Maybe it’s the American in me, but I like a good road trip. And while a lot of places in the UK are easily accessible by train, driving allows me to stop and soak up the scenery (there’s a lot of it). I’ve done a few journeys around Scotland by car recently, and today I want to share a Scotland road trip itinerary with you.
Scotland Road Trip Itinerary
This is a road trip I’ve done twice in the last two years in order to get from the east coast to the west for my beloved sailing trips in the Scottish Hebrides. But even without the nautical part, the trip is still worth doing. And whether you have a handful of days or 10, it’s an itinerary that can fit into the time you give it (but it’s worth giving it as much time as you can).
Edinburgh
My trips have started in the Scottish Borders, but to simplify things I’ll begin this itinerary in Edinburgh. The city has a lot to do and see, and I like spending a few days here before heading out.
Fife
When I leave Edinburgh I travel to Fife, which is rich with pretty towns and coastline.
My first stop is Kellie Castle. It not only has beautiful interiors but also a spectacular garden.
St Andrews isn’t far from here, and its famous university and cathedral ruins make it worth a trip. I’ve heard the golf is decent, too.
From St Andrews my itinerary continues with a drive to Falkland Palace for another dose of garden goodness.
Falkland itself is also lovely, and it’s fun to look around the town before driving off.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
From Falkland my Scotland road trip itinerary continues with a visit to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. It’s one of my favorite places to soak up natural scenery, what with the emerald waters and stunning mountain views.
Fort William
Driving north from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, I keep my eyes glued to the window as I go through Glencoe (my boyfriend is driving, so it’s okay). The Highland scenery revs up here, and there’s a breathtaking view around every turn.
Soon I arrive in Fort William, where Inverlochy Castle makes a good lunch stop.
The views of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, are great on clear days. And that’s to say nothing of the gardens and grounds.
Mallaig
From Fort William I start off for Mallaig. I drive through gorgeous scenery on the way, from moody lochs to spectacular beaches. I could spend an entire day on this stretch alone.
Oban
Once at Mallaig, my Scotland road trip itinerary turns back south towards Oban. The views of Loch Linnie sustain me along the route, and the seafood in Oban goes down a treat. From here there are lots of boats and ferries to the Hebrides, too.
Glasgow
When I’m ready to leave Oban, I drive along the gorgeous edge of Loch Etive, keeping my eye out for the highland cattle that like to stand in the water.
Then it’s back through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, this time hugging the western shore of Loch Lomond itself.
Before I know it, I’m in Glasgow. This is another of my favorite cities in the UK, and I always spend as much time as I can here before heading east.
Stirling and Falkirk
On the way back to Edinburgh, I stop off in Stirling for the castle and the Wallace Monument, which commemorates William Wallace of Braveheart fame.
From here I can’t help visiting the Kelpies in Falkirk. The largest equine sculptures in the world, they’re impressive to see up close.
My Scotland road trip itinerary ends back in Edinburgh, where I can’t wait to do it all again next year.
Have you taken any road trips in Scotland? Where did you go?
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