Because of Scotland’s diverse landscapes, there’s so much to explore when driving through this country. Whether you’re travelling across mountain ranges, through forests, around lochs or tracing coastlines, Scotland’s roads make a once-in-a-lifetime experience for drivers.
To see Scotland’s roads at their best, let’s take a look at some of the best driving roads in Scotland.
the best driving roads in scotland
north coast 500: kylesku to ullapool
The North Coast 500 is one of the most famous driving roads in Scotland, consisting of a circular route wrapping around the entire north coast of Scotland. But for those who are looking to explore just a slice of this 516-mile-long road, we’d recommend the west coast route from Kylesku to Ullapool. As you wind through Drumbeg, the fishing town of Lochinver, and trace the shores of Loch Assynt, there’s plenty to explore on this stretch of iconic road.
places to stay and eat
Eilean Iarmain
Hotel Eilean Iarmain lies very close to the North Coast 500 and is an ideal place to stay. Nestled in a picturesque bay in the South of Skye, here you can enjoy views of the Sound of Sleat and the hills of Knoydart.
Three Chimneys
Whilst this location offers both food and accommodation, it’s safe to say that the dining takes centre stage at the Three Chimneys. Described by many as a restaurant with rooms, the menu at the Three Chimneys showcases some of the best produce from local suppliers. The perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring the North Coast 500.
highlights and attractions
Look out for the wildlife
As you drive down the road, keep an eye out for the iconic Scottish stags on either side of the lanes, and highland cattle who often end up walking down the middle of the road.
Drumbeg viewpoint
As you drive through the village of Drumbeg, be sure to stop at the car park on the coastal side of the road leading out of the village. From here, you can enjoy stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean.
seasonal highlights
Puffin Season on Handa Island
Not far from this infamous route, you’ll be able to find Handa Island. Take the Handa Ferry between May to June to see puffin season in full swing, with up to 100,000 puffins descending on the island.
applecross to lochcarron: the bealach na ba pass
Translating to ‘the pass of the cattle’, this historic trail also forms part of the NC500 and offers drivers stunning views of the ocean, the surrounding mountains, and the local wildlife that inhabit them.
places to stay and eat
The Blue Cabin
Once you’ve completed the pass, look out for a secluded blue cabin. Here, you can stop for a refreshing glass of Picpoul, and some of the best seafood our team has ever tasted.
The Applecross Inn
This unsuspecting accommodation offers cosy ensuite rooms with sweeping views overlooking the ocean. After unwinding surrounded by stunning scenery, enjoy some freshly caught seafood in the inn restaurant.
highlights and attractions
The Infamous Winding Road
Starting from Applecross, the Bealach na Ba Pass takes a downhill decline, accompanied by a hairpin bend. Despite how it might look, the pass is perfectly safe to drive and can be completed by any confident driver.
The Pass Viewpoint
Take a stop at a viewing point along the pass itself to really admire the views over Raasay, and potentially even the Isle of Skye on a clear day.
seasonal highlights
Wildlife
There is endless wildlife to see along this route, both on the land and the sea. Along the shoreline, you’ll be able to see otters at Fearns beach, as well as plenty of seals on Brochel beach in the early evening. Dolphins can be seen regularly from the ferry and porpoises can often be seen in Loch Arnish. If you are lucky, basking sharks and whales along with an amazing array of jellyfish, such as lion’s mane and compass, can be spotted in the summer months.
traversing flow country
This special area of Scotland is famed for being the most expansive blanket peat bog in the world. Flow Country is also home to peatlands, moorland lochs and wetlands, and contains a road that skirts the shores of breathtaking Loch Eriboll.
places to stay and eat
Kylesku Hotel
This boutique, Lochside Hotel is nestled just beyond the famous Kylesku bridge and offers a stay and a gourmet experience as unforgettable as the surroundings. Their restaurants and bars offer the best in local seafood, and meats, as well as single malt whiskies and local ales. Book a room at the Kylesku Hotel to wake up to uninterrupted loch views.
Dornoch Castle
This 500-year-old converted castle not only provides visitors with the chance to stay in their very own royal residence but also sample the hotel’s very own microbrewery. Explore Dornoch Castle as an atmospheric overnight base, or if you’d prefer a traditional Highland golf retreat, the Royal Golf Hotel Dornoch sits on the first tee of the legendary Royal Dornoch course and makes an excellent alternative stop on the NC500.
highlights and attractions
Ceannabeinne beach
Take one step onto this white sandy beach, and you’d easily think you’d driven to the Caribbean. Set against the blue sky, this shoreline adds a touch of tropical to your Scottish driving holiday. The beach also has a memorial to those affected by the Highland Clearances.
Smoo Cave
This natural sea cave, located just one mile from Durness Village centre, is the main tourist attraction for the area, and with good reason. Within the cave, visitors can find an abundance of different geological formations, each in a range of different sizes and colours.
Castle Varrich
A thousand-year-old castle, famed as the ancient seat of the Clan Mackay, Castle Varrich site overlooks the village of Tongue and the Kyle of Tongue. As well as exploring the castle itself, and seeing how generations past have lived here, visitors can also climb the spiral staircase for unique views over the Kyle of Tongue.
seasonal highlights
Durness Highland Gathering
If you find yourself near Flow Country in the summer months, be sure to attend the Durness Highland Gathering. The gathering hosts countless traditional displays and competitions, such as pipe bands and highland dancing.
arctic convoy coast
Running along the west coast of Scotland, the Arctic Convoy coast passes around the shores of Loch Ewe and offers drivers breathtaking views of both the loch, the coastline, and the landscape.
places to stay and eat
Seafood shack
Stop in at the seafood shack along the Arctic Convoy coast for some incredibly fresh seafood. Here, the menu changes daily depending on the catch, so you’re sure to get the freshest and best-tasting selection on offer that day.
Shieldaig Lodge
This incredible hotel was an old Victorian hunting lodge that offered views of the sea. On this 26,000-acre estate, enjoy perfectly kept gardens and idyllic sandy beaches. Shieldaig Lodge makes a restful west coast base before tackling the rest of the route.
highlights and attractions
Gruinard Bay
As you wrap around the coastline along this route, stop for a coffee break at an outcrop overlooking the breathtaking Gruinard Bay. And don’t worry about competing with beach-goers for the best pitch. This secluded spot is only accessible by 4×4, providing a picturesque yet undiscovered viewpoint of the bay.
Arctic Convoy Museum
Trace around the edges of Loch Ewe as you discover more about the World War II Arctic Convoy base. Visit the nearby museum to find out the role that the area played in sending valuable supplies to help defend against German forces.
seasonal highlights
Experience a mix of old and new guitar music, played on electric and acoustic guitars by seasoned world-class performers and those just starting out. With workshops, performances, trade shows and a festival club, this community event welcomes visitors all over the world for a three-day-long event.
tips for driving in scotland
When it comes to driving on Scotland’s roads, there are a few tips for navigating safely that every budding adventurer should know.
drive on the left
When driving in Scotland, all vehicles must drive on the left-hand side of the road, and give way to the right at roundabouts. The only time when you can drive on the right side of the road is when you are overtaking the vehicle in front of you. However, there are specific rules to follow when completing an overtake.
- Only consider doing so when you have a clear, unobstructed view of the other side of the road, and can’t see any oncoming traffic.
- Ensure that there is room in front of the vehicle you’re planning to overtake and that the vehicle behind you isn’t planning on overtaking you.
be mindful of changing speed limits
Whilst speed limits will always be clearly marked, it’s important to remember that speed limits can change quickly as you drive through different areas. Normally, the speed limits for the different types of roads are as follows:
- Motorways and dual carriageways – 70mph
- Single carriage roads – 60mph
- Towns and residential areas – 30mph
However, always be on the lookout for varying speed limits as you’re driving through Scotland.
follow the drink-driving limit
Scotland’s drinking drive limit is actually lower than the rest of the UK, at just 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, otherwise referred to as the ‘blood limit’. However, the safest thing to do is to avoid drinking alcohol altogether when driving.
understand single-track roads
Single-track roads are common when driving in Scotland and come with their etiquette too. Given that these roads are only wide enough for one vehicle, you’re likely to need to give way to any oncoming vehicles. To do this, you can use a passing place. These are common throughout Scotland and can be found on the side of the road at staggered intervals.
With so many natural and man-made landmarks to discover, both in popular locations and beyond the beaten path, exploring Scotland by car is the best way to see the authentic side of this diverse country. The experience of driving on these roads is unmatched, and is perfect for exploration and adventure.
If you want to see the roads of Scotland at their very best and are ready to explore them for yourself, get in touch with the team at Celtic Routes. We’re ready to craft your bespoke self-drive tour itinerary, encompassing some of the best roads, destinations, and attractions in Scotland.
extra resources
For more information on how to make the most of Scottish roads, check out some of our other blogs and resources:
