10 Scotland Highway Journey Tricks to Know Earlier than You Go

Posted: 5/23/24 | Could twenty third, 2024

Scotland is a rugged and exquisite nation that’s good for exploring on a highway 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 instances within the final decade, I feel taking a highway journey is one of the simplest ways to discover the nation. Residence to only 5.5 million individuals, it’s a sparsely populated land, a lot of your driving right here might be out within the countryside. The nation is simply constructed for it.

However there are nonetheless a couple of issues to remember earlier than you depart.

Listed below are 10 Scotland road-trip suggestions (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 would value you 1000’s.

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

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

In the case of renting a automobile, I like to recommend Uncover Automobiles. Once you e book, it’s straightforward so as to add automobile insurance coverage onto your buy with the press of a button. The positioning makes it clear what is roofed and the way a lot it prices.

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

2. Hire the Proper Automobile

You primarily have two decisions in terms of renting a car in Scotland — and selection will drastically affect your journey. Your choices are a automobile or a campervan.

A automobile might be cheaper and use much less gasoline, however you’ll have to seek out lodging every night time. A campervan/RV might be extra money and require extra gas, however you’ll be able to sleep contained in the car and thus lower your expenses on lodging. (It’s not my jam however to every their very own.)

Each choices make for an incredible journey, so there isn’t any incorrect reply. Simply remember that guide transmissions are the default in Scotland, so if you need a car with computerized transmission, you’ll have to 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).

Should you hire a guide car, you’ll be switching gears along with your left hand as a substitute of your proper, which has a little bit of a studying curve. (Personally, I want an computerized).

Outdated habits die laborious, so in the event you’re used to driving on the right-hand facet of the highway, drive cautiously.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

4. Perceive Roundabouts

Roundabouts are a site visitors circles that function intersections, as a substitute of cease lights or cease indicators. They drive automobiles to decelerate with out stopping the circulate of site visitors. Whereas they aren’t particularly frequent within the US, they’re extremely widespread in Europe (they cut back severe site visitors accidents by upwards of 90%).

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

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

Once you’re able to exit the roundabout, sign so vehicles behind you’ll be turning.

Should you’re not snug once 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 Velocity Limits

Posted velocity limits in Scotland are written in miles. Whereas that is useful for People like me, vacationers from international locations that use kilometers will wish to pay further consideration.

Frequent velocity limits are:

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

These numbers are simply guides, nevertheless. All the time observe native signage to make sure security. When doubtful, it’s at all times higher to go slower quite than quicker till you confirm the velocity. I’d write down some frequent conversions so you’ll be able to have them useful in the event you get confused.
 

6. Add in Time for Scenic Stops

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

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

7. Obtain the Proper Apps

I do know, once you head out on a highway journey, the purpose is to get away out of your telephone so you’ll be able to benefit from the native tradition and beautiful views. Nonetheless, there are many apps on the market that may enable you to lower your expenses, keep secure, and save time. Everybody road-tripping round Scotland ought to have the next apps downloaded to their telephone:

• Met Climate – That is the very best climate app for the UK. Situations can change drastically in Scotland, so plan accordingly.
• Google Maps – The perfect app for trying up instructions. Be sure that to obtain your maps so you may have them for offline use.
• Park4Night – A useful app for locating spots to park to 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 gasoline costs for when you might want to refuel.

8. Carry a Paper Map

Each time I’m going on a highway journey, I at all times carry a paper map. I do know, Google Maps is simple and free, and cell knowledge protection in Scotland is mostly dependable. But it surely’s higher to be secure than sorry. You by no means know when your telephone goes to interrupt, in case your sign might be misplaced (prone to occur in the event you’re driving by way of distant areas), or if there might be an emergency.

Give your self peace of thoughts: carry a paper highway map, and simply go away it within the glove field. You seemingly 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 way to Drive on Single-Monitor Roads

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

Happily, these roads normally have passing areas constructed into them at common intervals, permitting vehicles to tug over to make room. Reap the benefits of these once you see site visitors coming, so that you could simply cross each other.

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

Lastly, remember 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 purpose, be sure you have a spare tire and that you just even have insurance coverage protection to your tires, simply to be secure.
 

10. Don’t Rush

Whereas Scotland isn’t large, there are nonetheless numerous issues see and do right here. It might be tempting to hurry, so you’ll be able to pack extra into your itinerary, however I strongly encourage you to not accomplish that. High quality, not amount, is the secret. I’ve been on numerous highway journeys around the globe, and slower is at all times higher. Which means driving much less and spending extra time at every cease. Do this, and also you’ll be capable to soak in much more of Scotland’s distinctive tradition.

Moreover, likelihood is you’ll be driving on numerous smaller, winding roads right here, typically surrounded by ambling cattle to be careful for. Which means, for security causes, you’ll have to decelerate and actually concentrate on the drive. Admire the sights, go away room for spontaneous detours, and overlook about dashing from sight to sight. You gained’t remorse it!
 

Recommended Routes

There are a couple of widespread highway journey routes in Scotland. They every supply various things to see and do, and every require totally different quantities of time to finish. To profit from your time, choose the route that most accurately fits your journey pursuits.

Right here’s a fast take a look at a couple of of the very best highway journey routes in Scotland:

North Coast 500 – That is most likely the most well-liked highway journey route within the nation. It loops across the northern tip of Scotland, normally beginning and ending in Inverness. Standard stops embody Bealach na Bà, Cape Wrath, Smoo Cave, John o’ Groats, and Dunrobin Fortress.

You’ll need no less than 5 days, although seven days can be preferable. Simply remember that it might probably 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’ll be able to actually absorb the views). It’s additionally part of a number of highway 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 awesome different to the North Coast 500, because it’s much less widespread (and thus much less crowded). Standard stops alongside this route embody the Inveraray Jail, the cairns of Kilmartin Glen, Glen Coe, and Ben Nevis.

When you may simply drive the gap in a single day, plan to spend no less than three days. That offers you time to see the highlights with out dashing.

Highlands Vacationer Route – Chopping throughout the jap facet of the nation, from Aberdeen to Inverness, this route is a well-liked alternative for historical past buffs, as there are quite a few fortress 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 Highway Journey FAQ

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

Should you choose a shorter route or simply wish to do a weekend highway journey to camp, three days will suffice.

What’s the most scenic drive in Scotland?
A number of the most scenic drives in Scotland embody the Argyll Coastal Route, your complete North Coast 500, and the Highlands Vacationer Route.

Is driving in Scotland tough?
Whereas driving within the cities is usually a ache, when you get out into the countryside, it is vitally straightforward. 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 linked to the mainland through a bridge.

What’s the finest month for a Scotland highway journey?
Typically, April-October is the very best 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 might be decrease and every thing might be much less busy.

Scotland is an attractive vacation spot and excellent for highway journeys. With beautiful surroundings, historic sights, plentiful mountaineering alternatives, and attainable Loch Ness monster sightings, I feel 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 in regards to the Highlands, having a automobile or campervan will make it each attainable and inexpensive. Simply observe the information above and also you’ll make sure to have an incredible time!

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