Travelers cannot find a better road trip than that offered by the Scottish Highlands. Situated in the far northern and northwestern region of Great Britain, the Scottish Highlands is a magnificent region boasting rugged natural landscapes, unspoiled wilderness and charming settlements.
Taking a road trip through the Scottish Highlands is recommended for any traveler with a sense of adventure.
Most road trips through this region of Britain begin in the unofficial “capital” of the highlands, Inverness. Flying to the city is possible from most major British cities.
Regarded as the gateway to the highlands, Inverness is a great place to explore for a day or two before heading off on a road trip. Visit Inverness Castle and the local museum, stroll along the shores of River Ness, take a cruise to the beautiful Loch Ness or take in the High Church.
A great first stop on a road trip is Strathpeffer, just 30kms northwest of Inverness. Hikers and mountain bikers will fall in love with the many trails on offer. The township was originally built as a spa, and visitors can still see this historic influence today. The Spa Pavilion and the Pump Room Museum are worthy stops in Strathpeffer.
The northeastern area of the highland region includes towns like Thurso and Wick. During the summer months, the towns tend to welcome a large number of tourists and surfers. They are perfect for road trip travelers, as provisions can be purchased.
From Inverness, this area can be reached in about three to four hours. West of Thurso, in the northwestern corner of Scotland, is Durness. The wildlife here is spectacular, including seals, porpoises and puffins.
Head south from Durness to the town of Ullapool, which rests upon the beautiful shores of Loch Broom. The settlement is a great stop-off point for the Summer Isles and boasts several concerts throughout the year. Further to the south of Ullapool is the remote Knoydart Peninsula. Visitors can use towns like Mallaig or Inverie as bases to explore the phenomenal natural surrounds.
Just a few hours’ drive to the southwest of Knoydart, along the A838, is Fort Williams. Plan for at least two or three days here. The town is home to Ben Nevis (the UK’s tallest mountain), the Mamores and Loch Linh. The township is charming and boasts the stunning little Highland Museum.
Once travelers leave the hustle and bustle of Inverness, there will be little traffic to worry about. However, despite the generally fair conditions of the roads in this neck of the woods, there are sections of single-track roadway. These sections require extreme care while driving and cooperation between motorists. In addition, these single-track roads usually pass through grazing land, so keep an eye open for wandering cattle.
Finding accommodation along the way is relatively easy. On most occasions, making a reservation is not required. However, during the busy summer months, don’t be surprised to see high occupancy in even the small villages en route. Bed and breakfasts are common options but hostels, roadside inns and camping sites are also popular spots to rejuvenate.
There are many towns and villages along the main routes to stop at. Petrol stations, places to eat and scenic attractions are never far apart. This makes driving the Scottish Highlands extremely memorable. As a bonus, many travelers will find accommodation and travel in the Scottish Highlands to be cheaper than expected.
About the author: John wrote this article for National Car Hire Inverness who provide rental cars for your Scottish highland adventures.