A Scotland road trip had been on our bucket list for a long time, and we finally made it happen! We spent 12 days exploring the country by car, taking in stunning landscapes, historic cities, and breathtaking Highland roads.
If you’re planning your own self-drive adventure, this guide is packed with essential information, tips, and personal experiences to help you along the way.
We’ll take you through our carefully planned itinerary, covering Edinburgh, the Highlands, and Scotland’s most scenic routes. You’ll also find our top accommodation picks, key advice on rental cars and driving in Scotland, and practical travel tips – from must-do hikes and activities to small but important details like power adapters.
Ready to hit the road? Let’s dive in!
Scotland Road Trip – Contents
Planning Our Self-Drive Road Trip Through Scotland
The time of year played a key role in shaping our itinerary, as we traveled through Scotland between March and April. Visiting in the off-season, especially in the Highlands, meant that some attractions* were closed, and certain activities were not yet available. Some castles only open in April, while boat trips from Ullapool to the Summer Isles do not start until May.
Since both Scone Palace and Dunnottar Castle* in the eastern Highlands were closed at the beginning of our trip, we decided to skip the eastern route. Instead, we traveled from Edinburgh to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and then to the world-famous Loch Ness.
Next, we made our way to Ullapool, one of the last towns before reaching Scotland’s wilderness. From there, we headed to the Isle of Skye, famous for its dramatic landscapes and incredible hiking opportunities. After that, we continued to Fort William, home to the highest mountain in the United Kingdom.
Our final stretch took us through the spectacular valley of Glen Coe before reaching Scone Palace. Finally, we returned to Edinburgh, where we spent three days sightseeing.
We chose not to visit Glasgow or Loch Lomond* as one major city was enough for our 12-day itinerary. Since Edinburgh is often considered the more beautiful city, we decided to dedicate our time there.
Flights to Scotland: Arrival and Departure
We searched for the best flights on Skyscanner and decided on an evening flight from Berlin to Edinburgh. As soon as we arrived, we hit the road and headed west to Grangemouth, where we had booked our first hotel and could visit the famous Kelpies. Edinburgh was both the starting and ending point of our road trip. After twelve incredible days in Scotland, we took an evening flight back to Berlin.
Accommodation Options: Hotels, Holiday Homes, and Apartments
Accommodation in the Highlands is limited, so it is best to book in advance to secure a good place to stay.
For our first night, we chose the Leapark Hotel* in Grangemouth. We wanted to avoid a long drive on the first night but still head in the right direction. Since the hotel was located near the Kelpies, it was a perfect fit. The staff was welcoming, and the building had a charming historic feel. This was also where we tried our first traditional Scottish breakfast, including black pudding, which, to be honest, was not really to our taste.
In Inverness, we stayed at the Kingsmills Hotel*, which is surrounded by a beautiful, spacious garden. If you are traveling with children, they will love this hotel. It features a large pool, a hot tub, and excellent dining options.
Further north in Ullapool, the selection of accommodations was quite limited. We decided to stay at Number 27*, a holiday apartment. Staying in an apartment gave us extra space and a quiet, comfortable environment.
On the Isle of Skye, we booked a stay at Lealt Falls House*. This remote holiday home offers a stunning sea view and is perfectly located, with the picturesque Lealt Falls waterfall just around the corner. Only five miles away lies the spectacular Old Man of Storr, one of the most impressive rock formations and hiking spots in the UK. Plus, Portree is just a 15-minute drive away.
In Fort William, we found our favorite accommodation of the trip: the beautifully furnished Taigh Mara Marine House*. From the living room, we enjoyed uninterrupted views of the garden and the sea.
Final Stop in Edinburgh: Staying at the Novotel Near the Castle
For our last three nights in Edinburgh, we chose the spacious Novotel Edinburgh Centre*. This centrally located hotel is just a short walk from Edinburgh Castle and features a pool and a hot tub. Due to its size, the hotel has a lively atmosphere, which is great for families with children. However, for us, it was a bit too busy, and in hindsight, we would have preferred a quieter holiday apartment.
Driving in Scotland: What You Need to Know
Before starting our road trip, we spent a lot of time thinking about driving in Scotland, especially about adjusting to left-hand traffic. However, once we arrived, we quickly realized that there were other aspects of driving that we hadn’t considered. To help you feel more prepared, here are the most important things to know before hitting the road in Scotland.
Challenges of Left-Hand Driving in Scotland: Tips and Experiences
We were initially unsure whether we would handle left-hand driving well. However, after navigating the chaotic streets of Naples, we felt confident enough to take on the challenge.
In reality, adjusting to left-hand traffic required more concentration than expected. Each of us faced different challenges, but the biggest struggle was staying centered in the lane and not drifting too far to the left.
One of the trickiest adjustments was getting used to oncoming traffic approaching from the right. Since the driver’s seat is also on the right, it took time to judge the correct position on the road. A good tip is to focus on staying close to the center line on your right to avoid accidentally hitting parked cars on the left.
Turning right at intersections was another challenge. Unlike in countries where left turns often have designated lanes, Scotland has right-turn lanes, which can take some getting used to.
On motorways, the fast lane is on the right, which is the opposite of Germany. The right lane is for overtaking, while the left lane is reserved for slower-moving traffic.
Navigating Scottish Roundabouts: A Guide
Scotland has many roundabouts, which might feel unfamiliar at first. Unlike in some other countries, traffic flows in a clockwise direction. Always remember to give way to vehicles already inside the roundabout before entering.
If you are taking the first exit, stay in the left lane. For later exits, position yourself in the right lane and switch to the outer lane before exiting. Use your left indicator before entering if you are taking the first exit, and if not, signal left after passing the previous exit.
If you need to take the last exit or make a full turn, stay in the right lane, use your right indicator when entering, and switch to the left indicator before exiting.
Who Has the Right of Way?
Scotland does not follow the “priority to the right” rule. Instead, vehicles coming from side roads must always give way to traffic on the main road. This makes it quite simple to understand.
What Is the Legal Blood Alcohol Limit in Scotland?
The best approach is to avoid alcohol entirely when driving. Staying fully alert is essential, especially when adjusting to left-hand traffic. On two occasions, while feeling a bit tired, we instinctively drove on the right side of the road out of habit. The sight of an oncoming car quickly brought us back to reality.
In Scotland, the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5‰, which equals 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.
Scotland Road Trip – Road Conditions in the Highlands
As soon as you enter the Highlands, you will feel the true essence of a road trip. The landscapes along the way become increasingly dramatic, offering breathtaking views. Driving remains fairly easy on the wider roads, such as the A9 between Edinburgh and Inverness.
However, on the narrower country roads, particularly around Ullapool and the Isle of Skye, space becomes much tighter. Many of these roads are single-track, meaning they only have one lane for both directions. Every 50 meters or so, there are passing places where you can pull over to let oncoming traffic pass. Navigating these roads requires full concentration, as the tight spaces and blind curves can be challenging.
Friendly Driving Culture in the Scottish Highlands
We found that drivers in the Highlands were much more considerate than what we were used to in Berlin. We did not experience tailgating, honking, aggressive overtaking, or other impatient behaviors. On the contrary, especially on the narrow single-track roads in the Highlands, it is common for drivers to greet each other when using passing places. This greeting is a simple gesture—raising a finger from the steering wheel as a sign of acknowledgment. Pay attention to this custom and adopt it during your trip.
Another common courtesy is allowing faster drivers to overtake on single-track roads. As a tourist enjoying the scenery, it is important to make way for locals who may be in a hurry. Using passing places to let them pass is a sign of respectful and responsible driving.
The relaxed and polite attitude of Scottish drivers is one of the reasons why adjusting to left-hand traffic is not as stressful as it might seem. People tend to be more patient and aware of each other, making it easier to navigate the roads.
Speed Limits, Distance Measurements, and Speed Cameras
For navigation during our trips, we always use Google Maps. To our surprise, all distances in Scotland were displayed only in miles, and road signs also used miles and yards instead of kilometers. However, speed limits are well marked and easy to follow.
The following speed limits apply in Scotland:
Road Type | Speed Limit |
|---|---|
Urban Areas | 30 mph = 48 km/h |
Rural Roads | 60 mph = 100 km/h |
Motorways | 70 mph = 115 km/h |
Wildlife on the Roads
When driving through the Highlands, you are almost guaranteed to encounter animals on the road. Sheep are the most common sight, often in large herds, but also wandering alone. During our journey, we also came across goats and chickens on the narrow country roads.
Some animals will move out of the way, while others may simply sit in the middle of the road. Drive slowly and carefully, not just for safety, but also to enjoy these unique encounters. In fact, we once stopped to take photos with the sheep, and it turned into quite an adventure! Watch the full story here.
Tips for Choosing a Rental Car
When searching for an affordable rental car, we first compared car rental options in Edinburgh*. We quickly noticed that manual cars were significantly cheaper than automatic ones. To save money, we decided to rent a manual transmission vehicle.
However, after picking up the car at Edinburgh Airport, we realized we had made a mistake. The gear stick was on the left side, which felt completely unnatural for us. This made intuitive shifting difficult and added an extra challenge to driving on the left side of the road.
We often found ourselves instinctively reaching to the right for the gear stick, only to grab air or hit the driver’s door instead. As a result, we frequently ended up selecting the wrong gear.
Tip: To reduce stress while driving, consider choosing an automatic rental car*, even if it costs a bit more.
Practical Tips for Your Scotland Road Trip: Entry Requirements, Payments, and More
The basics of planning a road trip are straightforward: decide on your route, book your flights*, rental car*, and hotels*. However, there are often additional factors to consider, such as unexpected challenges that may arise during the trip. To help you prepare, this section covers key topics you should plan for in advance.
Entry Requirements: Passport and Visa Information
As a German citizen, you need a valid passport to enter Scotland. A visa is not required for short visits.
Payments in Scotland and Currency Information
Throughout our entire road trip, we paid exclusively by credit card. Initially, we debated whether we should carry some cash, but we decided to rely on credit and debit cards instead. The only time we needed cash was at the end of our trip in Edinburgh when we encountered a parking machine that only accepted coins. In that case, we opted to park in a parking garage instead.
Even at our last hotel, the Novotel Edinburgh Centre*, we noticed how little cash is used in Scotland. A sign at the entrance even stated, “We are cashless.”
Power Outlets and Adapters
When we arrived at our first hotel, we quickly realized that Scotland uses different power outlets than Germany. While Germany and most of Europe use Type F plugs, the standard in the UK is Type G, which is not compatible with most of our devices.
To be well-prepared, it is a good idea to purchase the right adapters before your trip. We bought two adapters at Asda supermarket—one for our standard charging cables and another with dual USB ports for our phones.
Important Tip: In Scotland, most power outlets have a switch next to them that needs to be turned on before they will work.
Roaming
Following Brexit, travelers in Scotland are no longer covered under EU roaming regulations. However, this does not mean that the high charges from before 2012 have returned. Major German mobile providers such as Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 still do not charge roaming fees for contract customers. As a result, roaming prices have remained the same, and there is no need to purchase an additional roaming package for the UK.
Note: In the Highlands, mobile reception and internet access can be very unreliable. We first noticed this near Loch Ness on our way to Fort Augustus.
Time Zone
The UK is always one hour behind Germany. This means that when it is 10:00 AM in Scotland, it is already 11:00 AM in Germany.
Planning Activities for Your Scotland Road Trip
Scotland is famous for its whisky, castles, historic fortresses, boat tours, and breathtaking landscapes. Almost all of our activities were planned in advance, and wherever possible, we booked them ahead of time.
From our experience, we learned that online reservations are often necessary for popular attractions. This was particularly true when we visited Tenerife and wanted to take the Teide Cable Car. Unfortunately, by 10:00 AM, all tickets were already sold out, which was quite disappointing.
Similarly, outside Edinburgh Castle*, we saw a sign in the morning informing visitors that all tickets had already been sold out by 10:00 AM!
Whisky Tours
Scotland is world-famous for its whisky, and for many visitors, taking a whisky tour is an absolute must. Here are some of the most popular whisky experiences you can enjoy.
- Edinburgh: The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour and Tasting*
- Edinburgh: The Johnnie Walker Whisky Experience*
- Edinburgh: Whisky Tasting with History and Storytelling*
Castles and Fortresses
Scotland is home to numerous medieval castles and fortresses*. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which ones to visit. During our 12-day trip, we explored seven castles, and each one left a lasting impression. Here are some of the most popular castles to include in your road trip.
Boat Tours
With over 30,000 lakes and nearly 19,000 kilometers of coastline, Scotland offers countless opportunities for boat tours. We took a breathtaking boat trip from Portree through the scenic Raasay Sound. Here are some of the most popular boat tours in Scotland.
- Loch Ness: Urquhart Castle Cruise*
- Edinburgh: Forth Bridges Boat Tour*
- Fort William: Seal-Watching Tour on Loch Linnhe*
Hiking Trails
Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes offer endless opportunities for unforgettable hikes. Whether you prefer dramatic mountain views, lush valleys, or scenic coastal routes, here are some of the best hiking trails to explore:
Our Complete Scotland Road Trip: From Edinburgh Through the Highlands
Here is a brief summary of our Scotland road trip by car. If you would like more details about each stop along the way, simply click on the corresponding travel report.
Day 1: Grangemouth and The Kelpies
Originally, we had planned to visit the Kelpies on the second day of our trip. However, since they are most stunning when illuminated in the evening, we decided to change our plans after arriving in Scotland that night. Instead, we drove straight to the Kelpies—two impressive 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures. After admiring them, we checked into our hotel. If you are heading north, we highly recommend making a stop at the Kelpies.
Day 2: Stirling Castle, National Wallace Monument, and Pitlochry
Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most famous castles, closely linked to the legends of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Not far from the castle, you will find the National Wallace Monument, a 67-meter-high tower perched on a hill. Both sites offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. These two landmarks particularly impressed us, so we highly recommend visiting them. After exploring these historic sites, we continued our journey to the charming town of Pitlochry.
To the travel report Stirling Castle, National Wallace Monument and Pitlochry
Day 3: Inverness, Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness
The drive from Pitlochry to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, takes only about two hours along the relaxed A9. Along the way, the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular.
One of the most famous attractions in this area is, of course, Loch Ness, which is also home to the picturesque Urquhart Castle.
Read the full travel report on Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
Days 4 to 6: Ullapool – Hiking and Beaches
The drive from Inverness to Ullapool takes about one and a half hours along the A835. Along the way, you will pass through breathtaking landscapes and see beautiful waterfalls. Ullapool, the last major settlement in the northwestern Highlands, served as our base for three nights. From here, we took day trips to some of the most stunning beaches and hiking trails in the region.
Read the full travel report on Ullapool: Wilderness of the Western Highlands
Days 7 and 8: Isle of Skye – Hiking, Eilean Donan Castle, and a Boat Tour
We planned to stay for two nights on the Isle of Skye. On the way there, we stopped at Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most magnificent castles in Scotland. Upon arriving on Skye, we checked into a beautiful seaside cottage*, located near the impressive rock formation known as the Old Man of Storr. This turned out to be the most breathtaking hike of our trip. Another highlight was the hike along the Fairy Pools.
In Portree, we enjoyed excellent restaurants and took a scenic boat tour through the stunning Raasay Sound.
Read the full travel report on the Isle of Skye
Day 9: Fort William, Whisky Distillery, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct
After exploring Skye, we drove 100 miles south to Fort William, home to the UK’s highest mountain and a popular ski resort. Harry Potter fans should not miss the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which became famous from the movies as the route of the Hogwarts Express*. Whisky enthusiasts will also love visiting the Ben Nevis Distillery for a guided tour and tasting experience.
Read the full travel report on Fort William, Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Ben Nevis
Day 10: Glen Coe
On the tenth day, we explored the breathtaking Glen Coe Valley. Afterwards, we spontaneously decided to visit Scone Palace near Perth, which turned out to be a truly impressive experience.
Read the full travel report on Glen Coe and Scone Palace
Day 11 and 12: Edinburgh – Castle, Holyrood Palace, Camera Obscura, Sightseeing, and Shopping
To conclude our journey, we added a short city trip to Edinburgh. While exploring the Scottish capital, we visited major landmarks such as the Edinburgh Castle*, and the Holyrood Palace. We also wandered through charming vintage stores and indulged in the local culinary scene.
Read the full travel report: 3 Days in Edinburgh
Best Time to Visit Scotland – Weather Conditions
Our road trip through Scotland took place between March and April, which is outside the peak tourist season. Overall, we were quite lucky with the weather, even though it rained for the last three days in Edinburgh. In the Highlands, we mostly experienced sunny days, although it was occasionally a bit cooler in Ullapool.
One major advantage of traveling outside the high season is that attractions are less crowded and traffic is much lighter. However, a downside is that not all sights are open. For example, some castles only open in April, and the first boat tours around Ullapool do not start until May.
In general, May is considered the best time to visit, as there are fewer tourists, long daylight hours, and mostly pleasant weather. June through August is also a popular period, as the temperatures tend to be warmer. March, April, September, and October have fewer visitors, but rainfall is more frequent. From December to February, it is the low season, meaning many accommodations and attractions remain closed.
Another important factor to consider is the midge season, which mainly occurs in the Highlands from late May to early June and again from late July to early August. To avoid these biting insects, it is best to visit before the end of May or after mid-August.
Food and Culinary Delights
Although traditional Scottish dishes like black pudding or haggis were not to our taste, we found the food in restaurants to be excellent overall.
One thing that stood out was the high quality of bakeries and patisseries. In fact, we ended up enjoying far more cakes and pastries than we had originally anticipated.
Our Conclusion on the Scotland Road Trip
We thoroughly enjoyed our Scotland road trip by car. The Highlands captivated us with their breathtaking landscapes. We found the Scottish people to be friendly and laid-back, especially when it came to road etiquette.
In addition to our planned activities, we had many opportunities for spontaneous adventures. A particularly memorable highlight was our visit to a farmer north of Ullapool. He not only invited us in for tea and cake but also let us feed the sheep. You can watch the corresponding video here.
Scotland is ideal for a road trip by car, bus, or camper van. The region can be explored comfortably within two weeks and offers countless attractions worth visiting.
Scotland Road Trip: The Best Providers for Your Travel Bookings
Here, we present our preferred travel booking providers. We place great importance on ensuring that these platforms offer fair prices, high quality, and excellent customer service.
Booking.com* is our top choice for accommodations and rental cars* due to their fast and flexible service, vast selection, and competitive prices.
Get Your Guide* is our go-to platform for high-quality excursions and activities during our travels.
Viator* also offers great tour options. If we can’t find what we’re looking for on Get Your Guide, Viator often has excellent alternatives.
Skyscanner* is our number one choice for finding affordable flights.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Scotland Road Trip
Both cash and credit/debit cards are widely accepted throughout Scotland. However, it is more convenient to use cards as many places, especially in cities, prefer cashless payments.
Keep your distance, do not feed the animals, and remain calm to avoid disturbing them. This is particularly important for sheep and deer, which are commonly seen along the roads.
Book tickets for popular attractions such as castles or whisky tours online well in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during peak season.
