5 Best Scotland Road Trips: A Local Expert's View

Get ready to experience shimmering lochs, heather-clad mountains, and centuries of history on a Scotland road trip. Travelling by car gives you the chance to explore at your own pace, discovering dramatic landscapes and meeting welcoming locals along the way.

You might stand in the halls of a royal castle, learn local legends in a museum, or walk the grounds of a famous battlefield.

To help you plan your road trip, our Edinburgh-based experts have rounded up 5 of the best places to go in Scotland by car.

• Hit the open road with these self-drive tours of Scotland

Top scenic routes in Scotland

1. North Coast 500 highlights and islands
2. Loch Ness and the Highlands
3. The Outlander Trail
4. Scottish Highlands and the North Coast 500
5. Aberdeen to Inverness via Royal Deeside

Road in Glen Coe.

1. North Coast 500 highlights and islands

Best for:

Castle spotters, trendy travellers, and coastal views.

Duration: 

12 days

What’s the drive like?

Start your journey in Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital. Wander the Royal Mile’s closes (“narrow alleyways”) and cobbled lanes, which stretch from Holyrood Palace to the majestic Edinburgh Castle.

From here, head north along the east coast, winding past picturesque seaside towns. Stop in St Andrews, known as the “Home of Golf” and loved for its medieval streets, prestigious university, and wide sandy beaches.

Local tip: Grab a traditional fish and chips from Tailend, then top it off with a scoop (or 2) from Janettas Gelateria, a local favourite.

Your journey continues through the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands. Visit some of Scotland’s grandest castles, including Balmoral, the British Royal Family’s summer residence.

Drive north to the harbour village of Scrabster, where you’ll hop on a ferry to the Orkney Islands. Explore the island’s rugged cliffs and ruins like Skara Brae, a Neolithic village dating back to the Stone Age.

Once you’re back on the mainland, join the iconic North Coast 500, one of the most scenic routes in Scotland. Head for the postcard-perfect village of Ullapool and stop at breathtaking spots like Smoo Cave and Knockan Crag Nature Reserve along the way.

I highly recommend stopping off at Knockan Crag and following the scenic trail around the nature reserve. You’ll get fantastic views over the otherworldly landscape of Assynt with its remarkable mountains, such as Stac Pollaidh.
-Chris Glauche, Edinburgh-based Travel Consultant

Follow the winding Highland roads to the striking Isle of Skye, one of Scotland’s most loved destinations. Wander the colourful town of Portree, then explore the island’s highlights, including the Old Man of Storr, Dunvegan Castle, and the crystal-clear Fairy Pools.

When you’re back on the mainland, don’t miss the Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. Then, continue to the mysterious shores of Loch Ness and take a boat tour in search of its legendary resident, Nessie.

From here, drive through the dramatic landscapes of Glen Coe, which you might recognise from famous films like Harry Potter and Skyfall. Round off your trip with a scenic drive through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park as you make your way back to Edinburgh.

• Discover the highlights of Scotland’s Route 66 on these NC500 tours
• Related: Scotland’s Route 66 – The North Coast 500

The colourful Portree harbour on the Isle of Skye.

2. Loch Ness and the Highlands

Best for:

First-time visitors, Highland highlights, and Harry Potter fans.

Duration: 

5 days

What’s the drive like?

Even if you only have a few days in Scotland, this road trip packs in some of the country’s most iconic sights.

In Edinburgh, climb Calton Hill or hike to Arthur’s Seat to take in the city’s skyline. Afterwards, head to the historic Grassmarket for a well-earned pint and a taste of local pub culture.

Local tip: For a pint with a dark backstory, pop into The Last Drop. It’s named after the tradition of giving one final drink to prisoners before their execution, which happened just outside the pub.

From here, drive north into the Scottish Highlands, passing through the rugged Cairngorms National Park. On the way, stop in Dunkeld to explore the 13th-century Blair Castle and learn about the historic rivalries between Highland clans.

Continue to Inverness, the “Gateway to the Highlands”. Then, travel to nearby Loch Ness. Explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle and take a scenic cruise on the loch.

Next, head west into the dramatic Glen Coe valley before wrapping up your Highland adventure in Fort William.

Just a short drive from here, you’ll find the Glenfinnan Viaduct, one of the most memorable Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland. You’ll recognise it from The Chamber of Secrets when Ron and Harry chase down the Hogwarts Express in a flying car.

Finally, return to the capital via Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

• Explore this route with a local on a privately guided tour of Scotland
• Related: Best places to visit in Scotland

The Jacobite steam train on the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

3. The Outlander Trail

Best for:

Outlander fans, romantics, and history buffs.

Duration: 

7 days

What’s the drive like?

Start your road trip in the Scottish capital, where you’ll uncover Outlander filming locations from season 3.

Along the Royal Mile, you might recognise the World‘s End pub where Jamie and Claire pop in for a visit. And don’t miss the Palace of Holyroodhouse, another famous location featured in the series.

You could also take a day trip to Glasgow to explore many of season 3’s filming spots for Boston and Harvard. But there's plenty to enjoy beyond the show, too – Glasgow is a vibrant hub of live music, dining, shopping and art.

Local tip: While you're in Glasgow, head to the West End and wander down Ashton Lane. This charming cobbled street is packed with cosy pubs and great places to eat.

Next, cross the Forth Road Bridge into Fife and visit Hopetoun House – the Duke of Sandringham’s home. Then, head to Blackness Castle, a boat-shaped fortress known on-screen as Fort William.

Drive into the heart of the Highlands toward Inverness. On the way, make a stop at Culloden Battlefield, a must-visit for any Outlander fan. This is where Jamie makes his final stand in the series’ dramatic battle against the English. Just nearby, you can visit Clava Cairns, a mysterious site of ancient tombs and standing stones that inspired the show’s Craigh na Dun.

While you’re in Inverness, you could visit the nearby ruins of Beauly Priory, where Claire meets Maisri the Seer.

As you make your way back to Edinburgh, stretch your legs with a walk along the shores of Loch Katrine or take a boat tour on the loch. Then, stop at the imposing Doune Castle, the real-life Castle Leoch.

You might also recognise the castle from other series and films, including Game of Thrones, Outlaw King, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

• Follow in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie on an Outlander tour in Scotland
• Related: 7-day Scotland road trip itinerary ideas

Inverness and the River Ness.

4. Grand tour of Scotland

Best for:

Those who want to see it all, nature lovers, and whisky connoisseurs.

Duration: 

17 days

What’s the drive like?

Kick off your adventure in Edinburgh and head north through the Kingdom of Fife. Wander the charming village of Falkland, where you can explore its Renaissance palace.

As you continue north, take the scenic coastal route past the cliffs and sand dunes of St Cyrus National Nature Reserve. Then it's onwards into the Scottish Highlands.

Drive along the “Royal Deeside Tourist Route”, where you’ll find castles, forested trails and plenty of whisky distilleries. If you’re a whisky lover, don’t miss the chance to tour world-renowned distilleries like Glenfiddich or Aberlour in the heart of Speyside.

Next, catch the ferry to the Orkney Islands, home to archaeological wonders, some of which predate the pyramids of Egypt. Back on the mainland, follow the North Coast 500 to the fishing village of Ullapool.

Local tip: Grab a bite at the Seafood Shack in Ullapool – their fresh fish and shellfish dishes are top-notch.

From here, sail over to the Isles of Lewis and Harris, the largest islands of the Outer Hebrides. Don’t miss Luskentyre Beach on Harris, with its miles of white sand and turquoise waters. And check out the local Harris Tweed outlets for an authentic, handwoven souvenir.

Hop over to the Isle of Skye and follow the road around the Trotternish Peninsula.

Local tip: If you’re a whisky fan, visit the Talisker Distillery to sample some genuine single-malt Scotch whisky.

After a few days exploring Skye, head back to the mainland and make your way to Fort William. From there, take a ferry to the Isle of Mull, where you’ll find 300 miles (500 km) of coastline, rugged mountains, and a colourful harbour town.

You can also visit the sacred Isle of Iona, a peaceful island known for the historic Iona Abbey. To wrap up your road trip, head back to Edinburgh via Kilmartin Glen, one of Scotland’s most important archaeological areas.

• Discover the country’s top sights on a Scottish summer tour
• Related: Most beautiful beaches in Scotland

Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris.

5. Aberdeen to Inverness via Royal Deeside

Best for:

Peaceful drives, royal route explorers, and a good dram.

Duration: 

3 days

What’s the drive like?

This short trip from Aberdeen to Inverness takes you through royal estates, whisky country, and mountain landscapes. Start by exploring Aberdeen, the “Granite City,” with its mix of museums, shops, pubs and restaurants.

Then, head west, taking the coastal route past St. Cyrus National Nature Reserve. Stop at Dunnottar Castle, a haunting medieval fortress perched on a rocky cliff. It’s famously known for keeping the Scottish Crown Jewels safe from theft and destruction.

Afterwards, drive along the picture-perfect Royal Deeside, a peaceful area surrounded by the majestic Grampian Mountains. As the name suggests, it’s long been a favourite getaway for the British Royal Family.

Local tip: Visit in autumn if you can – the forests burst into colour, making it one of the best times to explore the area.

Make time for Balmoral Castle. And if you haven’t had your fill of castles just yet, nearby Crathes Castle and Braemar Castle are both well worth a stop.

From here, cross the scenic Lecht Pass into Speyside, home to the highest concentration of whisky distilleries in the country. Take a tour and sample a dram at places like Royal Lochnagar, Glenlivet, or Ballindalloch.

As you head north through the Cairngorms, stop in Aviemore for a forest walk or at Loch Morlich to enjoy mountain views by the water. Your route ends in Inverness, where you can continue to explore the Highlands.

• Delve into the country's royal past on a Scottish castle tour
• Related: Best time to visit Scotland – Your complete guide

Balmoral Castle.

Plan your Scotland road trip itinerary with Nordic Visitor

Picture yourself exploring winding roads, dramatic coastlines and historic towns on one of the most scenic drives in Scotland.

Book your road trip with Nordic Visitor, and you’ll benefit from local knowledge and expert advice. Our dedicated travel consultants, based in Edinburgh, will plan your scenic driving route, book your accommodation, and arrange any ferries and activities.

You’ll also be able to contact them 24/7 through our helpline in case a ferry is delayed, or you need assistance during your trip.

Get in touch with one of our local experts to start planning your unforgettable road trip.