Planning a Scotland street journey? Trying to determine the place to go and what to do throughout your go to? Here are the most effective Scotland itinerary concepts for number of durations, together with lengthy weekends, 4-5 days, 7-10 days and 14+ days, though you may combine, match or prolong as you want!
Don’t neglect to seize your free information to the most effective locations to see on a Scotland street journey below- that can assist you plan your good street journey.
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Scotland Road Trip- why go to?
Put simply- Scotland is simply magical.
It’s a kind of unimaginable locations the place you flip nook after nook and every is extra breathtaking than the final! (Exactly the identical as Norway).
You can count on to say ‘wow’ rather a lot and cease ceaselessly to take 1,000,000 images of the surroundings. And the Highland cows. And sheep.
Did I point out the surroundings?
The drawback is there’s SO MUCH to see.
Planning a Scotland street journey will be DAUNTING. Trying to squeeze a go to to a rustic into only a few days is hard, nevertheless it IS potential to plan a Scotland journey itinerary with the most effective locations to go to, in addition to some locations off the ‘beaten track’.
In this submit, we’ll present you the finest scenic routes & driving roads in Scotland, lochs, castles, cities you undoubtedly ought to go to, plus how one can go to the Scottish Highlands.
Whether you’re touring Scotland by automotive on a self-drive vacation, motorhoming or campervanning in Scotland or exploring by motorcycle (or every other car!), our map of our Scotland street journey will assist you to plan your individual journey.
How to plan a Scotland Road Trip
So, how DO you slender down all of the ‘must-visit’ locations into an inexpensive itinerary, particularly in the event you solely have just a few days on your Scottish street journey?
Do you give attention to visiting stunning cities like Edinburgh (with the Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle) and Glasgow, seeing the historical past of Scotland, like Culloden, visiting HARRY POTTER websites, climbing within the Highlands, having fun with nice views of the lochs? Or a little bit of all the things??
In this weblog submit of Scotland Itinerary concepts, we’ve included a little bit of all the things to assist you to create your good Scottish Road Trip and profit from your time on this stunning nation.
The Wandering Bird Scotland Road Trip Planner
Feel overwhelmed? Wish somebody might do all of the onerous be just right for you?
You’re in luck!
If you need to take pleasure in a Scotland street journey with out the weeks of planning and struggling to determine the place to go to first, think about using our Scotland Road Trip Planner.
![Scotland road trip travel planner route map guide](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Copy-of-scotland-road-trip-planner-travel-683x1024.jpg)
Planning a visit to Scotland?
We’ve finished the onerous be just right for you!
Grab our full Scotland journey planner and get:
- 80+ concepts for locations to go to
- Maps and itinerary solutions
- Routes and issues to see alongside the best way
- Tips, customs and far way more!
Complied after years of expertise touring and exploring Scotland, it accommodates all the most effective issues to see and do, plus all the things you want for unimaginable Scottish street journeys for years to come back.
It helps you compile a day-day plan on your journey, eradicating the stress while leaving you loads of time to take pleasure in your self, each earlier than and through your journey!
Where ought to I am going on a street journey in Scotland?
As you’ll see beneath, there are numerous (many!) stunning locations to go to in Scotland.
Your precise itinerary can be created from the belongings you take pleasure in. We plan our UK street journey itineraries like this and it’s not allow us to down but!
For us, we choose to steer clear of massive cities after we’re travelling in our motorhome and as an alternative give attention to areas like nationwide parks, nature reserves, mountains, waterfalls… you get the concept.
‘Scenic Scotland’ doesn’t disappoint- we’ve seen a number of the most breathtaking locations on our journeys to Scotland, which I share with you on this itinerary.
Having mentioned that, Edinburgh is an unimaginable metropolis and nicely price visiting in the event you can. So are a number of others. So don’t write off all cities and cities in your Scotland Road Trip itinerary simply but!
What is the most effective street journey in Scotland?
The ‘best road trip in Scotland’ goes to be subjective based mostly on what you take pleasure in and likewise what the climate is like!
Certainly, essentially the most well-known street journey in Scotland is now the NC500 (North Coast 500 route), which is 516 miles of pure magic across the north of Scotland.
I’ve pushed the NC500 in my motorhome and it was fantastic- extremely extremely suggest it (though NOT within the college holidays because it will get very crowded.)
The NC500 additionally contains John o’Groats, which must be one of the crucial well-known factors in Scotland. The 10 day Scotland street journey itinerary we’ve included beneath additionally contains this landmark.
However, there are a number of extremely scenic roads in Scotland which we extremely suggest you explore- a few of them are good for only a few days, whereas some require slightly extra time to drive.
How lengthy does it take to street journey Scotland?
Oh, that’s an open query! How lengthy do you could have?
Whether you could have a weekend, 5 days, 7-10 days or longer, you may completely fill your time. I do know individuals who’ve spent 3 months exploring the Scottish Highlands and STILL didn’t see all the things they needed to.
The Scotland street journey itinerary beneath took us 10 days, however there are some bits you may miss in the event you solely have 7 days on your journey.
Likewise, if in case you have longer, you may both journey extra scenic routes round Scotland (particularly on the Highlands vacationer route), see extra unimaginable locations, do some extra excursions round Scotland, style extra whisky or simply take your time and linger some time over your favorite locations.
When I drove the North Coast 500, I took slightly below 14 days to do a lot of the loop. This was simply the half in Scotland- it additionally took me per week to rise up there!
TOP TIP for Scotland Road Trips: Be positive to not plan an excessive amount of into your itinerary, as lots of the roads are slender and slower and also you received’t be capable to journey as far or as quick as you would possibly count on.
How to journey round Scotland?
Scotland may be very nicely related to the remainder of the UK; a minimum of, the lowlands are. You can simply attain Glasgow and Edinburgh by street, practice or air.
If you’re hiring a rental automotive or renting a motorhome, these are the 2 cities to purpose for as there’s a lot selection.
Of course, in the event you’re driving your individual car up by way of England, there are many motorways close to the border, so it’s straightforward to journey round.
Of course, you should use public transport or perhaps a guided tour in the event you choose to not drive your self, however for the needs of this weblog submit, we’ll assume you could have your individual car.
When is the most effective time to go to Scotland?
If you need to street journey Scotland and want to elevated your possibilities of having fun with good climate, then the most effective time to go is both late Spring/ early Summer (May or June) or in early Autumn (September/ October).
This approach, you keep away from the excessive crowds AND the midges, that are principally round in July and August.
I did my NC500 tour in September/ October and the roads have been pretty quiet, I had some unbelievable climate (plus a few storms) and there have been only some patches with actually unhealthy midges. All in all, Autumn is often a beautiful time for a Scottish journey!
Want some extra concepts for locations to see in Autumn? Here are 27 of the finest locations to expertise Autumn in Europe.
Scotland Road Trip Map and Itinerary
The map beneath reveals our 10-day driving route for our tour of Scotland.
We travelled from the Isle of Skye to John o’Groats utilizing the primary driving roads (that are faster), however in any other case, we tried to take scenic roads the place potential (though that’s not at all times straightforward in a Motorhome!)
Because we solely had 10 days, our itinerary missed out the attractive west coast of Scotland. If you could have further time, I extremely suggest doing this shoreline (a part of the NC500 route) because it accommodates a number of the prettiest views in Scotland.
![Looking to plan the perfect road trip to Scotland? Here's an unmissable Scotland itinerary for 7-10 days, taking in all the highlights and some surprises! #scotland #travel #highlands #itinerary #roadtrip #thingstodoin](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/scotlanditinerarymap.jpg)
Our Scotland Itinerary is round 800 miles (1300km), with round 23 hours of precise driving over a ten day journey.
The map begins on the west coast of Scotland, however, in fact, you are able to do the drive in reverse in the event you choose.
Our Scotland Itinerary planner:
![Scotland road trip travel planner route map guide](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Copy-of-scotland-road-trip-planner-travel-683x1024.jpg)
Planning a visit to Scotland?
We’ve finished the onerous be just right for you!
Grab our full Scotland journey planner and get:
- 80+ concepts for locations to go to
- Maps and itinerary solutions
- Routes and issues to see alongside the best way
- Tips, customs and far way more!
Scotland Itinerary Ideas- Day One
Start your Scotland tour in both Edinburgh or Glasgow. Of the 2, I a lot choose Edinburgh…
(That sound you hear is me being skinned alive… one in every of my finest associates comes from Glasgow. Sorry hon xx)
Edinburgh
![The city of Edinburgh- a great place to start or end your Scottish road trip](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/edinburgh-scotland-road-trip-itinerary-1024x683.jpg)
Edinburgh is the right metropolis to dip out and in of. There’s at all times one thing occurring.
If you’re searching for a soothing lengthy weekend within the UK, you may fly as much as Edinburgh. Similarly, in the event you solely have 3 or 4 days in Scotland, it’s a beautiful begin to get a style of the nation.
Don’t miss visiting Edinburgh Castle, which has spectacular views over the remainder of the town and Arthur’s Seat.
I additionally suggest a go to to George Street (seize a cocktail from the Dome) and benefit from the ambiance, particularly round Christamas.
Rose Street and Cockburn Street have fantastic impartial boutiques the place you’ll find nice items (for others or your self!)
Driving in Edinburgh
Before we go any additional… DO NOT DRIVE YOUR MOTORHOME INTO THE MIDDLE OF EDINBURGH.
No. Really.
Let me repeat that so it sinks in.
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR MOTORHOME INTO THE MIDDLE OF EDINBURGH!!!
We tried it. With a Motorbike trailer on the again.
It didn’t go nicely. There are NO Motorhome parking areas close to the City Centre. And the streets are slender and never designed for lorries, not to mention Motorhomes!
We stopped in Edinburgh for just a few hours and, actually, the one factor we did was see Edinburgh Castle- which is gorgeous however left us wanting extra. I used to be gutted as I’d already deliberate a self-guided Harry Potter tour of Edinburgh– sure, actually.
We’re already planning a visit again up someday… simply not with the motorhome!! But from what we noticed, there are a minimum of 3 days price of actions in Edinburgh if in case you have the time.
If you take pleasure in food- you’re in for an actual treat- Edinburgh has some FANTASTIC consuming locations. Here are 10 vegan-friendly eating places in Edinburgh for everybody to take pleasure in.
Where to remain
There are loads of locations to remain in Edinburgh. If you’re in a motorhome, keep outdoors the town and get public transport in. I like to recommend the Edinburgh Caravan and Motorhome membership web site.
If you’re driving a automotive, e book a resort with parking, as it may be troublesome to search out within the metropolis centre. The Sheraton Grand Hotel, which has rooms overlooking Edinburgh Castle, is an excellent choice if you wish to deal with your self.
Glasgow
There is PLENTY of issues to see and do in Glasgow and you’ll simply spend a few days having fun with the town earlier than you set off in your driving vacation.
TOP TIP– If you’re not from the UK and also you don’t actually perceive soccer (soccer!), don’t point out soccer in Glasgow.
The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers followers (each golf equipment are based mostly in Glasgow) is HUGE and brazenly supporting the mistaken one might finish in tears- for you. Different pubs help totally different groups and it ceaselessly will get… heated!!
Scotland Road Trip DAY 2- LOCH LOMOND and the Trossachs National Park
![Looking to plan the perfect road trip to Scotland? Here's an unmissable Scotland itinerary for 7-10 days, taking in all the highlights and some surprises! #scotland #travel #highlands #itinerary #roadtrip #thingstodoin](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/scotland-683x1024.jpg)
Loch Lomond National Park
Ok, now that you simply’ve loved a couple of days in Glasgow or Edinburgh, let’s head up into the ‘real’ Scotland. Loch Lomond is one in every of my favorite spots, and is certainly one of many must-visit locations in Scotland.
Loch Lomond is definitely a part of the Trossachs National Park, which has 22 lochs! Loch Lomond is the most important. You can kayak, paddleboard, canoe and even rent jet-skis in the summertime. There are 30 islands on Loch Lomond alone to explore- loads to maintain you occupied if you wish to keep for just a few days.
The loch is completely breathtaking, particularly in the event you’re fortunate sufficient to see it on a sunny day.
Don’t imagine me? See it for your self:
WATCH VIDEO of us at Loch Lomond (and seeing the Harry Potter websites!)
Wild Camping in Scotland
Wild Camping is regulated inside the Trossachs National Park, so watch out the place you park up for the evening in the event you’re in a camper. You must have a allow between March and September and might solely keep in accredited areas.
Find out extra about wild tenting in Scotland right here
Road Trip Scotland DAY 3- Oban and Fort William
![Looking to plan the perfect road trip to Scotland? Here's an unmissable Scotland itinerary for 7-10 days, taking in all the highlights and some surprises!](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/oban-1024x683.jpg)
If you could have time whilst you’re touring Scotland, detour to Oban. I LOVE this town- it has the prettiest harbour and in Summer you are able to do a ferry tour out to a number of the islands- nicely well worth the journey on a relaxed day.
We stayed right here in a log cabin just a few years in the past (earlier than we bought our motorhome) and the views have been spectacular- particularly at evening.
I bear in mind standing outdoors our log cabin and gazing up on the stars in absolute amazement- they have been so shiny and clear. Magical.
Another detour well worth the effort is to Devil’s Pulpit– a hidden waterfall between the rocks. Full instructions will be discovered right here.
Fort William is named ‘the gateway to Ben Nevis’, which is the UK’s highest peak. It’s additionally near Steall Falls– the second highest waterfall in Scotland at 120m and the waterfall in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, in case you’re questioning!! (Check out these different stunning waterfalls in Europe)
Getting there’s a few 2.5 miles stroll and takes about 1.5-2 hours relying on how typically you cease. It’s appropriate for teenagers, as you may learn right here.
Scotland Itinerary DAY 4- Harry Potter Time!
Scotland is filled with locations used within the Harry Potter movies. We visited just a few of them, all on the best way to Mallaig (the place the ferry is for the Isle of Skye. In sooner or later we noticed:
![Glenfinnan viaduct in Scotland- part of our driving tour of Scotland](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/glenfinnan-1024x683.jpg)
Glenfinnan Viaduct
This is the viaduct made well-known within the Harry Potter movies. You can stroll proper as much as the bottom of it.
You also can experience on the Jacobite Steam practice, which is the one used for the movie and which works straight over the viaduct! The practice goes from Fort William to Mallaig and does get booked up nicely prematurely, so remember to e book early!
We bought our favorite journey drone out and took some wonderful photographs of the viaduct and Loch Sheil, as you may see within the video above.
Loch Shiel
This is the loch used as Hogwarts Lake, together with Loch Morar. This is the place Buckbeak dips a cheerful toe (claw?) within the waters in Prisoner of Azkaban.
We parked within the customer centre on the shores of Loch Shiel, which additionally allowed a stroll up the slope for unimaginable views of the viaduct, even within the rain!
![Loch Shiel- Lochs of Scotland- perfect spots for a break on your Scottish Highlands road trip](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/lochshiel-1024x683.jpg)
Dumbledore’s Grave
Loch Eilt, alongside the identical street because the viaduct and Loch Shiel, is the place the little island of Eilean na Mòine lies, which performed the starring position as the location of Dumbledore’s Grave.
We despatched the drone as much as get an image of this stunning island… however alas, Mr WB is NOT a die-hard Harry Potter fan (boo!) and subsequently had no concept which island he was meant to be filming. Bless him, a minimum of he tried!
It’s about an hour drive from the western finish of Loch Ness to Mallaig, which is the place the ferry to Skye goes from. You also can drive over the bridge to the Skye- nevertheless it’s a lot additional north.
![Scotland Travel Planner](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/scotland-travel-planner-1024x1024.png)
Scotland Road Trip Itinerary DAY 5 & 6- Isle of Skye
![Isle of Skye- part of our Scotland itinerary and road trip route](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/skye-1024x683.jpg)
Search “Isle of Skye” on Google and also you’ll get pages and pages of weblog posts and itineraries, all waxing lyrical about the fantastic thing about Skye. And they’re right- it’s stunning. And there’s masses to see and do.
As lengthy because it’s not raining!!
Our Isle of Skye itinerary accommodates issues to do within the sunshine, but in addition issues to do within the rain- because it rained for 48 hours after we visited!
We usually are not ‘hike whatever the weather’ individuals and we actually don’t take pleasure in getting soaking wet climbing a mountain when there’s no view anyway, so that you would possibly discover that itinerary helpful if the climate is trying… disagreeable.
Having mentioned that, Skye is gorgeous and nicely price a visit in the event you’re touring the west coast of Scotland.
Driving Scotland Day 7- Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness and as much as Thurso
![Eilean Donan Castle- a must visit castle in Scotland](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/eileandonan-1024x683.jpg)
Eilean Donan
This was one in every of our longest driving days- about 5 hours and 350km. Leave Skye and head up in direction of Thurso, stopping on the unimaginable Eilean Donan Castle on the best way.
We didn’t go inside, as we knew we had a protracted day forward of us, nevertheless it’s stunning from the surface. There’s additionally slightly cafe on the carpark right here which does an awesome espresso!
DECISION TIME
At Eilean Donan, you must decide. Do you retain driving as much as Loch Ness, or begin on the NC500 route? If you’re going up the western coast, that is the place you flip off and begin the slower (however most likely prettier) roads. If you don’t have the additional time, keep on with the sooner roads by way of Loch Ness.
Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
You can’t come to Scotland and never cease to seek for the Loch Ness monster-especially if in case you have younger kids.
Loch Ness village itself is VERY touristy. It’s okay for younger children, nevertheless it’s fairly costly, so in the event you’re on a price range you would possibly need to preserve driving and cease at one of many many laybys alongside the loch.
You also can go to Urquhart citadel, that are spectacular ruins alongside the shore of Loch Ness. There is parking right here, however it may be restricted for Motorhomes, so be ready to should park far away in excessive season.
Alternatively, why not deal with your self to a ship journey on Loch Ness and be taken there in model!!
Driving Tips for Scotland
Be conscious of your gas ranges on this a part of the trip- we handed only a few gas stations.
We did debate going throughout the western edge and finishing the NC500 (there are some beautiful campsites on the North Coast 500), however we solely had 10 days for touring Scotland, so we determined to chop throughout to avoid wasting time, plus see Loch Ness and to flee the rain!
We used the A87, which passes down the aspect of Loch Clunie, a hydroelectric dam. It’s a gorgeous place for a picnic if the climate is nice.
If you could have time, Inverness is certainly price a go to. Again, we made a compromise and selected to go to Orkney instead- we’ll get to that shortly!
Highlands Road Trip Day 8 – John o’Groats and Duncansby Stacks
![We made it to John o'Groats on motorbikes!](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2517-1024x768.jpg)
John o’Groats
John o’Groats is a kind of locations which is a bit cheesy however you must go simply to tick it off the checklist!
It was nice to make it and see the well-known submit, however the place is slightly underwhelming! There are just a few vacationer retailers, a harbour and a snack shack- that’s about it!
We waited for the John o’Groats submit to be empty so we might take images with our motorbikes… after which we felt slightly misplaced.
That’s the weirdest factor about travelling- while you lastly get to your vacation spot, it will possibly generally really feel slightly hole. But we have been blessed with INCREDIBLE climate at John o’Groats- undoubtedly made up for the distress of Skye!
Duncansby Stacks
![Duncansby Stacks near John o'Groats- part of our Scotland driving Tour](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/stacks-1024x683.jpg)
Whilst we have been at John o’Groats, we noticed a postcard of the Duncansby stacks, which have been apparently simply down the street! We’d by no means heard of them earlier than, however they appeared fairly, so we determined to pay them a go to.
They’re slightly difficult to search out however nicely well worth the effort! Basically, head for Duncansby lighthouse and park proper subsequent to the lighthouse. Then stroll (with the lighthouse in your left) over the sector and preserve going- you’ll see them from the underside of that discipline. PLEASE watch out with children and canine… it’s a sheer cliff and a protracted drop.
Here’s the primary EVER video the place we flew our drone over the ocean… the views of the shoreline and the rocks are unimaginable.
Dunnet Head
We stayed at Dunnet Bay campsite close to John o’Groats for a few nights, which allowed us to experience our motorbikes and depart the motorhome someplace protected. If you’re searching for a gorgeous spot to remain, we extremely suggest this campsite- pretty wardens, nice little store and beautiful location proper on the seashore!! Just have a look at this view!!
![Dunnet Bay Campsite in Scotland- where we stopped on our Scotland tour in a motorhome.](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/dunnetbay-1024x683.jpg)
Day 9 – One day journey to Orkney
![Orkney- an unexpected addition to our Highlands driving itinerary- but well worth it!](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/orkneymain-1024x683.jpg)
We didn’t plan to go to Orkney throughout our Scotland street trip- and we undoubtedly didn’t plan to go to Orkney on our motorbikes.
However, the day after we visited John o’Groats, the climate was nonetheless stunning and we learnt we might get to Orkney by ferry for simply the day- so we did! It is a gorgeous place, though VERY busy in July and filled with vacationers.
Still, if in case you have the time, you must attempt to add Orkney into your itinerary. If you don’t need to drive, there are guided excursions by coach which go all day, so e book your self onto one in every of them.
Scotland Road Trip Itinerary Day 10- Dunrobin Castle and Aviemore
![Beautiful places to visit on a Scotland Road Trip- Dunrobin Castle](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/dunrobincastle-1024x683.jpg)
Dunrobin Castle
Dunrobin Castle is probably one in every of our favorite castles. It’s a few 90-minute drive south from Thurso. It’s the biggest citadel within the Northern Highlands- and set in essentially the most breathtaking surroundings! You will pay to stroll the gardens, however we determined to press on and head south earlier than the rain closed in.
Aviemore & The Cairngorms
If you take pleasure in climbing and nationwide parks, you must put the Cairngorms onto your bucket checklist. It’s the biggest National Park within the UK and was voted as one of many high 20 locations to go to IN THE WORLD by National Geographic.
The park is 4500 sq. kms and accommodates a unbelievable combination of mountains, scenic views, castles, whiskey distilleries and outside pursuits.
One of the preferred causes to go to is climbing. There are a number of trails and walks inside the park (you should buy guidebooks on the vacationer places of work), or you may simply flip up and wander wherever you fancy.
Dog strolling is allowed, however the space is filled with wildlife, so please be cautious and obey native signage. A phrase of warning– the climate can change VERY shortly on this space, so please carry applicable tools/ clothes.
If climbing isn’t for you, how about one other sport? Within the Cairngorms you may take pleasure in biking, snowboarding (in winter), golf, fishing, kayaking, rafting, swimming, windsurfing or gorgewalking. There are a number of watersports centres within the park they usually provide classes and kit rent.
Aviemore is within the Cairngorms National Park and is Scotland’s winter sports activities mecca, however there’s loads to do in the summertime too, together with a go to to the well-known Speyside Distilleries.
Restaurants and retailers have been open, as have been many outside actions for all ages. The Aviemore web site is a superb place to search out out extra.
If you’re not wild tenting in Scotland in a motorhome or camper, there are many locations to remain inside the park, together with native B & Bs, resorts, hostels, campsites and log cabins.
The Perfect Scotland Itinerary concept
As you’ve seen, this Scotland driving itinerary will be tailored to swimsuit all tastes, automobiles, talents and durations.
If you’ve solely bought just a few days in Scotland, don’t cram an excessive amount of in- you’ll get overwhelmed and exhausted.
Conversely, in the event you’re retired and haven’t any deadline, take your time to actually discover the tradition and heritage of this glorious nation.
Some issues you must find out about Scotland earlier than you go.
- Scotland is a part of the UK, in order that they communicate English *I actually need to insert a foul Scottish joke right here… however I’ll be good! ;)*
- British Pound is the forex. Don’t fear in the event you get notes saying ‘Bank of Scotland’ as an alternative of Bank of England- they’re all Pound Sterling (though some locations in England get humorous about taking Bank of Scotland notes- there’s no cause for this; it’s completely authorized tender.)
- There is one other language in Scotland known as Gaelic (pronounced GAH-LICK) which is technically the National language, however just one% of the inhabitants communicate it. You would possibly see some indicators in Gaelic across the nation, however there’ll at all times be an English model too! (It’s the identical in Wales- see our Wales street journey itinerary concepts right here)
- Driving in Scotland isn’t any scarier than wherever else with mountains. They drive on the left, similar to the remainder of the UK.
- There isn’t any correct border between Scotland and England, so you may discover Scotland from England with out taking a passport. We drove proper up after our England Road Trip
- Scotland has an incredible regulation known as Right to Roam. It permits you way more freedom to wild camp in your car (with sure restrictions in fact.)
Weather in Scotland- is it appropriate for a driving vacation?
For us, it rained solidly for 3 days on the west coast- the Isle of Skye was a whole washout, even in July, however up at John o’Groats it was stunning weather- so we detoured and went up there as an alternative!
My suggestion is to plan your itinerary on Google Maps, after which be as versatile as potential to work across the climate. This is clearly simpler in case you are touring Scotland in a camper, as an alternative of driving in a automotive and utilizing resorts, however do the most effective you may.
The climate in Scotland can change in a short time, so please gown appropriately and take appropriate clothes if climbing and so on.
What is the most effective month to go to Scotland?
If you’re driving in Scotland, the most effective months to go to are April- October. Roads must be freed from snow then and the temperature is heat sufficient to take pleasure in outside actions. Our favorite time to go to Scotland is June or October. (Want extra concepts for October journey? Here are 15 of the finest locations to take pleasure in Europe in October)
![Scotland road trip travel planner route map guide](https://www.wandering-bird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Copy-of-scotland-road-trip-planner-travel-683x1024.jpg)
Planning a visit to Scotland?
We’ve finished the onerous be just right for you!
Grab our full Scotland journey planner and get:
- 80+ concepts for locations to go to
- Maps and itinerary solutions
- Routes and issues to see alongside the best way
- Tips, customs and far way more!
When is peak vacationer season in Scotland?
UK college holidays are July and August. I might attempt to keep away from these in the event you probably can.
Where is essentially the most stunning place in Scotland?
There are too many to select only one and rather a lot will depend upon the climate. Personally, I really like Loch Lomond and Glen Coe, Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan viaduct- however that was as a result of I’m a Harry Potter nerd.
I additionally love the Cairngorms and the Scottish highlands are at all times breathtaking- you must embrace them in your Scotland street journey!
But a number of the most stunning locations on mainland Scotland should be on the western coast- the seashores are beautiful. So are the fairy swimming pools on Skye in the event you get them on a sunny day.
Don’t neglect to seize our free checklist of 57 finest (and secret!) locations in Scotland (which incorporates the pyramid in Scotland!
What is one of the best ways to journey round Scotland?
In my opinion, a street journey vacation is one of the best ways to see Scotland- and by that I imply a self-drive vacation, not a tour. Having your individual car means that you can set your individual itinerary, plan your visits, decide the most effective roads in Scotland and customarily be extra in management.
Having a motorhome or campervan will additional improve your flexibility and assist you to select the scenic route based mostly on climate or curiosity, not on resorts you’ve booked.
How far are the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh?
Did you understand there’s really a spot known as Highland within the Scottish Highlands?? Driving time from Edinburgh to Highland is 3 hours and quarter-hour (157 miles)
How lengthy does it take to drive to Scotland?
Well, this clearly relies on the place you’re ranging from (!) however driving to Scotland (from London to Edinburgh) takes about 7 and a half hours.
If you’ve been street tripping in Cornwall and need to drive from Lands End to John o’Groats, it can take you about 15 hours continuous.
How lengthy does it take to tour Scotland?
As lengthy as you have- or so long as you let it!! 🙂 If you’re fortunate sufficient to have longer than a few weeks to discover Scotland, there are LOADS of locations to go to you may add into your itinerary.
Have you visited Scotland? Where was your favorite place? If you haven’t, the place would you wish to go first?
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