10 Scotland Highway Journey Tricks to Know Earlier than You Go

Posted: 5/23/24 | 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 feel taking a street journey is the easiest way to discover the nation. Dwelling to only 5.5 million individuals, it’s a sparsely populated land, a lot of your driving right here will probably be out within the countryside. The nation is simply constructed for it.

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

Listed here 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 at the very least):

1. Get Journey Insurance coverage

I by no means depart dwelling with out journey insurance coverage. And I by no means lease a automobile with out complete insurance coverage both.

I do know, it’s an added expense. And chances are high you received’t even want it.

However what occurs if you happen to do want it and it’s not there? You’ll be paying out of pocket for harm. And that might price you hundreds.

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

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

With regards to renting a automobile, I like to recommend Uncover Automobiles. While you guide, it’s straightforward 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 should utilize the widget beneath to get a quote. It’s quick and free:

2. Lease the Proper Automobile

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

A automobile will probably be cheaper and use much less gasoline, however you’ll have to search out lodging every night time. A campervan/RV will probably be more cash and require extra gasoline, however you’ll be able to 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 remember that handbook transmissions are the default in Scotland, so in order for you a automobile with automated transmission, you’ll must specify that whereas reserving.
 

3. Be Able to Drive on the Left

Site visitors in Scotland flows on the left, identical to the remainder of the UK. That is the other of the US, Canada, and nearly all of Europe (solely Eire, the UK, Malta, and Cyprus drive on the left in Europe).

If you happen to lease a handbook 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 choose an automated).

Previous habits die arduous, so if you happen to’re used to driving on the right-hand aspect of the street, drive cautiously. Driving on the left could be particularly difficult while you arrive at a roundabout (extra on that beneath) or in a metropolis. Take it sluggish at first, till you regulate.
 

4. Perceive Roundabouts

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

Roundabouts are quite common in Scotland. They usually circulation in the other 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 have got a gap to enter the site visitors circle. All site visitors flows the identical path 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.

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

If you happen to’re not snug while you arrive at a roundabout, simply take it sluggish and sign your intentions. They’re much simpler to deal with than you assume!
 

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 further 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. All the time comply with native signage to make sure security. When doubtful, it’s all the time higher to go slower somewhat than sooner till you confirm the pace. I’d write down some widespread conversions so you’ll be able to have them helpful if you happen to get confused.
 

6. Add in Time for Scenic Stops

I do know plenty of vacationers like to essentially plan out their routes and itineraries. While you solely have a number of days, it may be tempting to plan the whole lot to a T (I used to do that so much). 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 couple of minutes for a vista, mountain, loch, or deserted fortress. The panorama is so stunning that even the common sights are Insta-worthy. For that purpose, construct in buffer time in your itinerary in order that, if you happen to determine to cease or take a bit of diversion, you’ll have the time. I can’t suggest this sufficient. Generally, one of the best elements of a visit are those you stumble into. And also you positively 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’ll be able to benefit from the native tradition and gorgeous views. Nonetheless, there are many apps on the market that may allow 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 one of the best climate app for the UK. Circumstances can change drastically in Scotland, so plan accordingly.
• Google Maps – The most effective app for trying up instructions. Be certain that to obtain your maps so you have got them for offline use.
• Park4Night – A useful app for locating spots to park in 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’ll want to refuel.

8. Carry a Paper Map

Each time I am going on a street journey, I all the time convey a paper map. I do know, Google Maps is straightforward and free, and cell information protection in Scotland is mostly dependable. But it surely’s higher to be secure than sorry. You by no means know when your cellphone goes to interrupt, in case your sign will probably be misplaced (prone to occur if you happen to’re driving via distant areas), or if there will probably be an emergency.

Give your self peace of thoughts: convey a paper street map, and simply depart it within the glove field. You doubtless received’t want it, however if you happen to do, you’ll be glad you have got it (they make good souvenirs after a visit too).
 

9. Perceive 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 automobile. Which means that if you happen to encounter oncoming site visitors, there isn’t a room so that you can go each other.

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

Moreover, take it sluggish 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 all the time be ready to cease.

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

10. Don’t Rush

Whereas Scotland isn’t big, there are nonetheless plenty of issues see and do right here. It could 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 street journeys around the globe, and slower is all the time 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, chances are high you’ll be driving on plenty 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 concentrate on the drive. Admire the sights, depart room for spontaneous detours, and neglect about speeding from sight to sight. You received’t remorse it!
 

Instructed Routes

There are a number of in style street journey routes in Scotland. They every supply various things to see and do, and every require completely different quantities of time to finish. To take advantage of your time, choose the route that most accurately fits your journey pursuits.

Right here’s a fast have a look at a number of of one of the best street journey routes in Scotland:

North Coast 500 – That is in all probability the preferred street journey route within the nation. It loops across the northern tip of Scotland, normally beginning and ending in Inverness. Fashionable stops embrace Bealach na Bà, Cape Wrath, Smoo Cave, John o’ Groats, and Dunrobin Citadel.

You’ll need at the very least 5 days, although seven days can be preferable. Simply remember that it may possibly 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 preferred 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 straightforward day journey (although I counsel stopping in a single day, so you’ll be able to 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 in style (and thus much less crowded). Fashionable stops alongside this route embrace the Inveraray Jail, the cairns of Kilmartin Glen, Glen Coe, and Ben Nevis.

When you may simply drive the space in a single day, plan to spend at the very least three days. That provides you with time to see the highlights with out speeding.

Highlands Vacationer Route – Slicing throughout the japanese aspect 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 at the very least three days are wanted to take all of it in.
 

Scotland Highway Journey FAQ

How lengthy do you want for a Scotland street journey?
Ideally, at the very least 5-7 days. Clearly, the size will rely in your itinerary, however that may be a stable begin.

If you happen to choose 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, all the 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 rather straightforward. Simply use warning on single-track roads and in roundabouts — and do not forget that you need to drive on the left!

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

What’s the finest month for a Scotland street journey?
Typically, April-October is one of the best time to go to. Personally, I just like the autumn, as you’ll get to see the altering leaves. It received’t be as heat, however costs will probably be decrease and the whole lot will probably be much less busy.

Scotland is a ravishing vacation spot and ideal for street journeys. With gorgeous surroundings, historic sights, plentiful mountaineering alternatives, and attainable Loch Ness monster sightings, I feel renting a automobile to discover is the easiest way 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 attainable and inexpensive. Simply comply with the guidelines above and also you’ll make sure you have an incredible time!

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