11 Scotland Street Journey Tricks to Know Earlier than You Go

Posted: 5/23/2024 | Might twenty third, 2024

Scotland is a rugged and delightful nation that’s excellent for exploring on a highway journey. The craggy coasts, placid lochs, and rolling hills make it a dream to find. There are numerous historic castles, iconic distilleries, and postcard-perfect islands at your fingertips.

I completely love Scotland. It’s stunningly lovely and I can by no means get sufficient of the numerous altering landscapes, Scotch distilleries, and heat, welcoming locals.

Having been to Scotland over a handful of occasions within the final decade, I believe taking a highway journey is the easiest way to discover the nation. Dwelling to simply 5.5 million individuals, it’s a sparsely populated land, a lot of your driving right here will likely be out within the countryside. The nation is simply constructed for it.

However there are nonetheless a couple of issues to remember earlier than you depart.

Listed below are 10 Scotland road-trip ideas (plus my favourite routes) to assist make your drive higher, safer, and extra enjoyable (based mostly on my expertise not less than):

1. Get Journey Insurance coverage

I by no means depart residence with out journey insurance coverage. And I by no means lease a automotive with out complete insurance coverage both.

I do know, it’s an added expense. And chances are high you gained’t even want it.

However what occurs if you happen to do want it and it’s not there? You’ll be paying out of pocket for injury. And that would price you hundreds.

Scotland has a number of slim, rugged, or single-track roads (extra on these later) that may be difficult to navigate. Tire and windshield injury is widespread. Throw within the ever-changing climate, and also you’ve acquired recipe for bother.

That’s why I strongly encourage you to take out automotive insurance coverage to your highway journey. The peace of thoughts is price it.

In relation to renting a automotive, I like to recommend Uncover Automobiles. While you e-book, it’s straightforward so as to add automotive insurance coverage onto your buy with the clicking of a button. The positioning makes it clear what is roofed and the way a lot it prices.

You need to use the widget under to get a quote. It’s quick and free:

2. Lease the Proper Automobile

You primarily have two selections on the subject of renting a automobile in Scotland — and selection will drastically influence your journey. Your choices are a automotive or a campervan.

A automotive will likely be cheaper and use much less fuel, however you’ll have to search out lodging every night time. A campervan/RV will likely be extra money and require extra gasoline, however you’ll be able to sleep contained in the automobile and thus get monetary savings on lodging. (It’s not my jam however to every their very own.)

Each choices make for an incredible journey, so there is no such thing as a flawed reply. Simply take into account that guide transmissions are the default in Scotland, so if you would like a automobile with computerized transmission, you’ll must specify that whereas reserving.
 

3. Be Able to Drive on the Left

Visitors in Scotland flows on the left, similar to the remainder of the UK. That is the other of the US, Canada, and the vast majority of Europe (solely Eire, the UK, Malta, and Cyprus drive on the left in Europe).

When you lease a guide automobile, you’ll be switching gears along with your left hand as an alternative of your proper, which has a little bit of a studying curve. (Personally, I choose an computerized).

Previous habits die onerous, so if you happen to’re used to driving on the right-hand facet of the highway, drive cautiously. Driving on the left might be particularly difficult while you arrive at a roundabout (extra on that under) or in a metropolis. Take it sluggish at first, till you modify.
 

4. Perceive Roundabouts

Roundabouts are a visitors circles that function intersections, as an alternative of cease lights or cease indicators. They pressure autos to decelerate with out stopping the move of visitors. Whereas they aren’t particularly widespread within the US, they’re extremely widespread in Europe (they cut back critical visitors accidents by upwards of 90%).

Roundabouts are quite common in Scotland. And so they move in the other way (clockwise) than do these within the US (counterclockwise). When approaching a roundabout, decelerate drastically and yield to visitors within the roundabout till you’ve got a gap to enter the visitors circle. All visitors flows the identical course in a roundabout.

If there are a number of lanes, you’ll must be on an outer lane when exiting. The interior lane of the roundabout is for vehicles not exiting instantly.

While you’re able to exit the roundabout, sign so vehicles behind you already know you can be turning.

When you’re not snug while you arrive at a roundabout, simply take it sluggish and sign your intentions. They’re much simpler to deal with than you assume!
 

5. Know the Pace Limits

Posted velocity limits in Scotland are written in miles. Whereas that is useful for Individuals like me, vacationers from international locations that use kilometers will need to pay further consideration.

Frequent velocity limits are:

• Constructed-up areas: 30 MPH
• Single roadways: 60 MPH
• Twin roadways: 70 MPH
• Highways: 70 MPH

These numbers are simply guides, nevertheless. At all times observe native signage to make sure security. When doubtful, it’s at all times higher to go slower moderately than quicker till you confirm the velocity. I’d write down some widespread conversions so you’ll be able to have them helpful if you happen to get confused.
 

6. Add in Time for Scenic Stops

I do know numerous vacationers like to actually plan out their routes and itineraries. While you solely have a couple of days, it may be tempting to plan all the pieces to a T (I used to do that rather a lot). Nevertheless, there are many diversions to discover in Scotland, from quaint cities to scenic vistas to brief hikes.

You’re going to need to pull over each couple of minutes for a vista, mountain, loch, or deserted citadel. The panorama is so lovely that even the common sights are Insta-worthy. For that cause, construct in buffer time in your itinerary in order that, if you happen to resolve to cease or take a little bit diversion, you’ll have the time. I can’t suggest this sufficient. Typically, the perfect elements of a visit are those you stumble into. And also you positively don’t need to be speeding from sight to sight both, so plan to be diverted.
 

7. Obtain the Proper Apps

I do know, while you head out on a highway journey, the purpose is to get away out of your cellphone so you’ll be able to benefit from the native tradition and gorgeous views. Nevertheless, there are many apps on the market that may enable you get monetary savings, keep secure, and save time. Everybody road-tripping round Scotland ought to have the next apps downloaded to their cellphone:

• Met Climate – That is the perfect climate app for the UK. Circumstances can change drastically in Scotland, so plan accordingly.
• Google Maps – The very best app for wanting up instructions. Be certain that to obtain your maps so you’ve got them for offline use.
• Park4Night – A useful app for locating spots to park to your RV or campervan (together with free ones).
• Flush – A useful app for locating public restrooms.
• Petrol Costs – An app for locating and evaluating close by fuel costs for when you must refuel.

8. Convey a Paper Map

Each time I am going on a highway journey, I at all times carry a paper map. I do know, Google Maps is straightforward and free, and cell information protection in Scotland is mostly dependable. But it surely’s higher to be secure than sorry. You by no means know when your cellphone goes to interrupt, in case your sign will likely be misplaced (more likely to occur if you happen to’re driving by distant areas), or if there will likely be an emergency.

Give your self peace of thoughts: carry a paper highway map, and simply depart it within the glove field. You seemingly gained’t want it, however if you happen to do, you’ll be glad you’ve got it (they make good souvenirs after a visit too).
 

9. Perceive Methods to Drive on Single-Observe Roads

When you get out of the cities, you might encounter single-track roads. These are primarily two-way roads that solely have house for one automobile. Which means that if you happen to encounter oncoming visitors, there is no such thing as a room so that you can go each other.

Luckily, these roads often have passing areas constructed into them at common intervals, permitting vehicles to drag over to make room. Reap the benefits of these while you see visitors coming, so that you could simply go each other.

Moreover, take it sluggish round corners on single-track roads. Accidents can happen right here as a result of you’ll be able to’t see oncoming visitors (with whom you’re sharing a lane). So, drive slowly, and at all times be ready to cease.

Lastly, take into account that many single-track roads are a bit rugged. Blowing a tire can occur simply, particularly if you happen to’re pulling off to the facet to make room for passing autos. For that cause, be sure to have a spare tire and that you simply even have insurance coverage protection to your tires, simply to be secure.
 

10. Don’t Rush

Whereas Scotland isn’t large, there are nonetheless numerous issues see and do right here. It might be tempting to hurry, so you’ll be able to pack extra into your itinerary, however I strongly encourage you to not accomplish that. High quality, not amount, is the secret. I’ve been on numerous highway journeys all over the world, and slower is at all times higher. Meaning driving much less and spending extra time at every cease. Try this, and also you’ll have the ability to soak in much more of Scotland’s distinctive tradition.

Moreover, chances are high you’ll be driving on numerous smaller, winding roads right here, typically surrounded by ambling cattle to be careful for. Meaning, for security causes, you’ll must decelerate and actually deal with the drive. Admire the sights, depart room for spontaneous detours, and overlook about speeding from sight to sight. You gained’t remorse it!
 

Recommended Routes

There are a couple of widespread highway journey routes in Scotland. They every supply various things to see and do, and every require totally different quantities of time to finish. To take advantage of your time, choose the route that most closely fits your journey pursuits.

Right here’s a fast take a look at a couple of of the perfect highway journey routes in Scotland:

North Coast 500 – That is in all probability the preferred highway journey route within the nation. It loops across the northern tip of Scotland, often beginning and ending in Inverness. Fashionable stops embrace Bealach na Bà, Cape Wrath, Smoo Cave, John o’ Groats, and Dunrobin Fort.

You’ll need not less than 5 days, although seven days can be preferable. Simply take into account that it might get busy in the summertime.

Edinburgh/Glasgow to Glen Coe – Glen Coe is a picturesque valley within the Highlands that’s each a Nationwide Scenic Space and Nationwide Nature Reserve. It’s a well-liked spot for photographers and hikers, and a must-visit location for anybody exploring the Highlands.

Glen Coe is simply 2-2.5 hours from Glasgow and Edinburgh, making it a simple day journey (although I recommend stopping in a single day, so you’ll be able to actually take in the views). It’s additionally part of a number of highway journey routes, together with the Argyll Coastal Route (listed subsequent).

Argyll Coastal Route – This route alongside the west coast of Scotland stretches for 129 miles (208 kilometers), from Loch Lomond to Fort Williams. It’s an ideal various to the North Coast 500, because it’s much less widespread (and thus much less crowded). Fashionable stops alongside this route embrace the Inveraray Jail, the cairns of Kilmartin Glen, Glen Coe, and Ben Nevis.

Whilst you may simply drive the gap in a single day, plan to spend not less than three days. That offers you time to see the highlights with out speeding.

Highlands Vacationer Route – Chopping throughout the jap facet of the nation, from Aberdeen to Inverness, this route is a well-liked alternative for historical past buffs, as there are quite a few citadel and museum stops, in addition to the location of the final battle on British soil, the Battle of Culloden (1746).

The route is simply 116 miles (187 kilometers), however not less than three days are wanted to take all of it in.
 

Scotland Street Journey FAQ

How lengthy do you want for a Scotland highway journey?
Ideally, not less than 5-7 days. Clearly, the size will rely in your itinerary, however that could be a stable begin.

When you choose a shorter route or simply need to do a weekend highway journey to camp, three days will suffice.

What’s the most scenic drive in Scotland?
Among the most scenic drives in Scotland embrace the Argyll Coastal Route, your entire North Coast 500, and the Highlands Vacationer Route.

Is driving in Scotland troublesome?
Whereas driving within the cities could be a ache, when you get out into the countryside, it is rather straightforward. Simply use warning on single-track roads and in roundabouts — and keep in mind that it’s important to drive on the left!

Are you able to drive onto the Isle of Skye?
Yep! It’s related to the mainland through a bridge.

What’s the greatest month for a Scotland highway journey?
Usually, April-October is the perfect time to go to. Personally, I just like the autumn, as you’ll get to see the altering leaves. It gained’t be as heat, however costs will likely be decrease and all the pieces will likely be much less busy.

Scotland is a lovely vacation spot and ideal for highway journeys. With gorgeous surroundings, historic sights, plentiful mountaineering alternatives, and potential Loch Ness monster sightings, I believe renting a automotive to discover is the easiest way to expertise the nation. Whether or not you need to uncover the rugged coast or weave concerning the Highlands, having a automotive or campervan will make it each potential and reasonably priced. Simply observe the guidelines above and also you’ll you’ll want to have an incredible time!

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