Things to do in Scotland
From the Lowlands to the Highlands, the glens to the lochs and the beaches to the isles, Scotland has so much to offer. Be inspired and find your perfect holiday.
Read more about ScotlandBest road trips in Scotland
Scotland offers some absolutely incredible road trips. Whether you choose Dundee to Aberdeen or Loch Lomond to Ben Nevis, you can find inspiration for your perfect Scottish road trip with our top road trip guide.
A search for the best road trips in Scotland is often dominated by the NC500, the famous route that's blessed with incredible views and spectacular scenery.
However, there are many other roads worth travelling in this stunningly beautiful country. With a number of our UK Club campsites and a selection of Certificated Locations (CL's) to stay along the way, here are just a few of the best Scotland road trips to consider.
1. South West Coastal 300 (SWC300)
A road trip that takes you through Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire including Wanlockhead, the highest village in Scotland, to the most southerly point, the Mull of Galloway. Whether you're looking for adventure, wildlife, history or to immerse yourself in the local flavours of whiskey and culinary delights, this is the route for you.
Lighthouse, Mull of Galloway. Member photo by Rachel Shears
Distance: 300 miles
Along the way
On the way you'll drive through the birthplace of Scotland’s National Bard and learn more about him at the Robert Burns Museum.
One of the UK’s Dark Sky Park, the incredible Galloway Forest Park is perfect for stargazing. By day, exploring the 7stanes trails on foot or mountain bikes and seeing what beautiful wildlife you can see.
Enjoy wild and stunning views on the Mull of Galloway. On clear days you can see for miles. There's trails to explore and the chance to see a variety of wildlife both on the land and in the waters below.
You can visit the charming coastal village of Kirkcudbright, a lively fishing port, known for it's art scene and exhibitions, or explore Caerlaverock Castle, a unique triangular shaped castle surrounded by a wide moat, enriched with over 800 years of history.
Stay at:
Ayr Craigie Gardens Club Campsite
2. Angus Coastal Tourist Route - Dundee to Aberdeen
A lovely short coastal road trip that takes in stunning coastline, beautiful landscapes, lively cities and pretty villages.
Dunnottar Castle. Member photo by Shirley Calder
Distance: 68 miles
Along the way:
The route starts at Dundee so before setting off you can learn some local history by exploring the historic polar research ship RRS Discovery and the V&A Dundee museum.
When passing through Arbroath, a visit to the Arbroath smokies is a must. Try a local delicacy of haddock which is hot-smoked over hardwood fires in barrels.
A perfect place to stretch your legs is on the beautiful Lunan Bay Beach. A sandy beach with a backdrop of Red Castle's crumbling ruins, high up on the hill. If you are a lover of history the stunning Dunnottar Castle is well worth a visit. It is a dramtic, well preserved castle, overlooking the North Sea, sitting isolated on the top of the cliff near Stonehaven.
While at the traditional and pretty town of Stonehaven you can take a dip in the local Art Deco saltwater lido.
Aberdeen known for its unique granite architecture has many art galleries and museums to explore along with beautiful coastlines and botanical gardens to enjoy.
Stay at:
Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Club Campsite
3. The Argyll Coastal Route - Loch Lomond to Fort William
This is a stunning road trip in Scotland that runs from Tarbet, Loch Lomond along the coast to Fort William which offers a wide variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Loch Lomond. Member photo by Robert Maynard
Distance: 129 miles
Along the way:
Starting at Loch Lomond which is the largest freshwater loch in the UK. You can get an incredible view of the loch on the Inveruglas Pyramid viewpoint structure.
Sitting isolated on the tidal island is Castle Stalker, a stunning four-storey tower on Loch Laich. The castle is privately owned but offers a limited amount of tours each year. However it is still worth the visit to see from a distance looking mysterious in its surroundings.
Kilmartin Glen is steeped in history with over 800 ancient monuments of Neolithic and Bronze age remains. With burial cairns and standing stones to explore.
If you enjoy oysters then take a trip to Loch Fyne Restaurant & Oyster Bar near Cairndow. Sitting not far from Scotland's longest sea loch offering delicious fresh Scottish seafood. Further along the coast is Oban, the largest town in the area where you can visit the Victorian Oban Distillery. This is a port town with ferries to the Isle of Mull and other neaby islands.
Glencoe. Member photo by Trevor Little
The stunning Glencoe Valley, known as one of the most beautiful locations in Scotland with incredible and very dramatic mountain peaks. There are many hiking trails to explore which offer the chance to see some majestic wildlife, including red deer, golden eagles, and mountain hares.
Once you get the Fort William, a town used as a base for the many local outdoor activities, you can explore the local area. Take a trip on the very famous Jacobite steam train which crosses the even more famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. And of course if you have come to hike the highest peak in the UK, Ben Nevis is just down the road.
Stay at:
There is a selection of CL's (Certificated Locations) along the way.
Wild goat, Galloway Forest Park. Photo by Paul Farrington
Top tips for Scotland road trips
- With any road trip you need to plan your route. Check for road closures or detours as they may affect where you visit
- Check the opening times of your places of interest
- Certain seasons may suit better depending on what you are looking for
- In the busy season book your campsites in advance
- As with any destination in the UK, prepare for all weather scenarios
- Conditions can change from sunshine to heavy rain and even snow in parts
- Be prepared for midges. There's a Scottish Midge Forecast, check it out!
