Top 5 Scenic Drives in Scotland
If you want to experience Scotlands spectacular scenery then choosing one of, or all of, our top 5 scenic drives in Scotland is the way to do it. We often jump in a car and head away from Edinburgh for a long weekend.
Whether it is north through the Scottish Highlands to the Isle of Skye or west to the rugged Atlantic coastline there is so much to see. Ruined castles, jagged mountainsides and empty fields as far as the eye can see will greet you on your travels.
And with very little traffic you won’t feel any pressure from other motorists and can take it all in at a slow pace.
So grab a coffee, some roadside picnic goodies, hire a car in the UK and get started on the top 5 scenic drives in Scotland. You might even get lucky and see one of these cute wee Highland Cows…
Top 5 scenic drives in Scotland
Glasgow to Oban
While driving in Glasgow is nothing to write home about, the scenery to the northwest is. Head north along the A82 towards Loch Lomond. This should also be the first stop on your journey.
There are plenty of roadside bays for taking pictures and admiring the views at the foothills of the Scottish Highlands. And it is around here that you will enter Loch Lomond and the Trossochs National Park. There are lots of mountain biking and hiking trails running through these hills so take your time!
After buggering yourself from your adventures, continue north before turning west onto the A85. Slicing through the rugged terrain this winding road will eventually spit you out onto the coastal roads above Oban. One of our favourite towns in the whole of Scotland.
Edinburgh to Berwick-Upon-Tweed
The coastal route between Edinburgh and the northeast of England can be very dull and dreary if you stick to the A1. Instead of driving in straight-lines why not get off the main road and duck and dive between the cutest villages overlooking the North Sea.
While considerably longer, it is a lot more fun and beautiful.
Get out of Edinburgh towards Musselburgh via the A199 or A1. What you are looking for is the much more scenic A198 which will deliver you through Dirleton and on past North Berwick. The best sights along the way are two of the finest Castles in Scotland, Dirleton Castle and Tantallon Castle.
Both castle are mostly in ruins but are open to visitors.
Jump back on the A1 for a short blast before diving off onto the A1107 towards Eyemouth. The perfect place to stop for your lunch overlooking a very cute coastal village and rocky shoreline. And from here it’s not far to the border of England and Berwick-Upon-Tweed.
Isle of Skye
While we have shown a circular route for the Isle of Skye, there is really no wrong or right route here. All of the Isle of Skye is fantastic to drive around.
If you have a few days to spend in the Isle of Skye, which you should definitely make time for, then our only recommendations are to keep your driving distances short and get out of the car.
There are so many hiking trails around the Isle of Skye, like the Fairy Pools below, that will keep you busy for most of your visit.
Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran has some of the best mountain biking trails in the whole of Scotland. It is just a little harder to get to than some of the other spots around. Crossing over the Firth of Clyde on the ferry is the only option and you really do want a car to explore the coastal route.
Disembarking the ferry head south on the A841 (one of the only roads on the Isle of Arran) and spend the evening around Whiting Bay. There are lots of Bed and Breakfasts to choose from along the shoreline. The breakfasts will also fuel you for an epic day of exploring the coastal road that circumnavigates the Isle of Arran.
Make sure you stop near the ruins of Kildonan Castle to visit the seal colony. As well as take a hike out to the King’s Cave where Sir Robert the Bruce is rumoured to have hid out. Access is from the A841 near Blackwaterfoot via a coastal path.
Scottish Highlands
One of the most scenic drives in Scotland has to be through the Scottish Highlands. Dramatic mountain ranges are split by narrow winding roads running next to shimmering lochs. There is not even any point in suggesting a route through the Scottish Highlands as there are so many excellent options.
Just make sure you don’t skip stopping for morning cake and coffee in Callander or driving through Glencoe.
Would love to hear your suggestions for top 5 scenic drives in Scotland!
Category: Europe, Travel Tips
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi slang for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We love all types of adventures that make us step outside our comfort zone, in comfort, including surfing, skiing, snowboarding, diving and cruising on our bikes. You can find out more 
Wow, some seriously thorough routes, great work guys. It’s weird that I lived up in Newcastle for so long and never really spent much time up in Scotland. I’m going to blame the fickle weather I think. Great resource post if I do make it though!
Laurence recently posted..That time I nearly died in the Outback
Wow, these are some great drives (we did a few during our vacation in Scotland). I love the high quality pictures, especially of the highland cow calf!
Evan McDonald recently posted..A Review of Sandals Whitehouse Jamaica
Such a great round up! We did the Glasgow to Oban and up through the Highlands once a few years ago (thanks to 10GBP return flights to Glasgow from London). What an amazing time. No matter where we are in the world, we see a beautiful setting (usually green, mountainous, etc) and we say to each other, hey this looks like Scotland! One of the most beautiful places in the world!
Most. Adorable. Cow. Ever. And the road trips look pretty cool too…
Karen @ Trans-Americas Journey recently posted..Dinosaur Bones and Cow Udders – Above Metapán, El Salvador
I looooved seeing the Highland Cows when I was in Scotland, but I never saw a baby one!!! That picture is so cute I can’t stand it.
Gina recently posted..Photo Tour Friday: Muir Woods
They all sound like great drives… but, more importantly, the cow!! How cute!
Turtle recently posted..Restoring the faith
Great drive…this sort of trip through Scotland is on our bucket list. Of course, I’ll have the golf clubs in tow:)
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..The Blogger Relay – My Top 3 Travel Memories
I remember taking the train from York to Edinburgh, and while it wasn’t exactly a road trip, the view were absolutely stunning. I’m guessing it’s even better by car so you can stop anytime you want for photos!
EurotripTips recently posted..Getting the gift of the gab at Blarney Castle
Beautiful pictures, the first one is spectacular
Angela recently posted..A trip, a photo – In Rio, the trendy and the favela
These all look really great! I’d love to visit Scotland, and a scenic drive sounds like the perfect thing. Although I’m not sure how I’d handle driving on the wrong side of the car and the wrong side of the road!
Ali recently posted..My Top Sunset Photos
Oh my gosh… That animal!!!!!
Lillie – @WorldLillie recently posted..Get Teaching Traveling Monthly e-Newsletter: Don’t Miss Out!
Haha I know! He is sooooo cute
These are some really great ideas for routes guys, thanks so much for sharing! The picture of the cow is just beyond cute too!
emma@greenglobaltravel recently posted..INTERVIEW: Kiva Director of Global Portfolio Giovanna Masci on Ending World Poverty
Lovely pictures and great ideas for scenic drives.
Vicky
Celebrating the Great British Coastline
Vicky recently posted..KYLEAKIN
Very envious of this! I love Scotland! I’ve gone to the Scottish festival here the last couple of years and it’s made me want to go visit even more. It’s probably the top destination on my list. This post made me want to go even more now!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..Interviews and Irish culture at a college football game in Ireland
Great info! I highly recommend the Isle of Skye (as you do), it is so beautiful.
Candice recently posted..5 Longest Passenger Flights
We love getting away in to the Highlands. Isle of Skye is just a special place for us!
Aww…that’s an adorable cow! Great scenic places in Scotland. Love the Isle of Skye and Tantallon Castle.
Shamis @ Gawaya Travel Blog recently posted..Bora Bora Resorts On The Water
Ahhh, you make Scottland look stunning. I really really must visit there soon. Love the photo of the cow, so so much cuter than the average cow.
cheryl recently posted..My Love Affair With Alpe Di Siusi (In Photos).
Definitely come and visit Cheryl. I am sure we have space on our couch if you need it too!
Nice story. We went on a Scottish road trip this summer, Edinburgh to Glasgow, via the Isle of Skye and John O’Groats. Gorgeous country.
Michael @ Changes In Longitude recently posted..Fending off pickpockets on the Buenos Aires subway
Pity we didn’t get a chance to meet up Michael. Glad you enjoyed Scotland though. We love it here.
We are planning a trip to UK for mid next year, with a week to be spent in Scotland. Do you think we can fit in all five suggested drives? Our time is a little flexible though at this stage. If not what should definitely not be missed?
I want to incorporate at least one or two walks (say 2-4 hours) any suggestions of how to incorporate those?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Sally
Hi Sally,
Sorry it has taken a few days to get back to you! Sincere apologies.
If you are here for a week then you could probably do all of the drives. It just depends on how long you spend in places like the Isle of Skye and Edinurgh. When are you coming over? Check out these posts too. The last one has a good hiking track and only takes about an hour.
http://www.fourjandals.com/europe/destination-itinerary-48-hours-in-edinburgh/
http://www.fourjandals.com/europe/driving-in-the-scottish-highlands/
http://www.fourjandals.com/europe/visiting-the-isle-of-arran/
http://www.fourjandals.com/europe/walking-the-birks-of-aberfeldy-the-falls-of-moness-exploring-scotland/
Scotland is high on our list for 2013. Thanks for the great tips!
Mary @ Green Global Travel recently posted..Winding Down 2012 With Our Biggest Eco Adventures Ever!
You guys would love cruising the Highlands on a road trip Mary. Looks like we are heading away from Scotland though next year so we might miss you!
Love these pics! I think it’s actually impossible to get a bad pic at Glencoe. Scotland is really amazing, and the people are so nice. A
Liz recently posted..A Midwestern Life: What It’s All About
OH MY!! I’ve just fallen madly in love with that baby cow! (and I’ve saved it on my desktop so this virtual love cannot by forgotten!)
I guess Scotland looks okay too
Shing @ The Culture Map recently posted..HAVE A ‘SCREAM’ OF A TIME IN THE EDVARD MUNCH MUSEUM
I’m going to Scotland in September 2013 and I’m bring that baby cow home with me! Thanks for great posts/itineraries. Cheers.
Hahaha as long as you give it a haircut every now and then