scotland road trip campervan

All your motorhome & caravan accessory needs in one place.

£ 0.00 0 items

Best Routes for Touring Scotland in a Motorhome or Campervan

There are several scenic routes in scotland that you can explore by motorhome, car, campervan, and motorcycle none of them are cast in stone so it’s a great idea to add road trip excursions to the routes..

North Coast 500

This 500-mile route is one of the most popular self-drive routes in Scotland, offering stunning views of the coast, mountains, and castles.

Some of the popular places to visit on Scotland’s North Coast 500 are:

Inverness : A vibrant city on the east coast of Scotland, known for its history, culture, and scenery. John o’ Groats : A remote village on the northeastern tip of Scotland, with stunning views of the Pentland Firth and the Orkney Islands. Dunrobin Castle : A grand castle near Golspie, with gardens, falconry displays, and a museum. Smoo Cave : A dramatic sea cave near Durness, with an underground waterfall and a chamber. Ullapool : A picturesque fishing village on Loch Broom, with a harbor, beaches, and seafood restaurants.

This is the most popular campervan and motorhome route with probably the best views in Europe. It can be very busy at certain times of the year, but for the best colours the Autumn months are the most spectacular and even snow-capped mountains.

South West Coastal 300:

This 300-mile route takes you through the Galloway Forest Park, the Mull of Galloway, and the Solway Coast.

The South West Coastal 300 is a circular route that follows the coast of Dumfries & Galloway and into southern Ayrshire. Some of the popular places to visit on this route are:

Galloway Forest Park : A vast forested area with scenic drives, hiking trails, wildlife, and stargazing opportunities. Mull of Galloway : A rugged peninsula that offers panoramic views of the Irish Sea and the Inner Hebrides. Whithorn Priory : An ancient monastery that dates back to the 12th century, with ruins, a museum, and a visitor center. Portpatrick : A charming coastal village with a harbor, beaches, cliffs, and a lighthouse. Culzean Castle : A grand castle that sits on a cliff overlooking the Firth of Clyde, with gardens, trails, and a visitor center.

These places offer a variety of attractions and activities for motorhome travelers, such as hiking, sightseeing, photography, and more. You can also find many other interesting places along the South West Coastal 300 route that suit your interests and preferences.

North East 250 Route

This 250-mile route covers the Cairngorms National Park, the Moray Firth coast, and the Speyside whisky region.

Some of the popular places to visit on Scotland’s NE250 route are:

Braemar: A pretty town in the Cairngorms National Park, known for its Highland Games and royal connections Aberdeen: A vibrant city on the east coast of Scotland, with a rich history, culture, and nightlife Dunnottar Castle: A dramatic cliff-top fortress near Stonehaven, with stunning views of the North Sea Whisky distilleries: Speyside is home to some of the most famous whisky distilleries in Scotland, such as Glenfiddich, Macallan, and Glenlivet Forvie National Nature Reserve: A wildlife haven on the Moray Firth coast, with sand dunes, salt marshes, and seabird colonies Slains Castle: A ruined castle near Cruden Bay said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula

The NE250 is a route that shows the beauty of the east coast of Scotland, Aberdeen (Granite City) is the gateway to the North Sea, Iceland, The Shetland Isles and the Orkneys and is the Hub of the North Sea Oil. It boasts a bustling port and plenty to see and do!

Argyll Coastal Route

This 129-mile route follows the west coast of Scotland from Tarbert to Fort William, passing through picturesque villages, lochs, and beaches.

Some of the popular places to visit on Scotland’s Argyll Coastal Route are:

Tarbert: A picturesque fishing village on Loch Fyne, known for its seafood, yachting, and castle ruins. Kilmartin Glen: An ancient valley with over 800 prehistoric monuments, such as standing stones, cairns, and rock art. Crinan Canal: A scenic waterway that connects Loch Fyne to the Atlantic Ocean, with nine locks and stunning views. Oban: A bustling town on the west coast of Scotland, with a lively harbor, seafood restaurants, and ferry connections to the Hebrides. Mull of Kintyre: A rugged peninsula that offers panoramic views of the Irish Sea and the Inner Hebrides.

The Argyll Coastal Route Starts in Tarbet on Loch Lomond north of Glasgow and follows a stunning route to the Seaport of Oban (home to Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries and a major sea route to the Outer Hebrides), Kinlockleven to Fort William, a Larger town with all the amenities for shopping, fuel, and food.

Outer Hebrides and Skye

These islands offer some of the most scenic and remote routes in Scotland, with rugged landscapes, white-sand beaches, and ancient ruins.

Some of the popular places to visit on Scotland’s Outer Hebrides and Skye are:

Isle of Skye: A rugged island with dramatic landscapes, such as the Cuillin Mountains, the Old Man of Storr, and the Fairy Pools. Stornoway: A bustling town on the Isle of Lewis, with a harbor, museums, galleries, and shops. Callanish Stones: An ancient stone circle on the Isle of Lewis, with a visitor center and a museum. Luskentyre Beach: A stunning white-sand beach on the Isle of Harris, with turquoise waters and dunes. Dunvegan Castle: A historic castle on the Isle of Skye, with gardens, a museum, and boat trips.

This route has great opportunities to expand your road trip to take in all the Hebridean Islands. Calmac Ferries link all the islands on a regular timetable and booking in advance is a must. Taking your time is the key to the Outer Hebrides, giving you a chance to enjoy the peacefulness of these beautiful islands and an understanding of how these communities live. A truly unique part of Scotland that should not be missed.

Motorhome & Caravan Accessories Website Store https://www.johnnysbackyard.co.uk

Free Off-Grid Motorhome Camper Van Guide https://johnnysbackyard.co.uk/c7kc

Wish List on “Buy Me a Coffee” It would be so awesome if you could support me and help better my content on YouTube. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/johnnyburr/w/6969Shop

Holiday Heath – Start your vacation the healthy way – Download a Free 20 page booklet on “The Benefits of Collagen” https://fbatb.clickera.com/1f5da9feb947

YouTube Channel youtube.com/@johnnysbackyard/?sub_confirmation=1

Why not join our Facebook Group Motorhome Touring Scotland ? https://www.facebook.com/motorhometouringscotland

Sign up for Johnny’s Backyard Online Store for Motorhome & Caravan Accessories Newsletter. Newsletter link : http://eepurl.com/hND3Ir

Check out the Useful Links Page for more goodies

https://johnnysbackyard.co.uk/useful-links-and-things/recommended-campsites/

https://c8ke.com/johnnysbackyard

Support the shop https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=MZ4U3STTL4YV6

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMO8bf5oorGtPxHGCPzg6bw/?sub_confirmation=1

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

5 Tips for the Ultimate Campervan Road Trip in Scotland

campervan road trip with snowcapped mountain in the background

You’ve made an excellent choice in picking Scotland for your next campervan road trip.

This country has unbeatable scenery, with dramatic coastlines, soaring mountains, an abundance of wildlife, and more. There are so many incredible destinations in Scotland to choose from, and staying in a campervan will allow you to see as many as possible and camp in the heart of nature.

Campervan Road Trip Tips for Scotland

We’ve rounded up the five most important tips for a campervan trip in Scotland so that you’re ready to get behind the wheel.

1. Choosing the right campervan

Finding the right campervan for your trip is a subjective choice, as there are many things to consider.

Firstly, how many sleeping places do you need? If you’re travelling with one other person, we recommend going for a two-berth or even a four-berth, as the size doesn’t differ too much.

Also, consider how much time you’ll actually spend in the van. If you plan to be out and about every day, then you can go for something smaller. But if you see rainy and cold days as a likely possibility, which it certainly could be in Scotland, then you might want to ensure you have the room to stretch around and rest inside.

Many assume they need a campervan with a toilet and shower, but if you plan to predominately pitch at campsites, then it may be more trouble than it is worth. Don’t underestimate the effort required to clean out a toilet tank.

Also, when choosing the right campervan for a road trip in Scotland, it’s worth going for something a bit smaller. A large Swift motorhome will struggle along the narrower roads of the Highlands and could get you stuck more than once.

If you intend to dive into the wild heart of Scotland, go for a smaller campervan like a Volkswagen or Mazda Bongo. You’ll have the most campervan options in larger cities, so you might wish to arrange your campervan hire in Edinburgh or Inverness.

Urequardt Castle Ruins on Lake Lockness, Scotland

2. Planning your campervan road trip route

Now, this raises another important question: will you plan ahead or take a laissez-faire approach? There are benefits to both. Some feel uncomfortable having nothing in place, whilst others quickly feel restricted by a day-to-day plan.

The perfect campervan trip has a bit of both. Perhaps a rough idea of where you’ll sleep each night, but enough space to let you dictate your plans for the day over your morning cup of coffee. This allows you to adapt to weather conditions. Also, to how you’re feeling, but also ensure you cover all of your intended destinations.

We often recommend that you and your travelling companions make a ‘bucket list’ for the trip, This includes the things you really want to do or places you simply must visit. You can plan these in to ensure everyone is content, but leave the rest up for grabs.

3. The best campervan road trip road trips

That being said, we’ve got a few places in Scotland in mind for your bucket list! Nothing beats a road trip in Scotland, as this allows you to take in as much of this glorious country as possible. To help, we’ve comprised a list of the best road trips in Scotland:

North Coast 500 – It starts and ends in Inverness, takes you along the coast and includes highlights like John O’Groats and Applecross!
South West Coastal 300 – Explore the gorgeous region of Dumfries and Galloway, easily done within a week.
Fife Coastal – Through ancient forests, seal colonies, fantastical castles and more, this is a great road trip to take from Edinburgh to explore Fife.

The Free Church of Scotland in Inverness, Scotland

4. Where to pitch

If you’re travelling in peak season, we recommend booking your campsites ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Scotland is an extremely popular destination, so better safe than sorry! Wild camping isn’t legal in Scotland, but it can be tolerated in certain areas. If in doubt, ask the local landowner!

On apps like Park4night , you’ll find places that allow you to free camp, such as parking lots and fields. Make sure to leave the place as you found it and remember this isn’t a place for proper camping behaviour, in that case, you’ll need to pitch at a campsite.

And where can you find campsites to pitch at?

There are plenty of options. We recommend checking out PitchUp to look through the campsites nearby. You can filter based on location, pitch type, amenities, and more!

Green fields and wildflowers seen while on a campervan road trip in Scotland

5. Packing list for a campervan road trip

One of the perks of campervans is the extensive storage space available. Unlike other accommodation options, you don’t have to repack your bag each time you move, so you can really settle into your little home on wheels. So bring whatever you think you might need – when in doubt, pack it!

For a campervan holiday in Scotland, it’s all about layers! It can be gloriously sunny in summer when the campervan might even get a bit warm.

But autumn, winter and spring can be harsh, so make sure you’ve got extra sweaters, a scarf and a waterproof jacket. This might also mean you’ll have a few rainy days in your campervan, so pack some board games or other things to keep you busy.

Archways under a bridge made of stone in the Scottish Highlands

You are ready for your Scotland campervan road trip

Now that you’ve completed these five steps, you’re ready for the perfect campervan trip in Scotland. It’s time to book your campervan, arrange your campsites and hit the road. But be warned, this country is so beautiful that you’ll definitely feel the urge to return many times after!

Save on your trip with these resources

These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.

Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), VRBO (self-contained), or Hostelworld (budget).
Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
Motorcycles : we have heard good things about BikesBooking .
Campervans or Motorhomes : we use Campstar where Albom Adventures readers get a 3% discount.
Private guides : we often find the best option is to work with a private guide .
Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.

Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.

Save for later

If you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media and save it for later on Pinterest.

5 Tips for the Ultimate Campervan Road Trip in Scotland

Are you ready to plan for a campervan road trip in Scotland?

About the author

Fleurine has grown up in numerous countries, leaving her with a deep love for travelling. Combining that love for travelling with writing for Goboony is a dream come true, and she can most commonly be found behind the wheel of her VW campervan!

About Albom Adventures Editorial Team

Albom Adventures’ editorial team consists of travel bloggers and other travel writers who periodically provide content to this blog. If would like to join our editorial team, please send us an email via the information on our contact page .

Reader Interactions

November 2, 2021 at 11:32 am

So would love to see Scotland and all the gorgeous destinations in your photos! Can’t wait to be able to go to Europe once again. Thank you for the incredible pics!

October 14, 2021 at 8:31 pm

I’m dreaming of trip to Scotland for a long time, I was planning to go last summer but covid said no. 🙂 Still can’t wait, it looks unreal.

October 13, 2021 at 6:15 am

Saving this for our next Scotland adventure!!

Krysten Quiles

October 12, 2021 at 11:06 pm

This looks like it would be so much fun!

October 12, 2021 at 12:03 pm

It looks like a lovely way to travel.

October 12, 2021 at 10:33 am

I’d love to go to Scotland and take a road trip. You described a dream trip.

Ashlee Fechino

October 12, 2021 at 9:46 am

This is our kind of trip! We would love to experience Scotland road tripping with a campervan. Thanks for sharing the tips!

October 12, 2021 at 3:45 am

This is amazing!!!! I’ve never been to Scotland and would love to spend a couple of months there…Can’t wait!

October 11, 2021 at 4:38 pm

The Fife Coastal sounds like a lovely route to take. Scotland is on my list of places to go to once the pandemic is over. 🙂 Breaking down road trip preparations into five doable (and not overwhelming) steps is really helpful not just for a Scotland road trip but for any road trip, really. Thanks!

Kathy Kenny Ngo

October 11, 2021 at 12:26 pm

I would love to try this out. I can’t imagine going in a campervan but with this article, I think I can give this a try.

October 11, 2021 at 11:28 am

I would have never thought of a campervan as the way to see the country, but it sounds like such a great idea! I’d love to visit Scotland one day and see all the sights, especially the old castles.

Renata Feyen

October 11, 2021 at 10:32 am

I have never been to Schotland, but I bet it’s the perfect place for hiking and walks

October 11, 2021 at 10:11 am

I’ve driven around Scotland many times but never in a campervan! It looks like an amazing experience and something I’d love to do in the autumn time.

Hanna Thomas

October 10, 2021 at 9:12 pm

We travelled around Scotland with our tent, but it was just too cold to stand outside and cook, so I think next time we definitely need to take a camper! So many more places I’m adding the the itinerary after this post too!

Travelling Tam

October 10, 2021 at 2:49 pm

Driving a van around Scotland is absolutely one of my dream road trips! One day I will do this! There are some great tips here, especially resources where you can find places to camp, both free and paid. Nothing like worrying where you will park up for the night legally, so that is really useful for planning before you go.

October 10, 2021 at 9:24 am

Great Post Rhonda!

I love the idea of hiring a camper to travel around Scotland. I have a feeling we’d go with the book everything at the last moment approach so we could make the most of the weather and hike as much as possible!

L. Diane Wolfe

October 9, 2021 at 12:57 am

That would be a fun way to travel. I grew up in Oregon, so heck with the rain – go out anyway.

Alex J. Cavanaugh

October 8, 2021 at 2:09 pm

We traveled by train to most destinations -and then walked after that. A campervan would be fun, although driving on the other side of the road would take a lot of adjustment. Probably be a great way to see the Isle of Skye.

September 2, 2023 at 11:56 am

it was awsome i loved scotland and going back next aug to rent a rv lol

Privacy Overview

Van Life Scotland: A Complete Guide to Campervanning in Scotland

What’s campervanning in Scotland like? Are you considering taking a road trip with a van, RV, or motorhome through Scotland? We set out to answer all the questions in our complete guide to Van Life Scotland.

Campervanning Scotland, living and traveling in a van through Scotland is not a novel idea. Campervan travel is unbelievably popular among both Scots and visitors.

It makes sense; the country undoubtedly lends itself to overland travel with stunning scenery, charming villages, and more walks, castles, and various attractions scattered throughout than you can shake a scone at.

Van travel is so widespread and entrenched here that van and motorhome facilities can be found everywhere. Numerous well-driven road trip itineraries take travelers through some of Scotland’s most famous sites to some of its most remote reaches.

We set out on a Scottish van life adventure to discover everything we could about traveling Scotland by camper van.

Helpful Resources We Use All the Time

🏠 When we aren’t traveling by van we use Booking.com to book accommodation 🚌 For ground transport we use Bookaway 🚗 Discover Cars helps us find the cheapest rental cars available. 🤕 We rely on SafetyWing for our long-term travel and global health insurance 🧳 We use World Nomads for short-trip travel insurance 🏛️ We use TripAdvisor to research and book experiences

Is Scotland Good for Vanlife?

Gee, we might be biased, but we think traveling Scotland by van is the best way to see the country.

Scotland might be compact but it is also jam-packed with gorgeous scenery, fantastic cultural and historical sites, and charming villages. The ability to travel at your own pace and choose what you do and see along the way is a fabulous benefit of traveling by camper.

Furthermore, Scotland is quite well set up for camper van travel with many campsites, motorhome parks, and facilities that make van travel relatively comfortable and stress-free.

The main drawbacks of van life in Scotland are the narrow country roads that connect much of the country, the crowds that come in the busy summer season, and the fierce midges that plague the country in July and August.

Is Van Life legal in Scotland?

There isn’t actually any specific legislation that governs camping in motorhomes or campervans in Scotland. However, unlike some countries where we have traveled, where van travel is unusual to the locals like in Mexico , or to somewhere campervanning is looked down upon as some sort of modern hoboism like in Australia, in Scotland, campervanning is, or at least was, in a way a part of the culture. Camping, tramping and rambling culture here is well-established and accepted both culturally and legally, and for a while campervanning was seen as an extension of that culture.

However, the rapid rise in popularity in van travel here is putting a strain on the local’s tolerance of campervanners, especially when they make a menace of themselves.

In general, as long as you are not in the way, a nuisance, or parked on private land without permission, you are unlikely to fall foul of the law, be woken up in the middle of the night by police, or even raise the ire of the neighborhood watch.

What’s more, the government here has put a lot of money into making Scotland RV-friendly. There are public facilities for campervans and motorhomes throughout the country, including daytime and overnight car parks, public toilets (and occasionally showers), and infinite pullovers and laybys at the side of beautiful lochs and wild places. These amenities make it easy to safely and legally navigate the country by van.

This being said, the overwhelming number of campervanners in Scotland over the last year has led to some issues, especially in the busy high season. The number of large vehicles on the road leads to challenging navigation, especially in remote areas, often serviced by single-carriageway roads. The pressure on campsites and campervan facilities is also becoming a problem. Finally, the misuse and abuse of wild camps and overnight stopovers is, understandably, drawing the frustration of locals, especially in smaller communities.

Camping, free Camping, and Wild Camping for Campervans in Scotland

Scotland is amazingly well set up for campervans and motorhomes with facilities throughout the country, from major cities to the most remote lochs and isles. There is a wide variety of both paid and free campsites.

The best way to find campsites in Scotland is through the app Park4Night . The app maps user-generated waypoints like campsites, wild camps, parking, and services.

Paid Campgrounds and Motorhome Parks

Everywhere throughout the country, you can find paid campgrounds and campsites, from small, basic sites offering simple pads to large holiday parks with pools, playgrounds, cafes, and other amenities.

Camping usually costs between £25 – £40 per night. This will include access to a level pad and may be either inclusive or exclusive of extra amenities such as electricity, toilets and showers, and black and grey water dumping.

Many sites throughout Scotland also allow travelers to pay just to access black water and grey water disposal and fresh water for a small fee (normally £5). This way, you can empty waste tanks and take on fresh water cheaply while free camping.

Is Wild Camping Legal in Scotland?

Wild camping for campervans and motorhomes falls into a grey area under Scottish legislation, and there aren’t any specific provisions for motorhomes or campervan camping.

While it is a legally recognized right to free camp and wild camp throughout Scotland (on both public and private land) under the Scottish Public Access Code, that right doesn’t extend to vehicles . Nevertheless, perhaps as a flow-on effect from the otherwise liberal camping laws, overnight camping in wild camps is widely tolerated.

The general expectations of campervanners in wild camps should be common sense, but they are

a) Follow the rules and regulations where applicable; these are generally well-signed in Scotland.

b) Leave no trace; have a toilet on board if you plan to wild camp, take all your rubbish when you leave, and dump black and grey water at the appropriate facilities (found throughout Scotland).

c) Have a net positive effect on the communities you visit aka don’t be a nuisance – Be aware of your surroundings. Ensure you are parking in pullovers or laybys where you are entirely off the road. Are you camped in an area that people will use during the day? Make sure you arrive late and leave early. Are you near to a business on a popular tourist route? It would be polite to ask them if you can stay overnight, where you should park, and where possible patron the local businesses as well.

d) Don’t outstay your welcome – Generally, this means using a wild camp to pull up to for the night and moving off in the morning, definitely not pulling out the awning, setting up tables and chairs, and treating public land like your own personal caravan park for the week.

If you can’t handle these basic responsibilities, go to a paid campsite or better yet stay home.

Wild Camping and Free Camping on Public Land

The local authority is responsible for administering rights to the public lands. In most cases in Scotland, the rules governing most areas are clearly signed. Many areas, like national parks, expressly forbid overnight camping. In remote areas without any signs, you likely can wild camp following the rules outlined above.

Many travelers make use of the many laybys off the side of the road throughout the Scottish road system. Again, use common sense, and don’t pull up in a passing place (common in many single-carriageway roads in Scotland). Don’t take up a place where drivers may need to park during the day. Don’t make a mess of the area.

Most public car parks restrict overnight camping and such restrictions are usually well-signed. Some public car parks (mostly in larger towns or cities) allow overnight parking for a fee (often £5 – £12), and in these cases, it may be possible to camp overnight.

Wild Camping and Free Camping on Private Land

It is generally not allowed nor tolerated to camp overnight on private land without the express permission of the landowner. In most cases, private parking lots, such as those found at supermarkets forbid overnight parking or camping.

Pub Stopovers

Some pubs throughout Scotland will allow campervans or motorhomes to stay in their car park overnight. Obviously, you need to ask and receive permission beforehand.

The expectation for using a pub stopover is that campers will purchase a meal or buy a few beers at the bar and follow the above guidelines and general common sense.

There are several lists online of available pub stopovers throughout Scotland but every pub is a potential pub stopover. If there is a pub on your route and you would like to pay for a meal instead of a campsite, try calling ahead to see if they would be open to letting you park up overnight.

How Long Do I Need to Campervan in Scotland?

As long as you’ve got!

It felt like we could have spent a lifetime exploring each loch, hiking every mountain, and enjoying an ale by the fire at each charming wee inn we came upon.

Alas, most of us don’t have a lifetime. Thankfully, Scotland is a relatively compact country, and you can enjoy

A great road trip on a long weekend
See many fabulous highlights in a week
Travel the length of Scotland and back in two or three weeks
See pretty much the entire country if you have four or more weeks.

Scotland road trip itinerar ies and Routes for Campervanning

There are a variety of well-driven routes and itineraries for campervanning in Scotland.

The best Scotland road trip itinerary for you will, of course, depend on your personal preferences. Do you prefer hiking in the mountains, visiting seaside villages, or exploring ancient castles? Are you comfortable picking your way along narrow, windy roads into the remotest areas, or do you prefer to travel the tourist circuit from town to town along modern highways?

There’s a trip for everyone in Scotland; check out these popular routes and see if any float your boat.

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary 2 – 3 days

Perthshire Tourist Route – This popular route runs between Dunblane and Ballinluig. This beautiful woodland route offers plenty of opportunities to hike, explore, and visit local producers and distillers.
Galloway Tourist Route – Museums, castles, woodland trails, and loch views await on this short road trip.
Moray Firth Tourist Route – Beginning in the northern city of Inverness this route takes in the beauty of the highlands, visiting Beauly, Cromarty, and Dornoch Firths.
Boarders Route – Travels from northern England in Scots Dyke, across the Anglo-Scottish Border and onto Edinburgh. A good route for visitors from south of the border.
The Argyll Coastal Route – This beautiful seaside route begins in Tarbet 40 miles northwest of Glasgow. It runs for 129 miles along the coast to Fort William, taking in Loch Fynn, Inverray, Glencoe, and Ben Nevis along the way. It’s a great route for those wanting to take in some of Scotland’s most breathtaking coast as well as charming seaside towns, whiskey distilleries, and spectacular scenery.
Inverness to Isle of Skye – This route covers one of Scotland’s most famed tourist destinations, Loch Ness. In just 105 miles, you will travel by some of the most picturesque wee villages and breathtaking scenic vantage points. And, just maybe, a chance to spot the Loch Ness Monster.

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary 5 days +

The North East 250 – The North East 250 is a picturesque journey stretching over 250 miles across Scotland’s northeastern region, encompassing the vibrant city of Aberdeen, the serene Moray Firth, the whisky-rich Speyside, and the majestic Cairngorms. This scenic route showcases the area’s dramatic coastal landscapes and cultural sites including the historic castle that sparked Bram Stoker’s imagination for ‘Dracula’.
The South West Coastal 300 – The 300-mile South West Coastal 300 is one of the least traveled routes in Scotland. Starting in Dumfries, this route is known for its quiet country roads through small villages, impressive castles, and a chance to visit Scotland’s most southern point.

Scotland road trip itinerary 7 days +

For a seven-day road trip, consider combining some of the longer drives connecting Scotland’s cities.

Edinburgh to Inverness Road Trip – The route from Edinburgh to Inverness takes in fabulous towns and villages in the south, the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, the town of Inverness, and the famous Loch Ness. Extend this route by traveling east toward Aberdeen or North along the NC 500.
Glasgow to Skye Road Trip – Travel past the hauntingly beautiful Loch Lomond, the Argyll Coast with its fantastic scenery and delicious seafood and distilleries, and continue on onto the famed Isle of Skye before returning.

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary 14 days +

If you are touring Scotland by van for two weeks or more, then you should have time to see many of the country’s most famous highlights and spend time exploring some of the more remote reaches, such as the Isles of Skye or Mull or the North Coast 500 drive.

North Coast 500 – This 500-mile circuit has become one of Scotland’s most famous drives. The route takes in the breathtaking coastal landscapes of Scotland’s North Highlands, and the region’s fascinating culture. Be aware that during the popular summer months the route becomes exceptionally crowded and navigating the narrow roads amongst hundreds of other motorhomes and campers can be challenging and stressful.
The Vanabond 700 – Without enough time to see the whole country, we designed a two-week itinerary to visit some of Scotland’s most famous and recommended highlights. We traveled from Edinburgh to Dunkeld, then onto Aviemore and Glenmore forest (stopping at the Falls of Bruar along the way). From there it was onto Inverness, before spending a day exploring Loch Ness, and its villages. Next, we drove to the Isle of Skye and spent two days exploring before returning to the mainland to visit the Argyll Coast. We traveled to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs for two days. Finally, we visited Glasgow for a night before heading back to Edinburgh to drop off the car.

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary 3 weeks +

If you have three weeks or more, you should be able to combine several of these itineraries to make a fairly comprehensive exploration of the country.

When is the Best Time to Experience Campervanning In Scotland?

This depends on your preferences.

Many say the summertime, between May and September, is the best time for a Scottish road trip. This way, you’ll have the most sunlight and the best weather to make the most of the epic outdoor activities here. The downsides of this season are the crowds of people and the midges, which can make camping miserable between July and August.

In our opinion, autumn was a beautiful time to see Scotland by van. We traveled in October and November, and it was magic. Granted, it rained almost daily; nights were occasionally below zero, and mornings were dark and grey. But, the sea of changing color in the trees, the mountains that were sunny and hikeable one day and covered in a blanket of snow the next, the near-empty roads and campsites, and the thrill of seeing Scotland in all its grey grizzly beauty was well and truly worth it.

If you’re into winter activities, Scotland has plenty from December onward, including skiing, winter festivals, Christmas Markets, and unique celebrations. Of course, if you visit at this time, be prepared for short cold days and dealing with snow and ice on the roads.

Be aware that Scotland has a distinct tourism season that generally finishes around the end of October. This means many tourist attractions such as castles and tours, especially those in remote regions or small towns, may be closed from November to April. Additionally, a lot of campsites and motorhome parks run seasonally as well. Finally, services like ferries or public car parks may be closed or have reduced capacity over the quiet period. For this reason, it’s essential to plan and book ahead if traveling after October.

Driving a Campervan In Scotland

While the country might be great to see by camper, the road system is not necessarily well-designed for large campervans and motorhomes. Many roads linking the towns and villages throughout Scotland are quite narrow country roads. Many remote areas, even those popular with tourists such as the Isle of Sky or the NC 500, are serviced by single carriageways with passing places along the way.

If you are planning on visiting more remote destinations, you should consider using as small a vehicle as possible and, indeed, only one you can manage. You should be confident reversing your vehicle accurately down a narrow track for several hundred meters, as that is potentially the only way forward sometimes.

Moreover, when driving a campervan or motorhome below the speed limit or when cars are queued behind, always pull over to let them pass; outside of highways, overtaking lanes are rare in Scotland.

The amount of campervans on the road in the busy season is becoming a sore point for locals, so do your part not to be a nuisance when driving.

Be aware that the Scottish are very polite drivers, if you are turning across a lane, drivers coming the opposite way may pull up and flash their lights at you indicating for you to take the turn. It’s the kind of politeness that actually makes driving more unpredictable than it would be if people just followed the rules, but it’s hard to fight someone trying to be nice.

Hiring a Campervan in Scotland

If you don’t have your own wheels, you don’t need to worry. There are over 50 companies offering campervan hire in Scotland. The biggest problem we found finding a campervan for hire was there were too many options.

To rent a campervan in Scotland, you must

be at least 21 (between 25 and 75 in some cases)
hold a valid driver’s license
and provide secondary Identification such as a passport or EU card

The best way to find the best place to hire from is to work backward from your requirements.

Where will you be leaving from? Edinburgh and Glasgow have the largest number of rental companies, but there are also companies in other cities, such as Inverness and Aberdeen. If you just wanted to tour the north, for example, it might make sense to rent here.

What kind of vehicle do you want? Large motorhomes offer more space and comfort while camping but can be more challenging to drive and park, especially if you plan to travel to some of Scotland’s more remote destinations, many of which are serviced by narrow single-lane roads.

What facilities are you going to need? If you plan on wild camping, being self-sufficient is critical, and having an onboard toilet is essential. If you are traveling in autumn, a heater will make your life a LOT more comfortable, in winter, it becomes a matter of life or death.

Finally, consider that many rental companies do allow pets (often for an extra cleaning fee). If you’re bringing Fido, this could narrow down your search again.

Once you have a list of your needs and wants, it will be much easier to narrow down a suitable rental company and start looking for a van. Be aware that in the busy season, camper van rental is very popular be sure to book as far ahead as possible to avoid disappointment.

Campervan Rental Companies in Scotland

Several large multinational camper rental companies are operating in Scotland alongside dozens and dozens of smaller independent companies. They often offer (seemingly) lower rates and have flash advertising, but they can end up being more expensive, offer little to no support on the road, and can be a real headache if something goes wrong.

Advertised prices exclude ‘service charges’, proper insurance, sufficient mileage, and required bits and pieces like gas, bedding, or toilet tablets, meaning that the final price is often equivalent to or more than all-inclusive rates.

Support from these large companies is often lacking. One notable company off-shores its text-only support line, and the operators know quite literally nothing about campervanning in Scotland.

Finally, there are some serious horror stories of renters being left to deal with defective vans during their holidays and then being saddled with the costs of repair and maintenance to boot.

On the other hand, it is possible, especially when they have deals, that this is where you’ll get the most bang for your buck. If you’re not too risk averse and happy to go it alone, without support on your trip then Big Camper might be the go.

Undoubtedly, smaller, reputable local companies will offer a much more comprehensive service, ongoing support and info about Scotland, and a local contact to deal with in an emergency.

Here are several campervan companies that we recommend renting through.

Live the Wild Scotland

Emma is a passionate explorer and van lifer who has traversed Scotland by van and on foot. She has lovingly converted her own van to share with other enthusiasts and is currently working on a second van.

Book directly at Live the Wild Scotland .

All Is On Camper

All is on Campers in Glasgow have modern and compact VW Transporters that are perfect for getting to some of the more remote regions of Scotland. Their clever design provides seating for five and sleeping for 4 with 2 double berths. Their vans are well equipped with everything you need for a comfortable tour in any season and very reasonably priced,

Book directly at All is On Campers .

Luxury Winnebago Scotland

If you are looking for a camper or motorhome with all the bells and whistles, try Luxury Winnebago Scotland, located outside Glasgow. They offer a broad range of campers, motorhomes, and caravans from 2 birth to 6-berth options.

Book directly at Luxury Winnebago Scotland .

How Much Does it Cost to Van Life in Scotland?

Traveling by campervan in Scotland can be done very cheaply. Combining your accommodation and travel costs offers immediate savings.

If you’re prepared to free camp and cook most of your meals, it can be one of the cheapest ways to explore Scotland. We were pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to travel throughout Scotland without using paid camps.

Obviously, how much you spend will be dependent on your personal financial situation. Still, we can share how much things cost in Scotland for campervanners and how much we spent campervanning in Scotland.

Campervan Costs of Campervanning in Scotland

Campervan rental costs scotland.

Camper van rental costs vary depending on the vehicle you are looking at, the company renting it, and the time of year.

The cheapest rental in low season starts at around £50 per night for two berth campervans without basic equipment or insurance and with restricted mileage.

During high season, giant, modern campervans with all the bells and whistles and enough berths for the whole family may cost as much as £200 per night through a local rental company.

Most vans will fall somewhere in the middle, between £90 and £150 per night.

Beware of rental companies that offer dirt-cheap nightly rates that are exclusive of service fees, realistic mileage, insurance etc, etc, etc.

Camping and Accommodation

Camping fees are quite expensive in Scotland generally ranging between £25 and £40 per night. Services like electricity may incur an extra fee.

As described above it is possible to wild camp and free camp throughout Scotland to keep camping fees low. Remember if you wild camp you will need to pay to use facilities like black and grey water dump points and fresh water. Budget around £5 every two or three days for this service.

Petrol / Diesel

Fuel is pretty expensive in the UK. At the time of writing, fuel costs £1.63 per liter of diesel to fill up, making fuel one of the most significant expenses on a campervan trip in Scotland.

Gas / Propane / Butane

Gas to run a gas stove or gas heater is also quite expensive. We paid £35 to swap a 6kg gas cylinder (after we finally tracked one down).

Much of the public parking around Scotland is paid, especially in cities or near attractions. Parking might range from £1.50 an hour to £12 for 24 hours depending on where you are.

Attractions and Activities

We didn’t spend much on activities and attractions, preferring to explore the hikes and view castles from outside rather than inside, however, there are tons of paid attractions, activities, and tours on offer throughout Scotland here are some example costs:

1 Hour Loch Ness Boat Tour £20
Aberdeen Distillery Tour £25
Eileen Donan Castle Admission £11

Food and Beverage

You can’t travel through Scotland without sampling a few Scottish delicacies and a wee dram (drink usually whiskey). Food and drink aren’t cheap in Scotland, but it isn’t terribly expensive either. Here are some example costs for food in Scotland.

Pub / Restaurant Meal: £15 – £25
Pint: £5 – £7
Wee dram: £5 – £15
Fish and Chips (or other local fast food): £7.50
Coffee: £3 – £5

How Much Did We Spend Campervanning Scotland?

We spent around £800 ($1,000 USD) weekly for two people campervanning in Scotland. We didn’t have our own van when we toured Scotland, so we had to pay to rent a camper van, which was our most significant expense. Our costs of living outside the campervan rental were about £400 per week.

This is how our expenses broke down;

Campervan Gas in Scotland

We would be remiss if we didn’t share something about the propane situation in Scotland, which is a bit funny. If you are relying on propane for cooking or in the cooler months, heating your van, you should know how (and where) to get gas when you run out.

If you have traveled in other countries where it is possible to re-fill your gas cylinder or those where it’s possible to swap any canister for any other canister of the same size at the petrol station or camping store, you will be in for a bit of a surprise here.

Traditional gas cylinders can seemingly not be refilled here, so they need to be swapped. There is a refillable type of canister sold at some outlets.

The leading gas suppliers here are Calor and Flo Gas, with Calor being far and away the most dominant. To get a Calor or Flo Gas cylinder, you need to have an existing cylinder of the same size and type to swap. Suppliers that sell Calor can’t also swap Flo Gas. To make matters worse, it seems that there is a bit of a shortage of gas cylinders in Scotland, so if you don’t already have one, it might take some running around to find one.

If you have a camping stove that uses Campingaz, there are a number of suppliers that will exchange cylinders.

All of this to say, make sure you plan ahead if you think you might need to refill gas as we were caught out without heat or cooking for two days when we found ourselves in the wrong part of the country with a Flo Gas Cylinder.

You can find stockists here or visit the individual company websites to find suppliers.

What to See On a Scottish Campervan Trip

These are some of the best things to do and see when campervanning in Scotland.

Edinburgh – A picturesque medieval old town with castles, churches, and cobblestone streets makes Edinburgh a must-see on a Scottish road trip. Discover some of the best things to do in Edinburgh .
Glasgow – The architecturally beautiful city of Glasgow is packed with museums and cultural experiences as well as some of the best restaurants and bars Scotland has to offer
Cairngorms – Scotland’s largest national park is stacked with walks, hikes, and scenic vantages. You can skirt the edges of this mammoth park and dip in to check out the scenery or delve deeper and spend a few days camping and exploring. In the winter the Cairngorms is home to one of Scotland’s ski resorts.
Inverness – The gateway to the highlands Loch Ness and the NC 500, Inverness is also a worthwhile stop in its own right with castles, forts, museums, and galleries throughout the picturesque city
Aberdeen – Scotland’s third biggest city is known as the granite city for the pale stone that it was constructed from. The city is filled with beautiful museums, cathedrals, gardens, and cemeteries built on the back of the oil trade for which Aberdeen was famous.
St. Andrews – The scenic beachside town with wonderful architecture and historical ruins. It also has the first golf course, where golf was played in the 15th century!
Stirling – The small city of Stirling is Scotland’s youngest city, only granted city status in 2002. Known as the gateway to the highlands but has plenty to offer in its own right. The walkable city has plenty of beautiful architecture to gawk at as well as the historical castles, whiskey distillers, and golf courses you would expect of a Scottish city.
Loch Ness – One of Scotland’s most famous landmarks you probably already know about this loch and the mystery that surrounds it. However, the beauty of the loch and the surrounding scenery cannot be overstated.
Apple Cross – Just off the popular tourist route that navigates Skey, Apple Cross is an equally beautiful drive and the tiny charming village of Apple Cross and its legendary Inn.
The Isle of Skye – Famous for its strikingly beautiful landscapes Skye’s reputation as a tourist destination is backed up by many attractions, including distilleries, waterfalls, and iconic landmarks like the Old Man of Storr.
The Isle of Mull – Less famous than Skye, Mull is well worth a visit for its beautiful scenery including white sand beaches.
Glencoe – Here lies some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Scotland and that is saying a great deal! The landscapes might be familiar because they often appear in media, including as settings in Highlander and James Bond.
The Argyll Coast – Fresh seafood, beautiful lochs, fascinating history, picturesque seaside towns, and distilleries make this stretch of Scotland’s coast one of the most iconic.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park – A favorite amongst outdoor enthusiasts the enchanting loch and its islands are surrounded by hills and mountains, woodlands and forest to hike through, and plenty of beautiful and historic settlements to discover.

Things to Do on a Campervan Trip in Scotland

As you can already see, Scotland has a wealth of things to do, even if you only have a few days to do it. There is, however, a “bucket list” of sorts of the best things to do on a campervan trip in Scotland. Do you think you can do each one on your campervanning trip in Scotland?

Hike a Mountain – The mountains in Scotland aren’t too high and there’s plenty to be conquered.
Wild Camp at Least Once – Take the opportunity to really explore the Scottish wilds by spending one night wild camped in your campervan.
Try Scottish Food – The Scottish may not be globally recognized for their food. Still, you can’t leave without trying Haggis neeps and tatties, made from sheep offal cooked in a sheep stomach served with mashed potatoes and turnips (much tastier than it sounds), a steak and ale pie, fish and chips or cullen skink, a thick Scottish soup with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions.
Try Scottish Dram – A wee dram is a little drink, and in Scotland that means scotch whiskey. Famous for their distinct whiskey Scotland has the highest concentration of distilleries in the world, with over 140 spread throughout the country. Stop at a distillery and take a tour, or try a flight at one of the many whiskey bars in Scotland.
Try a Scottish Ale – In the tradition of cask ales or ‘real ales’ the Scottish Ale is served room temperature, is slightly less carbonated, and usually has a stronger flavor profile than the keg beers you are probably used to if you’re not from the UK. While it is different it’s very suited to the climate and perfect for enjoying by the fire on a grizzly day.
Count Sheep – We couldn’t believe how many sheep we passed driving in Scotland, spotting the beautiful farmland pastures covered in shaggy white sheep never got old.
See the Wee Coos – Highland cattle are distinct and quite cute with their short stature, shaggy coats, and long horns.
Visit an Inn – On a rainy day (and there will be a rainy day) head for the nearest charming and historic inn, find a place near the fire, and enjoy a wee dram or Scottish ale.
See the Famous Movie Locations – Scotland has been the setting for many dramatic moments, check out the Eilean Donan Castle used in Highlander, the beautiful countryside of Glen Etive made famous in James Bond: Skyfall, and the numerous filming locations for the Outlander series.
Enjoy Seafood on the Coast – Oysters, mussels, haddock, langoustine and Scottish salmon are some of the absolutely delicious seafood this part of the world is known for.
Visit the Isles – Isles like Skye and Mull and the hundreds of others. Many of them feel like stepping back in time.
Stop at the West Highland Campsite – One of the only of its kind in Europe this not-for-profit campsite and hotel reinvests camping profits into creating a first-class campsite in a beautiful area north of Glasgow. The campsite is made available for free to local van lifers who may need it. A night stay here includes water, electricity, wifi, breakfast, access to a beautiful common room, pads with great views, and it’s for a good cause.
Stop for Tea and Scones – A right of passage in the UK, fresh scones with cream and jam and a hot tea is a fantastic combo, especially after a morning hiking or a long drive. Our favorite place for scones and tea was Ocho in Inverray (where you can swap your tea for a bloody mary).

Hopefully, we have been able to answer all your questions about van life and campervanning in Scotland. However, if you have a question or a comment please leave it in the comments below.

In 2016, I had been dumped by my girlfriend, fired from my job, and the lease on my house was running out. Facing moving back in with my parents, 26, jobless and alone I decided to listen to the message the universe was trying to send me. I took off on my first solo backpacking trip, with a one-way ticket to Bangkok and a well-thumbed Lonely Planet guide. From there I wandered Southeast and Central Asia, traveled the Great Steppe, and made my way across Russia and throughout Europe.

In Estonia I met Kelli, who, despite having a less frantic travel style, shared my my restless spirit and passion for exploration. Together, we embarked on a new journey, van life. Over four years we travelled across three different continents with three different vans.

In 2022, as the world began to re-open post COVID we took an opportunity to realise a long held dream, to live aboard a sailboat. Since then we have spent two summers in the Mediterranean, sailing and living aboard our little sail boat Whisper. When we aren't sailing we continue to live our nomadic lifestyle, guided by a philosophy of slow travel and self directed adventure be it by van or backpacking.

We find excitement through our journey into the unknown, stillness and content in the beauty of the places we discover and we find ourselves in the vastness of our world.

Hopefully, we can help you find what you're looking for too. Get lost with us and find your own path.

Campsites and Booking:

Find a campsite
All UK Campsites
Late Availability
Latest Offers

Other Types of Camping:

Member-only Campsites
Social Camping

Other Accommodation:

Self Catering
Holiday Homes

Inspiration:

Holiday Ideas
Camping with Kids
Camping with Dogs
Camping near the Coast

Camping Insurance

Caravan Insurance
Motorhome Insurance
Campervan Insurance
Tent Insurance
Trailer Tent Insurance

On the Road

Arrival Breakdown Cover
Car Insurance

Other Cover

Home Insurance
Caravan Holiday Home Insurance
Scotland Road Trips

Pack your camping gear and set off on an unforgettable Scotland road trip. Drive past overgrown valleys, towering mountains and rugged coastline as you make your way through the beautiful country.

Not sure which route to follow? Whether you’re visiting the country for a weekend or a week long trip, there is a Scotland driving route perfect for you.

Getting to Scotland

Depending on where you’re coming from, there are multiple ways to get to Scotland. You can drive, catch a train, coach or aeroplane.

If you’re travelling by plane, there are six main airports to fly into. Here you can hire a car and start your road trip.

Edinburgh Airport: You can access the Borders Historic Route or Forth Valley Tourist Route .
Aberdeen Airport: You can access North East 250 , the Highland Tourist Route , the Deeside Tourist Route and the Angus Coastal Route .
Glasgow International Airport: You can access the South West Coastal 300 and Argyll Coastal Route .
Glasgow Prestwick Airport: You can access the South West Coastal 300 .
Inverness: You can access the North Coast 500 and the Highland Tourist Route .
Dundee: Angus Coastal Route .

Where to stay on your Scotland road trip

Whilst road-tripping around Scotland, finding a hotel or Airbnb can be tricky, especially as you explore more rural and secluded areas. Camping is a great way to immerse yourself in nature, watch as the stars shoot across the sky and discover new wildlife.

We have over 50 campsites in Scotland where you can safely pitch up and use our handy on-site facilities whilst camping. By booking in advance, you can secure your spot and enjoy a stress-free road trip.

Psst, we have many brilliant member-exclusive campsites that can be found on these Scotland road trip routes. To book your stay, join the club today.

If you’re looking to wild camp whilst travelling around Scotland, make sure you’ve read our guide to wild camping . Here we go through the restrictions of wild camping in Scotland and the rules you must follow. Some of these include:

You must not be camping as part of an organised group
Two or three nights is the maximum amount of time you should stay in one place
If you are asked to move on, you should do so
You need permission from landowners to camp on enclosed private land
You must leave the area as you found it. Meaning disposing of any rubbish or waste and leaving no trace.

Click here for more on wild camping in Scotland.

When to take a Scotland road trip

Scotland is truly beautiful all year round, so no matter what season you fancy visiting, you’ll definitely have a magical experience.

Summer is probably the most popular time to visit as the weather is great. You’ll have clearer skies, perfect for stargazing, warm days that are great for lounging around on the beach or enjoying watersport activities, and you’ll come across stunning birds and wildlife whilst hiking through mountains and the countryside. The country also hosts many events during the summer, including the Highland Games and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe .

Although there’s plenty to do around the country, the downside to a Scotland road trip in summer is the vast amount of traffic and campsites booking up fast. We highly recommend setting off early and booking your stay far in advance to avoid disappointment.

You may also need to be wary of biting midges in the summer and carry bug spray. For more summer camping advice, click here .

If you’re looking for a quieter season to visit, autumn and spring are perfect for a Scotland road trip. In the spring, you’ll find fields flooded with bright flowers and baby animals finding their feet. In autumn, you’ll be comforted by the warm tones of fall, crispy leaves, and a cool breeze refreshing for those long hikes.

Winter camping during your Scotland road trips is fabulous if you want to tick the northern lights off your bucket list. You can see the country transform into a winter wonderland with sheets of snow resting in the Highlands to festive Christmas markets, lights and music bringing cities to life.

10 of the best Scotland road trips

Argyll coastal route.

Setting off from the banks of Loch Lomond and finishing in the loch-side town of Fort William , the Argyll Coastal Route is perfect for fans of expansive coastline, delicious seafood and breath-taking views. Stretching for nearly 130 miles, Argyll Coastal Route passes three of our West Scotland campsites, including,

Milarrochy Bay Club Site
Oban Club Site
Glencoe Club Site

Encapsulating everything wonderful about the Scottish coast, this road trip passes the shimmering waters of sea lochs and the snowy peaks of towering Munros. On your way, uncover the fascinating history of the Kingdom of Dalriada and sample some locally-caught seafood at Loch Fyne.

Distance: 129 miles.

For the full Scotland road trip route, click here .

Top 5 things to do on this Scotland road trip:

McCaig’s Tower : Sitting on top of Battery Hill and overlooking the harbour town of Oban, McCaig’s Tower is a prominent structure said to have been inspired by the Colosseum in Rome.
Ben Nevis: Finishing your trip in Fort William leaves you on the doorstep of the UK’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. Standing at over 1,300 metres, scaling Ben Nevis is likely to feature at the top of your Scottish bucket list.
Inveraray Jail : Step through the doors of this eerie 19th-century prison and experience what life was like for the prisoners who lived at Inveraray Jail.
Kilmartin Museum : Located in one of the world’s most significant archaeological landscapes, Kilmartin Museum displays a diverse range of ancient artefacts found in the local area.
Seafari Adventures : Jetting off from their base in Oban, Seafari Adventures offer wildlife and nature boat trips with a good chance of seeing whales, dolphins, sharks and sea birds.

Borders Historic Route

This Scotland road trip is the only one on this list that begins outside of Scotland. If you’re travelling by plane, you can land at Newcastle airport and start your journey there. The route picks up near Carlisle, passing through charming villages in the Borders before finishing in the historic Scottish capital of Edinburgh . Whilst on this road trip, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the heart of a Sir Walter Scott novel before uncovering the history of Scottish textiles and learning how Scotland became synonymous with tartan and kilts.

If you’re flying into Edinburgh, you could also start this driving route in the capital and work your way down south. Whilst exploring the Borders Historic Route, you’ll pass two of our popular Club Sites; Lauder Club Site and Jedburgh Club Site .

Distance: 89 miles.

Edinburgh Castle : Situated on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s most visited attraction and boasts panoramic views across the city.
Arthur’s Seat : If you’re looking to stretch your legs when touring Scotland by car, park up next to Arthur’s Seat and set off for a hike to the top. What was once an active volcano is now a popular hiking destination. If the weather’s good, bring along your own picnic food and admire the surrounding greenery and views.
Abbotsford House : In 1811, iconic novelist and poet, Sir Walter Scott, purchased a modest farm and transformed the dwelling into an opulent castle. Wander through the house and discover the home that inspired his greatest works.
Edinburgh Zoo : A great day out whilst on your Scottish road trip is Edinburgh Zoo. Set on 82 acres, Edinburgh Zoo is home to the UK's only giant pandas and more than 1000 other amazing animals.
Stewart Brewing : Established in Edinburgh in 2004, Stewart Brewing takes you through the process of brewing their award-winning beer, and they offer plenty of samples along the way.

Deeside Tourist Route

When touring Scotland, driving through the heart of the north-western Highlands , from Perth to Aberdeen via the wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park , is an experience like no other. The Deeside Tourist Route is one of Scotland’s most epic road trips. It passes the pristine landscape of Royal Deeside and the fruitful farmland of Blairgowrie.

The Deeside Tourist Route is the ideal road trip for all campers interested in Scotland’s colourful history, passing museums, palaces and castles. Come face-to-face with some of Scotland’s wildlife at Mar Lodge Estate , including majestic red deer, soaring golden eagles and skittering pine marten.

Campsites en-route:

Tarland by Deeside Club Site
Scone Club Site

Distance: 108 miles.

Scone Palace : Located in the small medieval village of the same name, on the outskirts of Perth, Scone Palace is one of Scotland’s most important stately homes.
His Majesty’s Theatre : Set in the heart of the Granite City, His Majesty’s Theatre is Aberdeen’s most distinguished, beautiful auditorium and consistently hosts Scotland’s best original productions.
Blairgowrie Golf Club : Scotland is famed for its golfing heritage, so why not grab your clubs and take a swing at the luxurious Blairgowrie Golf Club? After a day of enjoying the surrounding scenery, return to the award-winning clubhouse for a Scotch whisky or bite to eat.
The Black Watch Castle and Museum: Set in the cobbled city of Perth, the Black Watch Castle and Museum exhibits the iconic story of Scotland’s oldest Highland regiment, the Black Watch Regiment.
Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve : Situated in the Cairngorms National Park, this nature reserve is home to untamed woodland, overgrown heathland, a glistening loch and Burn o’ Vat – a giant pothole carved during the Ice Age.

Highland Tourist Route

Running through the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, from Inverness to Aberdeen, the Highland Tourist Route is a wonderful way to explore the north-western Highlands . Collating some of Scotland’s best castles, battlefields and museums, the Highland Tourist Route is the perfect road trip for anyone fascinated by Scottish history.

Taking in over 116 miles of untamed Highland countryside, as well as two of Scotland’s best cities, this road trip also passes traditional whisky distilleries and a popular skiing resort. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you pass through the Cairngorms, especially capercaillie, red squirrels, ospreys, red deer and golden eagles.

Rosemarkie Club Site
Nairn Club Site
Speyside by Craigellachie Club Site

Distance: 116 miles.

Culloden Battlefield : Culloden Battlefield is a powerful and emotive exploration into the 1745 Jacobite Rising and how this battle brought a tragic end to the movement.
Fort George : Built in the wake of the Battle of Culloden, Fort George is one of Britain’s most impressive artillery fortifications and provides a fascinating insight into the life of an 18th-century soldier.
Cawdor Castle : Famed for featuring in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Cawdor Castle is a magnificent example of Scottish Baronial architecture.
Grampian Transport Museum : Located between Aberdeen and the Cairngorms National Park, the Grampian Transport Museum takes you on a tour through the history of travel and transport in the northeast of Scotland.
Gordon Highlanders Museum : Take a trip to the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen and uncover the compelling 200-year story of the Gordon Highlanders, from the Napoleonic Wars to the present day.

Moray Firth Route

Passing the glistening waters of the Beauly Firth, Dornoch Firth, and Cromarty Firth, the Moray Firth Route is an idyllic road trip soaking up the beauty of the northern Highlands. On your way, you’ll experience some breathtaking views from locations such as Struie Hill and Fyrish Monument , as well as enjoy some traditional Scottish drinks at the Black Isle Brewery and Dalmore Distillery .

Meandering for over 80 miles, from Inverness to Loch Fleet, the Moray Firth Route passes through the rugged landscapes of Sutherland and Easter Ross. Take a trip to Rogie Falls and the Falls of Shin to see two of Scotland’s most spectacular waterfalls.

Dingwall Club Site

Distance: 80 miles.

Rogie Falls : Situated off the main road to Ullapool, the Rogie Falls are a series of waterfalls on the Black Water, surrounded by a network of delightful walking routes.
Beauly Priory : Today only beautifully preserved ruins remain, but Beauly Priory was once a Valliscaulian monastic community and home to a group of monks from Burgundy, France.
The Falls of Shin : Most famous for being one of the best places in Scotland to view salmon leaping upstream, the Falls of Shin is a waterfall on the River Shin in the midst of a peaceful pine forest.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery : Displaying a diverse array of artefacts and collections from the local area, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery exhibits an exclusive insight into the unique history and culture of Inverness and the Scottish Highlands.
Fyrish Monument : Sat upon Fyrish Hill, overlooking the peaks and lochs of the Scottish Highlands, the Fyrish Monument was commissioned by Sir Hector Munro, who served as a general in India and wanted the monument to represent the Gate of Negapatam in Madras, India.

North Coast 500

Arguably the most famous Scotland road trip and labelled as “Scotland’s answer to Route 66”, the North Coast 500 traces the main roads along the coastal edges of the North Highlands. Passing through over 500 miles of breathtaking coastal scenery, the North Coast 500 has been praised by visitors from around the world. This route passes three of our Scottish campsites, including,

Inverewe Gardens Poolewe Club Site

Taking in everything the Highlands has to offer, this route is perfect for lovers of food and drink – passing breweries, distilleries and some of Scotland’s most revered restaurants. Starting and ending at Inverness, the route also passes historic castles, sandy beaches and diverse wildlife. For active campers, there’s a diverse selection of outdoor experiences to try, including surfing , kayaking , snorkelling, water rafting, mountain biking and hiking .

Distance: 516 miles.

Dunrobin Castle : The most northerly of Scotland’s great houses, Dunrobin Castle resembles a lavish French chateau and overlooks the Moray Firth.
Smoo Cave : Situated around a mile east of Durness, Smoo Cave is a spectacularly dramatic sea cave engraved into the limestone cliffs in Sutherland.
Duncansby Head : Marked by the charming lighthouse that overlooks the North Sea, Duncansby Head is the most north-easterly point on the British Isles and a popular pilgrimage spot for visiting tourists.
Glen Ord Distillery : Sitting on the edge of the Black Isle, the Glen Ord Distillery takes visitors through the process of distilling traditional Scotch malt whiskey.
Hebridean Whale Cruises : Operating from the North West Highland village of Gairloch, Hebridean Whale Cruises take you on a trip to see some of the ocean’s most beautiful creatures, including whales, dolphins, sharks and seals.

North East 250

Exploring everything for which Scotland is famous, the North East 250 takes in whisky distilleries, mountain passes, ancient castles, rugged coastline, quaint seaside villages and the Granite City. You can start this circular route from whichever point is most convenient for you. At over 250 miles, this road trip allows you to experience many of Scotland’s diverse landscapes.

Tracing the coastline of north-eastern Scotland before coming inland through the Cairngorms National Park, the North East 250 incorporates interesting history, adrenaline-filled activities and some of the country’s best driving roads. This route has ideal stop-overs at three of our fantastic Scottish Club Sites, namely:

Distance: 250 miles.

Peterhead Prison Museum : Now a museum dedicated to telling the stories of the prison officers that worked here, Peterhead Prison was arguably Scotland’s most notorious prison from 1888 to 2013.
Drum Castle : Located near the village of Drumoak in Aberdeenshire, Drum Castle is home to over 700 years of Scottish history, and it’s surrounded by acres of ancient oak trees, fragrant roses and local wildlife.
Museum of Scottish Lighthouses : Housed in an 18th-century lighthouse perched upon Kinnaird Head, the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses exhibits Scotland’s maritime history.
Bow Fiddle Rock : Situated just off the coastline near Portnokie, the Bow Fiddle Rock is a unique bow-shaped geological structure and a photographic attraction for tourists.
Gordon Castle and Walled Garden : Take a walk through the beautifully restored Walled Garden at Gordon Castle, with over 200 years of interesting history, rare plants and espaliered trees.

South West Coastal 300

One of Scotland’s newest road trip routes, the South West Coastal 300 collates over 300 miles of thinly populated Scottish countryside, winding tarmac and breathtaking panoramic views.

This route passes through a diverse list of landscapes, including sandy bays and ancient forestry. Whilst touring through Scotland, stop at the numerous seaside villages, each one prettier than the last.

This circular route follows the coastal road of Dumfries and Galloway, taking in part of a UNESCO Biosphere and the Galloway Forest Park. The South West Coastal 300 is the perfect road trip for exploring the unique character and beauty of South West Scotland.

Moffat Club Site
Culzean Castle Club Site

Distance: 300 miles.

Culzean Castle : Set on a dramatic clifftop, surrounded by woodland and a rugged coastline, Culzean Castle is one of Scotland’s most impressive fortresses.
Logan Botanic Garden : Located at the southwestern tip of Scotland, Logan Botanic Garden’s collection of unusual and beautiful plants makes it Scotland’s most exotic garden.
Sweetheart Abbey : Founded by Lady Dervorgilla of Galloway in the late 13th century, Sweetheart Abbey is a romantic red-sandstone ruin and an interesting insight into Scotland’s turbulent history.
Mull of Galloway Lighthouse : Built by Robert Stevenson in 1828, the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse is perched on the edge of a high cliff at Scotland’s most southerly point.
Devils Beef Tub : Grab your camera and walking boots and head to the Devils Beef Tub. North of the Scottish Town of Moffat, the Devil's Beef Tub is a dramatic hollow formed by four hills. There are many walking routes to explore this landscape, including exploring Moffat town while seeing Devil's Beef Tub.

Forth Valley Tourist Route

Forth Valley Tourist Route is one of Scotland’s shortest road trips. It’s perfect for those camping in Edinburgh but looking for a scenic adventure. This Scottish driving route follows the south bank of the Firth of Forth, and despite it being only 43 miles long, it’s packed with great attractions.

Distance: 43 miles.

Forth Rail Bridge : Opened in 1890, this famous bridge is recognised worldwide. It’s the world's first steel structure and a key milestone in the history of modern railway engineering. It not only holds the record as the world's longest cantilever bridge, but it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Antonine Wall : Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Antonine Wall. The Wall was built around 142 AD by the Romans to mark the northwest frontier of their empire. It was a symbol of their power and authority.
The Kelpies : Book yourself a tour to view the Kelpies. These are the world's largest equine sculptures you can view from the outside and in. On a tour, you’ll be able to marvel at the complex yet creative engineering of these phenomenal works of art.
Stirling Castle : Pay a visit to one of Scotland's largest castles. Its impressive architecture, scenery and history make for a fun day out for the whole family. Various guided tours are available for all ages, so you won't miss anything.
Blair Drummond Safari Park : A great activity for the whole family is Blair Drummond Safari Park. You can drive through the grounds, where you’ll come across over 300 animals, including giraffes, rhinos, monkeys, tigers, lions and more. You can also see a fun dinosaur display, birds of prey exhibit and chimp island. If you don't fancy driving through the park, you can also explore on foot.

Angus Coastal route

Travel from Aberdeen to Dundee, or Dundee to Aberdeen and discover the wonders of the Angus Coastal route. You’ll be driving along the east coast of Scotland and passing a range of charming towns, stunning nature reserves and fun attractions.

Distance: 68 miles.

Aberdeen Harbour : A great place to spot dolphins is Aberdeen Harbour. You can see them from the shore or get a closer look by booking a boat tour. If you want to learn more about the history of Aberdeen Harbour, visit the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, which is close by.
Dunnottar Castle : Sitting on top of a 160-foot rock and surrounded by the North Sea, Dunnottar Castle was once home to one of the most powerful families in Scotland. It’s a breathtaking place to photograph and a history lover's dream visit. The castle is both romantic and carries haunting stories ready to be told.
St Cyrus National Reserve : This unmissable nature reserve has towering volcanic cliffs, beautiful beaches and a diverse range of wildlife. If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot some great sea creatures, including seals, dolphins and killer whales.
Dundee Science Centre : For a fun and educational hands-on learning experience, the Dundee Science Centre is a great family visit. When visiting, you’ll find a sensory zone, a space play area, an operation theatre for curious kids wanting to learn more about the human body and multiple live exhibitions.
Lunan Bay : At Lunan Bay, you’ll find views of the dramatic Angus coastline, sandy beaches, towering cliffs, and the crumbling ruins of a red castle.

For more things to do on your road trip through Scotland, check out our What’s On page. To book a campsite on your Scotland driving route, check out all of our campsites and join the club for some member-exclusive campsites .

Best Castles to Visit

Find out more.

UK City Breaks

10 best hikes in the uk.

United Kingdom

The best Scotland roadtrip route by motorhome

Our favorites

Scotland's vast landscapes, full of wilderness and raw beauty, are what makes it the perfect destination for a road trip by campervan. Enjoy your stay in the heart of nature, discover ancient castles rich in history and marvel at panoramic views, which take your breath away. This article will show you everything you need to know to prepare your next road trip: Two itineraries of 7 and 14 days through Scotland with all the must-see places, information about wild camping in Scotland and advice on which campsites to stay the night at.

What to know about wild camping in Scotland

While it is practised a lot, wild camping by campervan is illegal in the United Kingdom , at least without explicit permission of the landowner. While the Scottish Outdoor Access Code does allow wild camping by tent under certain conditions, this does not apply to motorhomes or campervans.

There however do exist spots where campervan wild camping is accepted, our advice is to well inform yourself - for instance by means of specific applications like Park4Night , Brit Stops or specific Facebook groups. Valuable information can also be found through travel bloggers like dadimatto , who created a video about his road trip experience in Scotland with Yescapa:

A great possibility is also informal “wild camping” in National Parks , which is often allowed for a small fee. Please be aware, that wherever you stay the night, the general rules of camping apply: Do always care for the environment and leave the place as you found it. Do not have open fires, do not leave anything behind (including toilet paper), avoid large congregations of motorhomes and do not stay for more than one night.

With a little preparation and research, you will have no problem finding great spots to stay the night. And there is always the possibility to stay at one of the many campsites and support the local camping industry.

7 day motorhome itinerary through Scotland

This 7 day itinerary through Scotland will lead you to many must-see places in this stunning country. Starting in Glasgow, we will go up north to the Isle of Skye before descending to Loch Morlich, Glamis castle and Edinburgh.

Total driving time: 13.45 hours Total kilometres : 580 miles

Day 1: Glasgow - Loch Lomond (50 min) Day 2: Loch Lomond - Fort William (1.45h) Day 3: Fort William - Skye (2.13 min) - Eilean Donan (1.15h) Day 4: Eilean Donan - Loch Morlich (2.30h) - Pitlochry (1.15h) Day 5: Pitlochry - Glamis Castle (1h) - Scone Palace (45 min) Day 6: South Queensferry (1h) - Edinburgh (30 min) Day 7: Edinburgh - Glasgow (1h)

Day 1: Glasgow - Loch Lomond (50 min)

Begin your trip by spending the day at Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city and home of an impressive cultural offer. Excellent museums, galleries and music festivals are waiting to be explored by more than 2 million visitors per year. The city also holds many historic buildings, such as the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, George Square and the University of Glasgow. Other recommendations are Kibble Palace and Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Glasgow Green and Necropolis, a Victorian Gothic Garden. If you fear having missed important sights and places, don’t worry, as there will be time at the end of our trip to visit everything you did not get the chance to do today.

For now, take your motorhome and head north to Loch Lomond, a 36.4 kilometres long freshwater lake. Enjoy the great view on Great Britain’s largest lake, one of the six natural wonders in Britain and one of Scotland’s most idyllic regions.

Campsite tip: Loch Lomond Holiday Park

Day 2: Loch Lomond - Fort William

Today’s destination is Fort William, which is about 2 hours north from Loch Lomond. Going there, you will cross Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park , enjoying a beautiful drive alongside Loch Lomond. Why not enjoy the stunning landscape a little while longer and do a canoeing or kayaking tour on the Loch?

Fort William is the second largest settlement in the Highlands (behind Inverness) and a paradise for everyone interested in hiking or climbing due to its proximity to Ben Nevin , the UK’s tallest mountain. But also the town itself has a lot to offer. Take a stroll in the historic city centre, visit the castle and dive into Scottish history in the West Highland Museum. Further recommendations are Saint Andrew’s Church , Glenfinnan Church , Neptune’s Staircase and Steall Falls .

Day 3: Fort William - Skye - Eilean Donan

Hopefully waking from a good night sleep, prepare yourself for quite a bit of time in your motorhome, as today's route will take us about 4 hours to the north and east of Scotland.

Today’s first stop will be the famous Isle of Skye . Most of you will already have heard of it, as it is a major tourist destination of Scotland and blessed with a captivating countryside. Impressive mountains surround idyllic valleys, stunning waterfalls, beaches and hiking trails. In case you have more time to spare, we highly recommend spending at least two days in Skye! Visit its main town Portree , head to beautiful Trotternish or take a hike to the majestic rocks of The Storr . Another highlight of the island is also Kilt Rock , a 90-meter high sea cliff, Fairy Pools and Sligachan. The list of must-see places in Skye is long and requests an itinerary for itself.

There still is one stop to make today: Eilean Donan , a small island in the Western Highlands of Scotland. Its highlight certainly is its castle, which is a reconstruction of the original one, destroyed in 1719. It is nevertheless an impressive sight worth visiting before calling it a day and allowing yourself a restful sleep after an exciting day.

Day 4: Eilean Donan - Loch Morlich - Pitlochry

Almost half of our Scotland tour is already over; let us make sure to get the most out of the remaining four days as possible! Hop into your motorhome and drive to Loch Morlich, a freshwater loch surrounded by sandy beaches. Keen to learn a fun fact? On a closer look, it is not sand covering your feet, but small broken glass. They are leftovers from World War II when the area was used as a commando school. Today, Loch Morloch is a paradise for lovers of water sports , as many activities such as Paddleboarding, Kayaking and Canoeing are available.

Ready to move on? Then let’s head to Pitlochry. Go visit one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries , the Blair Atholl Distillery, take a hike to Queen’s View and enjoy the unforgettable view on Loch Tummel and try your luck fishing in it.

Our campsite tip : Aberfeldy Caravan Park

Day 5: Pitlochry - Glamis Castle - Scone Palace - Perth

Day number five of this 7-day Scotland itinerary starts with a one-hour drive to Glamis Castle, the childhood home of Queen Elisabeth The Queen Mother . Glance at this impressive majesty with its turrets and towers and go visit its insight by means of a guided tour. Afterwards, do not forget to take a walk in the beautiful gardens, which are vast and diverse: The Italian Garden Walk, the Nature Trail Walk, the Pinetum Walk and the River Dean Walk.

Just 45 minutes from Glamis Castle lays Scone Palace , an historic site, where several Scottish kings were crowned. The stunning house, built out of sandstone, is bedded in a big garden, besides a star-shaped maze of 2,000 beech trees.

You still have some time left? Then take your campervan and go to Perth , which is just a 10-minute drive away. Our recommendations of what to do in Perth: Balhousie castle, River Tay, Branklyn Garden, George Street and Kinnoull Hill.

Day 6: Perth - South Queensferry - Edinburgh

South Queensferry (“The Ferr”) is a charming Scottish town, just 10 miles from Edinburgh. Take a stroll through the city and visit the Forth Bridge, take a boat tour or a coastal walk on the John Muir Way.

The next stop of today and the last one of our trip is Edinburgh. Exciting city which it is, it is not surprising to find that it is the second most visited city in the UK . If you are interested in art, you should not miss a visit to the Scottish National Gallery, while history enthusiasts should pass by St Giles Cathedral and the Museum of Childhood. A walk in the city’s centre to the Royal Mile and Grassmarket is always recommended, just as to take a hike in Pentland Hills Regional Park.

Our campsite recommendation : Linwater Caravan Park

Day 7: Edinburgh - Glasgow

Start your day in Edinburgh with a good Scottish breakfast, soaking in the last of the city vibes before hitting the road toward Glasgow, Scotland’s big bustling cousin.

Before you leave Edinburgh behind, make sure to swing by Edinburgh Castle if you haven’t already. It’s perched up high on Castle Rock and offers killer views of the city. Inside, you can check out the Crown Jewels and dive deep into its centuries of history – from royal digs to military stronghold.

As you head west, think about taking the scenic route through the Scottish countryside . It’s worth it for the quaint villages and rolling green hills alone.

Compare Edinburgh’s medieval charm with Glasgow’s gritty industrial history turned hipster haven. Both cities have their own vibe and that’s what makes exploring Scotland even better.

14 day motorhome route through Scotland

In order to fully absorb all of Scotland's beauty and richness, a certain amount of time is needed. While it is possible to visit it in just one week, we recommend spending rather 2 weeks there. The following 14-day itinerary will begin at Glasgow, before leading you and your campervan all the way up to the Isle of Skye, Wick Sea and descending to Inverness, Cairngorms National Park and Edinburgh.

Day 1: Glasgow

What to visit in Glasgow : Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, George Square, University of Glasgow, Kibble Palace, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Glasgow Green, Necropolis

Culinary tip : Go have a beer or whisky at one of the city’s oldest bars, The Old College Bar on High Street

Day 2: Glasgow - Loch Lomond

Campsite Tip: Loch Lomond Holiday Park

Day 3: Loch Lomond - Fort William - Skye

Highlights of the day : hiking in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, climbing Ben Nevin and visiting Fort William’s city centre with Saint Andrew’s Church, Glenfinnan Church, Neptune’s Staircase and Steall Falls

Campsite tip : Camping Skye

Day 4: Skye

Take a day of rest and enjoy the amazing landscape of Skye, going hiking, discovering beaches, waterfalls and valleys

Sightseeing tips in Skye : Portree, Trotternish, The Storr, Kilt Rock, Fairy Pools, Sligacha

Find the perfect vehicle for your road trip across Scotland

4 travelers

Coachbuilt motorhome

6 travelers

Day 5: Skye - Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve - Inchnadamph

Highlights : Hiking in Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve by means of paths of different degrees of difficulty, passing mountain sides and ancient pinewoods and discovering Inchnadamph, Scotland’s largest cave system

Day 6: Inchnadamph - Scrabster Harbour - Wick

Stroll around in calm Scrabster Harbour, an important port of the Scottish fishing industry and take a delicious dinner at Wick, a small historic village with view on the coastline

Campsite tip : Wick camping site

Day 7: Wick - Dunrobin Castle - Dornoch - Inverness

Discover the 189 rooms in Dornoch Castle , the largest Castle in the Northern Highlands and its impressive gardens, which are inspired by the Palace of Versailles. Glance at Inverness Castle and St. Andrew’s Cathedral , located right beside the River Ness.

Campsite tip: Inverness Caravan Site

Day 8: Inverness

Resting days are important and essential on a road trip. Enjoy this day by taking a relaxed walk through Inverness, having a nap next to the River Ness and enjoying a good dinner in one of the many good restaurants of this town.

Day 9: Inverness - Urquhart Castle - Caledonian Canal

From Urquart Castle you will enjoy a perfect view on Loch Ness - a once in a lifetime opportunity to discover the famous Scottish monster… Visiting the many Scottish castles does not only mean visiting impressive buildings, but also getting an insight into the country’s past! During 500 years as a medieval fortress, Urquhart Castle has a lot to tell! Its ownership switched frequently between Scots and English, and it was regularly raided.

Day 10: Loch Morlich - Cairngorms National Park - Pitlochry

Highlights in Cairngorms National Park : Bungee jumping, Strathspey Railway, Kayaking and Canoeing, Hiking, Highland Wildlife Park, Skiing

Culinary advice : Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry

Campsite tip : Faskally Caravan Park

Day 11: Pitlochry - Glamis Castle - Scone Palace

Fun fact about Glamis Castle : Did you know that it was home to a big mystery once? From about 1840 to 1900 there were many theories: a hidden room with an unknown captive, mysterious initiations, a secret passage... Even without all these rumours, it is certainly a place worth visiting! And because one majestic building is not enough, go take your motorhome and visit Scone Palace, the famous crowning place of Scottish kings!

Day 12: Scone Palace - South Queensferry - Edinburgh

Discover calm and idyllic South Queensferry by taking a relaxed walk through the town before heading to Edinburgh, the exciting capital of Scotland.

Must-sees in Edinburgh : Scottish National Gallery, St Giles Cathedral, Museum of Childhood, Royal Mile and Grassmarket is always recommended, Pentland Hills Regional Park

Day 13: Edinburgh

Because one afternoon is not enough to discover Edinburgh, let's take a day to fully discover everything this city has to offer. Did you know for instance that Edinburgh is home to 112 parks?

Tips for arts lovers: The Edinburgh Fringe Festival - the largest arts festival in the world with over 50,000 performances!

Campsite tip: Blair Drummond Caravan Park

Day 14: Edinburgh - Stirling - Glasgow

What do see in Stirling : Stirling Castle, Bannockburn (setting of several of Scotland's most defining battles), Wallace Monument and William Wallace's actual sword, Blair Drummond Safari Park

After two weeks of road trip it is now time to return home and maybe come back another time, as even fourteen days is not enough to discover a country as rich in beautiful sights, places and history as Scotland. We hope this itinerary inspired you and wish you a great campervan vacation in Scotland!

You don't have a motorhome to accompany you yet? Lucky for you, there are a lot of great campervans and motorhomes to hire in Scotland with Yescapa! In case you already have a campervan, why not join the Yescapa community and hire out your vehicle to fellow travel lovers? Here you can find more information.

To go further

The Best 3 Island Destinations for a Campervan Rental

Top 10 amazing places to visit in Sicily by campervan

Camping in Norfolk: Top 5 motorhome campsites and must-see sights

You are looking for inspiration for your next camping adventure in England? An area which is great to discover by motorhome is Norfolk, a stunning English country and home of seaside resorts, some of England’s most beautiful beaches and the famous Broads. This article will show you everything there is to discover in Norfolk and will present you the best motorhome campsites for your stay.

About Omnia Oven
Omnia Oven Recipes
Omnia Oven FAQ
About Our Campervan Conversions
Sully - VW Transporters
Scafell - Our Classic Design
Nevis - Campervans With Shower and Wood Burner
Tryfan - Campervans With Shower and Large Sofa
Optional Upgrades
Campervan Conversions - USA
Our Workshop
Campervan Competitions
Van Life Blog
Conversion Videos
Van Life Books
Cooking & Baking
Van Life Shop
Adventure Blog
Recommended Adventure Films
HOME CONTACT WIN A CAMPERVAN Log in
WIN A CAMPERVAN
Shop SHOP ALL OMNIA OVEN PRODUCTS About Omnia Oven Omnia Oven Recipes Omnia Oven FAQ
Info FAQ CONTACT Van Life Van Life Blog Conversion Videos Van Life Books Cooking & Baking Van Life Shop Adventure Life Adventure Blog Recommended Adventure Films Shop

Confirm your age

Are you 18 years old or older?

Come back when you're older

Sorry, the content of this store can't be seen by a younger audience. Come back when you're older.

Scotland Campervan Guide | 5 - 7 Day Itinerary

Scotland is understandably one of the most popular places to tour in a campervan. It has oodles of fantastic park ups, a vast area to explore and some of the most stunning scenery in the UK.

You could spend a year in Scotland and still have places to explore – so how do you choose where to go on a campervan holiday road trip? That’s where we come in!

We have spent a lot of time in Scotland over the years in campervans, tents and cottages and like to think we can offer advice on some of the best places to visit in Scotland in a campervan. We are also pretty good at staying away from the crowds (we are not miserable – just like a bit of peace and quiet!) so you can be sure we will find you some wild places to frequent! It's also good to spread out the places you visit as popular spots like the NC500 have now become very popular and congested at certain times of the year.

The aim with this Scotland campervan guide is not to provide just 5 or 7 places to visit but to give different options which you could feasibly fit in to a 5-7 day tour without breaking the land speed record! The idea of campervan travel is to take the slow road and take in the sights and sometimes spend a few days somewhere rather than racing around trying to fit everything in. You can use our guide to pick the places you really like the look of and choose a route to suit you.

First things first here are some general Scotland tips:

General Scotland Campervan Tips

If you are touring Scotland between May and September – take midge repellent and a headnet. They are seriously evil. Generally they are worse on the west coast than the east coast and love warm and moist conditions. They don’t like the wind so the best way to escape them is to go high or go to the coast where the wind generally keeps them away. They also don't like campfire smoke so if you are in a suitable place this can help but please be responsible with any fires.

Park Considerately

You will find in peak season that some of the hot spots like Loch Lomond and Glen Coe will be very busy and parking may be limited. Our best advice is either get to places early to make sure you can get a spot or go somewhere less busy. The great thing about Scotland is you don't really have to plan park ups - you can just drive and stop when you want as generally wild camping rules are very relaxed up there.

Take Waterproofs!

Scotland is notoriously wet so make sure you take a waterproof jacket and trousers and an umbrella!

LPG advice

If you have an underslung LPG tank on your campervan then when you get to the depths of Scotland it can be tricky to find places to refill. It’s best to fill up before you go but if you get stuck there are a few dotted around including Fort William, Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh. You can use the following app to locate gas stations: https://www.mylpg.eu/

Avoid Popular Spots in the Summer

There are so many places to visit in Scotland so why go to the busy spots in peak season where you will end up queuing and have fewer places to park? We would also advise avoiding popular routes like the NC500 – Why not make your own route up where others aren’t likely to be? We will be giving some options below for places that aren’t so busy and just as beautiful as the hot spots.

Check the Forecast

If the forecast is bad for where you were planning to go you may want to change your plans. The weather can be very different on the coast compared to inland. Sometimes it’s better to change your plans completely (we certainly have) and go somewhere different like Northumberland or the Lake District where the weather can be much more settled.

With all that in mind here are our top places to visit in a 5-7 day Scotland Campervan tour:

Isle of Mull

Isle of Mull? What about Skye I hear you say! We much preferred touring Mull than Skye. There were miles of open quiet roads, beautiful beaches, big mountains and some stunning islands to visit like Staffa. We found Skye busy, park ups and campsites full and the weather was pretty foul! Yes it’s got some amazing places but it is always busy in peak season with coach loads of people visiting attractions. Skye is also quite far north so it's a long way to go on a 5-7 day tour.

What I would say is - if you plan to include Mull in your itinerary maybe think about skipping one or two of other areas out from your trip so you have plenty of time to explore. You could easily spend 5 days on Mull alone.

To get to Mull you need to catch the ferry from Oban which is easily combined with a visit to Glencoe and Fort William en-route.

With beach park ups like this why would you want to go anywhere else?

Calgary Beach

You will think you are in the med on this beach – the sand is so white and the water so clear and blue it’s simply stunning. Combine a visit here with a trip to the cute little town of Tobermory.

Fingals Cave & Staffa

Staffa is a fascinating island to visit and worth every penny of the trip cost. The island is formed from huge basalt hexagonal columns and is a great place to spot puffins. Fingals cave is located on staffa which is famed for it's natural acoustics and the eerie sounds it makes with the crashing waves that flow into it.

Eas Fors Waterfall

The parking is right next to the waterfall and within a 5 minute walk you are at the top of this absolutely amazing waterfall. If you have a drone – take it, you will no doubt get some stunning shots.

Arisaig is a must for beach lovers. It has white sands and stunning blue seas. It is on the far west coast and is accessed easily from Fort William. There are plenty of campsites in the area to stay and a few park up’s where overnight stays are tolerated.

If you like kayaking then you are in for a real treat here – the little islands that are dotted around are gorgeous and great for exploring and you are bound to see plenty of sea life including seals whilst out paddling.

The road through Glencoe is one of my favourites in the UK. Firstly you pass the gatekeeper of the north – the massive beast that is Buchaille Etive Mor. Then the road winds through the stunning mountains that are the Three Sisters on the left and my favourite ridge walk in the UK – Anoach Egach. This is a knife edge grade 2 scramble so isn't for the faint hearted but for those who like a thrill it's the best!

The Lost Valley Walk

There is a gorgeous walk up into the lost valley which is accessed from the main large car park next to the three sisters. Here is more info on the walk itself .

The hanging valley is historically where a Scottish clan hid their rustled cattle. It’s a stunning spot and would be a great place to take a picnic or even wild camp for the night if you have a tent.

The Ice Factor – Kinlochleven

If climbing is your thing then there is also a fantastic climbing centre in Kinclochleven which is between Glencoe and Fort William. It has an ice climbing wall and you can park in the car park for free overnight. There is a tap for water around the back of the centre and showers (payable) inside so is a great stopping point to freshen up!

Fort William

Fort William is a great place to have a wander on a wet day. There are plenty of shops to peruse (including lots of outdoor shops!) it has a great little bouldering wall called three wise monkeys if you like climbing.

It also has one of the best vegan cafes we have ever been to called The Wild Cat .

Steall Falls

This is a beautiful valley down the bottom of Glen Nevis which has a lovely waterfall and rope bridge. It's a fairly narrow drive to get up to the parking area but it's ok in campervans up to 3 tonne.

The walk in is lovely as you walk up alongside a gorge with a view down Glen Nevis on your way up. This is a great one to fit in when you want to fit in a short 1-2 hour walk on a showery day. More info on the walk here .

Ben Nevis

Fancy climbing the highest peak in the UK? The start for the route is from Fort William and it’s a very rewarding but long climb. There is a relatively easy but tiring tourist path up (called the pony track) with more details here .

If you are an experienced walker and want to try a more spicy route then why not take the CMD Arete route up via The North Face car park? This is a grade 1 scramble and offers an amazing view over the craggy north face of the Ben. More info here .

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

We have included Loch Lomond in this Itinerary as generally you will be driving through it to get up to attractions further north.

Loch Lomond is stunning however it has been affected by people visiting and not being respectful by leaving rubbish and generally trashing the place. You will therefore notice a camping ban in place for the most part during peak season.

Our recommendation is to stick to a campsite stay here if in peak season or go slightly further out and visit and the Trossachs. There are a couple of little mountains in the area which are well worth a climb:

This small little hill (350m) is very easily attained but offers panoramic views over Loch Lomond and is one of the best view points in the area. More details for the walk here.

The Cobbler

I love this little mountain and have climbed it many times. It’s craggy, has a fabulous profile and is generally pretty quiet compared to the more popular Ben Lomond in the area. The true summit is on top of a pinnacle (seen in the photo at the top of this area section) which to get to you have to go through a gap in the rock (Known as threading the needle) and then a very airy scramble up onto the summit. Good fun but a bit scary for those who don't like heights. If scrambling isn't your bag then a walk to the top of the mountain not including the true summit is still phenomenal.

In Summary

I could go on naming more beautiful places to visit but in truth – the above places would be a real rush to fit in 5 days. As I previously said - I would recommend picking a few of the above and spending plenty of time exploring that particular place.

The good news is we will be writing 10 & 14 day Scotland Guides can help you plan a slightly longer trip to fit more in so be sure to check those out as they get released.

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Davanco Leisure Longford, Derbyshire

(t) 07967 424188 (e) [email protected]

Our Campers
How it works

Please enter your email address to reset your password

A scotland adventure - 3 spectacular routes to try.

Our campervan hire customers love Scotland. We do too. What's not to love about remote roads, wild wildernesses, misty lochs, dramatic coastlines, and crumbling castles? Not to mention the option of wild camping. Here are 3 of the most spectacular road trips in Scotland.

Scotland by campervan - route 1 - North Coast 500

The North Coast 500 is the grand tour of Scottish road trips. This jaw-droppingly beautiful 516 mile loop takes in some of Scotland's finest coastal scenery.

Allow 5 days for this road trip

We recommend at least 5 days to drive this route and to take in its full beauty. Many of the roads are single track so you'll be taking it slow anyway.

First stop from Inverness is the Black Isle peninsula. Not an island in itself, more a peninsula (bordered by two firths) that was originally covered by dark 'black' forests.

You could make a whole week of it here, but two definite must-dos are (1) a visit to the Black Isle Brewery to stock up the campervan fridge with delicious local beer, and (2) a magical walk along a wooded glen to see the twin Fairy Glen waterfalls.

Stay at the Fortrose Bay Campsite with spectacular views of the Moray Firth, it's one of the best places to view dolphins in their natural habitat.

Then it's time to head off along the only Alpine pass in Britain, the Bealach na Ba. This is Scotland by campervan at its very best. A hair-raising mountain road full of blind bends, steep slow inclines, and single-track lanes.

Stop a while at Applecross with its coral beaches and sandy bays, and dig in to delicious local shellfish at The Applecross Inn. From Applecross Campsite you can see of the Isle of Skye.

Next, narrow single-track country roads and exhilarating views are all that you'll encounter for the next 100 miles or so. Apart, of course, from sheep, lambs, and herds of Highland cattle, and the odd deer or two.

As you travel along the north eastern part of the North Coast 500 past Thurso and John O'Groats, this vast open landscape bombards you with incredible scenery and 'off the beaten track' opportunities.

Go off track for some wild camping

Be brave and go off-route in one of our adventure seeker campervans. They're equipped with everything you'll need for a wonderful wild camping experience. It's the best way to discover remote parts of the stunning Scottish landscape and to get close to nature.

We recommend that you read the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and their 'leave-no-trace' policy.

And check-out our campervan specifications. Our campers are well-equipped for a long-haul road trip, with good storage for those wild-camping extras, an on-board leisure battery, and hot air-blown heating for chillier nights.

Back to Inverness

Drive back down to Inverness along the spectacular eastern coast of the route, find time to see the 5000 year old burial tombs of Camster, and drop in to the Glenmorangie House distillery on the Ross-shire peninsula.

This is a just a snippet of this incredible road-trip campervan adventure. Find out more on The North Coast 500 website.

Scotland by campervan - route 2 - Stirling to Skye

Take the A85 from Edinburgh and stop off at Stirling. A visit to the castle is a must, it sits high up on a volcanic outcrop above the river Forth.

Then up into the Highlands, through The Trossachs National Park and past vast expanses of heather-clad Rannoch Moor,

Stop at the towering mountains of Glencoe at the top of a deep valley, and take a walk up to the 'Lost Valley'. Seen James Bond's Skyfall? This is where much of the filming was done.

More wild camping in the campervan?

Stay overnight for some wild camping at the hanging valley at Coire Gabhail (corrie of the booty). It's a beautiful valley created by a glacier, guarded on all sides by mountains, with a high flat meadow.

Ballachulish Bridge takes you over Loch Leven as you drive towards Fort William. Up over Spean Bridge, left at Invergarry on to the A87, and on through a beautiful wild mountain landscape over the steep Ratagan Pass.

If you only get to see one Scottish castle, it has to be Eilean Donan

Drive on past Loch Duich and stop a while at Eilean Donan Castle. A picturesque 13th century castle that's situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet. It's surrounded by majestic scenery. Check out the Ardelve campsite, just across the bay from the castle.

On to Kyle of Lochalsh, home to the salmon and the stag. And then to Skye via the 1.5 mile long curved Skye Bridge, or by ferry from Gleneig to Kylerhea.

The Isle of Skye deserves an article of its own, we'll save this for another day.

Scotland by campervan - route 3 - Loch Lomond to Lochgilphead

A road trip of 220 miles past mountains and lochs and through glens and woodlands. This Scotland by campervan road trip is brimming with wildlife.

Travel north from Glasgow on the A82 and enter Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, a vast expanse of mountains, water and countryside. Pitch up for a few days at an idyllic loch-shore campsite and explore the richness of the landscape.

Loch Lomond is the largest loch in the UK (by surface area)

It's definitely worth taking a few days to explore around Loch Lomond and the Great Trossachs Forest. The Loch has more than 30 islands, including Inchmurrin, the largest fresh-water island in the British Isles. Catch the ferry or a waterbus to the island, and camp overnight.

There's so much to do here, including kayaking, canoeing, water-boarding and wake surfing. And the forests and woodlands along the loch shores are full of wildlife. See if you can spot red deer, otters, grouse, eagles, red squirrels, and many bird species.

This route is full of scenic beauty - simply 'Rest and Be Thankful'

Turn off onto the A83 at Tarbet, and you'll soon reach the village of Arrochar at the head of Loch Long, a sea loch. This village is set amongst some of the most beautiful scenery on the Cowal Peninsula.

On up to the highest point of the A83 to the 'Rest and Be Thankful' beauty spot. It'll be tough tearing yourselves away from such spectacular views looking down towards the old valley road in Glen Croe.

Stop off at Inveraray on Loch Fyne, visit the 15th century castle, and the Inveraray Jail - it's one of the finest and best preserved jails and courtrooms in the world.

Drive along the peaceful waters of Loch Fyne past wonderful pine forests to your final stop at Lochgilphead, at the head of Loch Gilp. Again, another wonderful destination to spend a few days exploring the beautiful coastline that's dotted with small hamlets and a series of small lochs.

Scotland by campervan - there's so much more!

We could have gone on forever, Scotland deserves so many more articles

So, get behind the wheel of one of our luxury campervans and experience the freedom of discovering remote Scotland and setting up camp where and when you choose.

We hope these 3 road-trips have whetted your appetite. Please do get in touch to chat about any aspect of our campervan hire, and your dream adventure road-trip to Scotland.

Laura and Dan

Dan & Laura

Blog categories, recent posts.

Scotland Road Trip: 8 Incredible Routes for an Epic Trip

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income. Click here to read our affiliate policy.

The Best Scottish Road Trips

Scotland is a place made for road trips. Sweeping roads wind their way through dramatic and moody landscapes, past historic castles, gentle lochs, and wild seas. Ancient myths and rich history thread through Scotland’s fabric, making the country a wonderfully diverse and fascinating place to visit.

A road trip in Scotland showcases the dramatic landscapes, historic cities, lochs and glens, and beautiful coastlines, like no other way to travel does.

As you road trip through Scotland, you’ll find yourself stopping regularly for Insta-worthy images, and along the way, you’ll find fantastic adventures to try like hiking Munroes, wild swimming in Scotland’s lochs and seas, exploring Scotland’s turbulent history, and spotting amazing wildlife.

In this Scotland travel guide, you’ll find a round-up of all the best road trips in Scotland, with Scotland travel tips and information to help you plan and prepare. Come with us as we share eight unmissable Scotland road trip itineraries and highlights.

Scotland Road Trip Map

Is this your first time visiting Scotland and the UK? Get all the information you need in our United Kingdom Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Scotland’s Top Eight Road Trips

Whether you’re driving in Scotland in a car, motorhome , campervan, or riding a motorbike, our Scotland roadtrip itineraries give you a basic route to follow and highlights to visit.

The highlights for each Scotland driving route can be followed with the map – they are in the order in which you travel. Scotland is packed full of bucket-list things to do along these routes and it will help to use a navigational app to explore each area in more detail.

Whether you’re planning a quick 7 day Scotland road trip itinerary, or have extra time for a leisurely ramble around several of these routes, there’s a Scottish road trip here for you!

The North Coast 500

Inverness – wick – john o ‘groats – thurso – durness – lochinver – ullapool – gairloch – applecross – inverness.

Distance: 516 miles
Duration: 10-14 days
Drive Time: 15 hours

Scottish Highlands Road Trip Itinerary and Map

Considered by many to be one of the best road trips in Scotland , the North Coast 500 really is the ultimate Scottish Highlands road trip, taking in windswept beaches, ancient ruins, beautiful views, and historic castles in stunning landscapes.

The Highland Tourist Route is one of the few road trips in Europe that is as much about the destination as the drive, Scotland’s very own Route 66. If you don’t have much time, it is possible to do the NC500 in seven days, but there wouldn’t be much opportunity to stop and explore the deep and closely held history and raw nature of this visceral place.

This Scotland Highlands road trip itinerary could be a 10 day Scotland road trip, but 14, or even 21 days gives you plenty of time to fully appreciate this special part of the country.

You can tackle this Scottish highlands itinerary either way by starting from Inverness. Our itinerary assumes you will head north up the east coast. Check your map regularly for Scottish attractions, natural wonders, glorious beaches, and historic points of interest, some of which will require a detour from the route.

If you’re visiting in late autumn or winter, Applecross, Lochinver, and Ullapool are all top places to see the Northern Lights.

Top 16 Highlights

Spend your first day in Inverness, finding your feet and shopping for souvenirs. Highlights in the city center include Inverness Castle, the 19th century Inverness Cathedral, and the mostly 18th century Old High Church. There is also a popular indoor Victorian Market and the contemporary Inverness Museum and Art Gallery traces local and Highland history.
Follow the age-old tradition of hunting the famous Loch Ness monster. Hire a boat and head out onto the water with a picnic and camera. You might not see Nessie, but you’ll enjoy stunning scenery, clear air, and space to unwind in one of Scotland’s most beautiful places .
Visit the haunting battlefield of Culloden, the site of the final and bloody confrontation of the Jacobite rising and defeat of Charles Stuart’s army in 1745. You can learn more about this seminal time in the history of Scotland at the nearby Culloden Visitor Center .
Explore the dramatic 15th century ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, perched high on a cliff above the steely North Sea.
Love the challenge of bagging any of the 37 Munros (mountains over 914m) along the route. If they’re a little too high, try bagging one of the 43 Corbetts or 38 Grahams (mountains over 762m), or just enjoy viewing them from the winding roads.
Admire the lofty grace of Dunrobin Castle , the historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland, which dates from around 1275.
See the mysterious Hill O’Many Stanes, where 200 thin stones were laid out in a radiating pattern over 4,000 years ago …and no one really knows why.
Enjoy the sea air and a five mile hike from John o’Groats to Duncansby Head, the most north-easterly point on the British mainland, and continue along the spectacular coastal path to see the two dramatic pointed sea stacks.
Visit the Castle of Mey , which was restored by The Queen Mother when she bought it in 1952 and saved it from abandonment. A fascinating glimpse into a castle that served as a holiday retreat for the royal family, and with wonderful gardens, this is a truly beautiful place.
Explore the various and fascinating brochs on the route. The broch is an imposing stone tower and ancient dwelling, built as early as 500 BCE, found only in Scotland. Dunbeath Broch and Nybster Broch are both excellent examples and are close to the Caithness Broch Centre , where you can learn more.
Take (another) bracing walk in the wild and untamed landscape of Dunnet Head , the RSPB nature reserve and the most northerly point in mainland Britain. This is the perfect place to see puffins in this noisy sea-bird nature reserve, especially if you visit during the breeding season, from late spring to early summer.
Enjoy visiting and tastings at the whisky distilleries on the route, including Glenmorangie , famous for its single malt since 1843. You’ll find many more distilleries along the way, just one of the pleasures of touring the Scottish Highlands!
Visit the beautiful beaches, bays, and coves of the north coast, including the most north-westerly point, the raw and wild Cape Wrath (only accessible by ferry or minibus ) the Smoo Cave, a sea cave complete with its own waterfall, and Sandwood Bay (hike only, no vehicular access) for the incredible sight of the Am Buachaille sea stack, a remnant of when the Highlands and North America were connected, millions of years ago.
Go whale watching from Gairloch, you might also see dolphins, porpoises, and sharks, as well as seals, otters, puffins, and perhaps even the white-tailed eagle. The best time to see whales on the west coast of Scotland is from mid-June to late September.
Drive the legendary Applecross Pass, one of the best and highest roads in Scotland . Bealach na Bà is a narrow slip of a road, with hairpin sharp bends and steep gradients – not one for the faint-hearted, but absolutely worth it!
Take to the sea in a canoe, in one of the many lochs and inlets along the route. Enjoy a different perspective and get up close with the local wildlife

RELATED POST: North Coast 500 Route Planner + Highlights, Map & Tips

Kearvaig Bay on the North Coast 500 Scotland

2 Week Motorhome Itinerary Scotland

Let us do the planning for you and grab our Scotland motorhome itinerary, packed with campsites, off-grid spots, attractions, and insider tips.

Let us do the hard work for you! Get up every day knowing your trip is planned with driving routes, overnight stops, and attractions marked out for you on your interactive map.

The North East 250

Aberdeen – peterhead – fraserburgh – portsoy – spey bay – glenlivet – braemar – aberdeen.

Distance: 259 miles
Duration: 5-7 days
Drive Time: 7 hours

Scottish Highland road trip route and map

If you have just one week in Scotland , the North East 250 is the perfect 7 day self-drive tour of Scotland for lovers of coastlines, mountains, and whisky.

Designed to be joined from Aberdeen Airport, you can go clockwise or anti-clockwise and wend your way through the dramatic countryside and towns of Speyside, Royal Deeside, Cairngorms, the east coast, and the Moray Firth coast. This route also picks up most of the major attractions from the Deeside Tourist Route .

The most stunning bit of this route is the stretch from Tomintoul to Blairgowrie, which makes up a large part of the Snowroads scenic route . This stunning road through the eastern Cairngorms officially starts in Grantown-on-Spey, before traversing the highest public road in Britain, to Blairgowrie.

The Snowroads don’t need to be driven in a hurry. There are steep hills, blind summits, tight bends, and single-track roads with passing places – take extra care if you’re in a large motorhome.

This tourist route is fairly new, launched in 2017, and is not always signposted as such. As with all road trips, keep a close eye on whichever mapping and navigation tools you use to work out what’s on the route and what will require a little detour.

Our itinerary takes you north from Aberdeen towards Peterhead, but you can do the route whichever way you wish. If you had a few more days, you could also pick up the Perthshire Tourist Route from the most southerly point of the NE250 and continue south for a short but spectacular drive.

Top 10 Highlights

Admire the powerful architecture of the glittering city of Aberdeen and its rich maritime history.
Enjoy the whisky distilleries along the NE250 route including Tomintoul, Glenlivet, Royal Lochnagar, and Strathisla.
Partake in some dark tourism at the fascinating Peterhead Prison Museum , which was an operational prison until 2013.
Visit the truly brilliant Museum of Scottish Lighthouses at Fraserburgh, where you can tour Kinnaird Head Lighthouse, the very first lighthouse built on mainland Scotland in 1787.
Love the bracing air and dolphin spotting from the clifftops near Portknockie, where you can also see the iconic Bow Fiddle Rock, and sometimes the Northern Lights.
Enjoy Cullen Skink in Cullen! The thick Scottish soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions is a delicious local specialty.
Visit the stunning ruins of Elgin Cathedral . Built in 1224 and known as the ‘Lantern of the North’, it was one of the most spectacular medieval cathedrals in Scotland.
Drive through the magnificent Cairngorms National Park , home to deer, eagles, and atmospheric Corgarff Castle.
Enjoy some of the best outdoor activities Scotland has to offer, including white water sports, climbing, hiking, cycling, and much more.
Spend a day at the splendid royal Balmoral Castle , home to the nation’s former Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles III and their family since 1852.

Bow Fiddle Rock on the NE250, one of the best driving tours of Scotland

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Scotland . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

The South West Coastal 300

Prestwick – ballantrae – cairngaan – isle of whithorn – kirkudbright – dumfries – lockerbie – moffat – dalmellington – prestwick.

Distance: 302 miles
Drive Time: 8 hours

The South West Coastal 300 is a one week Scotland road trip for nature lovers and history buffs. With stunning coastlines, lush forests that stretch over rolling hills, and dramatic moorlands, this quiet corner of Scotland will woo you until you fall in love with its gentle charms.

This is a well-located road trip in Scotland for those driving north from the rest of the UK and can be joined at Lockerbie, within a 20 minute drive of the Scottish border.

The route is also easily accessible from Glasgow Prestwick Airport, or from Glasgow International Airport if you fancy a few days in the cultural and welcoming city at the start or end of your visit to Scotland.

Our itinerary assumes you will travel south from Prestwick along the coast, but this route can be driven either way – at times it also crosses the Galloway Tourist Route which runs through the middle of Galloway Forest Park

Dip into Galloway Forest Park , the only Dark Sky Park in Scotland, and a top spot to see the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights.
Our favorite beach on this road trip, the small but perfectly formed Dunure Beach has dark sand and shingle with great rock pooling and stunning views of Ailsa Craig from the ragged ruins of Dunure Castle.
Admire the dramatic clifftop Culzean Castle , designed by Robert Adam in the late 18th century and full of treasures, opulence, and history.
Climb to the Robert Louis Stevenson-designed Mull of Galloway lighthouse , at the southernmost tip of Scotland on the wild Rhins of Galloway peninsula. Go at dusk for spectacular sunsets.
Visit the charming Isle of Whithorn (no longer an island) to see the ruins of the chapel built by St Ninian, who founded the first Christian church in Britain around AD390.
Spend a day in lively Kirkcudbright (pronounced kir–coo–bree) and follow the Arts and Crafts Trail. Home to generations of creatives, ‘the artist’s town’ has a flourishing community of painters and craftworkers. You might also hear bagpipes here as they have lots of parades.
Head for Kirkbean to walk on the vast empty expanse of Southerness beach, with breathtaking views across Solway Firth to the Lake District. Visit Southerness Lighthouse at the western end of the beach, one of the oldest in Scotland.
Find your inner child at Moat Brae , the inspiration for JM Barrie’s famous character, Peter Pan. The author lived in Dumfries from 1873 to 1878 and called the gardens ‘enchanted lands’.
Stop off in Moffat for a spot of hiking on the scenic Southern Upland Way or the most northerly point on the Annandale Way, both of which pass through this pretty and historic town.
Visit the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory at Dalmellington to use their powerful telescopes to observe the night skies – stargazing without light pollution is an incredible experience.

Culzean Castle, a must see on any Scotland driving holiday

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts and road trip songs for the journey!

The Argyll Coastal Route & Loch Ness

Glasgow – tarbet – inverary – lochgilphead – oban – glencoe – fort william – glenfinnan – inverness.

Distance: 263 miles
Duration: 7-10 days

Scottish road trip map showing some of the best roads to drive in Scotland

The official Argyll Coastal Route ends in Fort William, but we couldn’t leave you there, with the magnificent Glenfinnan to the west and the superb A82 to the east, waiting to take you to Inverness.

From sea shores, loch-sides, and mountain tops, the ultimate west coast of Scotland road trip is for seafood gourmets, sunset lovers, and those who want to get under the skin of Scotland and feel its turbulent history in the air and glens of the incredible landscapes.

Starting in Glasgow and finishing in Inverness allows you to make the most of this linear west coast Scotland route as you cross the Highland Boundary Fault and enjoy the gentle lowlands giving way to the dramatic and wild highlands.

Be intrigued by the gritty, yet cultured, Victorian city of Glasgow. Must-sees include medieval Glasgow Cathedral and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, for a dose of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Scottish artist and designer.
Visit the viewpoint at An Ceann Mor , in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park , to get a sense of the sheer size and incredible beauty of Loch Lomond.
Enjoy fresh seafood at some of the best restaurants in Scotland along this route. Of particular note, the original Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd have been selling fresh oysters at the roadside since 1978 and you can now enjoy them in the bar or to take away from their delicatessen.
Stop off at Inveraray to visit the Inveraray Jail and Inveraray Castle , home to the Duke of Argyll and Chief of Clan Campbell.
Learn about Scotland and some of the Highland’s darkest hours at Auchindrain , a living museum and Scotland’s last inhabited Highland farming township before the Highland Clearances, which took place between 1750 to 1860.
Visit Kilmartin Museum to find out about the 800 cairns and monuments that dot the landscape of Kilmartin Glen and see fascinating 2,000-year-old artifacts from local archaeological digs. In the glen itself, you can enter some of the cairns, see carved gravestones, and reach the top of what remains of Dunadd Hill Fort , where the first kings of Scotland were inaugurated.
Spend a fantastic day wildlife watching from Easdale Island. With whale spotting trips, excursions to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, and a tour of a local seal colony there’s lots to do, as well as keeping your eyes peeled for porpoises, dolphins, eagles, and otters along the way.
Oban Distillery is one of the smallest and oldest distilleries in Scotland and makes whisky that reflects the character of its coastal location – definitely worth a stop!
Stopping to take photographs of Castle Stalker , from the shores of Loch Linnhe. Located on a tidal island to the north of Port Appin, this iconic castle and its surroundings make for atmospheric and moody photographs.
Explore Glen Coe , the site of the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692, when members of the Campbell clan murdered members of the MacDonald clan on the orders of the English Crown. Or follow the Glen Coe Geotrail to learn more about the ancient volcanic history of this other-worldly place. Shaped by glaciers and fiery volcanic explosions millions of years ago, Glen Coe is a landscape full of natural wonders.
Spend some time in the Lochaber area , dominated by Ben Nevis and known as the outdoor capital of the UK. Activity lovers will be in their element here; you can mountain bike, hike, climb, abseil and enjoy all manner of water sports on the loch.
Be in awe of Neptune’s Staircase , the longest staircase lock flight in Scotland. This flight of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal is an amazing feat of engineering that raises the canal by 19m over 1/4 mile. It takes around 90 minutes for a boat to travel the locks. This is the perfect spot to practice your ‘gongoozaling’ – the activity of watching boats and activities on canals for pleasure!
Visit the magical Glenfinnan Viaduct . Made famous by the Harry Potter films, this railway viaduct has carried trains on the West Highland Line since 1897. Glenfinnan is also the spot in which Bonnie Prince Charlie called for the local clansmen to assemble in 1745, proclaiming the throne of Great Britain to be denounced and rightfully returned to his family, the Stuarts.
Head east and pick up the legendary A82 road. Around the Bridge of Orchy, you’ll drive a section of the infamous Skyfall road, from the Bond film of the same name, and one of the most dramatic and scenic drives in Scotland. Time for a photo opportunity!
Make a stop at the very pretty village of Fort Augustus, the gateway to Loch Ness and the most southerly tip of this famous body of water. It is also the point where the Caledonian Canal leaves Loch Ness, cutting through the small village on its way south.
Visit Urquhart Castle at Drumnadrochit, halfway up Loch Ness. Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart saw much conflict during its 500 years as a medieval fortress, especially during the Wars of Independence.

Castle Stalker, a must see on any Scottish Highland tours

Other UK Travel Ideas

Things to Do in Sheringham: Top Attractions & Hidden Gems

Seals in Norfolk UK: Where & How to See Them

Holkham Beach England: North Norfolk’s Finest Beach

15 Best Cities to Visit in the UK & Fall in Love With!

Wells-next-the-Sea Norfolk: Best Things to Do & See

Norfolk England Beaches: Ultimate A-Z Guide

Best Things to Do in Hunstanton Norfolk: 25 Top Attractions

26 Exciting Things To Do On the Norfolk Broads

14 of the Best Stately Homes in Norfolk to Visit

Road Trips from London: The 6 Best Routes to Explore

22 of the Very Best Things To Do in Holt

Best of the North Norfolk Coast: 20 Unmissable Highlights

Afternoon Tea in Norfolk: 15 of the Very Best Places

18 Best Norfolk Seaside Towns To Fall In Love With!

Discover the Magic: 32 of the Best Christmas Markets in Europe

37 of the Very Best Things to Do in Norwich

Isle of skye, ardelve – broadford – portree – trotternish – duntulm – dunvegan – armadale – mallaig.

Distance: 276 miles
Duration: 3-5 days
Drive Time: 6 hours

Skye road tip map with some of the best scenic drives in Scotland

Surrounded by sparkling seas where towering cliffs defend the island from crashing waves, Skye is a real balm for the soul and one of the best places to visit in Scotland by car.

This road trip surely has to be one of the most picturesque in Scotland, with jagged mountains, heather-carpeted moors, and myths and legends aplenty. There are lots of things to do on Skye too, so expect to be busy on this road trip, even though it’s a short route!

You can drive to Skye from Inverness in around two and a half hours. From Glasgow, it will take five to six hours. Just getting to Skye is an incredible trip in its own right, maximise your time by flying into Inverness and out of Glasgow (or vice versa).

Check out the Argyll Coastal Route and North Coast 500 itinerary for ideas of what to do on the way to the Isle of Skye.

Use the Skye Bridge to cross Loch Alsh, or go over the sea to Skye the old-fashioned way and get a CalMac ferry from Mallaig . Our itinerary assumes you will drive from Inverness over the bridge and get the ferry back to the mainland, but you can follow the route in either direction.

Skye has to be one of the busiest places in Scotland in summer, so go out of season or head out of the main tourist areas of Portree, Trotternish, and Dunvegan to find solitude and space.

Top 11 Highlights

Not on Skye, but just a few miles before the Skye Bridge, is Eilean Donan Castle , one of Scotland’s most iconic images and one of the most photographed castles in the country. Situated on an island at the point where the three great sea lochs of Alsh, Duish, and Long meet, the striking castle is surrounded by magnificent scenery and is full of history.
The 2.3 mile hike up to the Old Man of Storr on the Trotternish peninsula is one of the must-dos on Syke. The ‘Old Man’ is a large spike of rock that stands high and can be seen for miles around. Created by an ancient landslide, the Storr is one of the most photographed places in Scotland.
Off the beaten track and much less known, but no lesser for it, is Rubha nam Brathairean (Brothers’ Point), a dramatic headland that marks the easternmost point of Trotternish. Not far from here, you’ll also find Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls – epic views that you can get to within a few minutes of walking from the free parking.
Visit The Quiraing for a great 4.5 mile hike with spectacular landscapes and beautiful views, or get a feel for this strangely named area from the car park.
The Fairy Glen is a curious rock formation just inland from Uig. Formed by an ancient landslide and shaped by glaciers over thousands of years, the Fairy Glen is best photographed from above to fully appreciate the weird and wonderful shapes of the landscape.
Visit Skye’s most famous historic building, Dunvegan Castle , the seat of the chief of Clan MacLeod. In a beautiful position at the edge of Loch Dunvegan, the castle gardens are a hidden oasis of beautiful plants.
Catch an amazing sunset from Neist Point , where there is also a lighthouse of the same name. The most westerly point on Skye, this beautiful spot also affords fantastic views of the Outer Hebrides.
Stop off at the world-famous Talisker Distillery for a tour that finishes with a wee dram of their peaty single malt.
Try a spot of wild swimming (we would advise a wet suit!) in the bracing Fairy Pools, beautiful crystal clear pools, and waterfalls at the foot of the Cuillin mountains, on the river Brittle. Take the 1.5 mile walk from the small parking lot to find this series of magical pools, formed 50-70 million years ago!
Take one of the most scenic Scotland roads from Broadford to the village of Elgol, for incredible views of the dark and brooding Cuillin mountains.
Get out on the water in a canoe or take a boat trip to get acquainted with local wildlife. You’re likely to see seals, dolphins, porpoises, and lots of different species of sea birds, as well as find hidden coves, cliff waterfalls, and sea caves.

RELATED POST: Why We Think These Are The Best Driving Roads in Europe

Isle of Skye, a wonderful driving tour of Scotland

Borders Historic Route

Edinburgh – dalkeith – galashiels – selkirk – hawick – langholm – gretna green.

Distance: 88 miles
Duration: 2-3 days
Drive Time: 3 hours

The Borders Tourist Route map, a great road trip to Scotland

This Scotland road trip from Edinburgh will take you through the lush and hilly countryside of the lowland Scottish Borders, through charming villages and small towns to famous Gretna Green, and the border with England.

Learn about Scottish industrial heritage and the vibrant arts and crafts scene, still alive and kicking in this mostly rural region.

This road trip is the best option if you plan on spending time in historic Edinburgh and want to see a bit of Scotland as part of your trip. If it’s a one-way drive, Newcastle Airport is an hour and a half away by car from Gretna Green, making this an ideal linear route.

Visit historic Edinburgh , the capital city of Scotland. With wonderful medieval and neoclassical architecture and a great vibe, this is a city in which to spend at least a full day. Take a city center guided tour to see Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, the National Museum of Scotland, and the famous Royal Mile, the main road through Edinburgh’s old town, where you can shop for tartan and enjoy locally made fudge.
Harry Potter fans will want to visit Victoria Street. With its unusual shape and collection of quirky shops, it’s said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the J.K. Rowling books.
Enjoy a locally brewed craft beer at Stewart Brewing , an independent craft brewery on the outskirts of Edinburgh. You might even see the team hard at work brewing while you enjoy your beer!
Stop at Dalkeith Country Park for easy walks and bike rides on the trails through the natural beauty of the 1,000-acre estate and working farm. You might spot Roe deer, otters, buzzards, foxes, badgers, hares, and rabbits here.
Visit Lady Victoria Colliery, one of the best and last surviving Victorian collieries in Europe, and now the National Mining Museum of Scotland . Explore the machinery used to mine and take coal to the surface, imagine what a miner’s life was like, and experience the sights and sounds of a working pit on a fantastic tour of the pit head.
Go back in time to Robert Smail’s Printing Works in the pretty village of Innerleithen. Try your hand at typesetting, and discover the origin of everyday phrases such as ‘mind your Ps and Qs’ as you discover how printing was carried out by highly skilled printers, with individual letters of type set by hand, presses operated with foot treadles and power generated by a waterwheel.
If you love gardens, then Harmony Garden in Melrose is a horticultural delight and a tranquil escape from life on the road. With colorful borders, beautifully manicured lawns, and a thriving kitchen garden, Harmony is perfectly in tune with nature. An added bonus is the superb views of Melrose Abbey and the nearby Eildon Hills.
Admire the creativity and skill of the glassblowers at work in Lindean Mill Glass . This innovative glass studio was established in 1978 by David Kaplan and Annica Sandström, whose work has been exhibited at the National Museum Scotland in Edinburgh and the V&A in London.
Take a mill tour, a great way to see Scottish tartan being woven from scratch, at Lochcarron of Scotland in Selkirk, one of the biggest names in the Scottish Borders’ textile industry, which has been weaving high-quality tartan for over 100 years. The Dress Act of 1746 attempted to bring the warrior clans under government control by banning the tartan along with other aspects of Gaelic culture.
Continue your textiles education at the Borders Textile Towerhouse and discover more about the area’s role as a producer of sought-after fabrics. Designers such as Chanel, Dior, and Vivienne Westwood have used fabric produced in the Borders in their designs for many years. The gift shop here is perfect for finding a unique present or Scottish souvenir.
Discover exciting and tumultuous borderlands history at Gilnockie Tower , a fine example of a defensive peel tower that dates from the 16th century. Located on the River Esk, it’s home to the Clan Armstrong Centre, the ancestral home of the Armstrong Clan, and is packed with fascinating clan heritage.

RELATED POST: Edinburgh One Day Itinerary – Map, Tips & Guide

Edinburgh, a great place to stop as you travel Scotland

Stirling – Trossachs Pier – Killin – Blair Athol – Pitlochry – Perth – Kinross – Crief – Stirling

Distance: 232 miles

The new kid on the Scottish road trip map is Heart 200, a two-hundred-mile-plus romp around the center of Scotland. This route offers the best of all the other routes combined as you travel through Scotland’s iconic, ever-changing landscapes.

Chuck in the historic cities of Perth and Stirling, and you’ve got a road trip perfect for first-time visitors to Scotland, or those that want to see the best of this glorious country.

Divided into six sections, this road trip covers the forests of the west, the Highlands to the north, the rivers of the east, and the historic south, along with Stirling and Perth.

Along the route are places of historical interest, world-class golf courses, ancient castles, loch and river-based water sports for adrenalin seekers, and a few whisky distilleries, of course!

You’ll explore the remarkable history and culture of the region, from antiquity to the modern day, and learn more than a few surprising insights along the way.

Over millennia, Scotland has made its mark on history thanks to famous figures ranging from the ancient Celts and the Roman Empire to King Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots, via Bonnie Prince Charlie, Rob Roy MacGregor, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Queen Victoria, all of whom have connections to the heart of Scotland.

For a longer trip pick up the Fife Coastal Route, which follows the shore of the Firth of Forth from Kincardine to Dundee, where you can head back inland to Perth. This route takes in pretty fishing villages, historic golf courses, castles, and distilleries along 77 miles of meandering coast road – well worth adding to your itinerary

Top 13 Highlights

If you fly into Edinburgh Airport, make a quick stop to see the magnificent Kelpies at Helix Park in Grangemouth. The Kelpies are 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures depicting kelpies, a mythical shape-changing aquatic spirit of Scottish legend, and will start your Heart of Scotland road trip off on the right note.
Whilst in the area, explore the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift that connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal in a half-turn that takes only five minutes!
Stirling is the first stop and at the heart of the old town is medieval Stirling Castle, dominating the city from its craggy volcanic rock. Other attractions not to be missed are the 19th century National Wallace Monument that overlooks the site of the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge, where William Wallace (famously played by Mel Gibson in the film Braveheart ) defeated the English, and the Battle of Bannockburn Experience has interactive 3D displays on the history of the 1314 conflict.
Visit the imposing Doune Castle , a popular film set. Used as a set for Monty Python and the Holy Grail, as Castle Leoch in Outlander, and as Winterfell in Game of Thrones, this medieval stronghold could tell a few stories!
Find out everything you ever wanted to know about sheep and wool at The Scottish Wool Centre in Aberfoyle, with live sheep shows and hands-on demonstrations of spinning and working sheepdogs.
Stop at Killin, a small village at the southern point of Loch Tay. Famous for the Falls of Dochart, a spectacular series of rapids where the River Dochart rushes towards the Loch at the confluence of the rivers Dochart and Lochay, the best view is from the Bridge of Dochart in the village. This is also a great place to base yourself for local hiking.
Take in the iconic Queen’s View along Loch Tummel, which is named after Queen Victoria, who visited the region in 1866. The vantage point at the Forestry Commission’s Visitor Centre offers a breathtaking vista of Schielhallion, one of Scotland’s most famous mountains.
Visit in August for the Kinloch Rannoch Highland Games, which always take place on the third Saturday of the month. Hosted by the local community, you can watch caber tossing, hill racing, and lots more traditional Highland games events, as well as listen to the bagpipes being played.
Aberfeldy makes a good base for exploring local attractions including the Tay Bridge, Black Watch Monument, 16th century Castle Menzies, Cluny House Gardens, Lundin Farm Stone Circle, and Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery.
A mecca for thrill-seekers, the white water rapids on the River Tay at Grandtully offer opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and canyoning, with lots of local companies providing access and equipment, whatever your level of skill or knowledge.
Historians should stop at the Gorge of Killiecrankie, the site of one of the bloodiest battles during the Jacobite Risings in 1689. Take a walk up to the viewpoint at Soldier’s Leap, where a Redcoat soldier is said to have jumped 18 feet across the ravine to escape the pursuing Jacobites. Salmon can often be seen jumping around the falls here and keep an eye out for red squirrels and woodpeckers which are quite prolific during fall , when the colors are spectacular.
Admire the listed historic house of Scone Palace , situated near the village of Scone and the city of Perth. Scone Palace was the crowning place of Scottish kings where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II were once crowned. Nowadays, this red sandstone palace is among the very finest surviving examples of the late Georgian Gothic style in the United Kingdom.
Visit the wildlife at Blair Drummond Safari Park, near Stirling. Widely acknowledged to be one of the best safari parks in the UK for breeding and conservation (and the only one in Scotland), the park is set across 120 acres and is home to 350 animals including lions and southern white rhinos.

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, or check our our favourite Europe road trips for ideas and inspiration!

Kennacraig – Tayinloan – Isle of Gigha – Machrihanish – Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse – Campbeltown – Carradale – Kennacraig

Distance: 115 miles
Drive Time: 5 hours

Another newcomer to the Scottish road trip scene is Kintyre 66, or K66, as it’s becoming known. If you’ve ever watched Paul McCartney and Wing’s video of the song ‘Mull of Kintyre’ and been inspired by the landscape, then this road trip in Scotland is for you.

An easy hop from Glasgow Airport, the K66 is perfect for a long weekend. Start in Tarbert, a pretty village at the top of Kintyre. Just a narrow strip of land a mile wide connects the peninsula to the mainland, making Kintyre Scotland’s only mainland island.

The landscape and beaches are pristine and unspoiled, the seas huge, the night sky clear and the wildlife abundant – this really is a trip for outdoor lovers. Kayaking in the turquoise waters is a popular pastime and hiking some of the incredible trails, with their spectacular views, is a must.

Local produce and food are also a highlight of this trip, with seafood at the top of the list. You’ll also find whisky and gin distilleries and several breweries in Kintyre, making sure that local food and drink sustain all your activity!

The official K66 is, unsurprisingly 66 miles long, but we’ve added on the far south of Kintyre to include the iconic Mull of Kintyre lighthouse.

The single-track route there meanders over the rolling moors before helter-skeltering down a steep cliff to the lighthouse – don’t be put off, it’s an amazing drive with breathtaking views right across to Ireland.

A visit to the Beinn an Turc Distillery near Torrisdale to sample their Kintyre gin is a must! This sustainable distillery, which uses its own power generated by a hydroelectric plant, creates a delicious gin using botanicals and water from its own land.
Head to Saddell Bay to see GRIP, a cast iron sculpture created by British artist Antony Gormley to mark the Landmark Trust’s 50th anniversary. The human form stares out over the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran from the rocks below Saddell Castle. Originally, the sculpture was placed for just a year, but thanks to a generous donation, it will remain indefinitely.
Visiting the glorious beaches of the peninsula is a real treat. Unspoiled and often with no one else around, some of the best beaches in Scotland can be found here. Our favorites are Carradale Bay and close-by Torrisdale Bay.
At the very north of Kintyre is the colorful and lively harbor town of Tarbert. With plenty to do, including Tarbert Castle, which sits high above the town, this is a great place to spend a day
The enchanting Isle of Gigha can be reached in just 20 minutes on a ferry from Tayinloan and is a fantastic day trip destination. Kissed by the gulf stream, the beautiful Achamore Gardens feel exotic, whilst in contrast, a hike up Creag Bhan, the highest point on the island, showcases the best of the raw and wild landscape.
Westport boasts a sandy beach, perfect for surfing. There is a surf school in the village where you can hire equipment and take lessons if this is your first time on a board. You’ll need a wet suit, whatever the weather – the water in these parts is pretty chilly!
The next stop just down the coast is Machrihanish, a village most famous for its iconic beach-side golf course.
An absolute must-do is a visit to the Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse, on the very far southwest tip of the peninsula. The views are pretty special and the drive there is dramatic, but not for the faint-hearted.
The ruins of Skipness Castle lie at the far north of the peninsula. The castle was originally built in the early 1200s by the MacSweens. It later fell to Clan MacDonald and has been rebuilt several times over the centuries.
The seafood caught, prepared, and served on Kintyre is out of this world. Fresh from the boat in the morning, you’ll find scallops, mussels, lobsters, crabs, langoustines, and clams on every menu. Another local taste is Gigha halibut, which you can enjoy in the West Loch Hotel, on the A83 out of Tarbert.

Scotland Practicalities

When to take a scottish road trip.

Scotland’s weather is generally moderate but changeable. As the topography of Scotland varies greatly, you’ll notice differences between highland and lowland weather, as well as coastal influences.

Late spring is a great time for planning a trip to Scotland. The countryside comes alive with wildflowers and baby animals as the warmer weather beats back winter.

With good weather and summer averages of around 20°c, this is one of the best times for touring Scotland. The downside is that popular routes, attractions, and hotels will be busy, so a road trip of Scotland in the summer months will require a little more advance planning.

July and August are also the worst months for the infamous biting midges, especially if you’re planning on camping in a motorhome or tent on the West Coast, where they are generally at their worst.

A wonderful time for driving holidays in Scotland, the fall colors are some of the most dramatic in the world. Autumn is also deer rutting season, with lots of opportunities around the Highlands to see this mighty display.

Plan trips to Scotland during the colder months for winter sporting opportunities, dramatic scenery, and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, or ‘Mirrie Dancers’ as they are sometimes called in Scotland.

There are an average of 15-20 snow days a year, rising to over 100 snow days in the Highlands – head to Aviemore in the Cairngorms if you’re looking for the white stuff, or just enjoy this fantastic winter destination for the scenery.

Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Whenever and however you visit Scotland, always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code . The code helps you to get the best from your Scotland itinerary and ensures that the flora and fauna of this beautiful country are not harmed.

Getting to Scotland

Scotland has six main airports, and the good news is that one of them will be the perfect starting point for your ultimate Scottish road trip itinerary. We recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Edinburgh Airport (pronounced Ed-in-bruh if you want to sound like the locals!) for the Borders Historic Route and Heart 200 .
Glasgow International Airport for the South West Coastal 300 , Argyll Coastal Route , Isle of Skye and Kintyre 66 .
Glasgow Prestwick Airport for the South West Coastal 300 .
Aberdeen Airport for the North East 250 .
Inverness Airport for the North Coast 500 , Isle of Skye and Argyll Coastal Route .
Dundee Airport for the North East 250 .

You can hire a car at any of these airports and be on your chosen Scotland driving tour route within a one hour drive. Book your rental car well in advance and use a car hire booker like Rentalcars.com who will provide the best deals from all the top car hire companies. How? Because they have such a large market share, they’ve got way more buying power than individuals and can negotiate much harder on price.

For a real adventure , hire a motorhome or campervan in Scotland. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

For those planning a Scottish staycation from the rest of the UK, get public transport like the train or even coach from London to Edinburgh and hire a car from there, or drive yourself to Scotland.

Driving in Scotland

Whether you roadtrip Scotland in a car, camper, or motorbike, make sure you’ve got all your documents handy and your spare tire is in good condition.

If your Scotland road trip itinerary is longer than a few weeks and you’re planning on using your own vehicle, you may want to consider a service before you go, and breakdown cover is probably a good idea.

Remember to drive on the left during your UK trip!
Drivers from non-EU countries may require an International Driving Permit. The general rule is that if your license is not in English, then an IDP will be required. Check with your hire company or embassy if you’re in doubt.
If you’re not a British citizen, you should carry your passport or ID card at all times as you road trip around Scotland.
You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle. Update August 2021 – you no longer require a green card to prove you have vehicle insurance cover when if your vehicle is registered outside the UK.
Your car must be considered legal and roadworthy in the country in which it is registered.
Your headlights must be adapted for driving on the right if your vehicle is registered outside the UK.
Unlike France, the UK does not have laws that require you to carry certain equipment in your car, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t. Being prepared in the event of an accident or a breakdown is invaluable. The best way is to carry a reflective jacket, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit, and a fire extinguisher.
If you’re hiring a car, book well in advance and use a care hire booker like Rentalcars.com who will provide the best deals from all the top car hire companies. How? Because they have such a large market share, they’ve got way more buying power than individuals and can negotiate much harder on price.
Understand insurance options, mileage limits, and fuel policies before booking.
Check the car for damage on collection and make sure anything you spot is noted, and the same again when you drop it off.

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

Are you looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out these top posts…

Grand Tour of Switzerland: The Best Road Trip in Europe?

Road Trip Belgium: Fall In Love With Europe’s Hidden Gem

Stelvio Pass: The Best Mountain Road in Italy?

Spain Road Trip: 8 Amazing Routes for an Epic Trip

Croatia Road Trips: Five Incredible Routes

Love it pin it.

About The Author

Izzy Nicholls

North Coast 500 itinerary: Scotland's most epic road trip

In this epic North Coast 500 itinerary, we'll show you what to do and see on this 500+ mile scenic loop around the Highlands coast.

If you're tackling the NC500 road trip in a campervan or motorhome, we completed the whole loop in our van conversion in 11 days and have some excellent tips for you on some of the best wild camping spots.

We have divided our North Coast 500 itinerary into five sections, but you can easily adapt this NC 500 route planner to your own preferences and time constraints. So let's get started by answering some of your questions.

Bookings: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to make a booking, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank You!

How long does it take to do the North Coast 500 Route?

Our North Coast 500 itinerary covers 11 days, but most people complete the road trip in five to seven days.

However, if you want to fully experience the breathtaking NC500 scenery, we recommend spending at least seven days exploring the famous Scottish Route 66. With so many detours and sights to see, there is a lot to do on this road trip.

Do you need a 4x4 for NC500?

It can be helpful if you're planning to go off-road, but it's not necessary to explore the NC500. Most of the roads on the route are car, bike, and motorbike friendly.

A smaller motorhome may be more suitable as some roads can be quite narrow, but we've seen larger ones pass through without issues. As long as you're a confident driver, you should be fine.

We took several detours in our Citroen Relay van conversion and never got stuck thanks to Charlie's excellent driving skills.

What is the best time of year to do the North 500?

We recommend visiting between May and September, with October being the latest for the mildest weather and longest days.

We tackled the North Coast 500 in August and were rewarded with mostly sunny days, but I still had to break out the woolly socks a few nights.

Is the Isle of Skye on the NC500?

Although the Isle of Skye is not on the NC500 route, this stunning island deserves its own road trip. From the breathtaking Fairy Pools to the iconic Old Man of Storr and the majestic Cuillin Mountains, the Isle of Skye is a paradise for nature lovers.

Check out our post about the Isle of Skye for more information on exploring charming villages, tasting a wee shot of whiskey, and finding the best places to sample fresh seafood.

Is NC500 a single track road?

Yes, you will encounter many single track roads on your NC500 adventure. Don't worry though, there are passing places along the way.

These are road pockets that allow you or oncoming traffic to give way safely. As a rule of thumb, remember to always stick to the passing places on your left.

Is it best to do NC500 clockwise or anti clockwise?

It ultimately comes down to personal preference. Initially, we had planned to go anticlockwise, but we changed our minds at the last minute.

Although the east coast has its own unique attractions, the scenery on the west coast is undeniably more dramatic.

We wanted to tackle the steep inclines and winding roads first, and then have a more leisurely drive towards the end of our trip. Regardless of the direction you choose, the NC500 will be an epic experience.

Where is the starting point of the North Coast 500?

No matter if you're going clockwise or counter-clockwise, the North Coast 500 itinerary starts in Inverness.

From there, you'll experience some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery, from the rugged coastline and the mountains of the Northwest Highlands to the charming towns of the Black Isle.

11-Day North Coast 500 Itinerary

Inverness - applecross, day 1-2: inverness - applecross.

Buckle up; you are about to embark on one of the most challenging parts of the NC500 road trip in Scotland - the Bealach Na' Ba Pass.

We completed the first section of the NC 500 road trip in two days, but we chose to spend a night atop the Bealach Na' Ba Pass, which we highly recommend.

If you follow our North Coast 500 itinerary clockwise, the first two days will include the following stops:

The epic Scottish road trip begins and ends in Inverness, whether you travel clockwise or anticlockwise.

Although you don't need to spend an entire day in the city, we recommend spending at least an afternoon here. Inverness is the largest city in the Scottish highlands, and it's a good place to stock up on road essentials.

Situated along the River Ness, it’s an easily walkable city, with walking along the river being one of the best things to do. It's both relaxing and picturesque.

While exploring, make time to visit Leakey's Bookshop, an old church filled to the brim with second-hand books. It's very Harry Potter-esque.

Beauly Priory - the Beautiful Place

From Inverness, it's only a half-hour drive west to Beauly. Follow the A862 road.

Located in the charming town of Beauly, the ruins of the monastery are still in excellent condition and are worth a quick visit. The original priory consisted of many buildings, but only the church remains today.

Founded by French monks in 1230, the name "Beautiful Place" comes from the riverside setting (beau lieu). According to the plaque, Mary Queen of Scots endorsed it during her visit in 1564.

From here, drive further west for under two hours and witness the scenery becoming increasingly dramatic as you climb the legendary Bealach Na' Ba Pass.

The Bealach Na' Ba Pass

Bealach Na' Ba, also known as the Pass of the Cattle, is the steepest road ascent in the UK, like many mountain passes in the Alps.

It rises to 626 metres (2,053 ft) and the single track road twists and turns sharply in places, so it should be approached with care. It's a perilous yet breathtaking drive.

The road across the mountains of the Applecross peninsula is open all year round except during extreme weather conditions when it may be closed. We drove up in the rain, which made some sections uncomfortable.

On a clear day, you can explore the spectacular summit of Bealach Na' Ba and visit the viewpoint post that points to some of the iconic landmarks in the area. Weather permitting, you can see the Old Man of Storr on the beautiful Isle of Skye.

During rain, visibility can be limited, so take extra care when crossing the road. There are many hairpin bends and blind summits.

Applecross village

Halfway down Bealach Na' Ba, the tiny village of Applecross will start to appear. Locally known as "the street", it is one of Scotland's earliest settlements.

Today, it is home to the famous Applecross Inn and Smokehouse.

Applecross - Ullapool

Day 2-3: applecross - ullapool.

The second leg of the North Coast 500 itinerary, from Applecross to Ullapool, is just as exciting as the first. While you can take the quick route (approximately two hours), you'll miss out on some epic drives.

We recommend taking the longer route and several detours, such as Torridon Glen. As you cross the valley, you'll feel like you're in a James Bond movie, racing through vast wilderness to save the world.

Here are the main highlights worth checking out between Applecross and Ullapool:

From Applecross, head east towards A896. At Kinlochewe, the road turns left onto A832 to Shieldaig.

The village was established in the 1800s to train seamen for war against Napoleon, which is why there's a cannon along the seafront. Today it's a peaceful fishing village with a name that means "herring bay."

For us, the idyllic Shieldaig will always be remembered as the "best banana bread stop" on Scotland's stunning North Coast 500 route.

While strolling along the seafront, keep an eye out for "Bread in a Cupboard." It's a little hut filled with sourdough, rye, and the most delicious banana bread for sale. Grab your treats and leave the payment in the box.

Unspoiled Red Point Beach (detour)

The drive from Shieldaig to Red Point Beach, especially towards Torridon, is absolutely stunning. The A896 takes you through the Torridon Valley, where you'll have a view of the mighty Ben Eighe and its many summits.

Red Point Beach is wild and remote, and just one of the many stunning North Coast 500 beaches. It's worth a quick detour or an overnight stay if you're taking on the North Coast 500 in a motorhome.

As you leave the valley, follow the road sign to Gairloch and Ullapool. The turn-off for the beach is at Kerrisdale. Look out for the sign on your right-hand side pointing to Red Point. Then, cross the stone bridge on your left (if driving clockwise), and continue for around 9 miles on a one track road.

The beach is at the end of the road, past the inn, gin distillery, and many small communities. You'll see a smaller red-hue sand beach in the distance, but keep driving until you cross two stone bridges and reach a small car park.

The last settlement before the beach is called Opinan.

If you have time, check out Badachro Inn and the small gin distillery under the same name. And don't forget to look out for the pretty Heilan' Coos, the long-haired Highland cows, as soon as you cross the first stone bridge.

Gairloch is a pretty harbour village located on the shores of Loch Gairloch, along the A832 road. It features galleries, pubs, shops, and a post office.

If you have some spare change, consider taking a glass-bottomed boat tour to observe sea stars, urchins, seals, and sea birds. You can find more information on their website here . For additional activities and sights, visit the visitor centre in town.

As you leave the village, be sure to look out for a lovely beach on your left and stop at the viewpoint of Loch Gairloch.

Enchanted Inverewe Gardens

A quick 15-minute drive northwest of Gairloch will bring you to Inverewe , a lovely botanical garden that truly embodies the founder's vision to plant and grow as many exotic plants as possible.

The garden features several woodland trails, rose gardens, a museum, and a cafe, making it the perfect stop to unwind from the winding one track roads on the North Coast 500 route.

Toxic Gruinard Island (quick detour)

Don't miss the tiny sheep-inhabited Gruinard Island . Located between Coast and Mungasdale in Guinard Bay , it holds a grim past dating back to WWII when the British tested Anthrax, a dangerous infectious chemical for use in the war.

They filled bombs with the Bacillus Anthracis bacteria and dropped them on Gruinard Island to check if they could contaminate cities in Germany.

Although the government started the cleaning process in 1986 and declared the island safe to visit in 1990, it's still uncertain whether it's entirely safe to visit.

You can catch a glimpse of the oval-shaped island from the car park along the road as it's only one kilometre offshore.

Little Loch Broom

With picnic tables and fantastic views of Little Loch Broom and An Tellach, the highest mountain in the area, this spot embodies what the NC500 route is all about - Scotland at its finest.

A large car park on the A835 provides ample space for parking even the largest motorhomes. Tour buses also make stops here, so there may be a crowd of tourists blocking the view, but they typically stay for only a short time.

If you need a quick stop to stretch your legs, there are some lovely beaches between Coast and Mungasdale.

Corrieshalloch Gorge

After visiting Little Loch Broom, continue driving on the main road to reach the magnificent Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach.

Take the woodland trail and cross the Victoria suspension bridge to witness the spectacular falls plunging into the River Droma.

If you are not planning to explore the gorge, enjoy the scenic drive to the next destination on our North Coast 500 itinerary: Ullapool.

Ullapool - Durness

Day 4-8: ullapool - durness.

This part of the trip includes some of the most amazing beaches along the North Coast 500 route. You don't have to see them all, but be sure to stop or stay overnight at Achnahaird Beach. It's definitely worth a detour, especially on a sunny day.

Ullapool , located on the shores of Lochbroom , is the first major village on the North Coast 500 route (when driving clockwise) and a great hub from which to explore the surrounding sights.

Wrapped in stunning scenery, Ullapool offers excellent hiking and cycling routes, good accommodation options, and several charming cafes.

From here, you can also catch a ferry to Stornoway and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides if you want to add an extra detour to your North Coast 500 itinerary.

We highly recommend visiting the town's Ullapool Smokehouse shop and stocking up on malt whiskey-cured salmon and other locally produced goodies. We enjoyed a few delightful breakfasts made from traditionally smoked salmon in our van conversion.

Achnahaird Beach (detour)

Achnahaird Beach requires a slight detour from the main NC500 route, but what a find! It's a tidal almost-white sand beach located on the Coigach peninsula .

If you crave peace and a spot off the beaten path, you simply must add Achnahaird Beach to your North Coast 500 itinerary. It is worth the detour.

From Ullapool, head southeast and follow A893.

The road to the beach is a beautiful winding one-track drive for about 12 miles from the turn-off.

Another great thing about the beach is that it's only a short and easy walk across the cliffs from the car park.‌‌

Knockan Crag

Starting from Achnahaird Beach, head southwest and rejoin the A835 at Drumrunie for a short drive to Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve .

The walk along Knockan Crag was a pleasant surprise. We discovered how continents collided millions of years ago and had a great circular walk atop the ancient crag.

At the start of the walk, there is a hut with lots of information about the oldest rocks in the world. The boards explain in detail the controversy of the 19th century when two Scottish geologists, Ben Peach and John Horne, discovered something wrong with the sequence of rocks here.

Their discovery that older rocks had moved on top of younger rocks due to tectonic action had significant impacts on the science of geology. This phenomenon had never been detected anywhere else in the world at that time.

The walk is easy but steep in places, with minimal visibility on a rainy day. We were lucky to see panoramic views at the summit just before the mist covered the site entirely.

As you explore, you'll also find many lovely stone art pieces and poems carved into the rocks and stones.

The ruin of Ardvreck Castle

As you join the A837 road at Ledmore towards Inchnadamph, take a moment to explore the ruins of the 16th Century Ardverk Castle, which was once owned by the Macleods of Assynt Clan.

Nearby, you'll also find the ruins of Calda House - once a lavish mansion it has remained a ruin since 1745.

White-sand Clachtoll Beach (detour)

Like many roads in the Scottish Highlands, the stunning single-track route from Lochinver to Clachtoll Beach is full of turns and twists as it winds through the rocks.

Clachtoll Beach is a lovely white-sand bay framed by beautiful black rocks that extend into the sea. It's a great spot for relaxing, paddle boarding or dipping your toes in the crystal-clear waters.

To access the parking lot for the beach, drive through the town and then through the campsite. During our visit, the latter was extremely busy.

Clashnessie Beach

Located a 10-minute drive northeast of Clachtoll Beach, Clashnessie Beach is another beautiful beach in the area.

Despite being situated close to the road, this beach is surrounded by stunning scenery. It’s broad, easily accessible, and has a small patch of land for parking.

Scenic B869 road alongside Clashnessie Bay

Scenic B869 Road, Scottish Highlands, NC500

If you're an experienced driver, the stone-walled road alongside Clashnessie Bay is a joy to navigate despite its narrowness and hairpin bends.

Most of the route is a one-track road, so be sure to keep left at passing places and watch out for charming sandy bays on your left (if going clockwise).

The detour drive from Clashnessie Bay to Balchrick (detour for Sandwood Bay) is breathtaking, even on a misty day.

It feels like passing through a mini-highlands or movie set with the deep green and brown-coloured rocks perfectly reflected in the mirror-like lakes.

Also, be sure to stop at the Drumberg Viewpoint for a beautiful sight of Eddrachillis Bay, Handa Island, and mainland Sutherland.

Sandwood Bay (detour)

To reach the unspoiled Sandwood Bay beach, start from Drumberg and head towards Balchrick. From there, you'll have to walk around four miles each way.

This one-mile-long, fine-sand beach is truly spectacular, framed by dunes and adorned with Am Buachaille, a sea stack in the distance.

However, if the weather is gloomy, be prepared for a mundane eight-mile round trip with rain drumming into your face and a hazy view of the beach. We came back soaking wet despite wearing waterproof gear.

Luckily, our van conversion was waiting patiently at the car park, and a hot cup of tea was the ultimate reward.

If you don't fancy sloshing through puddles in the rain, there are many other equally beautiful and easily accessible North Coast 500 beaches, so feel free to skip Sandwood Bay.

Durness - Wick

Day 8-10: durness - wick.

Starting with the Smoo Cave, the rest of the ride between Durness and Wick will be spectacular, with many high viewpoints along the North Coast 500 route.

If you are following our North Coast 500 itinerary, here are our top recommended places to visit:

Spooktacular Smoo Cave

From Balchrick , head towards Rhiconich and from there, join the A838 road to Durness . Smoo Cave is located on the main road and easily accessible from the car park.

Best of all, it's free of charge, just like many other incredible sites around this Scottish road trip.

Formed over thousands of years, Smoo Cave in Durness is well worth a visit. The cave's first chamber was carved out by the sea, and the second was carved by the river, which was dry during our visit.

Wooden steps lead down into the waterfall/lake chamber, but during heavy rains, the cave floods, and you might be unable to access it. However, you can still admire it from the top of the stairs.

Once inside the cave, take the wooden path into the waterfall chamber, but protect your camera. The den may greet you with a violent spray of water.

Unfortunately, boat tours were not available during our visit. We would have loved to see what's inside the cave further down.

Sadly, Colin, the main Smoo caver and tour operator, passed away in early 2019. You'll see a plaque tribute for him as you explore the information boards outside the cave.

Check out the official page for Smoo Cave to see if the tours are currently running.

Thrilling Golden Eagle Zipline

As soon as you leave the cave to continue your epic North Coast 500 adventure, there will be two fabulous and easily accessible beaches on your left-hand side.

The further one, Ceannabeinne Beach , features a zipline if you’re seeking thrills on your Scottish 500 route. You can show up and glide over the Atlantic at 40 mph with no booking required.

Cape Wrath - Scotland's most north westerly point (detour)

Cape Wrath is a significant detour on the NC500 route. The only way to access the peninsula is via the Cape Wrath Ferry, which is exclusively for foot passengers.

The journey across the Kyle of Durness takes around 10 minutes.

After crossing, a minibus service picks you up and provides a three-hour tour with commentary. Once you arrive at Cape Wrath, you'll have time to explore the area independently before boarding the bus for a return journey to the ferry terminal.

Due to the hazardous tide and often inclement weather, the ferry and bus service do not have a regular schedule. It's best to contact the minibus company first. Visit their website for more information.

Uninhabited Eilean Choraidh Island

There's no need to make a special detour to admire the view here. But you can always slow down and snap a few shots of Eilean Choraidh, a tiny island connected to the mainland by a causeway.

The causeway is surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Kyle of Tongue Bay and looks particularly beautiful on a clear day.

In the 19th century, the island was used for lime quarrying. The lime was then calcinated in a limekiln on the nearby peninsula.

Talmine Viewpoint (detour)

Just before the Kyle of Tongue bridge, you can take a quick detour to the Talmine Viewpoint. From here, you can enjoy a lovely view of the bridge.

Unfortunately, we missed the sign for the viewpoint and ended up going all the way up into the tiny village. However, it turned out to be lucky because we needed to stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables.

Plus, there was a nice view of another bay from the village. As it goes, you're never short of bay views on the NC500 route.

Farr Beach near Bettyhill

After our rainy eight-mile trek to Sandwood Bay, we swore off beaches. However, the sun shining made us change our minds and we found ourselves heading towards another one.

And we're so glad we did! Farr Beach is absolutely stunning, with the purple-colored River Naver flowing into the blue sea.

To get to Bettyhill, a small historic town, take the A836 road after crossing the Kyle of Tongue bridge. From here, you can reach the beach with a leisurely five-minute stroll across the fields.

Hallandale Inn - great lunch spot

Take a wee break and visit the Halladale Inn in Thurso. This lovely spot offers delicious food, cosy glamping pods, and ample space for camping and motorhomes.

During our visit, we enjoyed a filling lunch and even discovered a Route 500 sign, which is a replica of the iconic Route 66 in the United States. The sign made for a fun backdrop for photos.

Dunnet Head - the most northerly point of mainland Britain (detour)

Driving from Thurso, you can take several dramatic detours, starting with Dunnet Head, a peninsula on the north coast of Scotland.

To get there, drive northeast from Bettyhill via A836, then take a left turn onto the four-mile-long B855.

Dunnet Head is the most northerly point of mainland Britain and is home to puffins, razorbills (which we were lucky enough to spot), shags, and cormorants. On a clear day, you can even see the islands of Stroma, Hoy, and the Orkney Mainland.

Afterwards, wander up the hill from the lighthouse to investigate the bunker and other tiny huts built during World War II. The hill was used as a monitoring station, as it affords good visibility across the Pentland Firth.

John o' Groats - the end of the road (detour)

To reach John o' Groats , head east from Dunnet Head. While this stop may not offer any dramatic views, John o' Groats is an iconic landmark in Britain.

It signifies the longest distance (874 miles) between two extreme points in the country: Land's End in Cornwall to the southwest and John o' Groats to the northeast.

Charity walks or cycling challenges often begin or end at John o' Groats, with the end-to-end trail taking up to 14 days to complete. If you opt for off-road routes, however, the journey can take months to finish.‌

Jagged Stacks of Duncansby: a must-see on the North Coast 500 route (detour)

Starting from John o' Groats, drive up to Duncansby Head. Although busier than other peninsulas on the road, it's worth the trip for the striking coastline.

Don't miss the path leading over the peninsula's highest point, which offers fantastic views of the Thirle Door and the Stacks of Duncansby.

While you can see the craggy rocks from further away, the most enjoyable part of Duncansby Head is a little further along. We highly recommend taking a short hike there.

A well-trodden path leads up to the summit, where you can see the breathtaking craggy sea stacks. You'll also get a great view of the Duncansby Head cliffs that broke away from the main peninsula.

Noss Head and the ghostly Sinclair Girnigoe (detour)

From Duncansby, you can drive directly to Wick along the A99 road, where you'll find Noss Head.

Nestled on a dramatic coastline, the 16th Century Castle Sinclair Girnigoe is the star attraction of this site. Be sure to carefully walk around the cliff to view the thrilling rocks beneath the castle.

Although the castle is currently undergoing renovations, a portion of it is open for visitors to wander around the atmospheric courtyard just across the windy bridge.

Visit during sunset or early morning to hear the wind howling between the walls. I felt chills when taking pictures early in the morning with no one else in sight. Maybe I wasn't alone after all?!?!?

Wick - Inverness

Day 11: wick - inverness.

After enjoying the dramatic coastline, you may want to visit some of the lesser-known sights before concluding the Scottish 500 route and heading straight to Inverness.

Here are some of the sights we discovered on the east coast of the NC 500:

330 Whaligoe Steps (detour)

About 10-15 minutes south of Wick, there is a quick detour to Whaligoe Steps on your left, just before Ulbster.

At the top of the stairs, there is a small car park and a sign leading you to the 330 steps descending into the harbour.

To the left of the steps, there is a bump on your right-hand side. If you are not afraid of heights, you can cross a narrow path to the summit of the bluff. From there, look to your left to discover a lovely waterfall rushing down the impressive rocks.

Take care when going up and down the steps, as they are steep, uneven, and cracked. Also, avoid holding onto the walls as they may be unsupported or recently repaired.

This is a small site maintained by a local chap who works hard to replace the dilapidated steps. Please be respectful and leave a small donation if possible.

Grey Cairns of Camster - Neolithic tombs (detour)

The next stop on our North Coast 500 itinerary is the Grey Cairns of Camster, intriguing Neolithic tombs that are duplicates of Scotland's oldest monuments, built over 5,000 years ago.

Despite their age, they are still fascinating to investigate and provide a lovely, peaceful site to explore on the NC500 route.

Like a true explorer, Charlie crawled into each of the three tombs through narrow passageways to explore the inside of the monuments, getting a bit muddy in the process.

To get there, look for a large brown sign for Cairns of Camster just past Camster, a quarter of a mile past Occumster. Turn right and drive on the road that feels like a Roman road for around 8-10 minutes until you see grey bumps in the grass.

Lybster's best crab rolls (detour)

Once a bustling herring fishing village, Lybster is now a sleepy harbour town. Although we did not plan to stop there, we were intrigued by the large brown heritage sign.

To visit Lybster, turn left off the main road, pass through the main town, and drive down the steep road into the harbour.

Down in the bay, you can park at the harbour and enjoy some of the best crab rolls on the North Coast 500 route. The ladies at Waterlines Cafe serve freshly prepared rolls with different fillings and delicious homemade cakes.

It's a great place to stop before continuing along the remaining east coast of the epic Scottish 500 route.

Dunrobin - a castle out of a fairytale

Elevated so that you can enjoy the elaborate mansion from the gardens, Dunrobin Castle is the seat of the Clan Sutherland. Although the family still lives here, a large portion of the manor is open for exploration.

The garden is beautiful and is in full bloom in May, but it cannot quite compare to some of the stately homes in England. Nonetheless, it is still lovely to walk around the grounds, play cricket, and unwind after an adventurous 11-day road trip.

If you time your visit to this fairytale castle on a weekday morning, particularly on a Monday, you can enjoy it without too many crowds.

Close by, you can also explore the fantastic tidal Littleferry Beach, which is part of the Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve. The 15-minute drive along the road, hugged by Scotch pine trees, is just as lovely as the beach itself.‌‌

Clootie Well on Black Isle (detour)

After leaving Dunrobin Castle, cross the bridge into the Black Isle and head towards Inverness. To discover the unique site of Clootie Well, follow the A9 motorway for about an hour until you reach Munlochy village.

Clootie Well, also known as Cloth Well, is associated with ancient Scottish and Irish traditions dating back to pre-Christian times. It is a wishing well where pilgrims make offerings by leaving a piece of cloth for the water spirits.

The belief is that leaving a piece of clothing here will relieve the body of illnesses over time as the fabric disintegrates.

But there’s much more to explore on the Black Isle. From fishing villages to nature and wildlife, you may need an extra day on your North Coast 500 itinerary to see it all.

Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness

Nestled on the banks of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, Urquhart Castle is a breathtaking fortress that has withstood the test of time.

Dating back to the 13th century, this historic landmark played a crucial role in Scotland's Wars of Independence.

Today, Urquhart Castle is a must-see destination for travellers from all over the world. With stunning views of Loch Ness and the surrounding mountains, it’s a true gem of Scotland and could make it a nice end or start to your Scottish road trip.

We chose the latter, but were too late to arrive as the castle had already closed for the day.

Wild camping on the North Coast: the best spots for campervans

Wild camping spots on the Scotland NC500 route

After completing our epic Scottish road trip in our campervan, we wanted to include some of our favourite camping spots for motorhomes in our North Coast 500 itinerary.

In clockwise order, these are our top wild camping spots where we stayed during our 11-day road trip. We loved some of the sites, such as Achnahaird Beach, so much that we stayed there for two nights.

Our top tip is to download an app called park4night and it will show you all the facilities and parking spots around the NC500 route.

Wild camping spots between Inverness and Applecross:

Bealach Na' Ba Pass: Driving through the pass is an unforgettable experience. If you want to make it even more memorable, consider sleeping atop Bealach Na' Ba if you’re travelling in a campervan or motorhome.

The viewing platform is perfect for an overnight stop, but make sure to pack warm pyjamas, as it can get cold at night, even in the summer. A hat will also come in handy for wandering the valley later in the day.

When we arrived, the valley was covered in thick mist. However, the weather cleared up around 9 pm, and we were able to witness the legendary valley in all its glory

Camping spots between Applecross and Ullapool

Red Point Beach: If you're not in a rush, consider wild camping here. During our stay, only a few families were camping on the beach, and two other campervans were parked beside us. It's a peaceful and lovely spot to spend the night.

If you're an early riser, leave the beach before 9 am to have the one-track road all to yourself. The countryside is beautiful and fresh in the morning light, making it a great opportunity for taking photos.

Broomfield Holiday Park in Ullapool: This was the only campsite on the North Coast 500 that we stayed at. It’s spacious and has showers, a washer, and a dryer, but it can get very busy. Great views over Lochbroom.

Wild camping spots between Ullapool and Durness

Achnahaird Beach: This is our top wild camping spot on the NC500 route. The car park is small, but if you can fit your campervan in, it's worth staying here for the night. The view of the bay, beach, and distant hills is magnificent.

We stayed here for two nights and found it peaceful. It was relatively quiet during the day as well. A hidden gem for sure, and worth the detour if you're after a good wild camping spot on the NC500.

Clashnessie Bay: There is a small car park across the road from Clashnessie Beach that can accommodate around four to six motorhomes for overnight parking.

However, we opted to continue driving further west along the scenic B869 road for about five minutes until we arrived at a small lake by the roadside.

We found a suitable patch of gravel land for overnight parking. Although it was busy during the day, the traffic died down at around 9 pm.

Sandalwood Bay: In case you run low on drinking water, there is a tap located behind the toilet block. Although we only stayed here briefly, the car park is suitable for wild camping in a motorhome or campervan.

Wild camping spots between Durness and Wick

Hollandale Inn: At the back of the pub, there is a camping and caravan/motorhome site, as well as glamping pods. You can check prices and availability on the website .

Achiriesgill and Keoldale (ferries for Cape Wrath): There are numerous wild camping spots between these two locations.

Dunnet Head: This is a popular nightspot for campervans on the NC500. It can get crowded and a little noisy with people coming and going, but it is generally quiet at night.

Noss Head: This is a great spot if you want to be the first or last to take a spooky wander around the Sinclair Girnigoe castle. The car park is less crowded than Dunnet’s Head, and has plenty of space for caravans and motorhomes.

Wild camping spots between Wick and Inverness

Littleferry Beach: This is the second-best spot for wild camping on the North Coast 500 route. The site is peaceful and offers superb walks and views. During our stay, only two other campervans were parked next to us.

We highly recommend staying here before visiting Dunrobin Castle if you want to beat the crowds and arrive as soon as it opens.

Clootie Well: If you are not easily spooked by nature spirits and need a place to stay for the night, consider camping in the woods beside the wishing well. Although dog walkers visit the area throughout the day, it is quiet at night.

Is the North Coast 500 worth it?

This is the ultimate question, and the answer is 100%: embarking on the North Coast 500 route is one of the best ways to experience the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands.

The route offers plenty of opportunities to see historic sites, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're interested in hiking, photography, or simply taking in the scenery, we hope our North Coast 500 itinerary will help you plan your perfect trip.

You don't have to drive a campervan to follow this North Coast 500 itinerary. The route can be easily completed in a car; you simply need to arrange your accommodation. Use the search box below to find your ideal accommodation option.

The-Sapling-pwzcq27atuiokjhwi67i4sslgno4f08myvtuxsixsg

For Every Booking, We Plant a Tree

10 Day Campervan Tour – Scottish Island Hopping – Arran, Islay, Mull, Skye

Day 1 and 2

Arrive Glasgow and head into West End of the city. Visit Kelvingrove Gallery and head to Ashton Lane off Byres road or Argyll Street for nice restaurants

Night 1 and 2–Arran

Climb Goat Fell and visit Brodick Castle as well as sampling the great produce of Arran

Campsites: Seal Shore Camping is at the south end of Arran and small and quiet and on the beach Lochranza

Take the ferry from Lochranza to Claonaig on the Mull of Kintyre then drive 5 miles to Kennacraig for your ferry to Islay.

If you’ve time before heading west for the ferry, take a detour to Skipness on the east side of the Mull of Kintrye and visit Skipness castle or enjoy some lunch at the Skipness Seafood Cabin

Take Ferry over to Islay from Kennacraig to Port Ellen and enjoy the lovely restaurants around Port Ellen

Campsite : Kintra Farm 01496 302051

Things to do on Islay:

several good places to eat in Port Charlottte
A good place to walk is at the RSPB reserve at Loch Gruinart

Bowmore Distillery is between Port Charlotte and Port Ellen and is recommended but there are also lots of other distilleries so if you know your whisky then you can choose your favourite to visit

Wildcamp: Head towards Bridgend and there is a good place to camp at the head of Loch Indaal between Bridgend and Bruichladdich.

Campsite: Port Mor Campsite in Port Charlotte . Good facilities toilets, showers, laundry and bistro. Free wireless network. Ten electrical hook ups.

01496 850441

Head north from Kennacraig and onto the A816 to Cairnbaan then head through Kilmartin Glen –This area has it all – densest prehistoric landscape in Europe, great wee museum with toys and good food, guided walks and…….Continue on the A816 to Oban and onto the A85 head north to Oban

Things to do:

Dunnadd – Dunnad was an Iron Age fortress – the Picts liked height and sea views!….and has a carving of a Pictish boar….. It is a great place to take a child with great views.
At Cairnbaan continue onto Crinan along the canal and enjoy lunch at The Crinan Hotel and the beautiful views looking over to the Corryvreckan whirlpool

Get the ferry to Mull and drive over towards Fionnport

Campsite : Fidden Farm , Fionnphort

Visit the stunning island of Iona
Visit island of Staffa

Wild camp: Calgary Bay in north of island

Things to do

Visit Tobermory and get the ferry over to Kilchoan then visit Sanna Bay (if time) to the west and then head north to Acharacle and round the coast up to Loch Ailoirt and then west to Arisaig along the A830.

Campsite Sunnyside Campsit e, Arisaig

Drive north to Mallaig and get the ferry over to Armadale on Skye. Drive north towards Glenbrittle which is close to some great scenery.

Visit Talisker Whisky Distillery which does fantastic tours.
Walk to the Fairy Pools which are located along the road from Merkadale to Glenbrittle. The walk starts at the Forestry Commision carpark signposted ‘Blumagan Na Sithichean.’

Campsite: Glenbrittle Campsite

Drive around to the town of Portree and over the Skye bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh then head south towards Dornie and Eilean Donan Castle then through Glen Sheil on the A87 and continue onto the A887 towards Loch Ness to Invermoriston and head south to Fort Augustus then continue on the A82 south towards Fort William

Visit Portree
Eilean Donan Castle
Trout fishing Loch Lochy – no need for permit here – recommend you head down to Gairlochy at south end of the loch

Campsite : Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park

Drive south down the A82 through the beautiful Glencoe to Four Seasons Campers on Loch Lomond for 1300 and we will lift you over to Edinburgh from there.

Road Trip Routes

Access more road trip ideas and sign up to view our scottish adventure webpage, quick links.

01389 830602
[email protected]

Campervan tour: Skye and Highlands

A road trip by campervan to the most beautiful sites from edinburgh to the isle of skye..

Whether this is your first road trip or you are an adept of "van life", Scotland is the ideal place for this beautiful adventure! Freedom is the key word of this van tour to discover the most beautiful Scottish sites during one week. Set out with your home on wheels to visit the Trossachs and Cairngorms National Parks, the magnificent Isle of Skye, Loch Lomond, the Quiraings, not to mention intriguing Edinburgh! Every evening, you choose where to sleep, classic or wilderness camping, and in the morning, sip your coffee or tea before a magnificent landscape, listening to the birds singing and watching the sun rise...

You will like...

A real scottish adventure.

Explore Scotland's most beautiful sites with a fully equipped campervan.

The best hikes

Hiking near Loch Lomond and the most beautiful peaks in Scotland.

Stunning landscapes

Enjoy the stunning view of Glen Etive at sunset and wake up in your van.

Highlights of Scotland

Visit Edinburgh and its famous castle.

Trip Itinerary

Check out or itinerary, don't forget we can customize this trip ! We can’t wait to show you around!

Itinerary Map

Pricing Chart

Our “from” price is based on mid-season prices and for a group of 8 people.

What's included ?

Trip organisation (customisation and bookings)
Campervan rental
Accomodation
All Breakfasts
Personalised guidebook
All ferry crossings
24/7 emergency telephone support
Navigation App with preloaded walking routes and maps

What's not included ?

Lunches and dinners
Entry fees to attractions such as distilleries or museums

Related Tours in Scotland

Check out some of our tour ideas to discover Scotland. We can’t wait to show you around!

The Sorcerer Trail

North coast 500 road trip

The Ultimate James Bond tour

Book your perfect campervan and hit the road !

Check available campervans, compare our campervans.

LEFT HAND DRIVE

Scotland’s Road Trips!

Here are some tour ideas for you including our teams fav - the OTC tour !

3 Day Road Trip

7 Day Road Trip

NC500 Road Trip

OTC tour Road Trip

9 epic ideas

Wild camping in Scotland

West Coast, North and East Coast Driving Routes

Exploring by Motorhome & Camper Van in Scotland

Based on our 30 years of touring experience , we are convinced Scotland has something really special to offer for motorhome holidays.

With all our travels in Europe, Scotland is by far one of the best countries to see from the road. Breathtaking scenery, combined with the genuine warmth from the locals, makes for an experience you'll never forget.

There are a hundred different ways to tour Scotland from the Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond to the jagged North Coast to the impressive Forth Road Bridge.

So if you're thinking of a motorhome holiday, think Scotland. We promise you won't be disappointed.

Why choose a Scottish road trip by motorhome & Campervan?

Our motorhomes & campervans are designed to get the most from your time in them. For example, pre-installed Tom Tom's come programmed with the essential information you'll need while travelling.

This takes the stress out of chores and makes travelling as easy as possible, helping you get back on the road quickly.

One of our specialities is wild camping. We offer Privilege membership to the countries prestige campsites, caravan parks and car parks, so while travelling in one of our motorhomes, you'll never have to pay extra for overnight parking.

Also included in our motorhomes are copies of our best travel routes, meaning you'll never be wondering where to go or what to do next.

We hope all the little touches we add help create a truly unique holiday, making it easier to travel through glens, around lochs and across Scotland in comfort.

We have years of knowledge and have developed expertise in travelling around Scotland, and we are eager to share this with you.

If you need help planning a route, knowing whether something is worth driving to, or want some top tips for getting the most from your road trip, give us a call.

Routes to see the best of Scotland on your Motorhome Trip

We can provide one of our three specified driving routes across Scotland. All of the routes are motorhome friendly and are for the East, West and the far North of the country.

After all, the next step after you hire a campervan is figuring out where your road trip will take you. We are proud to have developed and supplied many happy customers with the best touring routes to take around Scotland.

Our most popular routes can take you through the Highlands at the northern tip of the country or to the East and West coasts, stopping off at all the best places along the way.

With our routes full of stunning views, optional wild camping and fun activities , we hope they meet every need and live up to every expectation you have for touring Scotland.

North-East Coast Route

This route begins in Perth, where we are located, and takes you along the Eastern coast and up to the northern tip of the country.

Along the way, you can stop off and see:

The medieval Glamis Castle
Scone Palace
Captain Scott's ship, "The Discovery"
Dunnottar Castle
Wild seals at Buckpool
The Culloden Battlefield and Museum
The Orkney Isles
Loch Assynt

Western Coast Route

Our tour of the West coast of Scotland is adaptable to meet your needs and can be cut short at any time, meaning it can be between 7 and 14 days long.

Just some of the places you'll visit include:

Summer Isles
Isle of Skye
Fort William
Cairngorms National Park

Outer Hebrides Route

For this route, you'll head north to the idyllic chain of islands just 30 miles off the North-West coast of Scotland.

The Outer Hebrides and the Western Isles are a series of islands consisting of the Isles of Lewis, Harris, Scalpay, Beneray, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay.

This 10–14-day route takes you to the far reaches of the country, and you can expect phenomenal beaches, breathtaking views and an abundance of wildlife.

There is no shortage of amazing places to visit, things to see and activities to experience on this route.

Just some of the highlights include:

Landmark Forest Park
The Highland Folk Museum
Strathspey Steam Railway
The Whalebone Arch
Callanish Stones
The Iron Age Village
Abhainn Dearg Distillery
Glenfinnan Monument
Neptune's Staircase

Off the Beaten Track

Of course, one of the best things about hiring one of our motorhomes is the freedom that comes with it. This is your road trip, and your holiday can be specifically designed by you.

Mix and match with some of our suggestions above, or tour the majestic lochs of Scotland including Loch Lomond, Loch Fyne and the famous Loch Ness. Write your own adventure by veering off the beaten track and taking the road less travelled.

You can see what you want to see, go where you want to go and do what you want to do. Most importantly, you should relax and enjoy what Scotland has to offer because it truly is unique and provides things nowhere else in the world can.

Get in touch today!

For more information on the routes we have developed, please take a look around our website, at our blog or give us a call.

The best part of touring Scotland in a motorhome is the freedom, so with any of our routes, you can add, remove or adjust as needed.

For further advice and recommendations for your campervan road trip, don't hesitate to get in touch with our knowledgeable team today.

Motorhome Hire Scotland - Itinerary Guide Scotland is a very beautiful country, rich in culture and history...

We are the only company who have all brand new very high specification motorhomes, however and more important than that is the service and advice of where to go and also where not t o go from experienced expert local motor homers.

This is a route designed by us for your motorhome holiday.

Our Outer Hebrides motorhome route will take around 10 to 14 day to complete, Only 30 miles from the North West coast of Scotland are the Islands of the Outer Hebrides.

Trying to strike a balnce of keeping the kids amused and still enjoying a holiday thats both active and intresting is not always easy, our west coast route is based on our own experiance's with some suggested stops that my children have enjoyed along the way.

This route has been developed by us for your motorhome holiday, this 7–14-day tour and a circular route covering the East coast of Scotland and black Isles.

Take a look at what we offer with our luxuruy motorhome hire. With everything included that could need, we try to ensure our clients have the best trip possible when exploring this fantastic country.

Thinking about touring the NC500 with a campervan why not include Orkney as part of the journey.

A Short Scotland Road Trip of Castles, Lakes and Epic Wilds

Recom. Days

Freelance writer for Indie Campers, currently trying to find herself in Indonesia but without much luck. Enjoys exploring weird and wonderful world cuisine — the less identifiable, the better.

Motorhoming & Campervanning in Scotland

Motorhoming and Campervanning in Scotland

Planning a motorhome or campervan trip to Scotland? Want to know where you can legally park, the rules on wild camping with a motorhome, where you can go and the best places to visit in Scotland with a campervan? Here’s everything you need to know to go motorhoming or campervanning in Scotland.

Don’t forget to download your FREE NC500 itinerary below to help you plan your Scottish road trip.

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

JUMP AHEAD TO...

Campervanning in Scotland – why you should go!

Scotland is one of the best places in the UK for a motorhoming or campervanning trip. The scenery, the history and the mix between mountains and beaches just speak to my soul.

You can explore Scotland using public transport, but it’s so much better if you have your own vehicle- whether that’s a motorhome or campervan (our preferred options), or a car, caravan or even motorbike.

One of the best things about being able to explore Scotland on a motorhoming holiday is that you can get a feel for the country in a short space of time.

It’s not a huge country and you can see an awful lot in just 10-14 days on a Scotland Road trip .

In this guide, we’re going to share with you everything you need to know to go motorhoming or campervanning in Scotland, including how to travel to Scotland with your vehicle, the best places to visit in Scotland with a camper, planning your itinerary and route, where to stay on your trip, driving tips and other practical advice to help you have an amazing Scottish road trip.

If this is your first campervanning trip to Scotland , don’t forget to grab your free motorhome travel checklist which will help you plan and organise everything you need.

Motorhoming in Scotland- Where to go

When planning a motorhome trip to Scotland, the first thing you need to do is decide where you’re going (and how long you are going for!)

How long to go for?

If you’re driving to Scotland from within the UK (we’ll cover that shortly), it’s pretty easy to find- just head North!

You can easily visit and explore Scotland for just a few days or a week and it’s quite easy to drive around. Of course, if you have two weeks or longer, you can see a lot more of the country.

How long does it take to drive across Scotland?

Scotland isn’t a huge country and you can drive across it quite quickly if you use the main roads.

As a guide, Gretna Green (right on the southern border between England and Scotland) to John o’Groats (on the northern coast) takes about 7 hours (360miles) (Average speed 51mph)

It’s also not a wide country. Oban (west coast) to Edinburgh (east coast) is only 124 miles and will take about 3 hours. (Average speed 40mph)

If you want to plan a route around the North Coast 500, we recommend 7-10 days to enjoy it properly (See our 7-10 day itinerary and route planner for the NC500 here .)

TOP TIP: As you can see by those timings, you will NOT be driving at motorway speeds for most of the country. The roads are often small and slow. Don’t underestimate how long a journey will take you, especially if you’re in a larger vehicle like a motorhome or campervan .

Best places to visit in Scotland in a campervan

Some of our favourite places to visit in Scotland include:

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs (be careful of the rules for wild camping with a motorhome in Scotland )
Isle of Skye- you can see most of it in 2 days (get our FREE Isle of Skye itinerary for motorhomes )
John o’Groats- touristy, but you have to visit at least once i
Edinburgh- especially the castle and Arthur’s seat
The Cairngorms- The biggest National Park in the UK
Drive the NC500 – some of the best scenery and beaches in Scotland
The SW300 and many other most scenic roads in Scotland
Any of the whisky distilleries
Orkney- you can do a day trip to Orkney with your camper

If you enjoy reading books before a trip, here are some we recommend for Scotland:

See more fun and practical motorhoming books we recommend reading

And, of course, you HAVE to watch the series Outlander (or read the books !) – it’s a wonderful way to learn about the history while enjoying some eye candy 😉

When is the best time to visit Scotland?

Scotland is worth visiting at any time of the year, but for different reasons. It never gets crazy warm- top temperatures in August only average 19c and it can (and does!) rain whenever it likes. So always bring appropriate clothing, layers and a coat!

Spring in Scotland

Spring is lovely- as long as it’s after April. The moors and fields are full of Spring flowers and the views are beautiful.

Although technically Spring starts on 21 February, the weather doesn’t really warm up until end of April/ May- average temperatures in May are 15c Avoid the Easter holidays if you can- prices get hiked up then and it can get very busy.

Summer road trips in Scotland

Summer is great temperature wise… but there are 2 big downsides to summer- crowds and midges.

Scotland gets VERY crowded in the summer holidays (July and August)- especially around the big cities and attractions, like Edinburgh, Loch Lomond and anything to do with Harry Potter.

Also, famous routes like the NC500 become over-crowded with campervans and motorhomes trying to find places to stay (we’ll deal with that shortly.)

Having said that, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo (held in August) is well worth the cost and crowds- it’s a wonderful experience.

Scotland road trip travel planner route map guide

Planning a trip to Scotland?

We’ve done the hard work for you!

Grab our complete Scotland travel planner and get:

80+ ideas for places to visit
Maps and itinerary suggestions
Routes and things to see along the way
Tips, customs and much much more!

Midge season in Scotland

Never heard of midges? Visit in summer and you will! Midges are flying insects. Scotland has a type called biting midges, which are active between May and September (temperature dependant.)

However, the very worst time is July and August where it’s almost impossible to get away from them.

I cunningly married a man who attracts midges, mosquitos and everything else (smart, huh?!) and he got bitten horrendously when we were in Scotland in July.

However, even I (who rarely gets bitten and normally sits there smugly while he complains) was attacked by these terrors. So DEFINITELY get some decent protection.

The best one we’ve found is Avon Skin So Soft- no idea why, but it really does work!

Autumn in Scotland

Autumn is actually our favourite time to go campervanning in Scotland. The days are still long and (hopefully!) warmish, the leaves look amazing as they change colours, and the crowds from summer have gone.

Roads are clearer and there are still enough hours in the day to explore and see things.

Oh, and if you’re REALLY lucky, you can even see the Northern Lights in Scotland as early as September.

The weather will be chilly from the end of October into November and many places close at end of October, so do your research if there’s something specific you want to do or see.

Confused about wild camping? Wondering if wild camping is legal in the UK, especially in Scotland? Today, we try to clear up the confusion for you...

Winter campervanning in Scotland

I’ll be honest, winter in Scotland starts around the end of November and runs until April. It gets COLD, there will be snow and you’ll need to prepare your van and yourself with appropriate gear. Campervan heating is going to be essential! The days are also shorter, so you’ll have less time to explore.

Having said that, there are some reasons to visit Scotland in winter, despite the weather, snow and many places being shut.

The best time is Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve). The festivities and parties are legendary, especially in Edinburgh and there’s almost guaranteed to be music and dancing at a pub near you.

Planning a driving route to Scotland

Honestly, it’s not hard to find Scotland- just drive north from anywhere in England! 🙂

From Dover to the Scottish border takes about 6 and a half hours (385miles). The quickest route is to use the motorways- A2/M2/M25/M11/ A1(M)

You could also use the M40/M6, but be warned that the traffic around Birmingham is often awful and it only gets worse on the M6. If you go this route, go as early as possible and avoid rush hours.

Some top tips for route planning:

Avoid driving in rush hour where possible (usually 7-9am and 4-6.30pm)
Try to avoid driving on the weekends or on bank holidays- LOTS of traffic
Alternatively, get up early and do as much driving as possible before the traffic hits, then stop and have a nap somewhere safe- a huge advantage of having a motorhome or campervan with a bed with you!!

Can I drive to Scotland in the Winter?

Yes, you can. Generally the major routes are open all year. However, the UK is notoriously bad at dealing with snow and adverse weather (although Scotland is admittedly better than England).

At the first sign of snowfall, expect drivers to do the craziest things, including but not limited to driving at 3mph, driving down the middle of the road, stopping unexpectedly, taking 17 hours to decide if they’re turning and generally forgetting all common sense (I’m British, I’m allowed to say this stuff ?)

Make planning your next road trip EASY (& fun!)

When you’re planning a road trip, keeping track & organising all your ideas is often the hardest part. Fix that TODAY with our printable pdf road trip planner. Grab yours FREE now

This form subscribes you to our mailing list. We share tips, itineraries, stupid mistakes and guides like this for road trippers and motorhomers.

We never spam (yuck) and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Borders / Customs in Scotland

Scotland is part of the UK. There is no ‘hard border’ between England and Scotland- you can just drive right across. If you are going on a ferry, you may be required to show some ID, but otherwise you don’t need any.

Scotland uses GBP (sterling) as currency. You might receive banknotes with ‘Bank of Scotland’ on them. These are legal tender in England and Wales too. But you do NOT need ‘Bank of Scotland’ bills- Bank of England is fine.

Bringing a dog/ pet into Scotland

If your dog is England or Wales based, you can travel with them into Scotland without any paperwork, although we always recommend carrying microchip details and details of their innoculations, just in case.

If your dog is NOT UK based, you will need to carry:

Microchip details
Proof of rabies vaccination/ Pet Passport
Proof of Tapeworm treatment – must be given between 1 and 5 days before crossing into Britain. The treatment is not necessary if you travel DIRECTLY from Finland, Ireland , Malta or Norway. You do NOT need a second tapeworm treatment for travelling into Scotland if you have already been in England or Wales for more than 5 days.

READ MORE: Taking your dog into Europe after BREXIT- new rules to follow

Hiring a motorhome or campervan to tour Scotland

If you don’t have your own vehicle, or don’t want to drive to Scotland, you can easily fly in and hire one. Just make sure to ask how to get from the airport to the rental agency- not all of them are at the airport itself and you might need to book a taxi.

To rent a vehicle in Scotland you must:

be at least 21 years old, (certain car categories may require older) Some hire companies have a maximum age limit of 75.
have had a driving licence for more than one year
show identification (identity card for EU citizens or a valid passport for other nationalities)

You can expect to pay from around £50/ day for a small campervan in June out of peak season. Many of the van rental periods ask for a minimum of 5 nights, so be sure to ask the right questions so you know what to expect from your motorhome or campervan rental

NOTE: The UK and Scotland use 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. All power sockets are type G 3-pin. Remember to bring appropriate adaptors for your electronic devices.

Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip?

These might help:

Discover incredible deals for motorhome/ camper rentals
Find the best deals for car rental

READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome

Motorhome rules in Scotland- what gear do you need to carry?

Unlike motorhoming in France or many countries in Europe, there is NOT a list of equipment you MUST carry in your vehicle for any of the countries in the UK.

That being said, it makes sense to carry this safety gear with you:

Warning triangle
Headlight beam converters – if you have a European vehicle. These must be fitted before you drive in the UK. (If you have a vehicle which allows you to adjust the beam automatically for UK driving, you won’t need these.)
A spare wheel (and tools to change it!), or a tyre repair kit.
If you wear glasses you should carry a spare pair
Crash helmets are mandatory for motorbike/ moped riders and passengers

NOTE: Hi-vis reflective jackets are NOT legally required in Scotland (or the UK) but they are in both France and Germany, so you’ll need them if you go there.

Snow chains or winter tyres are not compulsory, but we highly recommend them if visiting Scotland in winter.

Goodyear Emergency Safety Warning Triangle Reflective Fold Up &...

TOP TIP: You can save a lot of money buying this kit in advance. See the latest deals and best prices on essential gear here

What documents do you need to road trip in Scotland?

If you’re driving in Scotland, you need to carry the following documents:

Passport (or identity card if from Ireland)
Driving licence (check it is in date!) An EU driving licence is accepted
Vehicle registration document/ V5 logbook. (See below)
Campervan or Motorhome Insurance documents
Breakdown cover
Vehicle must be legally taxed and MOT’d
Personal travel insurance

You also do not need a green card, IDP or trailer certification if you are UK based. If you are based outside of the UK, please ask your insurer to confirm what they need to provide to make sure you are covered (it varies from country to country.)

Many UK residents choose not to carry their vehicle registration documents with them, as a safety measure against theft/ break-in.

However, you may be asked to present yourself with the document at a police station within a few days. If you cannot do this (if you live outside mainland UK), then you should carry the registration document with you.

Tolls or Vignette in Scotland

You’ll be pleased to know that Scotland does not have a vignette system and there are currently no toll roads. You can just turn up in your vehicle and drive.

Touring Scotland in a campervan- Other useful things you might need

We’ve been touring Europe in our motorhome for several years. We’ve tried all sorts of kit- some useful, some not so much.

Here is a list of things we highly recommend when motorhoming in Scotland, but which are NOT essential:

Motorhome WiFi – learn our favourite way to get internet on the road
Toll pass (see below)
TV- If you’d like TV in your motorhome or camper , here’s how to get it.
Motorhome sat-nav – get one you can enter your motorhome dimensions into, like these
Motorhome security camera – this thing is GOLD for allowing us to go exploring and leave the van for a short time.
Solar panel- perfect if you want to wild camp in Scotland with your motorhome
Inverter- a motorhome wild camping essential
An awesome motorhoming logbook to record and remember your adventures!

Motorhome Stopovers and Overnight camper parking in Scotland

Like most countries in Europe, there are several types of places where you can stop with your motorhome or campervan overnight in Scotland

Free/ approved motorhome parking schemes
Wild Camping (we’ll talk more about the legality of that shortly)

Campsites in Scotland for Motorhomes and Campervans

Campsites in Scotland are much like other campsites anywhere around Europe. Some are very rustic, whereas others are incredibly well-equipped with pools, entertainment and more!

They’re pretty easy to find, especially if you’re a member of ACSI or have a book!

You normally don’t need to book in advance unless you’re visiting in peak season, are going to a VERY popular one (like Edinburgh or Loch Ness) or are visiting during a festival/ event.

If you plan to use a lot of campsites, we recommend joining one of the UK’s biggest motorhome clubs , where you can get discounted fees on your campsite bookings. You can save the money to cover a year’s membership in just 5 nights.

Be aware that many campsites close at the end of the season, some as early as mid September and don’t re-open until Easter. So do your research, especially if you’re travelling out of season.

READ MORE: Here are some of the best campsites on the North Coast 500 for motorhomes and campervans

Aires in Scotland

An Aire is an approved motorhome and campervan overnight parking place. There are aires in Europe all over the place and using them is common for motorhomers and campervanners.

READ MORE: Learn how we find and use aires and approved free overnight motorhome stopovers across Europe

However, Scotland, like most of the UK, does NOT have a system of aires in the way you might be expecting.

There ARE some places which might be considered an aire, but they are more like car parks and very few have services, even if they do allow motorhomes and campervans to park overnight.

CS/ CL sites in Scotland

Instead of aires, there are a network of small campsites (maximum 5 pitches) which are all over the UK.

The services provided vary from place to place, but you CAN book them in advance (you can’t with aires) and many of them offer electric hookup, waste disposal and the ability to get fresh water.

These are our preferred option when we’re touring Scotland in a van. To get the most of them, you’d need to join one of the motorhome clubs in order to get details, although you can book into some without being a member by phoning them directly.

Some of these sites have a minimum number of nights which must be stayed, especially in peak season, but prices can be as low as £10 or £15/ night, so cheaper than a campsite.

Want more tips for motorhoming?

Here are some more ideas you might find useful:

Essential Motorhome accessories every van should have
Best Sat-nav for motorhomes or campervans
Motorhome Security – tips for at home and on the road
How to get Internet & wifi in a motorhome
Europe- essential gear for travelling to Europe
Best gift ideas for motorhome and campervan owners

Want FREE checklists, eBooks and additional tips to help? Visit our resource page

Other Approved Motorhome and Campervan stopover schemes

The Scottish government are working to create a better system for visiting motorhomes and campervans. They tried a temporary option using Forestry sites for overnight stays, and are discussing creating aires.

There is a scheme in the UK called Brit Stops , which connects motorhomers and campervanners with pubs, restaurants, cafes and local businesses who are prepared to allow overnight parking (with little or no facilities), in exchange for you spending money at their business- buying a meal in the pub or restaurant, spending money in the market or shop.

There are some wonderful places and it’s a great way to meet locals and get an insight into the local area, so well worth looking into.

Wild camping in Scotland for motorhomes and campers

Ok, let’s talk about wild camping in Scotland for motorhomes and vans.

Usually, I am the first person to promote and encourage responsible motorhome wild camping . We enjoy it immensely and have done it across most of Europe with any issue.

Scotland has long been a destination for campervanners and motorhomers looking to stay off-grid, despite the fact that wild camping in Scotland is not a ‘right’ (a bit like if you go campervanning in Norway )

motorhome and campervan parking laws in the UK, England, Scotland and Wales and Europe- what's legal, what's not.

However, the country has been overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of vans in recent years (much like wild camping with a motorhome in Portugal ) and they have had to deal with years of abuse and mistreatment.

The problem with many of the campervans who visit Scotland is that they don’t have their own facilities onboard- and people have been leaving waste (of the humankind and other kinds) all over the place. If you need to find a toilet as you travel, lockdown loo is a great resource.

On top of that, many wild camping spots don’t have any facilities, so people have been leaving piles of rubbish and even emptying their chemical toilets into bushes or over the countryside.

Times this by thousands upon thousands of vanlifers and it’s no wonder the Scottish government are trying to protect their country.

Motorhome wild camping guides for the UK & Europe

For information on how to find good wild camping places, WHAT to do when you’re there and how to stay safe, check out our step-by-step guide for motorhome wild camping in the UK and Europe, complete with database of 250+ overnight spots we’ve stayed with our motorhome.

Don’t forget to grab your free wild camping checklist here

Is wild camping / free camping legal in Scotland for campervans and motorhomes?

The first thing to understand is that there is a difference between ‘overnight parking’ and ‘ wild camping’ when it comes to motorhomes and campers.

Usually (and I know I’m definitely guilty of this), we say ‘wild camping’ when what we actually mean is parking up overnight, and then moving on again in the morning.

Overnight parking means no awnings, outdoor furniture, BBQs, motorhome generators , washing lines or anything OUTSIDE the vehicle.

It is not illegal to park up overnight in a safe and appropriate location and stay inside your van. Lorry drivers do this all the time.

FREE NC500 Road Trip Itinerary

Want some ideas for your NC500 road trip? Including routes, places to visit and campsites- for FREE? Tell us where to send it and we’ll email it across

Completing this form allows you to receive emails with motorhome travel and road trip tips from Wandering Bird.

We will never spam or sell your email details (yuck!) You can unsubscribe from our emails at any time.

The problem comes when people are not choosing places which are safe or appropriate AND then they don’t move on in the morning (that’s the new wild camping law ). Or they put out washing/ chairs/ awnings etc and ‘camp’ for a few days.

Wild camping with a motorised vehicle is NOT allowed in Scotland- and the locals are getting more and more upset with the damage and mess left behind.

So, at the moment, until better facilities are in place, we don’t recommend wild camping in Scotland with a motorhome or campervan- use one of the campsites, CS or CL locations and avoid any unpleasantness.

READ MORE : How to wild camp with a motorhome or campervan in Scotland

Wild Campervanning in Scotland’s National Parks

If you are travelling well out of season and are in a very remote location which is not anywhere near the NC500, you might be ok with finding an overnight parking place.

However, bear in mind that most of the National Parks have byelaws which completely prohibit overnight parking for motorised vehicles in any form unless at an approved location or with a permit.

Also, it is often forbidden to light a fire in these areas, unless in an official fireplace. Please be sure to read the byelaws carefully.

Video of motorhome wild camping in Scotland laws

If you’d like to see the video of the laws about wild camping with a van in Scotland, watch this. NOTE: This was filmed before the effects of the pandemic were fully realised- tensions have risen quite a lot since then and locals are a lot less tolerant.

We hope you found the video useful. If you did, we’d love it if you followed us on Youtube . New videos with tips for motorhoming and campervanning in the UK and Europe are released weekly.

Driving tips for Scotland

Scotland has a good road network. Most places can be reached by motorhome or camper, but there are a few roads which are not suitable for larger vehicle or anything over 3.5t.

Some basic rules for driving in Scotland:

Scotland drives on the LEFT, like everywhere in the UK, but opposite to most of Europe
Overtake on the right (NEVER undertake)
Seat belts are obligatory for all passengers.
Children under 12 who are under 135 cm (4 ft 5 in) tall should use a child seat appropriate for their weight.
Speed limits are shown by a circular sign, with a red border and number (in miles per hour)
The use of the horn is prohibited in built-up areas from 2330 to 0700 hours.
Farm animals or wildlife are common on rural roads- always take care, especially at night
At some junctions you might see criss-crossed yellow lines painted on the road. Do not stop in these boxes- stop before them and do not enter until the exit is clear.
Many buses in the UK have cameras on the back; do not drive in bus lanes- you will be fined.
Hands-free calling is allowed, but it is strongly discouraged. Handheld calling will attract a hefty fine.
There is NO rules for headlights to be switched on during the day.
Police cars, ambulances & fire engines always have priority- they could use flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights. Pull safely to the side of the road and let them pass.
Roundabouts are common in Scotland. Give way to vehicles from your right, and turn left on entering the roundabout.
It is common for very rural roads to be single track, with passing places. These places are NOT parking spots- do not leave your vehicle here, you will block the road. But make note of them as you drive as you may need to reverse to the last one if you meet oncoming traffic (a motorhome reversing camera is a godsend in these situations.)
Scotland does NOT have on-the-spot fines for driving offences. You will either be asked to report to a local police station within a set period of time, or the fine will arrive through the post.

Speed limits in Scotland

Motorway signs are blue with white writing. Other road signs are green or brown for places of interest.

Speed Limits for vehicles under 3.05t are as follows (unless otherwise signed!)

Motorways- 70mph (112km/h)
Major roads/ dual carriageways- 70mph (112km/h)
Outside built-up areas- 60 mph (96 km/h)
Built up areas- 30 mph (48 km/h)

Many residential areas have speed limits as low as 20mph 32 km/h), especially near schools.

Speed limits for vehicles over 3.05t

Major roads/ dual carriageways- 60 mph (96 km/h)
Outside built-up areas- 50 mph (80 km/h)

Speed limits for vehicles towing a caravan or trailer

Motorways- 60 mph (96 km/h)

You can see speed limits for all vehicle categories in the UK here

Speed cameras in Scotland

There are many speed cameras in Scotland. Pay attention to your speed- fines are not as severe as if you were campervanning in Switzerland , but they are still pretty high.

Drink driving laws

Driving under the influence of alcohol is taken very seriously in Scotland and the UK. Scotland only allows 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood. As always, don’t drink and drive.

Driving in Scotland- what to do in the event of a road traffic accident

You should have a European Claim Form provided by your insurer before you leave. In the event of an accident, all parties complete and sign the form at the scene and then send a copy to your insurer for assessment.

What to do at the scene:

Stop your vehicle immediately but safely- out of the flow of traffic if possible.
If a vehicle is blocking the road, use hazard lights and put the red warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching traffic- do NOT do this on motorways
Name and address of all the people involved in the accident
Vehicle registration numbers of all parties
Insurance company details of all parties
Take photos of damage using a camera, GoPro or phone

For more details, read our step-by-step guide on dealing with a road traffic accident in Europe

Petrol/ Diesel

There are plenty of fuel stations across Scotland, although they are less common in rural areas. We recommend not letting your tank drop below half-full and filling up when you can if you are driving into remote areas, like around the NC500. As with everywhere, you’ll find the prices slightly higher on the motorways.

Petrol – Unleaded 95 ‘premium unleaded’ /unleaded 97 ‘super unleaded’. Green handles on pump

Diesel is called… diesel. Black or yellow handles on pump

Some places are 24h pay at the pump (mainly near cities), but many require you to go into the shop and pay the cashier either in advance or after you’ve filled up- there will be a sign to tell you what to do. (Leave your car in front of the pump and make a note of the pump number.)

You can pay using cash or a credit card. European visa cards are usually accepted- remember you will pay the exchange rate. Many places do NOT take American Express.

Getting LPG in Scotland

LPG (GPL) can be found at selected petrol stations. If buying from a petrol station, you may need to wait for an attendant to turn the system on for you.

You can find places which sell LPG using MyLPG.eu

Remember, if you don’t have refillable gas bottles , you will be unable to buy a gas bottle which fits straight onto a European system- you will need a UK pigtail.

UK filling stations mostly use a bayonet type attachment which requires an adaptor for use with other European LPG vehicle connectors. Make sure that you have a suitable adaptor before travelling.

LEARN MORE: Learn how we find LPG in Europe for our motorhome

More useful things to know when campervanning in Scotland

Some more tips to help you enjoy your time touring in Scotland.

Phone Dialling Code: +44

Capital : Edinburgh

Emergency Numbers: 999 will get you police, fire, ambulance and coastguard. Also, 112 (the European emergency number) will also work in the UK

Language – The official language of Scotland is English. Gaelic is also spoken and you may see signs in Gaelic.

Currency – GBP (£ sterling) You can exchange money at banks or many post offices or travel agents. There are also a multitude of ATMs available.

Cards – most major credit and debit cards are accepted. American Express is only taken in large stores (often not at fuel stations)

Timezone – GMT. During summer, the country adopts British BST – Summer Time (UTC +1), which usually ends in the last week of October.

Tipping- Tipping is not expected but appreciated. 5% – 10% in restaurants is standard if you are happy with the service.

Shops – Many normal shops close at 5.30pm, with bigger supermarkets often open until 10pm. Many small shops will not be open on Sundays, but bigger supermarkets and garages may be open for about 6 hours (often from 10-4pm)

Some of the local Scottish dishes to try include:

Tattie Scones- also called potato scones. They’re not ‘scones’ with cream and jam, but like potato bread, which is traditional with ‘proper’ breakfasts. Talking of which
Scottish Breakfasts- sausages, bacon, black pudding, tattie scones, baked beans, fried eggs, mushrooms… yum
Haggis (sheep parts including lungs, heart etc), which is mixed with oatmeal, suet, and seasonings and then cooked in a sheep’s stomach. I’ll be honest, I’ve never tried it…
Cullin Skink- a hearty soup made with Finnan haddock (smoked haddock), potatoes, and onions. Also known as smoked haddock chowder in other parts of Britain.
Cock-a-leekie soup- basically a soup with whatever’s to hand thrown in.
Scottish Shortbread. Traditional biscuits, sweeter than oatmeal cookies- very buttery and sugary. Delicious!

Campervanning in Scotland- security

We highly recommend paying extra attention to your motorhome security when travelling in Scotland. You might even wish to fit an extra camper habitation door lock and never leave your vehicle unattended in an unsecure area.

READ MORE: Essential tips for protecting your van at home and on the road

Touring Scotland with a dog

Scotland is pretty dog friendly and there are plenty of places to walk with them both on and off-lead. They’re allowed inside many restaurants, pubs and cafes- usually just ask if there isn’t a clear sign.

They are not allowed into public places like museums, but are usually welcome on trains and most public transport with a lead.

Don’t forget how hot it gets in summer and to make sure your dog is comfortable. Do NOT leave them in your motorhome or camper on a sunny day- vans heat up just like cars do. Here are some tips to keep your dog cool on a road trip.

Using a drone in Scotland

You are allowed to take and fly your drone in Scotland, but it is a legal requirement for all drones weighing between 250g and 20kg to be registered and flown by competent pilots.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority works hard to balance drone users with other airspace users and have lots of information and tools to help. Find out more here .

READ MORE: What’s the best travel drone (and how to choose)

We also recommend getting the Drone Assist app on your phone or iPad, which will tell you where you can/ cannot fly.

8 Epic FREE Castles to visit in England & the UK

Motorhoming and Campervanning in Ireland- The Ultimate Guide

Ireland road trip – 7 epic Itinerary ideas to inspire you

Visiting Europe in April or May? Don’t miss these incredible events!

Visiting Ireland with a dog? Read this First!

Tintagel Castle & Merlin’s Cave

Day Trips & Days Out in Scotland

Now is your time to enjoy a day trip in Scotland! There are hundreds of tours, day trip ideas, itineraries and more than you can use to create an exciting weekend break, or even a spontaneous last-minute day out.

A City Sightseeing Bus in the Grassmarket

How to Travel Responsibly

It's more important than ever that we are kind and look after each other and Scotland itself. Wherever you're going on your day trip, it's important to:

Plan ahead.
Book before you go.
Don't leave anything behind.
Explore somewhere different.

Read more on being a responsible tourist .

If you're a city dweller...

If you're based in one of our incredible cities or are visiting, it's easy to explore beyond the city with lots of ideas for day trips and tours.

5 Great Day Trips From Aberdeen

Discover great days trips from Aberdeen easily accessible by public transport. Including Stonehaven, Breamar, Elgin, Arbroath and more!

6 Cool Day Trips from Dundee

Plan exciting day trips from Dundee and discover an array of attractions.

6 Great Day Trips From Edinburgh

Discover great days trips from Edinburgh easily accessible by public transport. Including South Queensferry, Melrose, Roslin, North Berwick and more!

5 Best Day Trips from Glasgow

Find exciting day trips from Glasgow by public transport. Discover places including Loch Lomond, Falls of Clyde, Lochranza Distillery and more.

7 Fantastic Day Trips From Inverness

Discover fantastic day trips from Inverness, easily accessed by public transport.

7 Amazing Day Trips From Perth

Discover amazing day trips from Perth which can be accessed by public transport.

Looking for something new?

Cottages at Pittenweem

Explore a different day out in Scotland

If you're looking for a new or slightly different adventure to experience in Scotland, there is plenty on offer!

West Sandwick Beach

Days Out with the Family

Pack up the family and head outdoors to enjoy a range of exciting family-friendly adventures and activities.

Mennock Pass

Enjoy the scenic route

Sometimes one of the best parts of embarking on a trip is the mesmerising scenery you can witness along the way.

Pettycur Beach and Pettycur Bay Holiday Park

Explore our itineraries

If you want to take the thinking out, why not explore some of our enticing itineraries? From one day and weekend trips, to long week-long holidays and more.

Find experiences

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see this product search form. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Other things you might like

Vehicle Hire & Renting a Car in Scotland

Scotland’s most scenic driving routes.

Loch Ness & Highlands Tour

Things to See & Do in Scotland

Holiday Ideas for Scotland

Tourist Attractions in Scotland

Join our newsletter clan.

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

IMAGES

10 Incredible Campervan Holidays in Scotland
The best way to do a road trip in Scotland
5 Tips for the Ultimate Campervan Road Trip in Scotland
5 Tips for the Ultimate Campervan Road Trip in Scotland
campervan-road-trip-scotland-glencoe
The Ultimate Guide to Campervan Road Trips in Scotland

VIDEO

Scotland road trip 2024
Campervan New Year's Adventure: Discovering the picturesque beauty of Scotland in 2024!
Road trip with campervan in Australia ❤️ #healthylifestyle #familyovereverything #travel
Road Trip Campervan Final EP Newzealand
Scotland Road trip
Scotland Road Trip 1st Camping Adventure Part 3 is this the end of the adventures?

COMMENTS

Outdoorsy® Campervan Rentals
Experience the Great Outdoors in Comfort and Style with Our RV Rentals. Hit the Open Road with Our Campervans! Your Adventure Awaits
Rent Campervan Scotland
The Adventure of a Lifetime. Plan your Campervan Trip with us! Book with the World's Nº1 Campervan Rental. Easy and Fast Booking Online!
10 Best Campervan Routes and Tours in Scotland
Campervan sites in and around Loch Ness are ideal bases for exploring this famous area. There is the eco-friendly Loch Ness Shores site located on the sedate south shore, Loch Ness Bay Camping at Borlum Farm, Drumnadrochit, which sits directly opposite the Great Glen Way, and Loch Ness Highland Resort in scenic Fort Augustus. . Surrounded by pine trees and with umpteen Munros and superlative ...
Best Routes for Touring Scotland in a Motorhome or Campervan
North Coast 500. This 500-mile route is one of the most popular self-drive routes in Scotland, offering stunning views of the coast, mountains, and castles. Some of the popular places to visit on Scotland's North Coast 500 are: Inverness: A vibrant city on the east coast of Scotland, known for its history, culture, and scenery.
5 Tips for the Ultimate Campervan Road Trip in Scotland
Campervan Road Trip Tips for Scotland. We've rounded up the five most important tips for a campervan trip in Scotland so that you're ready to get behind the wheel. Pitlochry, Scotland. 1. Choosing the right campervan. Finding the right campervan for your trip is a subjective choice, as there are many things to consider.
Plan your Campervan road trip Scotland
Permits for staying overnight in these spaces can be booked online in advance at here and cost £3 per tent or motorhome/campervan per night. You can book a camping permit for up to three nights in one area. You can book up to 8 weeks in advance. A permit allows you to camp anywhere within your chosen permit area.
Van Life Scotland: A Complete Guide to Campervanning in Scotland
Scotland road trip itinerary 7 days + For a seven-day road trip, consider combining some of the longer drives connecting Scotland's cities. Edinburgh to Inverness Road Trip - The route from Edinburgh to Inverness takes in fabulous towns and villages in the south, the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, the town of Inverness, and the famous ...
10 of the Best Scotland Road Trips
Culzean Castle Club Site. Distance: 300 miles. For the full Scotland road trip route, click here. Top 5 things to do on this Scotland road trip: Culzean Castle: Set on a dramatic clifftop, surrounded by woodland and a rugged coastline, Culzean Castle is one of Scotland's most impressive fortresses.
Campervan Tour Routes Scotland
Our self-drive tour routes are a brilliant starting point to planning your campervan road trip in Scotland. We've pulled together a number of routes that have proved popular with our customers over the years to help you plan your campervan trip. Our routes provide you with things to see and do along the way, places to eat, top tourist ...
The best Scotland roadtrip route by motorhome
raw beauty, are what makes it the perfect destination for a road trip by campervan. Enjoy your stay in the heart of nature, discover ancient castles rich in history and marvel at panoramic views, which take your breath away. This article will show you everything you need to know to prepare your next road trip: Two itineraries of 7 and 14 days through Scotland with all the must-see places ...
A Guide to Campervanning in Scotland
The UK, in general, is a fantastic location for campervan road trips, but nothing quite compares to the stunning landscapes found in Scotland. With an abundance of scenic driving routes winding through breathtaking hills and along Scottish coasts, you'll truly be lost for words as your cruise through Scotland in your campervan.
Scotland Road Trip Planner: Free, Extensive & By a Local
North Coast 500 (3+ days) Scotland's answer to Route 66, just over 500 miles of the Scottish Highlands. Sights include turquoise beaches, live traditional music, sweeping landscapes, castles, ruins and distilleries. You can spend anything from 3 days to two weeks doing this popular road trip. Read more here.
Scotland Campervan Guide
The good news is we will be writing 10 & 14 day Scotland Guides can help you plan a slightly longer trip to fit more in so be sure to check those out as they get released. Scotland Campervan Guide | 5 - 7 Day Itinerary Scotland is understandably one of the most popular places to tour in a campervan. It has oodles of fantastic park ups, a vast ...
Scotland by Campervan 3 Amazing Road-trips
A road trip of 220 miles past mountains and lochs and through glens and woodlands. This Scotland by campervan road trip is brimming with wildlife. Travel north from Glasgow on the A82 and enter Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, a vast expanse of mountains, water and countryside. Pitch up for a few days at an idyllic loch-shore ...
Scotland Road Trip: 8 Incredible Routes for an Epic Trip
Aberdeen - Peterhead - Fraserburgh - Portsoy - Spey Bay - Glenlivet - Braemar - Aberdeen. Distance: 259 miles. Duration: 5-7 days. Drive Time: 7 hours. If you have just one week in Scotland, the North East 250 is the perfect 7 day self-drive tour of Scotland for lovers of coastlines, mountains, and whisky.
Scotland west coast road-trip itinerary
In the end I opted for a road-trip that would incorporate some of the best Highland scenery on Scotland's west coast. As I only had the campervan for 3 nights, I had to be selective in the places I could visit in order to reach a balance of having time to enjoy the adventure without spending too many hours behind the wheel.
North Coast 500 itinerary: Scotland's most epic road trip
Cape Wrath - Scotland's most north westerly point (detour) Cape Wrath is a significant detour on the NC500 route. The only way to access the peninsula is via the Cape Wrath Ferry, which is exclusively for foot passengers. The journey across the Kyle of Durness takes around 10 minutes.
10 Day Campervan Tour
Day 1 and 2 Arrive Glasgow and head into West End of the city. Visit Kelvingrove Gallery and head to Ashton Lane off Byres road or Argyll Street for nice restaurants Night 1 and 2-Arran Climb Goat Fell and visit Brodick Castle as well as sampling the great produce of Arran Campsites: Seal Shore … 10 Day Campervan Tour - Scottish Island Hopping - Arran, Islay, Mull, Skye Read More »
Self-drive campervan tour to the scottish highlands
A road trip by campervan to the most beautiful sites from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye. Whether this is your first road trip or you are an adept of "van life", Scotland is the ideal place for this beautiful adventure! Freedom is the key word of this van tour to discover the most beautiful Scottish sites during one week.
A 5-day Camping Road Trip In Scotland
Day 1: Edinburgh or Glasgow to Loch Lomond. From the Central Belt to the edge of the Highlands. Distance: 90 miles (from Edinburgh) 45 miles (from Glasgow) Driving time: two hours (from Edinburgh) one hour (from Glasgow) We've designed a circular road trip that can be started/finished in either Glasgow or Edinburgh, both of which have ...
Home
Explore the scenic beauty of Scotland with On Tour Campervans. Offering the largest fleet of cozy, easy-to-drive campervans, we cater to all your adventurous needs. Whether it's a family trip, a solo journey, or a romantic getaway, our range of heated, compact, and quirky vans are perfect for navigating Scotland's wild landscapes. Experience hassle-free booking, expert travel tips, and the ...
10 Incredible Campervan Holidays in Scotland
Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness. Campervan sites in and around Loch Ness are ideal bases for exploring this famous area. There is the eco-friendly Loch Ness Shores site located on the sedate south shore, Loch Ness Bay Camping at Borlum Farm, Drumnadrochit, which sits directly opposite the Great Glen Way, and Loch Ness Highland Resort ...
Motorhome Tour
Routes to see the best of Scotland on your Motorhome Trip . We can provide one of our three specified driving routes across Scotland. All of the routes are motorhome friendly and are for the East, West and the far North of the country. After all, the next step after you hire a campervan is figuring out where your road trip will take you.
Scotland Road Trip
Google Maps . Scotland is a land of kilts and ceilidhs, yes, but also ancient castles, remote islands, rugged mountain peaks, thick green forest, and vast, shimmering lochs.What better way to experience a place like that than with a Scotland road trip? Set off in your Indie camper on an adventure that begins in Scotland's unique capital, Edinburgh, with its streets steeped in history and ...
Motorhoming & Campervanning in Scotland
Best places to visit in Scotland in a campervan. Some of our favourite places to visit in Scotland include: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs (be careful of the rules for wild camping with a motorhome in Scotland) ; Isle of Skye- you can see most of it in 2 days (get our FREE Isle of Skye itinerary for motorhomes); John o'Groats- touristy, but you have to visit at least once i
IT COSTS NOTHING TO BE KIND
Join us, Carol & Ken, as we travel to southwest Scotland in our Consort Nova Motorhome called Snoopy. In this episode we are in the Glentrool area where we t...
Celebrity Antiques Road Trip
Broadcaster Eamonn Holmes and award-winning actress Victoria Smurfit find antiques in Kent with connections to Columbus and royalty, dutifully aided by experts Phil and Catherine.
Day Trips & Days Out in Scotland
Get inspiration for great day trips across Scotland, from days out in our cities to exploring our beautiful countryside and rugged coastlines!

Best Routes for Touring Scotland in a Motorhome or Campervan

Some of the popular places to visit on Scotland’s North Coast 500 are:

South West Coastal 300:

The South West Coastal 300 is a circular route that follows the coast of Dumfries & Galloway and into southern Ayrshire. Some of the popular places to visit on this route are:

North East 250 Route

Some of the popular places to visit on Scotland’s NE250 route are:

Argyll Coastal Route

Some of the popular places to visit on Scotland’s Argyll Coastal Route are:

Outer Hebrides and Skye

Some of the popular places to visit on Scotland’s Outer Hebrides and Skye are:

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

5 Tips for the Ultimate Campervan Road Trip in Scotland

Campervan Road Trip Tips for Scotland

1. Choosing the right campervan

2. Planning your campervan road trip route

3. The best campervan road trip road trips

4. Where to pitch

5. Packing list for a campervan road trip

You are ready for your Scotland campervan road trip

Save on your trip with these resources

About the author

About Albom Adventures Editorial Team

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Privacy Overview

Van Life Scotland: A Complete Guide to Campervanning in Scotland

Helpful Resources We Use All the Time

Is Scotland Good for Vanlife?

Is Van Life legal in Scotland?

Camping, free Camping, and Wild Camping for Campervans in Scotland

Paid Campgrounds and Motorhome Parks

Is Wild Camping Legal in Scotland?

Wild Camping and Free Camping on Public Land

Wild Camping and Free Camping on Private Land

Pub Stopovers

How Long Do I Need to Campervan in Scotland?

Scotland road trip itinerar ies and Routes for Campervanning

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary 2 – 3 days

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary 5 days +

Scotland road trip itinerary 7 days +

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary 14 days +

Scotland Road Trip Itinerary 3 weeks +

When is the Best Time to Experience Campervanning In Scotland?

Driving a Campervan In Scotland

Hiring a Campervan in Scotland

Campervan Rental Companies in Scotland

Live the Wild Scotland

All Is On Camper

Luxury Winnebago Scotland

How Much Does it Cost to Van Life in Scotland?

Campervan Costs of Campervanning in Scotland

Camping and Accommodation

Petrol / Diesel

Gas / Propane / Butane

Attractions and Activities

Food and Beverage

How Much Did We Spend Campervanning Scotland?

Campervan Gas in Scotland

What to See On a Scottish Campervan Trip

Things to Do on a Campervan Trip in Scotland

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Campsites and Booking:

Other Types of Camping:

Other Accommodation:

Inspiration:

Camping Insurance

On the Road

Other Cover

Getting to Scotland

Where to stay on your Scotland road trip

When to take a Scotland road trip

10 of the best Scotland road trips

Borders Historic Route

Deeside Tourist Route

Highland Tourist Route

Moray Firth Route

North Coast 500

North East 250

South West Coastal 300