When you think of Scotland you might think of whisky distilleries, bagpipes, and kilts. But when you think of a driving holiday across Scotland’s driving routes what do you think of? Maybe you’ll think of the picturesque countryside, the breathtaking landscapes of lochs, glens, and mountains, or maybe you’ll think of the friendly Scots you’ll meet along the way. One thing for sure, is Scotland’s driving routes are filled with immense beauty.
The Scottish roads are well-maintained and most driving routes follow major ‘M’ or ‘A’ roads, while other driving routes accompany smaller roads. The driving routes listed in this blog provide you with a plan and easy navigation allowing for a smooth driving experience. Scotland’s petrol stations are conveniently located across the country so you can easily keep your fuel tank full. So, now that we know more about Scotland roads, it’s time to discover Scotland’s top driving routes.
Starts at Inverness Castle. The driving route is over 516 miles (830km) and can last up to 10 days.
The North Coast 500 is often known as Scotland’s answer to America’s route 66. Loved by adventure-seekers from all across the world, the North Coast 500 encompasses archers of beautiful landscapes. The 500-mile driving route includes stunning views of Scotland’s wild northern coastlines, lochs and glens.
The North Coast 500 takes you on a journey from the city of Inverness to Scotland’s enchanting Highlands, and then onto the West and rugged North coast. The driving route follows a circular route ending at Inverness, and completing a magical loop around the north end of Scotland.
The North Coast 500 has the unmeasurable beauty of mountains, sandy beaches, rugged Highlands, and quirky villages. Keep an eye out for Dunnet Head, Britain’s northernmost point. We recommend enjoying this driving route at a leisurely pace and taking up to 10-14 days to see all the sights and sounds of the North Coast 500, truly appreciating it’s beauty.
Starts at Stirling. The driving route is over 200 miles and can last up to 5 days.
Scotland’s heart 200 driving route offers a unique 200-mile journey through the heart of the country. The Heart 200 is a circular route on public roads. The driving route flows through the cities of Perth and Stirling, and ventures across the glorious highlands of Perthshire and landscapes of the Trossachs.
Starting at the historical city of Stirling, you might want to spend time walking through the cobbled streets before heading to Stirling Castle. Visit the 67-metre Wallace Monument tower and climb the 246 steps to enjoy stunning views of Stirling. Follow the A9 road from Stirling towards Dunblane and experience the true heart of Scotland. The pretty village of Dunblane has stories of Roman settlers dating back to the 7th century.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take part in some of the activities such as the Highland Fling Bungee jump. The Highland Fling will see you jump 40m off a bridge with a beautiful backdrop of the Highlands to enjoy as you take that leap of faith. If bungee jumping isn’t your thing, why not try the Escape Route café on the high street of Pitlochry.
One of the final stops on your Heart 200 adventure might be the Devil’s Pulpit, situated 100ft within Finnich Glen. The Pulpit is one of the most gorgeous views on the heart driving route making it the perfect end to your great adventure. This leisurely driving route can be enjoyed in 5 days giving you enough time to appreciate all the beauty and activities that can be found in the heart of Scotland.
Starts at Spittal of Glenshee. The driving route is over 257 miles (414km) and can last up to 5 days.
The North East 250 driving route is a lesser-known route, but still one of the best. The scenic drive takes you to authentic destinations starting at the Spittal of Glenshee and stopping off at Balmoral Castle, whisky distilleries, and some of Scotland’s best seaside towns. The North Eastern route spans 250 miles and was inspired by the success of Scotland’s North Coast 500 route.
The North East 250 begins at the highlands of eastern Perth and Kinross, 79 miles from Edinburgh. The driving route follows a picturesque experience of Scotland’s highlands. Driving clockwise, you will reach the biggest national park in Britain, the Cairngorms National Park, which includes amazing peaks and views.
The driving route follows through Speyside and arrives at the city of Aberdeen. Make sure to stop along the way and enjoy views of castles, beaches, and villages. You can travel the North East 250 in approximately 5 days. It’s the perfect road trip if you are short on time, or travelling in the off-season.
Read Tom & Anna’s North East 250 Tour
Starts at Dumfries. The driving route is over 300 miles (515km) and can last up to 5 days.
The South West Coastal 300 is a circular driving route that includes just over 300 miles of quiet roads and natural beauty. The coastal route starts at Dumfries and follows through the southwestern and southern parts of Dumfries & Galloway and South Ayrshire. The roads follow gorgeous views of Scotland’s coastlines, rugged cliffs, and secluded sandy beaches. This is the ultimate scenic experience of the South-West region of Scotland.
The driving route features two peninsulas and several seaside hotspots. The South West Coastal 300 can be started from major routes including the M74 and M77 and your first stop will be the beautiful Dumfries & Galloway. Enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Dumfries town centre before heading south to New Abbey village. Take a detour to the village of Kirkbean and discover one of Scotland’s oldest lighthouses, the Southerness lighthouse. You might like to visit the pretty village of Auchencairn an idyllic coastal spot for a short morning or afternoon walk.
Heading west you will find Portpatrick, a seaside town on the western short of the Rhins of Galloway peninsula. At this point of your driving holiday, you will start to see the roads and landscapes change becoming more rural. The South West Coastal 300 drive can be completed in 5-7 days while holidaying through Scotland.
Starts at Fort William. The driving route is over 310 miles (486km) and can last up to 5 days.
The Isle of Skye is one of the most loved driving routes in Scotland due to its regular opportunities to park your vehicle and step out into the crisp, fresh countryside. The waterlogged shoreline of the Isle of Skye makes it one of the most atmospheric and dreamy driving routes in Scotland.
The Isle of Skye driving route starts at Fort William and follows an adventure across Portree, Lealt Falls, Kilt Rock, the Fairy Glen, Eilean Donan Castle and much more. Head to Skye’s largest town Portree on day 1 of your driving adventure and see views of colorful houses lined along the harbor viewing point on Bosville Terrace.
You might want to head to the most northerly point of the Skye peninsula and experience Trotternish and it’s the volcanic rock known as the Trotternish Ridge. Along the driving route, you can expect the unexpected. Each road you turn down brings you a new view of castles and beaches and the delightful surprise of arriving at some of Britain’s best wild swimming spots.
With hundreds of miles of immense beauty, motorhome hire is the most convenient way to experience all that Scotland has to offer. To enjoy the motorhome experience, it’s important that you have comfortable vehicle to travel in to tour in ease and style. All Bunk Campers are modern and fully equipped with everything you need for the perfect driving holiday.
Your rental provides you with your transport, accommodation, and cooking facilities all in one so you can hit the open road with everything you need. Our spacious motorhomes also provide plenty of storage space for your benefit.
It’s important to know that many accommodation services along Scotland driving routes, such as the North Coast 500 will only accept bookings for two or more nights in peak summer times, which can cause hassle for explorers wanting an extended holiday stay. However, with your Bunk Camper motorhome hire you can enjoy the safety and comfort of your very own home on wheels and rent for as many days as you wish.
Bunk Campers is Scotland’s leading campervan and motorhome hire company. Book online direct on our website. If you have any questions email us or call us at 0800 059 0905 and we’ll be happy to assist.
We look forward to welcoming you and can’t wait to hear about your own Scotland campervan tour!
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