A road trip through Scotland‘s scenic routes is an experience you won’t forget. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through some of the most beautiful and picturesque routes in Scotland, including the North Coast 500, the Argyll Coastal Route, the Snow Roads Scenic Route, and the Isle of Skye driving loop.
Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a first-time visitor, join us as we take you on a journey through Scotland’s scenic routes.
The North Coast 500
This 500-mile scenic route takes you along Scotland’s beautiful northern coast, passing through charming villages, rugged cliffs, and breathtaking landscapes. The route starts and ends in Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, and takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Scotland.
One of the highlights of the North Coast 500 is the Wester Ross section, where you can admire the rugged beauty of the Torridon Mountains and the Applecross Peninsula. Along the way, you can also visit charming villages such as Gairloch and Ullapool, and admire the stunning beaches of Dornoch and Durness.
Another highlight of the North Coast 500 is the Caithness section, where you can visit the historic castle of Dunrobin and admire the beautiful landscapes of the Flow Country. The route also takes you through the Orkney Islands, where you can explore ancient standing stones, visit historic villages, and admire the stunning coastal views.
The North Coast 500 is a journey that offers something for everyone, from history buffs to nature lovers. Along the way, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. You can also visit local distilleries and breweries, where you can sample some of Scotland’s famous whiskies and beers.
The Argyll Coastal Route
The Argyll Coastal Route is a scenic route that takes you along the west coast of Scotland, offering amazing views of the Scottish coast and islands. The route starts in the historic city of Glasgow and ends in the coastal town of Oban, passing through charming villages, rugged cliffs, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland.
Travel with your private driver guide along Loch Lomond, where you can admire the beautiful scenery of Scotland’s largest lake. Explore the charming village of Luss, where you can take a boat tour of the loch, or visit the medieval castle of Inveraray.
The Argyll Coastal route features the Kintyre Peninsula, where you can admire the beautiful beaches of Machrihanish and the charming village of Tarbert. Your driver guide will also take you to discover the island of Islay, where you can visit historic distilleries and sample some of Scotland’s famous whisky.
Snow Roads Scenic Route
The Snow Roads Scenic Route itself is a unique experience, it is a high-altitude drive through the Cairngorms National Park, which is home to some of Scotland’s highest mountains, and the Lecht Ski Centre, a ski resort that is open all year round.
The route offers a unique opportunity to admire the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, including rugged mountains, moors, and glens. The route is also less traveled, making it a more peaceful and secluded experience.
Some of the recommended stops include:
The Lecht Ski Centre offers a unique opportunity to experience skiing or snowboarding all year round. The Centre has 20 ski runs, 4 chairlifts, and 4 surface lifts, as well as a ski school and equipment rental.
The Cairngorms National Park is home to some of Scotland’s highest mountains, and it offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and skiing. While driving the Snow Roads Scenic Route, you can stop at the park’s visitor center and learn more about the park’s history, wildlife, and geology.
The Corgarff Castle on the Snow Roads Scenic Route is a 16th-century castle built to protect the area from Jacobite rebels.
The Tomintoul is a charming village located on the Snow Roads Scenic Route. The village has a variety of shops, cafes, and pubs, and it offers a unique opportunity to experience the local culture and hospitality.
The Glenlivet Distillery is one of the oldest and most famous distilleries in Scotland and offers tours and tastings of its famous single malt whisky.
The Lecht 2090 is a hilltop café and visitor center that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and hills. The center also has a shop that sells local products such as woolen goods, food, and drink.
Driving The Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye driving loop is a scenic route that takes you around the Isle of Skye, one of the most beautiful and historic islands in Scotland. The loop can be started from any point on the island, but the most common starting point is the town of Portree. The route takes you through a variety of landscapes, including rugged mountains, coastal cliffs, and picturesque villages.
Some of the best stops to make while driving the Isle of Skye loop include:
The Old Man of Storr:
A spectacular rock formation located on the Trotternish Peninsula. The hike to the top of the formation offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
The Quiraing landslide:
Located on the Trotternish Peninsula, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and hills. The hike to the top of the Quiraing is considered one of the best on the Isle of Skye.
The Fairy Pools:
The Fairy Pools are a series of crystal-clear pools located near the village of Carbost. The pools are fed by waterfalls and are popular for swimming and picnicking.
The Talisker Distillery:
The Talisker Distillery is one of the oldest and most famous distilleries on the Isle of Skye. The distillery offers tours and tastings of its famous single-malt whisky.
The Dunvegan Castle:
The Dunvegan Castle is a medieval castle that has been the seat of the MacLeod clan for 800 years. The castle offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the Isle of Skye.
The Neist Point Lighthouse:
The Neist Point Lighthouse is located at the westernmost point of the Isle of Skye, and it offers panoramic views of the surrounding sea and cliffs. The lighthouse is also known for its excellent wildlife-watching opportunities.
Contact Our Team About A Driver-Guided Tour Through Scotland
We hope this blog post has given you a taste of what you can expect on a road trip through Scotland’s scenic routes and has inspired you to plan your own journey. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a first-time visitor, Scotland has something to offer everyone.
If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, simply contact our tour planners at Braw Scottish Tours. We are a dedicated tour operator that specializes in creating bespoke, private tours of Scotland that are tailored to your interests, budget, and schedule.
