11 Scotland Street Journey Tricks to Know Earlier than You Go

Posted: 5/23/2024 | Could 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 lovely 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 one of the simplest ways to discover the nation. House 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 just a few issues to remember earlier than you depart.

Listed below are 10 Scotland road-trip ideas (plus my favourite routes) to assist make your drive higher, safer, and extra enjoyable (primarily based on my expertise a minimum of):

 

1. Get Journey Insurance coverage

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

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

However what occurs in case you do want it and it’s not there? You’ll be paying out of pocket for injury. And that would value you hundreds.

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

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

On the subject of renting a automotive, I like to recommend Uncover Automobiles. If you ebook, it’s simple so as to add automotive 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 under to get a quote. It’s quick and free:

 

2. Lease the Proper Automobile

You primarily have two decisions on the subject of renting a automobile in Scotland — and selection will drastically affect your journey. Your choices are a automotive or a campervan.

A automotive will probably be cheaper and use much less fuel, however you’ll have to search out lodging every night time. A campervan/RV will probably be extra money and require extra gas, however you may 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 a tremendous journey, so there isn’t any flawed reply. Simply understand that guide transmissions are the default in Scotland, so in order for you a automobile with computerized transmission, you’ll must specify that whereas reserving.
 

3. Be Able to Drive on the Left

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

Should you lease a guide automobile, 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 want an computerized).

Previous habits die laborious, so in case you’re used to driving on the right-hand facet of the street, drive cautiously. Driving on the left will be particularly difficult whenever you arrive at a roundabout (extra on that under) or in a metropolis. Take it gradual at first, till you regulate.
 

4. Perceive Roundabouts

Roundabouts are a 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 visitors. Whereas they aren’t particularly widespread within the US, they’re extremely widespread in Europe (they scale back severe visitors accidents by upwards of 90%).

Roundabouts are quite common in Scotland. They usually circulation in the wrong way (clockwise) than do these within the US (counterclockwise). When approaching a roundabout, decelerate drastically and yield to visitors within the roundabout till you will have a gap to enter the visitors circle. All visitors flows the identical route in a roundabout.

If there are a number of lanes, you’ll must be on an outer lane when exiting. The interior lane of the roundabout is for automobiles not exiting instantly.

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

Should you’re not comfy whenever you arrive at a roundabout, simply take it gradual and sign your intentions. They’re much simpler to deal with than you suppose!
 

5. Know the Velocity Limits

Posted velocity limits in Scotland are written in miles. Whereas that is useful for Individuals like me, vacationers from nations that use kilometers will wish to pay additional consideration.

Widespread velocity limits are:

• Constructed-up areas: 30 MPH
• Single roadways: 60 MPH
• Twin roadways: 70 MPH
• Highways: 70 MPH

These numbers are simply guides, nonetheless. All the time comply with native signage to make sure security. When unsure, it’s all the time higher to go slower relatively than quicker till you confirm the velocity. I’d write down some widespread conversions so you may have them useful in case you get confused.
 

6. Add in Time for Scenic Stops

I do know plenty of vacationers like to actually plan out their routes and itineraries. If you solely have just a few days, it may be tempting to plan every little thing to a T (I used to do that loads). Nonetheless, there are many diversions to discover in Scotland, from quaint cities to scenic vistas to quick hikes.

You’re going to wish to pull over each jiffy for a vista, mountain, loch, or deserted fort. The panorama is so lovely that even the common sights are Insta-worthy. For that cause, construct in buffer time in your itinerary in order that, in case you resolve to cease or take a bit diversion, you’ll have the time. I can’t advocate this sufficient. Generally, the very 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, whenever you head out on a street journey, the purpose is to get away out of your cellphone so you may benefit from the native tradition and beautiful views. Nonetheless, there are many apps on the market that may assist you get monetary savings, keep protected, and save time. Everybody road-tripping round Scotland ought to have the next apps downloaded to their cellphone:

• Met Climate – That is the very 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. Be sure to obtain your maps so you will have 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 fuel costs for when you could refuel.

8. Convey a Paper Map

Each time I am going on a street journey, I all the time deliver a paper map. I do know, Google Maps is simple and free, and cellular 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 in case you’re driving by way of distant areas), or if there will probably be an emergency.

Give your self peace of thoughts: deliver a paper street map, and simply depart it within the glove field. You possible gained’t want it, however in case you do, you’ll be glad you will have it (they make good souvenirs after a visit too).
 

9. Perceive The way to Drive on Single-Observe Roads

When you get out of the cities, you might encounter single-track roads. These are primarily two-way roads that solely have area for one automobile. Because of this in case you encounter oncoming 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. Benefit from these whenever you see visitors coming, so that you could simply move each other.

Moreover, take it gradual round corners on single-track roads. Accidents can happen right here as a result of you may’t see oncoming visitors (with whom you’re sharing a lane). So, drive slowly, and all the time be ready to cease.

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

10. Don’t Rush

Whereas Scotland isn’t enormous, there are nonetheless plenty of issues see and do right here. It could be tempting to hurry, so you may 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 street journeys all over the world, and slower is all the time higher. Which means 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, usually surrounded by ambling cattle to be careful for. Which means, 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 gained’t remorse it!
 

Recommended Routes

There are just a few widespread street journey routes in Scotland. They every provide various things to see and do, and every require completely different quantities of time to finish. To profit from your time, choose the route that most closely fits your journey pursuits.

Right here’s a fast have a look at just a few of the very 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. Standard stops embody Bealach na Bà, Cape Wrath, Smoo Cave, John o’ Groats, and Dunrobin Citadel.

You’ll need a minimum of 5 days, although seven days can be preferable. Simply understand that it could 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 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 counsel stopping in a single day, so you may actually absorb 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 a fantastic various to the North Coast 500, because it’s much less widespread (and thus much less crowded). Standard stops alongside this route embody the Inveraray Jail, the cairns of Kilmartin Glen, Glen Coe, and Ben Nevis.

Whilst you may simply drive the gap in a single day, plan to spend a minimum of 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 alternative for historical past buffs, as there are quite a few fort and museum stops, in addition to the location of the final battle on British soil, the Battle of Culloden (1746).

The route is simply 116 miles (187 kilometers), however a minimum of three days are wanted to take all of it in.
 

Scotland Street Journey FAQ

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

Should you 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 embody the Argyll Coastal Route, all the North Coast 500, and the Highlands Vacationer Route.

Is driving in Scotland troublesome?
Whereas driving within the cities is usually a ache, when you get out into the countryside, it is rather simple. Simply use warning on single-track roads and in roundabouts — and do not forget that it’s a must 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 greatest month for a Scotland street journey?
Typically, April-October is the very best time to go to. Personally, I just like the autumn, as you’ll get to see the altering leaves. It gained’t be as heat, however costs will probably be decrease and every little thing will probably be much less busy.

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Scotland is a good looking vacation spot and excellent for street journeys. With beautiful surroundings, historic sights, plentiful mountain climbing alternatives, and doable Loch Ness monster sightings, I feel renting a automotive 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 automotive or campervan will make it each doable and inexpensive. Simply comply with the information above and also you’ll remember to have a tremendous time!