Dodds of Troon

Dodds of Troon | 4 East Road, Ayr, KA8 9BA 01292 288100 | [email protected] Dodds Coach Holidays | 24 Central Avenue, Gretna, DG16 5AS 01461 337799 | [email protected]

Coach Holidays

Coach Holidays

AVAILABLE FROM NORTHERN IRELAND, AYRSHIRE AND DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY - BOOKING HOTLINE 01461 337799

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Dodds Coach Holidays is a division of Dodds of Troon, we offer an extensive range of holidays to destinations throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

All hotels are carefully selected for the standard of service and food provided, many offering entertainment. Travel itineraries are carefully designed to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. With the convenience of joining points within Northern Ireland, Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway, Dodds Coach Holidays offer an excellent choice of value for money holidays.

Our Dodds family business is committed to providing a professional and friendly service, from your first point of contact to your safe return home, making us the perfect choice for your next break away.

View our holidays below or click here to download a copy of our latest booklet.

We have 53 Tours between 4 June 2024 and 31 December 2024

Liverpool, Chester and Cheshire Oaks

Liverpool, Chester and Cheshire Oaks

N Ireland from £509 | Scotland from £479

County Donegal and Glenveagh Castle

County Donegal and Glenveagh Castle

N Ireland from £509 | Scotland from £539

Treasures of North Wales and Llandudno

Treasures of North Wales and Llandudno

Westport - The Wild Atlantic Way

Westport - The Wild Atlantic Way

N Ireland from £569 | Scotland from £599

Ancient Stirling

Ancient Stirling

N Ireland from £469 | Scotland from £439

Harrogate and the Dales

Harrogate and the Dales

N Ireland from £549 | Scotland from £519

Skegness and Sandringham

Skegness and Sandringham

N Ireland from £599 | Scotland from £569

Splendid Lakes

Splendid Lakes

N Ireland from £489 | Scotland from £459

Isle of Man

Isle of Man

N Ireland from £749 | Scotland from £719

N Ireland from £559 | Scotland from £529

Discover Durham

Discover Durham

N Ireland from £579 | Scotland from £549

Majestic Cairngorms and Royal Deeside

Majestic Cairngorms and Royal Deeside

N Ireland from £569 | Scotland from £539

Newcastle and Alnwick

Newcastle and Alnwick

N Ireland from £539 | Scotland from £509

York

Western Highlands and Skye

N Ireland from £659 | Scotland from £629

Beautiful Cotswolds

Beautiful Cotswolds

N Ireland from £679 | Scotland from £649

Hebridean Experience

Hebridean Experience

N Ireland from £1279 | Scotland from £1249

Southport

Taste of Perthshire

Peak District

Peak District

Westport - The Wild Atlantic Coast

Westport - The Wild Atlantic Coast

N Ireland from £629 | Scotland from £659

Majestic Cairngorms and Royal Deeside

Blackpool Illuminations

N Ireland from £459 | Scotland from £429

Historic Waterford

Historic Waterford

N Ireland from £489 | Scotland from £519

Oban and the islands of Mull and Iona

Oban and the islands of Mull and Iona

N Ireland from £629 | Scotland from £599

Peak District

N Ireland from £739 | Scotland from £709

Blackpool Illuminations

Kildare and Irish National Stud

Dunoon and the Isle of Bute

Dunoon and the Isle of Bute

N Ireland from £399 | Scotland from £369

N Ireland from £499 | Scotland from £469

N Ireland from £449 | Scotland from £419

N Ireland from £439 | Scotland from £409

N Ireland from £589 | Scotland from £619

N Ireland from £429 | Scotland from £399

Harrogate Knitting & Stitching Show (Cairn)

Harrogate Knitting & Stitching Show (Cairn)

N Ireland from £419 | Scotland from £389

Harrogate Knitting & Stitching Show (Cedar)

Harrogate Knitting & Stitching Show (Cedar)

Christmas in Perth

Christmas in Perth

Hogmanay in the Scottish Highlands

Hogmanay in the Scottish Highlands

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Lynott Tours, Inc.

Scots Irish, Northern Ireland Coach Tour - 15 day tour of Scotland, Northern Ireland by ferry and Tour of Ireland

Scots Irish more map

Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from your hotel. Head out to The Scotch Whisky Experience on the famed Royal Mile. Learn about the art and aromas of whisky production, taste a dram of single malt or blended whisky, and view the world's largest collection of Scotch whisky. For dinner you'll hear colorful tales of Scottish history and culture while tasting a range of flavorful whiskies paired with local dishes. (August 6-22 departures will instead have free time to explore and dine independently.) (D*)

Call +1-800-221-2474 9AM - 5PM Mon-Fri Eastern Time Please Email Us For Information

Day 2 Edinburgh Panoramic Tour | Edinburgh Castle | Independent Sightseeing See the highlights of central Edinburgh including the bustling Princes Street and the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town.” Walk along part of the Royal Mile and visit Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Scone. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore. Enjoy a Scottish evening with dining and a lively show with bagpipes, kilts, and Highland dancing. The August 4th - 20th departures watch the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade. (B, D)

Scottish Castle

Day 3 Chocolate Tasting | Blair Castle | Highlands Head through the scenic countryside of Perthshire to visit Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier for a tasting of award-winning chocolates with an expert chocolatier. All the chocolates are made on-site with sustainable ingredients, including local heather honey and berries, and fresh cream from local herds of Scottish Friesians. Next, visit Blair Castle; this citadel, with its romantic turrets and towers, dates back to the 13th century. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to Inverness (Sunday departures) or Nairn (Tuesday departures). (B, D)

Day 4 Loch Ness | Isle of Skye | Armadale Castle

Maskintosh design

  • GROUP AIRPORT TRANSFERS When we book your flights together with a coach tour, we include complimentary group transfers on the starting and ending date of tours at times specified on each itinerary-a $30 per person fee applies to land only bookings.
  • Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
  • Services of professional driver/guides
  • Superior first class hotels with private bath/shower for 14 nights
  • Full Scottish or Irish breakfast daily (B)
  • 14 nights in hotels listed
  • 14 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L) and 11 dinners (D) including a Scottish evening in Edinburgh, and a festive Medieval castle banquet.
  • Welcome get-together drink
  • Visits and admissions
  • All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
  • Marriott Dalmahoy Hotel Edinburgh (2 nights)
  • Columba Hotel Inverness (Sunday Departure) or
  • or  Muthu Newton Hotel, Nairn (Tuesday Departures)(1 night)
  • Doubletree Hydro Dunblane (1 night)
  • Europa Hotel Belfast (2 nights)
  • Station House Hotel Letterkenny (1 night)
  • Kilronan Castle Ballyfarnon (2 nights)
  • Temple Gate Hotel Ennis (1 night)
  • Killarney Plaza
  • Dublin Radison Blu

Price per person sharing a twin or triple room. ONLY ONE TRIPLE ROOM IS AVAILABLE PER DEPARTURE - BOOK EARLY. Save 10% per person on coach land tour prices if you 8 & under 18 and traveling with at least one full fare paying passenger. Airfare is available from many cities. Just ask.

  • 10 Day Small Group Tour
  • 9 Day Irish Explorer
  • 7 nights Tour Irish Gold
  • Taste of Britain and Ireland

Join our email list

10 Day Tour

  • Discover Scotland
  • Gift Vouchers

Need help with your booking? - Call 01389 713 713

Lochs and Glens coach customer on an excursion to Eilean Donan Castle.

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Why Travel with Lochs and Glens Holidays

Discover the wonders of Scotland with Lochs and Glens Holidays. Here are the top reasons to choose us for your next adventure:

Planned Excursions

All of our tours include a wide variety of excursions so that there is something for everyone.

Relaxing Coach Travel

Sit back and relax as your coach will take you directly to the hotel, with comfort breaks on the way.

Over 40 Years' Experience

We pride ourselves in our high-quality service, great hospitality and competitive prices.

Holidays For Every Season

Lochs and Glens Holidays offer coach tours to Scotland throughout the entire year therefore offering the chance to see Scotland in all its beauty. Whether you prefer the light breeze of spring or the cold and darker winters, we have itineraries every month to suit the climate of your choice.

Autumn Holidays

Explore pretty towns and villages in the beautiful autumnal colours. Take advantage of the milder...

Winter Holidays

Our early year breaks offer the chance to see Scotland at its most tranquil. With snow-capped hills and...

Spring Holidays

Join us in Scotland for a trip this spring as we break into the warmer weather. As the bluebells blossom...

Summer Holidays

Join us this summer on our Scenic Scotland tours where you could find yourself exploring the Isle of Arran...

Our Hotels in Scotland

At Lochs and Glens Holidays, we own 6 hotels that offer different itineraries to suit everyone’s tastes. Our hotels are located in some of the most beautiful and rural parts of Scotland making them tranquil and unique. Our coach tours include all advertised excursions, dinner, bed and breakfast with evening entertainment every night.

Ardgartan Hotel

lochs and Glens star rating

Trip Advisor Travel Rating

  • Lochs & Glens flagship hotel
  • Offering panoramic views of Loch Long
  • Overlooked by the Arrochar Alps

Highland Hotel

lochs and Glens star rating

  • Originally built as a Victorian Railway Hotel
  • Within walking distance of Fort William town centre
  • Views across Loch Linnhe and the distance Sunart hills

Loch Tummel Hotel

Our Ratings

  • The first custom built hotel for Lochs & Glens
  • Nestled in the heart of Perthshire
  • Surrounding area steeped in Scottish history of clan battles and Jacobite rebellions

Loch Awe Hotel

lochs and Glens star rating

  • Built in 1881 to accommodate the tourist boom in the Highlands
  • Views of Kilchurn Castle - the base of the mighty Campbells of Glenorchy for 150 years
  • Retains its own scenic train line to Oban and Glasgow

Loch Achray Hotel

  • Situated in the heart of the Trossachs
  • Overlooked by the towering Ben Venue
  • Queen Victoria frequently visited the area on her tours to Scotland

Inversnaid Hotel

Trip advisor ratings

  • Tucked away on the north eastern banks of Loch Lomond
  • Sits on the West Highland Way route
  • Once a hunting lodge for the Duke of Montrose

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About Lochs and Glens

Lochs and Glens Holidays is a family owned coach-tour holiday company with 6 of our own hotels, all in stunning Highland locations. Enjoy the comfort of our modern coaches as you soak up the awe-inspiring landscapes and tour Scotland’s historic past. Relax in one of our fabulous hotels after a day of exploring the best that Scotland has to offer. As the premier company for coach holidays to Scotland, our dedicated teams have been perfecting our holidays for over 40 years.

Enjoy the majestic scenery of Scotland while travelling on a Lochs and Glens bus tour.

Client Testimonials

We regularly receive positive feedback from our valued customers who return from our holidays. Take a moment to browse through our page featuring more Lochs & Glens reviews.

The hotel was good and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Had a lovely bedroom, very spacious. The only problem was my diet as I am a vegan but it was solved on the second day.

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The staff go out of their way to help sort queries out. I fell unwell during my recent holiday at Ardgartan and I was treated with much kindness and respect as always. All the hotels are exceptional and spotless.

Mrs Douglas

A really well organised fully comprehensive holiday. It took us to places we would never visit alone and provided lovely accommodation, entertainment and food as well.

This was our forth holiday with Lochs and Glens and once again we were not disappointed. The Ardgarton Hotel is beautiful surrounded by stunning scenery. Friendly staff, always had a smile and nothing too much trouble. Well done to Lochs and Glens and …

We had a brilliant time, nothing was too much trouble. Staff were excellent. Hotel rooms spotless and the food was very good as so was the service.Thank you for a great holiday Mr & Mrs Byford

Mr & Mrs Byford

The whole experience was excellent, from the moment I boarded the coach. Even though it was a long journey from Devon this was broken up with appropriate stops along the way. The drivers especially Allan and the staff at the hotel were, friendly, appro…

Pauline Jones

I've been with lochs and glens for a few years now and as for the first time, I've enjoyed every minute the staff, management,the cleanliness off the rooms and hotel are worth the stay,food excellent,tours out great and Brian our driver as always makes…

Was a lovely holiday right from the 6.30am pickup. Everything went to plan with no hiccups. Ardgarten hotel was beautiful and our room overlooked the loch. Food and entertainment was very good and we will definitely travel with Lochs and Glens again.

Hotel staff and hotel and food fantastic thankyou only thing missing for us was someone to play an old time waltz we do understand hard to cover all types of entertainers so do not think we complaining just like a waltz excellent all round holiday and …

Lovely hotel in wonderful surroundings. Extremely pleasant and helpful staff. Extremely good value for money

We really enjoyed the holiday everything was first class our driver was fantastic in every way excellent driving friendly and helpful his explanations of places we went through passed or to were very good. The hotel was fantastic staff were were excell…

Good Morning, I’ve just returned from Mountains and Mistletoe holiday at Loch Awe Hotel. I feel compelled to write and let you know that this holiday was absolutely amazing. The Hotel was immaculate and decorated with Christmas Trees and decorations. T…

The service at the Ardgartan is on a parallel, it is truly EXCEPTIONAL. The attention to detail, in this stunning hotel is impressive indeed. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff. With a dairy allergy, the breakfast table is well equipped with no…

Dear Lochs and Glens, we have recently returned from a break at the Loch Awe Hotel. I just want to say 'thank you'. We had a fabulous time. The hotel we loved, all the staff wonderful, nothing was too much trouble and so polite/courteous. Food wonderfu…

Mr & Mrs Price

Comfortable coaches with knowledgeable drivers. Lovely hotels with delicious meals, nightly entertainment and a different excursion every day. What's not to like about Lochs and Glens? They are the masters of the coach holiday. We have had two holidays…

An excellent couple of days at Loch Awe, the hotel was very nice with excellent views over the Loch. Some good trips to the surrounding area, and a great boat trip on Loch Lomond. I can certainly recommend Lochs and Glens and it was great value for mon…

Just returned from a weeks' holiday at the Ardgartan Hotel. From the start to finish, I felt cared for. Our coach drivers Brian and Liz were great and informative over the week. On arrival and tired we were welcomed and our room keys handed to us ri…

Just returned from Loch Achray what a lovely hotel. Clean, modern, food excellent choice and plenty. Great entertainment, lovely friendly helpful staff. Steve coach driver very nice and very knowledgeable made us laugh with some of his stories. Can hig…

Just arrived home from a fantastic holiday at Loch Achray with my 2 sisters and my daughter. Hotel spotless, staff amazing, views were memorizing. Our coach driver Iain Greame is great, very informative about the areas we travelled in, very polite and …

Stephanie P

Just wanted to say thank you. Had a fabulous time on our recent break with Lochs and Glens. Celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary with some friends, some of whom were knew to Lochs and Glens and were overwhelmed by the whole experience.

We have just spent eight days at the Highland Hotel which was absolutely amazing. From the manager down to all the staff they were amazing.

Thank you for a most enjoyable holiday with your company in the highland hotel Fort William. The hotel was very comfortable & clean and the staff all so pleasant not forgetting the food fantastic as always.

Financial Peace of Mind

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Scotland Tours from Ireland

Take a trip across the sea to explore the Scottish Highlands, with your choice of self-drive or escorted Scotland tours from Ireland.

Holiday packages in Scotland from Ireland

Head across the sea from Ireland to Scotland and visit majestic national parks, Scotch whisky distilleries, charming Highland villages and more, with all the local logistics of your Scotland holiday package sorted by a locally based travel agency.

Located in Edinburgh, the travel experts at Nordic Visitor deliver quality Scottish tours from Ireland that include well-reviewed accommodations, mini-coach travel, car hire and more.

To get started on your Ireland to Scotland trip, keep browsing below for holiday package ideas and other travel tips.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

  • Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
  • Flexible & customisable tour options
  • Value for your money
  • Professional service from local experts

Join a small group tour in Scotland

Meet like minded travellers on your Scotland trip, in a small group of 16 people at most. See the top attractions and well-kept secrets with your local guide.

Wonders of Scotland

Scottish highlands, loch ness & isle of skye.

Level 2 (Classic)

Highlights of Scotland

Wonders of scotland & ireland, ultimate celtic adventure, best of ireland & scotland, experience scotland on a road trip.

Explore the Highlands and beyond on a self-drive tour. We handle your accommodation booking and route planning; you drive and experience Scotland at your own pace.

Classic Scotland

Scottish highlands & isle of skye, grand tour of scotland, scottish highlands & north coast 500, classic scotland at leisure, explore scotland on a private tour.

Enjoy flexible sightseeing and more Scottish cultural insights on a privately guided tour with a local driving you around in style.

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Private

Scenic scotland express - private, classic scotland - private, complete scotland - private, take a mini-coach tour in scotland.

If you want to let someone else handle the driving in Scotland,  a guided small group tour by Nordic Visitor  is the way to go. Unlike standard bus tour holidays in Scotland, we use comfortable mini-coaches that are adept at navigating the narrow Highlands roads. What’s more, all mini-coach touring holidays in Scotland operated by Nordic Visitor include quality accommodation, such as Highland lodges that we’ve personally selected, along with a select number of gourmet dinners in rural locations.

Travelling on a  singles holiday in the UK ? A mini-coach tour holiday in Scotland is a great choice, as  all Nordic Visitor tour groups are limited to 16 travellers , ensuring a cosy atmosphere for more personal interactions with fellow adventurers and your guide. Keen on doing a  Scotland tour with a distillery visit ? All Nordic Visitor Guided Small Group Tours include visits to a distillery, so you'll be able to sample “ the water of life”.

Have something more particular in mind? We also offer fully customisable  Privately Guided Tours , in which you’d have your very own local guide drive you around Scotland’s top sights in a comfy 4x4 vehicle.

GO ON A HOLIDAY IN SCOTLAND BY CAR

Want to explore on your own? With touring holidays around Scotland by car, there are several different route options depending on the sights you prefer, your length of stay and the pace of your travel. Nordic Visitor offers a range of  self-drive tour packages  that include a car type of your choice and everything else you need for a smooth road trip in Scotland, including a personalised itinerary, a hand-marked map and more.

ENJOY A BESPOKE HOLIDAY IN SCOTLAND FROM IRELAND

Want to add a few personal touches to your Scotland holiday? Nordic Visitor’s Scotland holiday packages can be  tailored by our local experts in Scotland  with extra nights at select locations, arrivals or departures in alternative Scottish cities, day tours in Edinburgh, and more. When you book with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have your own dedicated travel consultant located in Edinburgh to advise you of possible additions, upgrades and customisations.

WHAT TO SEE IN SCOTLAND ON A DRIVING HOLIDAY

Below are a few of our Scotland holiday tour ideas for motorists, using Edinburgh as the starting point.

Under a week : To see the most famous Highland attractions, give yourself at least 4 - 5 days to travel around the  Inverness , Fort William and Loch Lomond areas. Want to visit some islands? Then plan to spend at least 6 days to drive through the Highlands to the  Isle of Skye  or -- if you’re a whisky fan --  the Oban and Isle of Mull area . On this express route of Scotland, you can visit sights such as  Loch Ness , Glen Coe, Eilean Donan Castle and more.

1 - 2 weeks : With a Scotland driving holiday lasting around 10 days, you can extend your Highland trip to Scotland’s beautiful east coast, including the city of  St Andrews  and the “Castle Trail” region of Aberdeenshire. In 12 days or more you can also drive along the scenic North Coast 500 route and visit the  Orkney Islands  or travel to the tranquil isles of the  Outer Hebrides . With over 2 weeks you could even add a trip to the far-flung  Shetland Isles .

— Things To Do in Scotland

Top scottish experiences.

  • Tour one of Scotland‘s local whisky distilleries
  • Sample traditional Scottish cuisine such as haggis
  • Stroll the Royal Mile in Edinburgh's Old Town
  • Look for Nessie, the elusive monster said to inhabit Loch Ness
  • Visit Clava Cairns to see prehistoric standing stones similar to those in the Outlander TV series

Experience Scotland your way

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Scotland below.

Guided Small Groups

Privately guided, best sellers, culinary experience, scottish heritage tours, the scottish highlands, all travel styles, what do our customers say.

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers from all over the world have said about their experience with us.

Highly recommend Nordic Visitor

This is our second tour with Nordic Visitor. Agents used before the tour were always very prompt with responses to our questions. During the tour, we found the accommodation perfect, guide very informative and friendly, and the driver got used to where we needed to go without any problems. We would definitely use Nordic Visitor again!

Smooth experience

Throughout the years we have travelled a lot, but never with a group tour. This trip was our first time and it did not disappoint. The tour guide, the bus driver, our fellow passengers, the weather, accommodation, variety of activities, and how smoothly everything went makes me question why we never toured like this before!

Amazing experience!

We had an amazing experience with Nordic Visitor! Our guides, Richard and Tim, were organised, knowledgeable, and very friendly! You can tell quality and customer satisfaction are very important. We will be back!

An unforgettable holiday

It was an unforgettable holiday. They took care of everything, and we got to wonder and explore with little hassle. If you want to visit Scotland (or anywhere else Nordic Visitor has tours) they are the way to do it. Already talking about our next adventure with Nordic Visitor.

An indescribably fantastic experience!

We are two middle-aged women who had never been to the UK before. My sister-in-law always wanted to go to Scotland, so I started researching and came upon Nordic Visitor through internet searches. I checked for reviews and found the company to be highly recommended. I started corresponding with Kirsten. She was extremely kind, very helpful and was able to put my nervous mind at ease. The package she put together for us was perfect! From my first email, the airport pick up and drop off service, and the tour with Dave, it was an indescribably fantastic experience!

I can't thank Nordic Visitor enough

This is our second trip in two years to Scotland with Nordic Visitor, and we are seriously thinking about another. I can't thank Chris enough for his patience and expertise when booking this trip.

The tour package materials were top notch. Spiral bound itinerary, recommended activities, restaurant recommendations and the large-scale road map of Scotland were a nice touch. Magdalena, our Nordic Visitor representative, responded promptly to our questions. Accomodation was all great.

Perfect vacation!

For our 50th wedding anniversary, we trusted Nordic Visitor to make our vacation a memorable one, and they made it beyond special. Chris, our tour planner, did everything to accommodate our needs and answered our questions quickly. It was an absolutely perfect vacation!

We booked a 4-day Christmas Tour of Edinburgh which included hotel accommodation, a walking tour of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, a day tour of the Highlands and Lowlands, castles, and lochs, and also a whisky distillery tour. The hotel was in an amazing location near the Christmas Markets and popular attractions. The day tours were such a wonderful way to experience the countryside outside of Edinburgh. We also added a driving service to drive us to and from the airport and the drivers were so lovely. The care package left at the hotel consisting of maps and suggested eateries was such a delightful bonus. We loved that every aspect of our trip was planned and ready for us once we arrived which diminished any travel stress that one may experience when travelling abroad.

We were in good hands

As first-time visitors to Edinburgh, and senior citizens, our choice to use Nordic Visitor was an excellent one. The welcome package we received at the hotel was really helpful, with our tour vouchers, maps and restaurant recommendations. We would not have known what hotel to select and the one selected for us was perfect. The choice of tours offered was perfect for a 5-day visit. So glad to learn about the Royal Mile and visit the castle. The trip through the Highlands and Loch Ness was beautiful. Our travel agent, Rebecca, always quickly responded to email questions prior to departure. Thank you! Nordic Visitor made our trip easy and rewarding. We were in good hands.

Highly professional service

Nordic Visitor is a highly professional tour company. From beginning to end, we have no complaints. Our travel consultant, Chris, was very quick to answer all our questions from start to finish. Could not be more pleased.

Absolutely wonderful!

Our trip was absolutely wonderful! Magda was great to work with and helped us through the whole process. Everyone we worked with from the beginning through the end of the trip was absolutely marvellous.

Research Your Holiday

Start preparing for your trip by doing some research before your Scottish adventure.

The starting point of most Scottish adventures is Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, where the...

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From single malt whisky to traditional delicacies,..

Getting to Scotland from Ireland

The main starting point for Nordic Visitor holidays in Scotland is Edinburgh , the capital city and location of our travel agency office. Edinburgh is a great base for Scotland holidays from Ireland for a number of reasons: fantastic dining and nightlife, numerous museums and historical landmarks in the Old Town, upscale shops in the New Town and -- of course -- convenient transport hubs.

For travellers arriving by ferry and rail from Ireland, Edinburgh’s centrally-located Waverly Station is just a short taxi ride to hotels. By air, Ryanair, Aer Lingus and British Airways offer cheap direct flights from Dublin to Edinburgh. Flight times from Ireland to Scotland are about one hour. From Edinburgh Airport, the Airlink express bus runs every 10 minutes to Waverly Bridge near the rail station in the city centre.

Please note that flights or train/ferry journeys from Ireland are not included in Nordic Visitor packages.

Our Services

Whether you travel independently or with a guide in your Nordic Visitor package, you will receive personalised service from a designated travel consultant and high-quality travel documents. What's more, all self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines the driving route, overnights and highlights along the way. Travel with ease knowing that Nordic Visitor has close professional relationships with local service providers , which are carefully selected by our staff for their consistently high standards.

Book With Confidence

  • Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
  • 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
  • We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
  • Enjoy personal service from Scotland travel experts.
  • Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
  • We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Whether you’re looking to add a night in Edinburgh, want restaurant recommendations or have questions about your tour, we’re happy to help so get in touch with our friendly team to answer any of your travel queries.

Our Scottish phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Read About Scotland

Best time to visit scotland: your complete guide, summer in scotland guide: what to do and where to go, 7 outlander filming locations to visit in scotland, in focus: skye in the off-season.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

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Brack Tours - Bespoke Ireland Scotland Tours Vacations

Scotland & Northern Ireland Discovery Tour

Best Prices Avail: February | March | October | November

  • Accommodation

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  • Sample Tours of Scotland

Scotland & Northern Ireland Discovery Tour

This sample tour package of scotland & ireland is a great introduction for anyone who has never been and a completely unique experience for the seasoned scotland/ireland traveller. , our 8 nights tour of scotland & ireland includes:.

  • Deluxe motor coach for all transfers, touring and sightseeing
  • Services of a professional Tour Director throughout
  • First class hotel accommodations for eight (8) nights in: Ballachulish Hotel, Ballachulish (2) Hilton Edinburgh Carlton Hotel, Edinburgh (3) Derry City Hotel, Derry (1) Armagh City Hotel, Armagh (2)
  • Full Irish Breakfast daily including day of arrival.
  • Six (6) hotel dinners
  • Welcome cocktail reception
  • Porterage at hotels throughout of 1 suitcase per person
  • Taxes and Service Charges on items included
  • Travel documents to include: Document wallet, luggage tags and daily itinerary

Tour Details:

Tour registration: (for sample purposes).

For all tour registrations please fill out the booking form found on the right hand side of this webpage please also click the number of members that you will be signing up for. 

(please note that you will be able to choose a part payment option when checking out and will then be able to create an account to pay any future payments for your selected group tour package.)

To register for this tour and if paying by check please click on the PDF icon below and download & print this registration form.

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Upon doing this please mail check and registration form along to Brack Tours, 133 Washington Street #524 Dover, NH 03820

Additional information

Day to day itinerary, final itinerary to be confirmed, day 1 overnight flight, overnight flight to glasgow airport, day 2-3 - ballachulish.

coach tours from n.ireland to scotland

Ballachulish Hotel, Ballachulish

Situated in a breath-taking lochside setting at the foot of dramatic Glencoe. Roaring log fires, peaceful surroundings, a cosy atmosphere and over one hundred years of traditional hospitality make the Ballachulish Hotel a real highland gem. Whether you’re looking to escape the hectic pace of everyday life or simply explore, you’ve found the place.

Day 4-6 - Edinburgh

Hilton edinburgh carlton hotel, edinburgh.

Hilton Edinburgh Carlton is perfectly located in the center of the city, on the famous Royal Mile, just a short stroll away from the iconic attractions, luxurious boutiques and an array of restaurants and pubs

coach tours from n.ireland to scotland

Blending perfectly into the historic surroundings of the Royal Mile, Hilton Edinburgh Carlton is an iconic element of the city. The building dates back to 1900s and is part of the impressive North Bridge which links Edinburgh’s Old and New town together, giving you easy access to countless shopping, dining and entertainment.

Day 7 - Derry

Derry city hotel, derry.

Of all the Derry hotels, the City Hotel Derry enjoys one of the most idyllic locations; perched on the banks of the River Foyle within 5 minutes walking distance of the historic Derry Walls.

coach tours from n.ireland to scotland

A stay at the Derry City Hotel guarantees easy access to some of the most remarkable places in Ireland. If you tire yourself out, you can always relax, enjoy the craic & a few pints of the black stuff in Coppin’s Bar or enjoy a beautiful meal in our Thompson’s restaurant.

Day 8-9 - Armagh

Armagh city hotel, armagh.

From magnificent facilities to magical experiences, the Armagh City Hotel, part of the Mooney Hotel group, has created a new milestone in award winning hospitality in this realm of scholars and kings.

coach tours from n.ireland to scotland

Not only does its international sophistication blend beautifully with its ancient setting, the hotel is making unique history itself with its award-winning mix of luxury accommodation, state-of-the-art conference facilities, spectacular leisure facilities and dynamic combination of professionalism and friendly service.

Day 10 Return Flight to US

Return flight to us.

You bid farewell to the Emerald Isle as you board your flight back home.

All our coaches are Luxurious and ideal for a comfortable tour of Ireland. There is ample leg room and all seats recline.  The coaches are fully air conditioned and have a wc on board. There is a PA system on board so as not to miss a word of our knowledgeable and competent drivers/guides.

Luxury 49 Seat Executive Coach

  • 49 Reclining Seats
  • Full air conditioning
  • Refrigerator

Kerry Coaches 49 Seater

*Subject to Change depending on numbers going on tour *

Click here for more information on the tour transport

Land Tour Prices From (prices are subject to change)

  • Land Tour Price $2665.00 per person – Based on double occupancy
  • Single Supplement $450.00  (Book early limited availability) – Based on single occupancy & to be paid along with Full Tour Cost

How To Join

  • To join this tour, complete the below registration form and send along with check deposit of $350 per person (and insurance fee if required)  and make payable to Brack Tours or if paying by credit card please see the right hand section of this webpage for the tour booking form.

Deposits & Payments Schedule per person:

  • Deposit of $300.00   per person required at time of booking
  • Second part payment of $800.00 per person  due 130 Days prior to travel date
  • Final Payment per person due 65 days prior to travel date

If paying by check:

  • Complete the registration form
  • Make check payable to Brack Tours
  • Mail the form along with the check to :  Brack Tours, 133 Washington Street #524 Dover, NH 03820

Tour Booking Code:

Air cancellation penalties:.

  • Air: 120 days prior to departure air is Non-refundable

Land Cancellation Penalties:

  • Land: 65 days or longer          Forfeit of deposit per person
  • Land: 64 & 46 days                   Forfeit 35%    Land Price  per person
  • Land: 45 & 16 days                   Forfeit 50%    Land Price per person
  • Land: 15 & day of departure   Forfeit 100%  Land Price  per person

Tour Registration (For sample purposes)

coach tours from n.ireland to scotland

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Potters Resort

All inclusive package, bournemouth, jewel of the south coast, flanders & the western front, the battlefields, cork & kinsale, harrogate & york, maritime hotel.

  • call us 028 9181 1099​

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Quick & Easy Telephone Bookings

15kg baggage allowance, family owned & managed, quality hotels, low deposit of £50pp, experienced, professional tour drivers, luxury touring coaches, 30 years experience, download our latest brochures here, coach tours throughout the united kingdom & ireland.

With customer comfort and safety foremost in mind we continue to upgrade our vehicles on a regular basis to ensure we provide comfortable, safe and up-to-date coaching in addition to the high level of service that our customers have come to expect. We believe your holiday starts from the moment you board the coach. Once your luggage is loaded at your pick-up point, you can sit back and relax in the knowledge that you won’t see it again until you arrive at the hotel.

coach tours from n.ireland to scotland

Planning any type of travel can be overwhelming, which is why it’s beneficial to have an experienced professional by your side. Through this service, you can count on us to guide you in every step of the process.

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As one of our most popular services, these appointments tend to fill up fast. No matter what type of travel you need to plan, rest assured that we will provide all the resources and guidance you need for the perfect trip.

coach tours from n.ireland to scotland

Throughout many years of providing this service to clients, we have gained the experience and expertise necessary to make this process as seamless as possible. If you have any questions, simply reach out.

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Love Irish Tours

ALL OUR TOURS are fully customizable We offer 24/7 customer care on arrival in Ireland

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Where the Love for Ireland Begins

  • COACH TOURS OF IRELAND

Travel Ireland, Scotland, Britain or a combination of all three with our popular luxury bus tours, for small groups and large groups . Depending on your budget and length of your stay, we have the perfect coach trip for you to see the best of these beautiful countries.

Travel in comfort from coast to coast and experience varied treasures, from stunning countrysides and coastlines to picturesque towns and World heritage landmarks. In Ireland, tick the Wild Atlantic Way, The Cliffs of Moher and the Giant’s Causeway off your travel bucket list as well as Dublin City, historic Castles and much more.

Choose from our wide range of small and large group coach tours, led by your own personal, expert driver guide. Our all-inclusive bus tours of Ireland, Scotland and Britain include wonderful accommodation, meals and guided excursions.

For a more customized tour experience, we also have a great range of private tours. Be sure to also take a look at our self-drive tours if you would prefer to be in the driving seat.

SMALL & LARGE GROUP TOURS

Small group tours.

6 Day Northern Island

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6 Day Flavour of Ireland Tour 2023

6 Day Flavour of Ireland

7 Day Treasure Ireland Tour

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coach tours from n.ireland to scotland

  • 8 Day Love Ireland

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coach tours from n.ireland to scotland

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8 Day Irish Heritage & Dromoland Castle

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  • 8 Day Mystical Ireland

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This coach tour is also available in a 8 day tour so pop us an email to get your quote and further details

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10 Day Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

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12 DAY IRISH ODYSSEY

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Scotland & ireland.

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14 DAY SCOTTISH & IRISH DREAM

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Contact Info

  • Love Irish Tours
  • Unit 8 Scurlockstown Business Park Trim Co Meath
  • 1888-508-6639
  • (046) 9437555
  • edel@loveirishtours.com
  • 5 Day Taste Of Ireland
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  • 10 Day Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
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Scotland to Northern Ireland by Coach

Take the coach from Scotland to Ireland with Stena Line. Look forward to comfortable travel at great prices. Book your journey today.

How to book

Citylink & Ulsterbus to/from Northern Ireland

For Citylink/Ulsterbus please select the appropriate option in the booking panel above and book online.

Scotland - Citylink

Bookings may be made in person at Citylink travel centres within the Bus Stations in Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh and in the Visitor Information Centre in Edinburgh. Citylink Agents can also be found throughout Scotland.

Northern Ireland - Ulsterbus

Bookings may be made in person at your local Ulsterbus depot.

Timetable from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Ayr to Belfast (with connections to Dublin & Derry / Londonderry)

Service: 923 To Belfast

until further notice

Alternative Saturday timetable operates on the following dates:  5, 12, 19, 26 November & 3, 10 & 24 December – please check above booking panel for details.

NOTES * Applies to Advance single fare on service 923 for travel to Belfast from Glasgow or Ayr (or vice versa) on selected dates.

  • Please check in at least 30 minutes before departure. Timetable subject to change without notice, please confirm at time of booking
  • Advance fares must be booked at least 2 days before departure and are non-amendable and non-refundable but may be upgraded to the standard fare. May not be available during peak times
  • Services vary over the festive period and supplements may apply – see  Citylink  for details
  • Subject to change without notice

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Northern Scotland Tours & Trips

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55 Northern Scotland tour packages with 651 reviews

5-Day Highland Explorer: Skye & Far North Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Tour

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5-Day Highland Explorer: Skye & Far North Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

Ross was fantastic and consequently the tour. The highlands a magical plac

Scotland\'s Shetland Islands Tour

Scotland's Shetland Islands

This was a really enjoyable and comprehensive tour of Shetland. A great mix of history, sightseeing, and culture.

4-Day Isle of Skye & West Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Tour

  • Christmas & New Year

4-Day Isle of Skye & West Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

The scenery and hospitality was overwhelming. His extensive knowledge of Scottish history was amazing.

Isle of Skye & Outer Hebrides Tour

Isle of Skye & Outer Hebrides

Her passion for Scotland and her love of her homeland was so evident from the very start.
  • €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Scotland\'s Orkney Islands Tour

Scotland's Orkney Islands

Fabulous holiday with lovely walks, boat trips, and visits to historic places.

Isle Of Skye And The Highlands Tour

Isle Of Skye And The Highlands

I could not believe how beautiful this part of Scotland was. The accommodation was great, great service, clean and modern.

Wild Skye & Loch Ness Hunter Tour

Wild Skye & Loch Ness Hunter

It was incredible experiencing the amazing land, History, and people!

Scottish Highlands From Edinburgh - 5 days Tour

Scottish Highlands From Edinburgh - 5 days

Orkney & The Far North 3 Day Tour Tour

Orkney & The Far North 3 Day Tour

I was extremely disappointed when an old bus with people already on it showed up. I felt very safe and grateful for his sense of duty.
  • 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Walking Scotland’s Orkney Islands Tour

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Walking Scotland’s Orkney Islands

They were great. I am hoping to book the Highlands and Islands trip for next year.

What people love about Northern Scotland Tours

The entire tour was amazing. I really enjoyed everything about the experience.
This was a really enjoyable and comprehensive tour of Shetland, we had an amazing tour guide and had lots of good walking. A great mix of history, sightseeing, and culture.
Sensational tour . Kevin our tour guide and bus driver extraordinaire was fantastic . His extensive knowledge of Scottish history was amazing . He paints the scenes of how Scotland and Scottish people evolved how they lived and held onto their proud heritage . The accomodation that was organised was fantastic The scenery and hospitality was overwhelming

Top operators

Rabbie's Tours

"An amazing trip. The Orkney islands are magical, the history and landscape is amazing. Will definitely be back. Helen, our tour guide is so knowledgeable, warm, funny and absolutely made the trip exceptional. She is one of the best tour guide, if not the best we have ever had. Thank you, Helen, you went above and beyond. Kimberley and Gerry

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Intrepid Travel

"I would recommend this tour to anyone interested in the Orkney Islands. Our guide, Rhys, was great company, knowledgeable and proactive, and the pace and itinerary suited us very well. Lots to do and see and it was good to have some free time also. 5/5 for Rhys and the tour experience in the Orkneys. One quibble (unrelated to Rhys or the time spent in the Orkneys) is that communication with Intrepid is not easy. I’m the build up we had a few questions, and getting answers was a little slow and a bit of an effort. Intrepid or Tour Radar should have human beings readily available to answer questions promptly, instead of relying primarily on bots and FAQs.

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Highland Explorer Tours

"Greame was great!!!!

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Nomadic Matt: Travel Cheaper, Longer, Better

10 Scotland Road Trip Tips You Need to Know Before You Go

A beautiful blue sky over the rugged highlands of Scotland on a road trip

Scotland is a rugged and beautiful country that’s perfect for exploring on a road trip. The craggy coasts, placid lochs, and rolling hills make it a dream to discover. There are countless historic castles, iconic distilleries, and postcard-perfect islands at your fingertips.

I absolutely love Scotland. It’s stunningly beautiful and I can never get enough of the countless changing landscapes, Scotch distilleries, and warm, welcoming locals.

Having been to Scotland over a handful of times in the last decade, I think taking a road trip is the best way to explore the country. Home to just 5.5 million people, it’s a sparsely populated land, so much of your driving here will be out in the countryside. The country is just built for it.

But there are still a few things to keep in mind before you depart.

Here are 10 Scotland road-trip tips (plus my favorite routes) to help make your drive better, safer, and more fun (based on my experience at least):

Table of Contents

1. Get Travel Insurance

2. rent the right vehicle, 3. be ready to drive on the left, 4. understand roundabouts, 5. know the speed limits, 6. add in time for scenic stops, 7. download the right apps, 8. bring a paper map, 9. understand how to drive on single-track roads, 10. don’t rush, suggested routes, scotland road trip faq, get your in-depth budget guide to europe.

I never leave home without travel insurance . And I never rent a car without comprehensive insurance either.

I know, it’s an added expense. And chances are you won’t even need it.

But what happens if you do need it and it’s not there? You’ll be paying out of pocket for damage. And that could cost you thousands.

Scotland has lots of narrow, rugged, or single-track roads (more on those later) that can be tricky to navigate. Tire and windshield damage is common. Throw in the ever-changing weather, and you’ve got recipe for trouble.

That’s why I strongly encourage you to take out car insurance for your road trip. The peace of mind is worth it.

When it comes to renting a car, I recommend Discover Cars . When you book, it’s easy to add car insurance onto your purchase with the click of a button. The site makes it clear what is covered and how much it costs.

You essentially have two choices when it comes to renting a vehicle in Scotland — and choice will drastically impact your trip. Your options are a car or a campervan.

A car will be cheaper and use less gas, but you’ll have to find accommodation each night. A campervan/RV will be more money and require more fuel, but you can sleep inside the vehicle and thus save money on accommodation. (It’s not my jam but to each their own.)

Both options make for an amazing trip, so there is no wrong answer. Just keep in mind that manual transmissions are the default in Scotland, so if you want a vehicle with automatic transmission, you’ll need to specify that while booking.  

Traffic in Scotland flows on the left, just like the rest of the UK. This is the opposite of the US, Canada, and the majority of Europe (only Ireland, the UK, Malta, and Cyprus drive on the left in Europe).

If you rent a manual vehicle, you’ll be switching gears with your left hand instead of your right, which has a bit of a learning curve. (Personally, I prefer an automatic).

Old habits die hard, so if you’re used to driving on the right-hand side of the road, drive cautiously. Driving on the left can be especially challenging when you arrive at a roundabout (more on that below) or in a city. Take it slow at first, until you adjust.  

Roundabouts are a traffic circles that serve as intersections, instead of stop lights or stop signs. They force vehicles to slow down without stopping the flow of traffic. While they aren’t especially common in the US, they are incredibly popular in Europe (they reduce serious traffic accidents by upwards of 90%).

Roundabouts are very common in Scotland. And they flow in the opposite direction (clockwise) than do those in the US (counterclockwise). When approaching a roundabout, slow down drastically and yield to traffic in the roundabout until you have an opening to enter the traffic circle. All traffic flows the same direction in a roundabout.

If there are multiple lanes, you’ll need to be on an outer lane when exiting. The inner lane of the roundabout is for cars not exiting immediately.

When you’re ready to exit the roundabout, signal so cars behind you know you will be turning.

If you’re not comfortable when you arrive at a roundabout, just take it slow and signal your intentions. They are much easier to handle than you think!  

Posted speed limits in Scotland are written in miles. While this is helpful for Americans like me, travelers from countries that use kilometers will want to pay extra attention.

Common speed limits are:

  • Built-up areas: 30 MPH
  • Single roadways: 60 MPH
  • Dual roadways: 70 MPH
  • Highways: 70 MPH

These numbers are just guides, however. Always follow local signage to ensure safety. When in doubt, it’s always better to go slower rather than faster until you verify the speed. I’d write down some common conversions so you can have them handy if you get confused.  

I know a lot of travelers like to really plan out their routes and itineraries. When you only have a few days, it can be tempting to plan everything to a T (I used to do this a lot). However, there are lots of diversions to explore in Scotland, from quaint towns to scenic vistas to short hikes.

You’re going to want to pull over every few minutes for a vista, mountain, loch, or abandoned castle. The landscape is so beautiful that even the average sights are Insta-worthy. For that reason, build in buffer time in your itinerary so that, if you decide to stop or take a little diversion, you’ll have the time. I can’t recommend this enough. Sometimes, the best parts of a trip are the ones you stumble into. And you definitely don’t want to be rushing from sight to sight either, so plan to be diverted.  

I know, when you head out on a road trip, the point is to get away from your phone so you can enjoy the local culture and stunning views. However, there are lots of apps out there that can help you save money, stay safe, and save time. Everyone road-tripping around Scotland should have the following apps downloaded to their phone:

  • Met Weather – This is the best weather app for the UK. Conditions can change drastically in Scotland, so plan accordingly.
  • Google Maps – The best app for looking up directions. Make sure to download your maps so you have them for offline use.
  • Park4Night – A helpful app for finding spots to park for your RV or campervan (including free ones).
  • Flush – A helpful app for finding public restrooms.
  • Petrol Prices – An app for finding and comparing nearby gas prices for when you need to refuel.

Whenever I go on a road trip, I always bring a paper map . I know, Google Maps is easy and free, and mobile data coverage in Scotland is generally reliable. But it’s better to be safe than sorry. You never know when your phone is going to break, if your signal will be lost (likely to happen if you’re driving through remote areas), or if there will be an emergency.

Give yourself peace of mind: bring a paper road map, and just leave it in the glove box. You likely won’t need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad you have it (they make nice souvenirs after a trip too).  

Once you get out of the cities, you may encounter single-track roads. These are essentially two-way roads that only have space for one vehicle. This means that if you encounter oncoming traffic, there is no room for you to pass one another.

Fortunately, these roads usually have passing areas built into them at regular intervals, allowing cars to pull over to make room. Take advantage of these when you see traffic coming, so that you can easily pass one another.

Additionally, take it slow around corners on single-track roads. Accidents can occur here because you can’t see oncoming traffic (with whom you’re sharing a lane). So, drive slowly, and always be prepared to stop.

Lastly, keep in mind that many single-track roads are a bit rugged. Blowing a tire can happen easily, especially if you’re pulling off to the side to make room for passing vehicles. For that reason, make sure you have a spare tire and that you also have insurance coverage for your tires, just to be safe.  

While Scotland isn’t huge, there are still a lot of things see and do here. It may be tempting to rush, so you can pack more into your itinerary, but I strongly encourage you to not do so. Quality, not quantity, is the name of the game. I’ve been on countless road trips around the world, and slower is always better. That means driving less and spending more time at each stop. Do that, and you’ll be able to soak in a lot more of Scotland’s unique culture.

Furthermore, chances are you’ll be driving on a lot of smaller, winding roads here, often surrounded by ambling farm animals to watch out for. That means, for safety reasons, you’ll need to slow down and really focus on the drive. Admire the sights, leave room for spontaneous detours, and forget about rushing from sight to sight. You won’t regret it!  

There are a few popular road trip routes in Scotland. They each offer different things to see and do, and each require different amounts of time to complete. To make the most of your time, pick the route that best suits your travel interests.

Here’s a quick look at a few of the best road trip routes in Scotland:

North Coast 500 – This is probably the most popular road trip route in the country. It loops around the northern tip of Scotland, usually starting and ending in Inverness. Popular stops include Bealach na Bà, Cape Wrath, Smoo Cave , John o’ Groats, and Dunrobin Castle.

You’ll want at least five days, though seven days would be preferable. Just keep in mind that it can get busy in the summer.

Edinburgh/Glasgow to Glen Coe – Glen Coe is a picturesque valley in the Highlands that’s both a National Scenic Area and National Nature Reserve. It’s a popular spot for photographers and hikers, and a must-visit location for anyone exploring the Highlands.

Glen Coe is just 2-2.5 hours from Glasgow and Edinburgh , making it an easy day trip (though I suggest stopping overnight, so you can really soak up the views). It’s also a part of several road trip routes, including the Argyll Coastal Route (listed next).

Argyll Coastal Route – This route along the west coast of Scotland stretches for 129 miles (208 kilometers), from Loch Lomond to Fort Williams. It’s a great alternative to the North Coast 500, as it’s less popular (and thus less crowded). Popular stops along this route include the Inveraray Jail, the cairns of Kilmartin Glen, Glen Coe, and Ben Nevis.

While you could easily drive the distance in a single day, plan to spend at least three days. That will give you time to see the highlights without rushing.

Highlands Tourist Route – Cutting across the eastern side of the country, from Aberdeen to Inverness, this route is a popular choice for history buffs, as there are numerous castle and museum stops, as well as the site of the last battle on British soil, the Battle of Culloden (1746).

The route is just 116 miles (187 kilometers), but at least three days are needed to take it all in.  

A rugged shores of Scotland on a beautiful day exploring on a road trip

If you pick a shorter route or just want to do a weekend road trip to camp, three days will suffice.

What is the most scenic drive in Scotland? Some of the most scenic drives in Scotland include the Argyll Coastal Route, the entire North Coast 500, and the Highlands Tourist Route.

Is driving in Scotland difficult? While driving in the cities can be a pain, once you get out into the countryside, it is very easy. Just use caution on single-track roads and in roundabouts — and remember that you have to drive on the left!

Can you drive onto the Isle of Skye? Yep! It’s connected to the mainland via a bridge.

What is the best month for a Scotland road trip? Generally, April-October is the best time to visit. Personally, I like the autumn, as you’ll get to see the changing leaves. It won’t be as warm, but prices will be lower and everything will be less busy.

Scotland is a beautiful destination and perfect for road trips. With stunning scenery, historic sights, plentiful hiking opportunities, and possible Loch Ness monster sightings, I think renting a car to explore is the best way to experience the country. Whether you want to discover the rugged coast or weave about the Highlands, having a car or campervan will make it both possible and affordable. Just follow the tips above and you’ll be sure to have an amazing time!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Scotland: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

  • SafetyWing (best for everyone)
  • Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
  • Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Scotland? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Scotland for even more planning tips!

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Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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  1. Scotland Coach Tours

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  2. Private Coach Tour To Scotland, with ABC Coaches, Manchester

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  3. Map Of Scotland 2024

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  4. Northern Ireland Coach Tours

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  5. Highland Heritage Coach Tours

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  6. Escorted Coach Tours of Ireland, Scotland, Britain, & Wales

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  5. TO THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND BY COACH Part 2

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COMMENTS

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  23. 10 Best Northern Scotland Tours & Trips 2024/2025

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