Recommended Scenic Drives in Scotland
Added: 27 September 2017
Having just taken delivery of your brand-new car you now want to explore the imposing mountains of the north, the beautiful valleys, the rugged coastline or the romantic islands, because a drive through Scotland’s diverse landscapes offers scenery as jaw-dropping as it gets. So what are you waiting for, your great Scottish road trip starts here!
This is by no means the definitive list to Scotland’s best driving routes as there are simply too many from which to choose, but we have selected our favorites for you to try.
REST AND BE THANKFUL PASS ON THE A83
This beautifully scenic drive connects the A82 from Glasgow to the south west of Scotland down to Campbeltown Kintyre and is named after the words ‘Rest and be Thankful’ which were inscribed in 1753 on a stone near the junction of the A83 and the B828 by soldiers who built the original road. Later when the original stone fell into ruin it was replaced by a commemorative stone and the phrase now lends its name to this famous route.
The route starts in Tarbet, north of Loch Lomond and stretches for almost 100 miles, taking you through some of Scotland’s most beautiful countryside. Much of this scenic road runs along the shores of Loch Fyne and the highest point, about 800 feet, is at the famous pass where you will find the commemorative stone and this now provides the perfect picnic spot. this viewpoint offers spectacular views across Glen Croe where you can clearly see the old valley road which was engineered by General Wade following the Jacobite rebellion and the famous stone was erected to commemorate the completion of this military road.
TRAIGH SEILEBOST AT SEILEBOST
Seilebost Beach can be found on the Isle of Harris in the Luskentyre bay and is regarded as one of the finest beaches in the UK and provides many great walking opportunities. There is a large area of grassy plains and sand dunes, known as machair, to the east of the beach with stunning views across to Luskentyre and Taransay. Access is not easy but well worth the effort and can be first experienced from the roadside layby on the side of the twin track road about half a mile west of the village.
First you will need to take a ferry from to Harris direct from Skye and while you are there explore the history of the island's famous cloth, Harris Tweed!
GLENCOE TO FORT WILLIAM
No road trip through Scotland is complete without driving along the enchanted road from Glencoe to Fort William. Though only 16.3 miles this route follows the shore of Loch Linnhe and provides stunning views along the way. First take the A82 from Glencoe to North Ballachulish, crossing the Ballachulish bridge and heading north westerly passing many scenic delights along the way including motor home sites if you decide to stopover.
Some visitors will just want to relax and enjoy the beautiful countryside while others come to explore, from gentle valley trails to the heady Munro’s and beyond, but whatever your ability or desire you can’t help but to be impressed by the sheer magnitude and rugged beauty in abundance.
EDINBURGH TO ST ANDREWS
Drive across the Forth Road Bridge to Fife and follow the scenic coastal route around the East Neuk on the way to St Andrews, the home of golf. Along the way you will cross Britain’s newest road bridge, suspended by 23,000 miles of cables over the Firth of Forth, opened this summer and at 1.6 miles (2.7km), the Queensferry Crossing is the longest bridge of its type in the world. At 210m (689ft) high it is also Britain’s tallest and cost a cool £1.35bn!
The bridge was formally opened by the Queen, 53 years to the day after she opened its predecessor, the Forth road bridge, completed in 1964. The new crossing is designed to carry 24m vehicles a year, and should last for 120 years and requires minimal maintenance.
THE BEALACH NA BA, THE ROAD TO APPLECROSS
The Bealach Na Ba, known locally as the ‘Pass of the Cattle’, is one of the more famous driving routes in Scotland. The route reaches an altitude of 2,053 ft (625.7 m) and provides stunning views across the whole of Wester Ross, the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides. With its tight bends this road isn’t for the faint hearted but the views from the top are by far the most rewarding.
Contact Ian Grieve
Ian Grieve, based in Falkirk, look after the Jeep, Subaru, Isuzu, Suzuki and Fiat Professional brands in Central Scotland. If you require further information about any of our new or used cars simply contact us.