Road tripping gives you the flexibility to venture off the usual road for new experiences and intimately explore Scotland’s magnificent landscapes. You are free to go at your own speed, eat wherever you like, and find hidden gems. In this guide, we explore three Scottish road trips to take from Edinburgh in 2024.
Why a road trip in Scotland?
A road trip allows you to set your own schedule and change plans spontaneously if something catches your interest along the way. The beauty of not being tied to public transport timetables means you can enjoy and take your time stress-free. With a motorhome, you can explore smaller towns, remote beaches, hidden castles and attractions that might be more difficult to access otherwise, and you can wander country backroads at your leisure.
The driving allows you to fully appreciate the changing vistas at your own pace. Having the luxury to stop frequently for photo ops, short walks, and picnics amidst the dramatic scenery from mountains to lochs. Getting to go cruising through small villages and along coastal roads you’re likely to encounter charming cafes, art galleries, secluded accommodation and more that you may have missed if you just stick to major destinations.
Some popular places to stop at include farm shops, markets, distilleries and eateries along your route, which all really allow you to get a taste of Scotland’s culinary offerings. These range from cheeses to smoked salmon to haggis. You can find a motorhome to hire by typing ‘motorhome hire Edinburgh’ into your fave search engine. Alternatively, Ariescape is one of the biggest motorhome hire companies north of the border, so go out and hit the road on your own terms. Having your own wheels allows you to pack in more destinations into the day and take advantage of accommodation outside city centres which can save money.
The North Coast 500
What is the North Coast 500? The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile scenic driving route along the northern coast of Scotland. The route winds through the Scottish Highlands along the northern coast, where you can see the stunning views of mountains, beaches, cliffs, castles, and open plains.
There are many historic castles, ruins, and monuments along the route that provide a glimpse into Scottish history and culture over the centuries. Some of these highlights include Dunrobin Castle, Ardvreck Castle, and the Old Man of Storr. The north of Scotland sees far fewer tourists than more popular destinations like Edinburgh meaning you can better experience Scotland at your own pace.
Why would you want to miss out on what the route offers? you get the opportunity to see incredible diverse landscapes, learn about Scottish history and culture, partake in outdoor activities, see wildlife, and avoid larger crowds.
The Highlands
The Highlands offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the world ranging from rugged mountains like Ben Nevis to glassy glens and lochs to rocky cliffs and rolling hills. Taking a road trip allows you to fully immerse yourself in the landscape. The Highlands are dotted with the ruins of ancient castles like Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle on the Isle of Skye. You get a sense of Scottish history and culture.
The Highland coastline is incredibly dramatic and picturesque. Driving the roads along the lochs and sea cliff sides is an amazing drive. The open vistas and wide skies of the Highlands create a feeling of freedom and you can spend days exploring its natural beauty. There are excellent Day Trips where you could go and visit The Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Cairngorms National Park and more amazing places are perfect day trips from your Highland base. All of this and It’s less than a 3-hour drive from Edinburgh to the heart of the Highlands making it an accessible trip.
The Scottish Borders
Why would you miss out on this chance to get a long drive along the scenic drive to the rolling hills and green valleys of the Borders? As the driving allows you to fully take in the landscapes letting you awe its beauty in your own time. The area is dotted with impressive abbeys like Jedburgh and Kelso and fortified castles that tell the story of Scotland’s turbulent past with England.
There are ample opportunities for walking, hiking, cycling, and fishing in the Borders countryside and national park, with so much choice you could spend your time enjoying what Scotland has to offer. Some of Scotland’s best mountain biking trails wind through the Borders forests and hills.
The manageable distance from Edinburgh (1-2 hours drive) means you can take scenic day trips to visit different areas. With lower tourist crowds, you can enjoy an authentic Scottish Borders experience at your own relaxed pace.
