Scenic drives in Scotland
Scotland’s landscapes are best appreciated from the open road. Scenic drives take travelers through glens, along lochs, and across rugged coastlines, offering endless photo opportunities and unforgettable experiences.
- Scotland Tours
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North Coast 500 (NC500)
- Known as Scotland’s ‘ultimate road trip,’ this 500-mile loop around the Highlands begins and ends in Inverness.
- Highlights include dramatic coastal cliffs, white-sand beaches, castles, and fishing villages.
- Popular with road trippers, cyclists, and motorcyclists alike.
Glencoe and Rannoch Moor
- Driving through Glencoe on the A82 offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Scotland.
- Misty peaks, waterfalls, and the famous Three Sisters create an unforgettable journey.
Isle of Skye Drive
- The route from the Skye Bridge to Portree and beyond showcases the island’s rugged coastline and landmarks such as the Old Man of Storr and Quiraing.
- Narrow roads and single-track stretches add adventure.
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
- Just north of Glasgow, this drive combines lochside beauty with forested hills.
- Perfect for a shorter scenic excursion.
Argyll Coastal Route
- Runs from Tarbet to Fort William, passing sea lochs, castles, and fishing towns.
- Known for stunning west coast sunsets.
Borders Historic Route
- A drive through the Scottish Borders links Edinburgh to Carlisle, with abbeys, rolling hills, and historic towns along the way.
Why Visitors Should Try It
Scotland’s scenic drives are more than transportation—they’re journeys into wild landscapes and cultural treasures. Whether a day trip or a week-long road adventure, they let travelers discover Scotland at their own pace.