Scotland boasts some fabulously scenic drives. You could choose to take in a few of these roads while travelling and holidaying by campervan or motorhome. Even if you have driven one or two of these routes before, the views during different seasons make it worth a return trip in spring, summer, autumn or winter.
Here we bring you five more scenic drives in Scotland, to add to the Seven Great Drives in Scotland.
New North Coast 500 route
Achmelvich beach. Pic credit: Flickr Murray Barnes
Designed to mimic America’s famous Route 66, the new North Coast 500 has been launched by the North Highland Initiative (NHI) and links together the best of the Highlands’ coastline.
As the 500 indicates, the route is 500 miles long and starts in Inverness. It follows the A835 to the west coast and then north through the stunning north-west Highlands.
Fabulous scenery. Pic credit: Flickr Murray Barnes.
At the top of mainland Britain, the NC 500 heads east along the northern shores before eventually reaching John O’Groats. It then returns to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, by following the north-eastern shoreline.
The fabulous route takes in many iconic sights along the way including stunning beaches at Achmelvich and Dornoch, the most northerly Munro of Ben Hope and the Suilven mountain range, as well as taking drivers to fairy-tale Dunrobin Castle and the impressive ruins of Ardvreck.
To see the route check out NC500
Stirling to Inverness
Fabulous hills. Pic credit: Flickr Dave Conner
A great way to reach the NC500 from the Central Belt of Scotland is to take the A9, also known as the “spine of Scotland”, to Inverness. The A9 is the longest road in Scotland at 273 miles and the fifth-longest A-road in the UK.
As you drive through amazing and ever-changing scenery, especially in the Cairngorm National Park, you’ll find yourself close to a wealth of tourist and historic destinations such as Dunblane, Gleneagles, Perth, Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl and also Inverness.
Glenelg to Skye
Glenachulish ferry. PIc credit: Flickr
A delightful road trip takes you from Glenelg to the Isle of Skye and via the Glenachulish, which is the only manually operated turntable ferry in Scotland. It’s not as quick as the Skye road bridge but the wait is worth it for the spectacular scenic views.
Kyleakin Castle, Pic credit: Flickr Oliver Clarke
Look out in the coastal waters and basking on rocks for grey and common seals and, if you are lucky, otters. Why not also take a detour to Dunvegan Castle, Kyleakin Castle and Talisker distillery on the Isle of Skye?
The Border to Edinburgh
Scott’s View. Pic credit: Flickr John Mason
Ditch the M74 and A1 for the A68. If you have the time and you would prefer to feast your eyes on beautiful Borders scenery, the A68 takes you from Carter Bar (sometimes there is a lone bagpiper at the English-Scottish border) through the Eildon Hills and on to the rolling countryside of the Scottish Borders
North of the historic town of Lauder the road climbs Soutra Hill from where, on a clear day, you’ll enjoy a stunning view towards Edinburgh and Fife in the far distance.
There are plenty of attractions to pop in to see on the way including the abbeys of Jedburgh, Dryburgh and Melrose, Scott’s View over the River Tweed and Eildon Hills and Abbotsford House, former home of the author Sir Walter Scott.
Loch Lomond to Lochgilphead
Loch Fyne. PIc credit: Flickr Nige Brown
Lochs, hills, mountains and coast provide the backdrop for this drive west from Loch Lomond. The route can be busy with coaches at the height of the summer season so be prepared to take your time.
You might start this route form Glasgow on the A82 to reach Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park at Balloch, Turn on to the A83 at Tarbet to reach Arrochar at the head of Loch Long.
The drive west climbs steeply over the Rest and Be Thankful. You’ll easily spot a popular layby and viewpoint at the top.
The next destination is Inveraray on Loch Fyne and then the route takes you along the loch-side to Lochgilphead offering fantastic views over the loch itself and forestry beyond.
Perthshire to Royal Deeside
Spittal of Glenshee road. Pic credit: Flickr Alden Chadwick
This route follows the A93 from Blairgowrie in Perthshire to Braemar on Royal Deeside and takes in a wonderfully twisty climb up to the pass of Glenshee – and the amazing descent down the other side.
Depending on when you take this drive, you’ll see the hills in the southeastern corner of the Cairngorm National Park in various shades of colour thanks to the abundance of heather.
There are three of Scotland’s easiest Munros to summit close to Glenshee Ski centre, the Cairnwell Three.
Also, the Linn of Dee is well worth a detour to see remnants of the Ancient Caledonian Forest and Royal Deeside boasts Balmoral Castle. If you have the time – and of course you will because you are on holiday – drive the delightful road south from Aboyne up into Glen Tanar, where walkers can then hike Scotland’s most easterly Munro, Mount Keen.
Also see Seven Great Drives in Scotland