray, or Fife. Or plan your Scotland road trip in the quieter spring and autumn months. Personally, we love to travel between April to early June and September to October, and find all Scottish destinations less crowded but very much open during these months.
Even winter is also a wonderful time for a road trip, with landscapes and mountains dusted in snow and hotels often offering deals. So long as you’re prepared for the Scottish weather, it’s the perfect time to travel.
When to book
I always recommend planning ahead. Though you might find an occasional last-minute deal, or love spontaneity, popular spots definitely need to be booked in advance.That includes hotels, restaurants, attractions, tours, and car hire.
This is especially important in the busy summer months and even more so in Scotland’s remote areas, which have fewer amenities. So book in advance or as soon as you know where you would like to eat and stay.
Car rental
The best way to explore Scotland is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Scotland, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Hertz and Sixt. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
We recommend requesting a compact SUV if your route includes remote areas with rural roads (for example, Skye or NC500). The reason? You’ll need capable tyres that can handle rough country roads, plus room in the boot/trunk for luggage, but small enough to squeeze into tight parking spaces and narrow passing places.
Google Maps offline
The vast majority of Scotland has good phone signal - but in the more areas, like far north or the islands, you’ll struggle. My advice is to save your route, hotels, attractions, and eateries in Google Maps, then download your map for offline use.
We’ve saved our favourite road trip itineraries into done-for-you, fully pinned and carefully curated Scotland maps. Check out the full range here; be sure to download them onto your phone or tablet for use on the road!
PS - are you booking a Scotland trip soon? We can help!
If you want to organise the perfect Scotland itinerary, our travel planning services & itineraries are here for you. Using our decades of experience, we’ll carefully craft a custom route based on your interests, recommend hotels, and find activities, tours, and attractions you’ll love. Get in touch to find out more or make an enquiry.
