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Discover 13 of Scotland’s most spectacular driving routes, from the Fife Coastal Route to the epic North Coast 500. Interactive planner with routes, distances and must-see attractions on the way. Get off the main roads and tour Scotland the scenic way now.
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Can You Drive on a Scotland Road Trip?
How to plan a Scotland Road Trip?
What is a 4 Scotland Road Trip?
Do I need a physical map in Scotland?
Roadmap of Scotland. Please find below a detailed map of Scotland which includes all the major and main roads, ferry routes as well as most cities and towns and even some of the smaller settlements. Despite the fact that most folk use smartphones it’s always handy to have a physical map at hand. Many places in Scotland have no mobile data ...
- Step 0 – Scotland Road Trip Planner – Essential to Know
- Step 1 – When – Best Time to Visit Scotland
- Step 2 – Where to Go on Your Road Trip in Scotland
- Step 3 – Define Your Scotland Road Trips Itinerary
- Step 4 – Plan A Scotland Trip – How to Get There
- Step 5 – Transportation For A Scottish Road Trip – Rent A Car
- Step 6 – Book Accommodations on A Scotland Road Trip
- Step 7 – Get Ready – Useful Info For Your Road Trip Around Scotland
- Step 8 – Scotland Packing List
Why visit Scotland?
There are many reasons to visit Scotland: the History, the scenery, the drinks… But I think the following photos are enough to convince anyone
General Scotland Facts
1. Scotland is in Geographic Europe 2. Scotland is the North area of the United Kingdom main island (North of England) 3. The capital is Edinburgh 4. But Glasgow is its largest city
Is Scotland a country?
That is a frequent question as the situation is quite confusing. In sports you consider Scotland as a separate country. But on the international political scene, the United Kingdom is represented. But it does print its own pounds with different bill size and images… Confusing!!! Verdict: Scotland is a nation of people but not an independent country. It is a division of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
With such amazing landscapes, all periods of the year have something to offer and could be the best time to visit Scotland. It really depends on what you love. Here are a couple of facts to help you take your decision: 1. The weather in Scotland is unpredictable so be ready to appreciate everything – one day we had a beautiful blue sky and 20 minut...
Scotland Road Trip Map
Let’s start with a map of Scotland to show you how I structured the touristic regions in this blog and in my eBooks:
Edinburgh
1. Capital city of Scotland 2. Stunning alleys and old buildings 3. Castle and volcanic hills 4. Discover the Things to do in Edinburgh
Glasgow
1. Largest city of Scotland 2. Modern architecture along River Clyde 3. Famous University 4. See how to visit it in one day
Driving Times for your Scotland by car itinerary
Here are some travel times (without stopping) to give you a general idea to plan your itinerary around Scotland by car: 1. Edinburgh to Glasgow – 1h15 2. Edinburgh to Inverness – 3h30 3. Edinburgh to Fort William – 3h30 4. Edinburgh to Portree (Isle of Skye) – 5h30 5. Edinburgh to Aberdeen (Ferry to Shetlands) – 2h30 6. Edinburgh to Thurso (North Coast, ferry to Orkneys) – 5h40 7. Edinburgh to Dumfries – 2h
Planning your Scotland Road Trip itinerary
With so much history and nature to offer, your road trip around Scotland will be quite busy. You can either: 1. Check out my Scotland itinerary examples from 1 week to 10 days and 2 weeks 2. Check out my list of the best drives in Scotland 3. or to help you plan your Road Trip itinerary around Scotland, you can use this site and have a look at the digital guides I wrote to make your planning a lot easier! Be overwhelmed by the beauty not the planning!
How to get to Scotland
1. The main airports in Scotland are Edinburgh (EDI, 10km from the city center) and Glasgow (GLA, 11km from the city center) 2. Edinburgh and Glasgow can also be reached by train from the rest of the United Kingdom mainland 3. Other smaller airports are spread out in Scotland and its islands 4. Another way to reach Scotland is by boat – cruises or ferries from Ireland or mainland Europe – check out options
Visa
1. You need a valid passport to enter the UK (and Scotland) or ID card for some countries 2. EU citizens, Canadians, Swiss and many other nationalities do not need a visa but can only stay for up to 6 months 3. Check if you need one on the Government website
Travelling Scotland by car
Driving in Scotland is generally quite easy and stress-free even if it is on the left side of the road. With so many amazing landscapes to admire alongside the main and side roads, renting a car in Scotland is definitively the best option for freedom. Ferries to most islands also transport cars so you can really tour Scotland by car. Check out the video, information and advice on my article dedicated to driving in Scotland.
Renting a car in Scotland
1. Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com– one of the best rated comparison sites! 2. Choose the car and company you prefer (prefer a compact carfor the narrow single-lane roads) 3. Consider their full coverage option – I always take it for peace of mind! 4. Book earlyto have a large choice of vehicles! 5. See my 36 tips about renting a car in Scotland
Campervan in Scotland
If you want to save on accommodation, you can also travel by campervan or motorhome. This is great to wake up in beautiful locations. Just keep in mind that Scotland has many roads which are single track. Crossing cars might be difficult in some places and difficulty is not indicated on the road signs.
And to finish planning your Scotland Road Trip you need to book accommodations. Scotland has a good selection of Hotels, Guesthouses, BnBs and Rentals. BnBs are the most typical mode of accommodation in Scotland. They are great to enjoy typical Scottish Breakfast and meet locals. Along your road trip, I recommend staying at: 1. Edinburgh to explore...
Language
The language in Scotland is English with a strong accent and some specific expressions. Be assured you will have some interesting moments taking with locals!!! Concerning locations, Scotland also has its own terms: 1. Ben – Scottish or Irish mountain peak 2. Munro – Scottish Mountains over 3000ft (914m) 3. Glen – Narrow and deep mountain Valley 4. Loch – Scot word for lake (also covers sea lochs which are arms of sea in Scotland) 5. Firth – Narrow inlet of the sea 6. Cairn – a mound of stones...
Money
The money used in Scotland is the British Pound. However, do not be surprised that the bills may be different because Scotland prints its own money. Both Scottish and United Kingdom bills can be used in when traveling in Scotland. Credit card is largely accepted but some small BnB sometimes accept cash only so always have enough with you to pay the next night.
Tipping in Scotland
There are no fixed rules for tipping in Scotland. 1. It is not common to tip in pubs unless the service is excellent. They often have a jar for tipping. 2. Tipping is to be considered in restaurant if service charge is not applied. But keep in mind that there is a minimum wage for waiters in the UK regardless of tips 3. The 10% rule tends to apply for taxis.
Clothes
Layers, Layers, Layers As said before, the weather is unpredictable so bring layers for warmth, wind and rain so that you can switch easily Do not forget hat and gloves as the wind can be very cold even in Summer.
Other
1. Plug: Voltage is 220-24 and 3 rectangular sockets of Type G 2. Do not forget Mosquito cream to protect from the midges’ bites Otherwise, nothing special… Use my Travel Packing Checkliststo get ready for your trip. And don’t forget to bring binoculars to make the most of those views!!!! Check out my guide to find the best travel binoculars for your needs. Get your Travel Notebook for your Scotland Road Trip by ZigZag_Road_Trips And keep track of your own trip!
Travel Insurance
And don’t forget to purchase Travel insurance! I wish you a very smooth trip, but my policy is: better be prepared. I personally use World Nomads. Get a quote online here. Want to see more of the best Scotland has to offer? 1. Most beautiful landscapes in Scotland – read article 2. Best things to do in Scotland – read article 3. Best Scotland destinations – where to go? – read article 4. Best Scottish Castles – read article 5. Most beautiful lochs in Scotland – read article 6. Most scenic dri...
- Moray Firth route Inverness to Loch Fleet. Covesea Lighthouse on the Moray Coast Trail. © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam. On the Moray Firth Route, journey through the north east corner of the Highlands on this scenic semi-circle from Inverness around the Beauly, Cromarty and Dornoch firths.
- Deeside tourist route Perth to Aberdeen. Cyclists on the Deeside Way, Ballater. © VisitScotland / Jakub Iwanicki. On the Deeside Tourist Route, travel along Britain's highest main road - the A93 - from Perth, via the Cairngorms National Park, to Aberdeen.
- Angus Coastal Route Dundee to Aberdeen. The beach at Lunan Bay. © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins. Stretching from Dundee to Aberdeen, the Angus Coastal Route takes in the spectacular coastline and countryside of the east of Scotland.
- The Snow Roads scenic route Blairgowrie to Grantown-on-Spey. The Watchers in the Cairngorms National Park. © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam. Admire the drama of The Snow Roads Scenic Route through the eastern portion of the Cairngorms National Park.
Driving in Scotland. When driving around Scotland, you drive on the left. There are a variety of roads in the country and each has their own set of rules. For example, on the motorway and dual carriageways, the speed limit is 70 MPH for cars and motorhomes/campervans. In built up areas the limit is 20 or 30 MPH. Signs will dictate.
The RAC map also enables you to display weather information for the UK so you can plan your journey based on the driving conditions. The RAC Route Planner complements our motoring-services products such as our 5 Star Defaqto breakdown cover and car insurance , including temporary car insurance , learner driver insurance and black box car ...
