11 Scotland Street Journey Tricks to Know Earlier than You Go

Posted: 5/23/2024 | Might twenty third, 2024

Scotland is a rugged and exquisite nation that’s good for exploring on a street journey. The craggy coasts, placid lochs, and rolling hills make it a dream to find. There are numerous historic castles, iconic distilleries, and postcard-perfect islands at your fingertips.

I completely love Scotland. It’s stunningly stunning and I can by no means get sufficient of the numerous altering landscapes, Scotch distilleries, and heat, welcoming locals.

Having been to Scotland over a handful of occasions within the final decade, I believe taking a street journey is one of the simplest ways to discover the nation. Residence to simply 5.5 million individuals, it’s a sparsely populated land, a lot of your driving right here shall be out within the countryside. The nation is simply constructed for it.

However there are nonetheless a couple of issues to bear in mind earlier than you depart.

Listed here are 10 Scotland road-trip ideas (plus my favourite routes) to assist make your drive higher, safer, and extra enjoyable (primarily based on my expertise no less than):

1. Get Journey Insurance coverage

I by no means go away residence with out journey insurance coverage. And I by no means hire a automobile with out complete insurance coverage both.

I do know, it’s an added expense. And likelihood is you gained’t even want it.

However what occurs in the event you do want it and it’s not there? You’ll be paying out of pocket for harm. And that might value you 1000’s.

Scotland has a lot of slim, rugged, or single-track roads (extra on these later) that may be difficult to navigate. Tire and windshield harm is widespread. Throw within the ever-changing climate, and also you’ve obtained recipe for hassle.

That’s why I strongly encourage you to take out automobile insurance coverage on your street journey. The peace of thoughts is value it.

With regards to renting a automobile, I like to recommend Uncover Vehicles. If you e-book, it’s simple so as to add automobile insurance coverage onto your buy with the clicking of a button. The positioning makes it clear what is roofed and the way a lot it prices.

You need to use the widget beneath to get a quote. It’s quick and free:

2. Lease the Proper Car

You basically have two decisions relating to renting a automobile in Scotland — and selection will drastically affect your journey. Your choices are a automobile or a campervan.

A automobile shall be cheaper and use much less fuel, however you’ll have to seek out lodging every night time. A campervan/RV shall be more cash and require extra gas, however you may sleep contained in the automobile and thus get monetary savings on lodging. (It’s not my jam however to every their very own.)

Each choices make for an incredible journey, so there isn’t a mistaken reply. Simply understand that guide transmissions are the default in Scotland, so if you’d like a automobile with computerized transmission, you’ll must specify that whereas reserving.
 

3. Be Able to Drive on the Left

Visitors in Scotland flows on the left, identical to the remainder of the UK. That is the alternative of the US, Canada, and the vast majority of Europe (solely Eire, the UK, Malta, and Cyprus drive on the left in Europe).

In case you hire a guide automobile, you’ll be switching gears together with your left hand as an alternative of your proper, which has a little bit of a studying curve. (Personally, I desire an computerized).

Outdated habits die laborious, so in the event you’re used to driving on the right-hand facet of the street, drive cautiously. Driving on the left might be particularly difficult while you arrive at a roundabout (extra on that beneath) or in a metropolis. Take it gradual at first, till you alter.
 

4. Perceive Roundabouts

Roundabouts are a visitors circles that function intersections, as an alternative of cease lights or cease indicators. They pressure automobiles to decelerate with out stopping the stream of visitors. Whereas they aren’t particularly widespread within the US, they’re extremely fashionable in Europe (they scale back critical visitors accidents by upwards of 90%).

Roundabouts are quite common in Scotland. They usually stream in the other way (clockwise) than do these within the US (counterclockwise). When approaching a roundabout, decelerate drastically and yield to visitors within the roundabout till you may have a gap to enter the visitors circle. All visitors flows the identical course in a roundabout.

If there are a number of lanes, you’ll must be on an outer lane when exiting. The interior lane of the roundabout is for vehicles not exiting instantly.

If you’re able to exit the roundabout, sign so vehicles behind you recognize you may be turning.

In case you’re not snug while you arrive at a roundabout, simply take it gradual and sign your intentions. They’re much simpler to deal with than you suppose!
 

5. Know the Pace Limits

Posted pace limits in Scotland are written in miles. Whereas that is useful for People like me, vacationers from nations that use kilometers will wish to pay additional consideration.

Frequent pace limits are:

• Constructed-up areas: 30 MPH
• Single roadways: 60 MPH
• Twin roadways: 70 MPH
• Highways: 70 MPH

These numbers are simply guides, nevertheless. At all times comply with native signage to make sure security. When unsure, it’s at all times higher to go slower moderately than sooner till you confirm the pace. I’d write down some widespread conversions so you may have them helpful in the event you get confused.
 

6. Add in Time for Scenic Stops

I do know a variety of vacationers like to essentially plan out their routes and itineraries. If you solely have a couple of days, it may be tempting to plan every little thing to a T (I used to do that loads). Nonetheless, there are many diversions to discover in Scotland, from quaint cities to scenic vistas to brief hikes.

You’re going to wish to pull over each jiffy for a vista, mountain, loch, or deserted fort. The panorama is so stunning that even the common sights are Insta-worthy. For that cause, construct in buffer time in your itinerary in order that, in the event you resolve to cease or take just a little diversion, you’ll have the time. I can’t suggest this sufficient. Generally, the most effective elements of a visit are those you stumble into. And also you undoubtedly don’t wish to be speeding from sight to sight both, so plan to be diverted.
 

7. Obtain the Proper Apps

I do know, while you head out on a street journey, the purpose is to get away out of your cellphone so you may benefit from the native tradition and gorgeous views. Nonetheless, there are many apps on the market that may enable you to get monetary savings, keep secure, and save time. Everybody road-tripping round Scotland ought to have the next apps downloaded to their cellphone:

• Met Climate – That is the most effective climate app for the UK. Circumstances can change drastically in Scotland, so plan accordingly.
• Google Maps – The most effective app for wanting up instructions. Make sure that to obtain your maps so you may have them for offline use.
• Park4Night – A useful app for locating spots to park on your RV or campervan (together with free ones).
• Flush – A useful app for locating public restrooms.
• Petrol Costs – An app for locating and evaluating close by fuel costs for when it’s essential refuel.

8. Deliver a Paper Map

Each time I’m going on a street journey, I at all times deliver a paper map. I do know, Google Maps is straightforward and free, and cellular information protection in Scotland is usually dependable. Nevertheless it’s higher to be secure than sorry. You by no means know when your cellphone goes to interrupt, in case your sign shall be misplaced (more likely to occur in the event you’re driving via distant areas), or if there shall be an emergency.

Give your self peace of thoughts: deliver a paper street map, and simply go away it within the glove field. You probably gained’t want it, however in the event you do, you’ll be glad you may have it (they make good souvenirs after a visit too).
 

9. Perceive The right way to Drive on Single-Observe Roads

When you get out of the cities, it’s possible you’ll encounter single-track roads. These are basically two-way roads that solely have house for one automobile. Because of this in the event you encounter oncoming visitors, there isn’t a room so that you can cross each other.

Luckily, these roads often have passing areas constructed into them at common intervals, permitting vehicles to drag over to make room. Benefit from these while you see visitors coming, so as to simply cross each other.

Moreover, take it gradual round corners on single-track roads. Accidents can happen right here as a result of you may’t see oncoming visitors (with whom you’re sharing a lane). So, drive slowly, and at all times be ready to cease.

Lastly, understand that many single-track roads are a bit rugged. Blowing a tire can occur simply, particularly in the event you’re pulling off to the facet to make room for passing automobiles. For that cause, be sure to have a spare tire and that you just even have insurance coverage protection on your tires, simply to be secure.
 

10. Don’t Rush

Whereas Scotland isn’t enormous, there are nonetheless a variety of issues see and do right here. It might be tempting to hurry, so you may pack extra into your itinerary, however I strongly encourage you to not achieve this. High quality, not amount, is the secret. I’ve been on numerous street journeys all over the world, and slower is at all times higher. Meaning driving much less and spending extra time at every cease. Do this, and also you’ll have the ability to soak in much more of Scotland’s distinctive tradition.

Moreover, likelihood is you’ll be driving on a variety of smaller, winding roads right here, typically surrounded by ambling cattle to be careful for. Meaning, for security causes, you’ll must decelerate and actually give attention to the drive. Admire the sights, go away room for spontaneous detours, and neglect about speeding from sight to sight. You gained’t remorse it!
 

Urged Routes

There are a couple of fashionable street journey routes in Scotland. They every provide various things to see and do, and every require completely different quantities of time to finish. To profit from your time, decide the route that most closely fits your journey pursuits.

Right here’s a fast have a look at a couple of of the most effective street journey routes in Scotland:

North Coast 500 – That is in all probability the most well-liked street journey route within the nation. It loops across the northern tip of Scotland, often beginning and ending in Inverness. Widespread stops embrace Bealach na Bà, Cape Wrath, Smoo Cave, John o’ Groats, and Dunrobin Fortress.

You’ll need no less than 5 days, although seven days could be preferable. Simply understand that it may well get busy in the summertime.

Edinburgh/Glasgow to Glen Coe – Glen Coe is a picturesque valley within the Highlands that’s each a Nationwide Scenic Space and Nationwide Nature Reserve. It’s a well-liked spot for photographers and hikers, and a must-visit location for anybody exploring the Highlands.

Glen Coe is simply 2-2.5 hours from Glasgow and Edinburgh, making it a simple day journey (although I counsel stopping in a single day, so you may actually take in the views). It’s additionally part of a number of street journey routes, together with the Argyll Coastal Route (listed subsequent).

Argyll Coastal Route – This route alongside the west coast of Scotland stretches for 129 miles (208 kilometers), from Loch Lomond to Fort Williams. It’s an amazing different to the North Coast 500, because it’s much less fashionable (and thus much less crowded). Widespread stops alongside this route embrace the Inveraray Jail, the cairns of Kilmartin Glen, Glen Coe, and Ben Nevis.

Whilst you may simply drive the space in a single day, plan to spend no less than three days. That gives you time to see the highlights with out speeding.

Highlands Vacationer Route – Reducing throughout the japanese facet of the nation, from Aberdeen to Inverness, this route is a well-liked selection for historical past buffs, as there are quite a few fort and museum stops, in addition to the positioning of the final battle on British soil, the Battle of Culloden (1746).

The route is simply 116 miles (187 kilometers), however no less than three days are wanted to take all of it in.
 

Scotland Street Journey FAQ

How lengthy do you want for a Scotland street journey?
Ideally, no less than 5-7 days. Clearly, the size will rely in your itinerary, however that could be a stable begin.

In case you decide a shorter route or simply wish to do a weekend street journey to camp, three days will suffice.

What’s the most scenic drive in Scotland?
A few of the most scenic drives in Scotland embrace the Argyll Coastal Route, the whole North Coast 500, and the Highlands Vacationer Route.

Is driving in Scotland tough?
Whereas driving within the cities generally is a ache, when you get out into the countryside, it is vitally simple. Simply use warning on single-track roads and in roundabouts — and keep in mind that it’s important to drive on the left!

Are you able to drive onto the Isle of Skye?
Yep! It’s related to the mainland through a bridge.

What’s the greatest month for a Scotland street journey?
Typically, April-October is the most effective time to go to. Personally, I just like the autumn, as you’ll get to see the altering leaves. It gained’t be as heat, however costs shall be decrease and every little thing shall be much less busy.

Scotland is an exquisite vacation spot and excellent for street journeys. With gorgeous surroundings, historic sights, plentiful climbing alternatives, and potential Loch Ness monster sightings, I believe renting a automobile to discover is one of the simplest ways to expertise the nation. Whether or not you wish to uncover the rugged coast or weave concerning the Highlands, having a automobile or campervan will make it each potential and inexpensive. Simply comply with the information above and also you’ll make sure you have an incredible time!

Get Your In-Depth Price range Information to Europe!

My detailed 200+ web page guidebook is made for price range vacationers such as you! It cuts out the fluff present in different guides and will get straight to the sensible data it’s essential journey whereas in Europe. It has recommended itineraries, budgets, methods to economize, on and off the overwhelmed path issues to see and do, non-touristy eating places, markets, bars, security ideas, and far more! Click on right here to be taught extra and get your copy right this moment.