If you want to experience Scotlands spectacular scenery then choosing one of, or all of, our top 5 scenic drives in Scotland is the way to do it. We often jump in a car and head away from Edinburgh for a long weekend.
Whether it is north through the Scottish Highlands to the Isle of Skye or west to the rugged Atlantic coastline there is so much to see. Ruined castles, jagged mountainsides and empty fields as far as the eye can see will greet you on your travels.
And with very little traffic you won’t feel any pressure from other motorists and can take it all in at a slow pace.
So grab a coffee, some roadside picnic goodies, hire a car in the UK and get started on the top 5 scenic drives in Scotland. You might even get lucky and see one of these cute wee Highland Cows…
Top 5 scenic drives in Scotland
Glasgow to Oban
While driving in Glasgow is nothing to write home about, the scenery to the northwest is. Head north along the A82 towards Loch Lomond. This should also be the first stop on your journey.
There are plenty of roadside bays for taking pictures and admiring the views at the foothills of the Scottish Highlands. And it is around here that you will enter Loch Lomond and the Trossochs National Park. There are lots of mountain biking and hiking trails running through these hills so take your time!
After buggering yourself from your adventures, continue north before turning west onto the A85. Slicing through the rugged terrain this winding road will eventually spit you out onto the coastal roads above Oban. One of our favourite towns in the whole of Scotland.
Edinburgh to Berwick-Upon-Tweed
The coastal route between Edinburgh and the northeast of England can be very dull and dreary if you stick to the A1. Instead of driving in straight-lines why not get off the main road and duck and dive between the cutest villages overlooking the North Sea.
While considerably longer, it is a lot more fun and beautiful.
Get out of Edinburgh towards Musselburgh via the A199 or A1. What you are looking for is the much more scenic A198 which will deliver you through Dirleton and on past North Berwick. The best sights along the way are two of the finest Castles in Scotland, Dirleton Castle and Tantallon Castle.
Both castle are mostly in ruins but are open to visitors.
Jump back on the A1 for a short blast before diving off onto the A1107 towards Eyemouth. The perfect place to stop for your lunch overlooking a very cute coastal village and rocky shoreline. And from here it’s not far to the border of England and Berwick-Upon-Tweed.
Isle of Skye
While we have shown a circular route for the Isle of Skye, there is really no wrong or right route here. All of the Isle of Skye is fantastic to drive around.
If you have a few days to spend in the Isle of Skye, which you should definitely make time for, then our only recommendations are to keep your driving distances short and get out of the car.
There are so many hiking trails around the Isle of Skye, like the Fairy Pools below, that will keep you busy for most of your visit.
Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran has some of the best mountain biking trails in the whole of Scotland. It is just a little harder to get to than some of the other spots around. Crossing over the Firth of Clyde on the ferry is the only option and you really do want a car to explore the coastal route.
Disembarking the ferry head south on the A841 (one of the only roads on the Isle of Arran) and spend the evening around Whiting Bay. There are lots of Bed and Breakfasts to choose from along the shoreline. The breakfasts will also fuel you for an epic day of exploring the coastal road that circumnavigates the Isle of Arran.
Make sure you stop near the ruins of Kildonan Castle to visit the seal colony. As well as take a hike out to the King’s Cave where Sir Robert the Bruce is rumoured to have hid out. Access is from the A841 near Blackwaterfoot via a coastal path.
Scottish Highlands
One of the most scenic drives in Scotland has to be through the Scottish Highlands. Dramatic mountain ranges are split by narrow winding roads running next to shimmering lochs. There is not even any point in suggesting a route through the Scottish Highlands as there are so many excellent options.
Just make sure you don’t skip stopping for morning cake and coffee in Callander or driving through Glencoe.
