April 20269 min readBest Car Hire

Scotland has become one of Europe's most talked-about road trip destinations since the North Coast 500 route was established. But there's far more to driving in Scotland than one famous loop — the country rewards exploration in every direction.

The North Coast 500

Scotland's answer to Route 66 — a 516-mile circular route from Inverness around the dramatic northern coastline. Highlights include:

  • Applecross Pass (Bealach na Bà) — one of the UK's most dramatic mountain roads, climbing to 626m with hairpin bends
  • Cape Wrath — the remote north-western tip of mainland Britain
  • Smoo Cave, Durness — a dramatic sea cave accessible from the road
  • Dunrobin Castle — a fairytale castle on the east coast near Golspie

Allow at least 5–7 days. The roads are narrow in places — passing places are common and courtesy is essential. Pick up your hire car in Edinburgh or Inverness.

The Speyside Whisky Trail

A gentler, more pastoral drive through the valley of the River Spey — home to more than half of Scotland's whisky distilleries. Glenfiddich, Macallan, Balvenie and dozens more are open to visitors. A relaxed two to three day loop from Inverness or Aberdeen.

Edinburgh to the Highlands

The drive north from Edinburgh through Perthshire is one of Scotland's finest. Highlights:

  • Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park — 45 minutes from Glasgow
  • Glen Coe — one of the most dramatic valleys in Europe, with a dark history to match the scenery
  • Fort William — base for Ben Nevis and the start of the Road to the Isles
  • Skye — cross the Skye Bridge and explore the Trotternish Peninsula and the Cuillin mountains

Driving tips for Scotland

  • Single-track roads with passing places are common in the Highlands — pull in to let oncoming vehicles pass, especially large vehicles
  • Midges (biting insects) are prevalent from June to August in the west — keep windows up at dawn and dusk
  • Weather changes rapidly — pack layers even in summer
  • Petrol stations can be very sparse in remote areas — fill up whenever you see one
  • Speed cameras are common on Highland roads — take heed of the limits
Best time: May and September offer the best balance of weather, daylight and fewer tourists. July and August are busiest — book accommodation and hire cars well in advance.

Compare car hire prices in Scotland from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness.