For Lara and Craig, their first self-drive journey through Scotland delivered sweeping landscapes, vibrant cities, unforgettable experiences and moments of pure magic that couldn’t have been scripted.
before the trip
After researching several tour companies, their decision to travel with Celtic Routes came down to three key factors.
“After researching a few different tour companies, we chose Celtic Routes for several reasons: the positive reviews online, the flexible itinerary that focused on what was important to us, and the time that Graham spent on the Discovery video call with us before we had made a decision. That was a nice extra touch that made it feel much more personalized.”
As first-time self-drive travellers, they embraced the experience from the start.
“This was our first time doing a self-drive tour, which we thoroughly enjoyed. It was a great mix of information and guidance when needed, but with the flexibility and freedom to go at our own pace and select from a variety of activities and points of interest.”
Like many visitors to Scotland, they arrived with high expectations of the scenery.
“We were most excited about witnessing the epic scenery of Scotland which we had heard so much about, and it was every bit as spectacular as we had imagined.”
during the journey
Scotland delivered on its promise and then surprised them.
“Hands-down, our favorite overall place/destination and experience was Glasgow. We couldn’t believe how many travelers will skip it, thinking it’s ‘just another city.’”
Lara was struck by its walkability, the ease of getting around, and the creativity woven into its streets, from murals and street art to the grandeur of Glasgow Cathedral and the greenery of Kelvingrove Park and the Botanic Gardens.
Their stay at Kimpton Blythswood Square became a highlight in its own right.
“Celtic Routes described the Kimpton as having ‘an extraordinary spa that’s a must-try,’ and I couldn’t agree more!! It was FABULOUS, and use of all the rooms and soaking pools was included in one’s stay.”
Below ground, the spa’s unique rooms and soaking pools felt like another world entirely.
Beyond the city, the Isle of Skye stood out for its raw beauty.
“Our favorite landscape was the unique topography on the Isle of Skye, which was more rugged and remote than the other parts of Scotland we had experienced.”
Hiking the Old Man of Storr trail offered sweeping views of shimmering blues and greens stretching into the distance – the kind of landscape that defines the Highlands.
One of the most captivating experiences came during a working sheepdog demonstration.
“One of our absolute favorite memories was the working sheepdog demo.”
They watched as Neil signalled to his Border Collies, who disappeared over the horizon before returning with an entire herd of sheep moving in perfect formation. Then came an unexpected delight: eight Border Collie puppies – followed by a rainbow arching over the hillside, elevating the moment into something unforgettable.
On the practical side, they opted for a smaller SUV.
“We requested a small SUV. The car that we received was perfect, a Haval Jolion.”
Driving Scotland’s narrow roads brought a few tense squeezes past oncoming vehicles, but overall the routes provided through Google Maps were helpful and easy to follow.
the overall experience
Reflecting on the pace of the journey, Lara said they found it well balanced.
“The pace of the trip was for the most part, very balanced.” The combination of driving routes, historical snippets within the app, curated experiences and time to explore independently created a rhythm that worked.
“This trip met and in some cases exceeded our expectations. It was overall the perfect mix of Scottish sites, scenery, culture, and cuisine.”
From vibrant cities to remote landscapes, the journey offered variety without feeling rushed – an important element for first-time self-drive travellers.
looking back
When asked who they would recommend Celtic Routes to, their answer was clear:
“We’d recommend a Celtic Routes trip to other travel-savvy friends who enjoy going their own way, on their own time, but appreciate expert guidance and suggestions along the way.”
Asked if they would do anything differently Lara said “We thoroughly enjoyed the Land Rover Experience, but next time would book the entire day to gain even more of that immersive experience driving off-road in the countryside.”
Looking back, their memories are filled with dramatic landscapes, cultural discoveries, and moments of serendipity – puppies, rainbows and all – the kind of details that transform a holiday into a story worth retelling.
