Scotland Driving Routes
Scottish Road Trip Ideas
Scottish Road Trip Ideas
Campervanning in Scotland – driving routes you will love. We’ve put together a selection of driving routes in Scotland for people looking to explore the breathtaking landscapes of our beautiful country.
Scotland, with its winding roads, mountains, wild landscapes, historic castles and rugged coastline, offers a multitude of scenic driving routes.
This page outlines some of the most popular driving routes around Scotland. From the famous NC500, to the dramatic Snow Roads of the Cairngorms, or a circular road trip around iconic Skye, there are a multitude of scenic driving routes in Scotland.
Start/finish: It’s a circular route so you can pick it up anywhere but most people start in Inverness
Length: Approximately 500 miles
Duration: 5-10 days
The famous North Coast 500, often dubbed Scotland’s answer to Route 66, encompasses some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Scottish Highlands. This circular route broadly follows the rugged coastlines of the west, northwest and northeast of Scotland. Expect winding roads and dramatic vistas around every turn. Highlights include the ancient ruins of Ardvreck Castle, the rugged cliffs of Cape Wrath, and the stunning beaches of Durness.
Because of its popularity many people are choosing to complete it out of the busy tourist season.
Start/Finish: Blairgowrie/Grantown-on-Spey
Length: Approximately 90 miles
Duration: 1-3 days
Explorers taking this 90-mile journey through the heart of the stunning Cairngorms National Park will drive through dramatic, ancient landscapes shaped over the centuries by granite and ice. The route starts in the picturesque market town of Blairgowrie and finishes in the highland village of Grantown-on-Spey. One of the highlights of the Snow Roads route is the breathtaking journey over the Cairnwell Pass, the highest public road in the United Kingdom. However, you will enjoy breathtaking scenery at every twist and turn along this route. There’s plenty to see and do along the way, passing through the local communities of Braemar, Ballater, and Tomintoul.
Braemar is famously known for the Braemar Gathering, one of Scotland’s oldest and most prestigious Highland Games, traditionally attended by members of the Royal Family. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the numerous walking trails that offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Ballater is a picturesque village known for its royal connections, notably as the nearest town to Balmoral Castle, the Scottish holiday home to the Royal Family. The village is also a gateway to the Eastern Cairngorms, offering ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching.
Tomintoul, known as the ‘Highest Village in the Highlands’, offers a tranquil escape into Scotland’s natural wilderness. It is an ideal base for exploring the Glenlivet Estate, with its waymarked walking and mountain biking trails. For a deeper dive into local culture, the Tomintoul Museum and Visitor Centre narrates the village’s history through interactive exhibits, emphasising its past with whisky smuggling and its rich natural environment.
Whisky lovers can take a tour or a tasting at one of the many whisky distilleries on the route. For those with a passion for outdoor pursuits, the Cairngorms National Park offers a wealth of activities to enjoy. Whether it’s hiking amidst ancient woodlands, mountain biking along scenic trails, or spotting rare wildlife such as red deer and golden eagles, there’s something for everyone.
Start/Finish: Aberdeen
Length: Approximately 250 miles
Duration: 3-5 days
The North East 250 is a relatively new addition to Scotland’s driving routes, but it has quickly gained popularity for its diverse attractions and stunning scenery. Beginning in the vibrant city of Aberdeen, this circular route takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Aberdeenshire and Moray, along rugged coastlines, through tranquil glens and passing historic castles en route. Highlights include the fairytale fortress of Dunnottar Castle, the whisky distilleries of Speyside, and the charming fishing villages of the Moray Firth where you can spot seals and dolphins.
Start/Finish: Kyle of Lochalsh
Length: Approximately 160 miles
Duration: 2-3 days
The Isle of Skye Circuit is a captivating circular route around one of Scotland’s most iconic islands. Accessed via the Skye Bridge from the mainland, this route takes you on a scenic loop around Skye, showcasing its rugged coastline, mystical landscapes, and ancient landmarks. Highlights include the otherworldly rock formations of the Old Man of Storr, the fairy-tale castle of Dunvegan, and the jaw-dropping vistas from the Quiraing.
Please don’t hesitate to ask if you would like us to help you with an itinerary especially if time is of the essence. We have put some ideas together for you that can be taken as short trips in themselves or joined together if you have longer to enjoy travelling in your campervan. Our aim is that you get the most out of your holiday and leave feeling that Scotland may just have a bit more to offer! Hopefully, you’ll be back.
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