The West Coast of Scotland: Argyll & the Hebrides
Scotland Road Trip Map
Scotland Road Trip Map
If you have between three to five days to spend exploring, this itinerary will give you a real taste of both Highland and Hebridean life. The route takes in the famous Loch Lomond and travels through mountains, moorland and forests. Explore the stunning west coast of Scotland and visit Mull or another of the Isles of Hebrides. If you have the time you can take the slightly longer route and include a visit to stunning Glencoe.
Route Overview
Roads that wind their way around sea lochs, stunning coastline, white beaches and small secluded coves, sailing and kayaking opportunities abound. You will see mysterious castles, visit islands, stop off at beautiful gardens and walk in ancient woodlands.
Finnich Glen-Loch Lomond-Inverary Castle-Loch Fyne-Oban or Campbeltown. If you have extra time you visit one or more of the Isles of Hebrides and Glencoe.
3 days + 1 extra day if you want to visit Glencoe, plus however long you want to spend on the islands
Edinburgh to Inveraray or Glencoe via Loch Lomond
Leave Edinburgh and head north to the Trossachs on the M9 and then take the A84 to Lochearnhead. You will pass the ‘Mirror Man’ sculpture which stands in Loch Earn at St Fillans on the A85. The Mirror Man is sculpture by Rob Mulholland which stands 3 metres tall and is quite magical. It has recently returned to the Loch after an absence of five years.
From Loch Earn head south on the A84/A81 towards Glasgow and Finnich Glen. This mysterious site featured in the show Outlander. It is an 100 ft deep gorge whose walls are entirely covered in moss. Within the gorge the Devils Pulpit stands proud, a rock formation reminiscent of a pulpit in church. The water running through the gorge is pale red in colour which comes from the surrounding pink sandstone. You will need to park up and walk as you can only reach the gorge on foot and it can be quite hard to find the entrance. This blog post has some good directions to finding the entrance to Finnich Glen.
From Finnich Glen head back on to the A82 and take the road round Loch Lomond. You will have wonderful views of Ben Lomond and the hills of the Trossachs. Take your time as you will spot plenty of places to stop and take a walk or just enjoy the view. Or take a boat trip out onto the Loch for an hour.
Continuing around the Loch, when you reach Tarbet, take the A83 which takes you towards the West Coast and the routes to the Isles. The road reaches it’s highest spot at Rest and Be Thankful where the route divides Glen croe and Glen Kinglas. At over 800 ft above sea level it offers fantastic views over the old valley road that was built by the military after the Jacobite Rebellion.
You’re aiming for Inveraray (1 hour 20 mins) and a visit to Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke of Argyll, and set in beautiful grounds. It’s a pleasant small town for a stop set at the foot of Loch Fyne. Don’t forget to try some of the famous Loch Fyne oysters.
Alternatively, if you have a day or two to spare continue on the A82 to the famous Glencoe to get a true taste of mountain life.
Family-run Argyll Caravan Park is a site set over 50 acres right on the shore of Loch Fyne. A number of walks start from the campsite. There is a coastal walk that takes you into Inveraray – it takes about 3/4 hour and another along the old military road to Furnace. Or simply enjoy the beautiful lochside setting of the park and its abundant wildlife.
Our very favourite campsite in Glencoe is the Red Squirrel Campsite. This relaxed campsite is set in 22 acres of woodland and surrounded by the mountains. It is perfect for nature lovers. You can wild camp with a tent there or park up your vehicle. People come for its natural setting so don’t expect lots of facilities. There are no electric hook ups or waste disposal facilities but there are showers and toilet facilities. On the weekends there’s usually a food truck serving breakfast and dinner made from locally sourced produce.
Glencoe or Inveraray to the Craignish Peninsula or Mull of Kintyre
If setting off from Glencoe take the A828 which follows the shores of Loch Linnhe, passing 14th Century Castle Stalker, and then Loch Creran, before turning southwards down the west coast of Scotland. From Oban you can catch ferries to Mull, Coll and Tiree. Alternatively drive to Campbeltown with ferries to the Isle of Gigha, Islay, Jura or Colonsay. The drive to Campbeltown takes three hours from Glencoe, but there will be numerous places you’ll want to stop along the way, so allow a full day.
Coming from Inveraray head west to Lochgilphead. You then have the choice to head north towards Oban which will take 1 hour. Here you can hop on a ferry for a stay on Mull, Coll and Tiree, or just take a day trip out to an island.
Alternatively take the southern route to Campbeltown for Gigha, Islay, Jura and Colonsay and the Mull of Kintyre. There is a wonderful sandy beach at Dunaverty Bay.
En route there are some lovely places to visit off the main road. Head towards the sea and visit tiny Crinan with a population of just 100. From here there is a walk through the oak woods to Castle Dounie. It’s steep but worth it as you will get amazing views down the Sound of Jura. On clear days it is possible to see Ben Nevis in the North.
Not far from Crinan is Ardfern. It’s a lovely boating community with a great pub and camping just outside the village at the tiny Ardfern Motorhome Park. The campsite is accessed via a single track road. Alternatively take the road over the hill and camp at Lunga Pier, Croabh Haven. Croabh Haven has a tasteful modern marina and a great pub, The Lord of the Isles. These villages are active all year round due to the opportunities for boat trips, kayaking, swimming or sailing.
West Coast of Scotland
This route gives you lots of opportunities to visit one of the Isles of Hebrides. They all offer something slightly different – just take your pick. If you are planning to travel to one of the islands with a campervan please do check the rules for campervans on each island – some do not allow it. Also, you should always book ferries in advance, especially in the summer months. You can find out everything you need to know about getting to the Hebrides with a campervan in our article about driving in Scotland.
If you are only visiting one island, Mull is a good choice with its diverse scenery, from towering cliffs to serene beaches. The island is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as the waters around Mull are home to seals, dolphins, and even minke whales. The charming town of Tobermory with its pastel-coloured buildings lining the waterfront adds a splash of colour to the landscape,
Known for its pristine white sandy beaches, Coll is a paradise for beach lovers. The turquoise waters and untouched landscapes make it an ideal spot for relaxation and tranquillity. Coll is popular with birdwatchers, with its huge seabird colonies.
Tiree, often referred to as the “Sunshine Isle,” lives up to its name with an unusually high number of sunny days. Famous for windsurfing and kite surfing, the island attracts adventure seekers. With its wide, open spaces and wildflower-strewn meadows Tiree is a beautiful spot to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Tiny Gigha is known for its welcoming community and stunning gardens. Achamore Gardens, a botanical delight, boasts exotic plants and vibrant blooms. Gigha is a good choice if you want a relaxing stay and meet the locals over a pint in the friendly island pub.
Famous for its peaty whiskies, Islay is a treat for whisky connoisseurs and history buffs alike. The island is dotted with historic distilleries. Islay’s rugged coastline and ancient ruins, such as Finlaggan, provide an evocative setting in which to taste the many local whiskies on offer.
If you are seeking solitude amidst breathtaking landscapes, Jura is the island for you. With only one road on the island, it is perfect for walkers and nature enthusiasts. The Paps of Jura, three distinctive mountains, dominate the skyline and provide a challenging yet rewarding hike.
Colonsay, with its wildflower meadows and pristine beaches, is a hidden gem. You will have a chance to spot seals, otters, and a rich variety of birdlife on the island and in its coastal waters. Colonsay’s tranquillity and unspoiled landscapes make it an ideal retreat for those seeking a peaceful escape.
Scotland
Big Sky Campers is based in Rosyth, just outside Edinburgh. We offer our customers free, secure parking for the duration of their hire. We also will pick customers up from nearby transport links from Edinburgh at Inverkeithing or the airport bus stop. All our campervans for hire come fully equipped with everything you will need for a road trip to the west coast of Scotland. There are no hidden extras – everything is included in the price, including unlimited mileage, insurance for one driver, gas bottle, camping accessories, bedding, towels and extra sets of bedding if requested.
+44 (0)7768 973804