10 Scotland Highway Journey Tricks to Know Earlier than You Go

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

Scotland is a rugged and delightful nation that’s excellent 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. Dwelling to simply 5.5 million folks, 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 just a few issues to bear in mind 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 (based mostly on my expertise no less than):

1. Get Journey Insurance coverage

I by no means go away house 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 when you do want it and it’s not there? You’ll be paying out of pocket for injury. And that might price you hundreds.

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

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

In terms of renting a automobile, I like to recommend Uncover Automobiles. If you e-book, it’s straightforward so as to add automobile insurance coverage onto your buy with the press of a button. The location 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. Hire the Proper Automobile

You basically have two selections with regards to renting a car in Scotland — and selection will drastically affect 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 evening. A campervan/RV will probably 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 a tremendous journey, so there isn’t any mistaken reply. Simply understand that guide transmissions are the default in Scotland, so if you need a car with automated transmission, you’ll have to 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).

In the event you lease a guide car, you’ll be switching gears along 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 when you’re used to driving on the right-hand facet of the highway, drive cautiously. Driving on the left might be particularly difficult once 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 autos to decelerate with out stopping the circulation of site visitors. Whereas they aren’t particularly frequent within the US, they’re extremely standard in Europe (they scale back severe site visitors accidents by upwards of 90%).

Roundabouts are quite common in Scotland. And so they 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 might 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 must be on an outer lane when exiting. The inside lane of the roundabout is for automobiles not exiting instantly.

If you’re able to exit the roundabout, sign so automobiles behind you recognize you may be turning.

In the event you’re not snug once 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 Velocity Limits

Posted pace limits in Scotland are written in miles. Whereas that is useful for Individuals like me, vacationers from international locations that use kilometers will wish to pay additional 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. At all times comply with native signage to make sure security. When unsure, it’s at all times higher to go slower quite than quicker till you confirm the pace. I’d write down some frequent conversions so you’ll be able to have them useful when you get confused.
 

6. Add in Time for Scenic Stops

I do know a whole lot of vacationers like to essentially plan out their routes and itineraries. If you solely have just a few days, it may be tempting to plan all the pieces 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 citadel. 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, when you resolve to cease or take slightly diversion, you’ll have the time. I can’t suggest this sufficient. Generally, one of the best components of a visit are those you stumble into. And also you undoubtedly don’t wish to be speeding 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 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 provide help to lower your expenses, keep protected, 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 – One of the best app for trying up instructions. Ensure to obtain your maps so you might have them for offline use.
• Park4Night – A useful app for locating spots to park on 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 it’s essential refuel.

8. Convey a Paper Map

At any time when I am going on a highway journey, I at all times convey a paper map. I do know, Google Maps is simple and free, and cell information protection in Scotland is usually dependable. Nevertheless it’s higher to be protected than sorry. You by no means know when your cellphone goes to interrupt, in case your sign will probably be misplaced (prone to occur when you’re driving by means of distant areas), or if there will probably be an emergency.

Give your self peace of thoughts: convey a paper highway map, and simply go away it within the glove field. You probably received’t want it, however when you do, you’ll be glad you might have it (they make good souvenirs after a visit too).
 

9. Perceive Drive on Single-Observe Roads

When you get out of the cities, you could encounter single-track roads. These are basically two-way roads that solely have house for one car. Because of this when you encounter oncoming site visitors, there isn’t any room so that you can move each other.

Thankfully, these roads normally have passing areas constructed into them at common intervals, permitting automobiles to drag over to make room. Reap the benefits of these once you see site visitors coming, in an effort to simply move 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 at all times be ready to cease.

Lastly, understand that many single-track roads are a bit rugged. Blowing a tire can occur simply, particularly when you’re pulling off to the facet to make room for passing autos. For that purpose, ensure you have a spare tire and that you simply even have insurance coverage protection on your tires, simply to be protected.
 

10. Don’t Rush

Whereas Scotland isn’t large, there are nonetheless a whole lot of 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 achieve this. High quality, not amount, is the secret. I’ve been on numerous highway journeys around the globe, and slower is at all times higher. Meaning 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, chances are high you’ll be driving on a whole lot of smaller, winding roads right here, typically surrounded by ambling cattle to be careful for. Meaning, for security causes, you’ll have to decelerate and actually give attention to the drive. Admire the sights, go away room for spontaneous detours, and neglect about speeding from sight to sight. You received’t remorse it!
 

Urged Routes

There are just a few standard highway journey routes in Scotland. They every provide various things to see and do, and every require totally 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 take a look at just a few of one of the best highway journey routes in Scotland:

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

You’ll need no less than 5 days, although seven days could be preferable. Simply understand 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 recommend 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 incredible different to the North Coast 500, because it’s much less standard (and thus much less crowded). Well-liked 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 no less than three days. That will provide you with time to see the highlights with out speeding.

Highlands Vacationer Route – Chopping throughout the japanese facet of the nation, from Aberdeen to Inverness, this route is a well-liked selection for historical past buffs, as there are quite a few citadel 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.

In the event 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?
Among the most scenic drives in Scotland embrace the Argyll Coastal Route, the 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 extremely 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 greatest month for a Scotland highway journey?
Usually, 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 all the pieces will probably be much less busy.

Scotland is a wonderful vacation spot and ideal for highway journeys. With gorgeous surroundings, historic sights, plentiful climbing alternatives, and potential 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 concerning the Highlands, having a automobile or campervan will make it each potential and inexpensive. Simply comply with the ideas above and also you’ll you’ll want to have a tremendous time!

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