01 Oct Ultimate Guide to Scotland’s Scenic Driving Routes
Explore, Discover, and Be Amazed
Scotland is a land of jaw-dropping landscapes, historic towns, and enchanting coastal views. Now, imagine cruising through this picture-perfect scenery, with every twist and turn offering a new slice of paradise. This isn’t just a road trip. It’s a journey into the heart of Scottish charm. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most scenic driving routes that make exploring Scotland by car an absolute joy. Whether you’re after tranquil coastlines, dramatic highlands, or cultural treasures tucked away in historic towns, we’ve got a route that’ll make your heart skip a beat. Ready to hit the road?
The Most Scenic Driving Routes in Scotland
When you think of a road trip, what comes to mind? Endless motorways and dull scenery? Not in Scotland! Scotland’s scenic driving routes will take you through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes you’ll ever see, from rolling hills and rugged coastlines to charming villages and ancient landmarks. Let’s break it down, shall we?
Moray Firth Route: A Journey Through Scotland’s Wild North
Why You’ll Love the Moray Firth Route
Imagine starting your journey from Inverness, cruising along a semi-circle route that takes you through the pristine beauty of Beauly, Cromarty, and Dornoch. It’s like driving into a Highland painting. Expect breathtaking views of the Highlands, towering cliffs, and the occasional glimpse of a dolphin playing in the waters of the Moray Firth.
Route Details
- Length: 80 miles (128 km)
- Start/Finish: Inverness to Loch Fleet
- Time to Drive: 1 hour 50 minutes
The Snow Roads Scenic Route: Traverse the Highlands in Style
An Adventure Through Britain’s Highest Roads
The Snow Roads Scenic Route is as dramatic as it sounds. Winding through the eastern side of Cairngorms National Park, this route offers you mountains, glens, and more snow than you might be prepared for (hence the name!). The views here are unbeatable. You’ll traverse the highest public roads in Britain, and when winter hits, they’re the first to close. Picture snow-covered peaks and vast open landscapes. Perfect for adventurers.
Route Details
- Length: 90 miles (144.8 km)
- Start/Finish: Blairgowrie to Grantown-on-Spey
- Time to Drive: 3 hours
Argyll Coastal Route: Scotland’s West Coast at Its Finest
Explore Lochs, Mountains, and Castles
If you fancy blending serene coastal views with dramatic mountain scenery, the Argyll Coastal Route is your dream come true. From the charming town of Tarbert to the historic Fort William, this route lets you soak in everything from glittering lochs to ancient castles. It’s a trip for the senses, with fresh sea air and some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever see.
Route Details
- Length: 129 miles (208 km)
- Start/Finish: Tarbert to Fort William
- Time to Drive: 2 hours 55 minutes
Angus Coastal Route: Drive Along Scotland’s Rugged Coastline
Scenic Cliffs and Sandy Shores
For a shorter but equally scenic drive, the Angus Coastal Route gives you a chance to enjoy Scotland’s stunning coastline. Expect majestic cliffs, serene beaches like Lunan Bay, and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.
Route Details
- Length: 58 miles (93.3 km)
- Start/Finish: Dundee to Stonehaven
- Time to Drive: 1 hour 45 minutes
Borders Historic Route: Scotland’s Historic Gems
Journey Through Time on the Borders Historic Route
A drive through the Borders is a drive through Scotland’s rich history. Starting from Carlisle and winding up to Edinburgh, this route is packed with medieval abbeys, ancient castles, and some of the most picturesque villages in Scotland.
Roslin Glen Country Park is a wooded glen in the North Esk Valley, near the village of Roslin, Credit VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Route Details
- Length: 89 miles (143 km)
- Start/Finish: Carlisle to Edinburgh
- Time to Drive: 2 hours 45 minutes
The Fife Coastal Route: Where the Land Meets the Sea
Stunning Coastline and Quaint Fishing Villages
The Fife Coastal Route offers a scenic journey along the sparkling coastline. You’ll pass rolling farmlands, picturesque seaside towns, and the stunning Forth bridges. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a leisurely drive with plenty of opportunities to stop for a picnic by the beach.
St andrews Castle is the ruins of the castle of the Archbishops of St andrews, dating in part from the 13th century, Credit VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Route Details
- Length: 77 miles (124 km)
- Start/Finish: Kincardine to Newport on Tay
- Time to Drive: 2 hours 10 minutes
Highland Tourist Route: Discover the Heart of Scotland
Highland Magic, Mountains, and Myths
The Highland Tourist Route is all about experiencing the rugged beauty of the Highlands. From Aberdeen to Inverness, this route offers stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, rugged mountains, and charming Highland towns like Ballater.
Inverness Castle was built in the 11th Century, rebuilt in 1836 by architect William Burn and sits on a cliff overlooking River Ness in Inverness, Credit VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Route Details
- Length: 116 miles (187 km)
- Start/Finish: Aberdeen to Inverness
- Time to Drive: 2 hours 50 minutes
North Coast 500: The Ultimate Scottish Road Trip
Scotland’s Iconic Coastal Drive
Ah, the North Coast 500. Widely regarded as one of the best driving roads in the world, this route takes you through 500 miles of Scotland’s most rugged and remote beauty. From Inverness, you’ll head north, passing stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and even a few castles. If you want a road trip that’s pure Scottish magic, this is it.
Gairloch beach with the Wester Ross Hills beyond, Credit VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Route Details
- Length: 500 miles (805 km)
- Start/Finish: Inverness
- Time to Drive: 13 hours 35 minutes (but trust us, take your time!)
Clyde Valley Tourist Route: A Short but Sweet Adventure
Perfect for a Day Out
This 42-mile route is ideal for those looking to escape the city and dive into the tranquility of Scotland’s countryside. Starting in Abington and ending in Hamilton, you’ll pass lush forests, rolling fields, and the dramatic Falls of Clyde. A perfect mini-road trip for nature lovers.
The Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve is famous for its spectacular waterfalls, historic visitors and scenic woodland walks and is located within the World Heritage Site of New Lanark and part of the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape, Credit VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Route Details
- Length: 42 miles (67 km)
- Start/Finish: Abington to Hamilton
- Time to Drive: 1 hour
Important Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Drive
While these routes are beautiful, they also require some careful planning. Here are a few tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly:
- Plan ahead: Make sure you book accommodation and any activities ahead of time.
- Respect the environment: Always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and leave no trace behind.
- Be mindful of the weather: Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the Highlands. Pack appropriately.
- Don’t rush: These routes are meant to be savored. Take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Conclusion: Scotland’s Scenic Drives Await You
Scotland’s scenic driving routes are more than just roads – they’re gateways to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. From the towering peaks of the Highlands to the rolling waves of the coastline, each journey offers something unique. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your road trip, and let Scotland’s beauty unfold before your eyes.